This theme's discussion until the return
Of Colonel Bradburn from the Alamo.
Santa Anna.
Thou hast done well! Receive thy promised fee.
Prado.
I thank Your Excellency!
[Aside and holding up the purse while Santa Anna is absorbed in meditation.]
As when at first held out to me; but then:
Time wrinkles brows and cheeks: why not a purse?
Santa Anna.
Quick! summon General Almonte here.
You little thought, Miss Bradburn, when you made
Your wish beknown to me, that each your word
Gave me a stone in hand, wherewith to build
Your prison-walls, where easily enough
I shall your secret's knowledge wrest from you,
As from his hound the hunter takes his prey.
None but his equals will a lion combat,
But when on his pursuit of royal game
A mouse opposes him, then without pity
He crushes her with one stroke of his paw.
