Miss Bradburn! stern necessity demands
My presence elsewhere 'gainst my inclination.
Forgive, if I depart: as for your prayer,
We will consider it and let you know.
[He accompanies Elsie to the door. Exit Elsie.]
Were that a sample of a Texan maiden
My foes would seem redoubled all at once.
I hope it not ; for while the wrath of man
Is like a conflagration, fierce but brief.
The hate of woman is a smouldering fire,
Imbibed through mother's milk for generations.
These Bradburns must be watched; it will not do
To nurse two serpents in our bosom's fold.
Prado.
What is Your Excellency's command?
Santa Anna.
This purse of gold? It is within thine reach.
Prado.
How, how, Your Excellency? What must I do?
Santa Anna.
Spy out a way to Colonel Bradburn's tent,
And there concealed essay to overhear
Each word that he or that his daughter speaks,
And faithfully report them back to me.
