Soldier.
Whom mean Your Excellency?
Santa Anna.
The girl!—thy prisoner!—they are gone and free.
Soldier.
None, none I saw.
Santa Anna.
Then look and search about,
While I arouse the camp entire to scout
All o'er the neighborhood with man and hound;
The fugitives! — they must, they must be found!
[Santa Anna starts to go, slowly followed by the soldier.]
Soldier.
Your Excellency have left your sword behind;
Shall I return to find it?
Santa Anna.
Never mind.
[Suddenly turning and collaring the soldier with frantic rage.]
Rogue! Knave! Choke down into thy throat the word
Thou spakest just! for in it I have heard
The sneers of ages and the scoffing voice
Of generations, as their hearts rejoice
O'er my defeat ! [Roaring.] Hast heard what I have said?
