First Citizen. What wouldst thou say?
Second Citizen.
That which may scarce, in perilous times like these,
Be said with safety. Hast thou looked within
Those stately palaces? Were they but peopled
With the high race of warlike nobles, once
Their princely lords, think'st thou, good friend, that now
They would be glittering with this hollow pomp,
To greet a conqueror's entrance?
Third Citizen. Thou sayest well.
None but a land forsaken of its chiefs,
Had so been lost and won.
Fourth Citizen. The lot is cast;
We have but to yield. Hush!—for some strangers come:
Now, friends, beware.
First Citizen. Did the King pass this way
At morning, with his train?
Second Citizen. Aye, saw you not
The long and rich procession?
[Sebastian enters with Gonzalez and Zamor]
Sebastian (to Gonzalez.) This should be
The night of some high festival. E'en thus
My royal city to the skies sent up
From her illumined fanes and towers, a voice
Of gladness, welcoming our first return
From Afric's coast. Speak thou, Gonzalez, ask
The cause of this rejoicing. To my heart
Deep feelings rush, so mingled and so fast,
My voice perchance might tremble.
Gonzalez. Citizens,
