_Sup._ Lady, there is nought Which Heav'n detests so much as sacrilege; 'Tis the most damn'd of all the damning sins. The fire of hell can purge away all crimes, Howe'er atrocious, save this deed of death, To life eternal, if not here atoned for By a surrender of all earthly goods.
_Inez._ Father, this cannot be. Surely there is In our extensive wealth enough for both-- To satisfy the holy church, yet leave Withal to grace his rank and dignity.
_Sup._ He that hath mock'd high Heav'n with sacrilege Should live for nought except to make his peace. Your son must straight renew his broken vows, With tears and penance must wash out his sin-- His life, however long, too short to plead For mercy and forgiveness, and his wealth, However great, too small to make atonement.
_Inez._ Then I'll appeal elsewhere. I'll to the king, And tell him this sad story. The Guzmans Have too well served him, not to gain his help In this their need. If we must pay a price, The bargain shall be made with Rome herself, Who will be less exacting.
_Sup._ (_aside_). I must not grasp too much, or I lose all. (_Aloud_) Lady, I know your thoughts, and do not blame you. You are divided, as frail mortals are In this imperfect state, 'twixt heaven and earth, Your holy wishes check'd by love maternal; Now would I know the course that you would steer Between the two. We can arrange this point. The church is generous, and she oft resigns That she might claim in justice. Tell me, lady, What do you proffer?
_Inez._ There is a fair domain of great extent Water'd by the Guadalquiver's wave, Whose blushing harvests each returning autumn Yield the best vintage in our favour'd land. Six hamlets tenanted by peaceful swains, And dark-eyed maidens, portion'd to the soil, Foster its increase. The fairest part of Spain Which Heav'n hath made, I render back to Heav'n.
_Sup._ I know the land, and will accept the gift:-- But to it must be added sums of gold To pay for holy rites to be perform'd For years, to purify our monastery Which has been desecrated.
_Inez._ That will I give, and freely. Now, good father, Remember, in exchange for these you promise To pardon all, and to obtain from Rome A dispensation to my truant child.