_First_, _the hedge of Prickly Pear_—_the outer defence_. _Secondly_,
_the Moat with the drawbridge_. _The ground in front of the Palace_.
_The surrounding country of rich and fertile plain_. _Further off the
wooded heights_, _and winding Savannahs_, _with Lakes_, _Streams_, _and
waterfalls terminating in the Sierra of lofty mountains_.
_Enter_ DRAKE, CHIRUCA, _and the party across the drawbridge_.
CHIRUCA (_he points to the Palace_). Behold the home of my Fathers! the
Palace of the Great Comagre! (_they hold up their hands in astonishment_)
DRAKE. Grand! rich! sublime! Nature has sown thick her gifts and
broadcast. On earth and sky every element of the picturesque is here;
the horizon of that Majestic Sierra, with its streams and waterfalls! the
lake sleeping in the gorgeous light of evening; those fertile vales;
those cultivated fields and gardens of productive industry; the tall
forest teeming with fruits and flowers, loading the breeze with spicy
odours, and which the declining sun paints in the tints of Heaven. Who
would not fight for such a country?
CHIRUCA (_he points to the defences_). This hedge is our outermost
defence.
DRAKE. Neither horse nor man could enter it without death.
CHIRUCA. Behind it you see the moat. The only entrance, the Bamboo
swinging bridge, can be defended with a thousand bows, whose poisoned
arrows carry certain death. The Palace, enclosed in a stone wall,
contains beside the dwelling apartments, accomodation for warriors to
defend it, stores for provisions, and cellars for making and keeping our
various liquors. But here comes the Great Cacique to welcome and honour
you.
_Advance of Indian Warriors whose banners are the blood-stained shirts of
Spaniards slain in battle_. _Their musicians sound shells and beat
drums_. COMAGRE _appears at a little distance_. _His dress is a white
cotton robe fantastically embroidered_, _confined at the waist with a
belt of gold_, _bearing a dagger_; _which as well as his arms_, _is
studded with precious stones_. _His limbs otherwise naked_, _similarly
encircled_. _On his head a crown consisting of a band of gold curiously
wrought_, _with points on which were enormous pearls_, _and studded with
emeralds_, _and other stones of lustre_. _This over a cap of scarlet_.
_From this crown he was called by the Spaniards_ “_Bonete d’ Oro_” “_Gold
Cap_.” _He prostrates himself on the ground thus to await_ DRAKE.
DRAKE (_astonished_). Haste, Chiruca! your father has fallen!
CHIRUCA. No! this is our ceremony of welcome to an honoured guest. He
thus shows his devotion to you. It is for you to advance and raise him
up. (DRAKE _advances and raises the_ CACIQUE, _who then warmly embraces
him_.)
COMAGRE (_embracing_ DRAKE). Welcome, welcome, noble Englishman! The
terror of your great name—your matchless exploits, have struck our foes
with panic. We hail you as a deliverer.
DRAKE. Thanks! Great Comagre, I have heard of your valorous deeds also.
COMAGRE (_holding him by the arm_, _leads him towards the Palace_).
Come! Come! (_Exeunt into the Palace_.)
_Scene changes_.