[Ramiro, Arias, Farez, peasant men and women, three archers]
[Arias and the Archers are clutching and dragging towards the right
peasant men and women, whom they have come to arrest. All of the
prisoners are loudly protesting, except Farez, who is silent all the
time.]
RAMIRO. Go, march on, there! (To the archers) Arrest those laggards
and keep them for me! (The peasants protest) Silence, there! You will
explain to the governor in Toledo.
[The archers again begin to drive before them the prisoners, who renew
their protests and lamentations.]
ENRIQUE. (In a loud voice at the right behind the scene) Hold on!
Wait! What is that noise?
[All stop and listen. Arias goes to the right of the declivity and
looks down.]
RAMIRO. (To Arias) Those shouts! Go and see who is uttering them.
ARIAS. Some cavaliers passing along the road.
ENRIQUE. (Behind the scene) Do you hear me? Who is there?
ARIAS. (To Ramiro) It is our commander, Don Enrique Palacios, who is
returning home from the chase.
RAMIRO. (Running to the right) He arrives opportunely. (Addressing
respectfully, hat in hand, Enrique behind the scene.) My lord, it is
I, your esquire, Ramiro.
ENRIQUE. (Behind the scene) What are you doing there?
RAMIRO. Making arrests, my lord. And, may I venture to pray Your Honor
to dismount and climb up this rough path? We have warrants which are
very important.
ENRIQUE. (Outside) Very good!--I will come. (Murmurs of satisfaction
from the captives.)
RAMIRO. Here is our general, Don Enrique Palacios, commander of the
archers and cross-bowmen of the city. He will examine you on the spot.
THE PEASANTS. (Together, each saying a phrase) Good!--Good!--He is a
good man!--He will listen to us and set us at liberty!
RAMIRO. (He goes to meet Enrique at right) Up this side, my lord, if
you please!