SCENE--Three months later--Menendez' official study in the palace--a large, high-ceilinged, bare room with a heavy table at center. The color scheme is dark and gloomy, the atmosphere that of a rigid, narrow ecclesiasticism. In one corner is an altar with high candles burning before it. Heavy hangings shut out the light from the lofty, arched windows. An enormous crucifix hangs on the wall in rear. The room is like an exaggerated monk's cell, but it possesses a somber power over the imagination by the force of its concentration. There is a main entrance at rear, center, and a smaller side door at left, hidden by curtains.
It is early evening. Menendez is seated at the table. He is frowningly impatient, listening and waiting for someone. There is the sound of approaching footsteps. Menendez turns eagerly in his chair. Quesada enters through the hangings on the left. His face is ominous and set. He wears a sword and pistols over his robe which is tucked up over high riding boots and spurs. He is covered with dust, and has evidently been riding hard. He bows respectfully to Menendez.
MENENDEZ--I had begun to think you would never come. (then with anxiety) What news?
QUESADA--The meeting is being held. They have gathered in the fort outside the town.
MENENDEZ--Good! It is moving according to my plan, then.
QUESADA--They all agree that Don Juan must resign his patent.
MENENDEZ--Unless he sails to find Cathay at once?
QUESADA--Yes. They are all mad for the gold (with a sneer) over there, the report of which I have had rumored about, as you directed.
MENENDEZ--Good. Then we shall be rid of Juan and all the discontented spirits on the island at one stroke!
QUESADA--(excitedly) But they also demand that first the Indian, Nano, must be burned at the stake. They believe he has bewitched the Governor. They know of Don Juan's secret interviews with him.
MENENDEZ--(angrily) Who told them?
QUESADA--(after a moment's hesitation--defiantly) I did.
MENENDEZ--(angrily) Fool!
QUESADA--(alarmed--humbly) But the dog still refuses baptism.
MENENDEZ--(sternly) Is this a time to consider one Indian? Idiot! You know as well as I that my intention has been to attack Juan on one issue, and only one--his failure to sail for Cathay now that he has the King's patent. What have all the Nanos, hung or unhung, to do with that?
QUESADA--Much! If Don Juan were not bewitched by Nano's spells, he would have sailed long since.
MENENDEZ--And you told the rabble that? God pardon you! Was it any part of my orders that you should play upon the mob's lust for blood? I have worked for a peaceable revolt that would awaken Juan to his weakness and shame him into leaving. You have dared to evoke a madness which might easily sweep away all recognized authority. Quick! What was the rabble's mood when you left? (Quesada avoids his eyes. Menendez pounds the table.) Answer me!
QUESADA--(evasively) They had been drinking--
MENENDEZ--(furiously, a note of alarm creeping in) Ah!
QUESADA--(now thoroughly cowed) They were clamoring to march on the palace. Don Oviedo was trying to restrain them--
MENENDEZ--(fiercely--with bitter scorn) You cursed blunderer! No, I am the dolt for having trusted you!
QUESADA--(kneeling--cowed) Forgive me, Your Grace!
MENENDEZ--Your action was treachery to me! And I shall punish you! When this expedition sails for that golden fable, Cathay, you shall go with it. Then blunder all you like! (He rises and strides to the window at rear.)
QUESADA--(humbly) I humbly accept my penance.
MENENDEZ--(bitterly) Behold the first fruits of your excessive piety! (He points.) The southern horizon is aflame!
QUESADA--(rising) They must have set fire to the Indian villages.
MENENDEZ--Blood and fire! Your merry dance begins well! (He lets the curtains fall back.) Only Juan can control them now--if he would only promise them to sail at once--but no, he is too proud. He will fight armed rebellion to the last--and we will all go down in the same ruin!
QUESADA--(scornfully) He is not the man he was--since Nano bewitched him.