SENIOR (glancing round): I fear you're right; it seems we're shunned even now. ABARBANEL: 'Tis strange! to leave us standing here alone! SENIOR: That noise ——? VOICES: What's up in there? ABARBANEL: Let's see —— (Takes a few steps to the left but suddenly remains standing. In the tumult of voices certain words are audible.) 1st VOICE: Betrayed? 2d VOICE: The Moorish spy! SEVERAL VOICES: Abarbanel? ABARBANEL: My name? 3d VOICE: He must be judged! SEVERAL VOICES: Right here! The villain! 3d VOICE: Let him be heard! LUCENA'S VOICE: But, gentlemen! A NUMBER OF MEN'S AND WOMEN'S VOICES: We'll try him! Here! LUCENA'S VOICE: Consider ——! MANY VOICES: No, try him now! SCENE VII. The foregoing, Lucena, Tendilla, Donna Violante, and all the other guests. (The guests crowd upon the stage from the left. Lucena, facing them, tries to hold them back.)
LUCENA: It will not do! You spoil my fete; dishonor— VOICES: It must be done! MANY VOICES: It must! LUCENA (turning to Abarbanel with ironical politeness): Don Isaac, I Exceedingly deplore that in my house— ABARBANEL: What's this? LUCENA: My hospitality's offended —— But still—you see—I can no longer shield you! ABARBANEL: Who seeks, by you, to be defended? VOICES: Ha! Hear that! How proud! D. VIOLANTE: A traitor at our house! O, blessed Virgin! ABARBANEL: Ah! It's you then, lady! And whom, perhaps you'll tell, have I betrayed? TENDILLA: Ask me! ABARBANEL: You, general? TENDILLA: —Yes, me. 'Twas I Revealed your dealings with the enemy! ABARBANEL: You speak to Ferdinand's prime minister! TENDILLA: O, minister! Did I not hold your letter Within this hand? Speak briefly and to the point! Was't you that wrote to Ibn Hamon? LUCENA: Speak, Don Isaac and clear it up—Yes or no?