with Bernal as to what she ought to do:
| Bernal. | “But, tell me. Before today |
|---|---|
| Has Cortes told you of his love? | |
| Xochitl. | Until today, I have not seen him at my feet. |
| His consuming passion, | |
| Through his betraying glance | |
| I have, for some time, realized. | |
| For this reason, Bernal, I avoid | |
| Finding myself alone with him. | |
| Bernal. | You ought to flee. |
| Xochitl. | I fear to find myself |
| Alone in the great world. | |
| Bernal. | But, when the hawk |
| Sees a lonely dove, | |
| He seizes it, within his talons; | |
| When the volcano bursts forth | |
| It destroys in its terrific energy | |
| The palm, which grows at its base. | |
| When the wave is lashed to fury, | |
| The bark sinks in the sea; | |
| And, at the blast of adversity, | |
| Happiness vanishes. |