(after Dance, Inez descends to L. C. Sancho and Jose bring Grigg, R.C., the rest surrounding.)



Inez: (to Rita)

Slave, take my robe.



Vasquez: (aside to Rita)

Obey her, Tis our plan (Rita receives shawl from Inez).



Grigg:

I am the most unfortunate young man.



Inez:

The sacred hat which all Ladrones know,

Bring forth, it on our chief we now bestow.



(Jose brings forth a very old and big Robber's Hat, shabbily and tawdrily decorated. It is brought solemnly forward. All kneel, except Inez and Grigg. Sancho places a mat for him.)



HYMN OF THE CORONATION HAT

Ladrones:



Hail to the ancient hat!

Neath this our Chiefs have sat,

Kneel down upon the mat.

Hail! Hail! Ladrones.

Take it, O martial spouse!

Press it upon his brows;

May it his zeal arouse.

Viva Ladrones.

Take it, O martial spouse!

Press it upon his brows;

May it his zeal arouse.

Viva Ladrones.



Grigg:

Of this old Hat, so old and worn

The royalty I doubt;

Its regal mark, my friends, is gone,

Behold, its crown is out!



Ladrones:

None but the Chief e'er saw

That the Hat had a flaw,

Wear it! It is the Law of the Ladrones,

Wear it! It is the Law of the Ladrones.



With sword and pistol now your Chief surround.

He's found and crown'd!

He's crown'd,

He's found and crown'd!

He's found,

He's found and crown'd!



Grigg:

I say to myself, my dear friend Grigg,

If safe I return I'd rather dig;

And take to a farm with horse and carts,

Than follow the arts in foreign parts.

Happy again, away from Spain, away, away from Spain.



Grigg Ladrones -