Blush that thou art Almanzor's conqueror. [ALMAHIDE wrings her hands, then turns and veils her face. Farewell, my Almahide! Life of itself will go, now thou art gone, [ABENAMAR whispers the King a little, then Aben. Revenge, and taken so secure a way, Are blessings which heaven sends not every day. Boab. I will at leisure now revenge my wrong; And, traitor, thou shalt feel my vengeance long: Thou shalt not die just at thy own desire, But see my nuptials, and with rage expire. Almanz. Thou darest not marry her while I'm in sight: With a bent brow thy priest and thee I'll fright; [He is led off by Guards. Shrinks up, and folds its silken arms to rest; The storm, that caused your fright, is passed and done. [ALMAHIDE unveiling, and looking round for ALMANZOR. Almah. So flowers peep out too soon, and miss the sun. [Turning from him. Boab. What mystery in this strange behaviour lies? Almah. Let me for ever hide these guilty eyes, Which lighted my Almanzor to his tomb; Almah. I justly own that I some pity have, Aben. Though to your king your duty you neglect, Know, Almahide, I look for more respect: Aben. You must be driven where you refuse to go; And taught, by force, your happiness to know. Almah. To force me, sir, is much unworthy you, [Smiling scornfully. And, when you would, impossible to do. If force could bend me, you might think, with shame, That I debase the blood from whence I came. Almah. Go on: I wish no other way to prove That I am worthy of Almanzor's love. We will in death, at least, united be: I'll shew you I can die as well as he. Boab. What should I do! when equally I dread Almanzor living and Almanzor dead! Yet, by your promise, you are mine alone. Almah. How dare you claim my faith, and break your own? Aben. This for your virtue is a weak defence: No second vows can with your first dispense. Yet, since the king did to Almanzor swear, And in his death ungrateful may appear, He ought, in justice, first to spare his life, And then to claim your promise as his wife. Almah. Whate'er my secret inclinations be,, To this, since honour ties me, I agree: Yet I declare, and to the world will own, That, far from seeking, I would shun the throne, And with Almanzor lead a humble life: There is a private greatness in his wife. Boab. That little love I have, I hardly buy; You give my rival all, while you deny: Yet, Almahide, to let you see your power, Your loved Almanzor shall be free this hour. You are obeyed; but 'tis so great a grace, That I could wish me in my rival's place. [Exeunt KING and ABENAMAR. Almah. How blessed was I before this fatal day, When all I knew of love, was to obey! "Twas life becalmed, without a gentle breath; Though not so cold, yet motionless as death. A heavy quiet state; but love, all strife, All rapid, is the hurricane of life. Had love not shewn me, I had never seen An excellence beyond Boabdelin. I had not, aiming higher, lost my rest; To her ALMANZOR, bound and guarded. Almanz. I see the end for which I'm hither sent, To double, by your sight, my punishment. There is a shame in bonds I cannot bear; Far more than death, to meet your eyes I fear. Almah. That shame of long continuance shall not be: [Unbinding him. The king, at my entreaty, sets you free. Almanz. The king! my wonder's greater than before; How did he dare my freedom to restore? Almah. If any subject for your thanks there be, You give me my revenge in winning last. Almanz. Then fate commodiously for me has done; To lose mine there where I would have it won. The king (who doomed you to a cruel fate) Alman. Would you, to save my life, my love betray? Here; take me; bind me; carry me away; [To the Guards. Almah. That absolute command your love does give, I take, and charge you by that power to live. Almanz. When death, the last of comforts, you refuse, Your power, like heaven upon the damned, you use; To make me last, and keep me fresh for pain. What cause can I for living longer give, Almah. Rash men, like you, and impotent of will, To recompense me for the loss of you? Almah, Heaven will reward your worth some bet ter way: At least, for me, you have but lost one day. You sought a heart that was engaged before. "Twas a swift ruin, but the marks remain. |