On your fair face the marks of sorrow lie; Almah. Not new-made mothers greater love ex- Than he, when with first looks their babes they bless; Not Heaven is more to dying martyrs kind, Would you with this my just suspicions blind? [Pointing to ALMANZOR's scarf. Almanz. Unworthy owner of a gem so rare! Heavens! why must he possess, and I despair? Why is this miser doomed to all this store; He, who has all, and yet believes he's poor? Almah. [to ALMANZ.] You're much too bold, tọ blame a jealousy So kind in him, and so desired by me. But yet 'tis night in love when that is gone; breast, Seen by that jealous sun, but not possest, your He, like a devil, among the blest above, Can take no pleasure in your heaven of love. If that's allowed, it must in lovers be. Boab. The succour, which thou bring'st me, makes thee bold: But know, without thy aid, my crown I'll hold; Hence, then, and from a rival set me free! Almanz. I wonnot go; I'll not be forced away: I came not for thy sake; nor do I stay. I, for her sake, thy sceptre will maintain; Might I possess my Almahide alone, I would live ages out ere they were gone. All should be spent before, and nothing left. Almah. [to BOAB.] As for your sake I for Almanzor sent, So, when you please, he goes to banishment. Boab. How can I think you love me, while I see That trophy of a rival's victory? I'll tear it from his side. Almanz. I'll hold it fast As life, and when life's gone, I'll hold this last; And if thou tak'st it after I am slain, I'll send my ghost to fetch it back again. Almah. When I bestowed that scarf, I had not thought, Or not considered it might be a fault; But, since my lord's displeased that I should make Almanz. The shock of such a curse I dare not stand: Thus I obey your absolute command. [She gives it to the King. Must he the spoils of scorn'd Almanzor wear?-May Turnus' fate be thine, who dared to bear The belt of murdered Pallas! from afar Mayest thou be known, and be the mark of war! Live, just to see it from thy shoulders torn By common hands, and by some coward worn. [An alarm within Enter ABDELMELECH, ZULEMA, HAMET, ABENA MAR; their swords drawn. Abdelm. Is this a time for discord or for grief? We perish, sir, without your quick relief. I have been fooled, and am unfortunate; The foes pursue their fortune and our fate. Zul. The rebels with the Spaniards are agreed. Boab. Take breath; my guards shall to the fight succeed. Aben. [to ALMANZOR.] Why stay you, sir? the conquering foe is near: Give us their courage, and give them our fear. Hamet. Take arms, or we must perish in your sight. Almanz. I care not: perish: for I will not fight. I wonnot lift an arm in his defence: And yet I wonnot stir one foot from hence. I to your king's defence his town resign; You are as in a magic circle here. [To the Queen. Boab. To our own valour our success we'll owe. Haste, Hamet, with Abenamar to go; You two draw up, with all the speed you may, [Exeunt HAMET and ABENAMAR one way, the Enter ABDELMELECH, his sword drawn. Abdelm. Granada is no more! the unhappy king Venturing too far, ere we could succour bring, Was by the duke of Arcos prisoner made, And, past relief, is to the fort conveyed. Almanz. Heaven, thou art just! go, now despise my aid. Almah. Unkind Almanzor, how am I betrayed! Betrayed by him in whom I trusted most! But I will ne'er outlive what I have lost. Is this your succour, this your boasted love! I will accuse you to the saints above! Almanzor vowed he would for honour fight, And lets my husband perish in my sight. [Exeunt ALMAHIDE and ESPERANZA. Almanz. Oh, I have erred; but fury made me blind; And, in her just reproach, my fault I find! To him ABENAMAR, HAMET, ABDELMELECH, ZULEMA, Soldiers. Aben. The foe has entered the Vermillion towers; And nothing but the Alhambra now is ours. Almanz. Even that's too much, except we may have more; You lost it all to that last stake before. Fate, now come back; thou canst not farther get; The bounds of thy libration here are set. Thou know'st this place, And, like a clock wound up, strik'st here for me; Now, Chance, assert thy own inconstancy, And, Fortune, fight, that thou may'st Fortune be!— They come here, favoured by the narrow place, [A noise within. I can, with few, their [Exeunt. [An alarm within. Enter ALMANZOR and his Party, with ABDALLA prisoner. Almanz. You were my friend: and to that name I owe [To ABDAL. An offer easier than my hopes could make. |