From her white temples fell her shaded hair, But most her eyes, which languished with desire. III. Ah, charming fair, said I, How long can you my bliss and yours deny? No, let me die, she said, IV. Rather than lose the spotless name of maid! And is it thus, thus, thus, she cried, V. I waked, and straight I knew, I loved so well, it made my dream prove true: While I can dream you scorn in vain,- [After the dance, a tumultuous noise of drums To them OZMYN; his sword drawn. Ozm. Arm, quickly arm; yet all, I fear, too late; The enemy's already at the gate. Boab. The Christians are dislodged; what foe is near? Ozm. The Zegrys are in arms, and almost here: The streets with torches shine, with shoutings ring, And Prince Abdalla is proclaimed the king. What man could do, I have already done, But bold Almanzor fiercely leads them on. Aben. The Alhambra yet is safe in my command; [To the King. Retreat you thither, while their shock we stand. Boab. I cannot meanly for my life provide; I'll either perish in't, or stem this tide. To guard the palace, Ozmyn, be your care: If they o'ercome, no sword will hurt the fair. Ozm. I'll either die, or I'll make good the place. Abdelm. And I with these will bold Almanzor face. [Exeunt all but the Ladies. An alarum within. Almah. What dismal planet did my triumphs light! Discord the day, and death does rule the night: The sound goes farther off, and faintly dies; Ye winds, waft hither sounds more strong and quick; Beat faster, drums, and mingle deaths more thick. And add new fire to those that fight below: appear, With open arms, loose veil, and flowing hair, [Exit. An alarum nearer: Then Enter ALMANZOR and SELIN, at the head of the Zegrys; OzмYN Prisoner. Almanz. We have not fought enough; they fly too soon; And I am grieved the noble sport is done. [Pointing to OZMYN. Selin. I beg you would commit him to my care. Almanz. Next, the brave Spaniard free without delay; And with a convoy send him safe away. [Exit a Guard. To them HAMET and others. Hamet. The king by me salutes you; and, to show That to your valour he his crown does owe, Would from your mouth I should the word receive, And that to these you would your orders give. Almanz. He much o'er-rates the little I have done. [ALMANZOR goes to the door, and there seems to give out orders, by sending people several ways. Selin to Ozmyn. Now, to revenge the murder of my son, To morrow for thy certain death prepare; [Exit with SELIN. [ALMANZOR returns; she falls at his feet, being veiled. Almah. Turn, mighty conqueror, turn your face this way, Do not refuse to hear the wretched pray! Almanz. What business can this woman have with me? Almah. That of the afflicted to the Deity. So may your arms success in battle find; Almanz. Yes, I will turn my face, but not my mind: You bane and soft destruction of mankind, Almah. I beg the grace You would lay by those terrors of [Unveiling. your face. Till calmness to your eyes you first restore, I am afraid, and I can beg no more. Almanz. [Lookingly fixedly on her.] Well; my fierce visage shall not murder you. Speak quickly, woman; I have much to do. Your voice, sir, is as killing as your sword. As I were stung with some tarantula. I'm numbed, and fixed, and scarce my eye-balls move: I fear it is the lethargy of love! "Tis he; I feel him now in every part: |