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289
SCENE V.
To Alibech enter Odmar and Guyomar.Odm.
Now fairest daughter of the day, bright Alibech,
Now, ere I rush into the thickest battle,
Give me to know my doom!—Those lips can speak it,
Surer than all yon armed host.
Guy.
I also,
Trembling attend my sentence; as the criminal,
At some tribunal, waits the doubtful word
That shall decide on life or death.
Alib.
Brave princes!
One of you is much dearer to his Alibech,
Than light to some benighted traveller;
Or life to him, who shivers on the brink
Of mortal dissolution. Who he is,
The dear one, that sits scepter'd at my heart,
And lords it o'er my wishes—neither looks
Nor words, that I am mistress of, shall utter!
For once it shall be said, that worth alone
Controul'd a woman's fancy—The fond love
Of one of ye, by all due right, is mine;
Your country, by a dearer claim, demands
The life of both—who serves that country best,
Becomes my master—Princes, ye are summon'd!
[Trumpets.
Guy.
My merit, death or conquest shall approve.
Fall on!
290
Fall on!
Guy.
For liberty!
Odm.
For love!
[Exeunt Odmar and Guyomar one way, Alibech another.
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