University of Virginia Library

SCENE VII.

Armida enters and seizing forcibly on Almirena's Hand, is leading her away.
Arm.
To the superior Courage of my Arm,
Yield Thou this noble Prize.

Alm.
Aid me ye Pow'rs!

Rin.
Yield Almirena? No—
I'll never yield her, till with Lightning charg'd
The Thund'rer shall demand her.

Arm.
Then thus, presumptious shall my Claim make Way.

They have drawn their Swords, and are making at each other; when a black Cloud descends, all fill'd with

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dreadful Monsters spitting Fire and Smoke on every side. The Cloud covers Almirena and Armida, and carries 'em up swiftly into the Air, leaving in their Place, two frightful Furies, who having grinn'd at, and mock'd Rinaldo, sink down, and disappear.
Rinaldo
alone.
Where art Thou gone, my Love, my dear betroth'd?
Where are thy Beauties now?
Return alas! Thou ravish'd Heav'n, return
To an abandon'd Lover's sad Complaint,
And save a Life, that dies for loss of Thee;
But shall I bear this Loss? No Furies, no!
Here on the very Borders of your Hell,
Disdainful of your black Resolves I stand,
And bear my Vengeance in my dreadful Hand.