University of Virginia Library

ACT. IV.

Boabdelin, Abenamar, Guards.
Boab.
Advise, or aid, but do not pity me;
No Monarch born can fall to that degree.
Pity descends from Kings to all below;
But can no more then fountains upward flow.
Witness just heav'n, my greatest grief has been
I could not make your Almahide a Queen.

Aben.
I have too long th'effects of Fortune known,
Either to trust her smiles, or fear her frown.
Since in their first attempt you were not slain,
Your safety bodes you yet a second reign.
The people, like a headlong torrent goe;
And, every dam, they break, or overflow:
But unoppos'd, they either loose their force,
Or wind in volumes to their former course.

Boab.
In walls we meanly must our hopes inclose,
To wait our friends, and weary out our foes,
While Almahide
To lawless Rebels is expos'd a prey,
And forc'd the lustful Victor to obey.

Aben.
One of my blood, in rules of Vertue bred!
Think better of her; and I believe she's dead.

To them Almanzor.
Boab.
We are betray'd; the Enemy is here;
We have no farther room to hope or fear.

Almanz.
It is indeed Almanzor whom you see,
But he no longer is your Enemy.
You were ungrateful, but your foes were more;
What your injustice lost you, theirs restore.
Make profit of my vengeance while you may,
My two-edg'd sword can cut the other way.
I am your fortune; but am swift like her,
And turn my hairy front if you defer:
That hour when you delib'rate is too late:
I point you the white moment of your fate.

Aben.
Believe him sent as Prince Abdalla's spy;
He would betray us to the Enemy.

Alman.
Were I like thee, in cheats of State grown old,
(Those publick Markets were for foreign gold
The poorer Prince is to the Richer sold;)
Then thou might'st think me fit for that low part:
But I am yet to learn the Statesman's art.
My kindness and my hate unmask'd I wear;
For friends to trust, and Enemies to fear.
My hearts so plain,
That men on every passing thought may look,
Like fishes gliding in a Chrystal brook:
When troubled most, it does the bottom show,
'Tis weedless all above; and rockless all below.

Aben.
'Ere he be trusted let him first be try'd,
He may be false who once has chang'd his side.

Almanz.
In that you more accuse your selves than me:
None who are injur'd can unconstant be.
You were unconstant; you who did the wrong;
To do me justice does to me belong.
Great Souls by kindness onely can be ti'd;
Injur'd again, again i'le leave your side.
Honour is what my self and friends I owe;
And none can loose it who forsake a foe.
Since, then, your Foes now happen to be mine,
Though not in friendship we'll in int'rest join.
So while my lov'd revenge is full and high,
Il'e give you back your Kingdom by the by.

Boabdelin
embracing him.
That I so long delai'd what you desire
Was not to doubt your worth, but to admire.

Alman.
This Councellor an old mans caution shows,
Who fears that little he has left, to loose:
Age sets to fortune; while youth boldly throw's.
But let us first your drooping Souldiers cheere:
Then seek out danger, 'ere it dare appear.
This hour I fix your Crown upon your brow,
Next hour fate gives it; but I give it now.

Exeunt.

SCENE II.

Lindaraxa
alone.
O could I read the dark decrees of fate,
That I might once know whom to love or hate!
For I my self scarce my own thoughts can ghess,
So much I find 'em varied by success.
As in some wether-glass my Love I hold;
Which falls or rises with the heat or cold.
I will be constant yet, if fortune can;
I love the King: let her but name the Man.

To her Halyma.
Hal.
Madam, a Gentleman to me unknown
Desires that he may speak with you alone.

Lind.
Some Message from the King: let him appear.

To her Abdelmelech: who, Entring, throws off his Disguise.
She starts:
Abdelm.
I see you are amaz'd that I am here.
But let at once your Fear and Wonder end;
In the Usurpers Guard I found a Friend,
Who led me to you safe in this Disguise.

Lind.
Your Danger brings this Trouble in my Eyes.
But what affair this vent'rous visit drew?

Abdel.
The greatest in the world; the seeing you.

Lind.
The Courage of your Love I so admire
That to preserve you, you shall straight retire.
[She leads him to the door.
Go, Dear, each Minute does new dangers bring;
You will be taken; I expect the King.

Abdal.
The King! the poor Usurper of an Hour,
His Empire's but a Dream of Kingly Pow'r.
I warn you, as a Lover and a Friend,
To leave him e're his short Dominion end.
The Soldier I suborn'd will wait at night;
And shall alone be conscious of your flight.

Lind.
I thank you that you so much care bestow.
But, if his Reign be short, I need not goe.
For why should I expose my life and yours,
For what, you say, a little time assures?

Abdel.
My danger in th'attempt is very small:
And, if he loves you, yours is none at all.
But, though his Ruine be as sure as Fate,
Your proof of Love to me would come too late.
This Tryal, I in Kindness wou'd allow;
'Tis easie, if you love me, show it now.

Lind.
It is because I love you, I refuse:
For all the World my Conduct would accuse
If I should go, with him I love, away:
And therefore, in strict Vertue, I will stay.

Abdel.
You would in vain dissemble Love to me:
Through that thinn Veyle your Artifice I see.
You would expect th'event, and then declare:
But do not, do not drive me to despair.
For if you now refuse with me to fly,
Rather then love you after this, I'le die.
And therefore weigh it well before you speak;
My King is safe; his force within not weak.

Lind.
The Counsel you have giv'n me, may be wise:
But, since th'affair is great, I will advise.

Abdel.
Then that delay, I for denial take.—

(is going.
Lynd.
Stay; you too swift an Exposition make.
If I should go, since Zulema will stay,
I should my Brother to the King betray.

Abdel.
There is no fear: but, if there were, I see
You value still your Brother more than me.
Farewel; some ease I in your falshood find;
It lets a Beam in, that will clear my mind.
My former weakness I with shame, confess:
And when I see you next shall love you less.

(Is going again.)
Lynd.
Your faithless dealing you may blush to tell.
[Weeping.
This is a Maids Reward who loves too well.
[He looks back.
Remember that I drew my latest breath
In charging your unkindness with my death.

[Abdel. coming back.
Have I not answered all you can invent
Ev'n the least shadow of an Argument?

Lind.
You want not cunning what you please to prove;
But my poor Heart knows onely how to Love.
And, finding this, you Tyrannize the more:—
'Tis plain, some other Mistriss you adore:
And now, with studied tricks of subtilty,
You come prepar'd to lay the fault on me.
[Wringing her hands.
But oh, that I should love so false a man!

Abdel.
Hear me; and then disprove it, if you can.

Lind.
I'le hear no more; your breach of Faith is plain.
You would with Wit, your want of Love maintain.
But, by my own Experience, I can tell,
They who love truly cannot argue well.
Go Faithless Man!
Leave me alone to mourn my Misery:
I cannot cease to love you, but I'le die.

(Leans her Head on his Arm.)
[Abdelmelech weeping.
Abdel.
What Man but I so long unmov'd could hear
Such tender passion, and refuse a Tear!
But do not talk of dying any more,
Unless you mean that I should die before.

Lind.
I fear your feign'd Repentance comes too late:
I dye to see you still thus obstinate.
But yet, in Death, my truth of Love to show,
Lead me; if I have strength enough, I'le goe.

Abdel.
By Heav'n you shall not goe: I will not be
O'recome in Love or Generosity
All I desire, to end th'unlucky strife,
Is but a Vow that you will be my Wife.

Lind.
To tie me to you by a Vow, is hard;
It show's, my Love, you as no Tie regard.
Name any thing but that, and I'le agree.

Abdel.
Swear then, you never will my Rival's be.

Lind.
Nay, prithee, this is harder then before;
Name any thing, good Dear, but that thing more.

Abdel.
Now I too late perceive I am undone:
Living and seeing, to my Death I run.
I know you false; yet in your Snares I fall;
You grant me nothing; and I grant you all.

Lind.
I would grant all; but I must curb my will:
Because I love to keep you jealous still.
In your Suspicion I your Passion find:
But I will take a time to cure your mind.

Halyma.
Oh, Madam, the new King is drawing neer!

Lind.
Hast quickly hence; least he should find you here.

Abdel.
How much more wretched then I came, I goe:
I more my Weakness, and your Falshood know;
And now must leave you with my greatest Foe!
Exit Abdelmelech.

Lynd.
Go; how I love thee Heav'n can onely tell.
And yet I love thee, for a Subject, well.—
Yet, whatsoever Charms a Crown can bring,
A Subject's greater then a little King.
I will attend till Time this Throne secure;
And, when I climb, my footing shall be sure.
[Musique without.
Musique! and I, believe, addrest to me.

SONG.

Abdalla enters with Guards.
Abdal.
Now, Madam, at your Feet, a King you see:
Or, rather, if you please, a Scepter'd Slave;
'Tis just you should possess the pow'r you gave.
Had Love not made me yours, I yet had bin
But the first Subject to Boabdelin.
Thus Heav'n declares the Crown I bring, your due:
And had forgot my Title, but for you.

Lynd.
Heav'n to your Merits will, I hope be kind;
But, Sir, it has not yet declar'd its mind.
'Tis true, it holds the Crown above your Head;
But does not fix it till your Brother's dead.

Abdal.
All, but th'Alhambra, is within my pow'r.
And that, my forces goe to take this hour.

Lynd.
When, with its Keys, your Brothers Head you bring
I shall believe you are indeed a King.

Abdal.
But, since th'events of all things doubtful are,
And, of Events, most doubtful those of Warre,
I beg to know before, if Fortune frown,
Must I then loose your Favour with my Crown?

Lynd.
You'll soon return a Conquerour again;
And therefore, Sir, your question is in vain.

Abdall.
I think to certain Victory I move;
But you may more assure it by your Love.
That grant will make my arms invincible.

Lynd.
My pray'rs and wishes your success foretell.
Go then, and fight, and think you fight for me;
I wait but to reward your Victory.

Abdal.
But if I loose it, must I loose you too?

Lynd.
You are too curious if you more would know.
I know not what my future thoughts, will be:
Poor womens thoughts are all Extempore.
Wise men, indeed;
Before hand a long chain of thoughts produce;
But ours are onely for our present use.

Abdal.
Those thoughts you will not know, too well declare
You mean to waite the final doom of Warr.

Lynd.
I finde you come to quarrel with me now:
Would you know more of me then I allow?
Whence are you grown that great Divinity
That with such ease into my thoughts can pry?
Indulgence does not with some tempers sute;
I see I must become more absolute.

Abdalla.
I must submit;
On what hard terms so e're my peace be bought.

Lynd.
Submit! you speak as you were not in fault?
'Tis evident the injury is mine;
For why should you my secret thoughts divine?

Abdal.
Yet if we might be judg'd by Reasons Laws!

Lynd.
Then you would have your reason judge my cause?
Either confess your fault or hold your tongue;
For I am sure I'm never in the wrong.

Abdalla.
Then I acknowledge it.

Lynd.
Then I forgive.

Abdall.
Under how hard a Law poor Lovers live!
Who, like the vanquish'd, must their right release:
And with the loss of reason, buy their peace.
[aside.
Madam, to show that you my pow'r command,
I put my life and safety in your hand:
Dispose of the Albayzin as you please:
To your fair hands I here resign the keyes.

Lyn.
I take your gift because your love it shows;
And faithful Selin for Alcalde choose.

Abdall.
Selin, from her alone your Orders take:
This one request, yet, Madam, let me make
That, from those turrets, you th'assault will see;
And Crown, once more, my arms with Victorie.

Leads her out.
Selin remaines with Gazul and Reduan his Servants.
Selin.
Gazul, go tell my daughter that I waite:
You, Reduan, bring the Pris'ner to his fate.
Exeunt Gazul and Reduan.
'Ere of my charge I will possession take,
A bloody sacrifice I mean to make:
The Manes of my son shall smile this day,
While I in blood my Vows of Vengeance pay.

Enter, at one door Benzayda with Gazul, at the other Ozmyn bound, with Reduan.
Selyn.
I sent, Benzaida, to glad your eies:
These rites we owe your brothers Obsequies.
To Gazul. and Reduan.
You two th'accurst Abencerrago bind,
You need no more t'instruct you in my mind.

They bind him to one corner of the Stage.
Benz.
In what sad Object am I call'd to share,
Tell me, what is it, Sir, you here prepare.

Selin.
'Tis, what your dying brother did bequeath,
A Scene of Vengeance, and a Pomp of death.

Benz.
The horrid Spectacle my Soul does fright;
I want the heart to see the dismal sight.

Selin.
You are my principal invited ghest:
Whose eies I would not onely feed but feast:
You are to smile at his last groaning breath,
And laugh to see his eye-balls rowle in death:
To judge the lingring Souls convulsive strife;
VVhen thick short breath, catches at parting life.

Benz.
And of what Marble do you think me made?

Selin.
VVhat, can you be of just revenge afraid?

Benz.
He kill'd my Brother in his own defence,
Pity his youth, and spare his innocence.

Selin.
Art thou so soon, to pardon murder, won?
Can he be innocent who kill'd my son?
Abenamar shall mourn as well as I;
His Ozmyn for my Tarifa shall die.
But, since thou plead'st so boldly; I will see
That Justice thou woud'st hinder, done by thee:
Gives her his sword.
Here, take the sword; and do a Sisters part;
Pierce his fond Girl; Or I will pierce thy heart.

Ozmyn.
To his commands I joyn my own request,
All wounds from you are welcome to my brest:
Think onely when your hand this act has done,
It has but finish'd what your eies begun.
I thought, with silence to have scorn'd my doom;
But now your noble pity has ore'come:
Which I acknowledge with my latest breath;
The first who 'ere began a love in death.

Benz.
to Selin.
Alas, what aid can my weak hand afford;
You see I tremble when I touch a sword?
The brightness dazles me; and turnes my sight:
Or, if I look, 'tis but to aim less right.

Ozmy.
I'le guide the hand which must my death convay
My leaping heart shall meet it half the way.

Selin
to Benz.
VVaste not the precious time in idle breath.

Benz.
Let me resign this instrument of death.
giving the sword to her father; and then pulling it back.
Ah, no: I was too hasty to resign;
'Tis in your hand more mortal then in mine.

To them Hamet.
Ham.
The King is from th'Alhambra beaten back;
And now preparing for a new attacque.
To favour which, he wills, that, instantly,
You reinforce him with a new supply.

Selin
to Benz.
Think not, although my duty calls me hence,
That with the breach of yours I will dispence:
'Ere my return, see my commands you do;
Let me find Ozmin dead; and kill'd by you.
Gazul and Reduan attend her still;
And if she dares to fail, perform my will.

Exeunt Selin and Hamet.
Benzayda, looks languishing on him with her sword down. Gazul and Reduan, standing with drawn swords by her.
Ozmin.
Defer not, fair Benzaiida, my death;
Looking on you—
I should but live to sigh away my breath.
My eyes have done the work they had to do;
I take your Image with me, which they drew;
And, when they close, I shall dye full of you.

Benz.
When Parents their Commands unjustly lay
Children are priviledg'd to disobey.
Yet from that breach of duty I am clear,
Since I submit the penalty to bear.
To dye or kill you is th'alternative;
Rather then take your life, I will not live.

Ozm.
This shows th'excess of generosity;
But, Madam, you have no pretence to die.
I should defame th'Abencerrage's Race
To let a Lady suffer in my place.
But neither could that life you would bestow
Save mine: nor do you so much pity owe
To me, a stranger, and your houses foe.

Benz.
From whence-soe're their Hate our Houses drew,
I blush to tell you, I have none for you.
'Tis a Confession which I should not make,
Had I more time to give, or you to take.
But, since death's near, and run's with so much force,
We must meet first and intercept his course.

Ozmyn.
Oh, how unkind a comfort do you give!
Now, I fear death again, and wish to live.
Life were worth taking could I have it now,
But 'tis more good than Heav'n can e're allow,
To one man's portion, to have life and you.

Benz.
Sure, at our Births,
Death with our meeting Planets danc'd above;
Or we were wounded by a Mourning Love!

[Shouts within.
Redu.
The noise returns, and doubles from behind;
It seems as if two adverse Armies joyn'd:
Time presses us.

Gaz.
If longer you delay
We must, though loath, yours Fathers Will obey.

Ozm.
Haste, Madam, to fulfil his hard Commands:
And rescue me from their ignoble Hands.
Let me kiss yours, when you my wound begin;
Then, easie Death will slide with pleasure in.

Benz.
Ah, gentle Soldiers, some short time allow,
[To Gaz. and Red.
My Father has repented him e're now;
Or will repent him when he finds me dead:
My clue of Life is twin'd with Ozmyn's Thred.

Red.
'Tis fatal to refuse her, or obey:
But where is our excuse? what can we say?

Benz.
Say; any thing—
Say, that to kill the Guiltless you were loath.
Or, if you did, say, I would kill you both.

Gaz.
To disobey our Orders is to die:
I'le do't, who dare oppose it.

Red.
That dare I.

[Reduan stands before Ozmyn, and fights with Gazul.]
[Benzayda unbinds Ozmyn; and gives him her Sword.]
Benz.
Stay not to see the issue of the Fight;
But haste to save your self by speedy flight.

Red. kils Gaz.
[Ozmyn kneeling to kiss her hand.]
Did all Mankind against my Life conspire
Without this Blessing I would not retire.
But, Madam, can I goe and leave you here?
Your Fathers anger now for you I fear:
Consider you have done too much to stay.

Benz.
Think not of me, but fly your self away.

Red.
Haste quickly hence; the Enemies are nigh:
From every part I see our Soldiers fly;
The Foes not onely our Assailants beat,
But fiercely sally out on their Retreat;
And, like a Sea broke loose, come on amain.

To them Abenamar; and a party with their swords drawn: driving in some of the Enemies.
Aben.
Traytors, you hope to save your selves in vain,
Your forfeit Lives shall for your Treason pay;
And Ozmyn's Blood shall be reveng'd this day.

Ozmyn, kneeling to his Father.
Ozmyn.
No Sir, your Ozmyn lives, and lives to own
A Fathers piety to free his Son.

[Abenamar, embracing him.
Aben.
My Ozmyn! O thou blessing of my age!
And art thou safe from their deluded rage!
Whom must I praise for thy Deliverance,
Was it thy Valour or the work of Chance?

Ozmyn.
Nor Chance nor Valour could deliver me;
But 'twas a noble Pity set me free.
My Liberty and Life,
And what your Happiness you're pleas'd to call,
We to this charming Beauty owe it all.

[Abenam: to her.
Instruct me, visible Divinity,
Instruct me by what Name to worship thee.
For to thy Vertue I would Altars raise:
Since thou art much above all humane praise.
But see—
Enter Almanzor, his sword bloody, leading in Almahide, attended by Esperanza.
My other blessing, Almahide is here:
Ile to the King, and tell him she is neer.
You Ozmyn, on your fair deliverer wait:
And with your private Joys the publick Celebrate.

Exeunt.
Almanzor, Almahide, Esperanza.
Alman.
The work is done; now, Madam, you are free:
At least if I can give you Liberty.
But you have Chains which you your self have chose;
And, oh, that I could free you too from those.
But, you are free from force, and have full pow'r
To goe, and kill my hopes and me, this hour.
I see, then, you will go; but yet my toyl
May be rewarded with a looking while.

Almah.
Almanzor can from every Subject raise
New matter for our Wonder and his Praise.
You bound and freed me, but the difference is,
That show'd your Valour; but your Vertue this.

Almanz.
Madam, you praise a Fun'ral Victory;
At whose sad pomp the Conquerour must die.

Almah.
Conquest attends Almanzor every where,
I am too small a Foe for him to fear:
But Heroes still must be oppos'd by some,
Or they would want occasion to ore'come.

Almanz.
Madam, I cannot on bare praises live:
Those who abound in praises seldom give.

Almah.
While I to all the world your worth make known,
May Heav'n reward the pity you have shown.

Almanz.
My Love is languishing and sterv'd to death,
And would you give me charity, in breath?
Pray'rs are the Alms of Church-men to the Poor:
They send to Heaven's; but drive us from their door.

Almah.
Cease; cease a Sute
So vain to you and troublesome to me,
If you will have me think that I am free.
If I am yet a Slave my bonds I'le bear,
But what I cannot grant, I will not hear.

Almanz.
You wonnot hear! you must both Hear and grant;
For, Madam, there's an impudence in want.

Almah.
Your way is somewhat strange to ask Relief;
You ask with threatning, like a begging Thief.
Once more Almanzor, tell me, am I free?

Almanz.
Madam, you are from all the World—but me.
But as a Pyrate, when he frees the Prize
He took from Friends, sees the rich Merchandize,
And after he has freed it, justly buys,
So when I have restor'd your Liberty,—
But, then, alas, I am too poor to buy!

Almah.
Nay now you use me just as Pyrats do:
You free me; but expect a ransome too.

Almanz.
You've all the freedom that a Prince can have:
But Greatness cannot be without a Slave.
A Monarch never can in private move;
But still is haunted with officious Love.
So small an inconvenience you may bear,
'Tis all the Fine Fate sets upon the Fair.

Almah.
Yet Princes may retire when e're they please;
And breath free Air from out their Palaces:
They goe sometimes unknown to shun their State;
And then, 'tis manners not to know or wait.

Almanz.
If not a Subject then a Ghost I'le be;
And from a Ghost, you know, no place is free.
Asleep, Awake, I'le haunt you every where;
From my white shrowd, groan Love into your Ear.
When in your Lovers Arms you sleep at night,
I'le glide in cold betwixt, and seize my Right.
And is't not better in your Nuptial Bed
To have a living lover than a dead?

Almah.
I can no longer bear to be accus'd,
As if what I could grant you I refus'd.
My Fathers choice I never will dispute;
And he has chosen e're you mov'd your Sute.
You know my Case, if equal you can be,
Plead for your self, and answer it for me.

Almanz.
Then, Madam, in that hope you bid me live:
I ask no more then you may justly give:
But, in strict justice there may favour be:
And may I hope that you have that for me?

Almah.
Why do you thus my secret thoughts pursue,
Which known, hurt me, and cannot profit you?
Your knowledge but new troubles does prepare,
Like theirs who curious in their Fortunes are.
To say I could with more content be yours,
Tempts you to hope; but not that hope assures.
For since the King has right,
And favour'd by my Father in his Sute,
It is a blossom which can bear no Fruit.
Yet, if you dare attempt so hard a task,
May you succeed; you have my leave to ask.

Almanz.
I can with courage now my hopes pursue,
Since I no longer have to combate you.
That did the greatest difficulty bring:
The rest are small, a Father, and a King!

Almah.
Great Souls discern not when the leap's too wide,
Because they onely view the farther side.
What ever you desire you think is neer:
But, with more reason, the event I fear.

Almanz.
No; there is a necessity in Fate,
Why still the brave bold man is Fortunate:
He keeps his object ever full in sight,
And that assurance holds him firm, and right.
True, 'tis a narrow path that leads to bliss,
But right before there is no precipice:
Fear makes men look aside, and then their footing miss.

Almah.
I do your merit all the right I can;
Admiring Vertue in a private man:
I onely wish the King may grateful be,
And that my Father with my Eyes may see.
Might I not make it as my last request
(Since humble carriage sutes a Suppliant best)
That you would somewhat of your fierceness hide:
That inborn fire; I do not call it pride.

Almanz.
Born, as I am still to command, not sue,
Yet you shall see that I can beg for you.
And if your Father will require a Crown,
Let him but name the Kingdom, 'tis his own.
I am, but while I please, a private man;
I have that Soul which Empires first began:
From the dull crowd which every King does lead,
I will pick out whom I will choose to head:
The best and bravest Souls I can select.
And on their Conquer'd Necks my Throne erect.

Exeunt.