University of Virginia Library

ACT. V.

Abdalla alone, under the walls of the Albayzin.
Abd.
While she is mine, I have not yet lost all:
But, in her Arms, shall have a gentle fall:
Blest in my Love, although in war o'recome,
I fly, like Anthony from Actium,
To meet a better Cleopatra here.
You of the Watch: you of the Watch: appear.

[Souldier above.
Who calls below? What's your demand?

Abdal.
'Tis I:
Open the Gate with speed; the Foe is nigh.

Sol.
What Orders for admittance do you bring?

Abdal.
Slave, my own Orders; look and know the King.

Sold.
I know you, but my charge is so severe.
That none, without exception, enter here.

Abdal.
Traytor, and Rebel, thou shalt shortly see
Thy Orders are not to extend to me.

[Lyndaraxa above.
What saucy slave so rudely does exclaim,
And brands my Subject with a Rebels name?

Abdal.
Dear Lyndaraxa haste; the Foes pursue.

Lynd.
My Lord the Prince Abdalla, is it you?
I scarcely can believe the words I hear:
Could you so coursly Treat my Officer?

Abdal.
He forc'd me, but the danger nearer draws,
When I am enterd you shall know the cause.

Lynd.
Enterd! Why have you any business here?

Abdal.
I am pursu'd; the Enemy is neer.

Lynd.
Are you pursu'd, and do you thus delay
To save your self? make haste, my Lord, away.

Abdal.
Give me not cause to think you mock my grief:
What place have I, but this, for my relief?

Lynd.
This favour does your handmaid much oblige,
But we are not provided for a siege.
My Subjects few; and their provision thin;
The foe is strong without, we weak within.
This to my noble Lord may seem unkind,
But he will weigh it in his Princely mind:
And pardon her, who does assurance want
So much, she blushes, when she cannot grant.

Abdal.
Yes, you may blush; and you have cause to weep;
Is this the faith you promis'd me to keep?
Ah yet, if to a Lover you will bring
No succour; give your succour to a King.

Lynd.
A King is he whom nothing can withstand;
Who men and money can with ease command:
A King is he whom fortune still does bless:
He is a King, who does a Crown possess.
If you would have me think that you are he,
Produce to view your marks of Soveraignty.
But, if your self alone for proof you bring,
You're but a single person; not a King.

Abdal.
Ingrateful Maid, did I for this rebel?
I say no more; but I have lov'd too well.

Lynd.
Who but your self did that Rebellion move?
Did I 'ere promise to receive your Love?
Is it my fault you are not fortunate?
I love a King, but a poor Rebel hate.

Abdal.
VVho follow Fortune still are in the right.—
But let me be protected here this night.

Lynd.
The place to morrow will be circled round;
And then no way will for your flight be found.

Abdalla.
I hear my Enemies just coming on;
trampling within.
Protect me but one hour, till they are gone.

Lind.
They'l know you have been here; it cannot be,
That very hour you stay will ruine me.
For if the foe behold our Enterview,
I shall be thought a Rebel too like you:
Haste hence; and that your flight, may prosperous prove;
I'le recommend you to the pow'rs above.
Exit Lyndaraxa from above.

Abdal.
She's gone; ah faithless and ingrateful maid!
I fear some tread; and fear I am betrai'd:
I'll to the Spanish King; and try if he
To count'nance his own right, will succour me.
There is more faith in Christian Dogs, than thee.

Exit.
Ozmyn. Benzayda. Abenamar.
Benz.
I wish
(To merit all these thanks) I could have said
My pity onely did his vertue aid:
'Twas pity; but 'twas of a Lovesick Maid.
His manly suffering my esteem did move;
That bred Compassion; and Compassion, Love.

Ozmin.
O blessing sold me at too cheap a rate!
My danger was the benefit of fate.
To his father.
But that you may my fair deliverer know,
She was not only born our house's foe.
But to my death by pow'rful reasons, led,
At least, in justice she might wish me dead.

Aben.
But why thus long do you her name conceale?

Ozmyn.
To gain belief for what I now reveal:
E'ven thus prepar'd, you scarce can think it true
The Saver of my life, from Selin drew
Her birth; and was his Sister whom I slew.

Aben.
No more; it cannot, was not, must not be:
Upon my blessing, say not it was she.
The daughter of the onely man I hate!
Two Contradictions twisted in a fate!

Ozmyn.
The mutual hate which you and Selin bore,
Does but exalt her generous pity more.
Could she a brothers death forgive to me,
And cannot you forget her family?
Can you so ill requite the life I owe
To reckon her, who gave it, still your foe?
It lends too great a luster to her line
To let her vertue, ours so much out-shine.

Aben.
Thou giv'st her line th'advantage which they have
By meanly taking of the life they gave.
Grant that it did in her a pity show,
But would my Son be pity'd by a foe?
She has the glory of thy act defac'd:
Thou kild'st her brother; but she triumphs last:
Poorly for us our Enmity would cease;
When we are beaten we receive a peace.

Benz.
If that be all in which you disagree,
I must confess 'twas Ozmyn conquer'd me.
Had I beheld him basely beg his life,
I should not now submit to be his wife.
But when I saw his courage death control,
I paid a secret homage to his Soul;
And thought my cruel father much too blame;
Since Ozmyn's vertue his revenge did shame.

Aben.
What constancy canst thou 'ere hope to finde
In that unstable, and soon conquer'd mind;
What piety canst thou expect from her
Who could forgive a Brothers Murderer?
Or, what obedience hop'st thou to be pay'd
From one who first her father disobey'd?

Ozmyn.
Nature that bids us Parents to obey,
Bids parents their commands by Reason weigh.
And you her vertue by your praise did own,
Before you knew by whom the act was done.

Aben.
Your reasons speak too much of insolence,
Her birth's a crime past pardon or defence.
Know, that as Selin was not won by thee,
Neither will I by Selins daughter be.
Leave her, or cease henceforth to be my Son:
This is my will: and this I will have done.
Exit Abenamar.

Ozmyn.
It is a murdring will!
That whirls along with an impetuous sway;
And like chain-shot, sweeps all things in its way.
He does my honour want of duty call;
To that, and love he has no right at all.

Benz.
No, Ozmyn, no, it is much less ill
To leave me than dispute a Fathers will:
If I had any title to your love,
Your fathers greater right does mine remove:
Your vows and faith I give you back agen;
Since neither can be kept without a sin.

Ozmyn.
Nothing but death my vows can give me back:
They are not yours to give, nor mine to take.

Benz.
Nay, think not, though I could your vows resign,
My love or vertue could dispence with mine.
I would extinguish your unlucky fire,
To make you happy in some new desire:
I can preserve enough for me and you:
And love, and be unfortunate for two.

Ozmyn.
In all that's good and great,
You vanquish me so fast, that in the end
I shall have nothing left me to defend.
From every Post you force me to remove;
But let me keep my last retrenchment, Love.

Benz.
Love then, my Ozmyn; I will be content
[giving her hand.
To make you wretched by your own consent:
Live poor, despis'd, and banish'd for my sake:
And all the burden of my sorrows take.
For, as for me, in what soe're estate,
While I have you, I must be fortunate.

Ozmyn.
Thus then, secur'd of what we hold most dear,
(Each others love,) we'll go—I know not where.
For where, alas, should we our flight begin?
The foes without; our parents are within.

Benz.
I'le fly to you; and you shall fly to me:
Our flight but to each others armes shall be.
To providence and chance permit the rest;
Let us but love enough and we are blest.

Exeunt.
Enter Boabdelin, Abenamar, Abdelmelech. Guard, Zulema, and Hamet prisoners.
Abdel.
They're Lindraxa's brothers; for her sake
Their lives, and pardon my request I make.

Boab.
Then Zulema and Hamet live; but know
Your lives to Abdelmelechs sute you owe.

Zul.
The grace receiv'd so much my hope exceeds
That words come weak and short to answer deeds.
You've made a venture, Sir, and time must show,
If this great mercy you did well bestow.

Boabd.
You, Abdelmelech, haste before 'tis night;
And close pursue my Brother in his flight.
Exeunt Abdelmelech, Zulema, Hamet.
Enter Almanzor, Almahide, and Esperanza.
But see with Almahide,
The brave Almanzor comes, whose conquering sword
That Crown it once took from me, has restor'd.
How can I recompence so great desert!

Almanz.
I bring you, Sir, perform'd in every part
My Promise made; Your foes are fled or slain;
Without a Rival, absolute you reign.
Yet, though in justice, this enough may be,
It is too little to be done by me:
I beg to goe
Where my own Courage and your fortune calls,
To chase these Misbelievers from our Walls.
I cannot breath within this narrow space;
My heart's too big; and swells beyond the place.

Boab.
You can perform, brave warrior, what you please,
Fate listens to your voice, and then decrees.
Now I no longer fear the Spanish pow'rs;
Already we are free and Conquerours.

Almanz.
Accept great King, tomorrow from my hand,
The captive head of conquer'd Ferdinand.
You shall not only what you lost regain,
But, 'ore the Byscayn Mountains to the Mayn,
Extend your sway, where never Moor did reign.

Aben.
What in another Vanity would seem,
Appears but noble Confidence in him.
No haughty boasting; but a manly pride:
A Soul too fiery, and too great to guide:
He moves excentrique, like a wandring star;
Whose Motion's just; though 'tis not regular.

Boab.
It is for you, brave Man, and only you
Greatly to speake, and yet more greatly do.
But, if your Benefits too far extend,
I must be left ungrateful in the end:
Yet somewhat I would pay
Before my debts above all reck'ning grow;
To keep me from the shame of what I owe.
But you—
Are conscious to your self of such desert,
That of your gift I fear to offer part.

Almanz.
When I shall have declar'd my high request,
So much presumption there will be confest,
That you will find your gifts I do not shun;
But rather much o're-rate the service done.

Boab.
Give wing to your desires, and let 'em fly;
Secure, they cannot mount a pitch too high.
So bless me Alha both in peace and war,
As I accord what 'ere your wishes are.
Almanz. putting one knee on the ground.
Emboldn'd by the promise of a Prince
I ask this Lady now with Confidence.

Boab.
You ask the onely thing I cannot grant.
The King and Aben. look amazedly on each other.
But, as a stranger, you are ignorant.
Of what by publick fame my Subjects know;
She is my Mistress:

Aben.
And my daughter too.

Almanz.
Believe, old Man, that I her father knew:
What else should make Almanzor, kneel to you?
Nor doubt, Sir, but your right to her was known:
For had you had no claim but love alone,
I could produce a better of my own.

Almahide
softly to him.
Almanzor, you forget my last request:
Your words have too much haughtiness exprest.
Is this the humble way you were to move?

Almanzor
to her.
I was too far transported by my love.
Forgive me; for I had not learn'd to sue
To any thing before, but Heav'n and you.
Sir, at your feet, I make it my request—
To the King.
first line kneeling: second rising: and boldly.
Though, without boasting I deserve her best.
For you, her love with gaudy titles sought,
But I her heart with blood and dangers bought.

Boab.
The blood which you have shed in her defence
Shall have in time a fitting recompence:
Or, if you think your services delai'd,
Name but your price, and you shall soon be pai'd.

Alman.
My price! why, King, you do not think you deal
With one, who sets his services to sale?
Reserve your gifts for those who gifts regard;
And know I think my self above reward.

Boab.
Then sure you are some Godhead; and our care
Must be to come with Incence, and with Pray'r.

Almanz.
As little as you think your self oblig'd,
You would be glad to do't, when next besieg'd.
But I am pleas'd there should be nothing due;
For what I did was for my self not you.

Boab.
You, with contempt, on meaner gifts look down;
And, aiming at my Queen, disdain my Crown.
That Crown restor'd, deserves no recompence,
Since you would rob the fairest Jewel thence.
Dare not henceforth ungrateful me to call;
What 'ere I ow'd you, this has cancell'd all.

Alman.
I'll call thee thankless, King; and perjur'd both:
Thou swor'st by Alha; and hast broke thy oath.
But thou dost well: thou tak'st the cheapest way;
Not to own services thou canst not pay.

Boab.
My patience more then payes thy service past;
But know this insolence shall be thy last.
Hence from my sight, and take it as a grace
Thou liv'st, and art but banish'd from the place.

Almanz.
Where 'ere I goe there can no exile be;
But from Almanzor's sight I banish thee:
I will not now, if thou wouldst beg me, stay;
But I will take my Almahide away.
Stay thou with all thy Subjects here: but know
We leave thy City empty when we go.

Takes Almahide's hand.
Boabdelin.
Fall on; take; kill the Traytour.

The Guards fall on him: he makes at the King through the midst of them; and falls upon him; they disarm him; and rescue the King.
Almanz.
Base, and poor,
Blush that thou art Almanzor's Conquerour.
Almahide wrings her hands: then turns and veyles her face.
Farewell my Almahide!
Life of it self will goe, now thou art gone,
Like flies in Winter when they loose the Sun.

Abenamar whispers the King a little; then speaks alowd.
Aben.
Revenge, and taken so secure a way,
Are blessings which Heav'n sends not every day.

Boab.
I will at leisure now revenge my wrong;
And, Traytour, thou shalt feel my vengeance long:
Thou shalt not dye just at thy own desire,
But see my Nuptials, and with rage expire.

Alman.
Thou darst not marry her while I'm in sight;
With a bent brow thy Priest and thee I'le fright,
And in that Scene
VVhich all thy hopes and wishes should content,
The thought of me shall make thee impotent.

He is led off by Guards.
Boabdel.
to Almahide.
As some fair tulip, by a storm opprest,
Shrinks up; and folds its silken arms to rest;
And, bending to the blast, all pale and dead,
Hears from within, the wind sing round its head:
So, shrowded up your beauty disappears;
Unvail my Love; and lay aside your fears.
The storm that caus'd your fright, is past and done.

Almahide
unveyling and looking round for Almanzor.
So flowr's peep out too soon, and miss the Sun.

[turning from him.
Boab.
What myst'ry in this strange behaviour lies?

Almah.
Let me for ever hide these guilty eyes
Which lighted my Almanzor to his tomb;
Or, let 'em blaze to shew me there a room.

Boab.
Heav'n lent their lustre for a Nobler end:
A thousand torches must their light attend
To lead you to a Temple and a Crown.—
Why does my fairest Almahida frown?
Am I less pleasing then I was before,
Or is the insolent Almanzor, more?

Almah.
I justly own that I some pity have,
Not for the Insolent, but for the Brave.

Aben.
Though to your King your duty you neglect,
Know, Almahide, I look for more respect.
And, if a Parents charge your mind can move,
Receive the blessing of a Monarch's love.

Almah.
Did he my freedome to his life prefer,
And shall I wed Almanzor's Murderer?
No, Sir; I cannot to your will submit:
Your way's too rugged for my tender feet.

Aben.
You must be driv'n where you refuse to go:
And taught, by force, your happiness to know.
Almahide smiling scornfully.
To force me, Sir, is much unworthy you;
And, when you would, impossible to do,
If force could bend me, you might think with shame,
That I debas'd the blood from whence I came.
My soul is soft; which you may gently lay
In your loose palm; but when tis prest to stay,
Like water it deludes your grasp, and slips away.

Boab.
I finde I must revoke what I decreed;
Almanzors death my Nuptials must precede.
Love is a Magick which the Lover tyes;
But charms still end, when the Magician dyes.
Go; let me hear my hated Rival's dead;
[To his guards.
And to convince my eyes, bring back his head.

Almah.
Go on; I wish no other way to prove
That I am worthy of Almanzor's love.
We will in death, at least, united be;
I'le shew you I can dye as well as he.

Boab.
What should I do! when equally I dread
Almanzor living, and Almanzor dead!—
Yet, by your promise you are mine alone.

Almah.
How dare you claim my faith, and break your own?

Aben.
This for your vertue is a weak defence:
No second vows can with your first dispence.
Yet, since the King did to Almanzor swear,
And, in his death ingrateful may appear,
He ought, in justice, first to spare his life,
And then to claim your promise, as his wife.

Almah.
What 'ere my secret inclinations be,
To this, since honor ties me, I agree.
Yet I declare and to the world will own,
That, far from seeking, I would shun the Throne,
And, with Almanzor, lead an humble life;
There is a private greatness in his wife.

Boab.
That little love I have, I hardly buy;
You give my Rival all, while you deny.
Yet, Almahide, to let you see your pow'r,
Your lov'd Almanzor shall be free this hour.
You are obey'd; but tis so great a grace,
That I could wish me in my Rivals place.

Exeunt King & Abenamar.
Almah.
How blest was I before this fatal day!
When all I knew of love, was to obey!
'Twas life becalm'd; without a gentle breath;
Though not so cold, yet motionless as death.
A heavy quiet state: but love all strife,
All rapid; is the Hurrican of life.
Had love not shown me, I had never seen
An Excellence beyond Boabdelin.
I had not, ayming higher, lost my rest;
But with a vulgar good been dully blest.
But, in Almanzor, having seen what's rare,
Now I have learnt too sharply to compare,
And, like a Fav'rite, quickly in disgrace,
Just know the value 'ere I loose the place.

To her Almanzor bound and guarded.
Almanz.
I see the end for which I'me hither sent;
looking down.
To double, by your sight, my punishment.
There is a shame in bonds, I cannot bear;
Far more than death, to meet your eyes I fear.
Almahide unbinding him.
That shame of long continuance shall not be:
The King, at my intreaty, sets you free.

Alman.
The King! my wonder's greater than before:
How did he dare my freedom to restore?
He like some Captive Lyon uses me;
He runs away before he sets me free:
And takes a sanctuary in his Court:
I'll rather loose my life than thank him for't.

Alm.
If any subject for your thanks there be,
The King expects 'em not; you ow 'em me.
Our freedoms through each others hands have past;
You give me my revenge in winning last.

Almanz.
Then fate commodiously for me has done;
To loose mine there where I would have it won.

Almah.
Almanzor, you too soon will understand
That what I win is on anothers hand.
The King (who doom'd you to a cruel fate)
Gave to my pray'rs both his revenge and hate:
But at no other price would rate your life
Then my consent, and oath to be his wife.

Almanz.
Would you to save my life, my love betray?
to the Guards.
Here; take me; bind me; carry me away;
Kill me: I'll kill you if you disobey.

Almah.
That absolute command your love does give
I take; and charge you, by that pow'r, to live.

Alman.
When death, the last of comforts you refuse,
Your pow'r, like Heav'n upon the damn'd, you use,
You force me in my being to remain,
To make me last, and keep me fresh for pain.
When all my joys are gone
What cause can I for living longer, give,
But a dull lazy habitude to live?

Almah.
Rash men, like you, and impotent of will,
Give chance no time to turn; but urge her still.
She wou'd repent; you push the quarrel on,
And once, because she went, she must be gone.

Alman.
She shall not turn: what is it she can do
To recompence me for the loss of you!

Almah.
Heav'n will reward your worth some better way.
At least, for me, you have but lost one day.
Nor is't a real loss which you deplore;
You sought a heart that was ingag'd before.
'Twas a swift love which took you in his way;
Flew only through your heart but made no stay.
'Twas but a dream; where truth had not a place:
A scene of fancy, mov'd so swift a pace
And shifted, that you can but think it was:
Let, then, the short vexatious Vision pass.

Alman.
My joyes indeed are dreams; but not my pain
'Twas a swift ruin; but the marks remain.
When some fierce fire lays goodly buildings wast,
Would you conclude
There had been none, because the burning's past?

Almah.
It was your fault that fire seiz'd all your brest,
You should have blown up some, to save the rest.
But tis, at worst, but so consum'd by fire
As Cities are, that by their falls rise high'r.
Build Love a Nobler Temple in my place;
You'l find the fire has but inlarg'd your space.

Alman.
Love has undone me; I am grown so poor
I sadly view the ground I had before:
But want a stock; and ne'r can build it more.

Almah.
Then say what Charity I can allow;
I would Contribute; if I knew but how.
Take friendship: or if that too small appear,
Take love which Sisters may to Brothers bear.

Alman.
A Sisters love! that is so pall'd a thing!
What pleasure can it to a Lover bring?
'Tis like thin food to men in feavours spent;
Just keeps alive; but gives no nourishment.
What hopes, what fears, what transports can it move?
'Tis but the Ghost of a departed Love.

Almah.
You like some greedy Cormorant, devour
All my whole life can give you, in an hour.
What more I can do for you, is to dy,
And that must follow, if you this deny.
Since I gave up my love that you might live
You, in refusing life, my sentence give.

Alman.
Far from my brest be such an impious thought:
Your death would loose the quiet mine had sought.
I'll live for you, in spight of misery:
But you shall grant that I had rather dye.
I'll be so wretched; fild with such despair,
That you shall see, to live, was more to dare.

Almah.
Adieu, then, O my Souls far better part
Your Image sticks so close
That the blood follows from my rending heart.
A last farewel!
For since a last must come, the rest are vain!
Like gasps in death, which but prolong our pain.
But, since the King is now a part of me:
Cease from henceforth to be his Enemy.
Go now, for pity go, for if you stay
I fear I shall have something still to say.
Thus—I for ever shut you from my sight.

[veyles.
Alman.
Like one thrust out in a cold Winters night,
Yet shivering, underneath your gate I stay;
One look—I cannot go before 'tis day—
[she beckens him to be gone.
Not one—Farwell: what 'ere my sufferings be
Within; I'le speak Farewell, as loud as she:
I will not be out-done in Constancy.—
[she turns her back.
Then like a dying Conquerour I goe;
At least I have look't last upon my foe.
I go—but if too heavily I move,
I walk encumbred with a weight of Love.
Fain I would leave the thought of you behind
But still, the more I cast you from my mind,
You dash, like water, back, when thrown against the wind

Exit.
As he goes off the King meets him with Abenamar, they stare at each other without saluting.
Boabd.
With him go all my fears: a guard there wait;
And see him safe without the City gate.
To them Abdemelech.
Now Abdemelech, is my brother dead?

Abdel.
Th'Usurper to the Christian Camp is fled;
Whom as Granada's lawful King they own;
And vow, by force to seat him in the throne.
Mean time the Rebels in th'Albayzin rest;
Which is, in Lindaraxa's name, possest.

Boab.
Hast; and reduce it instantly by force:

Abdel.
First give me leave to prove a milder course.
She will, perhaps, on summons yield the place.

Boab.
We cannot, to your sute, refuse her grace.

[One enters hastily and whispers Abenamar.
Aben.
How fortune persecutes this hoary head!
My Ozmin is with Selin's daughter fled.
But he's no more my Son—
My hate shall like a Zegry him pursue;
Till I take back what blood from me he drew.

Boab.
Let war and vengeance be to morrow's care:
But let us to the Temple now repair.
A thousand torches make the Mosque more bright:
This must be mine and Almahida's night.
Hence ye importunate affairs of State;
You should not Tyrannize on Love, but waite.
Had life no love, none would for business live;
Yet still from love the largest part we give:
And must be forc'd, in Empires weary toile,
To live long wretched to be pleas'd a while.