University of Virginia Library

ACT V.

Almanzor
Solus.
I have out-fac'd my self: and justify'd
What I knew false to all the World, beside,
She was as faithless as her Sex could be:
And now I am alone, she's so to me.
She's faln! and now where shall we vertue find;
She was the last that stood of Woman-kind:
Could she so holily my flames remove;
And fall that hour to Abdelmelechs Love?
Yet her protection I must undertake;
Not now for Love; but for my Honours sake.
That mov'd me first, and must oblige me still,
My cause is good, however hers be ill;
I'le leave her, when she's freed; and let it be
Her punishment, she could be false to me.

[To him, Abdelmelech, guarded.
Abdelm.
Heav'n is not Heav'n; nor are there Deities.
There is some new Rebellion in the Skies.
All that was Good and Holy, is dethron'd,
And Lust, and Rapine are for justice own'd.

Almanz.
'Tis true; what justice in that Heav'n can be
Which thus affronts me with the sight of thee!
Why must I be from just Revenge debarr'd!
Chains are thy Arms, and Prisons are thy Guard:
The death thou dy'st may to a Husband be
A satisfaction; but 'tis none to me.
My Love would justice to it self afford;
But now thou creep'st to Death, below my Sword.

Abdelm.
This threat'ning would show better, were I free,

Almanz.
No; wer't thou freed, I would not threaten thee.
This arme should then.—But now it is too late!—
I could redeem thee to a nobler Fate.
As some huge Rock
Rent from its Quarry, does the Waves divide,
So I,—
W'ould sowze upon thy guards, and dash 'em wide:
Then, to my rage left naked and alone,
Thy too much freedome thou shouldst soon bemoan:
Dar'd, like a Lark, that on the open plain
Pursu'd and cuffd, seeks shelter now in vain:
So on the ground wou'dst thou expecting lye,
Not daring to afford me victory.
But, yet thy fate's not ripe: it is decreed
Before thou dy'st that Almahide be freed.
My honour first her danger shall remove,
And then, revenge on thee my injur'd love.

Exeunt severally.
The Scene changes to the Vivarambla; and appears fil'd with Spectators: A scaffold hung with black, &c.
Enter the Queen, guarded, with Esperanza.
Almah.
See how the gazing people crowd the place:
All gaping to be fill'd with my disgrace.
[A shout within.
That shout, like the hoarse peals of Vultures rings,
When, over fighting fields, they beat their wings.
Let never woman trust in Innocence.
Or think her Chastity its own defence;
Mine has betray'd me to this publick shame:
And vertue, which I serv'd, is but a name.

Esper.
Leave then that shaddow, and for succor fly
To him, we serve, the Christians Deity.
Vertue's no god, nor has she power divine:
But he protects it who did first enjoyn.
Trust, then, in him, and from his grace, implore
Faith to believe what rightly we adore.

Almah.
Thou Pow'r unknown, if I have err'd forgive:
My infancy was taught what I believe.
But if thy Christians truely worship thee,
Let me thy godhead in thy succour see:
So shall thy Justice in my safety shine,
And all my dayes, which thou shalt add, be thine.

Enter the King, Abenamar, Lyndaraxa, Benzayda: then Abdelmelech guarded. And after him, Selin, and Alabez, as Judges of the field.
Boab.
You Judges of the field, first take your place:
The accusers and accus'd bring face to face.
Set guards, and let the Lists be open'd wide,
And may just Heav'n assist the juster side.

Almah.
What not one tender look, one passing word;
Farewel, my much unkind, but still lov'd Lord!
Your Throne was for my humble fate too high;
And therefore Heav'n thinks fit that I should dye.
My story be forgot when I am dead;
Least it should fright some other from your bed:
And, to forget me, may you soon adore
Some happier maid (yet none could love you more.)
But may you never think me innocent;
Least it should cause you trouble to repent.

Boabd.
'Tis pity so much beauty should not live;
[aside.
Yet, I too much am injur'd to forgive.

[goes to his seat.
Trumpets: Then enter two Mores bearing two naked swords before the Accusers Zulema and Hamet, who follow them. The Judges seat themselves: the Queen, and Abdelmelech are led to the Scaffold.
Alabez.
Say for what end you thus in arms appear?
What are your names, and what demand you here?

Zulema.
The Zegry's antient Race our Linage claims;
And Zulema and Hamet are our names.
Like Loyal Subjects in these lists we stand,
And Justice in our Kings behalf demand.

Hamet.
For whom, in witness of what both have seen,
Bound by our duty, we appeach the Queen
And Abdelmelech, of adultery.

Zul.
Which, like true Knights we will maintain, or dy.

Alabez.
Swear on the Alcoran your cause is right;
And Mahomet so prosper you in fight.

[They touch their foreheads with the Alcoran, and bow.
Trumpets on the other side of the Stage: two Moors as before, with bare swords before Almanzor and Ozmyn.
Selin.
Say for what end you thus in armes appear:
What are your names, and what demand you here?

Alman.
Ozmyn is his, Almanzor is my name;
We come as Champions of the Queens fair fame:

Ozmyn.
To prove these Zegrys, like false Trators, lye;
Which, like true Knights, we will maintain, or dye.

Selin.
to Almahide.
Madam, do you for Champions take these two;
By their success to live or dye;

Almah.
I do.

Selin.
Swear on the Alcoran your Cause is right;
And Mahomet so prosper you in fight.

[They kiss the Alcoran.
Ozmyn and Benzayda embrace, and take leave in dumb show: while Lyndaraxa speaks to her Brothers.
Lind.
If you 'orecome, let neither of 'em live:
But use with care the advantages I give
One of their swords in sight shall useless be;
The Bearer of it is suborn'd by me.

[she and Benzaida retire.
Alabez.
Now, Principals and Seconds, all advance
And each of you assist his fellows chance.

Selin.
The wind and Sun we equally divide;
So, let th'event of Arms the truth decide.
The chances of the fight, and every wound,
The trumpets, on the Victors part, resound.

The Trumpets sound; Almanzor and Zulema meet and fight: Ozmyn and Hamet: after some passes, the sword of Ozmyn breaks; he retires defending himself, and is wounded: the Zegry's trumpets sound their advantage: Almanzor, in the mean time, drives Zulema to the farther end of the stage; till, hearing the trumpets of the adverse party, he looks back and sees Ozmyns misfortune: he makes at Zulema just as Ozmyn falls, in retiring, and Hamet is thrusting at him.
Ham.
to Ozmyn thrusting.
Our difference now shall soon determin'd be:

Alman.
Hold, Traytor, and defend thy self from me.

Hamet leaves Ozmyn (who cannot rise,) and both he and Zulema fall on Almanzor, and press him: he retires and Hamet, advancing first, is run through the body and falls. The Queens trumpets sound. Almanzor pursues Zulema.
Lind.
I must make haste some remedy to find:—
Treason, Almanzor, treason; look behind.

Almanzor looks behind him to see who calls, and Zulema takes the advantage and wounds him; the Zegrys trumpets sound: Almanzor turns upon Zulema and wounds him: he falls. The Queens trumpets sound.
[stabbing him.
Alman.
Now triumph in thy sisters treachery.

Zul.
Hold, hold; I have enough to make me dye,
But, that I may in peace resign my breath,
I must confess my crime before my death.
Mine is the guilt; the Queen is innocent;
I lov'd her; and, to compass my intent,
Us'd force, which Abdelmelech did prevent.
The lye my Sister forg'd: But, oh my fate
Comes on too soon, and I repent too late.
Fair Queen, forgive; and let my penitence
Expiate some part of.— [dies.


Almah.
Ev'n thy whole offence!
[Almanzor to the Judges.
If ought remains in the Sultana's cause,
I here am ready to fulfil the Laws.

Selin.
The Law is fully satisfy'd; and we
Pronounce the Queen and Abdelmelech free.

Abdelm.
Heav'n thou art just!

The Judges rise from their seats, and goe before Almanzor, to the Queens Scaffold: he unbinds the Queen and Abdelmelech; they all goe off, the people showting, and the Trumpets sounding the while.
Boab.
Before we pay our thanks, or show our joy;
Let us our needful Charity employ.
Some skilful Surgeon speedily be found,
T'apply fit Remedies to Ozmyn's wound.
[Benzayda running to Ozmyn
That be my charge; my Linnen I will tear:
Wash it with Tears, and bind it with my Hair.

Ozm.
With how much pleasure I my pains endure!
And bless the wound which causes such a cure.

Exit Ozmyn, led by Benzayda and Abenamar.
Boab.
Some, from the place of Combat bear the slain:
Next Lyndaraxa's death I should ordain:
But let her who this mischief did contrive,
For ever banish'd from Granada live.

Lynd.
Thou shou'dst have punish'd more, or not at all:
[aside.
By her thou hast not ruin'd, thou shalt fall.
The Zegry's shall revenge their branded Line:
Betray their Gate, and with the Christians joyn.

Exit Lynd. with Alabez. the Bodies of her Brothers are born after her.
Almanzor, Almahide, Esperanza re-enter to the King.
Almah.
The thanks thus paid, which first to Heav'n were due,
My next, Almanzor, let me pay to you:
Somewhat there is, of more concernment, too,
Which 'tis not fit you should, in publick, know.
First let your wounds be dress'd with speedy care;
And then you shall th'important Secret share.

Almanz.
When e're you speak,
Were my wounds mortal, they should still bleed on;
And I would listen till my life were gone:
My Soul, should, ev'n for your last accent, stay;
And then shoot out, and with such speed obey;
It shou'd not bait at Heav'n to stop its way.
Exit Almanzor.

[aside.
Boab.
'Tis true, Almanzor did her Honour save;
But yet what private business can they have!
Such freedom, vertue will not sure, allow;
I cannot clear my heart; but must my brow:
He approaches Almahide.
Welcome again my Vertuous, Loyal, Wife;
Welcome, to Love, to Honour, and to Life.—
[Goes to salute her, she starts back.
You seem—
As if you from a loath'd embrace did goe!

Almah.
Then briefly I will speak, (since you must know
What to the World my future Acts will show:)
But, hear me first, and then my reasons weigh:
'Tis known how Duty led me to obey
My Fathers choice; and how I since did live,
You, Sir, can best your testimony give.
How to your aid I have Almanzor brought,
When by rebellious Crowds your life was sought,
Then, how I bore your causeless Jealousie,
(For I must speak;) and after set you free,
When you were Pris'ner by the chance of war;
These, sure are proofs of Love.—

Boab.
I grant they are.

Almah.
And cou'd you, then, O cruelly unkind,
So ill reward such tenderness of mind!
Could you, denying what our Laws afford
The meanest subject, on a Traytors word,
Unheard, condemn, and suffer me to goe
To death, and yet no common pity show!

Boab.
Love fill'd my heart ev'n to the brim before:
And then, with too much jealousie, boil'd o're.

Almah.
Be't Love or Jealousie, tis such a Crime,
That I'm forewarn'd to trust a second time.
Know then, my Pray'rs to Heav'n, shall never cease
To crown your Arms in War; your Wars with Peace:
But, from this day, I will not know your Bed.
Though Almahide still lives, your wife is dead:
And, with her, dies a Love so pure and true,
It could be kill'd by nothing but by you.
Exit Almahide.

Boab.
Yes, you will spend your life, in Pray'rs for me;
And yet this hour my hated Rival see.
She might a Husbands Jealousie forgive;
But she will onely for Almanzor live.
It is resolv'd, I will, my self, provide
That vengeance, which my useless Laws deny'd:
And, by Almanzor's death, at once, remove
The Rival of my Empire, and my Love.
Exit Boabdelin.

Enter Almahide, led by Almanzor; and follow'd by Esperanza; she speaks entring.
Almah.
How much, Almanzor, to your aid I owe,
Unable to repay, I blush to know.
Yet, forc'd by need, e're I can clear that score,
I, like ill debtors, come to borrow more.

Almanz.
Your new Commands I on my knees attend:
I was created for no other end.
Born to be yours, I do by Nature, serve,
And, like the lab'ring Beast, no thanks deserve.

Almah.
Yet first your Vertue to your succor call,
For, in this hard Command, you'll need it all.

Almanz.
I stand prepar'd; and whatsoe're it be,
Nothing is hard to him who loves like me.

Almah.
Then know, I from your Love must yet implore
One proof:—that you would never see me more.

[Almanzor starting back.
I must confess,
For this last stroke I did no Guard provide;
I could suspect no Foe was neer that side:
From Winds and thickning Clouds we Thunder fear:
None dread it from that quarter which is cleer.
And I would fain believe, 'tis but your Art
To shew
You knew where deepest you could wound my Heart.

Almah.
So much respect is to your passion due,
That sure I could not practise Arts on you.
But, that you may not doubt what I have sed,
This hour I have renounc'd my Husbands Bed,
Judge then how much my Fame would injur'd be,
If, leaving him, I should a Lover see!

Almanz.
If his unkindness have deserv'd that Curse,
Must I for loving well be punish'd worse?

Almah.
Neither your Love nor Merits I compare;
But my unspotted Name must be my care.

Almanz.
I have this day establish'd its renown.

Almah.
Would you so soon, what you have rais'd, throw down?

Almanz.
But, Madam, Is not yours a greater Guilt
To ruine him who has that Fabrique built?

Almah.
No Lover should his Mistriss Pray'rs withstand:
Yet you contemn my absolute Command.

Almanz.
'Tis not contempt,
When your Command is issu'd out too late:
'Tis past my pow'r; and all beyond is fate.
I scarce could leave you when to Exile sent,
Much less when now recall'd from banishment:
For if that heat your glances cast, were strong;
Your Eyes like Glasses, Fire, when held so long.

Almah.
Then, since you needs will all my weakness know,
I love you; and so well, that you must goe:
I am so much oblig'd; and have withal,
A Heart so boundless and so prodigal,
I dare not trust my self or you, to stay,
But, like frank gamesters, must forswear the play.

Almanz.
Fate thou art kind to strike so hard a blow;
I am quite stun'd; and past all feeling now.
Yet—can you tell me you have pow'r and will
To save my life, and, at that instant, kill!

Alm.
This, had you stay'd, you never must have known:
But now you goe, I may with honour own.

Almanz.
But, Madam, I am forc'd to disobey:
In your defence, my honour bids me stay.
I promis'd to secure your life and throne;
And, heav'n be thank'd, that work is yet undone.

Alma.
I here make void that promise which you made:
For now I have no farther need of ayd:
That vow which to my plighted Lord was giv'n,
I must not break; but may transfer to Heav'n:
I will with Vestals live:
There needs no guard at a Religious door;
Few will disturb the praying and the poor.

Almanz.
Let me but near that happy Temple stay,
And, through the grates, peep on you once a day.
To famish'd hope I would no banquet give:
I cannot sterve, and wish but just to live.
Thus, as a drowning man
Sinks often, and does still more faintly rise;
With his last hold catching what 'ere he spies;
So, faln from those proud hopes I had before,
Your Aid I for a dying wretch implore.

Almah.
I cannot your hard destiny withstand;
Boabdelin and guards above.
But slip, like bending rushes, from your hand:
Sink all at once, since you must sink at last.

Almanz.
Can you that last relief of sight remove,
And thrust me out the utmost line of love!
Then, since my hopes of happiness are gone,
Deny'd all favours, I will seyze this one.

[Catches her hand and kisses it.
Boab.
My just revenge no longer I'le forbear;
I've seen too much; I need not stay to hear.

[descends
Almanz.
As a small Show'r
To the parch'd earth does some refreshment give,
So, in the strength of this, one day I'le live:
A day:—a year—an age—for ever now;
betwixt each word he kisses her hand by force; she struggling.
I feel from every touch a new Soul flow.
[she snatches her hand away.
My hop'd Eternity of joy is past!
'Twas insupportable, and could not last.
Were heav'n not made of less, or duller joy,
'Twould break each Minute, and it self destroy.

Enter King and guards below.
King Boab.
This, this is he for whom thou didst deny
To share my bed:—Let 'em together dye.

Almah.
Hear me, my Lord.—

Boab.
Your flatt'ring Arts are vain:
[to Guards.
Make haste; and execute what I ordain.

Almanz.
Cut piece-meal in this cause,
From every wound I shou'd new Vigour take:
And every limb should new Almanzors make.

He puts himself before the Queen; the guards attaque him; with the King.
Enter Abdelmelech.
Abdelm.
to the King.
What angry God, to exercise his spight,
Has arm'd your left hand to cut off your right!
[The King turns, and the fight ceases.
Hast, not to give but to prevent a Fate:
The foes are enter'd at the Elvira gate:
False Lyndaraxa 'has the Town betray'd,
And all the Zegry's give the Spanyards ayd.

Boab.
O mischief, not suspected nor foreseen!

Abdelm.
Already they have gain'd the Zacatin,
And, thence, the Vivarambla place possest:
While our faint Souldiers scarce defend the rest.
The Duke of Arcos does one squadron head;
The next by Ferdinand himself is led.

Almah.
Now brave Almanzor, be a god again;
Above our Crimes, and your own passions reign:
My Lord has been, by Jealousy, misled
To think I was not faithful to his bed.
I can forgive him though my death he sought;
For too much love can never be a fault.
Protect him, then; and what to his defence
You give not, give to clear my innocence.

Alman.
Listen sweet Heav'n; and all ye blest above
Take rules of Vertue from a Mortal love.
You've rais'd my Soul; and if it mount more high,
'Tis as the Wren did on the Eagle fly.
Yes, I once more will my revenge neglect:
And whom you can forgive, I can protect.

Boab.
How hard a fate is mine, still doom'd to shame:
I make Occasions for my Rivals fame!

Exeunt.
An Alarm within.
Enter Ferdinand, Isabel, Don Alonzo d' Aguilar; Spaniards, and Ladies.
Ferd.
Already more than half the Town is gain'd:
But there is yet a doubtful fight maintain'd;

Alonz.
The fierce young King the enter'd does attacque,
And the more fierce Almanzor drives 'em back.

Ferd.
The valiant Moores like raging Lyons, fight.
Each youth encourag'd by his Ladies sight.

Qu. Isab.
I will advance with such a shining train,
That Moorish beauties shall oppose in vain:
Into the press of clashing swords we'll goe;
And where the darts fly thickest, seek the foe.

K. Ferd.
May Heav'n, which has inspir'd this gen'rous thought,
Avert those dangers you have boldly sought:
Call up more troops; the women, to our shame,
Will ravish from the men their part of fame.

Exeunt Isabella and Ladies.
Enter Alabez: and kisses the Kings hand.
Alabez.
Fair Lyndaraxa, and the Zegry line
Have led their forces with your troops to join:
The adverse part, which obstinately fought,
Are broke; and Abdelmelech pris'ner brought.

K. Ferd.
Fair Lyndaraxa and her friends shall find
Th'effects of an oblig'd and grateful mind.

Alabez.
But, marching by the Vivarambla place,
The combat carry'd a more doubtful face;
In that vast square the Moors and Spaniards met;
Where the fierce conflict is continued yet.
But with advantage on the adverse side,
Whom fierce Almanzor does to conquest guide.

K. Ferd.
With my Castilian foot I'le meet his rage;
[Is going out: shouts within are heard. Victoria, Victoria.
But these loud clamours better news presage:

Enter the Duke of Arcos, and Souldiers; their swords drawn and bloody.
D. of Arcos.
Granada now is yours; and there remain
No Moors, but such as own the pow'r of Spain.
That squadron which their King in person led,
We charg'd; but found Almanzor in their head.
Three several times we did the Moors attacque,
And thrice, with slaughter, did he drive us back.
Our troops then shrunk; and still we lost more ground:
Till, from our Queen, we needful succour found.
Her Guards to our assistance bravely flew,
And, with fresh vigour, did the fight renew.
At the same time—
Did Lyndaraxa with her troops appear,
And, while we charg'd the front, ingag'd the rear.
Then fell the King (slain by a Zegry's hand:)

K. Ferd.
How could he, such united force withstand!

D. of Arcos.
Discourag'd with his death, the Moorish pow'rs
Fell back; and, falling back, were press'd by ours.
But, as when winds and rain together crow'd,
They swell till they have burst the bladder'd clowd:
And first the Lightning, flashing deadly clear,
Flyes, falls, consumes, 'ere scarce it does appear:
So, from his shrinking troops, Almanzor flew;
Each blow gave wounds, and with each wound he slew.
His force at once I envy'd and admir'd;
And, rushing forward, where my men retir'd,
Advanc'd alone.

K. Ferd.
You hazarded too far
Your person, and the fortune of the Warr.

D. of Arcos.
Already, both our armes for fight did bare,
Already held 'em threatning in the air:
When Heav'n (it must be Heav'n) my sight, did guid,
To view his arm, upon whose wrist, I spy'd
A ruby Cross in Diamond bracelets ty'd.
And just above it, in the brawnier part,
By nature was engrav'd a bloody Heart.
Struck with these tokens, which so well I knew,
And stagg'ring back, some paces I withdrew;
He follow'd; and suppos'd it was my fear:
When, from above, a shrill voice reach'd his ear;
Strike not thy father, it was heard to cry;
Amaz'd; and casting round his wond'ring eye,
He stop'd: then, thinking that his fears were vain.
He lifted up his thundring arm again:
Again the voice withheld him from my death;
Spare, spare his life, it cry'd, who gave thee breath.
Once more he stop'd: then threw his sword away;
Blest shade, he said, I hear thee, I obey
Thy sacred voice: then, in the sight of all,
He at my feet, I on his neck did fall.

Ferd.
O blest Event!—

Arcos.
The Moors no longer fought;
But all their safety, by submission, sought:
Mean time, my Son grew faint with loss of blood:
And, on his bending sword supported, stood.
Yet, with a voice beyond his strength, he cry'd,
Lead me to live, or dye, by Almahide.

K. Ferd.
I am not for his wounds less griev'd than you.
For if, what now my Soul divines, prove true,
This is that son, whom in his Infancy
You lost, when by my father forc'd to fly.

D. Arcos.
His Sisters beauty did my passion move,
(The crime for which I suffer'd was my love.)
Our marriage known, to Sea we took our flight,
There, in a storm, Almanzor first saw light
On his right Arm, a bloody heart was grav'd,
(The mark by which this day, my life was sav'd.)
The Bracelets and the Cross, his mother ty'd
About his wrist, 'ere she in childbed dy'd.
How we were Captives made, when she was dead;
And how Almanzor was in Africque bred,
Some other hour you may at leisure hear,
For see, the Queen, in triumph, does appear.

Enter Qu. Isabel: Lyndaraxa: Ladies, Moors and Spaniards mix'd as Guards. Abdelmelech, Abenamar, Selin, Pris'ners.
K. Ferdinand
embracing Qu. Isabel.
All stories, which Granada's Conquest tell,
Shall celebrate the name of Isabel.
Your Ladies too, who in their Countries cause,
Led on the men, shall share in your applause:
And for your sakes, henceforward, I ordain,
No Ladies dow'r shall question'd be in Spain.
Fair Lyndaraxa, for the help she lent,
Shall, under Tribute, have this Government.

Abdelm.
O Heav'n, that I should live to see this day!

Lynd.
You murmur now, but you shall soon obey.
I knew this Empyre to my fate was ow'd:
Heav'n held it back as long as 'ere it cou'd.
[to Abdelm.
For thee, base wretch, I want a torture yet—
—I'le cage thee, thou shalt be my Bajazet.
I on no pavement but on thee will tread;
And, when I mount, my foot shall know thy head.

Abdelm.
stabbing her with a Ponyard.
This first shall know thy heart.

Lind.
Oh! I am slain!

Abdelm.
Now boast, thy Country is betray'd to Spain.

K. Ferd.
Look to the Lady.—Seize the Murdere.
Abdelmelech, stabbing himself.
I'le do my self that Justice I did her.
To Lynd.
Thy blood I to thy ruin'd Country give,
But love too well thy murther to out live.
Forgive a love, excus'd by its excess,
Which, had it not been cruel, had been less.
Condemn my passion, then, but pardon me;
And think I murder'd him, who murder'd thee.

[dyes.
Lynd.
Dye for us both; I have not leysure now;
A Crown is come; and will not fate allow:
And yet, I feel something like death, is near:
My guards, my guards;—
Let not that ugly skeleton appear.
Sure destiny mistakes; this death's not mine;
She dotes; and meant to cut another line.
Tell her I am a Queen;—but 'tis too late;
Dying, I charge Rebellion on my fate:
Bow down ye slaves—
To the Moors.
Bow quickly down, and your Submission show.
[they bow.
I'me pleas'd to taste an Empyre 'ere I goe.

[dyes.
Selin.
She's dead and here her proud ambition ends.

Aben.
Such fortune still, such black designs attends.

Ferd.
Remove those mournful Objects from our eyes;
And see perform'd their funeral Obsequies.

The Bodies carried off.
Enter Almanzor and Almahide, Ozmyn and Benzayda. Almahide brought in a chair: Almanzor led betwixt Souldiers: Isabel salutes Almahide in dumb show.
Duke of Arcos
presenting Almanzor to the King.
See here that Son, whom I with pride call mine;
And who dishonours not your royal line.

K. Ferd.
I'me now secure this Scepter, which I gain,
Shall be continu'd in the pow'r of Spain;
Since he, who could alone my foes defend,
By birth and honour is become my friend,
[to Almanz.
Yet I can own no joy; nor Conquest boast,
While in this blood I see how dear it cost.

Almanz.
This honor to my veins new blood will bring:
Streams cannot fail, fed by so high a Spring:
But all Court-Customs I so little know
That I may fail in those respects I owe.
I bring a heart which homage never knew;
Yet it finds something of it self in you:
Something so kingly, that my haughty mind
Is drawn to yours; because 'tis of a kind.

Qu. Isabel.
And yet, that Soul, which bears it self so high,
If fame be true, admits a Soveraignty.
This Queen, in her fair eyes, such fetters brings,
As chain that heart, which scorns the pow'r of Kings.

Almah.
Little of charm in these sad eyes appears;
If they had any, now 'tis lost in tears.
A Crown, and Husband ravish'd in one day;
Excuse a grief, I cannot choose but pay.

Q. Isab.
Have Courage, Madam, heav'n has joyes in store
To recompence those losses you deplore.

Qu. Almah.
I know your God can all my woes redress;
To him I made my vows in my distress.
And what a Misbeliever vow'd this day,
Though not a Queen, a Christian yet shall pay.

Qu. Isabel
embracing her.
That Christian name you shall receive from me;
And Isabella of Granada be.

Benz.
This blessed change, we all with joy receive:
And beg to learn that faith which you believe.

Qu. Isabel.
With reverence for those holy rites prepare;
And all commit your fortunes to my care.

K. Ferd.
to Almahide.
You, Madam, by that Crown, you loose, may gain,
If you accept a Coronet of Spain;
Of which Almanzor's father stands possest.

Qu. Isabel
to Almahide.
May you in him; and he in you be blest.

Qu. Almahide.
I owe my life and honour to his sword;
But owe my love to my departed Lord.

Almanzor.
Thus, when I have no living force to dread,
Fate find's me Enemies amongst the dead.
'Ime now to conquer Ghosts; and to destroy,
The strong impressions of a Bridale joy.

Almah.
You've yet a greater Foe, than these can be;
Vertue opposes you and Modesty.

Almanz.
From a false fear that Modesty does grow;
And thinks true love, because 'tis fierce, its foe.
'Tis but the wax whose seals on Virgins stay:
Let it approach Loves fire, 'twill melt away.
But I have liv'd too long; I never knew
When fate was conquer'd, I must combate you.
I thought to climb the steep ascent of Love;
But did not think to find a foe above.
'Tis time to dye, when you my bar must be,
Whose aid alone could give me Victory.
Without—
I'le pull up all the sluces of the flood:
And Love, within, shall boyl out all my blood.

Q. Isab.
Fear not your Love should find so sad success;
While I have pow'r to be your Patroness.
I am her Parent, now, and may command
So much of duty, as to give her hand.

[gives him Almahides hand.
Almah.
Madam, I never can dispute your pow'r,
Or, as a Parent, or a Conquerour.
But, when my year of Widowhood expires,
Shall yield to your Commands and his desires.

Almanz.
Move swiftly, Sun; and fly a lovers pace;
Leave weeks and moneths behind thee in thy race!

K. Ferd.
Mean time, you shall my Victories pursue;
The Moors in woods and mountains to subdue.

Almanz.
The toyles of war shall help to wear each day;
And dreams of love shall drive my nights away.
Our Banners to th'Alhambra's turrets bear;
Then, wave our Conqu'ring Crosses in the Aire;
And Cry, with showts of Triumph; live and raign,
Great Ferdinand and Isabel of Spain.