If reason on his subject's triumph wait, Abdal. You speak too late; my empire's lost too far: I cannot fight. Abdelm. Then make a flying war; Dislodge betimes, before you are beset. Abdal. Her tears, her smiles, her every look's a net. Her voice is like a Syren's of the land; And bloody hearts lie panting in her hand. Abdelm. This do you know, and tempt the danger still? Abdal. Love, like a lethargy, has seized my will. I'm not myself, since from her sight I went; I lean my trunk that way, and there stand bent. As one, who, in some frightful dream, would shun His pressing foe, labours in vain to run; And his own slowness, in his sleep, bemoans, With thick short sighs, weak cries, and tender groans, So I Abdelm. Some friend, in charity, should shake, Slides swiftly on, and sees the water near, Of dogs and swine; yet, though their fate I know, [LYNDARAXA passes over the Stage. Abdelm. Fly, fly, before the allurements of her face, Ere she return with some resistless grace, Abdal. I cannot, will not,-nay, I would not fly : approve: I'll hate you blindly, and her blindly love. LYNDARAXA re-enters, and smiles on ABDALLA. Abdelm. That smile on Prince Abdalla seems to say, You are not in your killing mood to day: And more, because, like heaven's, 'tis general. suit: "Twas but a bare return of his salute. Abdelm. It said, you were engaged, and I in place; But, to please both, you would divide the grace. Lyndar. You've cause to be contented with your part, When he has but the look, and you the heart. Abdelm. In giving but that look, you give what's mine: I'll not one corner of a glance resign. Lyndar. I gave not love; 'twas but civility: He is a prince; that's due to his degree. Abdelm. That prince you smiled on is my rival still, And should, if me you loved, be treated ill. Lyndar. I know not how to show so rude a spite. Abdelm. That is, you know not how to love aright; Or, if you did, you would more difference see For, if a prince courts her whom I adore, Lyndar. And when did I my power so far resign, That you should regulate each look of mine? Abdelm. Then, when you gave your love, you gave that power. Lyndar. 'Twas during pleasure, 'tis revoked this hour. Now, call me false, and rail on womankind,- I'll hate you, and this visit is my last. Lyndar. Do't, if you can; you know I hold you fast: Yet, for your quiet, would you could resign Abdelm. Furies and hell, how unconcerned she speaks! With what indifference all her vows she breaks! Lyndar. That smile's a part of love, and all's your due: I take it from the prince, and give it you. 2 Abdelm. Just heaven, must my poor heart your May-game prove, To bandy, and make children's play in love? [Half crying. Ah! how have I this cruelty deserved? And dare not ask you to be less displeased; Tis in your nature, and past remedy. You'll still disquiet my too loving heart: Now we are friends 'tis best for both to part. [He takes her hand. Abdelm. By this-Will you not give me leave to swear? Lyndar. You would be perjured if you should, I fear: And, when I talk with Prince Abdalla next, I with your fond suspicions shall be vext. Abdelm. I cannot say I'll conquer jealousy, But, if you'll freely pardon me, I'll try. Lyndar. And, till you that submissive servant prove, I never can conclude you truly love. To them, the KING, ALMAHIDE, ABENAMAR, ESPERANZA, Guards, Attendants. Boab. Approach, my Almahide, my charming fair, Blessing of of war. peace, and recompence This night is yours; and may your life still be The same in joy, though not solemnity. Which love for none but happy lovers made, Undressed she came my flames to meet, While love strewed flowers beneath her feet; II. From the bright vision's head A careless veil of lawn was loosely spread: |