Boab. How hard a fate is mine, still doomed to shame!  I make occasions for my rival’s fame! [Exeunt.  An alarm within.

  Enter FERDINAND, ISABELLA, Don ALONZO D’AGUILAR; Spaniards and
  Ladies.

K.  Ferd. Already more than half the town is gained, But there is yet a doubtful fight maintained.

Alonz. The fierce young king the entered does attack, And the more fierce Almanzor drives them back.

K.  Ferd. The valiant Moors like raging lions fight; Each youth encouraged by his lady’s sight.

Q.  Isabel. I will advance with such a shining train, That Moorish beauties shall oppose in vain.  Into the press of clashing swords we’ll go, And, where the darts fly thickest, seek the foe.

K.  Ferd. May heaven, which has inspired this generous 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 King’s 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 prisoner brought.

K.  Ferd. Fair Lyndaraxa, and her friends, shall find The effects of an obliged and grateful mind.

Alabez. But, marching by the Vivarambla place,
The combat carried 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’ll 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 Soldiers; their Swords drawn and
bloody.

D.  Arcos. Granada now is yours; and there remain
No Moors, but such as own the power of Spain. 
That squadron, which their king in person led,
We charged, but found Almanzor on their head: 
Three several times we did the Moors attack,
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 charged the front, engaged the rear: 
Then fell the king, slain by a Zegry’s hand.

K.  Ferd. How could he such united force withstand?