Abdal. Why, fairest Lyndaraxa, do you fly [Staying her. A prince, who at your feet is proud to die?

Lyndar. Sir, I should blush to own so rude a thing, [Staying. As ’tis to shun the brother of my king.

Abdal. In my hard fortune, I some ease should find,
Did your disdain extend to all mankind. 
But give me leave to grieve, and to complain,
That you give others what I beg in vain.

Lyndar. Take my esteem, if you on that can live;
For, frankly, sir, ’tis all I have to give: 
If from my heart you ask or hope for more,
I grieve the place is taken up before.

Abdal. My rival merits you.—­
To Abdelmelech I will justice do;
For he wants worth, who dares not praise a foe.

Lyndar. That for his virtue, sir, you make defence,
Shows in your own a noble confidence. 
But him defending, and excusing me,
I know not what can your advantage be.

Abdal. I fain would ask, ere I proceed in this, If, as by choice, you are by promise his?

Lyndar. The engagement only in my love does lie, But that’s a knot which you can ne’er untie.

Abdal. When cities are besieged, and treat to yield,
If there appear relievers from the field,
The flag of parley may be taken down,
Till the success of those without is known;

Lyndar. Though Abdelmelech has not yet possest, Yet I have sealed the treaty in my breast.

Abdal. Your treaty has not tied you to a day;
Some chance might break it, would you but delay. 
If I can judge the secrets of your heart,
Ambition in it has the greatest part;
And wisdom, then, will shew some difference,
Betwixt a private person, and a prince.

Lyndar. Princes are subjects still.—­
Subject and subject can small difference bring: 
The difference is ’twixt subjects and a king. 
And since, sir, you are none, your hopes remove;
For less than empire I’ll not change my love.

Abdal. Had I a crown, all I should prize in it, Should be the power to lay it at your feet.

Lyndar. Had you that crown, which you but wish, not hope,
Then I, perhaps, might stoop, and take it up. 
But till your wishes and your hopes agree,
You shall be still a private man with me.

Abdal. If I am king, and if my brother die,—­

Lyndar. Two if’s scarce make one possibility.

Abdal. The rule of happiness by reason scan; You may be happy with a private man.

Lyndar. That happiness I may enjoy, ’tis true;
But then that private man must not be you. 
Where’er I love, I’m happy in my choice;
If I make you so, you shall pay my price.

Abdal. Why would you be so great?