Boab. That I so long delayed what you desire, [Embracing him. Was, not to doubt your worth, but to admire.

Almanz. This counsellor an old man’s caution shows,
Who fears that little, he has left, to lose: 
Age sets a fortune; while youth boldly throws. 
But let us first your drooping soldiers cheer;
Then seek out danger, ere it dare appear: 
This hour I fix your crown upon your brow;
Next hour fate gives it, but I give it now. [Exeunt.

SCENE II.

  Enter LYNDARAXA.

Lyndar. O, could I read the dark decrees of fate,
That I might once know whom to love, or hate! 
For I myself scarce my own thoughts can guess,
So much I find them varied by success. 
As in some weather-glass, my love I hold;
Which falls or rises with the heat or cold.—­
I will be constant yet, if fortune can;
I love the king,—­let her but name the man.

  Enter HALYMA.

Hal. Madam, a gentleman, to me unknown, Desires that he may speak with you alone.

Lyndar. Some message from the king.—­Let him appear.

  Enter ABDELMELECH; who throws off his disguise.—­She starts.

Abdelm. I see you are amazed that I am here:  But let at once your fear and wonder end.  In the usurper’s guards I found a friend, Who led me safe to you in this disguise.

Lyndar. Your danger brings this trouble in my eyes.—­ But what affair this ’venturous visit drew?

Abdelm. The greatest in the world,—­the seeing you.

Lyndar. The courage of your love I so admire,
That, to preserve you, you shall straight retire.
                                         [She leads him to the door.
Go, dear! each minute does new dangers bring;
You will be taken, I expect the king.

Abdelm. The king!—­the poor usurper of an hour: 
His empire’s but a dream of kingly power.—­
I warn you, as a lover and a friend,
To leave him, ere his short dominion end: 
The soldier I suborned will wait at night,
And shall alone be conscious of your flight.

Lyndar. I thank you, that you so much care bestow;
But, if his reign be short, I need not go. 
For why should I expose my life, and yours,
For what, you say, a little time assures?

Abdelm, My danger in the attempt is very small;
And, if he loves you, yours is none at all. 
But, though his ruin be as sure as fate,
Your proof of love to me would come too late. 
This trial I in kindness would allow;
’Tis easy; if you love me, show it now.

Lyndar. It is because I love you, I refuse;
For all the world my conduct would accuse,
If I should go with him I love away;
And, therefore, in strict virtue, I will stay.