ACT V. SCENE I.

  ABDALLA alone, under the walls of the Albayzyn.

Abdal. While she is mine, I have not yet lost all,
But in her arms shall have a gentle fall: 
Blest in my love, although in war o’ercome,
I fly, like Antony from Actium,
To meet a better Cleopatra here.—­
You of the watch! you of the watch! appear.

Sold. [above.] Who calls below?  What’s your demand?

Abdal. ’Tis I:  Open the gate with speed; the foe is nigh.

Sold. What orders for admittance do you bring?

Abdal. Slave, my own orders; look, and know the king.

Sold. I know you; but my charge is so severe, That none, without exception, enter here.

Abdal. Traitor, and rebel! thou shalt shortly see Thy orders are not to extend to me.

Lyndar. [above.] What saucy slave so rudely does exclaim, And brands my subject with a rebel’s name?

Abdal. Dear Lyndaraxa, haste; the foes pursue.

Lyndar. My lord, the Prince Abdalla, is it you?  I scarcely can believe the words I hear; Could you so coarsely treat my officer?

Abdal. He forced me; but the danger nearer draws:  When I am entered, you shall know the cause.

Lyndar. Entered!  Why, have you any business here?

Abdal. I am pursued, the enemy is near.

Lyndar. Are you pursued, and do you thus delay To save yourself?  Make haste, my lord, away.

Abdal. Give me not cause to think you mock my grief:  What place have I, but this, for my relief?

Lyndar. This favour does your handmaid much oblige,
But we are not provided for a siege: 
My subjects few; and their provision thin;
The foe is strong without, we weak within. 
This to my noble lord may seem unkind,
But he will weigh it in his princely mind;
And pardon her, who does assurance want
So much, she blushes when she cannot grant.

Abdal. Yes, you may blush; and you have cause to weep. 
Is this the faith you promised me to keep? 
Ah yet, if to a lover you will bring
No succour, give your succour to a king.

Lyndar. A king is he, whom nothing can withstand;
Who men and money can with ease command. 
A king is he, whom fortune still does bless;
He is a king, who does a crown possess. 
If you would have me think that you are he,
Produce to view your marks of sovereignty;
But if yourself alone for proof you bring,
You are but a single person, not a king.

Abdal. Ungrateful maid, did I for this rebel?  I say no more; but I have loved too well.

Lyndar. Who but yourself did that rebellion move: 
Did I e’er promise to receive your love? 
Is it my fault you are not fortunate? 
I love a king, but a poor rebel hate.