Selin. They now are ripe, and but your presence need: 
For Lyndaraxa, faithless as the wind,
Yet to your better fortunes will be kind;
For, hearing that the Christians own your cause,
From thence the assurance of a throne she draws. 
And since Almanzor, whom she most did fear,
Is gone, she to no treaty will give ear;
But sent me her unkindness to excuse.

Abdal. You much surprise me with your pleasing news.

Selin. But, sir, she hourly does the assault expect,
And must be lost if you her aid neglect: 
For Abdelmelech loudly does declare,
He’ll use the last extremities of war,
If she refuse the fortress to resign.

Abdal. The charge of hastening this relief be mine.

Selin. This while I undertook, whether beset,
Or else by chance, Abenamar I met;
Who seemed, in haste, returning to the town.

Abdal. My love must in my diligence be shown.—­ And [To ARCOS.] as my pledge of faith to Spain, this hour I’ll put the fortress in your master’s power.

Selin. An open way from hence to it there lies, And we with ease may send in large supplies, Free from the shot and sallies of the town.

D.  Arcos. Permit me, sir, to share in your renown;
First to my king I will impart the news,
And then draw out what succours we shall use.
                                                [Exit Duke of ARCOS.

Abdal. [Aside.]
Grant that she loves me not, at least I see
She loves not others, if she loves not me.—­
’Tis pleasure, when we reap the fruit of pain: 
’Tis only pride, to be beloved again. 
How many are not loved, who think they are! 
Yet all are willing to believe the fair;
And, though ’tis beauty’s known and obvious cheat,
Yet man’s self-love still favours the deceit. [Exit ABDAL.

Selin. Farewell, my children! equally so dear,
That I myself am to myself less near: 
While I repeat the dangers of the war,
Your mutual safety be each other’s care. 
Your father, Ozmyn, till the war be done,
As much as honour will permit, I’ll shun: 
If by his sword I perish, let him know
It was, because I would not be his foe.

Ozm. Goodness and virtue all your actions guide;
You only err in choosing of your side. 
That party I, with honour, cannot take;
But can much less the care of you forsake: 
I must not draw my sword against my prince,
But yet may hold a shield in your defence. 
Benzayda, free from danger, here shall stay,
And for a father and a lover pray.

Benz. No, no!  I gave not on those terms my heart,
That from my Ozmyn I should ever part: 
That love I vowed, when you did death attend,
’Tis just that nothing but my death should end. 
What merchant is it, who would stay behind,
His whole stock ventured to the waves and wind? 
I’ll pray for both, but both shall be in sight;
And heaven shall hear me pray, and see you fight.