Boab. O goodness counterfeited to the life! 
O the well-acted virtue of a wife! 
Would you with this my just suspicions blind? 
You’ve given me great occasion to be kind! 
The marks, too, of your spotless love appear;
Witness the badge of my dishonour there.
                                    [Pointing to ALMANZOR’S scarf.

Almanz. Unworthy owner of a gem so rare! 
Heavens! why must he possess, and I despair? 
Why is this miser doomed to all this store;
He, who has all, and yet believes he’s poor?

Almah. [to ALMANZ.]
You’re much too bold, to blame a jealousy
So kind in him, and so desired by me. 
The faith of wives would unrewarded prove,
Without those just observers of our love. 
The greater care the higher passion shows;
We hold that clearest we most fear to lose. 
Distrust in lovers is too warm a sun,
But yet ’tis night in love when that is gone;
And in those climes which most his scorching know,
He makes the noblest fruits and metals grow.

Almanz. Yes; there are mines of treasure in your breast,
Seen by that jealous sun, but not possest. 
He, like a devil, among the blest above,
Can take no pleasure in your heaven of love. 
Go, take her; and thy causeless fears remove; [To the King.
Love her so well, that I with rage may die: 
Dull husbands have no right to jealousy: 
If that’s allowed, it must in lovers be.

Boab. The succour, which thou bring’st me, makes thee bold: 
But know, without thy aid, my crown I’ll hold;
Or, if I cannot, I will fire the place,
Of a full city make a naked space. 
Hence, then, and from a rival set me free! 
I’ll do, I’ll suffer any thing but thee.

Almanz. I wonnot go; I’ll not be forced away: 
I came not for thy sake; nor do I stay. 
It was the queen who for my aid did send;
And ’tis I only can the queen defend: 
I, for her sake, thy sceptre will maintain;
And thou, by me, in spite of thee, shalt reign.

Boab. Had I but hope I could defend this place
Three days, thou should’st not live to my disgrace
So small a time;
Might I possess my Almahide alone,
I would live ages out ere they were gone. 
I should not be of love or life bereft;
All should be spent before, and nothing left.

Almah. [to BOAB.] As for your sake I for Almanzor sent,
So, when you please, he goes to banishment. 
You shall, at last, my loyalty approve: 
I will refuse no trial of my love.

Boab. How can I think you love me, while I see
That trophy of a rival’s victory? 
I’ll tear it from his side.

Almanz. I’ll hold it fast
As life, and when life’s gone, I’ll hold this last;
And if thou tak’st it after I am slain,
I’ll send my ghost to fetch it back again.