D.  Arcos. Yet there is a reward to valour due,
And such it is as may be sought by you;
That beauteous queen, whom you can never gain,
While you secure her husband’s life and reign.

Almanz. Then be it so; let me have no return
                       [Here LYNDARAXA comes near, and hears them.
From him but hatred, and from her but scorn. 
There is this comfort in a noble fate,
That I deserve to be more fortunate. 
You have my last resolve; and now, farewell: 
My boding heart some mischief does foretell;
But what it is, heaven will not let me know. 
I’m sad to death, that I must be your foe.

D.  Arcos. Heaven, when we meet, if fatal it must be To one, spare him, and cast the lot on me. [They retire.

Lyndar. Ah, what a noble conquest were this heart! 
I am resolved I’ll try my utmost art: 
In gaining him, I gain that fortune too,
Which he has wedded, and which I but woo. 
I’ll try each secret passage to his mind,
And love’s soft bands about his heart-strings wind. 
Not his vowed constancy shall ’scape my snare;
While he without resistance does prepare,
I’ll melt into him ere his love’s aware.
                     [She makes a gesture of invitation to ALMANZOR,
                      who returns again.

Lyndar. You see, sir, to how strange a remedy
A persecuted maid is forced to fly: 
Who, much distressed, yet scarce has confidence
To make your noble pity her defence.

Almanz. Beauty, like yours, can no protection need;
Or, if it sues, is certain to succeed. 
To whate’er service you ordain my hand,
Name your request, and call it your command.

Lyndar. You cannot, sir, but know, that my ill fate
Has made me loved with all the effects of hate: 
One lover would, by force, my person gain;
Which one, as guilty, would by force detain. 
Rash Abdelmelech’s love I cannot prize,
And fond Abdalla’s passion I despise. 
As you are brave, so you are prudent too;
Advise a wretched woman what to do.

Almanz. Have courage, fair one, put your trust in me;
You shall, at least, from those you hate, be free. 
Resign your castle to the king’s command,
And leave your love concernments in my hand.

Lyndar. The king, like them, is fierce, and faithless too;
How can I trust him who has injured you? 
Keep for yourself, (and you can grant no less)
What you alone are worthy to possess. 
Enter, brave sir; for, when you speak the word,
These gates will open of their own accord;
The genius of the place its lord will meet,
And bend its tow’ry forehead to your feet. 
That little citadel, which now you see,
Shall, then, the head of conquered nations be;
And every turret, from your coming, rise
The mother of some great metropolis.