Almah. If I could yield,—­but think not that I will,—­
You and myself I in revenge should kill;
For I should hate us both, when it were done,
And would not to the shame of life be won.

Almanz. Live but to-night, and trust to-morrow’s mind: 
Ere that can come, there’s a whole life behind. 
Methinks, already crowned with joys I lie,
Speechless and breathless, in an ecstasy! 
Not absent in one thought:  I am all there: 
Still close, yet wishing still to be more near.

Almah. Deny your own desires; for it will be
Too little now to be denied by me. 
Will he, who does all great, all noble seem,
Be lost and forfeit to his own esteem? 
Will he, who may with heroes claim a place,
Belie that fame, and to himself be base? 
Think how august and godlike you did look,
When my defence, unbribed, you undertook;
But, when an act so brave you disavow,
How little, and how mercenary now!

Almanz. Are, then, my services no higher prized?  And can I fall so low, to be despised?

Almah. Yes; for whatever may be bought, is low;
And you yourself, who sell yourself, are so. 
Remember the great act you did this day: 
How did your love to virtue then give way! 
When you gave freedom to my captive lord,—­
That rival who possessed what you adored,—­
Of such a deed what price can there be made? 
Think well; is that an action to be paid? 
It was a miracle of virtue shown;
And wonders are with wonder paid alone. 
And would you all that secret joy of mind,
Which great souls only in great actions find,
All that, for one tumultuous minute lose?

Almanz, I would that minute before ages chuse.  Praise is the pay of heaven for doing good; But love’s the best return for flesh and blood.

Almah. You’ve moved my heart so much, I can deny
No move; but know, Almanzor, I can die. 
Thus far my virtue yields; if I have shown
More love than what I ought, let this atone. [Going to stab herself.

Almanz. Hold, hold! 
Such fatal proofs of love you shall not give: 
Deny me; hate me; both are just,—­but live! 
Your virtue I will ne’er disturb again;
Nor dare to ask, for fear I should obtain.

Almah. ’Tis generous to have conquered your desire;
You mount above your wish, and lose it higher. 
There’s pride in virtue, and a kindly heat;
Not feverish, like your love, but full as great. 
Farewell; and may our loves hereafter be
But image-like, to heighten piety.

Almanz. ’Tis time I should be gone.—­
Alas!  I am but half converted yet;
All I resolve, I with one look forget;
And, like a lion, whom no arts can tame,
Shall tear even those, who would my rage reclaim. [Exeunt severally.
                            [ZULEMA and HAMET watch ALMANZOR; and
                             when he is gone, go in after the Queen.