Leon. Oh, let me fall before you, and ne’er rise,
Till I have made you know what Gratitude
Is fit for such a Bounty!—
Haste, my Alonzo—haste—and treat with Philip;
Nor do I wish his Freedom, but on such Terms
As may be advantageous to the Moor.
Alon. Nor I, by Heaven! I know the Prince’s Soul, Though it be fierce, has Gratitude and Honour; And for a Deed like this, will make returns, Such as are worthy of the brave Obliger. [Exit Alon.
Abd. Yes, if he be not gone to Heaven before you come. [Aside. —What will become of Abdelazer now, Who with his Power has thrown away his Liberty?
Leon. Your Liberty! Oh, Heaven forbid that you,
Who can so generously give Liberty,
Should be depriv’d of it!
It must not be whilst Leonora lives.
Abd. ‘Tis she that takes it from me.
Leon. I! Alas, I wou’d not for the World Give you one minute’s Pain.
Abd. You cannot help it, ‘tis against your Will; Your Eyes insensibly do wound and kill.
Leon. What can you mean? and yet I fear to know.
Abd. Most charming of your Sex! had Nature made
This clouded Face, like to my Heart, all Love,
It might have spar’d that Language which you dread;
Whose rough harsh sound, unfit for tender Ears,
Will ill express the Business of my Life.
Leon. Forbear it, if that Business, Sir, be Love.