Alm. 'Tis past!
In thy loved bosom let me breathe my last.
Here, in this one short moment that I live,
I have whate'er the longest life could give. [Dies.
Cort. Farewell, thou generous maid: Even victory,
Glad as it is, must lend some tears to thee;
Many I dare not shed, lest you believe [To CYD.
I joy in you less than for her I grieve.
Cyd. But are you sure she's dead?
I must embrace you fast, before I know,
Whether my life be yet secure, or no:
Some other hour I will to tears allow,
But, having you, can shew no sorrow now.
Enter GUYOMAR and ALIBECH bound, with Soldiers.
Cort. Prince Guyomar in bonds! O friendship's shame! It makes me blush to own a victor's name. [Unbinds him, CYDARIA, ALIBECH.
Cyd. See, Alibech, Almeria lies there; But do not think 'twas I that murdered her.
[ALIBECH kneels, and kisses her dead sister.
Cort. Live, and enjoy more than your conqueror: [To GUYOMAR. Take all my love, and share in all my power.
Guy. Think me not proudly rude, if I forsake
Those gifts I cannot with my honour take:
I for my country fought, and would again,
Had I yet left a country to maintain:
But since the gods decreed it otherwise,
I never will on its dear ruins rise.
Alib. Of all your goodness leaves to our dispose,
Our liberty's the only gift we chuse:
Absence alone can make our sorrows less;
And not to see what we can ne'er redress.