Benz. O, help my father! and my Ozmyn save!
Abdal. Villains, that death you have deserved is near!
Ozm. Stay, prince! and know, I have a father here!— [Stops Abdalla's hand.
I were that parricide, of whom he spoke,
Did not my piety prevent your stroke.
D. Arcos. to Aben. Depart, then, and thank heaven you had a son.
Aben. I am not with these shows of duty won.
Ozm. to his Father. Heaven knows, I would that life, you seek, resign;
But, while Benzayda lives, it is not mine.
Will you yet pardon my unwilling crime?
Aben. By no entreaties, by no length of time,
Will I be won; but, with my latest breath,
I'll curse thee here, and haunt thee after death. [Exit Aben. with his party.
Ozm. Can you be merciful to that degree, [Kneeling to Selin.
As to forgive my father's faults in me?
Can you forgive
The death of him I slew in my defence,
And from the malice separate the offence?
I can no longer be your enemy:
In short, now kill me, sir, or pardon me. [Offers him his sword.
In this your silence my hard fate appears.
Selin. I'll answer you, when I can speak for tears.
But, till I can,
Imagine what must needs be brought to pass; [Embraces him.
My heart's not made of marble, nor of brass.
Did I for you a cruel death prepare,
And have you, have you made my life your care!
There is a shame contracted by my faults,
Which hinders me to speak my secret thoughts.
And I will tell you—when the shame's removed—
You are not better by my daughter loved.—
Benzayda be yours.—I can no more.
Ozm. Blessed be that breath which does my life restore! [Embracing his knees.