Lyndar. Have I for this betrayed Abdalla's trust?
You are to me, as I to him, unjust. [Angrily.
Abdelm. 'Tis like you have done much for love of me,
Who kept the fortress of my enemy.
Lyndar. 'Tis true, I took the fortress from his hand;
But, since, have kept it in my own command.
Abdelm. That act your foul ingratitude did show.
Lyndar. You are the ungrateful, since 'twas kept for you.
Abdelm. 'Twas kept indeed; but not by your intent:
For all your kindness I may thank the event.
Blush, Lyndaraxa, for so gross a cheat:
'Twas kept for me,—when you refused to treat! [Ironically.
Lyndar. Blind man! I knew the weakness of the place:
It was my plot to do your arms this grace.
Had not my care of your renown been great,
I loved enough to offer you to treat.
She, who is loved, must little lets create;
But you bold lovers are to force your fate.
This force, you used, my maiden blush will save;
You seemed to take, what secretly I gave.
I knew we must be conquered; but I knew
What confidence I might repose in you.
I knew, you were too grateful to expose
My friends, and soldiers, to be used like foes.
Abdelm. Well, though I love you not, their lives shall be
Spared out of pity and humanity.—
Alferez, [To a Soldier.] go, and let the slaughter cease. [Exit the Alferez.
Lyndar. Then must I to your pity owe my peace?
Is that the tenderest term you can afford?
Time was, you would have used another word.
Abdelm. Then, for your beauty I your soldiers spare:
For, though I do not love you, you are fair.