Boab. Had I but hope I could defend this place
Three days, thou should'st not live to my disgrace
So small a time;
Might I possess my Almahide alone,
I would live ages out ere they were gone.
I should not be of love or life bereft;
All should be spent before, and nothing left.
Almah. [to Boab.]
As for your sake I for Almanzor sent,
So, when you please, he goes to banishment.
You shall, at last, my loyalty approve:
I will refuse no trial of my love.
Boab. How can I think you love me, while I see
That trophy of a rival's victory?
I'll tear it from his side.
Almanz. I'll hold it fast
As life, and when life's gone, I'll hold this last;
And if thou tak'st it after I am slain,
I'll send my ghost to fetch it back again.
Almah. When I bestowed that scarf, I had not thought,
Or not considered it might be a fault;
But, since my lord's displeased that I should make
So small a present, I command it back.
Without delay the unlucky gift restore;
Or, from this minute, never see me more.
Almanz. The shock of such a curse I dare not stand: [Pulling it off hastily, and presenting it to her.
Thus I obey your absolute command. [She gives it to the King.
Must he the spoils of scorn'd Almanzor wear?—
May Turnus' fate be thine, who dared to bear
The belt of murdered Pallas! from afar
Mayest thou be known, and be the mark of war!
Live, just to see it from thy shoulders torn
By common hands, and by some coward worn. [An alarm within.
Enter Abdelmelech, Zulema, Hamet, Abenamar; their swords drawn.
Abdelm. Is this a time for discord or for grief?
We perish, sir, without your quick relief.
I have been fooled, and am unfortunate;
The foes pursue their fortune and our fate.
Zul. The rebels with the Spaniards are agreed.
Boab. Take breath; my guards shall to the fight succeed.