Benz. Blind queen of Chance, to lovers too severe,
Thou rulest mankind, but art a tyrant there!
Thy widest empire's in a lover's breast:
Like open seas, we seldom are at rest.
Upon thy coasts our wealth is daily cast;
And thou, like pirates, mak'st no peace to last.
To them Lyndaraxa, Duke of Arcos, and Guards.
D. Arcos. We were surprised when least we did suspect,
And justly suffered by our own neglect.
Lyndar. No; none but I have reason to complain!
So near a kingdom, yet 'tis lost again!
O, how unequally in me were joined
A creeping fortune, with a soaring mind!
O lottery of fate! where still the wise
Draw blanks of fortune, and the fools the prize!
These cross, ill-shuffled lots from heaven are sent,
Yet dull Religion teaches us content;
But when we ask it where the blessing dwells,
It points to pedant colleges, and cells;
There shows it rude, and in a homely dress,
And that proud Want mistakes for happiness. [A trumpet within.
Enter Zulema.
Brother! what strange adventure brought you here?
Zul. The news I bring will yet more strange appear.
The little care you of my life did show,
Has of a brother justly made a foe;
And Abdelmelech who that life did save,
As justly has deserved that life he gave.
Lyndar. Your business cools, while tediously it stays
On the low theme of Abdelmelech's praise.
Zul. This I present from Prince Abdalla's hands. [Delivers a letter, which she reads.
Lyndar. He has proposed, (to free him from his bands)
That, with his brother, an exchange be made.