D. Arcos. It proves the same design which we had laid.
Before the castle let a bar be set;
And when the captives on each side are met,
With equal numbers chosen for their guard,
Just at the time the passage is unbarred,
Let both at once advance, at once be free.
Lyndar. The exchange I will myself in person see.
Benz. I fear to ask, yet would from doubt be freed,—
Is Selin captive, sir, or is he dead?
Zul. I grieve to tell you what you needs must know,—
He is a prisoner to his greatest foe;
Kept with strong guards in the Alhambra tower;
Without the reach even of Almanzor's power.
Ozm. With grief and shame I am at once opprest.
Zul. You will be more, when I relate the rest.
To you I from Abenamar am sent, [To Ozmyn.
And you alone can Selin's death prevent.
Give up yourself a prisoner in his stead;
Or, ere to-morrow's dawn, believe him dead.
Benz. Ere that appear, I shall expire with grief.
Zul. Your action swift, your counsel must be brief.
Lyndar. While for Abdalla's freedom we prepare,
You in each other's breast unload your care. [Exeunt all but Ozmyn and Benzayda.
Benz. My wishes contradictions must imply;
You must not go; and yet he must not die.
Your reason may, perhaps, the extremes unite;
But there's a mist of fate before my sight.