Q. Isabel. Have courage, madam; heaven has joys in store,
To recompence those losses you deplore.
Almah. I know your God can all my woes redress;
To him I made my vows in my distress:
And, what a misbeliever vowed this day,
Though not a queen, a Christian yet shall pay.
Q. Isabel. (Embracing her.)
That Christian name you shall receive from me,
And Isabella of Granada be.
Benz. This blessed change we all with joy receive;
And beg to learn that faith which you believe.
Q. Isabel. With reverence for those holy rites prepare;
And all commit your fortunes to my care.
K. Ferd. to Almah.
You, madam, by that crown you lose, may gain,
If you accept, a coronet of Spain,
Of which Almanzor's father stands possest.
Q. Isabel. to Almah.
May you in him, and he in you, be blest!
Almah. I owe my life and honour to his sword;
But owe my love to my departed lord.
Almanz. Thus, when I have no living force to dread,
Fate finds me enemies amongst the dead.
I'm now to conquer ghosts, and to destroy
The strong impressions of a bridal joy.
Almah. You've yet a greater foe than these can be,—
Virtue opposes you, and modesty.