Abdal. I cannot, will not,—nay, I would not fly:
I'll love, be blind, be cozened till I die;
And you, who bid me wiser counsel take,
I'll hate, and, if I can, I'll kill you for her sake.
Abdelm. Even I, that counselled you, that choice approve:
I'll hate you blindly, and her blindly love.
Prudence, that stemmed the stream, is out of breath:
And to go down it is the easier death.
Lyndaraxa re-enters, and smiles on Abdalla.
[Exit Abdalla.
Abdelm. That smile on Prince Abdalla seems to say,
You are not in your killing mood to day:
Men brand, indeed, your sex with cruelty,
But you are too good to see poor lovers die.
This god-like pity in you I extol;
And more, because, like heaven's, 'tis general.
Lyndar. My smile implies not that I grant his suit:
'Twas but a bare return of his salute.
Abdelm. It said, you were engaged, and I in place;
But, to please both, you would divide the grace.
Lyndar. You've cause to be contented with your part,
When he has but the look, and you the heart.
Abdelm. In giving but that look, you give what's mine:
I'll not one corner of a glance resign.
All's mine; and I am covetous of my store:
I have not love enough, I'll tax you more.
Lyndar. I gave not love; 'twas but civility:
He is a prince; that's due to his degree.