Hamet. The king by me salutes you; and, to show
That to your valour he his crown does owe,
Would from your mouth I should the word receive,
And that to these you would your orders give.
Almanz. He much o'er-rates the little I have done. [Almanzor goes to the door, and there seems to give out orders, by sending people several ways.
Selin to Ozmyn. Now, to revenge the murder of my son,
To morrow for thy certain death prepare;
This night I only leave thee to despair.
Ozmyn. Thy idle menaces I do not fear:
My business was to die or conquer here.
Sister, for you I grieve I could no more:
My present state betrays my want of power;
But, when true courage is of force bereft,
Patience, the only fortitude, is left. [Exit with Selin.
Almah. Ah, Esperanza, what for me remains
But death, or, worse than death, inglorious chains!
Esper. Madam, you must not to despair give place;
Heaven never meant misfortune to that face.
Suppose there were no justice in your cause,
Beauty's a bribe that gives her judges laws.
That you are brought to this deplored estate,
Is but the ingenious flattery of your fate;
Fate fears her succour, like an alms, to give;
And would you, God-like, from yourself should live.
Almah. Mark but how terribly his eyes appear!
And yet there's something roughly noble there,
Which, in unfashioned nature, looks divine,
And, like a gem, does in the quarry shine. [Almanzor returns; she falls at his feet, being veiled.
Almah. Turn, mighty conqueror, turn your face this way,
Do not refuse to hear the wretched pray!
Almanz. What business can this woman have with me?
Almah. That of the afflicted to the Deity.
So may your arms success in battle find;
So may the mistress of your vows be kind,
If you have any; or, if you have none,
So may your liberty be still your own!