Enter Lyndaraxa.
Lyndar. O, could I read the dark decrees of fate,
That I might once know whom to love, or hate!
For I myself scarce my own thoughts can guess,
So much I find them varied by success.
As in some weather-glass, my love I hold;
Which falls or rises with the heat or cold.—
I will be constant yet, if fortune can;
I love the king,—let her but name the man.
Enter Halyma.
Hal. Madam, a gentleman, to me unknown,
Desires that he may speak with you alone.
Lyndar. Some message from the king.—Let him appear.
Enter Abdelmelech; who throws off his disguise.—She starts.
Abdelm. I see you are amazed that I am here:
But let at once your fear and wonder end.
In the usurper's guards I found a friend,
Who led me safe to you in this disguise.
Lyndar. Your danger brings this trouble in my eyes.—
But what affair this 'venturous visit drew?
Abdelm. The greatest in the world,—the seeing you.
Lyndar. The courage of your love I so admire,
That, to preserve you, you shall straight retire. [She leads him to the door.
Go, dear! each minute does new dangers bring;
You will be taken, I expect the king.