Flo. Will you permit
The general kneel so long?
Queen. Fear not, Floriana;
My lord knows how to rise, though I should strive
To hinder it.
Dec. Here, statue-like, I'll fix
For ever, till your pity (for your love
I must despair) enforce a life within me.
Alarum, and enter Ossuna.
Oss. O my lord!
To arms, to arms! The enemy, encouraged
By a strange leader, wheel'd about the town,
And desperately surpris'd the careless guard.
One gate's already theirs.
Dec. Have I your licence?
Queen. To augment your own command, and keep me still
An humble captive.
Dec. Madam, your disdain
Distracts me more than all th' assaults of fortune!
[Exeunt all but the Queen, Floriana, and Cleantha.
Queen. My fate, O, whither dost thou lead me? Why
Is my youth destin'd to the storms of war?
What is my crime, you heavenly Powers, that it
Must challenge blood for expiation?