ABDALLA.
Infatuate loiterer, has fate, in vain,
Unclasp'd his iron gripe to set thee free?
Still dost thou flutter in the jaws of death;
Snar'd with thy fears, and maz'd in stupefaction?
DEMETRIUS.
Forgive, my fair; 'tis life, 'tis nature calls:
Now, traitor, feel the fear that chills my hand.
ASPASIA.
'Tis madness to provoke superfluous danger,
And cowardice to dread the boast of folly.
ABDALLA.
Fly, wretch, while yet my pity grants thee flight;
The pow'r of Turkey waits upon my call.
Leave but this maid, resign a hopeless claim,
And drag away thy life, in scorn and safety,
Thy life, too mean a prey to lure Abdalla.
DEMETRIUS.
Once more I dare thy sword; behold the prize,
Behold, I quit her to the chance of battle.
[Quitting Aspasia.
ABDALLA.
Well may'st thou call thy master to the combat,
And try the hazard, that hast nought to stake;
Alike my death or thine is gain to thee;
But soon thou shalt repent: another moment
Shall throw th' attending janizaries round thee.
[Exit, hastily, Abdalla.
SCENE V.
ASPASIA, IRENE, DEMETRIUS.
IRENE.
Abdalla fails; now, fortune, all is mine. [Aside.
Haste, Murza, to the palace, let the sultan
[To one of her attendant
Despatch his guards to stop the flying traitors,
While I protract their stay. Be swift and faithful.
[Exit Murza.
This lucky stratagem shall charm the sultan, [Aside.
Secure his confidence, and fix his love.
DEMETRIUS.
Behold a boaster's worth! Now snatch, my fair,
The happy moment; hasten to the shore,
Ere he return with thousands at his side.