[The Moors press round.
Albert (rushing in among them). Draw thy sword, Maurice, and defend my brother.
[A scuffle, during which they disarm Maurice.
Osorio. Off, ruffians! I have flung away my sword.
Woman, my life is thine! to thee I give it. [270]
Off! he that touches me with his hand of flesh,
I'll rend his limbs asunder! I have strength
With this bare arm to scatter you like ashes!
Alhadra. My husband——
Osorio. Yes! I murder'd him most foully.
Albert (throws himself on the earth). O horrible!
Alhadra. Why didst thou leave his children? [275]
Demon! thou shouldst have sent thy dogs of hell
To lap their blood. Then, then, I might have harden'd
My soul in misery, and have had comfort.
I would have stood far off, quiet tho' dark,
And bade the race of men raise up a mourning [280]
For the deep horror of a desolation
Too great to be one soul's particular lot!
Brother of Zagri! let me lean upon thee. [Struggling to suppress her anguish.
The time is not yet come for woman's anguish—
I have not seen his blood. Within an hour [285]
Those little ones will crowd around and ask me,
Where is our father? [Looks at Osorio.
I shall curse thee then!
Wert thou in heaven, my curse would pluck thee thence!
Maria. See—see! he doth repent. I kneel to thee.
Be merciful! [Maria kneels to her. Alhadra regards her face wistfully.