DEMETRIUS. Shall, then, the savage live, to boast his insult; Tell, how Demetrius shunn'd his single hand, And stole his life and mistress from his sabre? 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. ASPASIA. In vain I listen to th' inviting call Of freedom and of love; my trembling joints, Relax'd with fear, refuse to bear me forward. Depart, Demetrius, lest my fate involve thee; Forsake a wretch abandon'd to despair, To share the miseries herself has caus'd. DEMETRIUS. Let us not struggle with th' eternal will, Nor languish o'er irreparable ruins; Come, haste and live--Thy innocence and truth Shall bless our wand'rings, and propitiate heav'n. IRENE. Press not her flight, while yet her feeble nerves Refuse their office, and uncertain life Still labours with imaginary woe; Here let me tend her with officious care, Watch each unquiet flutter of the breast, And joy to feel the vital warmth return, To see the cloud forsake her kindling cheek, And hail the rosy dawn of rising health. ASPASIA. Oh! rather, scornful of flagitious greatness, Resolve to share our dangers and our toils, Companion of our flight, illustrious exile, Leave slav'ry, guilt, and infamy behind.