_Jul._ Not to thee, who reignest not, But to a country ever dear to me, And dearer now than ever: what we love Is loveliest in departure! One I thought, As every father thinks, the best of all, Graceful, and mild, and sensible, and chaste: Now all these qualities of form and soul Fade from before me, nor on anyone Can I repose, or be consoled by any. And yet in this torn heart I love her more Than I could love her when I dwelt on each, Or clasped them all united, and thanked God, Without a wish beyond.—Away, thou fiend! O ignominy, last and worst of all! I weep before thee—like a child—like mine— And tell my woes, fount of them all, to thee! FIRST ACT: FOURTH SCENE. ABDALAZIS _enters_. _Abd._ Julian, to thee, the terror of the faithless, I bring my father’s order, to prepare For the bright day that crowns thy brave exploits: Our enemy is at the very gate! And art thou here, with women in thy train, Crouching to gain admittance to their lord, And mourning the unkindness of delay! _Jul._ [_much agitated_, _goes towards the door_, _and returns_.] I am prepared: Prince, judge not hastily. _Abd._ Whether I should not promise all they ask, I too could hesitate, though earlier taught The duty to obey, and should rejoice To shelter in the universal storm A frame so delicate, so full of fears, So little used to outrage and to arms, As one of these; so humble, so uncheered At the gay pomp that smoothes the track of war. When she beheld me from afar dismount, And heard my trumpet, she alone drew back, And, as though doubtful of the help she seeks, Shuddered to see the jewels on my brow, And turned her eyes away, and wept aloud. The other stood awhile, and then advanced: I would have spoken, but she waved her hand And said, “Proceed, protect us, and avenge, And be thou worthier of the crown thou wearest.” Hopeful and happy is indeed our cause, When the most timid of the lovely hail Stranger and foe— _Rod._ [_unnoticed by_ ABDALAZIS.] And shrink but to advance. _Abd._ Thou tremblest? whence, O Julian! whence this change? Thou lovest still thy country.