Now, noble prince, thou hast overcome our foes; This is thy second battlefield, whereon Thy love may win like conquest as thy sword. Pitch here thy tent, and make thy war in peace. Forget the reeking and gore-dappled plain Mid scent of pinks and jasmin, and the flush Of oleander and full-blooded rose. See, I will lead thee to the virgin fortress That thou mayst kneel to take. Come hither, Almeh: Here is the prince thy lover. Tarudante, 541 Behold her whom I offer thee for queen. _Al._ (_aside, coming forward_). Now of these two might I but choose. _K._ Come, daughter, Put off this modesty. _Al._ (_aside_). My eyes refuse him. _TARUDANTE._ Lady, forgive my boldness in desiring What I had never seen. Thy beauty’s fame, The high nobility of this alliance Led me so far; but now I have seen, I see I must be bolder, or renounce my boldness, That begged a grace so far beyond my thought. 550 _Al._ I should be much ashamed, prince, if thy suit, Which seeks the honour of my father’s house, Stumbled at my unworthiness: but praise Of pictures,—and mere beauty is no more,— Exalteth but the maker. May the days Thou spendest here with us be rich in peace. [_Going._ _FERDINAND_ (_aside to En._). By heaven, the devil is gentle to these Moors: They match our folk in beauty as in arms. _K._ Stay, Almeh, stay! [_Almeh turns._ _ENRIQUE_ (_to F._). These be the Spanish Arab: such a race Sprang never from the sooty loins of Ham. 560 _Al._ (_to K._). Excuse me, sire, I pray. [_Exit with Zapel._ _Fer._ (_to En._). Devil or angel or Arab, she hath stolen my soul. _Tar._ Such perfect grace, such speech and modesty Outbid my fancy; I would fight thy battles For twenty years to call thy treasure mine. _K._ I say she is thine, and she is my only child. _SALA_ (_aside_). And I must hear this spoken, and hold my peace.