_Ch._ Ay, ay. Well done! Convert our high-walled prison to a fortress strong— To Ceuta horse a courier—or all at night Make our escape by flight.— Each choosing a swift steed.— Better await until they send A rescue.—Nay, how long Could we sustain the fight? (1.) Now tell me, was I wrong 980 Speaking of hope? _Ch._ Nay, nay. We make thee leader.—Show the way To bring this soon about. (1.) Mark me. I say This is no council-chamber, and I fear, Unless we now make end, Joy will exalt our voices to betray Our hope, ere ’tis well founded. Let us return Submissively to our pit, and as we go Sing a strain full of woe, That, reaching to the princess’ear, 990 May work upon her, that she yearn To set us free. With step and voice I lead. Follow. _Ch._ We give thee heed.— [_Going, singing as they go._ ACT · III _ALMEH._ O delicate air, inviting The birth of the sun, to fire The heavy glooms of the sea with silver laughter: Ye sleepy flowers, that tire In melting dreams of the day, To splendour disregardful, with sloth awaking; Rejoice, rejoice, alway; 1000 But why are ye taking My soul to follow you after, To awake with you, and be joyful in your delighting? Ay me! _Enter Zapel from the garden, with a basket of flowers._ _ZAPEL._ Here are thy lilies. _Al._ ’Tis enough of these; I thank thee, Zapel. Now there grows a flower Wild 'neath the castle walls, a yellow rose It seems, of stubborn habit, branching low; When walking on the ramparts I have seen it, And wondered whence it drew its sustenance, 1010 In scattered tufts upon the waste sea sand; Go to the gate, and say I sent thee forth; And pluck me blooms, and a young stem of it That I may plant at home: if it should thrive, It shall be proud I ever looked upon it. Why dost thou laugh? Didst thou not hearken, girl? _Za._ I heard thee well: Go forth, Zapel, thou saidst; Go where thou wilt, so thou return not soon. Now is the hour prince Ferdinand should come: Lovers would be alone. _Al._ Be sure of this; 1020 ’Tis my sole comfort to be rid of thee; And when we are back in Fez, I will bestow thee Upon another mistress. _Za._ If ’tis Fez, I care not. I’ll commend me to the queen That shall be of Morocco ... why, thou goest The way to spoil thy fortunes, and dost shame The suit of a most high and worthy prince By favouring the Christian. _Al._ Favouring Dar’st thou to say?