_Za._ I say but what I see. The infidel is dazzled by thy beauty; 1030 And if thou dost not love his flatteries, How is it that thou art found so oft alone Where he must walk? that now these three days past At break of dawn, ere thou wast used to stir Thou must go forth, because the moon is bright, Or dwindling stars should be beheld, or flowers Gathered in dew; and I, who must be roused To bear thee company, am in haste dismissed, Or sent on useless errands, while the prince 1039 Steals in my place? If I should say ’twas love.... _Al._ Folly! what folly in thee. And if ’twere true, Should I need thee to tell me? Go fetch my yellow roses. _Za._ And in time: See here he comes. _Al._ Begone. _Za._ Ay, I must go. (_Aside._) But I can send another. [_Exit._ _Al._ What is it I resent? that others see us Is our life’s evidence: loving as being Needs this conviction. _Enter Ferdinand._ _FERDINAND._ What, Almeh! thou’rt here? Dost thou indeed await me? _Al._ Didst thou think I should play truant like an idle child, 1050 Who when the clock has struck cannot be found, And must be dragged to school? _Fer._ O nay. But in this world, Where all things move outside our reckoning, To find the least desire hath come to pass Will seem a miracle. _Al._ What is thy desire? What is the miracle? _Fer._ O beauteous Almeh! If I might call thee Christian! _Al._ Nay, I know not: But what I have learned makes me desire the name. _Fer._ Now is the purpose of my expedition Revealed: for this I sailed to Africa: 1060 For this I was defeated, and for this Brought captive here. ’Tis thou that art my prize. _Al._ ’Twere a poor prize for so much war: but tell me, How came it thou’rt a soldier? _Fer._ Thou hast thought My failure shames that title? _Al._ Nay, I ask How, being a Christian, thou professest arms. Why hast thou come against us, with no plea Save thy religion, and that happy gospel Thou hast trampled on in coming, Peace on earth?