_K._ I’ll do it, Sala: ’tis worth the price. _Sa._ There is yet one captive whom you cannot free. _K._ Who’s he? _Sa._ The prince. _K._ He counts not with the rest. _Sa._ Nay, since his wrong and claim stand above all. _K._ Thou art pleading for thyself, Sala: thou knowest I hold the prince for Ceuta. _Sa._ So, sire; for never 1271 Will you hold Ceuta for the prince. You asked My advice: you have it. Where my honour weighed not, Nor my long service finds me any favour, Suspect not I would use a lady’s tears: Tho’true it be, the grief that Almeh felt Hath been tenfold increased, since the good prince Who gave me life was asked to buy his own. _K._ But if I free the rest and keep the prince? _Sa._ A stinted favour brings no gladness. Yet 1280 You could not more, you cannot, nay you are pledged. _K._ Hark, Sala: I care not if he live or die. Did I not offer him his liberty On a condition? Since to win Morocco Is to have Ceuta, I may change my terms, And use him for that purpose, tho’it stand One remove from my object: and I see How I can make a bargain. Fetch my daughter, For the same day she marries Tarudante The prince and all the captives shall be hers: 1290 And she shall know it. Send her hither. _Sa._ I go. (_Aside._) Yet the condition mars the gift for all. [_Exit Sala._ _K._ Nay, he shall not dissuade me. ’Twas good counsel Slipped from him unawares; and tho’I swore To keep the prince till he surrendered Ceuta, That oath turned ’gainst myself I will cast o’er, Making his liberty my tool; and what Self-interest persuades I’ll do with grace.— That men are strong or weak, foolish or wise, According to the judgment of their fellows, 1300 Is doctrine for the multitude. For me I would possess my wisdom as my health, In verity, not semblance. _Re-enter Almeh._ _Al._ My father sent for me? _K._ Come hither, Almeh. I have news for thee. _Al._ Good news? _K._ Thou shalt say good. Guess. _Al._ There hath something happened? _K._ Something shall be. _Al._ Is it peace with Portugal? _K._ Nay, not so far. _Al._ Tell me. _K._ The Christian captives. _Al._ Dare I guess They may go free? _K._ ’Tis that. _Al._ O kindest father, Thou healest my heart, that hath the chief enlargement In this deliverance. If they know it not, 1311 May I go tell them? _K._ Stay. There’s one condition. It lies with thee to fix the day. _Al._ With me? I say to-day. _K._ Thou canst not say to-day. _Al._ How soon?