_K._ Ay, but thou breakst my tale;—mark what I tell.— The victory mine, I looked to make fair peace, And would have given my prisoners in exchange For Ceuta; but the prince of Portugal, Behind those walls retired, refused the ransom; And gathering reinforcement hath come forth To devastate the country. ’Tis ’gainst him 160 That Sala marched five days ago. Meanwhile Morocco, who was treating for thy hand, Heard tidings of our war, and having now An armament collected ’gainst the tribes, Has turned it to my rescue. ’Twas for this I sent for thee; in furtherance of thy marriage; Hoping thereby to bind him in the terms I have to tell thee. However Sala fare, And hitherto no news comes from his camp, ’Twere no achievement worthy of Tarudante 170 To make dispersal of a broken foe: I shall propose a greater enterprise; I’ll say ’Thou wilt not grudge to sweep the bounds Of the fair realm, whose heiress thou wouldst wed. Make we this compact—Win me Ceuta back And drive the idolaters across the sea, Ere thou take home my daughter for thy queen.’ _Al._ But doth Morocco, sire, know I am here? _K._ Nay, nor myself knew, when I sent for thee, How ’twould fall out: ’twas timed most happily. 180 _Al._ But coming not to woo, may he not find Offence in the constraint; as I confess I feel to lay it on him, tho’my lover? _K._ Nay, nay, girl; he is in earnest; meet him frankly; ’Tis by his love thou shalt restore my town. _Enter Messenger._ _MESSENGER._ News from the army, Sire. _K._ Thou lookest black: What is it? speak. _Mess._ O mighty king, ’tis ill. Sala ben Sala’s forces were attacked At nightfall by the Christians. In the dark Was battle waged. By morn what men remained 190 And all the camp were captive. _K._ God forbid! Five thousand men were there: be none escaped? _Mess._ Such as in darkness fled. _K._ And fledst thou thence? _Mess._ The general sent me on. _K._ And what of him? _Mess._ The dawn discovered him, when all was lost, Fighting on foot upon a little hill, Surrounded by the foe; when seeing no hope, He made surrender to the Christian leader, Who gave him liberty. Thus far to tell He bade, and that he followed speedily. 200 _K._ When will he come? _Mess._ Sire, tho’I used all duty, He hath overtaken me and dismounts without. _K._ Go, wait upon him. [_Exit Messenger._ Accursed be the seed Of these idolaters. Five thousand men, The best in Fez: the right arm of my power Lost in one night. Five thousand men were there. Ah! by God’s holiest names! _Al._ Thank heaven, dear father, The best is saved, if Sala be escaped.