_Leon._ The victor comes. My lord, I must withdraw. [_exit._ _Enter Don Alonzo._ _Car._ Alonzo! _Alon._ Carlos!--I am whole again; Clasp'd in thy arms, it makes my heart entire. _Car._ Whom dare I thus embrace? The conqueror Of Afric. _Alon._ Yes, much more--Don Carlos' friend. The conquest of the world would cost me dear, Should it beget one thought of distance in thee. I rise in virtues to come nearer to thee. I conquer with Don Carlos in mine eye, And thus I claim my victory's reward. [_embraces him._ _Car._ A victory indeed! your godlike arm Has made one spot the grave of Africa; Such numbers fell! and the survivors fled As frighted passengers from off the strand, When the tempestuous sea comes roaring on them. _Alon._ 'Twas Carlos conquer'd, 'twas his cruel chains Inflam'd me to a rage unknown before, And threw my former actions far behind. _Car._ I love fair Leonora. How I love her! Yet still I find (I know not how it is) Another heart, another soul, for thee. _Enter Zanga._ _Zan._ Manuel, my lord, returning from the port, On business both of moment and of haste, Humbly begs leave to speak in private with you. _Car._ In private!--Ha!--Alonzo, I'll return; No business can detain me long from thee. [_exit._ _Zan._ My lord Alonzo, I obey'd your orders. _Alon._ Will the fair Leonora pass this way? _Zan._ She will, my lord, and soon. _Alon._ Come near me, Zanga; For I dare open all my heart to thee. Never was such a day of triumph known!-- There's not a wounded captive in my train, That slowly follow'd my proud chariot wheels, With half a life, and beggary, and chains. But is a god to me: I am most wretched.-- In his captivity, thou know'st, don Carlos, My friend (and never was a friend more dear) Deputed me his advocate in love, To talk to Leonora's heart, and make A tender party in her thoughts for him. What did I do?--I lov'd myself. Indeed, One thing there is might lessen my offence (If such offence admits of being lessen'd); I thought him dead; for (by what fate I know not) His letters never reach'd me. _Zan._ Thanks to Zanga, [_aside._ Who thence contriv'd that evil which has happen'd. _Alon._ Yes, curs'd of heav'n! I lov'd myself, and now, In a late action, rescu'd from the Moors, I have brought home my rival in my friend. _Zan._ We hear, my lord, that in that action too, Your interposing arm preserv'd his life. _Alon._ It did--with more than the expense of mine: For, oh, this day is mention'd for their nuptials. But see, she comes; I'll take my leave, and die. [_retires._ _Zan._ Hadst thou a thousand lives, thy death would please me. Unhappy fate! my country overcome! My six years' hope of vengeance quite expir'd!-- Would nature were--I will not fall alone: But others' groans shall tell the world my death. [_exit._ _Enter Leonora._ _Alon._ When nature ends with anguish like to this, Sinners shall take their last leave of the sun, And bid his light adieu.