_Guy_. Things good or ill by circumstances be, In you 'tis virtue, what is vice in me. _Alib_. That ill is pardoned, which does good procure. _Guy_. The good's uncertain, but the ill is sure. _Alib_. When kings grow stubborn, slothful, or unwise, Each private man for public good should rise. _Guy_. Take heed, fair maid, how monarchs you accuse: Such reasons none but impious rebels use: Those, who to empire by dark paths aspire, Still plead a call to what they most desire; But kings by free consent their kingdoms take, Strict as those sacred ties which nuptials make; And whate'er faults in princes time reveal, None can be judge where can be no appeal. _Alib_. In all debates you plainly let me see You love your virtue best, but Odmar me: Go, your mistaken piety pursue: I'll have from him what is denied by you; With my commands you shall no more be graced. Remember, sir, this trial was your last. _Guy_. The gods inspire you with a better mind; Make you more just, and make you then more kind! But though from virtue's rules I cannot part, Think I deny you with a bleeding heart: 'Tis hard with me whatever choice I make; I must not merit you, or must forsake: But, in this strait, to honour I'll be true, And leave my fortune to the gods and you. _Enter Messenger privately_. _Mess_. Now is the time; be aiding to your fate; From the watch-tower, above the western-gate, I have discerned the foe securely lie, Too proud to fear a beaten enemy: Their careless chiefs to the cool grottoes run, The bowers of kings, to shade them from the sun. _Guy_. Upon thy life disclose thy news to none; I'll make the conquest or the shame my own. [_Exeunt_ GUYOMAR _and Messenger_. _Enter_ ODMAR. _Alib_. I read some welcome message in his eye: Prince Odmar comes: I'll see if he'll deny.-- Odmar, I come to tell you pleasing news; I begged a thing, your brother did refuse. _Odm_. The news both pleases me, and grieves me too; For nothing, sure, should be denied to you: But he was blessed who might commanded be; You never meant that happiness to me. _Alib_. What he refused, your kindness might bestow, But my commands, perhaps, your burden grow. _Odm_. Could I but live till burdensome they prove, My life would be immortal as my love. Your wish, ere it receive a name, I grant. _Alib_. 'Tis to relieve your dying country's want; All hopes of succour from your arms is past, To save us now you must our ruin haste; Give up the town, and, to oblige him more. The captive general's liberty restore. _Odm_. You speak to try my love; can you forgive So soon, to let your brother's murderer live? _Alib_. Orbellan, though my brother, did disgrace, With treacherous deeds, our mighty mother's race; And to revenge his blood, so justly spilt, What is it less than to partake his guilt? Though my proud sister to revenge incline, I to my country's good my own resign.