_Almanz._ 'Tis not contempt, When your command is issued out too late; 'Tis past my power, and all beyond is fate. I scarce could leave you, when to exile sent, Much less when now recalled from banishment; For if that heat your glances cast were strong, Your eyes, like glasses, fire, when held so long. _Almah._ Then, since you needs will all my weakness know, I love you; and so well, that you must go. I am so much obliged, and have withal A heart so boundless and so prodigal, I dare not trust myself, or you, to stay, But, like frank gamesters, must forswear the play. _Almanz._ Fate, thou art kind to strike so hard a blow: I am quite stunned, and past all feeling now. Yet--can you tell me you have power and will To save my life, and at that instant kill? _Almah._ This, had you staid, you never must have known; But, now you go, I may with honour own. _Almanz._ But, madam, I am forced to disobey: In your defence my honour bids me stay. I promised to secure your life and throne, And, heaven be thanked, that work is yet undone. _Almah._ I here make void that promise which you made, For now I have no farther need of aid. That vow, which to my plighted lord was given, I must not break, but may transfer to heaven: I will with vestals live: There needs no guard at a religious door; Few will disturb the praying and the poor. _Almanz._ Let me but near that happy temple stay, And through the grates peep on you once a day; To famished hope I would no banquet give: I cannot starve, and wish but just to live. Thus, as a drowning man Sinks often, and does still more faintly rise, With his last hold catching whate'er he spies; So, fallen from those proud hopes I had before, Your aid I for a dying wretch implore. _Almah._ I cannot your hard destiny withstand, BOABDELIN, _and Guards above._ But slip, like bending rushes, from your hand. Sink all at once, since you must sink at last. _Almanz._ Can you that last relief of sight remove, And thrust me out the utmost line of love! Then, since my hopes of happiness are gone, Denied all favours, I will seize this one. [_Catches her hand, and kisses it._ _Boab._ My just revenge no longer I'll forbear: I've seen too much; I need not stay to hear. [_Descends._ _Almanz._ As a small shower To the parched earth does some refreshment give, So, in the strength of this, one day I'll live: A day,--a year,--an age,--for ever, now; [_Betwixt each word he kisses her hand by force; she struggling._ I feel from every touch a new soul flow. [_She snatches her hand away._ My hoped eternity of joy is past! 'Twas insupportable, and could not last. Were heaven not made of less, or duller joy, 'Twould break each minute, and itself destroy. _Enter King and Guards, below._ _Boab._ This, this, is he, for whom thou didst deny To share my bed:--Let them together die. _Almah._ Hear me, my lord.