_Boab._ Your flattering arts are vain: Make haste, and execute what I ordain. [_To the Guards._ _Almanz._ Cut piece-meal in this cause, From every wound I should new vigour take, And every limb should new Almanzors make. [_He puts himself before the Queen; the Guards attack him, with the King._ _Enter_ ABDELMELECH. _Abdelm._ What angry god, to exercise his spite, [_To the King._ Has arm'd your left hand, to cut off your right? [_The King turns, the fight ceases._ The foes are entered at the Elvira gate: False Lyndaraxa has the town betrayed, And all the Zegrys give the Spaniards aid. _Boab._ O mischief, not suspected nor foreseen! _Abdelm._ Already they have gained the Zacatin, And thence the Vivarambla place possest, While our faint soldiers scarce defend the rest. The duke of Arcos does one squadron head, The next by Ferdinand himself is led. _Almah._ Now, brave Almanzor, be a god again; Above our crimes and your own passions reign. My lord has been by jealousy misled, To think I was not faithful to his bed. I can forgive him, though my death he sought, For too much love can never be a fault. Protect him, then; and what to his defence You give not, give to clear my innocence. _Almanz._ Listen, sweet heaven, and all ye blessed above, Take rules of virtue from a mortal love! You've raised my soul; and if it mount more high, 'Tis as the wren did on the eagle fly. Yes, I once more will my revenge neglect, And, whom you can forgive, I can protect. _Boab._ How hard a fate is mine, still doomed to shame! I make occasions for my rival's fame! [_Exeunt. An alarm within._ _Enter_ FERDINAND, ISABELLA, _Don_ ALONZO D'AGUILAR; _Spaniards and Ladies._ _K. Ferd._ Already more than half the town is gained, But there is yet a doubtful fight maintained. _Alonz._ The fierce young king the entered does attack, And the more fierce Almanzor drives them back. _K. Ferd._ The valiant Moors like raging lions fight; Each youth encouraged by his lady's sight. _Q. Isabel._ I will advance with such a shining train, That Moorish beauties shall oppose in vain. Into the press of clashing swords we'll go, And, where the darts fly thickest, seek the foe. _K. Ferd._ May heaven, which has inspired this generous thought, Avert those dangers you have boldly sought! Call up more troops; the women, to our shame, Will ravish from the men their part of fame. [_Exeunt_ ISABELLA _and Ladies._ _Enter_ ALABEZ, _and kisses the King's hand._ _Alabez._ Fair Lyndaraxa, and the Zegry line, Have led their forces with your troops to join; The adverse part, which obstinately fought, Are broke, and Abdelmelech prisoner brought. _K. Ferd._ Fair Lyndaraxa, and her friends, shall find The effects of an obliged and grateful mind.