_Q. Isabel._ to _Almah._ May you in him, and he in you, be blest! _Almah._ I owe my life and honour to his sword; But owe my love to my departed lord. _Almanz._ Thus, when I have no living force to dread, Fate finds me enemies amongst the dead. I'm now to conquer ghosts, and to destroy The strong impressions of a bridal joy. _Almah._ You've yet a greater foe than these can be,-- Virtue opposes you, and modesty. _Almanz._ From a false fear that modesty does grow, And thinks true love, because 'tis fierce, its foe. 'Tis but the wax whose seals on virgins stay: Let it approach love's fire, 'twill melt away:-- But I have lived too long; I never knew, When fate was conquered, I must combat you. I thought to climb the steep ascent of love; But did not think to find a foe above. 'Tis time to die, when you my bar must be, Whose aid alone could give me victory; Without, I'll pull up all the sluices of the flood, And love, within, shall boil out all my blood. _Q. Isabel._ Fear not your love should find so sad success, While I have power to be your patroness. I am her parent now, and may command So much of duty as to give her hand. [_Gives him_ ALMAHIDE'S _hand._ _Almah._ Madam, I never can dispute your power, Or as a parent, or a conqueror; But, when my year of widowhood expires, Shall yield to your command, and his desires. _Almanz._ Move swiftly, sun, and fly a lover's pace; Leave weeks and months behind thee in thy race! _K. Ferd._ Mean time, you shall my victories pursue, The Moors in woods and mountains to subdue. _Almanz._ The toils of war shall help to wear each day, And dreams of love shall drive my nights away.-- Our banners to the Alhambra's turrets bear; Then, wave our conquering crosses in the air, And cry, with shouts of triumph,--Live and reign, Great Ferdinand and Isabel of Spain! [_Exeunt._ EPILOGUE.