_Abdelm._ Thus while he stood, the bull, who saw his foe, His easier conquests proudly did forego; And, making at him with a furious bound, From his bent forehead aimed a double wound. A rising murmur ran through all the field, And every lady's blood with fear was chilled: Some shrieked, while others, with more helpful care, Cried out aloud,--Beware, brave youth, beware! At this he turned, and, as the bull drew near, Shunned, and received him on his pointed spear: The lance broke short, the beast then bellowed loud, And his strong neck to a new onset bowed. The undaunted youth Then drew; and, from his saddle bending low, Just where the neck did to the shoulders grow, With his full force discharged a deadly blow. Not heads of poppies (when they reap the grain) Fall with more ease before the labouring swain, Than fell this head: It fell so quick, it did even death prevent, And made imperfect bellowings as it went. Then all the trumpets victory did sound, And yet their clangors in our shouts were drown'd. [_A confused noise within. Boab._ The alarm-bell rings from our Alhambra walls, And from the streets sound drums and ataballes. [_Within, a bell, drums, and trumpets._ _Enter a Messenger._ How now? from whence proceed these new alarms? _Mess._ The two fierce factions are again in arms; And, changing into blood the day's delight, The Zegrys with the Abencerrages fight; On each side their allies and friends appear; The Macas here, the Alabezes there: The Gazuls with the Bencerrages join, And, with the Zegrys, all great Gomel's line. _Boab._ Draw up behind the Vivarambla place; Double my guards,--these factions I will face; And try if all the fury they can bring, Be proof against the presence of their king. [_Exit_ BOAB. _The Factions appear: At the head of the Abencerrages,_ OZMYN; _at the head of the Zegrys,_ ZULEMA, HAMET, GOMEL, _and_ SELIN: ABENAMAR _and_ ABDELMELECH, _joined with the Abencerrages._ _Zul._ The faint Abencerrages quit their ground: Press them; put home your thrusts to every wound. _Abdelm._ Zegry, on manly force our line relies; Thine poorly takes the advantage of surprise: Unarmed and much out-numbered we retreat; You gain no fame, when basely you defeat. If thou art brave, seek nobler victory; Save Moorish blood; and, while our bands stand by, Let two and two an equal combat try. _Ham._ 'Tis not for fear the combat we refuse, But we our gained advantage will not lose. _Zul._ In combating, but two of you will fall; And we resolve we will dispatch you all. _Ozm._ We'll double yet the exchange before we die, And each of ours two lives of yours shall buy. ALMANZOR _enters betwixt them, as they stand ready to engage._ _Alm._ I cannot stay to ask which cause is best; But this is so to me, because opprest. [_Goes to the Aben._ _To them_ BOABDELIN _and his guards, going betwixt them._