_D. Arcos._ Believe, you shall not long attend in vain: To-morrow's dawn shall cover all the plain; Bright arms shall flash upon you from afar, A wood of lances, and a moving war. But I, unhappy, in my bonds, must yet Be only pleased to hear of your defeat, And with a slave's inglorious ease remain, 'Till conquering Ferdinand has broke my chain. _Almanz._ Vain man, thy hopes of Ferdinand are weak! I hold thy chain too fast for him to break. But, since thou threaten'st us, I'll set thee free, That I again may fight, and conquer thee. _D. Arcos._ Old as I am, I take thee at thy word, And will to-morrow thank thee with my sword. _Almanz._ I'll go, and instantly acquaint the king, And sudden orders for thy freedom bring. Thou canst not be so pleased at liberty, As I shall be to find thou darest be free. [_Exeunt_ ALMANZOR, ARCOS, _and the rest, excepting only_ ABDALLA _and_ ZULEMA. _Abdal._ Of all those Christians who infest this town, This duke of Arcos is of most renown. _Zul._ Oft have I heard, that, in your father's reign, His bold adventurers beat the neighbouring plain; Then under Ponce Leon's name he fought, And from our triumphs many prizes brought; Till in disgrace from Spain at length he went, And since continued long in banishment. _Abdal._ But, see, your beauteous sister does appear. _Enter_ LYNDARAXA. _Zul._ By my desire she came to find me here. [ZULEMA _and_ LYNDARAXA _whisper; then_ ZUL. _goes out, and_ LYNDAR. _is going after._ _Abdal._ Why, fairest Lyndaraxa, do you fly [_Staying her._ A prince, who at your feet is proud to die? _Lyndar._ Sir, I should blush to own so rude a thing, [_Staying._ As 'tis to shun the brother of my king. _Abdal._ In my hard fortune, I some ease should find, Did your disdain extend to all mankind. But give me leave to grieve, and to complain, That you give others what I beg in vain. _Lyndar._ Take my esteem, if you on that can live; For, frankly, sir, 'tis all I have to give: If from my heart you ask or hope for more, I grieve the place is taken up before. _Abdal._ My rival merits you.-- To Abdelmelech I will justice do; For he wants worth, who dares not praise a foe. _Lyndar._ That for his virtue, sir, you make defence, Shows in your own a noble confidence. But him defending, and excusing me, I know not what can your advantage be. _Abdal._ I fain would ask, ere I proceed in this, If, as by choice, you are by promise his? _Lyndar._ The engagement only in my love does lie, But that's a knot which you can ne'er untie. _Abdal._ When cities are besieged, and treat to yield, If there appear relievers from the field, The flag of parley may be taken down, Till the success of those without is known; _Lyndar._ Though Abdelmelech has not yet possest, Yet I have sealed the treaty in my breast.