_Abdal._ Your treaty has not tied you to a day; Some chance might break it, would you but delay. If I can judge the secrets of your heart, Ambition in it has the greatest part; And wisdom, then, will shew some difference, Betwixt a private person, and a prince. _Lyndar._ Princes are subjects still.-- Subject and subject can small difference bring: The difference is 'twixt subjects and a king. And since, sir, you are none, your hopes remove; For less than empire I'll not change my love. _Abdal._ Had I a crown, all I should prize in it, Should be the power to lay it at your feet. _Lyndar._ Had you that crown, which you but wish, not hope, Then I, perhaps, might stoop, and take it up. But till your wishes and your hopes agree, You shall be still a private man with me. _Abdal._ If I am king, and if my brother die,-- _Lyndar._ Two if's scarce make one possibility. _Abdal._ The rule of happiness by reason scan; You may be happy with a private man. _Lyndar._ That happiness I may enjoy, 'tis true; But then that private man must not be you. Where'er I love, I'm happy in my choice; If I make you so, you shall pay my price. _Abdal._ Why would you be so great? _Lyndar._ Because I've seen, This day, what 'tis to hope to be a queen.-- Heaven, how you all watched each motion of her eye! None could be seen while Almahide was by, Because she is to be--her majesty!-- Why would I be a queen? Because my face Would wear the title with a better grace. If I became it not, yet it would be Part of your duty, then, to flatter me. These are but half the charms of being great; I would be somewhat, that I know not yet:-- Yes! I avow the ambition of my soul, To be that one to live without controul! And that's another happiness to me, To be so happy as but one can be. _Abdal._ Madam,--because I would all doubts remove,-- Would you, were I a king, accept my love? _Lyndar._ I would accept it; and, to shew 'tis true, From any other man as soon as you. _Abdal._ Your sharp replies make me not love you less; But make me seek new paths to happiness.-- What I design, by time will best be seen: You may be mine, and yet may be a queen. When you are so, your word your love assures. _Lyndar._ Perhaps not love you,--but I will be yours.-- [_He offers to take her hand, and kiss it._ Stay, sir, that grace I cannot yet allow; Before you set the crown upon my brow.-- That favour which you seek, Or Abdelmelech, or a king, must have; When you are so, then you may be my slave. [_Exit; but looks smiling back on him._