_Almanz._ This counsellor an old man's caution shows, Who fears that little, he has left, to lose: Age sets a fortune; while youth boldly throws. But let us first your drooping soldiers cheer; Then seek out danger, ere it dare appear: This hour I fix your crown upon your brow; Next hour fate gives it, but I give it now. [_Exeunt._ SCENE II. _Enter_ LYNDARAXA. _Lyndar._ O, could I read the dark decrees of fate, That I might once know whom to love, or hate! For I myself scarce my own thoughts can guess, So much I find them varied by success. As in some weather-glass, my love I hold; Which falls or rises with the heat or cold.-- I will be constant yet, if fortune can; I love the king,--let her but name the man. _Enter_ HALYMA. _Hal._ Madam, a gentleman, to me unknown, Desires that he may speak with you alone. _Lyndar._ Some message from the king.--Let him appear. _Enter_ ABDELMELECH; _who throws off his disguise.--She starts._ _Abdelm._ I see you are amazed that I am here: But let at once your fear and wonder end. In the usurper's guards I found a friend, Who led me safe to you in this disguise. _Lyndar._ Your danger brings this trouble in my eyes.-- But what affair this 'venturous visit drew? _Abdelm._ The greatest in the world,--the seeing you. _Lyndar._ The courage of your love I so admire, That, to preserve you, you shall straight retire. [_She leads him to the door._ Go, dear! each minute does new dangers bring; You will be taken, I expect the king. _Abdelm._ The king!--the poor usurper of an hour: His empire's but a dream of kingly power.-- I warn you, as a lover and a friend, To leave him, ere his short dominion end: The soldier I suborned will wait at night, And shall alone be conscious of your flight. _Lyndar._ I thank you, that you so much care bestow; But, if his reign be short, I need not go. For why should I expose my life, and yours, For what, you say, a little time assures? _Abdelm_, My danger in the attempt is very small; And, if he loves you, yours is none at all. But, though his ruin be as sure as fate, Your proof of love to me would come too late. This trial I in kindness would allow; 'Tis easy; if you love me, show it now. _Lyndar._ It is because I love you, I refuse; For all the world my conduct would accuse, If I should go with him I love away; And, therefore, in strict virtue, I will stay. _Abdelm._ You would in vain dissemble love to me; Through that thin veil your artifice I see. You would expect the event, and then declare; But do not, do not drive me to despair: For, if you now refuse with me to fly, Rather than love you after this, I'll die; And, therefore, weigh it well before you speak; My king is safe, his force within not weak. _Lyndar._ The counsel, you have given me, may be wise; But, since the affair is great, I will advise. _Abdelm._ Then that delay I for denial take. [_Is going._