_Ozm._ This shows the excess of generosity; But, madam, you have no pretence to die. I should defame the Abencerrages race, To let a lady suffer in my place. But neither could that life, you would bestow, Save mine; nor do you so much pity owe To me, a stranger, and your house's foe. _Benz._ From whencesoe'er their hate our houses drew, I blush to tell you, I have none for you. 'Tis a confession which I should not make, Had I more time to give, or you to take: But, since death's near, and runs with so much force, We must meet first, and intercept his course. _Ozm._ Oh, how unkind a comfort do you give! Now I fear death again, and wish to live. Life were worth taking, could I have it now; But 'tis more good than heaven can e'er allow To one man's portion, to have life and you. _Benz._ Sure, at our births, Death with our meeting planets danced above, Or we were wounded by a mourning love!-- [_Shouts within._ _Red._ The noise returns, and doubles from behind; It seems as if two adverse armies joined.-- Time presses us. _Gaz._ If longer you delay, We must, though loth, your father's will obey. _Ozm._ Haste, madam, to fulfil his hard commands. And rescue me from their ignoble hands. Let me kiss yours, when you my wound begin, Then easy death will slide with pleasure in. _Benz._ Ah, gentle soldiers, some short time allow! [_To_ GAZ. _and_ RED. My father has repented him ere now; Or will repent him, when he finds me dead. My clue of life is twined with Ozmyn's thread. _Red._ 'Tis fatal to refuse her, or obey.-- But where is our excuse? what can we say? _Benz._ Say any thing. Say, that to kill the guiltless you were loth; Or if you did, say, I would kill you both. _Gaz._ To disobey our orders is to die.-- I'll do't,--who dares oppose it? _Red._ That dare I. [REDUAN _stands before_ OZMYN, _and fights with_ GAZUL. BENZAYDA _unbinds_ OZMYN, _and gives him her sword._ _Benz._ Stay not to see the issue of the fight; [RED. _kills_ GAZ. But haste to save yourself by speedy flight. [OZMYN _kneels to kiss her hand._ _Ozm._ Did all mankind against my life conspire. Without this blessing I would not retire.-- But madam, can I go and leave you here? Your father's anger now for you I fear: Consider you have done too much to stay. _Benz._ Think not of me, but fly yourself away. _Red._ Haste quickly hence; the enemies are nigh! From every part I see the soldiers fly. The foes not only our assailants beat, But fiercely sally out on their retreat, And, like a sea broke loose, come on amain. _Enter_ ABENAMAR, _and a party with their swords drawn, driving in some of the enemies._ _Aben._ Traitors, you hope to save yourselves in vain!-- Your forfeit lives shall for your treason pay; And Ozmyn's blood shall be revenged this day.