_Almanz._ Madam, you are, from all the world,--but me!-- But as a pirate, when he frees the prize He took from friends, sees the rich merchandize, And, after he has freed it, justly buys; So, when I have restored your liberty-- But then, alas, I am too poor to buy! _Almah._ Nay, now you use me just as pirates do: You free me; but expect a ransom too. _Almanz._ You've all the freedom that a prince can have; But greatness cannot be without a slave. A monarch never can in private move, But still is haunted with officious love. So small an inconvenience you may bear; 'Tis all the fine fate sets upon the fair. _Almah._ Yet princes may retire, whene'er they please, And breathe free air from out their palaces: They go sometimes unknown, to shun their state; And then, 'tis manners not to know or wait. _Almanz._ If not a subject then, a ghost I'll be; And from a ghost, you know, no place is free. Asleep, awake, I'll haunt you every where; From my white shroud groan love into your ear: When in your lover's arms you sleep at night, I'll glide in cold betwixt, and seize my right: And is't not better, in your nuptial bed, To have a living lover than a dead? _Almah._ I can no longer bear to be accused, As if what I could grant you, I refused. My father's choice I never will dispute; And he has chosen ere you moved your suit. You know my case; if equal you can be, Plead for yourself, and answer it for me. _Almanz._ Then, madam, in that hope you bid me live; I ask no more than you may justly give: But in strict justice there may favour be, And may I hope that you have that for me? _Almah._ Why do you thus my secret thoughts pursue, Which, known, hurt me, and cannot profit you? Your knowledge but new troubles does prepare, Like theirs who curious in their fortunes are. To say, I could with more content be yours, Tempts you to hope; but not that hope assures. For since the king has right, And favoured by my father in his suit, It is a blossom which can bear no fruit. Yet, if you dare attempt so hard a task, May you succeed; you have my leave to ask. _Almanz._ I can with courage now my hopes pursue, Since I no longer have to combat you. That did the greatest difficulty bring; The rest are small, a father and a king! _Almah._ Great souls discern not when the leap's too wide, Because they only view the farther side. Whatever you desire, you think is near; But, with more reason, the event I fear. _Almanz._ No; there is a necessity in fate, Why still the brave bold man is fortunate: He keeps his object ever full in sight, And that assurance holds him firm and right. True, 'tis a narrow path that leads to bliss, But right before there is no precipice: Fear makes men look aside, and then their footing miss.