_Boab._ Fall on; take; kill the traitor. [_The Guards fall on him; he makes at the King through the midst of them, and falls upon him; they disarm him, and rescue the King._ _Almanz._ --Base and poor, Blush that thou art Almanzor's conqueror. [ALMAHIDE _wrings her hands, then turns and veils her face._ Farewell, my Almahide! Life of itself will go, now thou art gone, Like flies in winter, when they lose the sun. [ABENAMAR _whispers the King a little, then speaks aloud._ _Aben._ Revenge, and taken so secure a way, Are blessings which heaven sends not every day. _Boab._ I will at leisure now revenge my wrong; And, traitor, thou shalt feel my vengeance long: Thou shalt not die just at thy own desire, But see my nuptials, and with rage expire. _Almanz._ Thou darest not marry her while I'm in sight: With a bent brow thy priest and thee I'll fright; And in that scene, Which all thy hopes and wishes should content, The thought of me shall make thee impotent. [_He is led off by Guards._ _Boab._ As some fair tulip, by a storm oppressed, [_To_ ALMAH. Shrinks up, and folds its silken arms to rest; And, bending to the blast, all pale and dead, Hears, from within, the wind sing round its head,-- So, shrouded up, your beauty disappears: Unveil, my love, and lay aside your fears. The storm, that caused your fright, is passed and done. [ALMAHIDE _unveiling, and looking round for_ ALMANZOR. _Almah._ So flowers peep out too soon, and miss the sun. [_Turning from him._ _Boab._ What mystery in this strange behaviour lies? _Almah._ Let me for ever hide these guilty eyes, Which lighted my Almanzor to his tomb; Or, let them blaze, to show me there a room. _Boab._ Heaven lent their lustre for a nobler end; A thousand torches must their light attend, To lead you to a temple and a crown. Why does my fairest Almahide frown? Am I less pleasing then I was before, Or, is the insolent Almanzor more? _Almah._ I justly own that I some pity have, Not for the insolent, but for the brave. _Aben._ Though to your king your duty you neglect, Know, Almahide, I look for more respect: And, if a parent's charge your mind can move, Receive the blessing of a monarch's love. _Almah._ Did he my freedom to his life prefer, And shall I wed Almanzor's murderer? No, sir; I cannot to your will submit; Your way's too rugged for my tender feet. _Aben._ You must be driven where you refuse to go; And taught, by force, your happiness to know.