_Almanz._ Madam, I cannot easily believe It is for any public cause you grieve. On your fair face the marks of sorrow lie; But I read fury in your husband's eye: And, in that passion, I too plainly find That you're unhappy, and that he's unkind. _Almah._ Not new-made mothers greater love express Than he, when with first looks their babes they bless; Not Heaven is more to dying martyrs kind, Nor guardian angels to their charge assigned. _Boab._ O goodness counterfeited to the life! O the well-acted virtue of a wife! Would you with this my just suspicions blind? You've given me great occasion to be kind! The marks, too, of your spotless love appear; Witness the badge of my dishonour there. [_Pointing to_ ALMANZOR'S _scarf._ _Almanz._ Unworthy owner of a gem so rare! Heavens! why must he possess, and I despair? Why is this miser doomed to all this store; He, who has all, and yet believes he's poor? _Almah._ [_to_ ALMANZ.] You're much too bold, to blame a jealousy So kind in him, and so desired by me. The faith of wives would unrewarded prove, Without those just observers of our love. The greater care the higher passion shows; We hold that clearest we most fear to lose. Distrust in lovers is too warm a sun, But yet 'tis night in love when that is gone; And in those climes which most his scorching know, He makes the noblest fruits and metals grow. _Almanz._ Yes; there are mines of treasure in your breast, Seen by that jealous sun, but not possest. He, like a devil, among the blest above, Can take no pleasure in your heaven of love. Go, take her; and thy causeless fears remove; [_To the King._ Love her so well, that I with rage may die: Dull husbands have no right to jealousy: If that's allowed, it must in lovers be. _Boab._ The succour, which thou bring'st me, makes thee bold: But know, without thy aid, my crown I'll hold; Or, if I cannot, I will fire the place, Of a full city make a naked space. Hence, then, and from a rival set me free! I'll do, I'll suffer any thing but thee. _Almanz._ I wonnot go; I'll not be forced away: I came not for thy sake; nor do I stay. It was the queen who for my aid did send; And 'tis I only can the queen defend: I, for her sake, thy sceptre will maintain; And thou, by me, in spite of thee, shalt reign. _Boab._ Had I but hope I could defend this place Three days, thou should'st not live to my disgrace So small a time; Might I possess my Almahide alone, I would live ages out ere they were gone. I should not be of love or life bereft; All should be spent before, and nothing left. _Almah._ [_to_ BOAB.] As for your sake I for Almanzor sent, So, when you please, he goes to banishment. You shall, at last, my loyalty approve: I will refuse no trial of my love. _Boab._ How can I think you love me, while I see That trophy of a rival's victory? I'll tear it from his side.