_Almanz._ I'll hold it fast As life, and when life's gone, I'll hold this last; And if thou tak'st it after I am slain, I'll send my ghost to fetch it back again. _Almah._ When I bestowed that scarf, I had not thought, Or not considered it might be a fault; But, since my lord's displeased that I should make So small a present, I command it back. Without delay the unlucky gift restore; Or, from this minute, never see me more. _Almanz._ The shock of such a curse I dare not stand: [_Pulling it off hastily, and presenting it to her._ Thus I obey your absolute command. [_She gives it to the King._ Must he the spoils of scorn'd Almanzor wear?-- May Turnus' fate be thine, who dared to bear The belt of murdered Pallas! from afar Mayest thou be known, and be the mark of war! Live, just to see it from thy shoulders torn By common hands, and by some coward worn. [_An alarm within._ _Enter_ ABDELMELECH, ZULEMA, HAMET, ABENAMAR; _their swords drawn._ _Abdelm._ Is this a time for discord or for grief? We perish, sir, without your quick relief. I have been fooled, and am unfortunate; The foes pursue their fortune and our fate. _Zul._ The rebels with the Spaniards are agreed. _Boab._ Take breath; my guards shall to the fight succeed. _Aben._ [_to_ ALMANZOR.] Why stay you, sir? the conquering foe is near: Give us their courage, and give them our fear. _Hamet._ Take arms, or we must perish in your sight. _Almanz._ I care not: perish: for I will not fight, I wonnot lift an arm in his defence: And yet I wonnot stir one foot from hence. I to your king's defence his town resign; This only spot, whereon I stand, is mine.-- Madam, be safe, and lay aside your fear, [_To the Queen_ You are as in a magic circle here. _Boab._ To our own valour our success we'll owe. Haste, Hamet, with Abenamar to go; You two draw up, with all the speed you may, Our last reserves, and yet redeem the day. [_Exeunt_ HAMET _and_ ABENAMAR _one way, the King the other, with_ ABDELMELECH, _&c. Alarm within._ _Enter_ ABDELMELECH, _his sword drawn._ _Abdelm._ Granada is no more! the unhappy king Venturing too far, ere we could succour bring, Was by the duke of Arcos prisoner made, And, past relief, is to the fort conveyed. _Almanz._ Heaven, thou art just! go, now despise my aid. _Almah._ Unkind Almanzor, how am I betrayed! Betrayed by him in whom I trusted most! But I will ne'er outlive what I have lost. Is this your succour, this your boasted love! I will accuse you to the saints above! Almanzor vowed he would for honour fight, And lets my husband perish in my sight. [_Exeunt_ ALMAHIDE _and_ ESPERANZA.