_Lyndar._ Ah, what a noble conquest were this heart! I am resolved I'll try my utmost art: In gaining him, I gain that fortune too, Which he has wedded, and which I but woo. I'll try each secret passage to his mind, And love's soft bands about his heart-strings wind. Not his vowed constancy shall 'scape my snare; While he without resistance does prepare, I'll melt into him ere his love's aware. [_She makes a gesture of invitation to_ ALMANZOR, _who returns again_. _Lyndar._ You see, sir, to how strange a remedy A persecuted maid is forced to fly: Who, much distressed, yet scarce has confidence To make your noble pity her defence. _Almanz._ Beauty, like yours, can no protection need; Or, if it sues, is certain to succeed. To whate'er service you ordain my hand, Name your request, and call it your command. _Lyndar._ You cannot, sir, but know, that my ill fate Has made me loved with all the effects of hate: One lover would, by force, my person gain; Which one, as guilty, would by force detain. Rash Abdelmelech's love I cannot prize, And fond Abdalla's passion I despise. As you are brave, so you are prudent too; Advise a wretched woman what to do. _Almanz._ Have courage, fair one, put your trust in me; You shall, at least, from those you hate, be free. Resign your castle to the king's command, And leave your love concernments in my hand. _Lyndar._ The king, like them, is fierce, and faithless too; How can I trust him who has injured you? Keep for yourself, (and you can grant no less) What you alone are worthy to possess. Enter, brave sir; for, when you speak the word, These gates will open of their own accord; The genius of the place its lord will meet, And bend its tow'ry forehead to your feet. That little citadel, which now you see, Shall, then, the head of conquered nations be; And every turret, from your coming, rise The mother of some great metropolis. _Almanz._ 'Tis pity, words, which none but gods should hear, Should lose their sweetness in a soldier's ear: I am not that Almanzor whom you praise; But your fair mouth can fair ideas raise:-- I am a wretch, to whom it is denied To accept, with honour, what I wish with pride; And, since I light not for myself, must bring The fruits of all my conquests to the king. _Lyndar._ Say rather to the queen, to whose fair name I know you vow the trophies of your fame. I hope she is as kind as she is fair; Kinder than inexperienced virgins are To their first loves; (though she has loved before, And that first innocence is now no more:) But, in revenge, she gives you all her heart, (For you are much too brave to take a part.) Though, blinded by a crown, she did not see Almanzor greater than a king could be, I hope her love repairs her ill-made choice: Almanzor cannot be deluded twice. _Almanz._ No, not deluded; for none count their gains, Who, like Almanzor, frankly give their pains.