_Alph._ You vowed no time our fortune should divide; And well 'twas kept, like all your vows beside, When e'en this hour you went to be a bride. _Vict._ I went; but was securely first prepared; For this was my redemption, or my guard. [_Pulls out a Dagger._ Let this your causeless jealousy remove; And learn no more to doubt Victoria's love. _Alph._ That fatal proof I never did desire. _Vict._ And yet a proof more fatal you require, Which would with infamy my name pursue; To fly my father, and to follow you. _Alph._ Your love you forfeit, if you go away. _Vict._ I forfeit my obedience, if I stay. _Alph._ You may transfer your duty, and be mine. _Vict._ Yes, when my father shall his claim resign; For, when the nuptial knot our love assures, All, that was his before, is, after, yours. _Alph._ Then, when you vowed your love, you falsely swore. _Vict._ I love you much, but love my honour more. _Alph._ You hate my rival, yet you take the way To make you his inevitable prey. _Vict._ Beasts fear not more to be the hunters' spoil. _Alph._ Then, sure, you would not run into the toil. How ill your actions with your words agree! _Vict._ This friend is still at hand to set me free. [_Holding up the Dagger._ _Alph._ Let me not live to see that fatal hour! Rather return into your father's power; Rather return into his arms again, For whom your lost Alphonso you disdain. If one must die, to set your honour free, You have already cast the lot on me. Death is the only way to clear my fame, Which must be branded with a coward's name, If basely I resign Victoria's charms, And tamely give you to my rival's arms. _Vict._ To give me to my father is no crime. _Alph._ 'Tis still the same; your father gives you him. Ungrateful woman! _Vict._ More ungrateful man! More than I ought I give, and all I can; But if my duty I prefer to you, Be satisfied with all that love can do. _Alph._ Not satisfied; but yet your will shall be Like fate's inviolable law to me. Since my unhappy stars will have it so, Depart from hence, and leave your father's foe. Go then; but quickly go; for, while you stay, As on a rack I find myself decay, And every moment looks a part of me away. _Vict._ I wish I with my duty could dispense; Heaven knows how loth I am to part from hence. So, from the seal is softened wax disjoined; So, from the mother plant, the tender rind. But take the latest pledge that love can give; Have courage, and for your Victoria live. [_She offers him her hand, he kisses it. Exit_ VICTORIA, _he looking after her_. _Enter_ RAMIREZ, _attended by_ CARLOS; RAMIREZ _embraces_ ALPHONSO.