inconstant, you, who did the wrong;
To do me justice does to me belong.
Great souls by kindness only can be tied;
Injured again, again I'll leave your side.
Honour is what myself, and friends, I owe;
And none can lose it who forsake a foe.
Since, then, your foes now happen to be mine,
Though not in friendship, we'll in interest join:
So while my loved revenge is full and high,
I'll give you back your kingdom by the by.

_Boab._ That I so long delayed what you desire, [_Embracing him._
Was, not to doubt your worth, but to admire.

_Almanz._ This counsellor an old man's caution shows,
Who fears that little, he has left, to lose:
Age sets a fortune; while youth boldly throws.
But let us first your drooping soldiers cheer;
Then seek out danger, ere it dare appear:
This hour I fix your crown upon your brow;
Next hour fate gives it, but I give it now. [_Exeunt._

SCENE II.

_Enter_ LYNDARAXA.

_Lyndar._ O, could I read the dark decrees of fate,
That I might once know whom to love, or hate!
For I myself scarce my own thoughts can guess,
So much I find them varied by success.
As in some weather-glass, my love I hold;
Which falls or rises with the heat or cold.--
I will be constant yet, if fortune can;
I love the king,--let her but name the man.

_Enter_ HALYMA.

_Hal._ Madam, a gentleman, to me unknown,
Desires that he may speak with you alone.

_Lyndar._ Some message from the king.--Let him appear.

_Enter_ ABDELMELECH; _who throws off his disguise.--She starts._

_Abdelm._ I see you are amazed that I am here:
But let at once your fear and wonder end.
In the usurper's guards I found a friend,
Who led me safe to you in this disguise.

_Lyndar._ Your danger brings this trouble in my eyes.--
But what affair this 'venturous visit drew?

_Abdelm._ The greatest in the world,--the seeing you.

_Lyndar._ The courage of your love I so admire,
That, to preserve you, you shall straight retire.
[_She leads him to the door._
Go, dear! each minute does new dangers bring;
You will be taken, I expect the king.

_Abdelm._ The king!--the poor usurper of an hour:
His empire's but a dream of kingly power.--
I warn you, as a lover and a friend,
To leave him, ere his short dominion end:
The soldier I suborned will wait at night,
And shall alone be conscious of your flight.

_Lyndar._ I thank you, that you so much care bestow;
But, if his reign be s