[_He is led off by Guards._

_Boab._ As some fair tulip, by a storm oppressed, [_To_ ALMAH.
Shrinks up, and folds its silken arms to rest;
And, bending to the blast, all pale and dead,
Hears, from within, the wind sing round its head,--
So, shrouded up, your beauty disappears:
Unveil, my love, and lay aside your fears.
The storm, that caused your fright, is passed and done.
[ALMAHIDE _unveiling, and looking round for_
ALMANZOR.

_Almah._ So flowers peep out too soon, and miss the sun.
[_Turning from him._

_Boab._ What mystery in this strange behaviour lies?

_Almah._ Let me for ever hide these guilty eyes,
Which lighted my Almanzor to his tomb;
Or, let them blaze, to show me there a room.

_Boab._ Heaven lent their lustre for a nobler end;
A thousand torches must their light attend,
To lead you to a temple and a crown.
Why does my fairest Almahide frown?
Am I less pleasing then I was before,
Or, is the insolent Almanzor more?

_Almah._ I justly own that I some pity have,
Not for the insolent, but for the brave.

_Aben._ Though to your king your duty you neglect,
Know, Almahide, I look for more respect:
And, if a parent's charge your mind can move,
Receive the blessing of a monarch's love.

_Almah._ Did he my freedom to his life prefer,
And shall I wed Almanzor's murderer?
No, sir; I cannot to your will submit;
Your way's too rugged for my tender feet.

_Aben._ You must be driven where you refuse to go;
And taught, by force, your happiness to know.

_Almah._ To force me, sir, is much unworthy you,
[_Smiling scornfully._
And, when you would, impossible to do.
If force could bend me, you might think, with shame,
That I debase the blood from whence I came.
My soul is soft, which you may gently lay
In your loose palm; but, when 'tis pressed to stay,
Like water, it deludes your grasp, and slips away.

_Boab._ I find I must revoke what I decreed:
Almanzor's death my nuptials must precede.
Love is a magic which the lover ties;
But charms still end when the magician dies.
Go; let me hear my hated rival's dead; [_To his Guard._
And, to convince my eyes, bring back his head.

_Almah._ Go on: I wish no other way to prove
That I am worthy of Almanzor's love.
We will in death, at least, united be: