reet, he'll prove as true
As any that you're fostered with.

II:1:22 ORAN.
In brief,
I'm as you see a Moor; and I have slain
One of our princes. Peace exists between
Our kingdom and Castille; they track my steps.
You're young, you should be brave, generous you may be.
I shall be impaled. Save me!

II:1:23 LEON.
Frankly spoken.
Will you turn Christian?

II:1:24 ORAN.
Show me Christian acts,
And they may prompt to Christian thoughts.

II:1:25 SIDO.
Although
The slain's an infidel, thou art the same.
The cause of this rash deed?

II:1:26 ORAN.
I am a soldier,
And my sword's notched, sirs. This said Emir struck me.
Before the people too, in the great square
Of our chief place, Granada, and forsooth,
Because I would not yield the way at mosque.
His life has soothed my honour: if I die,
I die content; but with your gracious aid
I would live happy.

II:1:27 LEON.
You love life?

II:1:28 ORAN.
Most dearly.

II:1:29 LEON.
Sensible Moor, although he be impaled
For mobbing in a mosque. I like this fellow;
His bearing suits my humour. He shall live
To do more murders. Come, bold infidel,
Follow to the Leon Palace; and, sir, prithee
Don't stab us in the back.

[Exeunt omnes.]

SCENE 2

Chamber in the Palace of COUNT ALARCOS.
At the back of the Scene the Curtains of a large Jalousie withdrawn.

[Enter COUNT ALARCOS.]

II:2:1 ALAR.
'Tis circumstance makes conduct; life's a ship,
The sport of every wind. And yet men tack
Against the adverse blast. How shall I steer,
Who am the pilot of Necessity?
But whether it be fair or foul, I know not;
Sunny or terrible. Why let her wed him?
What care I if the pageant's weight may fall