ion,
Life of his life, and dearer than his soul.
By nightly march he purpos'd to surprise
The Moorish camp; but I have taken care
They shall be ready to receive his favour.
Failing in this, a cast of utmost moment,
Would darken all the conquests he has won.

_Isa._ Just as I enter'd, an express arriv'd.

_Zan._ To whom?

_Isa._ His friend, don Carlos.

_Zan._ Be propitious,
Oh! Mahomet, on this important hour,
And give at length my famish'd soul revenge!
What is revenge, but courage to call in
Our honour's debts, and wisdom to convert
Others' self-love into our own protection?
But see, the morning dawn breaks in upon us;
I'll seek don Carlos, and inquire my fate. [_exeunt._

SCENE II. THE PALACE.

_Enter Don Manuel and Don Carlos._

_Man._ My lord don Carlos, what brings your express?

_Car._ Alonzo's glory, and the Moor's defeat.
The field is strew'd with twice ten thousand slain,
Though he suspects his measures were betray'd,
He'll soon arrive. Oh, how I long t' embrace
The first of heroes, and the best of friends!
I lov'd fair Leonora long before
The chance of battle gave me to the Moors,
From whom so late Alonzo set me free;
And while I groan'd in bondage, I deputed
This great Alonzo, whom her father honours,
To be my gentle advocate in love,
To stir her heart, and fan its fires for me.

_Man._ And what success?

_Car._ Alas, the cruel maid--
Indeed her father, who, though high in court,
And pow'rful with the king, has wealth at heart
To heal his devastations from the Moors,
Knowing I'm richly freighted from the east,
My fleet now sailing in the sight of Spain,
(Heav'n guard it safe through such a dreadful storm!)
Caresses me, and urges her to wed.

_Man._ Her aged father, see,
Leads her this way.

_Car._ She looks like radiant truth,
Brought forward by the hand of hoary time--
You to the port with speed; 'tis possible
Some vessel is arriv'd. Heav'n grant it bring
Tidings which Carlos may receive with joy! [_exit D. M._

_Enter Don Alvarez and Leonora._

_Alv._ Don Carlos, I am lab'ring in your favour
With all a parent's soft authority,
And earnest counsel.

_Car._ Angels second you!
For all my bliss or mis'ry hangs on it.

_Alv._ Daughter, the happiness of life depends
On our discretion, and a prudent choice.
Look into those they call unfortunate,
And, closer view'd, you'll find they are unwise:
Some flaw in their own conduct lies beneath.
Don Carlos is of ancient,