to my care.

_Almanz._ Next, the brave Spaniard free without delay;
And with a convoy send him safe away. [_Exit a Guard._

_To them_ HAMET _and others._

_Hamet._ The king by me salutes you; and, to show
That to your valour he his crown does owe,
Would from your mouth I should the word receive,
And that to these you would your orders give.

_Almanz._ He much o'er-rates the little I have done.
[ALMANZOR _goes to the door, and there seems to give out
orders, by sending people several ways._

_Selin_ to _Ozmyn._ Now, to revenge the murder of my son,
To morrow for thy certain death prepare;
This night I only leave thee to despair.

_Ozmyn._ Thy idle menaces I do not fear:
My business was to die or conquer here.
Sister, for you I grieve I could no more:
My present state betrays my want of power;
But, when true courage is of force bereft,
Patience, the only fortitude, is left. [_Exit with_ SELIN.

_Almah._ Ah, Esperanza, what for me remains
But death, or, worse than death, inglorious chains!

_Esper._ Madam, you must not to despair give place;
Heaven never meant misfortune to that face.
Suppose there were no justice in your cause,
Beauty's a bribe that gives her judges laws.
That you are brought to this deplored estate,
Is but the ingenious flattery of your fate;
Fate fears her succour, like an alms, to give;
And would you, God-like, from yourself should live.

_Almah._ Mark but how terribly his eyes appear!
And yet there's something roughly noble there,
Which, in unfashioned nature, looks divine,
And, like a gem, does in the quarry shine.
[ALMANZOR _returns; she falls at his feet, being
veiled._

_Almah._ Turn, mighty conqueror, turn your face this way,
Do not refuse to hear the wretched pray!

_Almanz._ What business can this woman have with me?

_Almah._ That of the afflicted to the Deity.
So may your arms success in battle find;
So may the mistress of your vows be kind,
If you have any; or, if you have none,
So may your liberty be still your own!

_Almanz._ Yes, I will turn my face, but not my mind:
You bane and soft destruction of mankind,
What would you have with me?

_Almah._ I beg the grace [_Unveiling._
You would lay by those terrors of your face.
Till calmness to your eyes you first restore,
I am afraid, and I can beg no more.

_Almanz._ [_Looking fixe