y, and too great to guide:
He moves excentric, like a wandering star,
Whose motion's just, though 'tis not regular.

_Boab._ It is for you, brave man, and only you,
Greatly to speak, and yet more greatly do.
But, if your benefits too far extend,
I must be left ungrateful in the end:
Yet somewhat I would pay,
Before my debts above all reckoning grow,
To keep me from the shame of what I owe.
But you
Are conscious to yourself of such desert,
That of your gift I fear to offer part.

_Almanz._ When I shall have declared my high request,
So much presumption there will be confest,
That you will find your gifts I do not shun;
But rather much o'er-rate the service done.

_Boab._ Give wing to your desires, and let 'em fly,
Secure they cannot mount a pitch too high.
So bless me, Alha, both in peace and war,
As I accord, whate'er your wishes are.

_Almanz._ Emboldened by the promise of a prince,
[_Putting one knee to the ground._
I ask this lady now with confidence.

_Boab._ You ask the only thing I cannot grant.
[_The King and_ ABENAMAR _look amazedly on
each other._
But, as a stranger, you are ignorant
Of what by public fame my subjects know;
She is my mistress.

_Aben._ --And my daughter too.

_Almanz._ Believe, old man, that I her father knew:
What else should make Almanzor kneel to you?--
Nor doubt, sir, but your right to her was known:
For had you had no claim but love alone,
I could produce a better of my own.

_Almah._ [_softly to him._]
Almanzor, you forget my last request:
Your words have too much haughtiness expressed.
Is this the humble way you were to move?

_Almanz._ [_to her._]
I was too far transported by my love.
Forgive me; for I had not learned to sue
To any thing before, but heaven and you.--
Sir, at your feet, I make it my request-- [_To the King._
[_First line kneeling: second, rising, and boldly._
Though, without boasting, I deserve her best;
For you her love with gaudy titles sought,
But I her heart with blood and dangers bought.

_Boab._ The blood, which you have shed in her defence,
Shall have in time a fitting recompence:
Or, if you think your services delayed,
Name but your price, and you shall soon be paid.

_Almanz._ My price!--why, king, you do not think you deal
With one who sets his services to sale?
Reserve your gifts for those who gifts regard;