hless as the wind,
Yet to your better fortunes will be kind;
For, hearing that the Christians own your cause,
From thence the assurance of a throne she draws.
And since Almanzor, whom she most did fear,
Is gone, she to no treaty will give ear;
But sent me her unkindness to excuse.

_Abdal._ You much surprise me with your pleasing news.

_Selin._ But, sir, she hourly does the assault expect,
And must be lost if you her aid neglect:
For Abdelmelech loudly does declare,
He'll use the last extremities of war,
If she refuse the fortress to resign.

_Abdal._ The charge of hastening this relief be mine.

_Selin._ This while I undertook, whether beset,
Or else by chance, Abenamar I met;
Who seemed, in haste, returning to the town.

_Abdal._ My love must in my diligence be shown.--
And [_To_ ARCOS.] as my pledge of faith to Spain, this hour
I'll put the fortress in your master's power.

_Selin._ An open way from hence to it there lies,
And we with ease may send in large supplies,
Free from the shot and sallies of the town.

_D. Arcos._ Permit me, sir, to share in your renown;
First to my king I will impart the news,
And then draw out what succours we shall use.
[_Exit Duke of_ ARCOS.

_Abdal._ [_Aside._]
Grant that she loves me not, at least I see
She loves not others, if she loves not me.--
'Tis pleasure, when we reap the fruit of pain:
'Tis only pride, to be beloved again.
How many are not loved, who think they are!
Yet all are willing to believe the fair;
And, though 'tis beauty's known and obvious cheat,
Yet man's self-love still favours the deceit. [_Exit_ ABDAL.

_Selin._ Farewell, my children! equally so dear,
That I myself am to myself less near:
While I repeat the dangers of the war,
Your mutual safety be each other's care.
Your father, Ozmyn, till the war be done,
As much as honour will permit, I'll shun:
If by his sword I perish, let him know
It was, because I would not be his foe.

_Ozm._ Goodness and virtue all your actions guide;
You only err in choosing of your side.
That party I, with honour, cannot take;
But can much less the care of you forsake:
I must not draw my sword against my prince,
But yet may hold a shield in your defence.
Benzayda, free from danger, here shall stay,
And for a father and a lover pray.

_Benz._ No, no! I gave not on those terms my heart,
That from my Ozmyn I should ever part:
That love I vowed, when you