dress;
To him I made my vows in my distress:
And, what a misbeliever vowed this day,
Though not a queen, a Christian yet shall pay.

_Q. Isabel._ (_Embracing her._)
That Christian name you shall receive from me,
And Isabella of Granada be.

_Benz._ This blessed change we all with joy receive;
And beg to learn that faith which you believe.

_Q. Isabel._ With reverence for those holy rites prepare;
And all commit your fortunes to my care.

_K. Ferd._ to _Almah._
You, madam, by that crown you lose, may gain,
If you accept, a coronet of Spain,
Of which Almanzor's father stands possest.

_Q. Isabel._ to _Almah._
May you in him, and he in you, be blest!

_Almah._ I owe my life and honour to his sword;
But owe my love to my departed lord.

_Almanz._ Thus, when I have no living force to dread,
Fate finds me enemies amongst the dead.
I'm now to conquer ghosts, and to destroy
The strong impressions of a bridal joy.

_Almah._ You've yet a greater foe than these can be,--
Virtue opposes you, and modesty.

_Almanz._ From a false fear that modesty does grow,
And thinks true love, because 'tis fierce, its foe.
'Tis but the wax whose seals on virgins stay:
Let it approach love's fire, 'twill melt away:--
But I have lived too long; I never knew,
When fate was conquered, I must combat you.
I thought to climb the steep ascent of love;
But did not think to find a foe above.
'Tis time to die, when you my bar must be,
Whose aid alone could give me victory;
Without,
I'll pull up all the sluices of the flood,
And love, within, shall boil out all my blood.

_Q. Isabel._ Fear not your love should find so sad success,
While I have power to be your patroness.
I am her parent now, and may command
So much of duty as to give her hand. [_Gives him_ ALMAHIDE'S _hand._

_Almah._ Madam, I never can dispute your power,
Or as a parent, or a conqueror;
But, when my year of widowhood expires,
Shall yield to your command, and his desires.

_Almanz._ Move swiftly, sun, and fly a lover's pace;
Leave weeks and months behind thee in thy race!

_K. Ferd._ Mean time, you shall my victories pursue,
The Moors in woods and mountains to subdue.

_Almanz._ The toils of war shall help to wear each day,
And dreams of love shall drive my nights away.--
Our banners to the Alhambra's turrets bear;
Then, wave our conquering crosses in the air,
And cry, with shouts of triumph,--Live and reign,
Great Ferdinand and Isabel of Spain!