but half the charms of being great;
I would be somewhat, that I know not yet:--
Yes! I avow the ambition of my soul,
To be that one to live without controul!
And that's another happiness to me,
To be so happy as but one can be.

_Abdal._ Madam,--because I would all doubts remove,--
Would you, were I a king, accept my love?

_Lyndar._ I would accept it; and, to shew 'tis true,
From any other man as soon as you.

_Abdal._ Your sharp replies make me not love you less;
But make me seek new paths to happiness.--
What I design, by time will best be seen:
You may be mine, and yet may be a queen.
When you are so, your word your love assures.

_Lyndar._ Perhaps not love you,--but I will be yours.--
[_He offers to take her hand, and kiss it._
Stay, sir, that grace I cannot yet allow;
Before you set the crown upon my brow.--
That favour which you seek,
Or Abdelmelech, or a king, must have;
When you are so, then you may be my slave.
[_Exit; but looks smiling back on him._

_Abdal._ Howe'er imperious in her words she were,
Her parting looks had nothing of severe;
A glancing smile allured me to command,
And her soft fingers gently pressed my hand:
I felt the pleasure glide through every part;
Her hand went through me to my very heart.
For such another pleasure, did he live,
I could my father of a crown deprive.--
What did I say?--
Father!--That impious thought has shocked my mind:
How bold our passions are, and yet how blind!--
She's gone; and now,
Methinks, there is less glory in a crown:
My boiling passions settle, and go down.
Like amber chafed, when she is near, she acts;
When farther oft, inclines, but not attracts.

_Enter_ ZULEMA.

Assist me, Zulema, if thou wouldst be
That friend thou seem'st, assist me against me.
Betwixt my love and virtue I am tossed;
This must be forfeited, or that be lost.
I could do much to merit thy applause,--
Help me to fortify the better cause;
My honour is not wholly put to flight,
But would, if seconded, renew the fight.

_Zul._ I met my sister, but I do not see
What difficulty in your choice can be:
She told me all; and 'tis so plain a case,
You need not ask what counsel to embrace.

_Abdal._ I stand reproved, that I did doubt at all;
My waiting virtue staid but for thy call:
'Tis plain that she, who, for a kingdom, now
Would sacrifice her love, and break her vow,
Not out of love, but interest, acts alone,
An