Let heaven's great eye of Providence now take
One day of rest, and ever after wake.

_Enter_ BOABDELIN, ABENAMAR, _and Guards._

_Boab._ Losses on losses! as if heaven decreed
Almanzor's valour should alone succeed.

_Aben._ Each sally we have made, since he is gone,
Serves but to pull our speedy ruin on.

_Boab._ Of all mankind, the heaviest fate he bears,
Who the last crown of sinking empire wears.
No kindly planet of his birth took care:
Heaven's outcast, and the dross of every star!
[_A tumultuous noise within._

_Enter_ ABDELMELECH.

What new misfortunes do these cries presage?

_Abdelm._ They are the effects of the mad people's rage.
All in despair tumultuously they swarm:
The fairest streets already take the alarm;
The needy creep from cellars under ground;
To them new cries from tops of garrets sound;
The aged from the chimneys seek the cold;
And wives from windows helpless infants hold.

_Boab._ See what the many-headed beast demands.-- [_Exit_ ABDELM.