[ZULEMA _and_ LYNDARAXA _whisper; then_ ZUL.
_goes out, and_ LYNDAR. _is going after._

_Abdal._ Why, fairest Lyndaraxa, do you fly [_Staying her._
A prince, who at your feet is proud to die?

_Lyndar._ Sir, I should blush to own so rude a thing, [_Staying._
As 'tis to shun the brother of my king.

_Abdal._ In my hard fortune, I some ease should find,
Did your disdain extend to all mankind.
But give me leave to grieve, and to complain,
That you give others what I beg in vain.

_Lyndar._ Take my esteem, if you on that can live;
For, frankly, sir, 'tis all I have to give:
If from my heart you ask or hope for more,
I grieve the place is taken up before.

_Abdal._ My rival merits you.--
To Abdelmelech I will justice do;
For he wants worth, who dares not praise a foe.

_Lyndar._ That for his virtue, sir, you make defence,
Shows in your own a noble confidence.
But him defending, and excusing me,
I know not what can your advantage be.

_Abdal._ I fain would ask, ere I proceed in this,
If, as by choice, you are by promise his?