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