_Almanz._ No, speak; for I can hear you now all day.
Her sueing sooths me with a secret pride: [_Softly._
A suppliant beauty cannot be denied: [_Aside._
Even while I frown, her charms the furrows seize;
And I'm corrupted with the power to please.

_Almah._ Though in your worth no cause of fear I see,
I fear the insolence of victory;
As you are noble, sir, protect me then
From the rude outrage of insulting men.

_Almanz._ Who dares touch her I love? I'm all o'er love:
Nay, I am love; love shot, and shot so fast,
He shot himself into my breast at last.

_Almah._ You see before you her, who should be queen,
Since she is promised to Boabdelin.

_Almanz._ Are you beloved by him? O wretched fate,
First that I love at all; then, loved too late!
Yet, I must love!

_Almah._ Alas, it is in vain;
Fate for each other did not us ordain.
The chances of this day too clearly show
That heaven took care that it should not be so.

_Almanz._ Would heaven had quite forgot me this one day!
But fate's yet hot--
I'll make it take a bent another way.