With a great favour, I can shew the way.

_Abdal._ I have a favour to demand of you;
That is, to take the thing for which you sue.

_Almanz._ Then, briefly, thus: when I the Albayzyn won,
I found the beauteous Almahide alone,
Whose sad condition did my pity move;
And that compassion did produce my love.

_Abdal._ This needs no suit; in justice, I declare.
She is your captive by the right of war.

_Almanz._ She is no captive then; I set her free;
And, rather than I will her jailor be,
I'll nobly lose her in her liberty.

_Abdal._ Your generosity I much approve;
But your excess of that shows want of love.

_Almanz._ No, 'tis the excess of love which mounts so high,
That, seen far off, it lessens to the eye.
Had I not loved her, and had set her free,
That, sir, had been my generosity;
But 'tis exalted passion, when I show
I dare be wretched, not to make her so:
And, while another passion fills her breast,
I'll be all wretched rather than half blest.

_Abdal._ May your heroic act so prosperous be,