Boab. Then, Zulema and Hamet, live; but know, Your lives to Abdelmelech’s suit you owe.

Zul. The grace received so much my hope exceeds,
That words come weak and short to answer deeds. 
You’ve made a venture, sir, and time must shew,
If this great mercy you did well bestow.

Boab. You, Abdelmelech, haste before ’tis night,
And close pursue my brother in his flight.
                           [Exeunt ABDELMELECH, ZULEMA, and HAMET.

Enter ALMANZOR, ALMAHIDE, and ESPERANZA.

But see, with Almahide
The brave Almanzor comes, whose conquering sword
The crown, it once took from me, has restored. 
How can I recompence so great desert!

Almanz. I bring you, sir, performed in every part,
My promise made; your foes are fled or slain;
Without a rival, absolute you reign. 
Yet though, in justice, this enough may be,
It is too little to be done by me: 
I beg to go,
Where my own courage and your fortune calls,
To chase these misbelievers from our walls. 
I cannot breathe within this narrow space;
My heart’s too big, and swells beyond the place.

Boab. You can perform, brave warrior, what you please;
Fate listens to your voice, and then decrees. 
Now I no longer fear the Spanish powers;
Already we are free, and conquerors.

Almanz. Accept, great king, to-morrow, from my hand,
The captive head of conquered Ferdinand. 
You shall not only what you lost regain,
But o’er the Biscayan mountains to the main,
Extend your sway, where never Moor did reign.

Aben. What, in another, vanity would seem,
Appears but noble confidence in him;
No haughty boasting, but a manly pride;
A soul too fiery, and too great to guide: 
He moves excentric, like a wandering star,
Whose motion’s just, though ’tis not regular.

Boab. It is for you, brave man, and only you,
Greatly to speak, and yet more greatly do. 
But, if your benefits too far extend,
I must be left ungrateful in the end: 
Yet somewhat I would pay,
Before my debts above all reckoning grow,
To keep me from the shame of what I owe. 
But you
Are conscious to yourself of such desert,
That of your gift I fear to offer part.

Almanz. When I shall have declared my high request,
So much presumption there will be confest,
That you will find your gifts I do not shun;
But rather much o’er-rate the service done.

Boab. Give wing to your desires, and let ’em fly,
Secure they cannot mount a pitch too high. 
So bless me, Alha, both in peace and war,
As I accord, whate’er your wishes are.

Almanz. Emboldened by the promise of a prince,
                                    [Putting one knee to the ground.
I ask this lady now with confidence.