Volume Ii Part 4 (2/2)

_Flor_. Sir, _Abdelazer's_ here.

_King_. His Presence never was less welcome to me;-- [_Aside_.

But, Madam, durst the Cardinal use this Insolence?

Where is your n.o.ble Husband?

_Abd_. He sees me, yet inquires for me. [_Aside_.

_Flor_. Sir, my Lord is here.

_King. Abdelazer_, I have heard with much surprize, O' th' Injuries you've receiv'd, and mean to right you: My Father lov'd you well, made you his General, I think you worthy of that Honour still.

_Abd_. True--for my Wife's sake. [_Aside_.

_King_. When my Coronation is solemnized, Be present there, and re-a.s.sume your wonted State and Place; And see how I will check the insolent Cardinal.

_Abd_. I humbly thank my Sovereign-- [_Kneels, and kisses the_ King's _Hand_.

That he loves my Wife so well. [_Aside_.

[_Exeunt_.

_Manent_ Abdelazer, Florella.

_Flor_. Wilt thou not pay my Service with one Smile?

Have I not acted well the Suppliant's part?

_Abd_. Oh wonderfully! y'ave learnt the Art to move.

Go, leave me.

_Flor_. Still out of humour, thoughtful and displeas'd?

And why at me, my _Abdelazer_? what have I done?

_Abd_. Rarely! you cannot do amiss you are so beautiful.

So very fair--Go, get you in, I say-- [_Turns her in roughly_.

She has the art of dallying with my Soul, Teaching it lazy softness from her Looks.

But now a n.o.bler Pa.s.sion's enter'd there, And blows it thus--to Air--Idol Ambition, _Florella_ must to thee a Victim fall: Revenge,--to thee--a Cardinal and Prince: And to my Love and Jealousy, a King-- More yet, my mighty Deities, I'll do, None that you e'er inspir'd like me shall act; That fawning servile Crew shall follow next, Who with the Cardinal cry'd, banish _Abdelazer_.

_Like Eastern Monarchs I'll adorn thy Fate, And to the Shades thou shalt descend in State.

[Exit_.

ACT II.

SCENE I. _A Chamber of State_.

_Enter the_ King _crown'd_, Philip, Mendozo, Queen, Leonora, Florella, Elvira, Alonzo, Roderigo, Ordonio, Sebastian, Antonio, _Officers and Guards; met by_ Abdelazer _follow'd by_ Osmin, Zarrack, _and Moors attending. He comes in with Pride, staring on_ Philip _and_ Mendozo, _and takes his stand next the_ King.

_Phil_. Why stares the Devil thus, as if he meant From his infectious Eyes to scatter Plagues, And poison all the World? Was he not banish'd?

How dares the Traitor venture into th' Presence?-- Guards, spurn the Villain forth.

_Abd_. Who spurns the _Moor_ Were better set his foot upon the Devil-- Do, spurn me, and this Hand thus justly arm'd, Shall like a Thunder-bolt, breaking the Clouds, Divide his Body from his Soul--stand back-- [_To the Guards_.

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