Muza. I saw him but an instant, and disguised, Yet this is not the traitor; on his brow Observe the calm of wisdom and of years.

Opas. Whom seekest thou?

Muza. Him who was king, I seek. He came arrayed as herald to this tent.

Abd. Thy daughter! was she nigh? perhaps for her Was this disguise.

Muza. Here, Abdalazis, kings Disguise from other causes; they obtain p. 46Beauty by violence, and power by fraud. Treason was his intent: we must admit Whoever come; our numbers are too small For question or selection, and the blood Of Spaniards shall win Spain for us, today.

p. 46

Abd. The wicked cannot move from underneath Thy ruling eye.

Muza. Right!—Julian and Roderigo Are leagued against us, on these terms alone, That Julian’s daughter weds the christian king.

[Egilona, turning round, and rushing forward.

Egil. ’Tis true—and I proclaim—

Abd. Heaven and earth! Was it not thou, most lovely, most high-souled, Who wishedst us success, and me a crown?

[Opas, in astonishment, goes abruptly.

Egil. I give it—I am Egilona, queen Of that detested man.

Abd. I touch the hand That chains down fortune to the throne of fate; p. 47And will avenge thee; for ’twas thy command, ’Tis Heaven’s—My father! what retards our bliss? Why art thou silent?

p. 47

Muza. Inexperienced years Rather would rest on the soft lap, I see, Of pleasure, after the fierce gusts of war. O destiny! that callest me alone, Hapless, to keep the toilsome watch of state; Painful to age, unnatural to youth, Adverse to all society of friends, Equality, and liberty, and ease, The welcome cheer of the unbidden feast, The gay reply, light, sudden, like the leap Of the young forester’s unbended bow; But, above all, to tenderness at home, And sweet security of kind concern Even from those who seem most truly ours. Who would resign all this, to be approach’d, Like a sick infant by a canting nurse, To spread his arms in 

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