_Al._ No more, I pray no more. The graveyard ghosts are not so waste and dead As is thy phantom picture.
_Al._ Why ask me? Yet be this an hour of truth, Tho’all time lie. I love thee, Ferdinand, Even as thou lovest me; would be thy wife, To live alone with thee as Christians use.
_Fer._ Almeh! Weep not. Fear nothing, if thou art mine.
_Al._ I am nought that is not thine: only thy hope I cannot share.
_Fer._ How canst thou love and fear? 1470 See, I can teach thee how to trust in love Now with this kiss.
_Al._ (_seeing K._). Away! My father! my father!
_K._ (_to Tar._). These white-faced Christians Have most uncultured manners. (_To F._) By my soul, Prince Ferdinand, thou usest thy liberty With small restraint. (_To S._) Sala, conduct the prince Into the dungeon tower: see him there locked.
_K._ Begone, I say: my passion Brooks not his presence. [_Exit Sala with Ferdinand._
_Tar._ (_aside_). But what word for her, The greater culprit?
_K._ (_to Al._). As for thee, my daughter, 1480 Retire thou too. Thy blush cannot be cured But by this felon’s punishment. Moreover, Thou dost not well to walk even in these grounds Unveiled without attendant. [_Exit Almeh._
_Tar._ (_aside_). ’Tis well said, Without attendant. (_To K._) With us, your majesty, The women all go veiled.
_K._ And so with us The custom is approved, and general. But license hath been granted to my daughter And her attendants, when within the walls. Nor wilt thou find her modesty is touched 1490 By such concession. As for Ferdinand, Thou shalt decree his punishment.
_Tar._ Nay, sire; I shall not ask that. I have here a letter Writ by my father, urging my return: He needs my troops. I look for your permission To take my leave to-night. As for the matter Which brought me here, the services already Rendered your majesty have given me Much pleasure, as the recital will my father, And should confirm our friendship. I confess 1500 ’Tis disappointment to me that the league Cannot be knit by marriage, and to have seen The princess hath much sharpened my regret. Could she have loved me, I had held myself Not so unworthy of her grace.
_K._ Stay, stay. Pray misinterpret not this fool’s presumption As her consent.
_K._ I see thou’rt wronged. I bear thee no ill-will for thy resentment: I should feel shame for thee wert thou not shamed: But all shall be atoned for: the unbeliever 1510 Shall pay full penalty. Thou shalt decree it.