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Here let the wearied army rest awhile,

that ere we farther march,

we may have time sedately to consult

the measures neceſſary to be taken

to make the Turks victorious;

then nought remains, but with undaunted courage

to prosecute our scheme.

What toil! what danger! and what care!

To glory lead the way:

commanded by the god of war,

the brave with joy obey.

Be this the day appointed

to rush with fury on our christian foes.

Now, now, my mussulmen, exert your courage;

those, who in this engagement fall,

will be abundantly rewarded

with the eternal joys of paradise:

the rest with spoil and conquest will return.

Inseparable blessings thus attend us,

whether we live or die,

we're sure of happiness.

I'll destroy the proud foe in his glory,

from our presence he shall fly,

for I'll conquer or die,

to dubious fear I am a stranger:

let all be so brave, that the story

may be noted by fame,

from the Ganges to Thame,

and equal the height of our danger.

At length the sultan's arms

have prov'd triumphant,

and conquest is the premium of our courage.

Bring forth the once renowned Casimir,

now Osmyn's captive, and the sultan's slave.

Well, Casimir! you see the fate of war

is now decided in our favour;

these chains are not to be compar'd

with the severities I can inflict,

unless, upon the terms I shall propose,

you purchase your redemption.

Christian! 'tis vain to hope immediate death,

for I'll consummate my revenge

by a protraction of thy misery:

were we to live the series of an age,

my vengeance then would be the more compleat.

The eagle with its prey,

through aether cuts his way,

retaining fast his trembling prize;

with a relentless breast,

he bears him to his nest,

and makes him there a sacrifice.

(to Rodulpho)

Tell me, my mussulman,

by what happy chance

thou didst obtain this matchless beauty?

This pleasing instance of thy loyalty

shall e'er be graciouſly remembred,

and thou ſhalt always be our chief attendant.

(To Amelia.)

Say, beauteous christian,

why thus in sorrow droops that lovely head?

Thou art not fall'n into barbarian hands,

nor wilt thou find us hideous, as we're painted.

Joy of my heart! the longer I converse,

the more I'm ravish'd and delighted

with thy incomparable wisdom.

Thou hast a soul more beauteous than thy form,

nor can I live without the blest enjoyment

of both those excellent perfections.

Lovely creature! while I'm gazing,

ev'ry feature more amazing,

all my soul with raptures charm.

If such pleasure's in beholding,

oh the transport of infolding

so much beauty in my arms!

Darest thou obstruct my way?

dispatch him straight for his preſumption;

sever his head from his detested body.

At your request he lives,

but we'll no longer stay

to hear his insults,

and repent our mercy.

What is it for your sake

I would not grant?

But he's my enemy avow'd;

to give him freedom is to make him able

to war against us yet a second time;

ask any other proof of my affection,

and my compliance waits on your request.

Such is the ardour of my passion,

that I'll engage her at the dearest rate.

(To her.)

To let you see, my charmer!

I give your love the preference,

above all other views whatsoever,

at your immediate intercession,

this christian has his liberty restor'd;

I only ask the tribute of your heart,

as a return of gratitude.

(to Casimir)

Christian,

at the request of this celestial creature,

you have your life and liberty.

No more, we will not hear your tedious thanks;

your presence only aggravates my wrath;

so fly while you have free permission.

Now, the delightful object of my soul!

Remains there any favour yet unask'd,

that you can wish, or I confer?

To one so fair and kind,

I ne'er can leave thee,

Amelia I'll ne'er deceive thee,

It's certain she is fled, but who could think,

that in such beautiful perfection,

ingratitude could be conceal'd;

'twas for her sake I condescended

to grant the christian life and liberty:

so much her charms have ravish'd all my soul,

that with the fair delusive creature

are all my hopes of comfort fled:

now all my conquests are insipid,

the world and all its rich possessions

cannot redress the anguish I conceive,

by this one woman's imposition.

All my glories I resign,

for a life that's divine;

in a lonely desert cell,

I'll in sweet retirement dwell;

unmolested I intend

all my future years to spend:

now adieu ye worldly joys,

short-lived splendor, courts and noise;

there I only hope to find

solitude, and peace of mind.

(Exit.)