RODERIGO _is going out when_ MUZA _enters with_ EGILONA; RODERIGO _starts
back_.
_Muza_ [_sternly to_ EGILONA.]
Enter, since ’tis the custom in this land.
_Egi._ [_passing_ MUZA _disdainfully_, _points to_ ABDALAZIS, _and
says to_ JULIAN.]
Is this our future monarch, or art thou?
_Jul._ ’Tis Abdalazis, son of Muza, prince
Commanding Africa, from Abyla
To where Tunisian pilots bend the eye
O’er ruined temples in the glassy wave.
Till quiet times and ancient laws return,
He comes to govern here.
_Rod._ To-morrow’s dawn
Proves that.
_Muza_. What art thou?
_Rod._ [_drawing his sword_.] King.
_Abd._ Amazement!
_Muza_. Treason!
_Egi._ O horror!
_Muza_. Seize him.
_Egi._ Spare him! fly to me!
_Jul._ Urge me not to protect a guest, a herald—
The blasts of war roar over him unfelt.
_Egi._ Ah fly, unhappy!
_Rod._ Fly! no, Egilona—
Dost thou forgive me? dost thou love me? still?
_Egi._ I hate, abominate, abhor thee—go,
Or my own vengeance—
_Rod._ [_taking_ JULIAN’S _hand_, _and inviting him to attack_ MUZA
_and_ ABDALAZIS.]
Julian!
_Jul._ Hence, or die.