Classic Poem

ABDALLA.
It parts you now--The hasty sultan sign'd
The laws unread, and flies to his Irene.

DEMETRIUS.
Fix'd and intent on his Irene's charms,
He envies none the converse of Aspasia.

ABDALLA.
Aspasia's absence will inflame suspicion;
She cannot, must not, shall not, linger here;
Prudence and friendship bid me force her from you.

DEMETRIUS.
Force her! profane her with a touch, and die!

ABDALLA.
'Tis Greece, 'tis freedom, calls Aspasia hence;
Your careless love betrays your country's cause.

DEMETRIUS.
If we must part--

ASPASIA.
No! let us die together.

DEMETRIUS.
If we must part--

ABDALLA.
Despatch; th' increasing danger
Will not admit a lover's long farewell,
The long-drawn intercourse of sighs and kisses.

DEMETRIUS.
Then--O! my fair, I cannot bid thee go.
Receive her, and protect her, gracious heav'n!
Yet let me watch her dear departing steps;
If fate pursues me, let it find me here.
Reproach not, Greece, a lover's fond delays,
Nor think thy cause neglected, while I gaze;
New force, new courage, from each glance I gain,
And find our passions not infus'd in vain. [Exeunt.