_Emp._ No more; whate'er he said was my command.
_Dor._ Why, then, no more, since you will hear no more; Some kings are resolute to their own ruin.
_Emp._ Without your meddling where you are not asked, Obey your orders, and dispatch Sebastian.
_Dor._ Trust my revenge; be sure I wish him dead.
_Emp._ What mean'st thou? What's thy wishing to my will? Dispatch him; rid me of the man I loath.
_Dor_ I hear you, sir; I'll take my time, and do't.
_Emp._ Thy time! What's all thy time? What's thy whole life To my one hour of ease? No more replies, But see thou dost it; or--
_Dor._ Choke in that threat; I can say _or_ as loud.
_Emp._ 'Tis well; I see my words have no effect, But I may send a message to dispose you. [_Is going off._
_Dor._ Expect an answer worthy of that message.
_Muf._ The prophet owed him this; And, thanked be heaven, he has it. [_Aside._
_Bend._ By holy Alla, I conjure you stay, And judge not rashly of so brave a man. [_Draws the Emperor aside, and whispers him._ I'll give you reasons why he cannot execute Your orders now, and why he will hereafter.
_Muf._ Benducar is a fool, to bring him off; I'll work my own revenge, and speedily. [_Aside._
_Bend._ The fort is his, the soldiers' hearts are his; A thousand Christian slaves are in the castle, Which he can free to reinforce his power; Your troops far off, beleaguering Larache, Yet in the Christians' hands.
_Emp._ I grant all this; But grant me he must die.
_Bend._ He shall, by poison; 'Tis here, the deadly drug, prepared in powder, Hot as hell fire: Then, to prevent his soldiers From rising to revenge their general's death, While he is struggling with his mortal pangs, The rabble on the sudden may be raised To seize the castle.
_Bend._ Yet more;--but clear your brow, for he observes. [_They whisper again._
_Dor._ What, will the favourite prop my falling fortunes? O prodigy of court! [_Aside_ [_Emp. and_ BEND. _return to_ DOR.
_Emp._ Your friend has fully cleared your innocence; I was too hasty to condemn unheard, And you, perhaps, too prompt in your replies. As far as fits the majesty of kings, I ask excuse.
_Emp._ I know you did:--This to our love renewed.-- [_Emp. drinks._ Benducar, fill to Dorax. [BEND. _turns, and mixes a Powder in it._