_Opas_. He, who can scoff at them, may scoff at me. Such are we, that the giver of all good Shall, in the heart he purifies, posess The latest love—the earliest, no, not there! I’ve known the firm and faithful; even from these Life’s eddying spring shed the first bloom on earth. I pity them, but ask their pity too. I love the happiness of men, and praise And sanctify the blessings I renounce.
_Rod._ Yet would thy baleful influence undermine The heaven-appointed throne.
_Opas_. —the throne of guilt Obdurate, without plea, without remorse.
_Rod._ What power hast thou? perhaps thou soon wilt want A place of refuge.
_Opas_. Rather say, perhaps My place of refuge will receive me soon: Could I extend it even to thy crimes, It should be open; but the wrath of heaven Turns them against thee, and subverts thy sway; It leaves thee not, what wickedness and woe Oft in their drear communion taste together, Hope and repentance.
_Rod._ But it leaves me arms, Vigour of soul and body, and a race Subject by law, and dutiful by choice, Whose hand is never to be holden fast Within the closing cleft of knarled creeds; No easy prey for these vile mitred Moors. I, who received thy homage, may retort Thy threats, vain prelate, and abase thy pride.
_Opas_. Low must be those whom mortal can sink lower, Nor high are they whom human power may raise.
_Opas_. And derides Thy buoyant heart the dubious gulphs of war? Trumpets may sound, and not to victory.
_Rod._ The traitor and his daughter feel my power.
_Rod._ Seize this rebel priest. I will alone subdue my enemies.
RAMIRO _and_ OSMA _enter from opposite sides_.
_Ram._ Where is the king? his car is at the gate, His ministers attend him, but his foes Are yet more prompt, nor will await delay.
_Osma_. Nor need they—for he meets them as I speak—
_Ram._ With all his forces—or our cause is lost. Julian and Sisabert surround the walls—
_Osma_. Surround, sayst thou? enter they not the gates?
_Osma_. Sisabert Brings him our prisoner.
_Ram._ They are friends! they held A parley; and the soldiers, when they saw Count Julian, lower’d their arms and hail’d him king.
_Osma_. How? and he leads them in the name of king?
_Ram._ He leads them; but amidst that acclamation He turn’d away his head, and called for vengeance.