'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.

_Emp._ Do't;--'tis left to thee.

_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.

_Dor._ I'm sure I meant it well.

_Emp._ I know you did:--This to our love renewed.-- [_Emp. drinks._
Benducar, fill to Dorax. [BEND. _turns, and mixes a Powder in it._

_Dor._ Let it go round, for all of us have need
To quench our heats: 'Tis the king's health, Benducar, [_He drinks._
And I would pledge it, though I knew 'twere poison.

_Bend._ Another bowl; for what the king has touched,
And you have pledged, is sacred to your loves.
[_Drinks out of anoth