_Arim._ I'll to my charge, the citadel, repair, And show my duty by my timely care. _To them the Emperor, with a letter in his hand: After him, an Ambassador, with a train following._ _Asaph._ But see, the emperor! a fiery red His brows and glowing temples does o'erspread; Morat has some displeasing message sent. _Amb._ Do not, great sir, misconstrue his intent; Nor call rebellion what was prudent care, To guard himself by necessary war: While he believed you living, he obeyed; His governments but as your viceroy swayed: But, when he thought you gone To augment the number of the blessed above, He deemed them legacies of royal love: Nor armed, his brothers' portions to invade, But to defend the present you had made. _Emp._ By frequent messages, and strict commands, He knew my pleasure to discharge his bands: Proof of my life my royal signet made; Yet still he armed, came on, and disobeyed. _Amb._ He thought the mandate forged, your death concealed; And but delayed, till truth should be revealed. _Emp._ News of my death from rumour he received; And what he wished, he easily believed: But long demurred, though from my hand he knew I lived, so loth he was to think it true. Since he pleads ignorance to that command, Now let him show his duty, and disband. _Amb._ His honour, sir, will suffer in the cause; He yields his arms unjust, if he withdraws: And begs his loyalty may be declared, By owning those he leads to be your guard. _Emp._ I, in myself, have all the guard I need! Bid the presumptuous boy draw off with speed: If his audacious troops one hour remain, My cannon from the fort shall scour the plain. _Amb._ Since you deny him entrance, he demands His wife, whom cruelly you hold in bands: Her, if unjustly you from him detain, He justly will, by force of arms, regain. _Emp._ O'er him and his a right from Heaven I have; Subject and son, he's doubly born my slave. But whatsoe'er his own demerits are, Tell him, I shall not make on women war. And yet I'll do her innocence the grace, To keep her here, as in the safer place. But thou, who dar'st this bold defiance bring, May'st feel the rage of an offended king. Hence, from my sight, without the least reply! One word, nay one look more, and thou shalt die. [_Exit Ambassador._ _Re-enter_ ARIMANT. _Arim._ May heaven, great monarch, still augment your bliss With length of days, and every day like this! For, from the banks of Gemna news is brought, Your army has a bloody battle fought: Darah from loyal Aureng-Zebe is fled, And forty thousand of his men lie dead. To Sujah next your conquering army drew; Him they surprised, and easily o'erthrew. _Emp._ 'Tis well. _Arim._ But well! what more could at your wish be done, Than two such conquests gained by such a son? Your pardon, mighty sir; You seem not high enough your joys to rate; You stand indebted a vast sum to fate, And should large thanks for the great blessing pay.