_Aur._ Stay, sir!--I from my years no merit plead: [_To his Father._ All my designs and acts to duty lead. Your life and glory are my only end; And for that prize I with Morat contend. _Mor._ Not him alone: I all mankind defy. Who dares adventure more for both than I? _Aur._ I know you brave, and take you at your word: That present service, which you vaunt, afford. Our two rebellious brothers are not dead: Though vanquished, yet again they gather head. I dare you, as your rival in renown, March out your army from the imperial town: Chuse whom you please, the other leave to me; And set our father absolutely free. This, if you do, to end all future strife, I am content to lead a private life; Disband my army, to secure the state, Nor aim at more, but leave the rest to fate. _Mor._ I'll do it.--Draw out my army on the plain! War is to me a pastime, peace a pain. _Emp._ Think better first.-- [_To_ MOR. You see yourself enclosed beyond escape, [_To_ AUR. And, therefore, Proteus-like, you change your shape; Of promise prodigal, while power you want, And preaching in the self-denying cant. _Mor._ Plot better; for these arts too obvious are, Of gaming time, the master-piece of war. Is Aureng-Zebe so known? _Aur._ If acts like mine, So far from interest, profit, or design, Can show my heart, by those I would be known: I wish you could as well defend your own. My absent army for my father fought: Yours, in these walls, is to enslave him brought. If I come singly, you an armed guest, The world with ease may judge whose cause is best. _Mor._ My father saw you ill designs pursue; And my admission showed his fear of you. _Aur._ Himself best knows why he his love withdraws: I owe him more than to declare the cause. But still I press, our duty may be shown By arms. _Mor._ I'll vanquish all his foes alone. _Aur._ You speak, as if you could the fates command, And had no need of any other hand. But, since my honour you so far suspect, 'Tis just I should on your designs reflect. To prove yourself a loyal son, declare You'll lay down arms when you conclude the war. _Mor._ No present answer your demand requires; The war once done, I'll do what heaven inspires; And while this sword this monarchy secures, 'Tis managed by an abler arm than yours. _Emp._ Morat's design a doubtful meaning bears: [_Aside._ In Aureng-Zebe true loyalty appears. He, for my safety, does his own despise; Still, with his wrongs, I find his duty rise. I feel my virtue struggling in my soul, But stronger passion does its power controul.-- Yet be advised your ruin to prevent: [_To_ AUR. _aside._ You might be safe, if you would give consent. _Aur._ So to your welfare I of use may be, My life or death are equal both to me. _Emp._ The people's hearts are yours; the fort yet mine: Be wise, and Indamora's love resign. I am observed: Remember, that I give This my last proof of kindness--die, or live.