_Mor._ The bloody business of the night is done, And, in the citadel, an empire won. Our swords so wholly did the fates employ, That they, at length, grew weary to destroy, Refused the work we brought, and, out of breath, Made sorrow and despair attend for death. But what of all my conquest can I boast? My haughty pride, before your eyes, is lost: And victory but gains me to present That homage, which our eastern world has sent. _Ind._ Your victory, alas, begets my fears: Can you not then triumph without my tears? Resolve me; (for you know my destiny Is Aureng-Zebes) say, do I live or die? _Mor._ Urged by my love, by hope of empire fired, 'Tis true, I have performed what both required: What fate decreed; for when great souls are given, They bear the marks of sovereignty from heaven. My elder brothers my fore-runners came; Rough-draughts of nature, ill designed, and lame: Blown off, like blossoms never made to bear; Till I came, finished, her last-laboured care. _Ind._ This prologue leads to your succeeding sin: Blood ended what ambition did begin. _Mor._ 'Twas rumour'd,--but by whom I cannot tell,-- My father 'scaped from out the citadel; My brother too may live. _Ind._ He may? _Mor._ He must: I kill'd him not: and a less fate's unjust. Heaven owes it me, that I may fill his room, A phoenix-lover, rising from his tomb; In whom you'll lose your sorrows for the dead; More warm, more fierce, and fitter for your bed. _Ind._ Should I from Aureng-Zebe my heart divide, To love a monster, and a parricide? These names your swelling titles cannot hide. Severe decrees may keep our tongues in awe; But to our thoughts, what edict can give law? Even you yourself, to your own breast, shall tell Your crimes; and your own conscience be your hell. _Mor._ What business has my conscience with a crown? She sinks in pleasures, and in bowls will drown. If mirth should fail, I'll busy her with cares, Silence her clamorous voice with louder wars: Trumpets and drums shall fright her from the throne, As sounding cymbals aid the labouring moon. _Ind._ Repelled by these, more eager she will grow, Spring back more strongly than a Scythian bow. Amidst your train, this unseen judge will wait; Examine how you came by all your state; Upbraid your impious pomp; and, in your ear, Will hollow,--"Rebel, tyrant, murderer!" Your ill-got power wan looks and care shall bring, Known but by discontent to be a king. Of crowds afraid, yet anxious when alone, You'll sit and brood your sorrows on a throne. _Mor._ Birth-right's a vulgar road to kingly sway; 'Tis every dull-got elder brother's way. Dropt from above, he lights into a throne; Grows of a piece with that he sits upon; Heaven's choice, a low, inglorious, rightful drone. But who by force a sceptre does obtain, Shows he can govern that, which he could gain. Right comes of course, whate'er he was before; Murder and usurpation are no more.