_Ind._ By your own laws you such dominion make, As every stronger power has right to take: And parricide will so deform your name, That dispossessing you will give a claim. Who next usurps, will a just prince appear, So much your ruin will his reign endear. _Mor._ I without guilt would mount the royal seat; But yet 'tis necessary to be great. _Ind._ All greatness is in virtue understood: 'Tis only necessary to be good. Tell me, what is't at which great spirits aim, What most yourself desire? _Mor._ Renown and fame, And power, as uncontrouled as is my will. _Ind._ How you confound desires of good and ill. For true renown is still with virtue joined; But lust of power lets loose the unbridled mind. Yours is a soul irregularly great, Which, wanting temper, yet abounds with heat, So strong, yet so unequal pulses beat; A sun, which does, through vapours, dimly shine; What pity 'tis, you are not all divine! New moulded, thorough lightened, and a breast So pure, to bear the last severest test; Fit to command an empire you should gain By virtue, and without a blush to reign. _Mor._ You show me somewhat I ne'er learnt before; But 'tis the distant prospect of a shore, Doubtful in mists; which, like enchanted ground, Flies from my sight, before 'tis fully found. _Ind._ Dare to be great, without a guilty crown; View it, and lay the bright temptation down: 'Tis base to seize on all, because you may; That's empire, that, which I can give away: There's joy when to wild will you laws prescribe, When you bid fortune carry back her bribe: A joy, which none but greatest minds can taste; A fame, which will to endless ages last. _Mor._ Renown, and fame, in vain, I courted long, And still pursued them, though directed wrong. In hazard, and in toils, I heard they lay; Sailed farther than the coast, but missed my way: Now you have given me virtue for my guide; And, with true honour, ballasted my pride. Unjust dominion I no more pursue; I quit all other claims, but those to you. _Ind._ Oh be not just by halves! pay all you owe: Think there's a debt to Melesinda too. To leave no blemish on your after-life, Reward the virtue of a suffering wife. _Mor._ To love, once past, I cannot backward move; Call yesterday again, and I may love. 'Twas not for nothing I the crown resigned; I still must own a mercenary mind; I, in this venture, double gains pursue, And laid out all my stock, to purchase you. _To them,_ ASAPH CHAN. Now, what success? does Aureng-Zebe yet live? _Asaph._ Fortune has given you all that she can give. Your brother-- _Mor._ Hold; thou showest an impious joy, And think'st I still take pleasure to destroy: Know, I am changed, and would not have him slain.