_Emp._ A thousand things controul this conqueror: My native pride to own the unworthy passion, Hazard of interest, and my people's love. To what a storm of fate am I exposed!-- What if I had her murdered!--'tis but what My subjects all expect, and she deserves,-- Would not the impossibility Of ever, ever seeing, or possessing, Calm all this rage, this hurricane of soul? _Bend._ That _ever, ever,_-- I marked the double,--shows extreme reluctance To part with her for ever. _Emp._ Right, thou hast me. I would, but cannot kill: I must enjoy her: I must, and what I must, be sure I will. What's royalty, but power to please myself? And if I dare not, then am I the slave, And my own slaves the sovereigns:--'tis resolved. Weak princes flatter, when they want the power To curb their people; tender plants must bend: But when a government is grown to strength, Like some old oak, rough with its armed bark, It yields not to the tug, but only nods, And turns to sullen state. _Bend._ Then you resolve To implore her pity, and to beg relief? _Emp._ Death! must I beg the pity of my slave? Must a king beg?--Yes; love's a greater king; A tyrant, nay, a devil, that possesses me: He tunes the organs of my voice, and speaks, Unknown to me, within me; pushes me, And drives me on by force.-- Say I should wed her, would not my wise subjects Take check, and think it strange? perhaps revolt? _Bend._ I hope they would not. _Emp._ Then thou doubtst they would? _Bend._ To whom? _Emp._ To her Perhaps,--or to my brother,--or to thee. _Bend._ [_in disorder._] To me! me, did you mention? how I tremble! The name of treason shakes my honest soul. If I am doubted, sir, Secure yourself this moment, take my life. _Emp._ No more: If I suspected thee--I would. _Bend._ I thank your kindness.--Guilt had almost lost me. [_Aside._ _Emp._ But clear my doubts:--thinkst thou they may rebel? _Bend._ This goes as I would wish.-- [_Aside._ 'Tis possible: A secret party still remains, that lurks Like embers raked in ashes,--wanting but A breath to blow aside the involving dust, And then they blaze abroad. _Emp._ They must be trampled out. _Bend._ But first be known. _Emp._ Torture shall force it from them. _Bend._ You would not put a nation to the rack? _Emp._ Yes, the whole world; so I be safe, I care not. _Bend._ Our limbs and lives Are yours; but mixing friends with foes is hard. _Emp._ All may be foes; or how to be distinguished, If some be friends? _Bend._ They may with ease be winnowed. Suppose some one, who has deserved your trust, Some one, who knows mankind, should be employed To mix among them, seem a malcontent, And dive into their breasts, to try how far They dare oppose your love? _Emp._ I like this well; 'tis wholesome wickedness.