_Dor_ I hear you, sir; I'll take my time, and do't. _Emp._ Thy time! What's all thy time? What's thy whole life To my one hour of ease? No more replies, But see thou dost it; or-- _Dor._ Choke in that threat; I can say _or_ as loud. _Emp._ 'Tis well; I see my words have no effect, But I may send a message to dispose you. [_Is going off._ _Dor._ Expect an answer worthy of that message. _Muf._ The prophet owed him this; And, thanked be heaven, he has it. [_Aside._ _Bend._ By holy Alla, I conjure you stay, And judge not rashly of so brave a man. [_Draws the Emperor aside, and whispers him._ I'll give you reasons why he cannot execute Your orders now, and why he will hereafter. _Muf._ Benducar is a fool, to bring him off; I'll work my own revenge, and speedily. [_Aside._ _Bend._ The fort is his, the soldiers' hearts are his; A thousand Christian slaves are in the castle, Which he can free to reinforce his power; Your troops far off, beleaguering Larache, Yet in the Christians' hands. _Emp._ I grant all this; But grant me he must die. _Bend._ He shall, by poison; 'Tis here, the deadly drug, prepared in powder, Hot as hell fire: Then, to prevent his soldiers From rising to revenge their general's death, While he is struggling with his mortal pangs, The rabble on the sudden may be raised To seize the castle. _Emp._ Do't;--'tis left to thee. _Bend._ Yet more;--but clear your brow, for he observes. [_They whisper again._ _Dor._ What, will the favourite prop my falling fortunes? O prodigy of court! [_Aside_ [_Emp. and_ BEND. _return to_ DOR. _Emp._ Your friend has fully cleared your innocence; I was too hasty to condemn unheard, And you, perhaps, too prompt in your replies. As far as fits the majesty of kings, I ask excuse. _Dor._ I'm sure I meant it well. _Emp._ I know you did:--This to our love renewed.-- [_Emp. drinks._ Benducar, fill to Dorax. [BEND. _turns, and mixes a Powder in it._ _Dor._ Let it go round, for all of us have need To quench our heats: 'Tis the king's health, Benducar, [_He drinks._ And I would pledge it, though I knew 'twere poison. _Bend._ Another bowl; for what the king has touched, And you have pledged, is sacred to your loves. [_Drinks out of another Bowl._ _Muf._ Since charity becomes my calling, thus Let me provoke your friendship; and heaven bless it, As I intend it well. [_Drinks; and, turning aside, pours some drops out of a little vial into the Bowl; then presents it to_ DORAX. _Dor._ Heaven make thee honest; On that condition we shall soon be friends. [_Drinks._