_Bend._ Hence I conclude him either dead, or dying. His mournful friends, summoned to take their leaves, Are thronged about his couch, and sit in council. What those caballing captains may design, I must prevent, by being first in action.-- To Muley-Zeydan fly with speed, desire him To take my last instructions; tell the importance, And haste his presence here.-- [_Exit_ HALY. How has this poison lost its wonted way? It should have burnt its passage, not have lingered In the blind labyrinths and crooked turnings Of human composition; now it moves Like a slow fire, that works against the wind, As if his stronger stars had interposed.-- _Enter_ HAMET. Well, Hamet, are our friends, the rabble, raised? From Mustapha what message? _Ham._ What you wish. The streets are thicker in this noon of night, Than at the mid-day sun; a drowsy horror Sits on their eyes, like fear, not well awake; All crowd in heaps, as, at a night alarm, The bees drive out upon each others backs, To imboss their hives in clusters; all ask news; Their busy captain runs the weary round, To whisper orders; and, commanding silence, Makes not noise cease, but deafens it to murmurs. _Bend._ Night wastes apace; when, when will he appear! _Ham._ He only waits your summons. _Bend._ Haste their coming. Let secrecy and silence be enjoined In their close march. What news from the lieutenant? _Ham._ I left him at the gate, firm to your interest, To admit the townsmen at their first appearance. _Bend._ Thus far 'tis well: Go, hasten Mustapha. [_Exit_ HAMET. _Enter_ ORCHAN, _the third Servant._ O, Orchan, did I think thy diligence Would lag behind the rest!--What from the Mufti? _Orc._ I sought him round his palace; made inquiry Of all the slaves; in short, I used your name, And urged the importance home; but had for answer, That, since the shut of evening, none had seen him. _Bend._ O the curst fate of all conspiracies! They move on many springs; if one but fail, The restiff machine stops. In an ill hour he's absent; 'Tis the first time, and sure will be the last, That e'er a Mufti was not in the way, When tumults and rebellion should be broached. Stay by me; thou art resolute and faithful; I have employment worthy of thy arm. [_Walks._ _Enter_ MULEY-ZEYDAN. _Mul. Zeyd._ You see me come, impatient of my hopes, And eager as the courser for the race: Is all in readiness? _Bend._ All but the Mufti. _Mul. Zeyd._ We must go on without him. _Bend._ True, we must; For 'tis ill stopping in the full career, Howe'er the leap be dangerous and wide. _Orc._ [_Looking out._] I see the blaze of torches from afar, And hear the trampling of thick-beating feet; This way they move.