The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 07Dryden, John
General
The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 07
Dryden, John
English literature
_Ant._ [_Seizing the Mufti._] Come, my _quondam_ master, you and I
must change qualities.
_Muf._ I hope you will not be so barbarous to torture me: we may
preach suffering to others, but, alas! holy flesh is too well pampered
to endure martyrdom.
_Must._ Now, late Mufti, not forgetting my first quarrel to you, we
will enter ourselves with the plunder of your palace: 'tis good to
sanctify a work, and begin a God's name.
_1 Rabble._ Our prophet let the devil alone with the last mob.
_Mob._ But he takes care of this himself.
_As they are going out, enter_ BENDUCAR, _leading_ ALMEYDA: _he with
a sword in one hand;_ BENDUCAR'S _Slave follows, with_
MULEY-MOLUCH'S _head upon a spear._
_Must._ Not so much haste, masters; comeback again; you are so bent
upon mischief, that you take a man upon the first word of plunder.
Here is a sight for you; the emperor is come upon his head to visit
you. [_Bowing._] Most noble emperor, now I hope you will not hit us in
the teeth, that we have pulled you down; for we can tell you to your
face, that we have exalted you. [_They all shout._
_Bend._ Think what I am, and what yourself may be,
[_To_ ALMEYDA _apart._
In being mine: refuse not proffered love,
That brings a crown.
_Alm._ [_To him._] I have resolved,
And these shall know my thoughts.
_Bend._ [_To her._] On that I build.-- [_He comes up to the Rabble._
Joy to the people for the tyrant's death!
Oppression, rapine, banishment, and blood,
Are now no more; but speechless as that tongue,
That lies for ever still.
How is my grief divided with my joy,
When I must own I killed him! Bid me speak;
For not to bid me, is to disallow
What for your sakes is done.
_Must._ In the name of the people, we command you speak: but that
pretty lady shall speak first; for we have taken somewhat of a liking
to her person.--Be not afraid, lady, to speak to these rude
raggamuffians; there is nothing shall offend you, unless it be their
stink, an't please you. [_Making a leg._
_Alm._ Why should I fear to speak, who am your queen?
My peaceful father swayed the sceptre long,
And you enjoyed the blessings of his reign,
While you deserved the name of Africans.
Then, not commanded, but commanding you,
Fearless I speak: know me for what I am.
_Bend._ How she assumes! I like not this beginning. [_Aside._
_Alm._ I was not born so base to flatter crowds,
And move your pity by a whining tale.
Your tyrant would have forced me to his bed;
But in the attempt of that foul brutal act,
These loyal slaves secured me by his death. [_Pointing to_ BENDUCAR.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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