University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

The Sultan's Pavilion in his Camp.
Osman sitting, reading a Paper.
OSMAN.
It shall be so—This beauteous Woman's Form
[Rises.
Unbends Attention to the Call of Glory—
All my Resolves of Fortitude are vain—
The Poles shall then have Peace—and I'll return
Victorious—But—in Aphendina's Love—
—Her Soul's a Stranger to the Art of Flattery—
One Set of Principles infus'd in both,
Under her pious Father's Institution,
Is the unrav'lling Clue by which we trace
The Maze and Windings of each other's Heart.
—How oft do I reflect—pleasing Review!
When as yet Children in our wonted Sports,
I cou'd not brook to gain Advantage o'er her—
Oft wou'd in Exercise retard my Force,
Rather than vanquish where she'd lose the Prize—
Nor could she joy for any Victory,
Equal to that I acquiesc'd to grant her—
How would the Blush rise mantling on her Cheek!
The sweet Confusion—

[Enter Ashad.
ASHAD.
Let not, Sir, your Slave
Break in upon his Lord unseas'nably—
If so, command me hence—

OSMAN.
Your coming's opportune;
I'm but perusing of the late Dispatch
Your Daughter sent me—faithful Aphendina!
She loves me, Mufti, sues for my Return,
And I'm resolv'd to honour her Request.
Too many Reasons bias me to Peace:
The dastard Carriage of my Janizaries
Hath been apparent thro' this whole Campaign—
Of strong Inforcement this—Yet this weighs light
With the Affection which I bear your Daughter—

ASHAD.
Her Happiness therein exceeds Proportion—
Nor shall it stain your Glory, Sir, to grant
Recess from Arms to the Vanquish'd: I've advis'd—
Nay, urg'd the Vizier to conclude the Peace—

OSMAN.
Father! My Glory's still your prime Regard—
Your Conduct I approve—Princes never
Shine more conspicuous than in Clemency—
To overcome the Lust of Pow'rs Extent—
To restore Kingdoms to their Lord subdued,
Proclaim a noble Soul, and rank us higher
Than the bare Conquest of th'Earth could raise us.

[Exeunt severally.