University of Virginia Library

SCENE. The Temple.
Enter King Bramin, and Governour.
King.
Oh! yet delay your Pious Cruelty.

Gov.
It makes me Weep to urge their Punishment,
But ev'n your Crown's at stake, if 'tis deferr'd.

King.
They come. I dread the Sight, yet still must try to win 'em.

Solemn Musick] Enter a Procession of Barmins, as to the Sacrifice. Armusia and Quisara Wreath'd and Bound. Guards and Attendants.
King.
I force my self to see you thus, to save you.
Sister, Armusia, Oh, once more I beg,—
Save, save your Lives.

Arm.
Name not these Toys, when Heav'n's concern'd; For that, Sir,
I cou'd forego ev'n her, and yet what's Life without her?

Qui.
And I shou'd hate him, cou'd he love me more.

Bra.
Oh quick worship our Gods.

Gov.
Oh Princess.—

Arm.
No more.

Qui.
Away, deluding Men.

Bra.
Your Life,—

Arm.
Take it, Bramin.
And all the Misery that shall attend it.

Bra.
Make the Fires ready.

Qui.
Heav'n gives us Strength to dread 'em not.

King.
Yet, Stay.
What shall I do to save you, Stubborn Pair?
Look on me, like the Criminal I beg,
And Majesty is fled from me, to you.
Why will you Kill me? Or, what's worse than Death,
Afflict me thus? Oh you've no Pangs to dread
More painful than I suffer. O submit—

Arm.
Save your mistaken Pity for your self, Sir.

Bra.
They must Dye instantly, they'll pervert all else.
You see all's ready, Sir, then pray retire,
Or we must Strike before your Eyes.

King.
'Tis hard, ye injur'd Powers! Must I permit you Justice?
Oh Sister—

Qui.
Come, Grieve not, Sir! you wound my tender Soul.
Farewel. And may our Deaths instruct you how to Live.

King.
Amazing Love, and Fortitude, and Zeal!
And shall I let you Dye!
Such Vertue, sure, deserves a better Fate.

Enter Messenger.
[Guns let off at a distance.
Mes.
Arm, Sir! Seek for Defence. The Portuguese
Fire from their Fort and Ships upon the Town.
Gen'ral Ruidias sent t'inform us now
He'll Beat it down, unless Armusia be set Free.

King.
Hah! Dares he do't? Must In-mates too Controul us?
Ev'n in this Case I must Resent th'Insult;
And, were I Rash, I wou'd Revenge it here.
However, bear 'em back to Prison, Guards:
And you demand a Parley.

[Ex. All, except Governour.
Gov.
Curst Event! Had now my Rival Fall'n,
I'd yet found means to save her.

[Exeunt.