University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Roxolana, Mufti, Rustan.
Rustan.
This tumult threaten'd more
Than even my fears surmiz'd. Already were
Those daring traitors pour'd around the grove
That shades this tent; a mighty host in arms,
Outragious, clamouring high for Mustapha,
And menacing perdition to his foes;
But chief to me.

Roxolana.
Audacious slaves!—but on.

Rustan.
In that nice moment, Solyman appear'd
Superior and unmov'd. At sight of him,
A space they stood confounded and appall'd.

Mufti.
The multitude unaw'd is insolent;
Once seiz'd with fear, contemptible and vain.

Rustan.
Yet, Mufti, when they cast their eyes abroad
On their own gather'd strength, rekindled rage
Spoke loud their madness in tempestuous shouts,
And mingled uproar. I beheld from far
The various horror; how at once they rag'd,
At once kept silence: and, as thwarting passions
By turns prevail'd, were dreadful and dismay'd!

Roxolana.
What follow'd this?

Rustan.
Just then—but I could wish
To leave that part untold—the Prince rush'd in;
His look with grief and anger deep impress'd,
His bosom naked to their swords—“Strike here;
“Here point your rage, he cry'd. I, only I
“Am guilty—if your impious arms have dar'd,
“In violation of th' allegiance due
“From subjects, chief from me, to menace him
“Who reigns supreme o'er all.”

Mufti.
Why did they not,
O Prophet! fairly take him at his word?

Rustan.
This, with strong transport utter'd, and enforc'd
By bursting tears, which indignation shed,
Amaz'd, abash'd them into fear and shame.
At once they crouded round the rais'd tribunal;
Threw down their arms at once, and prostrate begg'd
For pardon, or for death.—I would not dwell
Upon the sequel. Mustapha's demeanor
Has won anew his father's heart, and wrought
A firmer reconcilement.

Roxolana.
Wrought our ruin;
If this be so.

Mufti.
An enterprize like ours,
Rais'd to this fateful point, must be accomplish'd,
Or crush its authors.

Rustan.
There is no return.
No; we must on, must pass the perilous flood:
To venture backward from this depth, we risque
Inevitable sinking.

Roxolana.
Ha!—it dawns:
Thy counsel, Mufti, breaks upon my thought,
Like morning o'er the shades of night. We yet
Shall counterwork our fate. This paper too,
Even from the friends of Mustapha procur'd,
May serve to urge his fate.—The Sultan comes.
Retire, my Lords—Stay, Rustan: I may want
Thy present aid. Now recollect thy soul,
And second what I say.