 | The Orphan of China |  |
SCENE VI.
Gengis, Octar, Idamè, Zamti, Guards.Gengis.
[Accompanied by his Guards, and disarming Zamti.]
Hold, hold!
Stay your rash hand! O Heav'n! what would you do?
Idamè.
Deliver ourselves from thee, and end our woes.
Zamti.
Will you not let us even die in peace?
Gengis.
O hold!—All-gracious Heaven, King of Kings!
To whom my soul now lifts itself in pray'r,
Witness of all my wrongs, and all my weakness,
By whom such States and Monarchs I've subdued,
Shall I at length grow worthy of my glory?—
You move my anger, Zamti, thus to reign
Over a heart that once felt love for me,
A heart that I adore. Your faithful wife
Had rather fall a sacrifice to duty,
Fall by thy hand, than share a throne with me.
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Perhaps do more.
Idamè.
What more can vengeance do?
Zamti.
What new device to add to our afflictions?
Idamè.
Why, are we not already doom'd to die?
Gengis.
Your doom is fix'd, and you shall know your fate.
You have done justice, I'll do justice too.
What I have now beheld, I scarce believe:
Your firmness I admire, and am your convert.
Upon the throne to which my arms have rais'd me,
I blush to see, how much I fall below you.
In vain by my exploits in war distinguish'd,
I am degraded; and would equal you.
I knew not, the best conquest man could make
Was to subdue himself: to you I owe it.
Rejoice with me that you could change my soul,
I come to re-unite, and to protect you.
Watch, happy husband, o'er the guiltless life
Of your King's Son: to your care I resign him.
By right of conquest I might have destroy'd him,
But I lay down that right I late abus'd.
With all a father's care I'll henceforth guard
The Orphan and your Son. Fear not my faith.
I was but Conqueror, you have made me King.
To Zamti.
Of the Laws here, be thou th'interpreter;
With ministry right-worthy of thyself.
Teach reason, justice, and morality.
The victors let the vanquish'd rule! let wisdom
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That owes you homage! I will give th'example.
Your Sov'reign, all invincible in arms,
Shall own himself obedient to your Laws.
Idamè.
What do I hear? O Heav'n! can this be true?
Zamti.
Now, you indeed are worthy of your glory;
Nor shall your captives groan beneath your yoke.
Idamè.
What could inspire so noble a design?
Gengis.
Your Virtues. These to friendship turn'd my hate,
And taught me, To be good, is to be great.
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