Cal. And therefore I'll reward it. Be that command now thine. And here—this sabre, Bless'd in the field by Mahomet himself, At Caabar's prosp'rous fight, shall aid thy arm. Dar. Thanks, my good chief; with this I'll better thank thee. [Taking the Scimitar. Cal. Myself will lead the troops of the black standard, And at the eastern gate begin the storm. Dar. But why do we not move? 'twill soon be day. Methinks I'm cold, and would grow warm with action. Cal. Then haste, and tell Abudah-O, thou'rt welcome! Enter ABUDAH. Thy charge awaits thee. Where's the stubborn captive? Abu. Indeed he's brave. I left him for a moment In the next tent. He's scarcely yet himself. Cal. But is he ours? Abu. The threats of death are nothing; Though thy last message shook his soul, as winds Cal. Say how? Abu. Oft he inclin'd, oft started back; at last, When just consenting, for a while he paus'd, Stood fix'd in thought, and lift his eyes to heaven; Then, as with fresh recover'd force, cry'd out, Renounce my faith! Never-I answer'd, No, That now he should not do it. Cal. How! Abu. Yet hear, For since I saw him now so lost in passion, Mean time I urg'd, conjur'd, at last constrain'd him, With her he lov'd, perhaps the lives of thousands, But join his arms in present action with us, Cal. What, no more? Then he's a christian still! Abu. Have patience yet: For if by him we can surprise the city- Abu, Hear what's agreed; but on the terms I shall command some chosen faithful bands, Cal. This is something. And yet I do not like this half ally Is he not still a christian ?—But no matter- [Exeunt. ACT THE FOURTH. SCENE I. A great Square in the City, before the GOVERNOR'S Palace. Enter ABUDAH, Saracen CAPTAINS and SOLDIERS; with EUMENES, HERBIS, and other CHRISTIANS, unarmed. Eum. It must be so-farewell, devoted walls! To be surprised thus !-Hell, and all ye fiends, How did ye watch this minute for destruction! Herb. We've been betray'd by riot and debauch; Curse on the traitor guard. Eum. The guard above, Did that sleep too? Abu. Christians, complain no more, What you have ask'd is granted. Are ye men, And little do ye think how much ye Owe Enter ARTAMON, hastily. Art. All's lost!-Ha!-Who are these? Yield up thy sword, if thou wouldst share our safety. Thou com'st too late to bring us news. Art. Oh! -no The news, I bring, is from the eastern guard. Caled has forc'd the gate, and—but he's here. [A Cry without.] Fly, fly, they follow--Quarter, mercy, quarter! Caled. [Without.] No quarter! Kill, I say. Are they not christians? More blood! our prophet asks it. Enter CALED, with DARAN. What, Abudah! Well met! -But wherefore are the looks of peace? Why sleeps thy sword! Abu. Caled, our task is over. Behold the chiefs! they have resign'd the palace. Cal. And sworn t'obey our law ! Abu. No. Cal. Then fall on. Abu. Hold yet, and hear me-Heaven by me has spar'd The sword its cruel task. On easy terms We've gain'd a bloodless conquest. Cal. I renounce it. Curse on those terms! The city's mine by storm. Fall on, I say Abu. Nay, then, I swear ye Cal. Ha!- -Who am I ! shall not. Abu. The general—and I know What reverence is your due. [CALED gives signs to his Men to fall on. Nay, he who stirs, First makes his way thro' me. My honour's pledg'd; Rob me of that, who dares. [They stop.] I know thee, Caled, Chief in command; bold, valiant, wise, and faithful; But yet, remember, I'm a mussulman ; Nay, more, thou know'st, companion of the prophet, And what we vow is sacred. Cal. Thou'rt a christian, I swear thou art, and hast betray'd the faith, Curse on thy new allies! Abu. No more—this strife But ill beseems the servants of the Caliph, while : -Christians, withdraw a I pledge my life to answer the conditions [Exeunt EUMEN ES, HERBIS, &c. Why, Caled, do we thus expose ourselves A scorn to nations that despise our law? Thou call'st me christian- -What! Is it because I prize my plighted faith, that I'm a christian Come, 'tis not well, and if Cal. What terms are yielded? Abu. Leave to depart, to all that will; an oath To take his goods, not more than a mule's burden; Cal. Now, by Mahomet, The greatest part by far will chuse to stay, Cal. Well-be it on thy head, if worse befall! |