_Bend._ Those souls were those thy God intrusted with thee,
To cherish, not destroy.
_Sebast._ Witness, O heaven, how much
This sight concerns me! would I had a soul
For each of these; how gladly would I pay
The ransom down! But since I have but one,
'Tis a king's life, and freely 'tis bestowed.
Not your false prophet, but eternal justice
Has destined me the lot, to die for these:
'Tis fit a sovereign so should pay such subjects;
For subjects such as they are seldom seen,
Who not forsook me at my greatest need;
Nor for base lucre sold their loyalty,
But shared my dangers to the last event,
And fenced them with their own. These thanks I pay you;
[_Wipes his eyes._
And know, that, when Sebastian weeps, his tears
Come harder than his blood.
_M. Mol._ They plead too strongly
To be withstood. My clouds are gathering too,
In kindly mixture with his royal shower.
Be safe; and owe thy life, not to my gift,
But to the greatness of thy mind, Sebastian.
Thy subjects too shall live; a due reward
For their untainted faith, in thy concealment.
_Muf._ Remember, sir, your vow. [_A general shout._
_M. Mol._ Do thou remember
Thy function, mercy, and provoke not blood.
_Mul. Zeyd._ One of his generous fits, too strong to last.
[_Aside to_ BENDUCAR.
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