_Bend._ The Mufti reddens; mark that holy cheek. [_To him._
He frets within, froths treason at his mouth,
And churns it thro' his teeth; leave me to work him.
_Seb._ A mercy unexpected, undesired,
Surprises more: you've learnt the art to vanquish.
You could not,--give me leave to tell you, sir,--
Have given me life but in my subjects' safety:
Kings, who are fathers, live but in their people.
_M. Mol._ Still great, and grateful; that's thy character.--
Unveil the woman; I would view the face,
That warmed our Mufti's zeal:
These pious parrots peck the fairest fruit:
Such tasters are for kings. [_Officers go to_ ALMEYDA _to unveil her._
_Alm._ Stand off, ye slaves! I will not be unveiled.
_M. Mol_ Slave is thy title:--force her.
_Sebast._ On your lives, approach her not.
_M. Mol._ How's this!
_Sebast._ Sir, pardon me,
And hear me speak.--
_Aim._ Hear me; I will be heard.
I am no slave; the noblest blood of Afric
Runs in my veins; a purer stream than thine:
For, though derived from the same source, thy current
Is puddled and defiled with tyranny.
_M. Mol._ What female fury have we here!
_Aim._ I should be one,
Because of kin to thee. Wouldst thou be touched
By the presuming hands of saucy grooms?
The same respect, nay more, is due to me:
More for my sex; the same for my descent.
These hands are only fit to draw the curtain.
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