_ That _ever, ever,_--
I marked the double,--shows extreme reluctance
To part with her for ever.
_Emp._ Right, thou hast me.
I would, but cannot kill: I must enjoy her:
I must, and what I must, be sure I will.
What's royalty, but power to please myself?
And if I dare not, then am I the slave,
And my own slaves the sovereigns:--'tis resolved.
Weak princes flatter, when they want the power
To curb their people; tender plants must bend:
But when a government is grown to strength,
Like some old oak, rough with its armed bark,
It yields not to the tug, but only nods,
And turns to sullen state.
_Bend._ Then you resolve
To implore her pity, and to beg relief?
_Emp._ Death! must I beg the pity of my slave?
Must a king beg?--Yes; love's a greater king;
A tyrant, nay, a devil, that possesses me:
He tunes the organs of my voice, and speaks,
Unknown to me, within me; pushes me,
And drives me on by force.--
Say I should wed her, would not my wise subjects
Take check, and think it strange? perhaps revolt?
_Bend._ I hope they would not.
_Emp._ Then thou doubtst they would?
_Bend._ To whom?
_Emp._ To her
Perhaps,--or to my brother,--or to thee.
_Bend._ [_in disorder._]
To me! me, did you mention? how I tremble!
The name of treason shakes my honest soul.
If I am doubted, sir,
Secure yourself this moment, take my life.
_Emp._ No more: If I suspected thee--I would.
Pages:
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381