_Emp._ No, I'll untwist you:
I have occasion for your stay on earth.
Let him mount first, and beat upon the wing,
And wait an age for what I here detain;
Or sicken at immortal joys above,
And languish for the heaven he left below.
_Alm._ Thou wilt not dare to break what heaven has joined?
_Emp._ Not break the chain; but change a rotten link,
And rivet one to last.
Think'st thou I come to argue right and wrong?--
Why lingers Dorax thus? Where are my guards,
[BENDUCAR _goes out for the
Guards, and returns._
To drag that slave to death?-- [_Pointing to_ SEB.
Now storm and rage;
Call vainly on thy prophet, then defy him
For wanting power to save thee.
_Seb._ That were to gratify thy pride. I'll shew thee
How a man should, and how a king dare die!
So even, that my soul shall walk with ease
Out of its flesh, and shut out life as calmly
As it does words; without a sign to note
One struggle, in the smooth dissolving frame.
_Alm._ [_To the Emp._]
Expect revenge from heaven, inhuman wretch!
Nor hope to ascend Sebastian's holy bed.
Flames, daggers, poisons, guard the sacred steps:
Those are the promised pleasures of my love.
_Emp._ And these might fright another, but not me;
Or me, if I designed to give you pleasure.
I seek my own; and while that lasts, you live.
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