_Muf._ No; the natural effects of marriage are children: Now, on whom
would he beget these children? Even upon a Christian! O, horrible! how
can you believe me, though I am ready to swear it upon the Alcoran!
Yes, true believers, you may believe, that he is going to beget a race
of misbelievers.
_Must._ That's fine, in earnest; I cannot forbear hearkening to his
enchanting tongue.
_Ant._ But yet remember--
_Must._ Ay, ay, the jewels! Now again I hate him; but yet my
conscience makes me listen to him.
_Muf._ Therefore, to conclude all, believers, pluck up your hearts,
and pluck down the tyrant. Remember the courage of your ancestors;
remember the majesty of the people; remember yourselves, your wives,
and children; and, lastly, above all, remember your religion, and our
holy Mahomet. All these require your timeous assistance;--shall I say,
they beg it? No; they claim it of you, by all the nearest and dearest
ties of these three P's, self-preservation, our property, and our
prophet.--Now answer me with an unanimous cheerful cry, and follow me,
who am your leader, to a glorious deliverance.
_Omnes._ A Mufti, a Mufti! [_Following him off the stage._
_Ant._ Now you see what comes of your foolish qualms of conscience;
the jewels are lost, and they are all leaving you.
_Must._ What, am I forsaken of my subjects? Would the rogue purloin my
liege people from me!--I charge you, in my own name, come back, ye
deserters, and hear me speak.
Pages:
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455