Qu. I have resolv’d his Death, And now have waiting in my Cabinet, Engines to carry on this mighty Work of my Revenge.
Abd. Leave that to me, who equally am injur’d;
You, like the Gods, need only but command,
And I will execute your sacred Will—
That done, there’s none dare whisper what we do.
Qu. Nature, be gone, I chase thee from my Soul,
Who Love’s almighty Empire does controul:
And she that will to thy dull Laws submit,
In spite of thee, betrays the Hypocrite.
No rigid Virtue shall my Soul possess,
Let Gown-men preach against the Wickedness;
Pleasures were made by Gods, and meant for us,
And not t’ enjoy ‘em, were ridiculous.
Abd. Oh perfect, great and glorious of thy Sex!
Like thy great self ‘twas spoke, resolv’d and brave—
I must attend the King—where I will watch
All Philip’s Motions.
Qu. And—after that—if you will beg Admittance, I’ll give you leave to visit me to Night.
Abd. Madam, that Blessing now must be defer’d. [Leads her to the Door. My Wrongs and I will be retir’d to Night, And bring forth Vengeance with the Morning’s Light.
Enter Osmin, Zarrack.
Osm. My gracious Lord.
Abd. Come near—and take a Secret from my Lips;
And he who keeps not silent hears his Death.—
This Night the Prince and Cardinal—do you mark me—
Are murder’d.
Osm. Where, Sir?