Enter the Emperor, unseen by them.
Ind. My rebel's punishment would easy prove;
You know you're in my power, by making love.
Arim. Would I, without dispute, your will obey,
And could you, in return, my life betray?
Emp. What danger, Arimant, is this you fear?
Or what love-secret, which I must not hear?
These altered looks some inward motion show:
His cheeks are pale, and yours with blushes glow.[To her.
Ind. 'Tis what, with justice, may my anger move;
He has been bold, and talked to me of love.
Arim. I am betrayed, and shall be doomed to die.[Aside.
Emp. Did he, my slave, presume to look so high?
That crawling insect, who from mud began,
Warmed by my beams, and kindled into man?
Durst he, who does but for my pleasure live,
Intrench on love, my great prerogative?
Print his base image on his sovereign's coin?
'Tis treason if he stamp his love with mine.
Arim. 'Tis true, I have been bold, but if it be
A crime—
Ind. He means, 'tis only so to me.
You, sir, should praise, what I must disapprove.
He insolently talked to me of love;
But, sir, 'twas yours, he made it in your name;
You, if you please, may all he said disclaim.
Emp. I must disclaim whate'er he can express;
His groveling sense will show my passion less:
But stay,—if what he said my message be,
What fear, what danger, could arrive from me?
He said, he feared you would his life betray.