Mul. Zeyd. One of his generous fits, too strong to last. [Aside to Benducar.
Bend. The Mufti reddens; mark that holy cheek.[To him.
He frets within, froths treason at his mouth,
And churns it thro' his teeth; leave me to work him.
Seb. A mercy unexpected, undesired,
Surprises more: you've learnt the art to vanquish.
You could not,—give me leave to tell you, sir,—
Have given me life but in my subjects' safety:
Kings, who are fathers, live but in their people.
M. Mol. Still great, and grateful; that's thy character.—
Unveil the woman; I would view the face,
That warmed our Mufti's zeal:
These pious parrots peck the fairest fruit:
Such tasters are for kings. [Officers go to Almeyda to unveil her.
Alm. Stand off, ye slaves! I will not be unveiled.
M. Mol Slave is thy title:—force her.
Sebast. On your lives, approach her not.
M. Mol. How's this!
Sebast. Sir, pardon me,
And hear me speak.—
Aim. Hear me; I will be heard.
I am no slave; the noblest blood of Afric
Runs in my veins; a purer stream than thine:
For, though derived from the same source, thy current
Is puddled and defiled with tyranny.