Muf. For heaven's sake hold!—The respite of a moment!—
To think for you—
Emp. And for thyself.
Muf. For both.
Bend. Disgrace, and death, and avarice, have lost him! [Aside.
Muf. 'Tis true, our law forbids to wed a Christian;
But it forbids you not to ravish her.
You have a conqueror's right upon your slave;
And then the more despite you do a Christian,
You serve the prophet more, who loathes that sect.
Emp. O, now it mends; and you talk reason, Mufti.—
But, stay! I promised freedom to Sebastian;
Now, should I grant it, his revengeful soul
Would ne'er forgive his violated bed.
Muf. Kill him; for then you give him liberty:
His soul is from his earthly prison freed.
Emp. How happy is the prince who has a churchman,
So learned and pliant, to expound his laws!
Bend. Two things I humbly offer to your prudence.
Emp. Be brief, but let not either thwart my love.