Bend. He shall, by poison;
'Tis here, the deadly drug, prepared in powder,
Hot as hell fire: Then, to prevent his soldiers
From rising to revenge their general's death,
While he is struggling with his mortal pangs,
The rabble on the sudden may be raised
To seize the castle.
Emp. Do't;—'tis left to thee.
Bend. Yet more;—but clear your brow, for he observes. [They whisper again.
Dor. What, will the favourite prop my falling fortunes?
O prodigy of court![Aside
[Emp. and Bend. return to Dor.
Emp. Your friend has fully cleared your innocence;
I was too hasty to condemn unheard,
And you, perhaps, too prompt in your replies.
As far as fits the majesty of kings,
I ask excuse.
Dor. I'm sure I meant it well.
Emp. I know you did:—This to our love renewed.— [Emp. drinks.
Benducar, fill to Dorax. [Bend. turns, and mixes a Powder in it.
Dor. Let it go round, for all of us have need
To quench our heats: 'Tis the king's health, Benducar, [He drinks.
369 And I would pledge it, though I knew 'twere poison.
Bend. Another bowl; for what the king has touched,
And you have pledged, is sacred to your loves. [Drinks out of another Bowl.
Muf. Since charity becomes my calling, thus
Let me provoke your friendship; and heaven bless it,
As I intend it well.
[Drinks; and, turning aside, pours some drops out of a little vial into the Bowl; then presents it to Dorax.