Bend. Night wastes apace; when, when will he appear!
383 Ham. He only waits your summons.
Bend. Haste their coming.
Let secrecy and silence be enjoined
In their close march. What news from the lieutenant?
Ham. I left him at the gate, firm to your interest,
To admit the townsmen at their first appearance.
Bend. Thus far 'tis well: Go, hasten Mustapha. [Exit Hamet.
Enter Orchan, the third Servant.
O, Orchan, did I think thy diligence
Would lag behind the rest!—What from the Mufti?
Orc. I sought him round his palace; made inquiry
Of all the slaves; in short, I used your name,
And urged the importance home; but had for answer,
That, since the shut of evening, none had seen him.
Bend. O the curst fate of all conspiracies!
They move on many springs; if one but fail,
The restiff machine stops. In an ill hour he's absent;
'Tis the first time, and sure will be the last,
That e'er a Mufti was not in the way,
When tumults and rebellion should be broached.
Stay by me; thou art resolute and faithful;
I have employment worthy of thy arm.[Walks.
Enter Muley-Zeydan.