Alm. [To the People.]
No, let me rather die your sacrifice,
Than live his triumph.
I throw myself into my people's arms;
As you are men, compassionate my wrongs,
And, as good men, protect me.
Ant. Something must be done to save her. [Aside to Must.] This is all addressed to you, sir: she singled you out with her eye, as commander in chief of the mobility.
Must. Think'st thou so, slave Antonio?
Ant. Most certainly, sir; and you cannot, in honour, but protect her: now look to your hits, and make your fortune.
Must. Methought, indeed, she cast a kind leer towards me. Our prophet was but just such another scoundrel as I am, till he raised himself to power, and consequently to holiness, by marrying his master's widow. I am resolved I'll put forward for myself; for why should I be my lord Benducar's fool and slave, when I may be my own fool and his master?
Bend. Take her into possession, Mustapha.
Must. That's better counsel than you meant it: Yes, I do take her into possession, and into protection too. What say you, masters, will you stand by me?
407 Omnes. One and all, one and all.
Bend. Hast thou betrayed me, traitor?—Mufti, speak, and mind them of religion.
[Mufti shakes his head.
Must. Alas! the poor gentleman has gotten a cold with a sermon of two hours long, and a prayer of fear; and, besides, if he durst speak, mankind is grown wiser at this time of day than to cut one another's throats about religion. Our Mufti's is a green coat, and the Christian's is a black coat; and we must wisely go together by the ears, whether green or black shall sweep our spoils.
[Drums within, and shouts.