Ara. [Kneeling to the Sultan.] Sultan, the favour you wou'd bestow, I own, and humbly thank you for.
Sul. Gracious Heaven!
[In much agitation.
Ara. But as I am now accustomed to confinement, and the idea of all the world can give, cannot inspire a wish that warms my heart to the enjoyment—I supplicate permission to transfer the blessing you have offered, to one of those who may have friends to welcome their return from bondage, and so make freedom precious.—I have none to rejoice at my release—none to lament my destiny while a prisoner.—And were I free, in this vast world (forlorn and friendless) 'tis but a prison still.
Sul. What have I done?—[Throwing himself on a sopha with the greatest emotion.
Has. Speak to him again.—He repents of the severity with which he has caused his fellow creatures to be used.—Tell him you forgive him.
Ara. [Going to him.] Believe me, Emperor, I forgive all who have ever wronged me—all who have ever caused my sufferings.—Pardon you!—Alas! I have pardoned even those who tore me from my husband!—Oh, Sultan! all the tortures you have made me suffer, compared to such a pang as that—did I say I had forgiven it?—Oh! I am afraid—afraid I have not yet.
Sul. Forgive it now, then, for he is restored.—[Taking off his turban.]—Behold him in the Sultan, and once more seal his pardon.—[She faints on Haswell.]—Nay, pronounce it quickly, or my remorse for what you have undergone, will make my present tortures greater than any my cruelties have ever yet inflicted.
Ara. [Recovering.] Is this the light you promised?—[To Haswell.]—Dear precious light!—Is this my freedom? to which I bind myself a slave for ever.—[Embracing the Sultan.]—Was I your captive?—Sweet captivity!—more precious than an age of liberty!
Sul. Oh, my Arabella! through the amazing changes of my fate, (which I will soon disclose) think not but I have searched for thee with unceasing care; but the blessing to behold you once again was left for my kind monitor alone to bestow.——Oh, Haswell! had I, like you, made others' miseries my concern, like you sought out the wretched, how many days of sorrow had I spared myself as well as others—for I long since had found my Arabella.