SCENE XI.
DEMETRIUS, ASPASIA, ABDALLA.
ABDALLA.
It parts you now—The hasty sultan sign'd
The laws unread, and flies to his Irene.
DEMETRIUS.
Fix'd and intent on his Irene's charms,
He envies none the converse of Aspasia.
ABDALLA.
Aspasia's absence will inflame suspicion;
She cannot, must not, shall not, linger here;
Prudence and friendship bid me force her from you.
DEMETRIUS.
Force her! profane her with a touch, and die!
ABDALLA.
'Tis Greece, 'tis freedom, calls Aspasia hence;
Your careless love betrays your country's cause.
DEMETRIUS.
If we must part—
ASPASIA.
No! let us die together.
DEMETRIUS.
If we must part—