Soldier. Nay, let the general speak!

Soldiers. Hear him! hear him!

Raab Kiuprili. Hear me, 200
Assembled lords and warriors of Illyria,
Hear, and avenge me! Twice ten years have I
Stood in your presence, honoured by the king:
Beloved and trusted. Is there one among you
Accuses Raab Kiuprili of a bribe? 205
Or one false whisper in his sovereign's ear?
Who here dares charge me with an orphan's rights
Outfaced, or widow's plea left undefended?
And shall I now be branded by a traitor,
A bought, bribed wretch, who, being called my son, [210]
Doth libel a chaste matron's name, and plant
Hensbane and aconite on a mother's grave?
The underling accomplice of a robber,
That from a widow and a widow's offspring
Would steal their heritage? To God a rebel, 215
And to the common father of his country
A recreant ingrate!

Casimir. Sire! your words grow dangerous.
High-flown romantic fancies ill-beseem
[[891]] Your age and wisdom. 'Tis a statesman's virtue,
To guard his country's safety by what means [220]
It best may be protected—come what will
Of these monk's morals!

Raab Kiuprili (aside). Ha! the elder Brutus
Made his soul iron, though his sons repented.
They boasted not their baseness. [Draws his sword.
Infamous changeling!
Recant this instant, and swear loyalty, 225
And strict obedience to thy sovereign's will;
Or, by the spirit of departed Andreas,
Thou diest——
[Chiefs, &c., rush to interpose; during the tumult enter Emerick, alarmed.

Emerick. Call out the guard! Ragozzi! seize the assassin.——
Kiuprili? Ha!—— [Making signs to the guard to retire.
Pass on, friends! to the palace. [230]

[Music recommences.—The Procession passes into the Palace.

Emerick. What? Raab Kiuprili? What? a father's sword
Against his own son's breast?

Raab Kiuprili. 'Twould best excuse him,
Were he thy son, Prince Emerick. I abjure him.

Emerick. This is my thanks, then, that I have commenced
A reign to which the free voice of the nobles 235
Hath called me, and the people, by regards
Of love and grace to Raab Kiuprili's house?