Raab Kiuprili. (Bought by a bribe!) I know thee now still less.

Casimir. So much of Raab Kiuprili's blood flows here,
That no power, save that holy name of father,
Could shield the man who so dishonoured me.

Raab Kiuprili. The son of Raab Kiuprili a bought bond-slave, 195
Guilt's pander, treason's mouth-piece, a gay parrot,
School'd to shrill forth his feeder's usurp'd titles.
And scream, Long live King Emerick!

Leaders. Aye, King Emerick!
Stand back, my lord! Lead us, or let us pass.

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]