If any ignoble or dishonourable thoughts
Should dare attempt or but creep near my heart,
Honour should force disdain to root it out!
As air-bred eagles,[409] if they once perceive
That any of their brood but close their sight
When they should gaze against the glorious sun,
They straightway seize upon him with their talents,[410]
That on the earth it may untimely die,
For looking but askew at heav'n's bright eye.
Soliman.
Erastus, to make thee well-assured
How well thy speech and presence liketh us,
Ask what thou wilt, it shall be granted thee.
Erastus.
Then this, my gracious lord, is all I crave
That, being banish'd from my native soil,
I may have liberty to live a Christian.
Soliman.
Ay, that, or anything thou shalt desire;
Thou shalt be captain of our Janissaries,
And in our council shalt thou sit with us,
And be great Soliman's adopted friend.
Erastus.
The least of these surpass my best desert,
Unless true loyalty may seem desert.