Chi. Rome will despise her for this foul escape.
Nur. The emperor in his rage will doom her death.
Chi. I blush to think upon this ignomy.[4541] 115
Aar. Why, there's the privilege your beauty bears:
Fie, treacherous hue, that will betray with blushing
The close enacts and counsels of the heart![4542]
Here's a young lad framed of another leer:
Look, how the black slave smiles upon the father, 120
As who should say 'Old lad, I am thine own.'
He is your brother, lords, sensibly fed
Of that self-blood that first gave life to you;
And from that womb where you imprison'd were[4543]
He is enfranchised and come to light: 125
Nay, he is your brother by the surer side,[4544]
Although my seal be stamped in his face.
Nur. Aaron, what shall I say unto the empress?[4545]
Dem. Advise thee, Aaron, what is to be done,
And we will all subscribe to thy advice:[4546] 130
Save thou the child, so we may all be safe.[4547]
Aar. Then sit we down, and let us all consult.
My son and I will have the wind of you:
Keep there: now talk at pleasure of your safety. [They sit.[4548]
Dem. How many women saw this child of his? 135
Aar. Why, so, brave lords! when we join in league,[4549]
I am a lamb: but if you brave the Moor,
The chafed boar, the mountain lioness,
The ocean swells not so as Aaron storms.[4550]
But say, again, how many saw the child?[4551] 140
Nur. Cornelia the midwife and myself;
And no one else but the deliver'd empress.[4552]