t that work was only worthy me.
The fame of ancient matrons you pursue,
And stand a blameless pattern to the new.
I have not words to praise such acts as these:
But take my heart, and mould it as you please.

_Mel._ A trial of your kindness I must make,
Though not for mine so much as virtue's sake.
The queen of Cassimere--

_Mor._ No more, my love;
That only suit I beg you not to move.
That she's in bonds for Aureng-Zebe I know,
And should, by my consent, continue so;
The good old man, I fear, will pity shew.
My father dotes, and let him still dote on;
He buys his mistress dearly, with his throne.

_Mel._ See her; and then be cruel if you can.

_Mor._ 'Tis not with me as with a private man.
Such may be swayed by honour, or by love;
But monarchs only by their interest move.

_Mel._ Heaven does a tribute for your power demand:
He leaves the opprest and poor upon your hand;
And those, who stewards of his pity prove,
He blesses, in return, with public love:
In his distress some miracle is shewn;
If exiled, heaven restores him to his throne:
He needs no guard, while any subject's near,
Nor, like his tyrant neighbours, lives in fear:
No plots the alarm to his retirement give:
'Tis all mankind's concern that he should live.

_Mor._ You promised friendship in your low estate,
And should forget it in your better fate.
Such maxims are more plausible than true;
But somewhat must be given to love and you.
I'll view this captive queen; to let her see,
Prayers and complaints are lost on such as me.

_Mel._ I'll bear the news: Heaven knows how much I'm pleased,
That, by my care, the afflicted may be eased.

_As she is going off, enter_ INDAMORA.

_Ind._ I'll spare your pains, and venture out alone,
Since you, fair princess, my protection own.
But you, brave prince, a harder task must find;
[_To_ MORAT _kneeling, who takes her up._
In saving me, you would but half be kind.
An humble suppliant at your feet I lie;
You have condemned my better part to die.
Without my Aureng-Zebe I cannot live;
Revoke his doom, or else my sentence give.

_Mel._ If Melesinda in your love have part,--
Which, to suspect, would break my tender heart,--
If love, like mine, may for a lover plead,
By the chaste pleasures of our nuptial bed,
By all the interest my past sufferings make,
And all I yet would suffer for your sake;
By you yourself, the last and dearest tie--

_Mor._ You move in vain; for Auren