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TAMERLANE.
Pr.What his BusinessImports, we know not; but with earnest SuteThis Morn he begg'd admittance. Our great Master(Than whom none bows more lowly to high Heaven)In reverend regard holds all that bearRelation to Religion, and, on noticeOf his Request, receiv'd him on the instant.
[Exeunt.Mon.We will attend his Pleasure.
Enter Tamerlane, and a Dervise.
Tam.Thou bring'st me thy Credentials from the Highest,From Alha, and our Prophet: Speak thy Message,It must import the best and noblest Ends.
Der.Thus speaks our Holy Mahomet, who has giv'n theeTo reign, and conquer; Ill do'st thou repayThe Bounties of his Hand, unmindful ofThe Fountain, whence thy Streams of Greatness flow,Thou hast forgot high Heav'n, hast beaten down,And trampled on Religion's Sanctity.
Tam.Now, as I am a Soldier, and a King(The greatest Names of Honour) do but makeThy Imputation out, and TamerlaneShall do thee ample Justice on himself;So much the Sacred Name of Heav'n awes me.Could I suspect my Soul of harbouring oughtTo its Dishonour, I would search it strictly,And drive th' offending Thought with Fury forth.
Der.Yes, thou hast hurt our Holy Prophet's Honour,By soft'ring the pernicious Christian Sect:Those, whom his Sword pursu'd with fell Destruction,Thou tak'st into thy Bosom, to thy Councils;They are thy only Friends: The true BelieversMourn to behold thee favour this Axalla.
Tam.I fear me, thou out-go'st the Prophet's Order;And bring's his venerable Name, to shelterA Rudeness ill becoming thee to use,Or me to suffer. When thou nam'st my Friend,
Thou
