40
TAMERLANE.
Der.Well might the Holy Cause be carry'd on,If Mussulmen did not make war on Musselmen.Why hold'st thou Captive a believing Monarch?Now, as thou hop'st to 'scape the Prophet's Curse,Release the Royal Bajazet, and joinWith Force united, to destroy the Christians.
Tam.'Tis well—I have found the Cause that mov'd thy Zeal.What shallow Politician set thee on,In hopes to fright me this way to compliance?
Der.Our Prophet only.———
Tam.No—thou do'st bely him,Thou Maker of new Faiths! that dar'st to buildThy fond Inventions on Religion's Name.Religion's Lustre is by native InnocenceDivinely pure, and simple from all Arts;You daub and dress her like a common Mistress,The Harlot of your Fancies; and by addingFalse Beauties, which she wants not, makes the WorldSuspect, her Angel's Face is foul beneath,And wo'not bear all Lights. Hence! I have found thee.
[aside.Der.I have but one resort. Now aid me, Prophet.Yet have I somewhat further to unfold;Our Prophet speaks to thee in Thunder———* thus———[*The Dervise draws a conceal'd Dagger, and offers to stab Tamerlane.
Tam.No, Villain, Heav'n is watchful o'er its Worshippers,[Wresting the Dagger from him.And blasts the Murderer's Purpose. Think thou, Wretch,Think on the Pains that wait thy Crime, and trembleWhen I shall doom thee———
Der.'Tis but Death at last,And I will suffer greatly for the CauseThat urg'd me first to the bold Deed.
Tam.Oh, impious!Enthusiasm thus makes Villains, Martyrs.[Pausing.] It shall be so.—To die! 'twere a Reward———Now learn the difference 'twixt thy Faith and mine:Thine bids thee lift thy Dagger to my Throat,
Mine
