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An embassage of his most honour'd friends,
Sent by the emperor to treat of peace.

MAHOMET.

At this unlikely hour?

OSMIR.

Yes, time now presses, and, as I should guess,

The hopes of succour from those friendly vessels
That vainly have attempted through your fleets
To force a passage, raising short liv'd joy
Full soon extinguish'd, has to this late hour
Delay'd their coming.
Hope gone, they now are humbled suitors. Here,
Within your power, you have the chiefest men
Of the brave friends on whom he most depends;
This does not look like preconcerted plots
Of secret murder, at this very hour
To be attempted.

MAHOMET.

No, Osmir, there is reason in thy words.

OSMIR.

But if your highness thinks it is expedient,

I will straightway arrest them.

MAHOMET (after hesitating).

No, no; they are brave men; I will receive them