E'en of one brave man's breast, more help discovers,
Oft in th' astounding hour of the storm's pitch,
Than in an armed host. Imperial Constantine
Will live or die within his city's walls
As may become their master.—Nevertheless,
He will so far to hard necessity
MAHOMET.
And fall as powerless as the ruffian's sword,
Whom now, within my tent, your royal master,
Compell'd no doubt by hard necessity,
Has hired to murder me.
JUSTINIANI (stepping boldly forward).
Say what thou wilt, therefore of all mankind
Thou most art bound to say but what is meet.
Put those accusing words that thou had utter'd
Into the mouth of any other Turk,
Wore he a giant's form, for in your camp
I know that such there be, and I will prove it,
With this good soldier's arm, a cursed falsehood.
OTHUS (to Justiniani, pulling him back).
If any base attack upon your life
Has been attempted, let the murd'rous villain,
If still he breathes, be here before us brought.
In presence of your highness we will question him:
