Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/380

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360

CONSTANTINE PALEOLOGUS;

OTHORIC.

'Twas Constantine.

JUSTINIANI.

Thou liest, foul, artful villain!

MAHOMET.

Peace I command! ye shall not interrupt him.

'Twas Constantine that hir'd thee?

OTHORIC.

Yes, great sultan!

But not with gold, and he himself, I ween,
Unconscious of the act.

MAHOMET.

What did he bribe thee with?

OTHORIC.

With that which does but seldom prove the means

Of like corruption—gen'rous admiration
Of noble manly virtue. I beheld him,
Like a brave stag encompass'd by base curs,
And it did tempt me.—Other bribe than this
Have I had none; and to no mortal ear
Did I reveal my purpose.

(Mahomet puts his hand on his forehead and seems disturbed, whilst the deputies hold up their hands exultingly.)