Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/382

OSMIR.

Ah! thinkest thou to gain him with that bribe

Which Constantine gave thee? (shaking his head.)

OTHORIC.

No, not with that. I wear upon this arm

A potent band, with subtile magic wrought,
That, wheresoe'er 'tis on my body rubb'd
With mutter'd words which I alone do know,
Maketh the part firm and invulnerable
To sword, or bullet, or the arrow's point—
To all offensive things. Believe me not,
But see the proof.—Relieve mine arms, I pray,
That I may shew this wonder.

MAHOMET.

Unlock his fetters: if he tamper with us,

His tortures are enhanced.

OTHORIC (to the guard who stands next him, after he has been unfettered, and at the same time uncovering his left arm.)

Young Turk, thou wear'll a dagger by thy side;

To shew that I am made as other men,
Of flesh and blood as soft and sensitive,
When with no charm secur'd, thrust it, I pray thee,
Into this nerved flesh. Nay, do not shrink,
For I shrink not.