Ham. Then grant this merit to an African. Give me a patient hearing——Thy great son, As delicate in honour as in love, Hath nobly given my Barce to my arms; And yet I know he doats upon the maid. I come to emulate the generous deed; He gave me back my love, and in return I will restore his father.

——

Reg. Ah! what say'st thou? Wilt thou preserve me then?

 Ah! what say'st thou?

Ham. I will.

I will.

Reg. But how?

But how?

Ham. By leaving thee at liberty to fly.

Reg. Ah!

Ah!

Ham. I will dismiss my guards on some pretence, Meanwhile do thou escape, and lie conceal'd: I will affect a rage I shall not feel, Unmoor my ships, and sail for Africa.

Reg. Abhorr'd barbarian!

Ham. Well, what dost thou say? Art thou not much surpris'd?

Well, what dost thou say?

Reg. I am, indeed.

I am, indeed.

Ham. Thou could'st not then have hop'd it?

Reg. No! I could not.

No! I could not.

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