Abd. Pity, release him, pardon him, my father. Forget how much thou hatest perfidy, Think of him, once so potent, still so brave, So calm, so self-dependent in distress— p. 124I marvel at him—hardly dare I blame, When I behold him fallen from so high, And so exalted after such a fall. Mighty must that man be, who can forgive A man so mighty; seize the hour to rise, Another never comes: O say, my father, Say, “Julian, be mine enemy no more.” He fills me with a greater awe than e’er The field of battle, with himself the first, When every flag that waved along our host Drooped down the staff, as if the very winds Hung in suspense before him—bid him go And peace be with him, or let me depart. Lo! like a god, sole and inscrutable, He stands above our pity.

p. 124

Jul. For that wish, Vain as it is, ’tis virtuous—O, for that, However wrong thy censure and thy praise, Kind Abdalazis, mayst thou never feel The rancour that consumes thy father’s breast, p. 125Nor want the pity thou hast sought for me.

p. 125

Muza. Now hast thou sealed thy doom.

Jul. And thou thy crimes.

Abd. O father, heed him not: those evil words Leave neither blight nor blemish—let him go.

Muza. A boy, a very boy, art thou indeed! One who in early day would sally out To chase the lion, and would call it sport, But, when more wary steps had closed him round, Slink from the circle, drop the toils, and blanch Like a lithe plant from under snow in spring.

Abd. He who ne’er shrunk from danger, might shrink now, And ignominy would not follow here.

Muza. Peace, Abdalazis! how is this? he bears Nothing that warrants him invulnerable, Shall I then shrink to smite him? shall my fears Be greatest at the blow that ends them all? Fears? no! ’tis justice—fair, immutable, Whose measured step, at times, advancing nigh, p. 126Appalls the majesty of kings themselves.

p. 126

[Aside.

O were he dead! tho’ then revenge were o’er!

ACT V. SCENE 5.

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