Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/380

360

'Twas Constantine.

Thou liest, foul, artful villain!

Peace I command! ye shall not interrupt him. 'Twas Constantine that hir'd thee?

Yes, great sultan! But not with gold, and he himself, I ween, Unconscious of the act.

What did he bribe thee with?

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.