Ant. And good reason; for when kings and queens are to be discarded, what should knaves do any longer in the pack?

Omnes. He is deposed, he is deposed, he is deposed!

Must. Nay, if he and his clergy will needs be preaching up rebellion, and giving us their blessing, ’tis but justice they should have the first-fruits of it.—­Slave Antonio, take him into custody; and dost thou hear, boy, be sure to secure the little transitory box of jewels.  If he be obstinate, put a civil question to him upon the rack, and he squeaks, I warrant him.

Ant. [Seizing the Mufti.] Come, my quondam master, you and I must change qualities.

Muf. I hope you will not be so barbarous to torture me:  we may preach suffering to others, but, alas! holy flesh is too well pampered to endure martyrdom.

Must. Now, late Mufti, not forgetting my first quarrel to you, we will enter ourselves with the plunder of your palace:  ’tis good to sanctify a work, and begin a God’s name.

1 Rabble. Our prophet let the devil alone with the last mob.

Mob. But he takes care of this himself.

  As they are going out, enter BENDUCAR, leading ALMEYDA:  he with
  a sword in one hand; BENDUCAR’S Slave follows, with
  MULEY-MOLUCH’S head upon a spear.

Must. Not so much haste, masters; comeback again; you are so bent upon mischief, that you take a man upon the first word of plunder.  Here is a sight for you; the emperor is come upon his head to visit you. [Bowing.] Most noble emperor, now I hope you will not hit us in the teeth, that we have pulled you down; for we can tell you to your face, that we have exalted you. [They all shout.

Bend. Think what I am, and what yourself may be,
                                                [To ALMEYDA apart.
In being mine:  refuse not proffered love,
That brings a crown.

Alm. [To him.] I have resolved, And these shall know my thoughts.

Bend. [To her.] On that I build.—­ [He comes up to the Rabble.
Joy to the people for the tyrant’s death! 
Oppression, rapine, banishment, and blood,
Are now no more; but speechless as that tongue,
That lies for ever still. 
How is my grief divided with my joy,
When I must own I killed him!  Bid me speak;
For not to bid me, is to disallow
What for your sakes is done.

Must. In the name of the people, we command you speak:  but that pretty lady shall speak first; for we have taken somewhat of a liking to her person.—­Be not afraid, lady, to speak to these rude raggamuffians; there is nothing shall offend you, unless it be their stink, an’t please you. [Making a leg.

Alm. Why should I fear to speak, who am your queen? 
My peaceful father swayed the sceptre long,
And you enjoyed the blessings of his reign,
While you deserved the name of Africans. 
Then, not commanded, but commanding you,
Fearless I speak:  know me for what I am.