ACT V. SCENE I.

The Scene is, a Room of State.

  Enter DORAX and ANTONIO.

Dor. Joy is on every face, without a cloud;
As, in the scene of opening paradise,
The whole creation danced at their new being,
Pleased to be what they were, pleased with each other,
Such joy have I, both in myself and friends;
And double joy that I have made them happy.

Ant. Pleasure has been the business of my life;
And every change of fortune easy to me,
Because I still was easy to myself. 
The loss of her I loved would touch me nearest;
Yet, if I found her, I might love too much,
And that’s uneasy pleasure.

Dor. If she be fated To be your wife, your fate will find her for you:  Predestinated ills are never lost.

Ant. I had forgot
To inquire before, but long to be informed,
How, poisoned and betrayed, and round beset,
You could unwind yourself from all these dangers,
And move so speedily to our relief?

Dor. The double poisons, after a short combat,
Expelled each other in their civil war,
By nature’s benefit, and roused my thoughts
To guard that life which now I found attacked. 
I summoned all my officers in haste,
On whose experienced faith I might rely;
All came resolved to die in my defence,
Save that one villain who betrayed the gate. 
Our diligence prevented the surprise
We justly feared:  So Muley-Zeydan found us
Drawn up in battle, to receive the charge.

Ant. But how the Moors and Christian slaves were joined, You have not yet unfolded.

Dor. That remains. 
We knew their interest was the same with ours: 
And, though I hated more than death Sebastian,
I could not see him die by vulgar hands;
But, prompted by my angel, or by his,
Freed all the slaves, and placed him next myself,
Because I would not have his person known. 
I need not tell the rest, the event declares it.

Ant. Your conquests came of course; their men were raw,
And yours were disciplined.—­One doubt remains,
Why you industriously concealed the king,
Who, known, had added courage to his men?

Dor. I would not hazard civil broils betwixt
His friends and mine; which might prevent our combat. 
Yet, had he fallen, I had dismissed his troops;
Or, if victorious, ordered his escape.—­
But I forgot a new increase of joy
To feast him with surprise; I must about it: 
Expect my swift return. [Exit.

  Enter a Servant.

Serv. Here’s a lady at the door, that bids me tell you, she is come to make an end of the game, that was broken off betwixt you.

Ant. What manner of woman is she?  Does she not want two of the four elements? has she any thing about her but air and fire?