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418 WILLIAM CONGREVE [ACT Iv
Has thrust between us and our while of love;
But wearing now apace with ebbing sand,
Will quickly waste, and give again the day.
Zara. You're too secure; the danger is more imminent
Than your high courage suffers you to see;
While Osmyn lives, you are not safe.
Man. His doom
Is passed; if you revoke it not, he dies.
Zara. 'Tis well. By what I heard upon your entrance,
I find I can unfold what yet concerns
You more. One who did call himself Alphonso
Was cast upon my coast, as is reported,
And oft had private conference with the king;
To what effect I knew not then: but he,
Alphonso, secretly departed, just
About the time our arms embarked for Spain.
What I know more is, that a triple league
Of strictest friendship was professed between
Alphonso, Heli, and the traitor Dsmyn.
Man. Public report is ratified in this.
Zara. And Osmyn's death required of strong necessity.
Man. Give order straight that all the prisoners die.
Zara. Forbear a moment; somewhat more I have
Worthy your private ear, and this your minister,
Man. Let all except Gonsalez leave the room.
[Exeunt PEREZ and Guards.
Zara. I am your captive, and you've used me nobly;
And in return of that, though otherwise
Your enemy, I have discovered Osmyn
His private practice and conspiracy
Against your state: and fully to discharge
Myself of what I've undertaken, now
I think it fit to tell you, that your guards
Are tainted: some among 'em have resolved
To rescue Osmyn at the place of death.
Man, Is treason then so near us as our guards!
Zara. Most certain; though my knowledge is not yet
So ripe, to point at the particular men.
Man. What's to be done?
Zara. That too I will advise.
I have remaining in my train some mutes,
A present once from the sultana queen,