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SCENE i] THE MOURNING BRIDE 419
In the grand signior's court. These from their infancy
Are practised in the trade of death; and shall
(As there the custom is) in private strangle Osmyn.
Gon. My lord, the queen advises well.
Man. What offering or what recompense remains
In me, that can be worthy so great services?
To cast beneath your feet the crown you've saved,
Though on the head that wears it, were too little.
Zara. Of that hereafter; but, meantime, 'tis fit
You give strict charge, that none may be admitted
To see the prisoner, but such mutes as I
Shall send.
Man. Who waits there?
Re-enter PLREZ.
On your life take heed,
That only Zara's mutes, or such who bring
Her warrant, have admittance to the Moor.
Zara. They and no other, not the princess' self.
Per. Your majesty shall be obeyed.
Man. Retire. [Exit PEREZ.
Gon. [Aside.] That interdiction so particular,
Pronounced with vehemence against the princess,
Should have more meaning than appears barefaced:
The king is blinded by his love, and heeds
It not.— | To ZARA.] Your majesty sure might have spared
That last restraint; you hardly can suspect
The princess is confederate with the Moor.
Zara. I've heard her charity did once extend
So far, to visit him, at his request.
Gon. Ha!
Man. How? she visit Dsmyn! What, my daughter?
Sel. [Aside to ZARA.] Madam, take heed; or you have
ruined all.—
Zara. And after did solicit you on his
Behalf.
Man. Never. You have been misinformed.
Zara. Indeed? Then 'twas a whisper spread by some,
Who wished it so; a common art in courts.
I will retire, and instantly prepare
Instruction for my ministers of death.
[Exeunt ZARA and SELIM.