Act 3 — SCENE VII.
Reading edition
CALI, IRENE, ASPASIA, &c.
CALI. Amidst the splendour of encircling beauty, Superiour majesty proclaims thee queen, And nature justifies our monarch's choice.
IRENE. Reserve this homage for some other fair; Urge me not on to glitt'ring guilt, nor pour In my weak ear th' intoxicating sounds.
CALI. Make haste, bright maid, to rule the willing world; Aw'd by the rigour of the sultan's justice, We court thy gentleness.
ASPASIA. Can Cali's voice Concur to press a hapless captive's ruin?
CALI. Long would my zeal for Mahomet and thee Detain me here. But nations call upon me, And duty bids me choose a distant walk, Nor taint with care the privacies of love.