~? C-
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
AT LOS ANGELES
FRONTISPIECE. VOL J.
. Aft I. Se-JM.
^i .lun, i .iHfi^.hv CjJsll /t.ififj ..Cir^nJ .
DRAMAS
AND
OTHER POEMS;
OF THE
ABBE P1ETRO METASTASIO.
TRANSLATED FROM THE ITALIAN
BY
JOHN HOOLE.
VOL. I.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR OTRIDGE AND SON; R. FAULDER J J.
CUTHE^L; j. NUNN ; J.WALKER; R. LEA; OGILVYAND
SON; LACKINGTON, ALLEN, AND CO.; CADELL AND
DAVIES ; LONGMAN AND REE8 ; W. J. AND J. RICHARD-
SON ; AND VERNOR AND HOOD.
MDCCC.
[ff. Bald-win and Son, Printers, New Bridie-street.]
PGL
n i
v, t
CONTENTS
v
>J OF
THE FIRST VOLUME.
PAGE
PREFACE .... i
ARTAXERXES 1
*\ THE OLYMPIAD 81
HYPSIPYLE. . . = 15Q
TITUS 225
n DEMETRIUS , 311
THE DREAM OF SCIPIO 399
CANTATAS.
? THE EXCUSE 41Q
THE ADVICE 422
THE STORM 425
JEALOUSY t 428
THE OBSTACLE.. 431
17 '7
ERRATUM,
p. 427. lines, read " have I the truth divin'd ?"
PREFACE.
./ABOVE thirty years ago I publifhed
a translation from Metaflafio in two volumes, con-
taining ARTAXERXES, the OLYMPIAD, HYPSIPYLE,
TITUS, DEMETRIUS and DEMOPHOON. It was my
defign to have proceeded occafionally with the reft
of his dramas, but being foon engaged in fuch
profeffional duties as required all my attention,
the profecution of that defign was neceflarily
fufpended. When intervals of leifure afterwards
might have enabled me to return to it, I entered
upon the laborious undertaking of a verfion of the
ORLANDO FURIOSO of Arioflo, in confequence of
which the former work feemed then to be relin-
quifhed, with little or no view of being ever
refumed.
But it having been propofed to print a new edi-
tion of the tranflation of Metaftafio's fix dramas
before publifhed, I was induced to take up this
author again, and have added, in the prefent edi-
tion, befides a continuation of his dramas of three
acls, tranflations from his lefler pieces and Lyric
poems of a different ftyle.
VOL. i. a Many
11 PREFACE.
Many years had elapfed before the merits of
Metaftafio were known to this country, except by
a very few perfons verfed in the Italian language,
the cultivation of which has rapidly advanced
amongft us, within thefe twenty years, and intro-
duced to our more general acquaintance the writings
of one, whofe reputation, as the firft Lyric and
dramatic poet of the age, had been eftablifhed on
the continent for more than half a century.
It is not my defign, in this preface, to give a
regular narrative of the Poet's life. Every Italian
reader will find a well digefted and circumftantial
account, by Carlo Criftini, prefixed to an edition
of Metaftafio's works published at Nice in the
year 1785, in twenty-two volumes ; in which edi-
tion are included all his prole works and letters,
together with obfervatio-ns by feveral Italian critics,
on his mod celebrated dramas. The Englifh
reader may have recourfe to the laft publication of
the ingenious and indefatigable Dr. Burney, en-
titled, " Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the
Abate Pietro Metaflaiio," in three volumes oc-
tavo. I (hall therefore content myfelf with the
mention of fuch particulars, as may feem to be in
fome fort connected with, and to arife naturally
from a conlideration and review of his character
and writings ; referring to the Italian edition of
Criftini, and to the Englifh publication. It cannot
be fuppofed that I have much to communicate,
in
PREFACE. Ill
in addition to what has been told by Dr. Burney,
who profefTes to give the reader " fome idea of the
genius and worth of this extraordinary man, from
the beft biographers and eulogilts lie had been
able to procure, fo far as they agreed with what
he had heard at Vienna ; in his viiits to the impe-
riaf Laureat, and enquiries concerning him of his
friends and intimate acquaintance."*
We find that Metaftafio was not the name of
his family, who were called Trapaffi, and lived in
the town of Affiii, but a name given him by the
learned Abbe Gravina, from a Greek word figni-
fying a change. Gravina refided at Rome, to
which city the family of the Trapaffi had removed,
and where our poet was born, whom Gravina
adopted when he was yet a boy, being ftruck with
the uncommon genius, which he exemplified at
ten years old, in reciting extemporaneous verfes,
after the manner of the Improvifatori. Under the
patronage of fuch a friend, young Trapaffo, or
rather Metaftafio, as he was ever after called,
found himfelf enabled to profecute his fludies.
Like Ariofto and Taflb he was initiated in the
rudiments of the Law, being defigned for that
profeffion ; but, by the indulgence of Gravina,
he employed part of his leifure in the cultivation
of polite letters ; and at the age of fourteen pro-
a 2 duced
* See the Doftor's preface.
iV PREFACE.
duced his tragedy of Giuftino. At length having
loft his patron, who bequeathed him, at his death,
a confiderable legacy, he devoted himfelf en-
tirely to his favourite purfuits of mufic and
poetry, *
Our poets" works confift chiefly of ferious dra-
mas, or operas of three acls ; the reft are fmaller dra-
matic pieces, or Lyric poems, of all which many
are temporary and local, in confequence of his
profeffional fituation at Vienna, as Csefarean poet to
the emperor Charles VI. and afterwards to the
emprefs-queen Maria Terefa,
It feems that he was chiefly, if not wholly in-
debted for this honour, to the recommendation of
the learned Apoftolo Zeno, at that time poet laureat
to the emperor, and who, from his advanced age,
had deiired to be relieved by fuch a fucceflbr as
Metaftafio. In a letter from Prince Pio of Savoy
the offer was made him of this poft, at the falary
of 300O florins. The offer was accepted by Me -
taftafio, though he parted with reluctance from
his family and friends ; particularly from Signora
Bulgarelli, commonly called the Romanina, with
whom he had contracted a moft intimate friend-
fhip, and who with her hufband, made but one
family with the Trapaffi at Rome. This lady was
the moft eminent finger of her time, and performed
the
* Criflini Vita del Met. p. Xxi. Memoirs, &c. p. 4.
PREFA'CE. V
the part of Dido, in the opera of that name.
The reader will fee an interefting account of the
beginning and progrefs of this attachment in Dr.
Barney's book. *
Metaftaiio arrived at Vienna in July 1730, from
which place he gives in a letter to a friend, the
following relation of his firft reception by the
Emperor.
j- " I returned on tuefday by command of the
emperor, to take my audience at Luxemberg:
I faw him at table : I dined with Prince Pio, and
afterward, at three o'clock in the afternoon, had
an audience of his imperial majefiy. The gen-
tleman, by whom I was introduced, left me at the
door of the room where the emperor flood leaning
againft a table, with his hat on, feeming very
thoughtful ;
* Criftini, p. Ixviii. Memoirs, &c. Vol. I. p. 26 to 1 10.
f " Tornai martedi all' udienzaperordinedel padrone a Laum-
burgo, affiftei alia tavola, pranzai col fignor principe Pio, e poi
alle tre dopo il mezzo giorno fui ammeffo alia formale udienza di
Cefare, II cavaliere, che m'introdufle mi lafcio fuila porta della
camera nella quale il padrone era appoggiato ad un tavolino in
piedi con il fuo cappello in capo in ario molto feria e foftenuta.
Vi confeflb che per quanto mi foffi preparato a quef.' incontro,
non potei evitare nell'animo mio qualche difordine. Mi venne
a mente che mi trovava a fronte del piu gran perfonaggio della
terra, e che doveva efler io il primo a parlare, circostanza che non
conferifce ad incoraggire. Feci le tre riverenze prefcrittimi,
una nell' entrar della porta, una in mezzo della ftanza, e 1' ultima
vicino
VI , PREFACE.
thoughtful. I confefs to you that though I was
prepared for fuch a meeting, I could not but feel
fome cliforder, on reflecting that I was then face to
face with the greateft perfonage upon earth, and
that I was required to fpeak firft, a circumftance
that did not much contribute to encourage me. I
made three bows, as I had been directed, one at
entering the door, one in the middle of the room,
and the laft near his majelly. I then bent one
knee to the ground ; but the gracious prince in-
ftantly made me ftand up, faying, ' rife, rife.' I
then addrefied him in a voice not very firm to the
following
viciro a S. M. e poi pofi un ginocchio a terra, ma il clementiflimo
padrone fubito m' impofe di alzarmi, replicandomi : f Alzatevl,
$l/atevi f ' Quiioparlai con vocenon credo mol to ferma con quefti
fentimenti. ' lo non fo, fi fia maggiore il mio contento, 6 la mia
' confufione nel ritrovarmi a piedi di V. M. Cefarea, E' quefto
' un motive da me fbfpirato fin d?.' primi giorni dell' eta mia, ed
' ora non folo mi trovo avanti il piu gran monarca della terra,
* ma vi fono col piu gloriofo carattere di fuo attual fervitore. So
< a quanto mi obbliga quefto grado, e conofcola debolezza delle
' mie forze e fe poteffi con gran parte del mio fangue divenir un
Omero, non efiterai a divenirlo. *Suppliro pertanto, per
. ' quanto mi fara pcffibile, alia mancanza d' abilita non rifpar-
< miando in fervizio della M. V. attenzione e fatica. So, che
' per quanto fia grande la mia debolezza, fara fempre inferiore
* all infinita clemenza dell M. V. e fpero che il carattere di
' poeta di Cefare mi comunichi quel valore che non efpero dal
' mio talento.' " A proporzione che undai parlando, vidi
* " Quefta parte del complimento non pare che ritenga tutta la del de-
licatezza propria di Metailalio. ' '
raflerenarfi
PREFACE. ' V
following effect : f I know not whether my fatis-
' faction or confuiion be greateft, to find myfelf
' at the feet of your Geefarean majefty ; It is an
* honour I have fighed for from my earlieft days,
f and now I not only find myfelf before the
4 greateft monarch upon earth, but I am here in
* the glorious character of one of his fervants.
( I am not more confcious of the obligations I am
* under from fuch a flattering diitinclion, than I
' am confcious of my own weaknefs ; and if I
* could with the lofs of great part of my blood be-
* come a Homer, I would not hefitate a moment
* to determine my choice. * In the mean time I
* will ufe my utmoft endeavours to fupply with
* unwearied diligence what may be wanting in
6 ability
raflkrenarfi il volto dell' auguftiffimo padrone, il quale in fine
aiTai chiaramente rifpofe :'' ' Era gia pcrfuafo della voftra virtu
maadeffo, io fono ancora informato del voftro buon coftume, e
* non dubito che non mi contenterete in tut to quello, che fari
' di mio Cefareo fervizio, anzi mi obbligherete ad efler contento
' di voi.' " Qui fifermo adattendere, fe io voleva fupplicarlo
d'altro ; onde io fecondo le iftruzione gli chieii la permiffione di
bacciargli la mano, ed egli me la porfe ridendo, e ftringendo la
mia ; ond' io confolato da quefta dirnoftrazione d'amore, ftrinfi
con un trafporto di contento la mano Cc/area con entrambe le
mie e le diedi un baccio cofi fonoro che pote il clementiffimo
padrone aflai bene avvederfiche veniva dal cuore."
Criftini, vita del Met. p. Ixxxix.
Memoirs, &c. Vol. I. p. 43 to 62.
*The Italian Editor here obferves, that this part of Metaftafio's
fpeech does not feem to have all his ufual delicacy.
Vlll PREFACE.
f ability to ferve your imperial majefty : I am
e truly fenfible that, whatever my incapacity may
f be-, it will always experience the infinite clemency
e of your majefty ; and I hope that the character
e of Caefarean poet will infpire me with what I
f defpair of attaining by my own talents.' " As I
continued to fpeak, I obferved that the counte-
nance of my auguft patron afTumed a look of com-
placency, and when I had concluded he anfwcred
with great affability : ' I was before well convin-
' of your genius, but now I am perfuaded of the
' goodnefs of your difpofition, and I doubt not but
f you will acquit yourfelf well in your office, and
c that I fhall be perfectly fatisfied with you.*
" He then flopped to hear if I had any thing further
to fay, when, agreeable to the inflruclions that
had been given me, I begged permiffion to kifs
his hand : he held it to me with a fmile, prefling
my hand in his. Encouraged by this token of
kindnefs, I preffed his imperial hand with both
mine, and gave it fo fervent a kifs, that his
gracious majefty mufl have been fenfible it came
from my heart."*
Metaftafio continued in the fervice of the empe-
ror Charles VI. till the death of that prince in the
year 174O, and continued afterwards in the fervice
of the emprefs-queen, beloved and r-efpecled by
all ; during which time he modeftly declined
many
* Criftini p. Ixxxix. Memoirs, Sec. p. 43 to 62.
PREFACE. IK
many offers of honourable d i ft i nation, made him
by both fovereigns. At the deceafe of his patro-
nefs, Maria Terefa, in the year 1780, he received
the warmeft afliirances of favour and protection
from the emperor Jofeph II. foon after which he
died, upwards of eighty-four years of age, having
been fifty years abfent from Rome and refident at
the imperial court. *
Though the firft opera of Metaftafio was written
in 1724, and his reputation continued increafing
till he entered into the emperor's fervice in the
year 1730, yet none of his dramas were known
to the Englifh reader, till my tranflation in the
year 17^7? except from fuch of them as had been
performed at our theatre.
But a perufal of thefe could, even in the Italian,
give little, or rather no idea of the talents and
genius of Metaftafio. The principal defign of the
managers of the opera, being to exhibit the finger
or mufician, little attention is paid to the conduct
of the fable. As our audiences would, by no
means, endure the length of his recitatives, the
fcenes are fo abridged, that not only the dialogue
is mutilated, but the action is precipitated, the
cataftrophe unnaturally brought on, and the whole
rendered cold and unaffecling, while that art is
utterly defiroyed, by which the poet carries on his
plot,
* Criftini, p. ccix
X PREFACE.
plot, with due gtadations, and keeps up attention
to the lad Iccne.
Before Metafiafio's dramas were kno\vn, the
prejudice muft certainly have been very ftrong
againft the opera poets, which prejudice muft have
been powerfully ftrengthened by the inimitable
Mr. Addifon ; and undoubtedly would have ft ill
fubfifted, were there nothing better to influence
the reader's judgment than the pieces printed for
the Haymarket, not excepting thofe under the
name of Metaltafio in their mutilated fiate. To be
convinced of this, among many inftances, the
reader need only caft his eyes over the DEMO-
FOOXTE, confeifedly one of his beft productions, as
altered for the opera theatre.
It appears, however, that this licenfe was not
peculiar to our flage. Metaltafio hirnfelf frequently
complains of the liberties taken with him by
fingers and compofers. An Italian critic has
obferved that Meraftafio had written dramas too
excellent for reprefentation, and that the compofer
was compelled to omit fome of their fineft parts
in order to fit them for the ftage, for which reafon
THEMJSTOCLES and REGULUS, not admitting of
fuch alteration, were feldom performed. In one
of his letters the author fays : " I know by daily
experience that my own dramas are much more
certain of fuccefs in Italy, when declaimed by
comedians than when fung by mulicians." On this
paflage
PREFACE. XI
pafiage Dr. Burney declares his ignorance of
their being ever recited without mufic, and in-
deed we can have little idea how they were fo ex-
hibited in their prefent ftate, or in what manner
the airs or Lyric parts could have been fpoken :.
at the fame time the Doctor adds "there can be
no doubt of the afTertion of the good Metaftafio'*
being well founded."*
Mr. Addifon tells us : " An eftablifhedrule was
laid down, which is received to this day, that
nothing is capable of being -well fet to muftck that is
not nonfenfe :" he adds, with great humour, " this
maxim was no fooner received, but we fell to
tranflating the Italian opera, and as there is no
great danger of hurting the fenfe in thofe extraor-
dinary pieces, &c."-f~ But what would this amiable
writer have faid, had he lived to be converfant
with the operas of Metaftafio, or even with thofe
of his predeceflbr Apoftolo Zeno, who feems
to have been the firft that has (hewn the world, an
Italian opera was capable of being embellifhed
by the efforts of genius. Zeno has been called
the 4^fchylus, and Metaftafio the Sophocles of
the Italian ftage.
Mr. Addifon died in 17 1Q, and DIDO, the firft
ferious opera of Metaftafio, was not produced
till 1724. With the works of Apoftolo Zeno, I
believe the Englifli are to this day little acquainted.
The
* Memoirs, Vol. II. p. 318 & Note.
tSpcaator, Vol. I. No. 5, 18.
Xll PRKFACK.
The firft edition of his dramas colle&ed was pub-
lit lied at Venice in 1744.
From what had been faid of this writer by Mr.
Baretti, in his letter from Italy, I was led to pe-
rufe all his dramas, in which there appeared to me
great merit, with refpecl to plot, fentiment, inci-
dent and character, though he mufl be allowed
to be harm in his language and hard in conft ruc-
tion. Such an author will not be readily perufed
by thofe who have been accuftomed to the har-
mony, and clearnefs of Metaftafio. I had once
conceived a defign of giving the public a fele&ion
of Zeno's dramas in an Englifh drefs.
The real excellencies of Metaftafio, as a poet
and dramatift, muft be fought for in the clofet,
by an examination of his works entire and unin-
jured, when it will be found that his dramas have,
in a High degree, the beauties of tragedy, allowing
for fome incongruities arifing from the general plan
of an opera, which he was led to adopt. This
eircumftance has been regretted by fome of
his critics, one of whom obferves, with great
truth, that the genius of Metaftafio fhould have
raifed him above the infipidities of the operatic
drama.
I believe indeed it will be allowed by the poet's
warmeft admirers, that the intrigues and love-
fcenes of his fecond or under perfonages are too
often uninterefting ; of which, amongft many, ex-
() amples
PREFACE. Xlll
amples may be given in the loves of Selene, Me-
gabyzus and Barcene, in the operas of DIDO,
ARTAXERXES, and DEMETRIUS. Such parts ap-
pear ftill more cenfurable when contrafted with
other fcencs, that are replete with all the elegance,
force, and pathos of the moft approved tragic
writers. In this refpect Zeno has more attended
to the dignity of tragedy, being in a great meafure
free from the introduction of fuch love dialogues,
as muft tend to weaken the general effect, and may
perhaps give a kind of famenefs to dramas, in re-
ality fo diveriified by plot, character, incident,
and cataftrophe.
There are fome other features in the compo-
fition of an opera, to which Metaftafio feems to
have too much adhered. One of thefe is a fudden
change of circumftances, or appearance, fo as to
involve the perfons in difficulties and miftakes ;
fuch as the incident in . DIDO, where larbas is
about to kill ./Eneas and is prevented by Arafpes,
who taking the dagger from him is feen by ./Eneas
and believed to be the afTaffin. * Another feature
in the opera is that high and extravagant point of
honour by which the heroes and heroines are fome-
times actuated, as appears in the conduct of
Annius in TITUS, and of Cleonice in DEMETRIUS.
To thefe may be added the manner in which he
generally concludes his pieces, when every per-
fon
* Aft I. Scene XVI.
XIV PREFACE.
perfon is made happy, and the greateft offenders are
not only pardoned, but often rewarded, by being
united to the objedls of their affeclion. Of this
defcription are Artaban in AIITAXERXES, Sextus in
TITUS, and the atrocious Maximus in ^Exius.
There are, indeed, fome few inftances where Me-
tafiafip has done poetical juftice on the guilty, as
in the cafe of Learchus in HYPSIPYLE^ and
Zopyrus in ZEXOBIA.
Indeed an ingenious Italian critic, Calfabigi, in.
his diflertation on the merits of Metaftafio, fays,
" * One great motive for my prefent enquiry has
v been, as much as poflible, to convince foreigners
that they have done wrong in condemning our
theatre ; that the dramas of Metaftafio, accompa-
nied with mufic, are mulical poems ; but that
without this accompaniment they are true, perfect,
and admirable' tragedies, comparable to thofe of
any other nation."
*
But upon the whole it will be found, notwith-
jflanding the great talents of Metaftafio, and the
above cited paflage of Calfabigi, that no reader is
to enter on the perufal of his dramas with a mind
prepofTefled by the rules of regular tragedy. Me-
taftafio
* " A quefto mio principal motive quel altro fi agguinge per
far" a gli ftranieri, comprendere, che a torto il noftro teatro dif-
prezzano, che le poefie del Signer Metaftafio adornate di mufici
fono poefie muficale, ma fenza 1'unione de quefto ornamcnto, fono
vere perfette e preziofe tragedie da compararfe alle piu celebri di
tutte le altri nazioni." Diflert. Paris edit, of Met.
PREFACE. XV
taftafio was himfelf a mufical man ; he engaged in
a province of dramatic poetry, the opera, that
feems to have been the great object of theatrical
exhibition. He is therefore to be conlidered as an
uncommon genius, ftruggling under the difficulty
of reconciling two powerful rivals, Music and
POETRY, I will venture to fay, in this inftance, un-
naturally joined together, in which junction there
mult often be a temptation of facrificing fatfe to
fonnd,
Mr. Mafon, though himfelf an adept in the fci-
ence of muiic, yet fays, as cited by Dr. Burney^
" How great a dramatic writer Metaflafio would
have been, if he had not been compelled to write
for mufical compofers to furniih them with hbrettl\*
and this probably was Mr. Gray's idea when he
would not allow his dramas to be legitimate trage-
dies, but only fketches."-{~ Mr. Mafon adds :.
*' It mu it, however, be acknowledged, that his
lyrical dramas, as originally written, with refpeot
to theatric contrivance, and judicious develope-
ment of the ftory, infinitely excel the generality of
our modern tragedies." On the different genius of
opera and tragedy, Dr. Burney makes the follow-
ing candid remarks :
" A good opera, without many changes, will al-
ways be a bad tragedy ; and the moll excellent
tragedy,
* Little books, or pieces (hcrreneJ to fit them for mufic.
t Memoirs, Sec. Vol. III. p. 38;. | Ibid.
XVI PREFACE.
tragedy, without compreffion, an infupportable
opera. In tragedy, not only is amplification al-
lowable, but neceflary, to difplay the powers of
poetry and eloquence, as well as to difcriminate cha-
racters, and paint pailion. In an opera, the nar-
rative muft be (hort, the incidents numerous and
rapid in fucceffion, the diction rather fweet and
flowing, than ftrong and nervous." *
I think fuch a paflage, from one who cannot be
fuppofed, in this cafe, to give a partial judgment,
muft ftrengthen what has been advanced refpecling
the alliance of the tragical drama and muficalcom-
O
pofition ; and I can truly feel the force of what
is faid on the difference between tragedy and
opera, from having myfelf introduced two of Me-
taftafio's beft pieces on our ftage, his CYRUS and
DEMOPHOON, in the form of tragedies.
Dr. Burney has, in a few words, comprized the
general merit of our poet as an opera writer :
" One of the greateli difficulties which Metaftafio
had to encounter, and for the vanquifliing of
which he has been admired by thofe who have ftu-
died the mufical drama, was the compreffing the
fables he chofe in fo fmall a compafs, yet rendering
all his plots clear, his principal characters ftrongly
marked and confident, and his fentiments tender,
nervous, or philofophical, as occafion required. "-f-
Of
* Memoirs, &c. Vol. II. p. 252. Note,
t Memoirs, &c. Vol. III. p. 3 86.
PREFACE. XV11
Of the twenty-fix operas, written by Metaftafio,
it muft be confeffed of very different merit, it
would be difficult to fix the pre-eminence. He
himfelf gave the preference to his REGULUS,
though not the moft popular : he called it his
Benjamin, efteemed it the beft digeiled, the mod
finifhed, and the freeft from faults ; and that
which, could he have faved only one of his dramas,
he would have preferred. He enters into a parti-
cular analyfis of this piece, explaining his defign in
every character. Of his facred dramas, he pre-
ferred the BETULIA LIBERATA.*
He is faid to have reached the fummit of his
reputation during the firft ten years of his refidence
at Vienna, from the year 1730 to the year 1740,
in which period he produced, befides many tem-
porary and occafional pieces, his beft ferious
operas, amongft which are included DEMOPHOON",
TITUS, ACHILLES, THEMISTOCLES, .ZENOBIA,
REGULUS, and CYEUS. The merit of all his facred
dramas is univerfally acknowledged.
Metaftafio appears to me to have the peculiar art
of treating with delicacy fuch fubjects as few other
poets would have ventured to touch on. The
drama of ROMULUS and HERSILIA, though not one
of the firft in point of general excellence, yet has
fingular merit from the manner in which the ftory
is conducted,
VOL. i. b He
* Memoirs, &c. Vol. I. 316. Vol. III. 309.
XV111 PBEFACE.
lie wrote with great facility, for though he com-
monly allowed himfelf three months for the com-
pletion of an opera, he fometimes received an order
from his court toproduce one at a very fhort notice.
Jn confequence of fuch a notice, the opera of
ACHILLES, excellent as it is, was begun and fmifhed
in eighteen days.*
Criftini tells us, that when he had a command
to write, he fhut himfelf up in his ftudy with his
favourite amanuenfis, Signor Ercolano ; not that
he might commit his thoughts for him to paper,
but from a fingular habit he had contracted, not
to compofe a verfe but in company of this trufty
friend, who was poflefled of an admirable judg-
ment in poetry, and to whom he imparted, from
time to time, the effufions of his mufe ; and finally
determined any doubt by his opinion. He con-
flantly returned to his work every day at a ftated
hour. The method, which he obferved himfelf,
he recommended to others : " If you do nothing
to-day," faid he, " be not difcouraged : the pro-
pofed fubjecl will be ripening in your mind ; you
will accomplifh it to-morrow; but let not a day pafs
without turning it in your thoughts." Amongfi his
favourite books were the works of Ovid, the FAITH-
FUL SHEPHERD of Guarino, the JERUSALEM of Tafib,
and the ADONIS of Marino. What may feem extraor-
dinary, we are told, that, before he began to write,
he
* Memoirs, &c. Vol. I. p. 161.
PREFACE. XIX
he always perufed fome of the fineft pafiages in
MARINO'S Adonis.*
In a letter -f~ to his friend Signora Bulgarelli,
fpeaking of his new opera, the OLYMPIAD, he fays :
" I enclofe you a moral fonnet, which I compofed
in the midft .of a pathetic fcene I was writing, with
which I was fo affected, that I could not but
fmile to find my eyes moitlened with tears of fym-
pathy for a diftrefs of my own creation." The
fcene referred to is the parting of Megacles and
Ariftea in the fecond Act. ,
SONNET.
Fables and dreams I frame, and while I turn
My dreams and fables in poetic itrains,
I take a part in vifionary pains,
And at my own inventions fondly mourn.
But am I wifer when my mind is freed
From thefe illuiions of an idle hour ?
Does Reafon then exert her calmer power,
And jufter caufes love or forrow breed ?
Ah ! no not that which makes the poet's theme
Alone is fiction : all I hope or fear
Alike is falfe : I dwell with fhadows here,
And life's whole courfe is but an empty dream.
b2 O !
* Criftini, p. cliv.
f Memoirs, &c. Vol. I. p, 84,
XX PREFACE.
O ! when I wake from fancied joys and woes,
HeaVen grant me in the arms of Truth repofe.*
The fonnet, however, was not a fpecies of writ-
ing on which he valued himfelf. He calls it the
bed of Procruftes. He declares he never wrote a
fatire, nor ever would write one, though he tranf-
lated fome from Juvenal and Horace ; but his
amiable difpofition feemed to make him averfe to
feek for blemifhes of any kind.- He does not
appear to have had the leaft tinclure of envy in his
nature : he always exprefled the -utmoft diffidence
of his own powers, and lived upon the moft friendly
terms with his contemporary poets. His judgment
and candour as a writer may be feen, in his exa-
mination
SONETTO.
" Sogni e favole io fingo, eppurc in carte
Mentre favole e fogni orno c defegno,
Jn lor (folle che fon !) prcndo tal parte
Che del mal che inventai, piango e mi fdegno.
Ma forfe allor che non m'inganna Parte
Piu faggio fono, e 1'agitato ingegno
Fors'e allor piu tranquillo ? O forfe parte
Da pi 14 falda cagion 1'amor lo fdegno ?
Ah! che nonfol quelle, ch'io canto e fcrivo,
Favole fon ; ma quanto temo e fpiro
Tutt' e menfogna, e derilando io vivo.
Sogno della mia vita e il corfo intero.
Deh ! tu Signer, quando a deftarmi arrive,
Fa ch'io trovi ripofo nel fen del' vero.**
PREFACE. XXI
mination of the different merits of the two great
epic poets, Arioflo and TafTo.
I fhall not enter upon the invidious tafk of (hew-
ing how far he is indebted to others ; fince it muft
be confefled, that if he has many beauties entirely
his own, he has fome that are the offspring of imi-
tation. Yet let it be remembered, that whenever
he has copied, he has copied like a true genius,
and that the pafTages he has borrowed have gene-
rally received additional graces from his pen. It
is faid, that on occafion of his having made fome
life of the works of Voltaire, the French poet ex-
claimed, " Ah ! le cher voleur, il m'a bien em-
belli !" He has undoubtedly taken fome fcenes
from Racine, but greatly excels him in delineating
character ; as muft be readily granted, on compar-
ing the Achilles in IPHIGENIA with the Achilles in
the opera of that name.
He had little or no knowledge of the Englifli
language ; at leaft, not fo much as to enable him
to perufe any of our authors : and on this fubjecl
I can fpeak with precifion, having been honoured
with a letter from this great poet in the year 1767,
on occafion of my verfion of his fix dramas. In
this letter he fays : " * For my fhame I can only
b 3 converfe
* " Io per raia difgracia, non poflb ragionar con le mufe Inglefe
clie per interprete, mancanza, che mi ha obligate gia a content-
armi d'ammirar' nelle copie i grand! originali 'de' quali ridonda
la colta fua e ingegniofa nazionc, e ora a ricorere all' benevola
affiftenza d'abile araito perconcepir la fua veriiorie, &c."
PREFACE.
converfe with the Englifli mufes by means of an
interpreter. This inability has obliged me to be
contented with admiring, in their tranflations only,
the great originals with which your learned and
ingenious nation abounds ; and now to have re-
courfe to the afliftance of an able friend to under-
Hand your verfion, &c."
In one of his letters to Dr. Giufeppe Bottoni, he
acknowledges the pleafure he received from the
Doctor's veriion of the firft fix Night Thoughts
of Dr. Young, and expreftes his gratitude that he
has given him fome knowledge of Englifli poetry,
notwithftanding his involuntary ignorance of that
excellent language.*
As it may not be unacceptable to fome of my
readers, a chronological lift is here given from Dr.
Burney of all Metaftafio's operas and facred dra-
mas, with their leveral dates, the places at which
they were firft performed, and the names of the
mufical compofcrs.
I. DIDOXE ABBANDOXATA : written and firft re-
prefented at Naples in 1/24 ; let to mufic
by Sarro.
II. SIROE : firft performed at Venice in 17^6;
fet to mufic by Leonardo Vinci.
III. CATONE, IN UTICA : at Rome, 1/23 ; let to
mufic by Vinci.
IV. Ezio:
* Memoirs, Vol. III. p. 107, Arc. See Letters.
PREFACE. XX1U
IV. Ezro : at Rome, 1729; fet to mufic by
Porpora.
V. SEMIRAMIDE RICONOSCIUTA : at Rome,
1729 ; fet to mufic by Porpora.
VI. ALESSANDRO NEL /NDIE: at Rome, 1730;
fet to mufic by Vinci.
VII. ARTASERSE : at Rome ; fet to mufic by
Vinci ; and at Venice by Hafle, 173O.
VIII. ADRIANO IN SYRIA: at Venice, 1731 ; fet
to mufic by Caldara.
IX. ISSIPILE : at Vienna, 1732 ; fet to mufic by
Conti.
X. DEMETRIO : at Vienna, 1732 ; fet to
mufic by Caldara.
XI. L'OLIMPIADE : at Vienna, 1733 ; fet to
mufic by Caldara.
XII. DEMAPOONTE : at Vienna, 1733; fet-to
mufic by Caldara.
XIII. LA CLEMENZA DI TITO : at Vienna, 1734;
fet to mufic by Caldara.
XIV. ACHILLE IN SCIRO : at Vienna, 1736; fet -
to mufic by Caldara.
XV. GIRO RICONOSCIUTO : at Vienna, 1736;
fet by Caldara.
XVI. TEMISTOCLE : at Vienna, 1736 ; fet by
Caldara.
XVII. ZENOBIA : at Vienna, 1740; fet to mufic
by Predieri.
XVIII. AT-
PREEACE,
XVIII. ATTILIO REGOLO : written in 1740 for
Vienna, but not performed till 1750,
when it was firft fet to mulic by Hafle
for the court of Drefden.
XIX. ANTIGONO : written for the Court of Dref-
den, 1 744 ; fet to mufic by Hafie.
XX. IPERMESTRA : at Vienna, 1744; fet to
mufic by Hafie.
XXI. IL Ri PASTORE : at Vienna, 1751; written
for the ladies of the imperial court, per-
formed to the competitions of Bonno.
XXII. I/EROE CINESE: reprefented by perfons
of diftin6tion in the imperial garden at
Schonbrunn, 1752, to the mufic of
Bonno.
XXIII. NITTETI : written for the court of Ma-
drid, 1756 ; fet to mufic by Conforti.
XXIV. IL TRIOMFO DI CLELIA: at Vienna, 17&2;-
fet to mufic by Hafie.
XXV. ROMELO ED ERSILIA : at Vienna, 1765 ;
fet to mufic by Hafie.
XXVI. IL RUGGIERO, OVVERO L'EROICO GRA-
TITUDINE ; performed at Milan, 177.1>
to mufic compofed by Hafie.
SACRED DRAMAS.
I. LA PASSIONE DI GIESU CRISTO : written at
Rome in 1730, performed in the impe-
rial chapel at Vienna ; fet to mufic by
Caldara.
II. SANT'
PREFACE. XXV
II. SANT' ELENA AL CALVARIO : for the fame
place, 1731 ; fet to mufic by Cal-
dara.
III. LA MORTE D'ABEL : for the fame place,
1732 ; fet to mufic by Reutter.
IV. GIUSEPPE RECONOSCIUTO : for the fame
place, 1733; fet to mufic by Porfile.
V. BETULIA LIBERATA : for the fame place,
1734 ; fet tomufic by Reutter.
VI. GIOAS RE DI GIUDA : for the fame place,
1735 ; fet to mufic by Reutter.
VII. ISACCO FiGURA DEL RfiDENTORE t for the
fame place, 1740.
Having taken a general view of the character,
genius, and writings of Metaftafio, fo far as was
deemed neceflary for the information of the reader,
it only remains to add a few words refpecling the
prefent verfion.
It was once fuggefted to me by a friend of great
tafte and erudition, to give the public a complete
tranflation of all Metaftalio's dramas, and either
wholly to omit the airs or incorporate them with
the dialogue ; as this part of the opera was fo op-
pofite to the genius of tragedy. But upon my
refuming the work, it was judged that this would
be taking a very unwarrantable liberty with my
author ; fince, whatever merit the dramas might
poflefs,
XXVI PREFACE.
poffefs, they were flill to be confidered as operas,
and as fuch, their genuine form ought to be prc-
ferved : from thefe confiderations my friend
feemed candidly to retracl: his firft opinion. At
the fame time, it muft be allowed that many of
thefe Lyrics are of Singular beauty.
Some of the dramas have, in the Italian, a kind
of epilogue, called Licenza, annexed to them ;
which indeed is little more than a panegyric on
the emperour, the emprefs, or fome perfon of the
court. This being altogether local and temporary,
and from its nature incapable of being made in
any degree interefting to the Englifli reader, is
omitted in this translation.
It may be proper to mention, that the little
elegant drama of the UNINHABITED ISLAND, was
tranflated many years ago at the defire of Dr.
Johnfon, to be inferted in a volume of Milcellanies,
in profe and vcrfe, publifhed by Mrs. Anna Wil-
liams, in the year 176(3.
Whatever indulgence may have been fhown to
my verfion of the fix dramas, published in 1767;
it is with the utmoft diffidence that I have attempt-
ed the fmaller poems or Lyrics, the merit of which
often fo greatly depends on the words and turn of
expreflion. "The mafTy trunk of fentiment is
fafe by its folidity, but . the bloflbms of elocution
eafily drop away." *
I was
* Dr. Johnfon 's preface to Dry den.
PREFACE. XXY11
I was however very defirous to give at lead a
faint copy of thefe pieces, fo admirable in the
Italian for delicate fimplicity and playful elegance,
and in which it is thought by many that the poet
has exerted fome of his fmeft talents.
Of all characters in writing, perhaps that of
Simplicity is moft difficult to be preferved. It will
often happen that words and expreffions, graceful
in the Italian, can only be rendered in Englifh by
circumlocution, which muft of courfe take from
their fimplicity. In this cafe nothing is left for the
translator, but to endeavour to catch the general
fpirit of the pafTage, and thus, as far as the genius
of the two languages will admit, give the trueil
likenefs of his author, by which only he can hope
to arrive at the great fecret of good translation,
that of making his work appear like an original.
Dryden tells us, that " what Virgil wrote in the
vigour of his age, he had undertaken to translate
in his declining years. ;" and I have only to hope
that in the perufal of the following Sheets, the
reader may not too often be reminded of this
declaration of our great poet, of whom it
may be truly faid, " the falling oft" of his hair
did but make his laurels more vifible."
There may not poffibly be wanting fome to con-
demn thefe lighter ftudies at a certain age ; yet
let it be remembered that grave difquilition and
deep argument are not the province of every
5 writer.
XXV111 PREFACE.
writer. He who, at any period, adminrfters to ra-
tional amufement, if not intitled to a high degree
of literary praife, muft at lead be free from moral
cenfure ; nor can there furely be need of any fe-
rious apology for my having thus employed fome
hours of that leifure which I have long enjoyed,
bleifed by PROVIDENCE with health and fpirits, and
grateful, I truft, in the recolleclion of years pafled
in that LIBERAL SERVICE, from which I have
derived fo many comforts to glad the evening of
life.
ARTAXERXES.
VOL. x.
PERSONS OF THE DRAMA.
ARTAXERXES, Prince, afterwards King of PERSIA,
Friend of ARBACES, in love with SEMIRA.
MANDANE, Sifter to ARTAXERXES, in love with
ARBACES.
ARTABAN, Commander of the royal guards, Father
of ARBACES and SEMIRA.
ARBACES, Friend of ARTAXERXES, in love with
MANDANE.
SEMIRA, Sifter to ARBACES, in love with ARTAX-
ERXES.
MEGABYZUS, General of the army, the confident
of ARTABAN.
The SCENE lies in the city of SUSA, the relidence
of the Kings of PERSIA.
ARTAXERXES.
ACT I. SCENE I.
An mner garden belonging to the Royal palace of
the Kings of Perfta. A profpefl of the palace.
night : moonlight.
MANDANE, ARBACES.
Arb. Farewell!
Man. Arbaces, ftay.
Arb. Belov'd Mandane !
The dawn is near ; fhould Xerxes ever learn
That 'gainft his harm command I enter'd here,
It little would avail in my defence
To urge a lover's warmth ; nor would the name
Of daughtei plead for thee.
Man. Thy fear is juft :
This regal dwelling muft for thee be dangerous.
But yet thou may' ft remain in Sufa's walls ;
Since exil'd from the palace, not the city. .4*
Hope is not wholly loft :- thou know'ft thy father,
The mighty Artaban, directs at will
The heart of Xerxes ; that to him 'tis given,
At every hour, to pierce the deep recelTes
Of this imperial manfion ; .that my brother,
B 2 My
4 ARTAXERXES. [ACT I*
My Artaxcrxcs boafts thee for his friend. 4
In virtue and in fame you grew together,
All Perfla has beheld you partners ftill
In dangers deeds : each from the other caught
The emulative flame : the troops admire thee,
The people even adore thee, and the kingdom
Jxpe&s its fureft fafety from thy arm :
Amidft fuch friends how canft thou fail fupport ?
Ark. Alas ! my love, we but deceive ourfelves :
Thy brother would in vain attempt to aid me :
He and my father are alike fufpe&ed,
When they defend Arbaces: every plea
Is heard with flow belief, when warmly urg'd
By partial friendfliip, or paternal fondnefs.
And for the inconftant herd of vulgar friends,
Thefe ihrink, when once the monarch's favour fails*
How many that with awe but late beheld me,
Now look on me with fcorn ! Where then, Man-
dane,
Where would'fl thou have me hope ? My dwelling
here
Is danger to thyfelf, and pain to me.
To thee 'tis dangerous, as it adds new matter
To feed fufpicion in the breaft of Xerxes :
To me 'tis painful to be ever near thee,
Yet be denied to gaze upon thy beauties.
Since then my birth alone has made me guilty,
I'll die, or merit thee my life ! farewell, \going.
Man. Inhuman, canft thou leave me thus ?
Art.
,ACJ I/J ARTAXERXES. 5
Arb. Alas !
I am not inhuman : Xerxes is the tyrant :
Thy father is unjuft.
Man. Yet fome excufe
Even he might claim when he denied my hand :
Our rank, the world, the diiiance plac'd between us :
Who knows but all his anger was difTembled ?
Perhaps in fecret he condemn' d his rigour.
Arb. He might have yet refus'd to grant my fuit
Without contempt : to drive me from him thus,
To treat me like the lowed of the vulgar ;
To ftile me bafe, prefumptuous fuch reproach
I feel, Mandane, at my inmoft heart.
What if my anceftors ne'er wore the crown,
At leaft they have defended it for his :
If in thefe veins there runs no royal blood,
By faving Artaxerxes I've preferv'd
The blood of Perfia's kings. Let Xerxes fpeak
His own, not boaft the merits of his race.
'Tis chance, not virtue to be nobly born :
Did choice direct our births, and only give
Kingdoms to thofe who beft could rule, perhaps
Arbaces had been Xerxes, Xerxes then
Had been Arbaces,
Man. In Mandane'^ prefence,
With more refpect, Arbaces, name her father.
Arb. But when I fuffer fuch injurious treatment,
When I'm denied to indulge a blamelefs paflion,
tf ARTAXERXES. [ACT I.
'Tis furely little, if I but complain.
Man. Forgive me : from thy anger I begin
To doubt thy truth : how fhall I hope the heart
That hates the father, can efleem the daughter ?
Ark. This hatred proves my paffion more,
Mandane ;
My indignation fprings from love to thee ;
Becaufe I fear, that, banim'd from thy fight,
I ne'er may fee thee more ; that this perhaps
Is the laft time O Heaven, thou weep'ft ! forbear,
Dry up thofe tears, my love ; too much I'm foften'd
Without thy grief I here would have thee cruel
Permit me to depart ; now imitate
The fternnefs of thy father. [go^g-
Man. Stay, and hear me ;
I have no heart to fee thee leave me thus :
Fain would I go Farewell !
Arb. Farewell, Mandane !
* ^v
Man. Be true to love, recall to mind
Thou leav'ft me here with woes oppreft :
And let fometimes Mandane find
Remembrance in thy faithful breaft.
When thou art gone, though, midft my grief,
Thefe eyes no more thy image fee :
Yet love, to give my pains relief,
Shall make my heart difcourfe with thee.
[Exit.
SCENE
ACT I.] ARTAXERXES. 7
SCENE II.
4
Enter ARTAB AN behind, with his fword drawn
and bloody.
Arb. [to himfelf.~\ O hard command ! O fatal
reparation !
cruel moment that mufl thus divide me
From her for whom I breathe, while {till I am left
To drag this wretched life.
Artab. [coming forward^] My fon Arbaces.
Arb. My lord !
Artab. Give me thy fword.
Arb. 'Tis here, my lord.
Artab. There take thou mine : fly ; hide from
every eye
That crimfon fteel.
Arb. O Gods ! what haplefs breaft
Pour'd forth this blood ?
Artab. Enquire not now, be gone ;
All ihall be foon reveal'd.
Arb. O fir ! your looks,
All pale and wild, have filTd me with affright :
1 freeze with horror whilfl I hear your lips
Give painful utterance to your words O fpeak !
Tell me, what can this mean ?
Artab. Thou art reveng'd ;
Xerxes is dead, and by this hand.
S AIITAXERXKS. [ACT I.
Arb. What fay'ft thou !
What do I hear ? What is it thou haft done ?
Artab. My dearell fon, thy injuries were mine
For thee I am guilty.
Arb. Ha ! for me you are guilty !
There wanted only this to increafe my woes.
And what are now your hopes ?
Artab. My mind revolves
A great defign ; thou mayTt perhaps aftiime
The reins of fovereignty depart my purpole
Demands that I remain.
Arb. My foul's diffracted
In this dread interval !
Artab. Still doft thou linger ?
Arb. O Heaven !
Artab. Depart no more leave me in peace.
Arb. What fatal day is this ! undone Arbaces !
A thoufand woes my bread furprife ;
I pant in every part :
Cold through my veins the current flies
To guard my trembling heart.
What anguifh muft this ftroke of fate
My dear Mandane coft,!
How (hall my foul lament too late
A father's virtue loft ! [Exit.
SCENE
ACT I.J ARTAXERXE3.
;,'
SCENE III.
ART A BAN alone.
Be refolute, my thoughts ! the firft bold ftep
Demands a fecond : to withdraw the hand
When ehter'd upon crimes, were to be guilty
Without the hopes to enjoy the fruits of treafon.
Drain then the royal blood its utmoft drop,
Nor let the empty name of virtue fhake me.
Whate'er we judge, even daring guilt fometimes
May claim applaufe. To combat with ourfelves ;
To bear unmov'd the pangs of felf-remorfe ;
Amidft furrounding objects of affright
To keep the courage fix'd : thefe, thefe are virtues
A glorious crime requires but fee, the prince :
Now to' my wiles What mean thefe fudden cries !
What tumult's this !
SCENE IV.
Enter ARTAXERXES, MEGABYZUS and Guards.
Artab. Already rifen, fir !
When fcarce the day has dawn'd ? What means
this anger
Which mingles with the grief, that clouds your
brow ?
Artax. O deareft Artaban ! mofl welcome to me t
.-iL, Give
1O ARTAXERXES. [ACT I.
Give me thy counfel, give me aid, revenge ;
All, all 1 afk from thy fidelity.
Artab. I tremble, Prince, at this confus'd com-
mand :
Declare yourfelf more fully.
Artax. O ye powers !
My father on his bed there murder'd lies !
Artab. Say, how !
Artax. I know not 'midft the fhade and filencc
Of this unhappy night, fome villain wrought
The horrid deed.
Artab. Infatiate luft of empire !
What piety, what holy bond of nature
Can curb thy impious, thy ungovern'd rage !
Artax. I underftand thee, friend ; my faithlcfs
brother,
Darius is the guilty.
Artab. Who but he
By night could penetrate the royal palace ?
Who elfe could find accefs to Xerxes' bed ?
His difcontent, his turbulence of temper,
His eagernefs to grafp his father's fceptre-
Alas ! my lord ! I tremble for your life :
For pity's fake take heed for oft one crime
Is as a ilep that to another leads :
Revenge your father, and preferve yourfelf.
, Artax. O ! if there's one amongft you prefent
here,
Who
ACT I.] ARTAXERXES. Jl
Who feels companion for a murder'd king ;
Who feels abhorrence of the crime, who calls
Himfelf my friend now let him fly, to punifh
The parricide, the traitor.
Artab. Guards, to you,
In Artaxerxes fpeaks a prince, a fon ;
Or rather fay in him your fovereign fpeaks :
Obey his mandate, punifh this offender,
I'll lead you forth and teach you where to flrike.
Now Fortune favour my defigns. \afide.
Artax. Yet flay :
Hear me ; revenge like this may more offend
My father than the crime : Is not Darius
The fon of Xerxes ?
Artab. O ! 'twere impious now
To counfel mercy : he whofe hand could fhed
A parent's blood, has loft the name of fon.
On troubled Lethe's dreary coaft,
Hark ! a king and father's ghoft
Calls for vengeance and repofe !
His looks now chill my foul with fear ;
And now his dreadful voice I hear :
See ! in his breaft, reveal'd to view,
That bread from whence your life you drew,
His gaping wound he fhows !
\JLx\t with guards.
SCENE
12 ARTAXEKXJSS. [ACT 1.
SCENE V.
^ ARTAXEHXES, MEGABYZUS.
Artax. What victim muft I flay ! O Megabyzus !
Mega. Remove your doubts : one ftroke alone
will punifh
An impious murderer and fecure your reign.
Artax. But to the world my juftice may appear
A third of empire O this thought alone
Will blot the peace of all my future days !
No no it muft not be : let me be gone
And'call the fentence back. [going-
Mega'. My lord ! what would you ?
Now is the time to avenge your private wrongs.
Learn to be cruel from your cruel brother,
He \3ft has taught it you.
Arfax. Yet ought not I
To imitate his crimes : his frequent guilt
Acquits not mine. Is there a fault on earth
But what may plead example ? None are guilt}",
If to produce example may fuffice
To wipe away the ftain.
Mega. But felf-defence
Is nature's law : unlefs you take his life
By him you muft be flain.
Artax. O no my danger
Shall find the favour of protecting Jove
To lave mje from a brother's impious rage, [going.
SCENE
ACT I.] AUTAXERXEI. J3
SCENE VI.
Enter S EMIR A.
Sem. Prince, whither would you go ?
Artax. Farewell, Semira.
Sem. You fly me, Artaxerxes ; {lay and hear me.
Artax. Permit me to depart ; detain me not.
Sem. Is this the welcome that thou giv'ft to her,
Who fighs but for thy love ?
Artax. If I hear more,
Too much, Semira, I offend my duty.
Sem. Go then, ingrate ! I plainly read thy fcorn.
Artax. Forbear, dear idol of my love !
O ! call me not ingrate :
Enough, alas ! I'm doom'd to prove
The frowns of angry fate.
Love knows my paffion,s, void of art,
Still on thy beauties dwell :
This truth my ever conftant heart,
This truth thy own can tell. [Exit.
SCENE
) i ARTAXERXE&. [ACT
SCENE VII.
SEMIRA, MEGABYZUS.
Sem. My fears are, great : ere break of day my
brothef
Departed hence : I met my father arm'd,
Who fpoke not to me : Artaxerxes troubled,
Accufes Heaven and leaves me. Megabyzus,
What means all this ? Thou know" ft relieve my
doubts,
And teach me what to fear.
Mega. And know'ft thou not,
That now fraternal ftrife divides the court ?
Art thou to learn that Xerxes, in his fleep,
Is murder'd by Darius ?
Sent. Heavenly powers !
What do I hear ! moil wretched Perfia !
Mega. Ceafe,
Ceafe vainly to afflict thyfelf, Semira :
What part haft thou in quarrels of ambition,
In thefe difTehfions of the royal houfe ?
Perhaps you fear that Perfia's realms may want
A king to rule O we fhall find too many
To exact our fervitude ! Then let the brothers
Rage on, and drench with rival blood the throne ;
Whoever conquers is to me the fame.
Sem. But in the general troubles of a Hate,
Each
ACT I.] ARTAXERXES. 15
Each bears a part ; and in a faithful fubject,
Indifference is a crime. I know a fon
Has drench' d his weapon in a father's blood ;
I know that Artaxerxes is in danger ;
And would' ft thou have me yet, a tame fpectatrefs,
Behold the fatal fpectacle unmov'd,
As on the tragic fcene the mimic fufferings
Of mad Oreftes ?
Mega. I perceive the love
Of Artaxerxes, in Semira fpeaks.
But know that, either victor o'er his brother,
The throne afcending, he'll forget Semira ;
Or, if fubdued, his rival's policy
Will hunt his life : thus, either way you lofe him,
A conqueror or vanquifti'd. Would you deign
To hear the dictates of a faithful breaft,
Select a lover like yourfelf in rank.
Reflect that Love delights in equal flate :
And fhould you e'er vouchfafe to attend my coun-
fel, .
Remember, fair one, then, who moft adores you.
Sent. Thy counfel, fure, is worthy of thyfelf ;
And to reward it, I'll return this other,
Which better fuits than thine forbear to love me.
Mega. Impoffible to fee and not to love thee !
Sent. And who compels thee then to gaze upon
me ?
Fly from my prefence, and fome other feek
More grateful for thy love.
1 Mega.
1(5 ARTAXERXES. [ACT I.
Mega. My flight avails not :
Your image ftill remains within my breaft-r
My foul, even abfent, dotes upon your beauties,
Still views, and ftill adores them. Yes, Semira,
When ufe becomes a nature, what we lofe,
Our fancy forms and fets in dreams before us.
The warrior dreams of fighting bands ;
The huntlinan dreams of fylvan lands :
The fifher dreams his fports again,
And fpreads the net, or guides the cane.
Whene'er in fleep I clofe my eyes,
In fleep I fee her form arife ;
Her form, for whom, alas ! in vain
All day I ligh, all day complain ! [.Exit.
SCENE VIII.
SEMIRA alone.
Almighty powers ! Protecting Gods of* Periia !
Guard for this realm the life of Artaxerxes.
Yet, ah ! fhould he be viclor o'er Darius,
To me he's loft ! this hand which, when a fubjecl,
He deign'd to afk, a fovereign he'll defpife.
But fhall my tears be weigh'd againft his life ?
Let him but reign, and I fubmit to lofe him.
O ! I were impious to delire his death,
Through fear he mould forfakc me No, ye Gods,
I'll ne'er repent my prayer for Artaxerxes.
2 Cruel
ACT I.] ARTAXERXES. 17
Cruel fate ! from love's excefs
To wifh to lofe what moft I love !
Sure never maid felt fuch diftrefs :
No breaft can greater torments prove.
Yet 'midft my griefs I fhall be blefs'd,
If he I love but pitying fays :
Too much, Semira, thou'rt opprefs'd ;
Whom love ungrateful thus repays. [Exit.
SCENE IX.
The palace.
MAN DANE alone.
Where fhall I fly, or whither fhall I turn !
For pity's fake, who from this fatal palace
Will lead my fleps, or give me needful counfel ?
Unhappy names of fifter, lover, daughter J
In one diftrefsful moment muft I lofe
My brothers, father, lover
SCENE X.
Enter ARTAXERXES.
Art ax. Ah ! Mandane.
Man. Say, Artaxerxes, does Darius live ?
Or haft thou yet begun to incur the guilt
Of thy poor brother's death ?
Artax. Princefs, I feek
To fave me from the crime : My zeal, O Heaven !
VOL. i. c Drew
18 ARTAXERXES. [ACT I.
Drew from my hafty lips the cruel order ;
Which fcarcely given, my foul was feiz'd with
horror :
From place to place I run thro' all the palace,
To Hop the dire effects, and alk, in vain,
Tidings of Artaban and of Darius.
Man* See, Artaban is here.
SCENE XI.
Enter ARTABAN.
Artab. My lord !
Artax. My friend !
Artab. I fought you, fir.
.Artax. And I've purfued thy ftcps.
Artab. Perhaps you fear
' Artax. I fear
Artab. Difmifs your fears :
'Tis finilh'd Artaxerxes is my king :
Darius is chaftis'd.
Artax. Immortal powers !
Man. Unhappy fate !
Artab. The unwary parricide
Himfelf expos'd his bofom to the itroke.
Artax. O Gods !
Artab. You figh we but obey'd the order
Yourfelf had given.
Artax.
ACT I.] ARTAXERXES. 1Q
Artax. Thou fhould'ft have better read
My fecret foul.
Man. Thou might'ft have well forefeen
His horror, his repentance.
Artax. In a fon
Who loft his father, O ! thou fhould'ft have pitied
The firft emotions of ungovern'd pafiion,
Artal. Such pity had been vain. To obey the
mandate
So ready were thy guards, that ere I faw them
Attack Darius, I beheld him flain.
Artax. O villains ! never fhall they drench un-
punifh'd
Their impious weapons in a prince's blood.
Artab. But, fir ! 'twas your command that made
them bold,
The fatal ftroke was yours, and yours alone.
Artax. 'Tis all too true ! I know and own my
crime :
Yes, Artaban, 'tis I indeed am guilty.
Artab. Guilty ! of what ? Of acting noble
juftice,
Of vengeance due to Xerxes ? Be compos'd,
And think that by an impious brother's death,
A parricide is punifh'd.
SCENE
2O ARTAXERXES. [ACT I.
SCENE XII.
I'SrSltilSk I'yr" -y'tri ft'-* >1- <' -JT '
Enter SEMIRA.
Sent. Artaxerxes,
Appeafe thy troubled thoughts.
Artax. What means Semira,
That thus fhe greets us with the looks of joy ?
. ij *
Sem. Darius is not guilty of the crime
Of Xerxes' death.
Man. Ye powers ! What do I hear !
Artax. How know'ft thou this ?
Sem. 'Tis certain that the afiaffin
Even now was feiz'd ; for lurking near the walls
That compafs round the gardens of the palace,
Thy foldiers made him prifoner : every token
Declar'd his guilt ; the place, his flight, his looks
Of terror, fpeech confus'd, his fword unlheath'd,
Still reeking with the blood.
Artax. But fay his name ?
Sem. Each one conceals it ; when I afk'd, they
hung
Their heads in lilence.
Man. Should it prove Arbaces. \afide.
Artab. My fon is taken. \afide.
Artax. What a wretch am I !
Muft Artaxerxes then afcend the throne,
Stain'd with a murder' d brother's gxiiltlefs blood,
Abhorr'd
ACT I.] ARTAXERXESr 21
Abhorr'd by Perfia, hated by the world !
Sem. Is then Darius dead ?
Artax. He's dead, Semira ;
The barbarous fentence iflued from thefe lips ;
O ! while I live I fhall no more have peace :
The cries of my remorfe will found for ever
Within my tortur'd bofom : I fhall view
A father's and a brother's angry fhade
Diffract my days, arid terrify my dreams !
In every place will vengeful furies rife,
In dread remembrance of a brother's murder,
And fhake before my eyes v the fable torch
Kindled in Phlegethon's infernal ftream.
Man.. Too mighty are thy forrows, Artaxerxes ;
Since all muft here acquit thee of a crime,
In which thy heart, unconfcious, ne'er concurr'd.
Sem. Let your refentment find a nobler object,
And with the aflaffin's death, before the world,
Affert your juftice.
Artax. Where's the impious wretch ?
Conduct him to me.
Artaly. I myfelf will go
To haften his arrival hither. [going*
Artax. Stay :
O Artaban, Semira and Mandane t
Let none in pity leave me ; help me now :
Yes, I would now have near me all my friends.
Where, Artaban, where is my dear Arbaces ?
Is
22 ARTAXEtfXES; [ACT I.
Is this the friendfhip that from early years
To me he vow'd ? Does he alone forfake me ?
Man. And know'ft thou not he was forbid the
palace,
To punifh him for too prefumptuous love ?
Artax. Let him return ; I here revoke the fen-
tence,
SCENE XIII.
Enter MEGABYZUS, with ARE ACES dif armed and
guarded.
Mega. Arbaces is the criminal.
Artax. Ye powers !
Mega. See in thpfe looks the marks of confcious
guilt. rpothtmp to Arb.
Artax. My friend !
Artab. My fon !
Sent. My brother !
Man. My Arbaces !
Artax. And does Arbaces thus return before me ?
And could thy foul conceive fo black a crime ?
Arb. I am innocent.
Man. O grant it, gracious Heaven !
Artax. If thou art innocent, defend thyfelf;
Remove our doubts, clear up. each mark of guilt,
And let thy innocence to all appear,
Arb.
ACT I.] ABTAXERXES. 23
Arb. I am not guilty this is my defence.
Artab. Grant he may ftill be filent ! [afidc.
Man. Yet thy anger
Againfl my father
Arb. O ! 'twas juft.
Artax. Thy flight
Arb. Tis true, I fled.
Man. Thy filence
Arb. Fate demands it.
Artax. Thy looks confusM
Arb. They fuit my prefent ftate.
Man. Thy fword befmear'd with blood-
Arb. 'Tis true ; my hand
That weapon bore.
Artax. And yet thou art not guilty ?
Man. Thou didft not kill him ?
Arb. I am innocent.
Artax. Arbaces, ftill appearances condemn thee.
Arb. I own it yet appearance is fallacious.
Artax. Speaks not Semira ?
Sem. O ! I am all confufion !
Artax* Why fpeaks not Artaban ?
Artab. O Gods ! I am loft
In vainly feeking fome pretence to fave him.
1 Artax.
24 ARTAXERXES. [ACT I.
Artax. Relentlefs powers ! what now remains
for me !
And mud I punifh in my deareft friend
My moft inveterate foe ? Cruel Arbaces !
Say, wherefore didft thou give me once fuch proofs
Of faith and truth ? Were then thy gentle manners,
That outward femblance of a fleady virtue,
The fpecious covering of a guilty foul ?
Could I but blot that hour from my remembrance,
What time you rais'd me, where opprefs'd I fell
Encompafs'd round with foes, and bravely med
With generous zeal your blood to ranfom mine ;
That while I now revenge a parent's death,
I might not feem ungrateful to a friend.
Arb. Let not the guiltlefs lofe your former love,
If ever I deferv'd, I flill deferve it.
Artab. Prefumptuous ! canft thou claim without
ablufh
The affections of thy prince ? Perfidious fon !
Thy father's fhame, thy father's punifhment.
Arb. Artthou, myfather,'tooconfpir'dagainftme?
Artab. What wouldft thou have from me ? Shall
I partake
Thy guilt by parlying with thee ? No, my lord,
[to Artaxerxes.
Prove, prove thy juftice ; I myfelf folicit
His fpeedy fentence ; plead not in his favour
That Artaban's his 'father O forget
My
ACT I.] ARTAXERXES. 25
r My loyal truth, forget the blood which oft
In danger's field I lavim'd for my country,
And mingle his with what I've fhed before.
Artax. O wondrous faith !
Artab. Refolve and if you ftill
Retain fome kindnefs for him, now forget it.
Art ax. I will refol ve but hard muft prove the trial !
Ah ! ceafe awhile, your counfel ceafe ;
One moment "let me breathe in peace :
In vain my reafon would refolve ;
In vain, alas ! I now revolve
The thoughts that in my bofom fpring :
This way and that my heart they rend ;
At once I'm lover, judge, and friend,
And criminal, and king ! [Exit.
MANDANE, SEMIRA, ARTABAN, ARBACES,
MEGABYZUS, Guards,
Arb. Wretched Arbaces ! muft thou then en-
dure,
Though innocent, the bitter fling of infult ?
Mega. What ft range event is thi: ?
Sem. Alas ! I fear
More evils yet. \afide.
Man. My peace is loft for ever ! \afide.
Artab. I tremble while I feign. [aftde.
3 Arb.
26 ARTAXERXES. [ACT I.
Arb. Alas ! my father,
Thou doft not look upon me I could bear,
Without repining, all accufers elfe ;
But O ! that thou fhould'ft rife againft Arbaces,
That he, who gave me life, fhould feek my death,
The thought, with horror, chills me : fure a father
May feel fome pity for his fuffering fon.
Artab. Thou art no more my fon, no more
This heart a kindred feeling knows ;
The heart thou vainly doft implore,
No pity to a traitor owes.
'Tis guilt that makes thee thus diftreft,
And fills with woe thy parent's breaft. [Exit.
SCENE XV.
MANDANE, SEMIRA, ARBACES, MEGABYZUS,
Guards. ,
Arb. By what offence of mine, too cruel powers !
Have I incurr'd your wrath ? Yet let Semira
At leaft vouchfafe to hear and pity me.
Sem. Let but thy innocence appear,
Thy words with tranfport fhall I hear,
And all Semira's foul is thine :
. But while thou bear'ft a traitor's name,
Thou muft not even my pity claim ;
In thy defence I dare not join. [Exit.
SCENE
ACT I.] ARTAXERXES. ^7
*
SCENE XVI.
MANDANE, ARBACES, MEGABYZUS, Guards.
Ark. And is there none will take this wretched
life ?
Ah ! Megabyzus, if thy pity ever-
Mega. Speak not to me.
Art. Ah ! Princefs !
Man. Hence, and leave me.
Arb. Hear me, my friend.
Mega. I fhall not hear a traitor. \Exit.
SCENE .XVII.
MANDANE, ARE ACES, Guards.
Arb. At leaft, Mandane, liften for a moment.
Man. Think not I'll liften to a traitor's voice.
Arb. My life, my foul !
Man. And dar'ft thou, wretch, prefume
To call me thus ? To offer me that hand
Which flew my father !
Arb. O ! I flew him not.
Man. Who was the aflaffin ? Speak.
Arb. Alas ! I cannot :
My lips
Man.
28 ARTAXERXES. [ACT i.
Man. Thy lips are falfe.
Arb. My heart
Man. Thy heart
Is true to vice, becaufe it feels not horror
For fuch a crime committed.
Arb. I am ftill
Man. Thou art a traitor.
Arb. I am innocent.
Man. Ha ! innocent !
Arb. I fwear it.
Man. Faithlefs wretch !
Arb. What pangs I fuffer for a cruel father !
\afide*
Didft'thou but know, my life !
Man. Too well I know
Thy hate of Xerxes.
Arb. Still thou canft not tell
Man. I heard thy threats.
Arb. And yet thou art deceiv'd.
Man. O yes, perfidious ! I was then deceiv'd,
And then alone, when I believ'd and lov'd thee.
Arb. Then now
Man. I hate thee
Arb. And thou art
Man, Thy foe,
Arb.
ACT I.] ARTAXERXES. 2Q
Arb. Thou feek'ft
Man. I feek^thy death.
Arb. Thy firft affeaion
Man. 'Tis all to hatred chang'd.
Arb. And wilt thou not
Believe Arbaces ?
Man. No, thou art falfehood all.
Tell me that thy treacherous nature,
Ever purpos'd to deceive ;
Tell me that thy heart's a traitor,
Perjur'd monfter ! I'll believe.
Fain, ye Gods ! I would forget him, \_afule.
Fain would drive him from my thought,
Yet, alas ! I cannot hate him,
As my duty fays I ought. [Exit.
SCENE XVIII.
ARBACES, Guards.
Arb. No Fortune has no further ills in {lore ;
In one unhappy day I have found them all.
My friend is loft, my lifter turn'd againft me ;
My father has accus'd hisTon ; my lov'd
Mandane
Mandane weeps^; and yet I dare , not fpeak ;
I muft be filent ftill. Where is tke wretch
Like me diftrefs'd ! Ye righteous Gods ! have pity:
If
30 ARTAXERXES. [ACT I.
If thus your wrath continues to purfue me,
'Tis more than human weaknefs can fuftain.
Forlorn I plough the (lormy wave,
Without the help of fhrouds or fails :
The Ikies grow black, the billows rave,
The winds arife, the fteerage fails.
Of all forfaken, in defpair,
I blindly drive as Fortune guides ;
While innocence, which Hill I bear,
But whelms my bark beneath the tides !
[Exit guarded.
END OP THE FIRST ACT.
ACT
ARTAXERXES. 31
ACT II. SCENE I.
A royal apartment.
ARTAXERXES, ARTABAN.
Art ax. Guards, from the prifon lead Arbaces
hither. [fpeaking as he enters.
Thou haft thy full requeft, and would to Heaven
This meeting might preferve him !
Art al}. Think not, fir,
That what I afk fprings from paternal fondnefs,
Or ill-tim'd hopes to find him innocent ;
His guilt is too apparent ; he muft die.
Your fafety only urges me to fee him ;
As yet the motive of his crime is fecret,
The accomplices unknown : I would explore
Each dark device of treafon.
Artax. Artaban,
How does thy fortitude excite my envy !
I tremble at the danger of a friend ;
Thou keep'ft thy temper while thy fon's condemned.
Artab. How dearly does it coil my heart to
alTume
I , _j r ' ,, . , '. J' M , ., . '"T
Thefe looks of firmnefs, when my bofom owns
The voice of flruggling nature ! I too feel
The tender weaknefs common to a parent :
But midfl the conflict duty ftiU p re vails :
No
32 ARTAXERXES. [ACT II.
No longer he's my fon, whofe impious crime
Has fill'd his father's aged cheeks with fhame :
I was a {abject, ere I was a parent.
Artax. Thy virtue, friend, fpeaks flrongly for
Arbaces :
I owe thee more the lefs thou plead'ft his caufe.
Shall I be thus ungrateful to thy worth,
Without remorfe in him to punifh thee ?
No, Artaban, let us contrive to fave him :
Find fome pretence that I may doubt his crime ;
Let me entreat thee join thy cares with mine.
Artab. What can I do when every thing con-
demns him ?
You fee, Arbaces, confcious of his guilt,
Makes no defence.
i
Artax. But yet thofe lips that ne'er
Were wont to lie, declared his innocence.
Can nature change at once ? Ah, no ! perhaps
Some caufe, to us unknown, compels his filence.
Speak to him, Artaban ; he to a father
May open all he from his judge conceals.
I will retire apart, that thou with freedom
May'ft urge . the converfe with him ; watch him
nearly,
Examine all his thoughts ; find, if thou canft,
Some fhadow of defence ; preferve thy fon,
Thy fovereign's peace, the honour of his throne ;
Deceive me, if thou wilt, and I'll forgive thee.
Give
ACT II.] AHTAXERXES. 35
Give me my deareft friend once more,
My friend in life approv'd ;
His virtue once again reftore,
That virtue which I lov'd.
Companions from our infant Hate,
Thou know' ft in every change of fate,
We kept the friendly chain :
With him I parted every care,
With him did every pleafure fhare,
And foften'd every pain. [Exit.
SCENE II.
Enter ARBACES guarded.
Artab. Now rides my veflel nigh the port
Afbaces,
Approach ; and you retire, but near at hand
Await my call. [the guards retire.
Arb. My father here alone ?
Artab. At length, my fon, I may preferve thy
life.
From thoughtlefs Artaxerxes I've obtain'd
To fpeak with thee in private let us go :
I can conduct thee by a fecret way,
To him unknown ; and thus at once deceiv?
His guards and him.
Arb. Doft thou propofe a flight
That would confirm my guilt ?
Artab. Unthinking boy !
VOL. i. D Let
34 ARTAXERXES. [ACT If.
Let us be gone I give thee liberty ;
I fave thee from the king's refentment, lead thee
To popular applaufe perchance to reign.
Arb. What fay you, fir ! to reign !
Artab. Thou know'ft the race
Of Xerxes has to all been hateful long :
I need but (how thee to the impatient troops ;
Already to our party have I gain'd
The leaders of the bands.
Arb. Shall I become
A rebel to my prince ? The thought alone
Fills me with horror : O my father ! leave,
Leave me my innocence.
Artab. 'Tis loft already,
Since all believe it loft : thou art a prifoner,
And bear'ft each mark of guilt.
Arb. But yet unjuftly.
Artab. No matter ; this avails, not : innocence
Confifts, Arbaces, in the fond belief
Of others ; take but that belief away,
It fhrinks to nothing : he alone is virtuous
Who wears the beft difguife, and artful hides
His inmoft paflions from the obferving world.
Arb. O fir ! you are deceiv'd ; the noble mind
Is to itfelf a world ; approves or cenfures
In fecret all. its good or evil deeds,
Above the partial breath of vulgar crowds.
Artab. Let it be fo but muft we to preferve
Our
ACT II.J ARTAXERXES. $3
Our innocence, be prodigal of life ?
Arb. And what is life, my father ?
Artab. Life, my fon,
Is Heaven's moft valued gift*
Arb. Life is a good
That leflens while we ufe it, every moment
Of our enjoyment is but as a ftep
That leads us nearer to our diflblution ;
And from the cradle we begin to die.
Artab. And fhall I then contend with thee to
fave thee ?
No further reafon feek 'tis my command ;
Difpatch.
Arb. Forgive me, but in this I muft
Tranfgrefs your firft command.
Artab. Force fhall compel you ;
Follow me. [offers to take him by the hand*
Arb. Leave me yet in peace, my father :
Put not my duty to fo hard a trial ;
For fhould you now conftrain me
Artab. Doft thou threaten ?
Ungrateful boy ! Speak out what would'ft thou
do?
Arb. Rather than follow you I'd hazard all.
Artab. Soon fhall we fee who conquers : follow
me :
Away. [takes his hand.
p 2 Arb.
36 ARTAXERXES, [ACT II.
Arb. Ho ! guards !
Artab. Be filent.
Arb. Guards ! come forth ;
Give me again my chains : back to my dungeon
Once more conduct me. \guards return.
Artab. O ! I burn with rage ! \afde.
Arb. Bid me farewell, my father.
Artab. Hence, ' and leave me ;
Think not I'll liften to a wretch like thee.
Arb. When fuch refentment fills thy mind,
Such anger arms thy brow fevere ;
How can I hope my peace to find,
Or comfort from thy lips to hear ?
Inhuman rigour, thus to drive
A father's pity from your bread ;
And of a parent's love deprive
A fon as guiltlefs as diftreft ! [Exit guarded,
SCENE III.
ARTAB AN alone.
Now, Artaban, fubdue thy weak affections,
And to his fate refign a rebel-fon.
And yet I cannot from my heart condemn him ;
Methinks I love him more for differing from me ;
At once I am fill'd with rage and admiration ;
Pity and wrath by turns divide my foul.
SCENE
ACT II.] ARTAXERXES. 3
SCENE IV.
Enter MEGABYZUS.
Mega. O fir ! on what are now your thoughts
employ'd ?
Why are you thus irrefolute remember
'Tis not a time to ponder, but to adt :
The peers in council meet ; together join'd
Are all the victims of your juft refentment.
There fhall we find your rivals ; thefe deftroyM,
The path is fmooth'd to empire. Let us fly
To fet Arbaces free.
Artab. Ah ! MegabyzUs,
What wretchednefs is mine ! my fon refufes
Empire and liberty ; heeds not his life,
And with himfelf involves us all in ruin.
z'rm nSfr} ^PTI trr' T
Mega. What fays my lord ?
Artab. Even now contending with him,
I ftrove in vain to conquer his refolves.
Mega. Then from the prifon let us bear him off
By force.
Artab. The time we lofe to overcome
' A*
His guard's fidelity, or fhake their valour,
Affords the king full leifure for defence.
Mega. 'Tis true : then firft let Artaxerxes die,
And after fave Arbaces.
Artab. But the life
Of
179107 .
38 ARTAXERXES. [ACT II.
Of my dear fon remains a hoftage for me.
Mega. Behold this remedy : let us divide
Our trufiy friends between us ; at one inilant ,
Do you attack the prifon, I the palace.
Artal. Ou-r forces thus divided will be weakened.
Mega. Something mult be refolv'd.
Arlab. The fafefl courfe
Is to refolve on nothing : we mull now
Have time to plan anew our baffled fchemes.
Mega. What if meanwhile Arbaces be con-
demn' d ?
Artab. Extremity of need will teach us then
The fpeedieft remedy : let it fuffice,
That thou continueft to dhTemble yet,
And keep thy followers fteady to our caufe.
Meantime with caution every means I'll try
That may feduce the guards : till now I thought
The attempt was needlefs, therefore deem'd it folly,
Without necelTity, to increafe our dangers.
Mega. Difpofe of me as to thyfelf fecms fit.
Artab. Betray me not, my friend.
Mega. Who, I betray you ?
Ah, fir ! What have you faid ? Can you believe
I'll e'er be thus ungrateful ? I remember
My low beginning : to your bounteous hand
I owe my all : you from the ignoble vulgar
Have rais'd me to the foremoil ranks of honour.
Ah, fir ! what have you faid ? Shall I betray you ?
Artab.
ACT II.] ARTAXERXES. 30
Artab. What hitherto I've done for thee is little :
If Fortune fmiles upon me, Megabyzus,
Thou (halt perceive my love : full well I know
Thy paffion for Semira, nor condemn it.
I have refolv'd beh&ld fhe comes my will
Shall make thy love fecure, and join us both
By clofer ties.
Mega. O tranfport !
SCENE V.
Enter SEMIRA.
._ t r i t\\Jf
Artab. Come, my daughter ;
Behold thy hufband.
Sent, [afide.~] Heavens ! What do I hear ?
Is this a time, my lord, to think of nuptials,
When my unhappy brother now
Artab. JSTo more ;
Thy marriage here may ftand him much in flead.
Sem. "Great is the facrifice Ah ! yet, my father,
Reflecl again ; I am
Artab. Thou art loft to fenfe,
If thou refufeft my command fee there
Thy hufband ; 'tis my will ; reply no further.
Then learn to love, and fhould he feem
Ungracious in your eyes ;
In him a father's choice efteem ;
Refpecl it and be -wife.
Lefs
40 ARTAXERXES. [ACT It.
Lefs flow perhaps your heart will prove
To catch the gentle fire,
When midft the temple, kindling love,
Shall Hymen's flames afpire. [Exit,
SCENE VL
' : . . \ .?*>.'.* IdlOiJ
SEMIRA, MEGABYZUS.
Sent. Now hear me, Megabyzus ; I begin
At length to hope indulgence from your love.
May I expect you'll grant me one requefl ?
Mega. What would I not to obey you ?
Sent. Yet I fear
Thou wilt oppofe my wifh,
Mega. Remove that fear-
By fpeaking your command,
Sent. O ! if thou lov'ft me
Break off thefe nuptials, =
Mega. I ?
Sent. Yes, Megabyzus,
So may'ft thou fave me from my father's anger.
Mega. I would obey you : but Semira furely
Means but to jeft
Sem. O no ! I fpeak my foul.
Mega. It cannot be you mean to give me tor-
ment,
I read your purpofe.
Sem.
ACT II.] ARTAXERXES. 41
Sent. Doft thou, then deride me ?
Till now I thought thee a more generous lover,
Mega. And I till now believ'd Semira wifer.
Sem. Thus doft thou fhew the greatnefs of thy
mind ?
Mega. Is this the favour you would afk a lover ?
Sem. I have open'd thee a field, where thou
with praife,
Without offending me, may'ft prove thy virtue.
Mega. My virtue would I prove, but not in this.
Sem. Then muft I hope in vain ?
Mega. Thy hope is vain.
Sem. Thefe tears I fhed
Mega. Avail not.
Sem. Thefe entreaties
Mega. Are fcatter'd to the wind.
Sem. Hear then, inhuman !
I will, obey my father ; but expe<Sl not
That ever I can love thee : I fliall ftill
Deteft the fatal tie that binds me to tjiee.
I fwear thou fhalt be hateful to my eyes :
Thou may'ft poflefs my hand, but ne'er my heart,
Mega, I alk it not, Semira : 'tis enough
That Megabyzus knows thee for his bride :
If hating me will fatiate thy revenge,
Purfue thy hatred, I ihall ne'er complain.
.Vto<?
Fear
4.1 ARTAXERXES. [ACT II.
Fear not I fhall e'er repine,
Call thee faithlefs or ingrate ;
Hate me flill, but ftill be mine,
Happy fhall I deem my fate.
The irkfome folly I defpife,
Of the lover fond and vain ;
That would, in oppreflive ties,
Liberty of thought reftrain. ,- ' i j ,.- [Exit.
S C EN E VII.
Enter MANDANE.
Sem. How many evils has one day united
For my unhappinefs ! Hear me, MandaneJ
Man. Delay me not, Semira.
Sem. Whither go'ft thou
With fuch impatience ?
Man. To the royal council.
Sem. Conduct me with thee, if my power can
ought
Avail Arbaces.
Man. Different are our views ;
Thou feek'fl to fave him, I purfue his life.
Sem. Can thus the lover of Arbaces fpeak ?
Man. Thus Xerxes' daughter fpeaks.
Sem. Alas ! my brother
Has
ACT II.] ARTAXERXES. 43
Has fure no guilt, or for thy fake is guilty,
Becaufe too much he lov'd thee.
Man. This, Semira,
This is his greateft crime : his death alone
Muft clear my honour, muft avenge the infult
My virtue feels, to think the love I gave him
Thatlhould have rouz'd his foul to generous deeds,
Has, to my fhame, now mark'd him for a traitor.
Sem. Cannot the rigour of the threatening laws
Suffice, without thy help, to punifh him ?
Man. No, it fuffices not : in Artaxerxes
I fear th' emotions of a tender friendfhip ;
And in the nobles of the land I fear
The force of blind affection ; in himfelf
I fear that unknown power, that friendly ftar
Which conquers all, and makes each heart his own.
Sem. Go then, inhuman ! urge the fatal ftroke,
Accufe him, fee him die but yet reflect
Firft weigh thy conftancy, thou muft forget
Thy hopes, affections, and thy plighted faith;
Thy tendernefs ; the mutual fighs exchanged,
The firft fond looks ; obliterate from thy mind
The dear remembrance of that well-known face,
From which thy heart firft learn' d the fighs of love.
Man. Unkind Semira, how have I deferv'd
That you fhould thus awaken in my foul
The pity that rebels againft my duty,
Which till this hour my virtue had fupprefs'd ?
Why will you call again ideas forth
That
44 ARTAXERXES. [ACT II.
That bid my firmeft courage fink before them,
And in my breafl renew the war of thoughts ?
If e'er I hop'd to triumph o'er
The tyrant Love's too cruel power,
O! let me full myfelf deceive;
O ! let me fondly ftill believe
3
My heart has burft its chain.
But, fince, alas ! to thee 'tis known,
That hatred is my duty grown,
I Why wilt thou force me now to own,
That while I ftrive, I ftrive in vain ? [Exif.
;f. jrit fii fjfiA
SCENE VIII.
SEMIRA alone.
For which of all the numerous trials round me
Shall I firft arm my conftancy ? Mandane,
Arbaces, Megabyzus, Artaxerxes,
My father, all are now my foes ; and each
AiTails my bofom in fome tender part.
While one I feek to oppofe, I leave myfelf
Defencelefs to the reft, and find my ftrength
Too weak alone to bear the fliock of all.
So when fome flood, with mighty roar,
Attempts above its bed to rife,
To flop its rage, from fhore to fhore
In hafte the affrighted labourer flies,
It? :;:>/ lihv ^fT/f
Vain
ACT II.] ARTAXERXES..
Vain are his toils ; while here his care
The torrent's rapid courfe retrains ;
Burft through a hundred channels there,
It foams victorious o'er the plains. [Exit.
SCENE IX.
A great council hall with a throne on one Jtde, feats
on the other for the Grandees of the kingdom. A
table and chair on the right hand of the throne.
ARTAXERXES preceded by a fart of the guards,
and by the Grandees of .the kingdom., followed' by
the reft of the guards. MEGABYZUS.
Artax. Behold, ye guardians of our Perfian
realm,
Behold me ready to embrace the cares
Of my paternal feat ; but fo unhappy,
So full of turbulence begins my reign,
This hand, yet unexpcrienc'd, dreads to grafp
The fceptre of dominion : you, whofe breafts
Are fill'd with faith, experience, zeal and valour,
Which oft you've fhown to recompenfe the love
My god-like father gave you, now affift me,
And guide my fteps to tread the paths of empire.
Mega. My gracious king, Mandane and Semira
Impatient alk admittance to your prefence.
Artax. Ye powers ! Let them approach-; full
well I know
What different caufe incites them.
SCENE
46 ARTAXERXES. [ACT ir.
SCENE X.
Enter MAXDANE and SEMIRA.
Sem. Artaxerxes, .
Have pity.
Man. Vengeance, vengeance, Artaxerxes :
I come to urge the death of one that's guilty.
Sem. I afk the life of one that's innocent*
Man. The treafon's certain.
Sem. Doubtful is the traitor.
Man. But all appearances condemn Arbaces.
Sem. Juftice and reafon muft abfolve Arbaces.
Man. The father's blood, fried from his veins,
requires
The murderer's punifhment.
Sem. The fon's prefefv'd,
Demands a recompenfe for its preferver.
Man. Remember rigour is the throne's fupport.
Sem. Reflect that mercy is its ftrongeft bafis.
Man. O let the forrows of a wretched daughter
Excite your indignation !
Sem. Let the tears
Of an afflicted fifter calm your anger.
Man. All whom you here behold, except Semira,
Require this facrifice.
Sem. Hear, Artaxerxes,
Have pity !
Man.
ACT II.] ARTAXERXES. 47
Man. Vengeance, vengeance !
Art ax. Rife O Heaven !
Rife both : how are your pains excell'd by mine !
Semira fears the rigour of my juftice,
Mandane fears my mercy. Artaxerxes,
At once a friend and fon, feels both your pangs,
And trembles with Mandane and Semira.
Ah ! come my Artaban ; fpeak comfort to me :
^feeing Artaban.
Haft thou found aught that may defend Arbaces ?
Say, has he prov'd his innocence ?
SCENE XL
Enter ARTABAN.
Artal. In vain
Is all our proffer'd pity : for his fafety
He heeds it not, or now defpairs to find it.
Artax. Ingrate ! and will he force me to con-
demn him ?
Sem. Condemn him ! Too inhuman Artax-
erxes !
Shall then Semira's brother, PerfiYs glory,
The friend of Artaxerxes, his defender,
Bend to the fatal ignominious axe ?
Wretched Arbaces ! All my tears are vain !
O unregarded grief!
Artax. Falfely, Semira,
1 Thou
48 ABTAXERXES. [ACT 11^
Thou fay'ft that I'm inhuman can I more ?
Thou fee'ft Arbaces offers no defence :
What would'ft thou do, or what would Artaban ?
Guards, let Arbaces be conduced to me :
The father's felf fhall judge his fon, fhall hear,
And, if he can, acquit him ; to his hand
I truft, in this, my right of fovereign power.
Artab. What have you faid ?
Man. Shall friendship thus prevail
Above your duty ? Sure you never fought
His punimment, fince to a father's voice
You thus commit the fentence of the guilty.
Artax. Yes, I commit the fentence to a father,
Whofe truth is known, who has himfelf accus'd
A fon whom now I vainly would defend ;
A father, who has greater caufe than I
To enforce his doom.
Man. Yet is he ftill a father.
Artax. Thence has he double caufe to punifh
him :
I on Arbaces only would revenge
The death of Xerxes ilain ; but Artaban
Muft on his fon revenge, with greater rigour,
The death of Xerxes, and his own difhonour.
. Dflarn su'J
Man. Then thus
Artax. Should then Arbaces' guilt be prov'd,
I thus fecure a victim for the king,
Without ingratitude to my preferver.
3 Artab.
ACT II.] ARTAXERXES. 4Q
Artab. Such trial, fir
Ar tax. Is worthy of thy virtue.
Artab. How will the world approve your choice ?
Art ax. Can aught
Be urg'd againft it ? Speak, ye peers, declare,
[to the Grandees.
Is there a doubt that prompts you to diflent ?
Mega. Each, by his lilence, feems to approve
the choice.
Sem. See where my brother comes.
Man. Ah me ! [afide.
Artax. No more :
Let him be heard.
[Artaxerxes afcends the throne, and the
Grandees take their places^]
Artab. Now, now my foul, conceal
Thy inward pangs. [afide. ~\
[takes his feat at the table.
Man. Be ftill my beating heart ! [afide.
SCENE XII.
Enter ARE ACES in chains, guarded.
Arb. Am I to Perfia then become fo hateful,
That all are gather'd to behold my fufferings ?
My king
Artax. Call me thy friend : fain would I ftill
Continue thus, that I might doubt thy guilt.
VOL. i. E And
5O ARTAXERXES. [ACT II.
And fince the indulgent name of friend but ill
Befeems the judge, the trial of thy crime
To Artaban's committed.
Arb. To my father !
Artax. To him.
Arl. I freeze with horror ! [a/idt.
Artab. Wherefore art thou
Thus loft in thought ? Perhaps thou ftand'ft amaz'd
To fee my fortitude.
Arl\ Alas ! my father ;
I'm ftruck with horror to behold thee here,
Reflecting what I am, and what thou art.
Canlt thou then judge me ? Canft thou thus pre-
ferve
Thy looks unchanged, nor feel thy breaft within
Torn by conflicting pangs ?
Arlab. Whate'er I feel,
'Tis not for thee to explore my fecret thoughts,
Or fearch how far my heart and face agree.
Kemember thou haft made me what I am :
Ilad'ii thou obferv'd my counfels, had'ft thou
learn'd
To tread the fleps of an indulgent father,
Before theie peers I had not been the judge,
ZVor thou the criminal.
Artax. Unhappy father 1
Man. We come not here to attend your private
griefs :
Or
ACT II.] ARTAXERXES. 51
Or let Arbaces now defend himfelf,
Or let him be condemn'd.
Arb. Inhuman princefs ! \afide.
Art ali. Then let the criminal* appear before me,
And anfwer my demands. Thou art here, Arbaces,
As Xerxes' murderer ; and thefe the proofs
That fpeak thy guilt : thy rafh prefumptuous love,
Thy wrath againft the king
Arb. My bloody weapon,
The time, the place, my fear, my flight, I know
All thefe proclaim me guilty ; yet all thefe
Are other than they feem I am innocent.
Artab. Produce the proofs ; clear up thy fullied
fame,
And calm the anger of diftrefs'd Mandane.
Arb. Oh ! would' ft thou have me conflant in
my fufferings,
AfTail me not in that moft tender part.
At that lov'd name Inhuman father
Artab. Hold,
With paffion blind, thou know'ft not where thou
art,
With whom thou fpeak' ft, or what aflembly hears
thee.
Arb. But yet my father
Artab. Yet my foul conceal
Thy inward pangs. [afide.
Man. Be ftill my beating heart. [ajide.
E 2 Artab.
52 . ARTAXERXES. [ACT II.
Artab. Thy erime demands repentance or defence.
Arlax. O fpeak affift our pitying grace.
Arb. My king !
I cannot fpeak of guilt or of defence ;
Nor can I find a motive to repent ;
And mould you queftion me a thoufand times,
I muft a thoufand times repeat the fame.
Artab. O filial love ! [afide.
Man. Yes, yes, his fpeech, his filence
Alike declare him guilty : wherefore then
This long delay ? What means the judge ? Is this
The man that fhould revenge his murder'd king,
And clear his own difhonour ?
Arb. Doft thou feek
My death, Mandane ?
Man. Perfevere, my foul. [afide.
Artab. Princefs, thy juft reproach has rouz'd
my virtue :
Let Artaban pronounce the impartial fentence,
And give to Perfia's realms a great example
Of loyalty and juftice yet unknown.
I here condemn my fon Arbaces die.
[figns the paper.
Man. O Heaven ! [afide.
Artax. Defer, my friend, the fatal fentence.
Artab. The deed is fign'd I have fulfill'd my
duty.
[rtfes and gives the paper to Megabyzus.
Artax.
ACT II.] ARTAXERXES. 53
Artax. O barbarous triumph !
[defcends from his throne, the Grandees rife.
Sem. Moil inhuman father !
Man. My tears betray me. [afide.
Ark. Does Mandane weep ?
Can then my fate at length excite your pity ?
Man. Tears flow not lefs from pleafure than from
grief.
Artab. The rigorous judge has done his part
Ofir!
Permit the father now to be indulged.
Forgive, my fon, the laws of tyrant duty,
Endure with patience what remains to fuffer :
[to Arb.
Let not the thought of punifliment affright thee ;
The fear of evil is the greateft evil.
Arb. Alas ! my conftancy begins to fhake,
To view myfelf before the world expos'd
A feeming criminal ; to fee my hopes
Thus blafted in their fpring ; my day of life
Extinct at early dawn ; to find myfelf
Hateful to Perfia, to my friend, my love ;
To know my father- mod unnatural father !
But whither am I hurried ? O farewell !
[going, he fops.
Artab. My foul is chill'd. [afide.
Man. I faint. [afide.
Arb. Too ram Arbaces,
What
54 ARTAXERXES. [ACT II.
What haft thou utter'd ? Pardon me, my father ;
Behold me at your feet : excufe the tranfports
Of wild defpair : let all my blood be fhed,
I'll ne'er complain, nor call the ferttence cruel,
But kifs the hand that figns my death.
Artab. O rife !
Thou haft indeed too deep a caufe for anguifh.
But know O Heaven ! This laft embrace and
leave me.
Arb. While on this dear embrace I dwell,
O hear me by this laft farewell \
Preferve thyfelf from ill, remove
This cruel fcorn from her I love ;
And ftill my king defend.
J meet my doom without regret,
If all the woes that Perfia threat
On me alone defcend.
[Exit guarded^ followed by Megabyzus,
The Grandees go ow/.J
SCENE XIII,
ATAXERXES, ARTABAN, MANDANE, SEMIRA.
Man. Arbaces gone, I now indeed begin
To feel the ftroke of death.
Artal. Behold, Mandane,
To appeafe thy rage I fhed my deareft blood.
Man'
ACT II.] ARTAXERXES. 55
Man. Ah ! wretch ! , fly from my prefence, from
the light
Of Heaven, the golden ftars : hide thee, inhuman,
Deep in the hollow earth's moft dark recefs,
If earth herfelf will in her entrails yield
A fhelter for a cruel impious father,
Loft to affeclion, and to nature loft !
Artab. And is my virtue then
Man. Barbarian ! peace :
What virtue doft thou boaft ? Virtue has ftill
Its bounds prefcrib'd ; extending to excefs 3
It grows a vice.
sir tab. But art not thou the fame
That urg'd my tardy juftice ?
Man. Yes, I am ;
And glory in my rigour Let Arbaces
Be judg'd again, again I'll urge his fentencc.
Mandane's duty was to avenge a father,
But Artaban's to fave a fon : companion
Became thy ftate, and hatred fuited mine.
I was forbid to liften to the call
Of tender love, but thou fhould'ft have forgot
The rigorous judge : fuch were our different duties.
Hence to Hircania's woods confin'd,
Whofe gloom a thoufand monfters hides ;
There none amid the favage kind,
So cruel as thyfelf relides.
Whate'cr
56 ARTAXERXES. [ACT II.
Whate'er of evil Afric forms,
Whofe fands are parch'd with burning heat ;
Whate'er is feen in raging dorms,
All, all, in thee collected meet. [Exit.
SCENE XIV.
ARTAXERXES, ARTABAN, SEMIRA.
Artax. O my Semira ! how has Heaven con-
fpir'd
To ruin poor Arbaces !
Sem. Barbarous tyrant !
And art thou chang'd fo foon ? Firft would'ft thou
kill
Thy friend, and then lament him ?
Artax. To his father
I gave the power to acquit or to condemn him.
And am I then a tyrant ? Have I kill'd him ?
Sem. O ! 'tis the moft ingenious cruelty !
The father judging, was compell'd to act
Subfervient to the laws ; to thee, a king,
The laws were fubject : pity had in him
Been criminal, but was from thee a duty.
No, rather tell me that with favage joy,
Thou fee'ft a fon flain by his father's doom ;
That friendfhip and that love are thine no more.
Artax. Let Perfia witnefs for me, that I now
Am grateful to Arbaces, that I feel
Companion
ACT II.] ARTAXERXES. 57
Compaffion for my friend, and love for thee.
Sem. Yes, till this hour, I with the world de-
ceiv'd,
Admir'd thy feeming virtue, and believ'd thee
A tender lover, and a generous friend :
But now, one moment (hews thee, as thou art ;
A treacherous friend, and an inhuman lover.
When love with unrefifted chains
The natives of the woods conli rains,
The Armenian tigrefs drops her rage,
The lion learns his wrath to afluage.
But thou with wrath more fell indu'd,
Than every favage of the wood,
Canil bid thy heart relentlefs prove
To every tender call of love. [Exit.
SCENE XV.
ARTAXERXES, ARTABAN.
, i
Artax. Didft thou not hear unkind Semira's
rage ?
Arlab. Didft thou not hear unjufl Mandane's
anger ?
Artax. I am all compaffion, yet fhe calls me
tyrant.
Artab. I am only juft, and yet flie calls me cruel.
3
58 ARTAXERXES. [ACT II.
Artax. And does my mercy meet with this re-
ward ?
Artal. Is this the recompenfe of rigid virtue ?
Artax. O Artaban ! in one diftrefsfuj day,
What lofs have I fuftain'd !
Artab. Forbear to murmur ;
Leave, leave complaints to me, for I this day
Of all mankind am furely molt unhappy.
Ariax. Great are thy pains indeed, nor little
mine.
Alas ! I know not of the two,
To which companion moft is due,
The friend or father's ftate :
But this I to my grief muft own,
That love in me was choice alone,
In thee decreed by fate. [Exit,
SCENE XVL
ARTABAN alone.
At length I am alone, and once again
Can breathe at liberty. To hear myfelf
Declar'd Arbaces' judge, had nearly loft me.
But let me think no more on perils paft,
Myfelf I've fav'd, now let me fave my fon.
So
II.] ARTAXERXES. 50
So when the fudden lightning flies,
The fhepherd, ftruck with pale furprife,
Falls fenfelefs to the ground :
But when he finds his fears were vain,
Again he rifes, breathes again ;
And careful numbers on the plain
Jlis frighted flock difpers'd around. [Exit.
OF THE SECOXD ACT.
ACT
6O ARTAXERXES.
ACT III. SCENE I.
An inner fart of the citadel where ARBACES is
confined. A view of fevered pnfons. A little
door on the right hand that leads up to the palace.
ARBACES alone.
Ah ! why fhould death fo ilowly move,
When death is but the end of woe ?
To thofe who happy fortune prove,
Death only can be deem'd a foe.
SCENE II.
Enter ARTAXERXES.
Ariax. Arbaces.
Arb. O ye powers ! Whom do I fee !
What brings you to thefe feats of grief and horror r
Artax. Pity and friendfhip.
Arb. Wherefore come you, fir,
To fhare my wretchednefs ?
Artax. I come to fave thee.
Arb. To fave me !
Artax. Linger jiot but where yon' way
Leads to a lonely quarter of the palace,
Direct thy hafty fteps : fly, fwiftly fly,
Far, far remote, and feek fome fafer realm :
fr~ f'
Remember
ACT III.] ARTAXERXES. 6 1
Remember Artaxerxes, love him fiill,
And live.
Arb. My king, if you believe me guilty,
Why would you fave me ? and if innocent,
Then wherefore fhould I fly ?
Anax. If thou art guilty
I give thee back the life thou gav'fl to me ;
If thou art innocent, I offer now
The only means by which thou canft efcape,
While thou continued lilent Spare thy friend
The grief of killing thee ; appeafe the tumults
Of this diffracted bofom : whether friendihip
Has o'er my fenfes caft her partial veil,
Or that fome God protects the innocent,
I have no peace till thou art fafe : methinks
I hear a fecret voice that bids me weigh
Thy merit and thy fault in equal fcales ;
And now reminds me that the crime is doubtful,
But certain is the virtue that prefer v'd me.
Arb. Permit me, fir, to die ; before the world
I itand condemn'd ; your dignity compels you
To fee me punifh'd ; I fhall die contented
To think that once I fav'd my friend his life,
And dying now preferve my fovereign's honour.
Artax. Such fentiments ne'er came from guilty
lips :
3elov'd Arbaces, let us not delay :
Enough that for my honour it be rumour' d
Thou wert in private punifh'd, that I fear'd
To
^2 ARTAXERXfiS. [ACT III.
To (lain the pomp of this important day,
When Afia firft beholds me on the throne.
Arb. At length your mercy may be known
and then
Artax. Arbaces, hence ; I beg thee to depart ;
And if th* entreaties of thy friend avail not,
Thy king commands it.
Arb. Yes, I will obey.
Some future time Arbaces may be grateful :
Meanwhile Heaven hear my vows for Artaxerxes :
May every year of his aufpicious reign
Be mark'd with triumphs : may the fubject world
Bring palms and laurels for his conquering arms :
Slow may the Parcse wind his thread of life ;
And may that peace be his which I have loft ;
Which never more this bofom muit regain,
Till to my friend and country I return !
The ftream, divided from the main,
Bathes the mountain, bathes the plain ;
In fome cryftal river goes,
Or connVd in fountains flows :
Still with fighs it feems to mourn,
Gently murmuring to return
To the fea from which it rofe ;
From which was drawn its limpid ftore,
Where, its many wanderings o'er,
Again it hopes to find repofc. [Exit.
SCENE
ACT III.] ARTAXERXES. 63
SCENE III.
ARTAXERXES alone.
Thofe looks erect, that open mien of virtue
Can never fpeak the traitor : no difguife
Can hide the luftre of a noble mind ;
.
And in the features ftill we read the heart.
Light vapours that afcending play,
And fpread with fleecy clouds the day,
May thinly veil,
But not conceal
The fun's refulgent ray.
In vain the fhallow riv'let flows
The fandy bed to hide ;
The clear tranfparent cryital (hows
Each weed beneath the tide. [Exit.
SCENE IV.
ARTABAN followed ly the conffirators, MEGA-
BYZUS.
Artab. My fon, Arbaces ! Whither art thou
gone ?
He furely hears my voice Arbaces Heavens !
Where lurks he ? While I feek my fon, my friends,
The care be yours to keep this pals fecure.
[enters betwixt the fcenes, on the right hand.
2 Mega.
C4 ARTAXERXES. [ACT III.
Mega. And wherefore do we loiter flill ?
[to the confpirators.
The time
Now calls us forth But where is Artaban ?
Where is Arbaces ? Wherefore this inaction ?
In fuch an enterprize is this a feafon
.For cold neglect ? What ho ! Lord Artaban.
[enters betwixt the fanes, on the left hand.
Artal}. Unhappy me !
[coming out a different way.
My fon, my fon is loft !
A deadly coldnefs freezes at my heart :
I fear, I doubt yet there perhaps conceal'd,
I yet may find Ha ! Megabyzus here !
[meets Megabyzus.
Mega. What Artaban !
Artab. Say, haft thou found my fon ?
Mega. Haft thou not feen him then ?
Artab. O Heaven ! my doubts
Still more and more increafe.
Mega. Explain yourfelf ;
What has befallen Arbaces ?
Artab. W r ho, alas !
Can now inform me of him ? I'm diftracteot
Amidft a thoufand cares and dread fufpicions.
How many fatal images has fear
Rais'd in my tortur'd bread ! Who knows his fate !
Who knows if yet he lives ?
Mega,.
ACT III.] ARTAXERXES. 65
Mega. Too foon 1 you drive
Sufpicions to extremes ; may not Mandane
Or Artaxerxes, urg'd by love or fnendfhip,
Have fet the prifoner free ? Behold the way
That to the palace leads.
Artab. But wherefore yet
From me conceal his flight ? Ah ! Megabyzus,
Arbaces is no more ; I know it well,
And each in pity hides it from his father.
Mega. Avert the omen, Heaven ! Yet recollect
Your troubled thoughts ; refume your wonted
firmnefs ;
Our enterprize demands it all.
" t.^\ r f ~ n ' IP^^MTVI
Artab. Alas !
What enterprize can now engrofs my mind ?
I have no enterprize my fon is loft !
Mega. What fays my lord ? And have you then
in vain
Seduc'd the royal guards ? Have I in vain
Seduc'd the allegiance of the troops ? Refolve :
This moment Artaxerxes goes to fwear
Obfervance to the laws : the facred cup
By your command already have I ting'd
With deadly juice : and fhall we now fo poorly
Lofe all our cares and toils ?
Artab. For whom, my friend,
Should I flill toil, unlefs I find Arbaces ?
My fon was all my joy ; to make him great
VOL. i. F I firft
66 ARTAXERXES. [ACT III.
I firft became a traitor ; for his fake
Was odious to myfelf ; depriv'd of him, -
What further hope remains ? I lofe the fruit
Of all my crimes.
Mega. Arbaces, dead or frying,
Claims at your hands the empire, or revenge.
Artab. For that alone I live Yes, Megabyzus,
Lead, lead me where thou wilt ; I truft in thee.
Mega. Truft that I lead thee on to victory.
O ! let the fplendor of a crown
To fearlefs deeds thy foul infpire :
O ! let the danger of a fon
With generous rage thy bofom fire.
The heart that brave revenge purfues,
Can every feeble thought control :
And fweet 'tis then the calm to lofe
Amidft the tempefl of the foul. [Exit.
SCENE V.
ABTABAN alone.
Relentlefs Gods ! you now have found the way,
The only way to unman me : but to doubt
If yet my dear Arbaces lives diftracts me ;
I cannot overcome this fecret tumult,
That from my reafon takes the power to govern.
If
ACT III.] ARTAXERXES. 67
If thou, my fon, to life art loft,
No more I'll breathe the vital air ;
But firft, difpatch'd to Pluto's coaft,
A monarch mall my meflage bear.
Betide the fable ftream his oar
The infernal pilot muft fufpend,
Till to the margin of the fhore \ *;
The mournful father fhall defcend. [Exit.
SCENE VI.
An apartment belonging to MANDANE.
MANDANE alone'.
Whether too frequent forrow dulls the fenfe
Or that our fouls partake fome inward light
That glances at futurity, I know not :
I cannot mourn Arbaces as I ought :
Yet furely ftill he lives, for were he dead,
The tidings muft have reach'd me ; fame is ever
Induftrious to difperfe the news of woe.
SCENE VII.
Enter SEMIRA.
Sem. At length thou may'fl be comforted,
Mandane,
For Heaven now fmiles upon thee.
Man. Has the king
Releas'd Arbaces ?
F 2 $em.
68 ARTAXERXES. [ACT
Sent. Rather fay the king
Has flain Arbaces.
Man. Ha ! What doft thou mean ?
Sent. 'Tis plain to all ; in fecret has he fallen
A cruel facrifice.
Man. Fallacious hopes !
O fatal day !
Sem. Behold thou art reveng'd,
Thy rage is fated : would' ft thou more ? Or feek'ft
thou
Some other victim ? Speak.
Man. Alas ! Semiraj
Light evils fpeak, but mighty griefs are lilent.
Sem. What heart was e'er more cruel found
than thine !
There's not an eye unmoiflen'd at his death,
Yet thou canft hear his fate without a tear.
Man. That grief is little which permits our tears.
Sem. Go, if thou art not yet appeas'd, and glut
With my dear brother's corfe thy greedy fight ;
Obferve his bofom, number o'er his wounds,
Then, with exulting looks
Man. Forbear, and leave me.
Sem. Leave thee ! forbear ! no, while my life
Thou fhalt behold me ever hovering round thee ;
I'll haunt thee dill, and make thy days unhappy.
Man.
ACT III.] ARTAXERXES. 0*9
Man. Say when have I deferv'd fo many foes ?
Wherefore this infulting ilrain ?
Muft I bear a cruel name ?
Ceafe, inhuman maid, in vain
Ceafe Mandane's heart to blame.
Think, abandon'd to defpair,
What from thee, ingrate, I prove :
Think, Semira, can I bear
Hatred from the friend I love ? [Exit.
SCENE VIII.
SEMIRA alone.
What has my rafhnefs done ? I vainly hop'd
That grief divided would decreafe the burden ;
But ah ! it weighs the more ; while now I thought
To eafe myfelf by infults on Mandane,
I pierc'd her heart, without relieving mine.
'Tis falfe to think content we find,
Whene'er with us in forrow join'd,
Another's tears o'erflow :
To fee a friend opprefs'd with grief,
Affords the affli&ed no relief,
But fwells the fighs of woe. [Exit.
SCENE
70 ARTAXERXES. [ACT HI.
SCENE IX.
ARBACES alone.
Yet here I find her not O grant, ye powers !
That I may calm my lov'd Mandane's anger,
Once more behold her, and depart in peace.
Perhaps retir'd to fome more lone apartment
I may but whither would my rafhnefs lead me ?
O Heaven ! Behold (he comes ! I have no heart
To venture in her fight. [retires.
:.v.c ; ;tn/ 5i y, :
SCENE X.
Enter MANDANE.
Man. Let none prefume
To break on my retirement. [to a page, who
[having received the order ; departs.
Now, my foul,
Thou may'ft at liberty indulge thy anguifh,
Thy wild defpair Yes, yes, my dear Arbaces,
My favage fury fhed thy blood, and now
My own fhall flow to appeafe thee.
[draws a dagger.
Arb. Hold !
Man. Ye powers !
[feeing Arbaces, Jhe lets fall the dagger.
Arb. What incon'fiderate rage !
3 Man.
ACT III.] ARTAXERXES. *j I
Man. Arbaces here !
In freedom and alive !
Arb. A friendly hand
Struck off my chains.
Man. Fly hence ! Be gone ! Ah ! leave me
What will be faid if here thou art found ? Ingrate !
Leave then my fame unfullied.
Arb. Who can quit
His native land without beholding thee ?
Man. What would'fl thou feek from me, per-
fidious traitor !
Arb. Ah ! princefs ; fpeak not thus I know
full well
Thou wear'ft a fternnefs foreign to thy heart.
Did I not hear thee ? Yes, my dear Mandane,
Arbaces heard thy love.
Man. Tis falfehood all,
Or felf-deceit ; but grant I've fpoken aught,
My lips, betray'd by ufe, belied my foul.
Arb. Yet am I ftill the object of your paffion.
Man. Thou art my deteftation.
Arb. Cruel maid !
Take then this fword, and fate thy utmoft rage ;
Behold my bofom bare to meet the blow.
Man. Death would reward, not punifh thee.
Arb. Tis true :
Forgive me, I have err'd ; but with this hand
All
72 ARTAXERXES. [ACT III.
All fhall be heal'd. [about to fiab himfelf.
Man. What would'ft thou do ? Perhaps
Thou think'ft thy blood fufficient to appeafe me :
No, I would have thy death a fpeclacle
Of public infamy ; no mark, no fhadow
Of generous courage muft adorn thy fall.
Arb. Ingrate, inhuman ! thou fhalt have thy
wifti ; [throws away the dagger.
I'll feek again my prifon. [going*
Man. Stay, Arbaces !
Arb. What would'ft thou fay ?
Man. Alas ! I know not what !
Arb. And haft thou yet fome fmall degree of love
That ftill detains me here ?
Man. Enquire no further :
Why would'ft thouraife myblufhes? Savethyfelf
No more afflicl me.
Arb. Still thou lov'ft Arbaces,
If thus thou art mov'd to pity him.
Man. O no !
Believe not that 'tis love : but fly and live !
Arb. Thou bid'ft me, dear Mandane, live,
But if thy love thou wilt not give,
My tortur'd heart muft break !
Mdn. Ye powers ! how cruel is my pain !
O let thefe blufhes then explain
The thoughts I dare not fpeak.
Arb.
ACT III.] ARTAXERXES. 73
Arb. Hear me once more.
Man. Ah no !
Arb. Thou art, Mandane
Man. Light of thefe defiring eyes !
Leave me, leave me yet in peace !
Both. Tell me when, relentlefs Ikies 1
When your fatal rage will ceafe ?
What cannot human life fuftain,
If life can bear fuch cruel pain ! [Exeunt.
SCENE XI.
A magnificent place dejigned for the coronation of
ARTAXERXES. A throne on one Jide> with a
fceptre, and crown thereon. An altar kindled in.
the midft, with an image of the Sun.
ARTAXERXES and ARTABAN, with a numerous
attendance ; and People.
Artax. To you, my people, I prefent myfelf,
No lefs your father than your king : be you
My children more than fubje6ts : I'll defend
Your lives, your fame ; whatever arms may gain,
Or peace beflow : do you defend my throne :
And let our hearts now make the juft exchange
Of loyalty and love : the reins of empire
I'll fway with gentle hand, and guard the laws
Inviolate this to perform, to all
Religioufly
74 ARTAXERXES. [ACT III.
Rejigioufly I fwear. [an attendant brings the cup.
Artab. The facred cup [gives the cup.
Receive, and bind thy oath with ftronger ties
Complete the rite and drink thy own deftruclion.
\ajide.
Artax. *' Bright God ! by whom the vernal
flowers arife ;
" By whom the whole creation lives or dies ;
" Hear ! if my lips the words of falfehood fpeak,
" On this devoted head your vengeance take :
" Let my life fade, as now the languid flame
" Fades at the pouring of the facred ftream ;
\^Jheds 'part of the wine upon the fire.
t( And while I drink fome fecret bane infufe ;
" To deadly poifon change the wholefome juice."
[about to drink*
SCENE- XII.
Enter SEMIRA.
Sem. Defend yourfelf, my lord, the palace wall,
Encompafs'd by a faithlefs throng, refounds
With rebel (houts and all require thy death. '
Artax. Almighty powers !
[places the cup on the altar.
Artab. What impious wretch has dar'd
To rife againft his king ?
Artax. Alas ! too late
I know him now Arbaces is the traitor.
Sem.
ACT III.] ARTAXERXES. , 75
Sent. He whom we mourn' d as dead ?
Artax. He lives, the ingrate :
He lives forgetful of my faith to Xerxes,
Forgetful of my duty to my father,
I fet him free, and merit to receive
The punifhment which Heaven has deftin'd for me :
Yes, I myfelf have woo'd my own deftruction.
Artab. Why fhould you fear, my king ? For
your protection
Your faithful Artaban mall Ml fuffice.
Artax. Then let us hafte to punifh
SCENE XIII.
Enter MANDANE in hafte.
Man. Stay, my brother ;
Great news I bring the tumult is appeas'd.
Artax. Is't poffible ? Say, how ?
Man. The rebel crowd,
By Megabyzus led, had reach' d already
The inner palace-yard, when brave Arbaces,
Rouz'd by the maddening clamour, came to aid
thee ;
What faid, what did he not for thy defence ?
He painted all the horrors of their crime,
And Ihow'd the praife that waits on loyalty.
He fet thy merits and thy fame before them :
On fome with threats he wrought, on fome with
prayers ;
Oft
,
7(> ARTAXERXES. [ACT III.
Oft chang'd his looks, from placid to fevere ;
Till each laid down his arms, and Megabyzus,
The impious caufe of all, alone remain'd ;
But him he conquer'd, flew, and thus reveng'd thee.
Artab. Rafh, inconfiderate fon ! \_afide.
Artax. Some friendly power
Infpir'd me to preferve him Megabyzus
Was author then of every crime committed.
Artab. Moll fortunate delufion ! [ajtde.
Artax. Where is now
My lov'd Arbaces ? Find and bring him hither.
SCENE LAST.
Enter ARBACES.
Arb. Behold, my lord, Arbaces at your feet.
Artax. Come to my breaft again : forgive me,
friend,
That e'er I doubted thee : thy innocence
Is now mofl clear. O give me then the power
To recompenfe thee ; from the people's mind
Chace every dark fuipicion ; tell us why
That crimfon fteel was in thy hand ; what meant
Thy flight, thy filence, all that fpoke thee guilty ?
Arb. O fir ! if aught from you I have deferv'd,
Permit me to be filent ftill my lips
Are guiltlefs of a lie believe his faith
Who once preferv'd thy life I am innocent.
Artax.
ACT 111.] ARTAXERXES. 77
Artax. Swear it at leaft, and let the folemn rite
Confirm thy truth : behold the ready cup,
And as the cuftom of our Perlia claims,
Call down the God to witnefs.
Arb. I am ready. \takes the cup.
Man. Behold my lov'd Arbaces freed from
danger. [ajide.
Artab. Where am I ? Should he fwear, my
fon is poifon'd. [ajide.
Arb. " Bright God ! by whom the vernal
flowers arife,
\ ,-.'' , i -
" By whom the whole creation lives or dies."
Artab. O me unhappy ! [ajide.
Arb. " If I falfehood fpeak,
" This wholefome beverage " [about to drink.
Artab. Hold ! the cup is poifon'd.
Artax. What do I hear ?
Arb. O Gods !
Artax. And why till now
Didft thou conceal it from me ?
Artab. 'Twas for thee
I had prepar'd it.
Artax. What could urge thy rage ?
Artab. Diffimulation can no more avail :
Paternal love already has betray'd me.
I was the murderer of Xerxes ; -all
The royal blood I fought to fhed : 'tis I
Am
78 ARTAXERXES. [ACT III.
Am guilty, not Arbaces : to his hand,
I, to conceal it, gave the bloody weapon.
His looks proclaim'd his horror for my crime ;
His filence the companion of a fon.
O ! had not virtue wrought fo ftrong in him,
Or love in me, I had fulfill' d my purpofe,
And had depriv'd thee now of life and empire.
Artax. Perfidious wretch ! my father hail thou
murder'd,
And made me guilty of Darius' death !
To what'excefles has thy impious thirfl
Of greatnefs led thee ! Traitor, thou fhalt die.
Artab. At leaf! wp'll die together.
[draws hisfword, Artaxerxes does the fame.
Arl>. Heavens !
Artab. My friends, \to the rebels.
Heed not his threats, the feeble lafl remains
Of defperation let the tyrant die.
[the guards, f educed by Artaban, prepare to
attack Artaxerxes.
Arb. What would'ft thou do, my father ?
*
Artab. Bravely perifh.
Arb. Lay by thy fword, or here I drink my
death.
Artab. What fay'ft thou, ha !
Arb. O, if you kill my friend,
My Artaxerxes, I can live no longer.
Artab.
ACT III.] ARTAXERXES. 70
Artab. Let me complete what I've begun.
\_going to attack Artaxerxes.
Arb. Take heed,
Or here I drink. [about to drink.
t TT i i i r i r ,>k^
Artab. Hold then, ungrateful Ion !
And doft thou wifh to fee thy father die,
Becaufe too well he lov'd thee ? Yes, ingrate,
f\ f ' ' H r>rF'f *t
Yes, thou haft conquer' d there behold my
fword.
[throws away his fword, and the rebel guards fly.
Man. Faith unexampled !
Sem. Treachery unequall'd !
Artax. Purfue the rebels, and let Artaban
Be led to inftant death.
Arb. O Heaven! yet Hay;
Have pity, fir.
Artax. Hope not for mercy for him,
His crime's too great : yet think not I confound
The innocent and guilty ; thou Arbaces
Shalt wed Mandane, and the fair Semira
With me divide the throne ; but for that traitor
No pardon can be granted.
Arb. Take my life,
I alk it not, if by my truth to you,
If, by preferring you, I kill my father !
Artax. O virtue that excites our admiration !
Arb. I do not alk your mercy for myfelf ;
Be rigorous ftill. but change his death for mine.
Hear
8O ARTAXERXES. [ACT III.
Hear him, who once preferv'd you, at your feet
[kneels.
Now kneeling beg to fuffer for a father.
Thus, thus appeafe your juftice, flied my blood,
And, fhedding mine, the blood of Artaban.
Artax. O rife no more dry up thofe generous
tears,
Who can refift thee ? Artaban fhall live,
But let him live at lead in mournful exile.
Thus far thy fovereign grants thy pious fuit ;
The virtuous fon preferves the guilty father.
CHORUS.
Great King ! with reverence Perfia fees
Mercy feated on the throne,
When forgivenefs fhe decrees
A hero's loyalty to crown.
Juflice ilill we brighter find,
When with godlike Pity join'd !
END OF THE THIRD ACT.
THE
THE OLYMPIAD.
VOL. I.
PERSONS OF THE DRAMA.
CLISTHENES, King of SICYON, Father of ARISTEA.
ARISTEA, in love with MEGACLES.
ARGENE, a CRETAN virgin, in the drefs of a fhep-
herdefs, under the name of LYCORIS, in love
with LYCIDAS.
LYCIDAS, in love with ARISTEA, and Friend of
MEGACLES.
MEGACLES, in love with ARISTEA, and Friend of
LYCIDAS.
AMYNTAS, the Governor of LYCIDAS.
ALCANDER, the Confident of CLISTHENES.
The SCENE lies in the fields of ELIS, near the city
of OLYMPIAD on the banks of the river ALPHEUS.
THE OLYMPIAD.
;!i; scon o .
"V .
ACT I. SCENE I.
The woody part of a deep valley, with high trees
that grow upon the oppojite hills, the branches of
the trees meeting over/hade the valley that lies
between them.
LYCIDAS, AMYNTAS.
Lye. Amyntas, I am refolv'd forbear to urge
Thy fruitlefs counfels
Amyn. Hear me, Lycidas ;
Calm yet a little this tempeftuous paflion.
Lye. In whom again fhall Lycidas confide,
If Megacles deceive him ? Megacles,
Even in the greateft need, deferts his friend.
Moft wretched he who trufts his future blifs
On friendfhip's doubtful faith !
Amyn. Be not too rafh
In cenfuring his delay : no little fpace
Divides fair El is from the Cretan fhore
Where Megacles rendes : muft your impatience
Give wings to him ? Perchance your melfenger
Might linger on his way : the fea that rolls
G 2 His
84 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT I.
His tides between, may flay your friend : be calm,
He ftill may come in time. The Olympic games
Begin not till the fun has pafs'd the noon,
And fcarce Aurora yet proclaims the dawn.
Lye. Thou know'ft that all who hope the vic-
tor's prize,
Should with the morn appear within the temple,
To tell their rank, their country, and their name ;
And fwear at Jove's high altar, not to employ
Or fraud or circumvention in the field.
Amyn. I know it well.
Lye. Thou know'ft that he who comes
Too late to execute this folemn rite,
Muft Hand excluded From the glorious trial.
See'ft thou not how the combatants already
Throng to the temple ? Hear the rural fhouts
Of eager multitudes ; then fay, Amyntas,
What have I more to expect ? What hopes remain ?
Amyn. But what is your defign ?
Lye. Among the train
To appear before the 'altar.
Amyn. What befides ?
Lye. Prove with the reft my fortune in the field.
Amyn. Thou, Lycidas !
Lye. And doft thou think my courage
Unequal to the attempt ?
Amyn. Alas ! my prince,
Here
ACT I.] THE OLYMPIAD. 85
Here nought avails the fkill in fanguine fields
To wield the gleaming falchion ; other arms,
Far other forms of war mud here be tried ;
Far other arts, the names to us unknown ;
The dreadful ceilus and the ponderous difk ;
Thefe to your rivals are familiar grown,
By frequent exercife ; but you, untaught,
In the firft ardor of unthinking youth,
Too late may mourn with them the unequal con-
flict
Lye. Had Megacles, expert in arts like thefe,
Arriv'd in time, his valour had fupplied
The place of Lycidas : but lince he's abfent,
What elfe remains for me ? This day, Amyntas,
The Olympic combatants contend not only
For olive wreaths, the viclor's wonted meed ;
But Ariftea is the bright reward ;
The royal heir of mighty Cliflhenes ;
The firfl and lovelieft of our Grecian dames,
Whofe charms have^ kindled in my breafl aflame,
That blazes forth even in its infancy.
Amyn. What then of Argene ?
Lye. Thefe eyes no more
Muft hope to fee her : love no longer lives
When hope expires.
Amyn. And yet you oft have fworn
Lye. I know thy purpofe, thou would'ft here
detain me
In
86 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT I.
In fruitlefs converfe till the hour is part.
Farewell.
Amyn. Yet hear me.
Lye. No.
Amyn. Behold where comes
Lye. Who comes, Amyntas ?
Amyn. Megacles.
Lye. Ha ! where ?
Amyn. Between thofe trees no 'tis not Me-
gacles.
Lye. Thou doft but mock me ; and indeed,
Amyntas,
I well deferve it, who could blindly place
My hope in Megacles. \_gotng.
SCENE II.
Enter MEGACLES.
Amyn. Behold him here
Lye. Ye righteous powers !
Mega. My prince !
Lye. My friend ! O come,
Come to my bread : my hopes again revive.
Mega. And is it true that Heaven affords me
once
The means to fhow the gratitude I owe you ?
Lye.
ACT I.] *THE OLYMPIAD. 87
Lyc. Yes, thou canft give me happinefs and life.
Mega. Say, how ?
Lyc. By entering on the Olympic games
Beneath my name, and combating for me.
Mega. Are you in Elis yet unknown ?
Lyc. I am.
Mega. By this device what would you feek ?
Lyc. My peace.
O Heaven ! let us not wafte the time this hour
The rival combatants muft give their names.
Fly to the temple ; fay thou art Lycidas ;
If thou delay'ft, thy coming here is vain ;
Go I will tell thee all at thy return.
Mega. With fecret pride, my friend, I go
The name of Lycidas to wear ;
That all the much-lov'd name may know,
Which ever in my heart I bear.
Obferving Greece henceforth fhall fay,
Our thoughts, or actions are the fame ;
Our hearts the like affections fway,
Nor have we differ' d even in name. \Rxrt,
% "~ "' o c3
S'.'itfao- SCENE III. -i^'^ff
LYCIDAS, AMYNTAS.
Lyc, O generous friend ! O faithful Megacles !
Amyn.
88 THE OLYMPIAD [ACT I.
Amyn. It was not thus you fpoke of him but now.
Lye. View me at length poffefs'd of Ariftea :
Go, dear Amyntas, fee that all's prepared ;
I, with my fpoufe, will ere the clofe of day
Depart from Elis.
Amyn. Prince, be not fo ready
To fancy happinefs : you yet have much
To fear ; your artifice may be difcover'd ;
Or in the trial Megacles may fail.
I know he ever has been found victorious ;
Yet well I know an unforefeen event
Sometimes confounds the coward and the' brave :
Nor virtue always meets the fame fuccefs.
Lye. Why would'ft thou feek to trouble me in
vain
With thy perpetual doubts ? So near the port
Would'ft thou perfuade me ftill to dread a ftorm !
The man who blindly liftens to thy fears,
Will doubt of morning light, or evening fhade.
The fteed, approaching to the goal,
His eager courfe impatient fpeeds ;
No more obeys the rein's control,
The chiding voice no longer heeds.
Thus, fill'd with hopes, the exulting "breaft
No dread can know, no counfel hear ;
But feems of prefent joy pofleft,
To think that happinefs is near. [Exeunt.
SCENE
ACT I.]. THE OLYMPIAD. 89
SCENE IV.
Afpacious country at the foot of a hill, covered over
with pajloral cottages. A bridge acrofs the river
ALPHEUS, compofed of trunks of trees. Between
the trees, that grow upon the plain, is a profpeft
of the city of OLYMPIA at a dljlance.
.ARGENE in the drefs of a Jhepherdefs, weaving
garlands. Chorus of nymphs and Jkepherds, all
bufied in pajloral employments.
CHORUS.
Hail ! peaceful fhades, dear pleafmg feat !
Hail happy freedom's fure retreat !
Arg. No fraud here lurks with foul defign
Our pleafures to deftroy ;
But conftancy and love combine
To heighten every joy.
CHORUS.
Hail ! peaceful fhades> dear pleafing feat 1
Hail happy freedom's fure retreat !
Arg, Here each of little flore polleft,
Content with little lives ;
Rich in himfelf, his tranquil breaft
No .poverty perceives..
CHORUS.
QO THE OLYMPIAD. FACT I.
y^ L
CHORUS.
Hail ! peaceful fhades, dear pleafing feat !
Hail happy freedom's fure retreat !
T>' . v.'. V i - 'f "< v?\ V..
Arg. Without or guards or ftrong-built hold,
Our peace is here fecure ;
<v' ''. >.'.Vw\v \i Vj^'.O'V.V.
No treafur'd heaps of tempting gold
The midnight thief allure.
CHORUS.
Hail ! peaceful fhades, dear pleaflng feat !
Hail happy freedom's fure retreat !
Arg. Here undifguis'd the fimple loves
Of nymphs
No more for Ariflea comes \fifing, the nympJis
and Jhepherds go out.
i
SCENE V.
Enter ARISTEA attended.
Arif. Lycoris,
Purfue your harmlefs paftime.
Arg. Doft thou, princefs,
Keturn to blefs again my poor abode ?
Arif. O that I could as well avoid myfelf
As I can fly from others ! Ah ! my friend,
Thou little think'ft how fatal is this day
To Ariilea.
Arg. Rather fay this day ,
Is
ACT I.] THE OLYMPIAD. Ql
Is glorious to you ! Of your matchlefs beauty
What ampler proofs can future times receive ?
To win you all the flower of Greece this day
Meet in th' Olympic lifts.
Arif. He whom alone
I wifh to find, alas ! he is not there.
But let us change to fome more pleaiing theme ;
Again refume your interrupted talks.
Lycoris fit, and let me hear thee fpeak :
Thou didft begin to tell me all thy fortunes ;
Purfue the ftory now ; with thy lov'd converfe,
Afluage awhile my pains ; and if thou canfl,
By telling thy afflictions, foften mine. [they fit.
Arg. If aught from me has power to charm
your grief, r \
Then are my fufferings not without reward.
Already have I told you that my name
Is Argene, that Crete beheld me born
Of noble blood, that my affections foar'd
A higher flight than even my birth could claim,
Aril*. Thus far I have learn'd.
j
Arg. Hear whence my woes began.
On Lycidas, the princely heir of Crete,
I fix'd my love, and was again belov'd.
Awhile with prudence we conceal'd our flames :
Till paffion ftrengthening, as it oft befalls,
And prudence growing weak, fome watchful eye
Perceiv'd at length, and read our mutual glances :
The
()2 THE OLYMPIAD. ACT I.
The tale to others flew ; from tongue to tongue
The rumour fpreading reach'd the royal ear.
The king with anger heard, rebuk'd his fon,
And flernly bade him never fee me more ;
And thus by oppofition but increas'd
His wifli to fee me ; fo the fanning wind
Adds ftrength to fire ; fo rivers higher fwell,
In ftraiten'd bounds. Impatient with his love
The frantic Lycidas refolv'd to fly
And bear me thence by force ; his whole defign
To me he fent, the meflenger betray'd
His truft, and gave the letters to the king.
My haplefs lover then was clofe confin'd,
And I commanded to a foreign hufband
To give my hand, which I refus'd to obey.
Againlt me all declar'd ; the monarch threaten' d,
My friends condemn' d me, and my father oft
Urg'd me to accept the nuptials : nothing now
Could fave me but determin'd flight or death.
Of thefe I chofe the firft, which prudence feem'd
To point, and nature leafl recoil'd to follow.
Unknown I came to Elis : in thefe woods
I purposed to relide, 'rnidfl fhepherds here
A rural nymph, I now am call'd Lycoris.
But in the faithful bofom of Lycoris.
J
I cherifh ftill the heart of Argene.
. Anf. Indeed I pity thee ; but cannot yet
Approve thy flight ; a virgin and alone
To feek a diilant country to forfakc
Arg.
ACT I.] THE OLYMPIAD. $3
Arg. And fhould I then have yielded up my
hand
To Megacles ?
Arif. To Megacles ! O Heaven !
Declare what Megacles was this ?
Arg. The hufband
For whom the king defign'd me : ought I then
To have forgotten
Arif. KnowTt thou not his country ?
Arg. Athens.
Arif. What caufe had brought him into Crete ?
Arg. The caufe was love ; for fo himfelf de-
clar'd.
A band of robbers, at his firft arrival,
Attack'd, and had depriv'd him of his life,
But.Lycidas by chance came by and fav'd him.
Since which they ftill have liv'd in rtri&efl friend-
fliip:
This friend of Lycidas, known to the king,
Was, as a flranger, by the royal mandate
Decreed for me.
Arif. But doll thou yet remember
His afpecl: ?
Arg. Yes, methinks I fee him prefent.
Fair were his fhining locks, his eyebrows dark,
His lips of ruddieft hue, and gently fwelling ;
His looks fedate, and full of tendernefs ;
A frequent fmile, a pleafing fpeech but princefs,
3 Your
Q4 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT I.
Your colour changes fay what can this mean ?
Arif. O Heaven ! that Megacles whom you
defcribe,
Is him I lovev
Arg. What fay'fi thoti ?
Arif. O L 'tis true :
In fecret long he lov'd me ; but my father
Refus'd my hand to one in Athens born :
Nay would not hear or even vouchfafe to fee him.
He left me in defpair, and never fince
Have I beheld him ; but from thee I learn
What has befallen him lince.
!T j>V.
Arg. Our fortunes both
Are furely wondrous.
Arif. Could he now be told
That here I am made the prize of victory.
Arg. Difpatch fome trufty meffenger to Crete,
To give him notice : thou meantime, procure
The games to be delay'd.
Arif. Say how, my friend ?
Arg. Great Clifthenes is Ariftea's father;
'Tis he prefides, th' elected judge, to rule
The folemn rites ; he if he will can change
Arif. But, ah ! he will not.
Arg. Yet, what harm, my princefs,
Springs from the trial ?
Arif. Hafte then, let us go
J O
A ,
And
-ACT I.] THE OLYMPIAD. Q5
And find out Clifthenes. [both rifing.
Arg. Forbear -He's here.
SCENE VI.
Enter CLISTHENES attended.
Clif. My daughter, every thing is now prepar'd ;
The names are gatjier'd, and the victims ilain,
The hour of combat fix'd ; nor can we longer
Defer the games without offending Heaven,
The faith of nations, and thy father's honour.
Arif. Fond hopes, farewell ! [afide.
Clif. O ! I fhould give thee caufe
For pride indeed, did I difclofe the rivals
That feek to combat for thy fake. Megara
Olinthus fends ; Clearchus comes from Sparta ;
From Thebes her Atys ; Erylus from Corinth ;
From Crete's fam'd ifle the youthful Lycidas.
Arg. Who ?
Clif. Lycidas, the Cretan monarch's fon.
Arif. Does he too feek me ?
CVif. Yes; he comes to prove
His fate with others.
Arg. Has he then fo foon
Forgot his once-lov'd Argene ? \afds.
Clif. My daughter,
Let us be gone.
1 Arif.
96 -THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT I..
Arif. Grant my requeft, my father,
Delay the combat for awhile.
Clif. Impoflible !
But wherefore fhouldTt thou afk it ? What can
urge
This ftrange defire ?
Arif. 'Tis ever time enough
To barter freedom : marriage to our fex
Is but a galling yoke ; and fure we fufFer
Enough of evil in our fervile ftate,
Without the nuptial tie.
Clif. Such is the language
'Of womankind ; but falfely they complain.
No longer murmur that your fate
Ungently dooms you to obey ;
Since even in your fubje&ed flate,
You mle o'er us with fovereign fway.
While we in fortitude tranfcend,
You boail refiftlefs beauty's arms >
In vain would feeble man contend ;
For courage yields to female charms. [Exit.
SCENE VIL.
_ ARGENE, ARISTEA.
Arg. And didft thou, princefs, hear ?
Arif. My friend, farewell !
I muft
A.CT I.] THE OLYMPIAD* 7
I muft attend my father : thou who know'fl
Of my dear Megacles, O if thy heart
Be gentle as thy looks, in kind companion
Procure me tidings of the man I love.
Ah ! feek to know what land detains
The object of my care :
If ftill his breaft unchanged remains,
If I his converfe fhare.
Enquire if e'er he gently fighs
At mention of my name ;
If e'er, when tender paflions rife,
His lips his thoughts proclaim. [Exit*
SCENE VIII.
ARGENE alone.
Has then ungrateful Lycidas fo foori
Forgot his vows ? Unhappy Argene !
To what have thy offended ftars referv'd thee !
Learn, unexperienc'd virgins, learn from me :
Behold the practice of deceitful men !
Each calls you ftill his life, his foul, his treafure ;
Each fwears the dear remembrance of your charms
Beguiles the day, and waftes the midnight hours :
All arts are theirs : they can turn pale and weep,
Before your light feem ready to expire :
But heed them not they are diflemblers all.
VOL. i. U Amidft
8 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT J.
Amidft a thoufand hope not e'er
One heart fincere to find ;
Though each, in prefence of the fair,
May boaft a conftant mind.
By cuftom now is grown defpis'd
The faithful lover's name ;
And conftancy, that once was priz'd,
Is made the lover's fhame. ' [Exif.
SCENE IX.
LYCIDAS, MEGACLES meeting.
Mega. My Lycidas !
Lye. My friend !
Mega. Behold me here
Lye. Haft thou completed
Mega. Every thing is done.
I, in thy (lead, have vifited the temple,
And, in thy place, fhall foon begin the trial ;
Then, ere the fignal for the ftrife is given,
Thou may'ft difclofe the bent of thy defign.
Lye. O ! fhould'ft thou conquer, all the realm
of Love
Has not a lover happier than myfelf.
Mega. What mean'ft thou ?
Lye. To reward the victor's toils
A maid is promis'd of tranfcendent charms,
And
ACT I.] THE OLYMPIAD^ Q9
And royal birth : thefe eyes had: fcarce beheld her
When my heart glow'd, and panted to poflefs her :'
But little vers'd in thefe athletic games
Mega. I underftand you I for you rnuft win
her.
Lye. Even fo, my friend demand my ; life, my
kingdom,
Whate'er I have, my Megacles, is thine,
And all too little to return thy friendfhip.
.sill Erf 7 UDVXO; 1 r> .
Mega. There need not, prince, fuch motives to
incite
A grateful vaflal, and a faithful friend :^
To thee I owe my life ; then hope the beft ;
I truft thou (halt poflefs thy wifh'd-for bride.
I come no flranger to the field ; ere this
My labours have bedew'd the fands.of Elis :
Nor is the fylvan olive to thefe brows
An unaccuftom'd wreath ; and never yet
This breaft was more fecure of victory :
The thirft of honour, and the warmth of friendfhip,
Add ftrength to everj- nerve : I pant with ardor,
And feem already in the glorious trial.
Methinks I fee each rival combatant,
Methinks I conquer! From the trampled plain
My locks and face with duft are cover' d o'er,
And fhouts of pleas'd fpecftators fill my ears.
Lye. O my Ibv'd friend ! O deareft Ariftea !
Mega. What fay'fl thou, ha!
H 2 Lye.
100 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT I.
Lyc. I call by name on her
My foul adores.
Mega. And nam'ft thou Ariftea ?
Lyc. I do.
Mega. What Ariftea ?
Lyc. Ariftea,
Born on Afopus' banks, the only off-fpring
Of royal Clifthenes.
Mega. O Heaven ! 'tis me,
'Tis fhe I love ! [afide.~\ And muft we fight for
her?
- - '
Lyc. For her.
v n nofu ;
Mega. Is this the virgin I muft gain you,
By conquering here ?
Lye. :The fame.
Mega. Is Ariftea
Your hope, your comfort ?
Lyc. O ! fhe's all to me.
Mega. I feel the ftroke of death ! \afide.
Lyc. Be not furpris'd :
When thou fhalt fee the beauties of that face,
Thou wilt perhaps excufe me : Gods themfelves,
Without a blufh, might own a paflion there.
Mega. Too well I know it. \afide.
Lyc. Should'ft thou prove victorious,
Can there be found one happier than myfelf ?
Even Megaclcs (hall triumph in my joy :
1 Wilt
ACT I.] THE OLYMPIAD. 101
Wilt thou not fympathize in my delight ?
Mega. Doubtlefs. '
Lye. And wilt thou not, my friend, efteem
The moment bleft that gives me Ariftea ?
Mega. Moft bleft O Gods ! [afide.
.Lye. And will not Megacles
Grace with his prefence thefe aufpicious nuptials ?
Mega. Diffraction ! \afide.
Lye. Speak.
Mega. I have no will but yours.
What unknown mifery, what hell is this ! \afide.
Lye. How tedious feems the day ! Alas ! thou
know' ft not,
Or canft not fure believe, that expectation
Is death to one who loves, and loves like me,
Mega. I know it well.
Lye. Yes, Megacles, even now
My thoughts call up futurity : already
In fancy I pofTefs my beauteous bride.
Mega. This is too much. \aftde.
Lye. Methinks I feem
Mega. No more
You've faid enough ; I own the name of friend,
And know the duties which that name imports :
Yet think not therefore
Lye . Why are you difpleas'd ?
In what have I offended ?
Mega.
102 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT I.
Mega. .Inconsiderate !
What have I done ! -\afde ^\ This tranfport
fprings from zeal
To do you fervice : hither am J come
Tir'd with a length of way, the fight draws near,
But little time remains for my repofe,
And of that little you would now deprive me.
Lye'. What hinder'd thee before to fpeak thy
thoughts ?
Mega. Refpe6t reftrain'd my tongue.
Lye. Then would'ft thou reft ?
Mega. I would.
Lye. Shall we from hence retire together ?
Mega. No, Lycidas.
Lye. Then wilt thou ftill remain '
Beneath thefe fhades ?
Mega. I will.
Lye. Shall not thy friend
Attend thee here ?
Mega. O no. [impatiently.
Lye. What can this mean ! \_afide.
Farewell, and may'ft thou find thy wifh'd repofe !
Still while you fleep, with pleafing themes
May Love infpire your peaceful dreams,
And whifper how I'm bleft !
May yonder ftream more filent flow,
And every zephyr gentler blow,
To footh my friend to reft. [Exit,
ACT I.]" THE OLYMPIAD. 103
SCENE X.
MEGASLES alone.
Ye gracious powers ! What tidings have I heard ?
What unexpected ftroke is fallen upon me !
Shall fhe I love become another's right,
And I refign her to my rival's arms ?
But, O ! that rival is my dearefl friend 1
How ftrangely for my torment fate unites
Two names fo oppolite ! Yet fure the laws
Of friendfhip never can exact fo much ;
Forgive me, prince, I am a lover too.
To afk me to refign my Ariftea,
Is but to alk my life And does not then
This life belong to Lycidas who fav'd it ?
Do I not breathe through him ? And canft thou
doubt,
Ungrateful Megacles ! Should Ariftea
E'er know thee thus forgetful of thy friendfhip,
Even fhe might juftly hate thee. Never, never
Shall fhe be witnefs to this change the laws
Of faith and amity alone I'll hear,
Of gratitude and honour. All I dread
Is to behold her ; let me fhun th' encounter ;
How (hall I meet her fight ! To think of it,
My heart beats quick, cold fweats bedew my face,
I tremble, I am loft ! : I cannot bear it.
SCENE
I.
-104 THE OLYMPIAD.
SCENE XI.
Enter ARISTEA.
Arif. Stranger. [without feeing his face.
Mega. Ha ! who is this that breaks upon me ?
[turning.
Arif. O Heaven ! [fees Megacles.
Mega. O Gods ! [fees Ariftea.
Arif. My Megacles ! My life !
And is it thee, do I again behold thee !
Ye powers ! I faint with joy, my tender breaft
Can fcarce fupport this mighty tide of pleafure.
Thou deareft objeft of my conftant wifhes,
So long bewail'd, fo long invok'd in vain !
At length thou hear'ft thy rkithful Ariftea ;
Thou art return'd in a propitious hour ;
O happy fufferings ! O indulgent love !
My fighs and tears are amply now repaid.
Mega. How cruel is my fate ! [afide.
Arif. Thou anfwer'ft not,
My much lov'd Megacles ! Still'art thou filent !
Why does thy colour change ? What mean thofe
looks
Confus'd ? Why feem thy eyes to fhun me thus ?
Whence is that flatting tear ? Perhaps, alas !
longer I poflefs thy love perhaps
Mega.
ACT I.] THE OLYMPIAB. J 05
Mega. What fay'ft thou ! Ever ftill know
then, I am
I cannot fpeak Whatwretchednefs is mine ! [afidc*
Arif. Thou chiU'ft me to the foul : and know'ft
thou not
That here for me the combatants contend ?
-i* 1
Mega. I know it well.
Anf. And com'ft not thou to enter
The lifts for Ariftea's fake ?
Mega. I do.
Anf. Why are you then fo fad ?
Mega. Becaufe O Gods !
What torment equals mine !
Arif. I understand thee :
Some envious tongue has made thee doubt my
truth :
If this afflict thee, thou art indeed unjuft ;
For never, Megacles, fince laft we parted,
Have I even fmn'd in thought againfl my love.
Thy voice has feem'd for ever in my ears ;
My lips have dwelt for ever on thy name ;
My heart retain<l thy image : never yet
I've felt a fecond flame : thy Ariftea-
Mega. Enough I know it well
Arif. Thy Ariftea,
Shall fooner die than for a (ingle moment
Forego her plighted faith.
Mega.
106 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT I.
Mega. Diftra&ing thought ! [a/idc.
Arlf. But look upon me fpeak
Mega. What can I fay ?
SCENE XII.
Enter ALCANDER in hafte.
Ale. My lord, difpatch, if here you come to
fight;
The ftgnal's given, that to the glorious trial
Invites the combatants. [Exit.
SCENE XIII.
MEGACLES, ARISTEA.
Mega. Affift me Gods !
Farewell, my love !
Anf. And wilt thou leave me thus ?
Yet go return my hulband ; I forgive thee.
Mega. Such happinefs is not referv'd for me.
[going.
Anf. Hear me, doft thou itill love me ?
Mega. More than life.
AnJ. Doll thou believe me true ?
Mega. Thy truth I think /
Unfullied as thy beauty.
Arif. Go'ft thou not
To conquer, and to win me ?
Mega.
ACT I.] THE OLYMPIAD. 107
Mega. I would hope it.
Anf. And doft thou ftill poflefs thy wonted
valour ?
Mega. I truft, I do.
Arlf. And thou wilt gain the prize ?
Mega. I hope for victory.
Anf. Then am not I,
Dear Megacles, thy ipoufe ?
Mega. My life, adieu.
)'.>; ; \ TL'O HJ 3i .:.
In thy future happy days,
Think on him who lov'd fo well.
Anf. Tell me what thy grief can raife,
Tell me, love, thy confort tell.
_
Mega. Ceafe, ceafe, thou idol of my heart.
Anf. Speak, Megacles, thy thoughts difclofe.
r Alas ! by fpeaking ?
&** AT i u rf : y u import
t Alas ! by filence 3
New troubles that increafe my woes.
Anf. While thus I fee my lover mourn,
In vain the caufe I feek.
Mega. With jealoufy, I rage, I burn,
Yet, ah ! I dare not fpeak.
Both. What hearts could e'er before fuflain
Such fatal grief, fuch cruel pain !
[Exeunt fe-verallj.
END OP THE FIRST ACT.
ACT
108 THE OLYMPIAD.
ACT II. SCENE I.
ARISTEA, ARGENE.
Arg. No tidings of the combat yet arriv'd ?
Arif. No, beauteous Argene : the law is hard
That fuffers not our fex to be fpeclators.
Arg. Alas ! 'twere greater pain, perhaps, to fee
The man we love expos'd in fuch a conflict,
Nor have it in our power to give him fuccour,
Yet to be prefent
Arif. I methinks am prefent
Though abfent far : even now my labouring mind
Forms things that are not. Could' ft thou fee this
heart;
The combat's here, my friend, here, here it rages
More than in yonder field : before my eyes
I fee the lifts, I fee my Megacles,
The judges and contending combatants !
Imagination paints his rivals ftronger,
His judges partial : doubly in my foul
I feel whatever he feels : the cruel blows,
The threats, the infulting fhouts O ! were I
prefent,
I fhould but fear the truth ; while thus in abfence,
My anxious thoughts create a thoufand dangers,
And what is not, and is, alike I fear.
Arg. No meflenger as yet appears [looking out.
Arif.
ACT II.] THE OLYMPIAD. 10Q
Arif. None yet
O Heaven !
Arg. What can this mean ?
Arif. Alas ! I doubt !
How my heart trembles !
Arg. Whence this mighty tumult ?
Arif. My fate's decided See, Alcander comes.
Arg. O ! hafte Alcander, hafte to give us com-
fort;
What news ?
SCENE II.
f ^ , ,-^r^r .1 r,*r \\
Enter ALCANDER.
Ale. Moft fortunate ! The king, O princefs !
Sends me to you the harbinger of joy.
And I
Arif. Arc the games finifli'd ?
Ale. Yes ; they are.
. Kl L ci i
Arg. Declare the viclor.
Ale. I'll relate the whole :
Already now the impatient gazing crowd
Arif. All this I alk not.
Ale. Let me yet relate
Arif. Say, who has conquer'd ?
Ale. Lycidas has conquer'd.
Arif. Ha ! Lycidas !
Ale.
HO THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT II.
Ale. The fame.
Arg. The prince of Crete ?
Ale. Yes, he who lately landed on thefe ftiores.
Arif. Ill fated Ariftea ! {afide.
Arg. Wretched Argene ! [afide.
Ale. Moft happy princefs ! What a noble con-
fort
Has fate allotted thee !
Arif. Alcander, leave us.
Ale. The king expects you.
Arif. Leave us I will follow.
Ale. He waits your coming in the facred temple,
Where now afTembled
Arif. Wherefore go'ft thou not ?
Ale. Is this the recompenfe my tidings find !
[afide. ~\ [Exit,
SCENE III.
ARISTEA, ARGENE.
Arg. Ah ! tell me, princefs, is there under
Heaven
One, O ye powers ! more hopelefs than myfelf ?
Ar if. Yes, Argene, that wretch am I !
Ar-g. O never
May love on thee inflict the pangs I feel !
Thou know'il not what I've loft; how dear that heart
3 Had
ACT II.] THE OLYMPIAD. Ill
Had coll me, which thou now haft iavifli'd from me.
Anf. Nor canft thou judge the torments I en-
dure.
'"oX" . v.
I grant the fufferings great you prove,
You lofe the object of your love ;
But yet may freely vent your grief,
And feek from pity fome relief :
While I, by ruthlefs Fortune croft,
Behold myfelf and lover loft ;
Yet cannot, midft my woes, retain
The wretched freedom to complain. [Exit.
Enter AMYNTAS.
*/' iT
Arg. [to herfelf.~\ And muft I neither pity find
nor fuccour ?
sir'u ' i. " ' ; 39nA
Amyn. Almighty powers ! Sure Argene appears
In yonder form !
Arg. At leaft revenge, revenge
May be procur'd. \_gwg
Amyn. Thou, Argene, in Elis !
Why here, and here alone in homely weeds ?
Arg. Art thou too come to affift the black de-
figns
Of thy perfidious prince ? The Cretan king
Has doubtlefs to a fage conductor given
The care of Lycidas ! Behold the fruit
Of
112 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT II.
Of thy inftruclions ! Glory then, Amyntas,
To fee thy pains fucceed : who feeks at full
To know the tiller's care, muft mark the foil.
Amyn. Already has fhe heard [afide^] Not my
Arg. Enough no more In Heaven there dill
is juftice
For all, and may fometimes be found on earth :
I will implore it both from men and Gods ;
My rage (hall, like his falfehood, keep no bounds.
To Clifthenes, to Greece, to all the world
.
I'll publiih he's a traitor : infamy
Shall Hill purfue his fteps, that every one
May hate, may fhun him, and with juft abhorrence
May point him out to all that know him not.
Amyn. Thefe thoughts are fure unworthy Af-
gene.
Anger, though juft, is yet a treacherous guide.
Were I as thee I'd prove more gentle methods.
Contrive that he may fee thee, fpeak to him,
Recall his promifes to his remembrance ;
'Tis ever better to regain a lover,
Than to fubdue a foe.
Arg. And doft thou think
That e'er Amyntas he'll return to me ?
Amyn. I hope at leaft thou wert his only joy,
For thee he languifh'd, died for thee ; remember,
Has he not vow'd a thoufand times -^
Ar?.
ACT II.] THE OLYMPIAD. 113
Arg. Remember !
I for my forrow recollect it all.
What faid he not one fatal day ?
What God did not atteft ?
And can he then, ye powers, betray
The faith he once profefs'd ?
For him I every blefling fpurn,
Yet now he flies my fight ;
And wilt thou, love, with this return,
A conftant heart requite ? [Exit.
SCENE V.
AMYNTAS alone.
Unthinking ftate of youth ! when I behold thee
Expos'd to every giddy change of love,
I find new comfort in the calm of years.
'Tis ever grateful from the fhore to view
The diflant wreck ; not that we take delight
In other's woe, but that the mind with pleafure
Contemplates ills from which ourfelyes are free.
Yet hold and has not hoary age its ftorms ?
Alas ! too many ; nor is even exempt
From dread of others : though the name may
change,
Folly is folly ftill ; each age is rul'd
By love or hate, by anger or defire.
VOL.-L i We're
114 THE OLYMPIAD*. [ACT ll.
We're veflels left to wander wide
Amidft a rough and ftormy tide ;
Our furious paffions that prevail,
Are dangerous winds that (well the fail ;
Our life's the fea on which we fleer,
And pleafure is the rock we fear.
Though like a wary pilot now
Her watchful flation Reafon keeps ;
Yet foon the waves may flronger grow,
And whirl us headlong o'er the deeps.
[Exit.
SCENE VI.
CLISTHENES preceded fy LYCIDAS, ALCANDER^
and MEGACLES wearing an olive crown. Chorus
of ivrejilers, Guards and People.
CHORUS.
Than Lycidas a nobler name
For fortitude renown'd,
Did ne'er along his winding flream
Alpheus' fhores refound.
CHORUS. PART i.
No hero e'er more bravely flood,
In combat hand to hand ;
No mightier labours e'er bedew'd
The fam'd Olympic fand.
2 CHORUS.
ACT II.] THE OLYMPIAD. 1,15
CHORUS. PART u.
Minerva's arts are his in -fight,
The wings of Love in fpeed ;
Not Phoebus' or Alcides' might
Can Lycidas exceed.
CHORUS.
Such worth, fuch valorous deeds difplay'd,
For ages fhall endure :
No time with dark oblivion's (hade
Such honours fhall obfcure.
Chf. Brave youth ! who 'midft thy glory ftill
retain'ft
Thy graceful modefty ; permit me now
To prefs thee thus with fondnefs to my bofom.
O happy king of Crete ! who could give birth
To fuch a fon as thee ! O had I ftill
Preferv'd my fon Philinthus, he perhaps
Had been like this [to Alcander.] Alcander
thou remember'll
With what affliction I confign'd him to thee ;
But yet
Ale. It now avails not to revive
Misfortunes paft.
CTif. 'Tis true My Ariftea [to Megacles.
Shall recompenfe thy worth : if Clifthenes
Has aught befides to give, demand it freely :
Tttou caoft not alk what I'd refufe to grant.
J 2 Mega.
110' THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT II.
Mega. Be firm, my heart ! \afide .] My lord,
I am a fon,
And have a tender father ; every pleafure
I fhare not with him lofes half its value :
I would be firft to bear the tidings to him
Of all that has befallen me ; I would alk
The fanclion of his will for my efpoufals ;
And in his prefence give my hand in Crete
To Ariftea.
Clif. Thy defire is juft.
Mega. With your permiffion I will now depart :
But, in my ftead, I leave this friend behind
The guardian and conductor of my bride.
\_prefenting Lycidas.
Clif. What can thofe features mean ? While I
behold them.
A ftrange emotion runs through every vein !
[ajide.
Declare, what youth is this.
Mega. His name's Egyfthus ;'
His country Crete ; he to the royal blood
Is near allie'd ; but friendship more than blood
Unites our fouls ; fo equal are our thoughts,
In every grief or joy alike we fhare,
And naming Lycidas you name Egyfthus.
Lye. Ingenious friendfhip ! \afide.
dllf. Let Egyfthus then
Conduct thy fpoufe : but furely Lycidas
ACT II.] THE OLYMPIAD. 117
Will not depart without one interview.
Mega. O no this meeting mud be dreadful to
me,
For parting would be death : I feel already
The pangs of fuffering
Clif. Ariftea's here.
Mega. Unhappy me ! \_ajlde.
SCENE VII.
Enter ARISTEA.
Arif. To thefe detefted nuptials
I come, even as a victim to the altar. [a/ide.
Lye. Thofe heavenly charms will foon be mine
for ever ! \aftde.
Clif. Draw near, my daughter : look, behold
thy hulband. \_prefenting Megacles.
Mega. Ah ! were it fo ! \afide.
Arif. My hufband ! [fees Megacles.
Clif. Yesj confefs
A fairer tie- was never form'd by Heaven.
Arif. If Lycidas has conquer' d, can my love 1
My father's fure deceiv'd. \afide.
Lye. She thinks her hufband
Is Lycidas, and hence her trouble fprings. \_afide.
Arif. Is this the victor, father ?
Clif. Canft thou alk it ?
Doft
118 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT II.
Doll thou not know him by his looks ? His face
Befmear'd with duft, bedcw'd with honour'd toils ?
That leafy wreath, the glorious ornament
Of him who triumphs ?
Arif. Said'ft thou not, Alcander-rr- '
Ale. I faid the truth, O princefs. I
Clif. Doubt no longer :
Behold the fpoufe to whom thou art join'd by
Heav'n ;
And never could a father's love obtain
A nobler from the indulgent Gods.
Arif. O tranfport ! \?j*4 e '
Mega. O torture ! \afule.
Lye. Happy day ! [afiile.
Clif. What ! neither fpeak !
Whence is this filence ?
Mega. Heavens !-^What iTiall I fay !
Arif. Fain would I fpeak but
Clif, Well I understand thee,
My prefence is ungrateful : majefty,
1'he ftern demeanour of the king and father,
Accords but ill with love. I know how irkfome
To me were fuch reftraints : remain together,
I praife the modefty that keeps you thus
In mutual filence.
Mega. Still my fate's more wretched ! \afide.
Clif.
ACT II.] THE OLYMPIAD. 11 C)
Clif. I know that Love's a boy, and flies
The converfe of the grave and wife ;
Delights in gamefome toys, but fears
The rigid frown of hoary years :
For diftant awe can ne'er agree
With frolick mirth and liberty. [Exit.
.'S C E N E vm . -
i. ii, : IT TO-!
ARISTEA, MEGACLES, LYCIDAS.
Mega. O whither fhall I turn, divided thus
Between my friend and love ! \afide.
Lye. 'Tis time I now
Reveal myfelf to Ariltea. [to Megacles.
Mega. Stay - - [to hhn.
O Heaven ! \afide.
Arif. My lord, my hufband, from thy wife
Conceal thy grief no longer. >w i
Mega. Cruel fate ! >T \' JV \afide.
Lye. My friend, my love admits no more delay,
[to Megacles afuk.
Arif. Thy filence, dearefl Megacles, diftracls
me.
Mega. Yet hold, my heart ; complete thy fa-
crifice : \ajide.
Vouchfafe, O prince ! one moment to retire.
[to Lycidas.
Ljc. Retire ! Say, wherefore -
Mega,
12O THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT II.
Mega. Go : confide in me.
I muft difclofe the whole to Ariftea.
Lye. But may not I be prefent ?
Mega. No : this converfe
Imports far more than thou may'ft think -
Lye. Tiswell;
Thou bid'ft and I obey : I'll not be far,
An inftant may recall me - Think, my friend,
For what, for whom thou fpeak'ft : if Lycidas
Has e'er deferv'd thy gratitude and love,
Now prove it ; to thy faithful aid I trull
My peace, my life. [/..
won .
S C E N E IX.
.WW A] -- -rfit8 .toyM.
MEGACLES, ARISTEA.
3 ] nrc>Il t
Mega. O cruel recollection !
Anf. At length we are alone, and I may now,
Without conftraint, give vent to joy ; may call
thee
My hope, my treafure, my delight -
Mega. No, princefs;
Thofe rapturous names are not for me : referve
them
rr r u i
1 o grace lome happier lover.
Anf. And is this
A time for fuch difcourfe ? this happy day -
But thoughtlefs as I am thou doft but mock me ;
3 I am
ACT II.] THE OLYMPIAD. 121
I am to blame to be alarm'd.
Mega. Alas !
Thou haft but too much caufe -
Anf. Explain thyfelf.
Mega. Hear then ; but rouze thy courage,
Ariftea :
Prepare thy foul to give th' extremeft proof
Of dauntlefs virtue.
Anf. Speak, what would'ft thou fay ?
How my heart trembles !
Mega. Haft thou not declar'd
A thoufand times, 'twas not my form that won
thee,
But that fincerity, that grateful mind,
That foul of honour which infpir'd my thoughts ?
Anf. Moft true indeed : fuch didft thou feem
[ / i ;: .7 ,'.i
to me;
; 7 O ' ' } i '
As fuch I know thee yet, as fuch adore thee.
Mega. Should Megacles e'er change from what
thou knew'ft him,
Be falfe to friendfhip, perjur'd to the Gods,
Forget the benefits conferr'd upon him,
And give him death to whom he owes his life ;
Say, couldft thou love him ftill ? permit him ftill
To woo thee, or receive him for thy huiband ?
Anf. And doft thou think that I can e'er fup-
pofe
My Megacles fo loft to every virtue ?
" ' '
"
Mega.
J22 THE OLYMPIAD. , [ACT II.
Mega. Know then, by fate's decree, that Me-
gacles
Muft be this wretch if e'er he prove thy hufband.
Arif. What haft thou faid ?
Mega. Now hear the fatal fecret.
The prince of Crete, who languifh'd for thy charms,
Implor'd my pity ; 'twas to him I ow'd
My life preferv'd : ah ! princefs, judge thyfelf,
Could I refuie . - .
Arif. And thou haft fought r
Mega. For him.
Arif. And wilt thou lofe me thus \
Mega. Yes, to maintain
Myfelfftill worthy of thee.
3 J
Arif. Muft I then-
Mega. Thou muft complete my work: OArifteai
Confirm the dictates of a grateful heart.
Yes, generous maid, let Lycidas henceforth
Be what till now thy Megacles has been ;
To him transfer thy love : my friend deferves
This happinefs : I live within his breaft ;
Nor can I deem thee loft, if he has gain'd thee.
Arif. Diftracling change ! I fall from highelt
Heaven
To deepeft Hell A paflion, pure as mine,
Deferves a better fate Alas f without thee
Life is not life !
Mega. O beauteous Ariftea \
Do
ACT II.] THE OLYMPIAD. 123
Do not thou too confpire againft my virtue^
Already has it colt me dear to form
This dreadful refolution : one foft moment
Deftroys the glorious worl^.
Arif. To leave me thus
Mega, I have refolv'd
Arif. Haft thou refolv'd ? And when ?
Mega. This is thp laft- How ijiall J liye te
fpeak it ?
This is the laft farewell.
Arif, The laft ! Ingrate !
Affift me, Heaven ! my feet begin to fail ;
Cold damps bedew my face ; methinks I feel
The freezing hand of death upon my heart.
[leans againft a tree.
Mega* My boafted fortitude decays apace ;
The longer I remain, the lefs I find
The power to part Rouze, rouze, my foul ! w
!go r
O ! Ariftea, live in peace.
Arif. What fay' ft thou ?
Wilt^thou then leave me ?
Mega. Fate, my Ariftea,
Demands this feparation.
Arif. And thou go' ft -
Mega. Yes, never to return. \, G ' ln -
Arlf. Hear me Ah no J
Say, whither go' ft thou ?
Mega.
124 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT II.
Mega. Far from thee, my love,
To breathe in other climes
[going, he flops at the entrance.
Arif. O help ! 1 feint
[falls in afwoon upon a rock.
Mega. Unhappy Megacles ! what do I fee ?
Her fpirits fink with grief; my only joy,
T- j_- [returning.
My Ariftea, droop not thus : behold
Thy Megacles is here 1 will not go
Thou (halt be yet What have I faid ? Alas !
She hears me not : and have ye, cruel ftars,
More mifery for me ? No ; there refts but this,
This only to fuftain ! Where fliall I find
A friend to counfel ? What muft I refolve ?
To leave her thus were cruel tyranny !
But what avails my Hay ? Shall I efpoufe her,
Deceive the king, betray my friend ? O ! never :
Honour and friendfhip both forbid the thought :
Yet may I not at lead defer this parting ?
Alas ! my refolution then muft meet
A fecond feparation. Cruelty
Is mercy now Farewell, my life ! Farewell,
My dear loft hope ! On thee may Heaven beftow
The peace denied to me [kijfts her hand.~\
Almighty powers !
Preferve your beauteous work, and add to her's
The cTays that I may lofe \-. What Lycidas !
Where art thou, Lycidas ? [looking out.
SCENE
ACT II.] THE OLYMPIAD. 125
SCENE X.
Enter LYCIDAS.
Lye. Has Ariftea
Been told of all ?
Mega. She has Make hafte, O prince !
Aflifl thy fpoufe. \_g lfl g-
Lye. Ye powers ! What do I fee ?
What can this mean ! [_to Megacles.
Mega. Some unforefeen diforder
Has overcome her fenfes. \_g' tn g*
Lye. Doft thou leave me ?
Mega. I go but O ! remember Ariftea !
[to Lycidas.
What will fhe fay on her returning fenfe !
Methinks I know it all ! [a/ide.~] Hear, Lycidas !
O ! fhould fhe feek, or alk thee where
Thy haplefs friend is fled ;
Return this anfwer to the fair :
My haplefs friend is dead.
Yet, ah ! let not fuch grief torment
The tender mourner's breaft :
\ * - ^T* \
Reply but this : that hence he went,
With anguifh fore oppreft. *^*
What deep abyfs of woe is mine,
From her I love to part !
tin wi on s
And thus for ever to refign
P vJiGCJ 31311} J'
The treafure of my heart ! [Exii.
THE OLYMPIAD. [AC? II,
SCENE XI.
LYCIDAS,- ARISTEA.
Lye. What labyrinth is this in which I am loft !
See Ariftea fenfelefs ! Megacles
Departs affiidled
Anf. O ye powers ! [coming to herfcJf.
Lye. But look !
Her gentle foul refumes its wonted functions :
My love, my princefs ! once again unclofe
Thofe beauteous eyes.
Anf. Ah ! faithlefs, faithlefs hufband !
[not feeing him.
Lye. Call me not thus ; but here receive my
hand,
A pledge of conftancy. [takes her hand.
Anf. At leaft O Heavens ! [fees Lye.
Where, where is Megacles ?
Lye. He's gone !
Anf. Ingrate !
Is he then gone ! Had he the heart to leave m
In fuch a cruel ftate ?
Lye. Thy hufband's here.
jlrif. Is then humanity, faith, love, companion,
[riftng in a rage.
Banifli'd from every breaft ! If fwift-wing'd juftice
Confume not fuch offenders, why, ye powers !
are there bolts in Heaven ?
Lye.
ACT II.] THE OLYMPIAD, 12f
Lyc. I am all amazement !
Say, who has wrong' d thee ? Dofl thou feek re-
venge ?
Speak, fpeak, my love ! Behold thy hufband pre-
fent,
Behold thy Lycidas !
Arif. O Gods ! art thou,
Art thou that Lycidas ? Fly hence, be gone !
Avoid my fight ! It is through thee, perfidious,
I luffer all this wretchedness !
Lyc. What crime
Have I, unknown, committed ! I am diffracted !
Arif. Barbarian ! 'tis by thee I'm nain j
By thee I from myfelf am torn :
Through thee this anguifh I fuftain,
Through thee forfaken and forlorn !
Ne'er hope from me thy peace to find ;
That treacherous boibm I defpife :
Thy foul is hateful to my mind ;
Thy looks are poifon to my eyes !
SCENE XII.
, -f. -. -,;o \ j ; .>..>. ,M! &{ ! )9fio O , >!
LYCIDAS, enter to him ARGENK.
Lyc. [to himfelf] And am I this barbarian, this
perfidious !
Ye powers ! I'll follow her, and know the caufe
Of this mytterious chiding.
128 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT II.
Arg. Traitor, ftay !
Lye. Ha ! do I dream or wake ! [fees Argenc.
Arg. Thou doft not dream ;
no ! thou feeft forfaken Argene ;
Ungrateful man ! behold thefe features, once
Thy fole delight, if midft my pail misfortunes
A trace remains of what they once have been.
Lye. Whence could ihe come ? In what a luck-
lefs hour
Am I furpris'd ? If nill I loiter here
1 lofe my Ariftea. [afide.~\ [to her.~\ Beauteous
maid !
I underftand not what thy words import ;
Some other time thou may'ft at better leifure
Explain thy meaning. \_g om g-
Arg. Hear me, cruel man ! [holding him.
Lye. Unhappy me ! [afide.
Arg. Dofl thou not underftand me ?
But well I underftand thy perfidy,
Thy new affection ! All thy frauds I know ;
And Cliflhenes from me (hall know them all,
To thy confufion. \_g' tn g*
Lye. O forbear ! Yet hear me ; [holding her.
Be not offended, Argene : forgive
This feeming coldnefs : I remember now
My former love, and if thou wilt conceal me,
Perhaps who knows th' event ?
Arg. And can I fuffer
A bafer
ACT II.] THE OLYMPIAD.
A bafer infult ? Say' ft thou then, perhaps -
Who knows th' event ? Yes, yes, 'tis I am guilty :
The motives thou hail urg'd to plead thy pardon,
Are doubtlefs mighty proofs of thy affection.
Lye. Yet hear what I would fay.
{offers to take her hand.
drg. Leave me, ingrate !
I'll hear no more !
Lye. O! Gods! I'm all diftraftion !
No ; the flatterer Hope in vain
Eflays his foothing power :
Revenge alone I feek to gain,
And love expert no more.
Let peace be banifh'd from thy bread,
Where treafon holds her feat ;
I'll call myfelf no more diftrefs'd,
But all my pains forget. [Exit.
SCENE XIII.
LYCIDAS alone.
Was ever fate fo cruelly perplex'd ?
If Argene betrays me, I am loft.
I muft purfue her yet, and calm her rage ;
But who, meanwhile, fhall pacify the princefs ?
My friend alone - but whither is he gone ?
I'll feek him ; Megacles at leaft will give me
Advice and comfort. \_S ln S'
VOL. i. K SCENE
130 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT II.
t
SCENE XIV.
Enter AMYNTAS.
Amyn. Megacles is dead.
Lye. Say'ft thou, Amyntas !
Amyn. 'Tis, alas ! too true.
Lye. Ha ! wherefore ! Say, what impious hand
has dar'd
Cut fhort a life fo precious ? Let me find him,
He fhall be made a monument of vengeance
To all mankind.
Amyn. Forbear thy fearch, and know
'Twas Lycidas that kill'd him.
Lye. Me ? Thou rav'ft !
Amyn. O would to Heaven I did ! wandering
but now
In fearch of thee, amid thefe trees I heard
A fudden groan, and haftening tow'rds the found,
Beheld a man who turn'd his fword unfheath'd
Againft his breaft, and flood prepar'd to fall
Upon the fatal point : I ran to fave him,
Held him from death, and fnatch'd the weapon
from him :
But when I faw the face of Megacles,
Think how we both remain' d ; recovering foon,
What madnefs urges thee to feek thy death ?
I would have faid, but ere I could begip,
" Amyntas,
ACT II.] THE OLYMPIAD. 131
" Amyntas, I have liv'd enough " (he cried,
And figh'd full deeply from his inmoft heart)
" I cannot, will not longer bear the light,
" Depriv'd of Ariftea ; ten long years -
" I've liv'd for her ! 'Tis Lycidas, alas !
" Unknowing kills me : yet he wrongs me not ;
" This life was once his gift, and he refames it."
Lye. Alas ! my friend Go on
Amyn. This faid he vanifh'd
Swift as a Parthian (haft. Thou fee'ft yon* rock,
Whofe lowering front o'erfhades Alpheus' ftream :
Lika lightning thither fpeeding, from the fummit
He leap'd, and headlong plung'd amid the flood.
In vain I cried for help, the waves receiv'd him,
And opening, fwift in circling eddies whirl'd,
Then fudden clos'd again ; the echoing banks
Return' d the found, and he was feen no more. .
Lye. What dreadful image rifes to my light !
Amyn. O let us feek at leaft thofe dear remains
That once contain' d fuch treafure of a foul :
'Tis the laft office that afflicted friendfliip
Can pay his memory ! [Exit.
S C E N E ' XV.
LYCIDAS alone.
Alas ! Where am I !
What has befallen ! Muft then offended Heaven
Shower all its wrath on my devoted head ?
K 2 O Me-
132 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT II,
Megacles ! Where art thou, Megacles !
What is this world without thee ? Cruel Gods !
[raving.
Reftore to me my friend ! 'Twas you who match' d
him
From my embrace, from you I now demand him ;
If you refufe to give him to my vows,
Where'er he is, by force I'll wreft him from you ;
1 fear not all your bolts 1 have a foul
Can urge my fteps to tread the path below,
Which Hercules and Thefeus trod before.
SCENE XVL
iV* Enter ALCANDER.
Ale. What, Lycidas !
Lye. Even from the lowed depth
[not hearing Alcander.
Ale. Hear, Lycidas !
Lye. Ha ! what art thou whofe rafhnefs
Breaks in upon my frenzy ?
Ale. From the king
I come a mevTenger.
Lye. What would the king ?
Ale . He wills that thou be banifh'd far from
, hence,
A fhameful exile : fhould the fetting fun
Leave thee in Elis, thou' it condemn'd to die.
Lye. And fends he thus to me ?
Ale.
JLCT II,] THE OLYMPIAD. 183
Ale. Learn hence to affiime
A borrow'd name, to break the bonds of faith,
And dally with the majefty of kings.
Lye. Dar'ft thou, rafh man !
Ale. No more thus far,, O prince !
My duty bids me, which I have fulfill'd ;
The reft remains with thee. \JLxit.
SCENE XVII.
LYCIDAS alone.
Prefumptuous man ! [draws.
This fword fhall through thy breaft What have
I faid ?
Whom would my rage chaflife ? 'Tis I am guilty :
I am the offender Let me rather plunge
My weapon here Die, wretched Lycidas !
Ha ! wherefore dofc thou tremble, coward hand,
What is't withholds thee ? This indeed is mifery :
I hate my life, and yet my death affrights me;
My heart is torn in pieces ! Rage, revenge,
Repentance, friendship, tendernefs, compaffion,
Love, fhame, all, all diftracT: me : never breafl
Was rent before with fuch contending paflions !
What can this mean ? I tremble 'midft my threats !
I burn and freeze ; I weep even while I rave ;
I wifh for death, yet know not how to die,
Methinks
134 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT II,
Methinks the fhades of night arife,
And blot the luftre of the Ikies !
Around what horrid forms appear !
I feel a thoufand furies here !
Meaegras' fanguine torch infpires
My bofom with terrific fires !
Alecto all her venom drains,
And fheds the poifon through my veins,
[Exit,
ACT
THE OLYMPIAD. 135
ACT III. SCENE I.
ji double path formed by the ruins of an ancient
Hippodrome, in a great fart overgrown with
ivy, brambles, and other wild plants.
MEGACLES, held by AMYNTAS, on one fide, and on
the other, AKISTEA, held by ARGENE, unfeen of
each other. f -
Mega. Leave me, thou feek'ft in vain to oppofe '
my purpofe.
Amyn. O ! think my friend ! think yet again :
believe me
Thou may'ft not find once more the fifher's hand
Whofe aid but now preferv'd thee from the ftream.
Reflect that Heaven is tir'd of fuccouring them
Who tempt too far its goodnefs,
\* i
Mega. Impious fuccour !
Inhuman pity ! to refufe him death
Who lives a dying life ! O Heaven ! Amyntas,
Leave me.
Amyn. O never !
Arif. Leave me, Argene,
Arg. No, hope it not.
Mega. Depriv'd of Ariftea,
I cannot, ought not longer to furvive,
Arif.
13(5 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT III.
Arif. Yes, I will die where Megacles was loft !
Amyn. Yet flay.
Arg. Yet hear me.
Mega. Wherefore iliould I flay ?
Arif. What muft I hear ?
Mega. There is no comfort now
Remains for me.
At if. I have no hope on earth.
Mega. Yet to prolong my life thou flriv'fl in
: 4 vain.
Arif. To keep me here from means of death,
in vain
Thou would'fl attempt.
Amyn. Yet flay.
Arg. Yet hear.
Arif. O Heaven !
Mega. O Gods !
\rneeting each other in the middle of the ftage..
Arif: And art thou Megacles !
Mega. Ah ! princefs !
Arif. Ungrateful ! doft thou hate me, fly me
thus,
That when I feek for death to unite me to thee,
Thou tread' il again the paths of life.
Mega. Behold,
My dearefl Ariftea, how I am curs'd !
All,
ACT III.] THE OLYMPIAD. 137
All, all the ways that lead to wifh'd-for death,
Are barr'd againft me.'
Ar'if. Say, what pitying hand-r-
SCENE II.
Enter ALCANDER.
Ale. O ! facrilegious madnefs ! Impious fury !
Arif. What new difafters are there yet in {lore ?
Alcander, fpeak.
Ale. This inftant has thy father
Receiv'd new life.
Ar'if. What doft thou mean ?
Ale. What mourning,
What ruin might have cover'd all the land,
Had Heaven preferv'd him not.
Ar'if. Say, how ?
Ale. Thou know'ft
By ancient cuftom that the folemn pomp
Of facriflce concludes this feftive day.
While Clifthenes, encompafs'd by his guards,
Drew near the hallow' d temple to complete
The facred rites, whate'er the caufe we knew not,
Or whence he came, but Lycidas impetuous
Oppos'd our way : fuch dreadful looks till then
I ne'er beheld : his right hand grafp'd a fword :
His head was bare, and all his garments torn ;
His locks difhevell'd ; from his fiery eyes
6 Darted
138 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT III.
Darted malignant beams ; fierce indignation
Flum'd on his cheek ftill moift with recent tears.
Amid the aftonifh'd guards he forc'd his way,
And ruming tow'rds the king Here end thy life,
Furious he cried, and rais'd his impious fteel.
Arif. O Gods !
Ale. The king, with countenance unchang'd,
Stood Hill to wait th' event, fix'd on the youth
A look fevere, and thus majeftic fpoke :
Ram man, what mean'fl thou ? Mark how Heaven
protects
The lives of kings ! * Thefe words at once ftopt
ihort
The infenfate youth ; a fudden chillnefs feiz'd him ;
His lifted arm refus'd the fatal blow ;
With awe he own'd offended majefty,
Grew pale and trembled, dropt his threatening
fword,
And from his eyes that glar'd fo late with rage,
The copious tears gufh'd forth,
Arif. I breathe again.
Arg . O fatal rafhnefs !
Amyn. O unthinking youth !
Arif. What of my father now ?
Ale. He has before him
The criminal in chains.
Amyn. Ah ! let us try
What means may fave him yet. [Exit.
SCENE
ACT III,] THE OLYMPIAD. 13()
SCENE III.
MEGACLES, ARISTEA, ARGENE, ALCAXDER,
Mega. Tell me, what fays
Unhappy Lycidas ?
Ale. To all they alk
He nought replies ; though doom'd to death, he
feems
To know it not, or heeds not what befalls him,
He weeps, he calls on Megacles, for him
Enquires of all, on that dear name his lips
Still dwell, as if they knew no other found.
Mega. I can no longer hold : for pity's fake
Lead, lead me to my friend.
Anf. O unadvis'd !
Where would thy rafhnefs tempt thee ! Haft thou
not
Deceiv'd my father ? Know'ft thou not that thou
Art Megacles ? To appear before the king,
Would ruin thee, and cannot fave thy friend.
Mega. Yet let me die at leaft with Lycidas.
[going.
Anf. Hear me. Believ'ft thou not 'tis better far
That I fhould fly to appeafe my angry father ?
Mega. I durft not hope fo much.
Anf. Yes, for thy fake
At leaft I'll try.
1 Mega.
14O THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT III.
Mega. O generous Ariflea !
Grant Heaven that virtuous foul may long refide
In thy dear form : I faid, when firft I faw thee,
Thou wert not mortal go, my love !
Arlf. Enough ;
This needs not, one perfuafive look from thee
Binds me to all that Megacies can afk.
In thee I bear fo dear a part,
By love fo firm am thine ;
That each affection of thy heart,
By fympathy is mine.
When thou art griev'd, I grieve no lefs,
My joys by thine are known ;
And every good thou would' il poflefs,
Becomes in wilh my own. . [Exit.
SCENE IV.
MEGACLES, ARGENE.
Mega. Affift, ye mighty Powers ! the pitying
goodnefs
Of Ariftea ! Will her father then
Forego his indignation ! Juflice fure
Too ftrongly claims the offender's punifhment :
And yet paternal love may conquer all.
But fliould it fail O Heaven ! might I at leaft
Be witnefs to their converfe- -Argene
At diftance I will follow.
ACT III.] THE OLYMPIAD. 141
Arg. No, forbear :
Why Ihould thy care for him diftrefs thee thus ?
Thou fee'ft the Gods themfelves are wearied
grown,
Then leave him to his fate.
Mega. Ha ! leave my friend !
O no, fuch bafenefs never fhall be mine !
When Heaven afTum'd a pleafing face,
I follow'd him in fmiling ikies :
Then let me ftill his footfleps trace,
Though round us gathering ilorms arife.
As in the furnace gold refin'd,
Cafts every drofs impure away :
So in adverlity the mind
Of conftant friends will faith difplay. [Exit.
SCENE V.
ARGENE alone.
Spite of myfelf I feel compaffion for him : t
Fain would I fhow my rage ; I know full well
I have ample caufe, but midfl my anger (till
My threatning lips belie my trembling heart.
And wilt thou Argene confefs this weaknefs !
It fhall not be ungrateful ! perjur'd man !
I here detevl my pity, never more
Will I behold that treacherous face ! 'tis now
The object of my fcorn ; I would exult
To
142 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT III,
To fee him punifh'd : fhould he fall before me
Wounded to death, I would not fhed a tear.
SCENE VI.
,. .y.
Enter AMYNTAS.
Amyn. Where fhall Amyntas fly ? Ill-fated day !
O Lycidas !
Arg. Is then the traitor dead !
Amyn. No, but he foon muft die-.
Arg. Believe it not,
Amyntas : many with the wicked join,
And hence they never fail of help at need.
Amyn. Thou art deceived : there is no more to
hope.
The laws pronounce his death ; the people mur-
mur ;
The priefts exclaim : offended majefty
Demands his blood : the criminal is nam'd
A victim to complete the facrifice
He had profan'd :- the public have already
Confirm'd his fentence : he muft be flain
On Jove's high altar ; there the offended king
Will to the prieft prefent the facred axe.
Arg. Can nought reverfe his doom ?
Amyn. What can reverfe it ?
The youth already is enrob'd with white :
I few
ACT III.] THE OLYMPIAD. 143
I faw him crown' d with flowers O Heaven ! I
faw him
Move to the temple : now, perhaps even now,
He is arriv'd, and now, . O Argene,
The confecrated Iteel may drink his blood !
Arg. Alas ! unhappy prince ! [weeps.
Amyn. Why (houldft thou weep
When tears are vain ?
Arg. And comes not Ariftea ?
Amyn. She comes, but nothing has obtain'd ;
the king
Or will not hear, or cannot grant her fuit.
Arg. And what of Megacles ?
Amyn. Haplefs he's fallen
Upon the guards that sought his track : but now
I heard him midft his chains demand to die
To fare his friend ; and were himfelf not guilty
He had obtain'd his wifh ; but never here
One criminal can for another bleed.
Arg. At leaft he has procur'd another viclim
That may and .will redeem him : Generous good-
nefs !
O glorious fortitude ! Can I hear this
Without a blulh ! Are then the bonds of friend-
fhip
More ftrong than thofe of love ? My foul is
warm'd
To emulate fuch virtue ! let us gain
Our
144 THE OLYMPIAD. PACT III.
.C L
Our fhare of honour ; while the world endures,
Let my misfortunes be admir'd and pitied,
And none with tearlefs eyes repeat my name.
My bofom glows with unknown fire,
I feel the God 'my foul infpire ;
No mortal bounds his power reflrain.
Methinks I fee, unmov'd with fear,
Cords, axes, wheels, and fwords appear,
And dreary (hades of victims flain ! [Exit.
SCENE VII.
AMYNTAS alone.
Fly ! fave thyfelf, Amyntas ! on thefe fhores
All, all is death and horror -yet, O Heaven !
Where fhall I go, depriv'd of Lycidas ?
I who have nurs'd him from his infant years,
Bred him from birth obfcure to regal honours, .
Shall I forfake him thus, depart without him ?
No, to the temple I'll again return ;
There meet the fury of the offended king :
Let Lycidas involve me in his fate,
There let me die with grief, but die befide him.
Like the poor wretch by tempefls thrown
To fuffer wreck on feas unknown,,
When 'midft the waves he pants for breath,
And ftruggles with furrounding death :
The
ACT III.] THE OLYMPIAD. 145
The wreck that bore him, bears no more,
The ftars are loft he view'd before ;
Even Hope her feat no longer keeps,
But leaves him helplefs to the deeps. [Exit.
,i , fj 'i\ L
SCENE VIII.
An outfide view of the temple of JUPITER OLYMPUS,
the defcent from which is by a magnificent flight
of fleps. An open place before the temple, with
an altar burning in the middle : around is a wood
of f acred olive-trees, from which the crowns are
made for the viflors in the games.
CLISTHENES defcends from the temple preceded by a
crowd of people and his guards : LYCIDAS in white
veflments crowned with flowers: ALCANDER,
Chorus of priefls, fome of whom carry the inflru-
ments of facrifice.
CHORUS.
Eternal Power ! in Heaven rever'd,
Great Sire of Gods attend !
Thy vengeful bolts, by mortals fear'd,
Great God of kings fufpend !
PART CHORUS.
See mighty Jove ! thy wrath to afTuage,
His blood thy altar ftain,
Who in a king, with impious rage
Thy image durft profane.
TOL. i. L CHORUS.
140 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT III.
CHORUS.
Eternal Power ! in Heaven rever'd,
Great Sire of Gods attend !
Thy vengeful bolts, by mortals fear'd,
Great God of kings fufpend.
PART CHO&US.
The wretch fhall pafs the dreary tide
From Lethe's filent fhore :
With him fhall all our fears fubfide ;
His guilt be heard no more.
r
CHORUS.
Eternal Power ! in Heaven rever'd,
Great Sire of Gods attend !
Thy vengeful bolts, by mortals fear'd,
Great God of kings fufpend !
CHf. Ill-fated youth ! behold thy haplefs days
Draw to their wretched period : yet may Jove
Punifh me, if I feel not fuch compaffion,
I dare not look on thee : and would to Heaven
I could conceal thy crime : but this, my fon,
This muft not be. I am guardian of the throne,
To me the dignity unftain'd defcends ;
And I muft render it unftain'd to him
Who fhall fucceed me, or muft vindicate
The rights infring'd. It is the painful duty
Of thofe who reign, fometimes to curb their pity,
l But
ACT III.] THE OLYMPIAD. 14/
But if thou wifheft aught, except thy life,
Speak freely thy defire ; and here I fwear
To fee it duly anfwer'd : yes, my fon,
Alk what thou wilt, and clofe thine eyes in peace.
Lye. My father, for thefe words are from a fa-
ther
And not a king and judge, I hope not, afk not,
Defire not pardon ; nor would even receive it.
Fate with afflictions has fo heap'd my days,
That life not death I fear. My only wifh,
Since he flilj lives, is to behold my friend
Before I die : this final grace I beg ;
Let me embrace him once and die contented.
Clif. Thy fuit is granted. Guards ! let Megacles
Be brought before our fight,
Ale. You weep, rhy lord :
What new compafTion has fo far deprefs'd
Your troubled foul ?
Clif. Alcander, I confefs it.
I wonder at myfelf ; his looks, his voice
Have rais'd a flrange convulfion in my frame,
That vibrates through my nerves. Midii all my
thoughts
I feek, but feek in vain to find the caufe ;
Ye righteous Gods what can this tumult mean ?
Whence
148 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT III,.
Whence can thefe tender paffions rife ?
This warmth that through my bofom flies,
This new, but pleating pain ?
Sure pity never could impart
Such ftrong emotions to the heart,
That thrill through every vein.
t j _il l,,l S*g
SCENE IX.
Enter MEGACLES, guarded.
Lye. Come, great example of unfullied friend-
Ihip,
Come, moft belov'd, and deareft Megacles !
Mega. Alas ! my prince, and do I find thee
thus ?
Lyc.To fee thee living makes me blefs'd in death.
Mega. And what is life to me if I'm denied
To pay it for thy fafety ? Yet thou fhalt not
Be long before me ; no, my Lycidas,
Together {hall our friendly manes crofs
The difmal flream.
Lye. O ! thou, while fate permitted,
The dear companion of my joys and forrows !
Yes, we mufl part : lince then we've reach'd at
length
This fatal hour, give me thy faithful hand
And hear me ; 'tis my prayer, my lalt command.
Still live, I charge thee live ; and O ! my friend,
3 Clofe
ACT III.] THE OLYMPIAD.
Clofe with thy pitying hand my dying eyes :
Sometimes remember me : return to Crete :
There to my father moft unhappy father !
All unprepar'd for fuch a cruel flroke,
There foften, while thou telFfl the bitter tale :
Comfort, aflift his age opprefs'd with grief,
I recommend him to thee if he weep,
Dry up his tears, and if he afk a fon ;
Thou, in thyfelf, to him a fon reftore.
Mega. Ah ; hold thy words diffract me !
CHf. No, Alcander,
I can refill no longer : mark thofe looks,
Obferve that flricl: embrace, each tender figh,
Thofe lafl adieus confus'd with frequent tears !
Unhappy ftate of frail mortality !
Ale. My lord, the hour for facriflce is paft.
Clif. 'Tis true Ye facred miniflers, receive
The victim to your charge, and you, ye guards,
Divide him from his haplefs friend.
" [the priejis and guards part them.
Mega. Barbarians !
O i from my breafl, you rend my bleeding heart.
Lye. Alas ! my friend !
Mega. My dearefl prince i
Both. Farewell !
[looking on each other at a diftancc.
CHORUS.
150 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT III.
CHORUS.
Eternal Power ! in Heaven rever'd,
i
Great Sire of Gods attend !
Thy vengeful bolts, by mortals fear'd,
Great God of kings fufpend !
\While the Chorus is fung, Lycidas kneels at
the altar by the fide of the prieji. The king
receives the confecrated axe from one of the
minifters of the temple ; and as he is prepar- .
ing to deliver it to the prieft, the foregoing
chorus is fung accompanied with fohmn
mujic.~\
Clif. O Sire of Gods and men ! Almighty Jove !
At whofe dread nod, earth, fea and Heaven are .
mov'd !
Thou, with whofe power the univerfe is fill'd,
Thou, from whofe hand depends the wondrous
chain
Of caufes and events ! accept this victim
Now facrific'd to thee ; and may it wreft
The threatning thunder from thy awful hand !
\As Clifthenes is about to deliver the axe to the
'prieft, he is interrupted ly the fudden ap-
pearance of Argene.]
SCENE
ACT III.] THE OLYMPIAD. 151
SCENE X.
Enter ARGENE.
'. ';,. *-;{;. ( ' .' : . . : ' ; * w . ,'Ot- /
Arg. Forbear, O king ! Forbear ye holy priefts !
Clif. O raflinefs unadvis'd ! Thou know'ft not,
nymph,
What rites thou haft difturb'd.
Arg. I rather come
To make them more acceptable to Jove ;
I bring a guiltlefs voluntary viclim,
One who has fortitude enough, and feeks
To die for this offender.
Clif. Where's the vidlim ?
Arg. In me behold it.
Mega. Wondrous proof of love ! \afide.
Lye. O my confulion ! [afide.
Clif. Know our law permits not
The weaker fex to fuffer for the ftrong.
Arg. Yet fure the wife may fuffer for her huf-
band :
For thus I've heard Alcefte in Theffalia
Preferv'd Admetus' life ; and well I know
That her example is become our law.
Clif. What art thou then the wife of Lycidas ?
Arg. He gave his hand, and plighted me his
faith.
Clif.
THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT III.
Clif. Lycoris, hearing thee, I've more than
caught
Thy frenzy : can a kingdom's heir efpoufe
A low-born fhepherdefs ?
Arg. I'm not Lycoris,
Nor am I lowly born- my name is Argene.
The ancient glory of my noble blood
Is known in Crete ; and Lycidas can tell
If e'er he vow'd me love.
Clif. Speak, Lycidas.
Lye. 'Tjs furely now companion to be falfe.
[ajtde. .
Believe her not. [/o Clifthenes.
Arg. Ha ! canft thou then deny it ?
Turn thee, ingrate ! if me thou wilt not own.
Yet fee thy gifts ; behold this golden chain,
Which I from thee receiv'd that haplefs day,
When thou didft fwear to take me for thy bride.
Lye. O 'tis too true ! \afide,
Arg. Behold him, mighty king.
Clif. Guards ! take her from our prefence.
Arg. Hear, my friends !
Ye facred minifters ! Eternal Gods !
If any Gods are prefent at thefe rites,
This facrifice unjuft, before ye all
I here proteft, I fwear that I am wife
To Lycidas, and I will die for him ;
Nor
ACT III.] THE OLYMPIAD. 153
Nor mall a power O princefs ! hafte, aflift.me,
Thy father hears me not. [fees Ariftca.
SCENE XI.
j'lJi oo- worn j:Ma
w/^r ARISTEA.
Arif. Believe me, fir,
She well deferves your pity. \to Clif.
Clif. Would you then
Reduce me to diftraclion like yourfelves ?
Speak, but be brief. \to Argenc.
Arg. Then let thefe jewels fpeak
While I am iilent ; do the nymphs of Elis
Wear ornaments like thefe ?
[gives the chain to Clifthenes.
Clif. What do I fee ! [difturbed.
Tell me, Alcander, know'ft thou not this chain ?
Ale. Know it ! 'Tis what adorn'd thy helplefs
fon,
When to the waves an infant I expos'd him.
Clif. Lycidas ! Heavens ! through all my frame
I tremble !
Rife, Lycidas - look here - fay, is it true ?
Had me this gift from thee ? -
Lye. And yet for that
She muft not die - our promife was a fecret
It never had effect - the marriage rites
Were never folemniz'd.
J54 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT III.
Clif. I aik but this,
Was this thy gift ?
Lye. It was.
Clif. Say, from what hand
Didft thou receive it ?
Lye. From Amyntas' hand.
Clif. And who is that Amyntas ?
Lye. One to whom
My father gave the charge to form my youth.
Clif. Where is he now ?
Lye. With me he came from Crete,
With me arriv'd at Elis.
Clif. Inftant feek
For that Amyntas.
Arg. He himfelf is here.
SCENE XII.
Enter AMYNTAS.
Amyn. O Lycidas ! \_ff ers to embrace him.
Clif. Forbear awhile, and anfwer,
But truly anfwer, whence thou hadft this chain.
Amyn. My lord, 'twas given me by a hand un-
known ;
Since which have twenty-five long years elaps'd.
Clif. But where was this ?
Amyn. Where turbulent Afopus
Neat
ACT III.] * THE OLYMPIAD. 155
Near Corinth pours his current to the fea.
Ale. Sure in that vifage I confefs the trace
Of features feen before : I am not deceiv'd,
Tis he himfelf ! [afide.~] O mighty king ! I am
guilty, \_kneeh.
And own my former crime : yet grant me pardon,
And I'll difclofe the whole.
Clif. Rife then, and fpeak.-
Ale. I did not,, as thou gav'ft to me in charge,
Expofe the infant ; vanquifh'd by my pity,
I gave him to this ftranger, who by chance
Appear' d before me, hoping he might bear
The haplefs child to fome far diftant fhore.
Clif. Where is that child, Amyntas ? What be-
fell him ?
Amyn. I Heaven ! What myftery muft I
now reveal !
Clif. Ha ! art thou pale ? Speak, wretch, what
didft thou with him ?
Add not by lilence to thy former guilt.
Amyn. Thou haft him prefent Lycidas is he.
Clif. How ! Is not Lycidas the prince of Crete ?
Amyn. That prince an infant died. When I to
Crete
Again return' d, I gave the afflicted king
This child ; and to fupply the fon he loft,
By my advice he bred him for his heir.
Clif.
156 THE OLYMPIAD. [ACT III.
CTif. Gods ! 'tis Philinthus, 'tis my fon, my fon !
[embracing him.
Anf. Ye powers !
Lye. Am I your fon !
Cl'if. Yes ; thou wert born
A twin with Ariflea : Delphos bade me
Expole thee, when an infant, to the fea,
Threatning in thee the crime of parricide.
Lye. Now I perceive what caus'd my fecret
horror,
When late this hand was rais'd againft your life.
Clif. Now well I underftand the ftrange emotion
I felt before thy prefence.
Amyn. Happy father !
f r ,,] j
Ale. 'Tis yours this day to render many bleft.
Clif. Nor do I purpofe lefs. My fon mall be
The fpoufe of Argene, and Megacles
Of Ariflea but my fon Philinthus
Is criminal, and Hands condemn'd to die.
Mega. No more he's guilty fince he's found
your fon.
Clif. Has then my blood the mighty privilege
Of doing wrong unpuniih'd ? All come here
To mew their fortitude ; mail I alone
Give proofs of weaknefs ? Never mail the world
Thus witnefs to my fhame. Ye minifters \
The facred fire rekindle on the altar ;
Go,
ACT III.] THE OLYMPIAD. 157
Go, die my fon ! I fhall not long furvive thee.
Amyn. O cruel juftice !
Ale. O inhuman virtue !
Mega. My lord, forbear, thou canft not now
condemn him ;
In Sicyon, not Olympia, art thou king :
The day is pad in which thou didft prefide,
The criminal muft wait the public fentence.
CUf. Then hear the public voice ; let that de-
cide,
T neither alk his life, nor feek to fave him.
CHORUS of PRIESTS and PEOPLE.
The fon, though guilty, fhall furvive
Nor by his punifhment deprive
Of peace a guiltlefs fire :
Let not fuch horror ilain the day,
Or unpropitious grief allay
The joys our rites require.
END OP THE THIRD ACT.
HYPSIPYLE.
HYPSIPYLE.
PERSONS OF THE DRAMA.
THOAS, King of LEMNOS, Father of HYPSIPYLE.
HYPSIPYLE, in love with, and betrothed to JASON.
EURYNOME, a widow Princefs of the royal blood,
mother of LEARCHUS.
JASON, Prince of THESSALY, in love with, and
betrothed to HYPSIPYLE ; General of the AR-
GONAUTS in the expedition to COLCHOS.
RHODOPE, Confidante of HYPSIPYLE, in love with,
but deceived by LEARCHUS.
LEARCHUS, So'n of EURYNOME, in love with, but
rejected by HYPSIPYLE.
The SCENE lies in LEMNOS.
ACT I. SCENE I.
The entrance of the temph of BACCHUS, adorned
with feftoons of vine leaves, hanging from the
arches, and wreathed round the columns. Various
images of Satyrs and Silenus.
HYPSIPYLE . and RHODOPE, crowned with vine
leaves, each with a thyrfis in her hand. A troop
of Bacchanals at a diftance.
Hyp. Hafte, Rhodope,, in pity to my grief,
Fly, fave my father : let him not approach
Thefe fatal fhores, tell him what danger waits
In this detefted palace ; open all
The dire confpiracy of female malice.
Rho. And yet this inftant has thy tongue pro-
nounc'd
The dreadful oath to take thy father's life \
Myfelf beheld thee at the horrid altar
With countenance unmov'd
Hyp. All, all was feign'd
To blind Eurynome ; thou faw'ft how fierce
She breathed her impious rage from breaft to breaft;
VOL. i. M Say,
1 62 HYPSIPYLE. [ACT i.
Say, who can Hop a torrent's headlong courfe ?
When every one belides confefs'd her fury,
Had I remain' d fufpecled, I had loft
The means to aflift my father. Filial duty
Taught me to wear the mafk of fell revenge :
But while my lips breath 'd out the murderous vovf,
My heart invok'd the Gods for his protection ;
And even my feeming boldnefs fprung from fear.
Rho. Yet think not me
Hyp. If thou delay 'ft, we are ruin'd
O fly, my friend ! .lofe not a moment's time j
Already are his veflels near the port
O Heaven ! whom do I fee ? Eurynome !
Rho. What threatening vengeance fparkles in
her eyes !
H)'p. Whifper fome counfel to me, gracious
,' powers !
S C E> N E II.
* tab .!
Enter EURYNOME, with a train of women, dreffed
like Bacchanals.
Eury. Princefs ! and you my brave companions,
hear.
The faithlefs Lemnians from the Thracian fhores.
Once more regain their long-forfaken home :
The glorious tafk is ours to avenge the wrongs
Of our neglected fex ; the ungrateful traitors
At length return ; but diftant from our foil,
3 Thrice
ACT I.] HYPSIPYLE. l()3
Thrice have they feen fucceffive harvefts rife.
They come, but with them bring the ill-omen'd
fruits
Of their detcfled loves, and ftolen embraces :
Even in our light they bring our hated rivals,
With features painted like the mountain favage,
And nurs'd with milk of beafts ; and thefe, O
fhame !
Shall boaft the fpoils of your affronted beauty.
Revenge ! revenge ! our folemn oath is given :
All muft confpire to aid the great delign.
The night will to defencelefs fleep conlign
The offenders fpent with toil ; the rites of Bacchus
With feftive fhouts will drown each dying groan.
O then let fathers, brothers, hufbands, fons,
Fall undiftinguifh'd in one common ruin ;
A great example of vindictive juftice, (
To warn mankind to keep their plighted faith.
Hyp. Yes, fhe who harbours pity merits death.
Rho. How well fhe feigns a fury ! [aftde.
Hyp. Rhodope,
Depart with fpeed, .(thou know' ft what I would fay)
And when the Lemnian troops fhall gain the land,
Repair to give us tidings.
Eury. Fruitlefs caution :
Myfelf beheld the fquadrons leave the fhips,
Hyp. What fays Eurynome ?
Eury. Even now I faw them.
M 2 Hyp.
HYPSIPYLE. [ACT* i.
Hyp. O let me flop my father ! \afide, going.
Eury. Whither go'ft thou ?
Hyp. To meet the king, and with a forc'd em-
brace
Conceal my hatred, and prevent fufpicion.
Eury. "Tis now too late behold where Thoas
comes.
Hyp. O Heavens ! I faint ! [afide.
SCENE III.
Enter THOAS attended.
TJio. [to Hyp.] Thou deareft of my cares !
Come to thy father's breaft ; remote from thee
I heavier felt the weight of lengthen'd years ;
But now, my daughter, thou art prefent with me,
My age feems loft, and youth again revives.
[embraces her.
Hyp. O my torn heart ! \ajide.
TJio. What mean, Hypfipyle,
Thofe looks of fadnefs ? Is it coldly thus
A daughter meets her father ?
Hyp. Ah ! thou know'fl not \afide.
My lord !
Eury. Take heed, Hypfipyle.
\afide to Hypfipyle.
Hyp. O torture ! \afde.
Eury.
ACT I.] HYPSIPYLE. 105
Eury. Her-weaknefs will betray me. \afide.
Tho. Is my ppefence
Become fo hateful to thee ?
Hyp. Ah ! my father !
Thou little know'ft my thoughts !
[Eurynome threatens Hypfipyle, to prevent
her fpeaking.
Tho. Speak,
Hyp. Heavens ! I cannot.
Tho. Speak, daughter, if thy heart averfe dif-
claim
The deftin'd nuptials with Thefialia's prince,
Whom every moment we expect
Hyp. O fir !
From the firft inftant I beheld, I lov'd him.
Tho. Perchance, accuflom'd in my (lead to reign,
Thou fear'fl that my return muft end thy power ;
Thou art deceived ; I 'am no longer here
A fovereign or a king. Abfolve, condemn ;
Rewards and punifhments are in thy hand ;
I alk no further, dear Hypfipyle,
Than here to live with thee, and die befide thee.
[embraces her.
Hyp. No more, my father !
[weeps and kiffes his hand.
Tho. Whence thefe gufhing tears ?
Eury. The foft effufions of too fudden joy.
Tho.
HYPSIPYLE. [ACT i.
77/0. Excefs of joy, through quick furprife,
Oft bids the tears o'erflow ;
But fure fome paffion fills thine eyes
With drops that fpring from woe.
Few can deceive, with fhews of art,
A father's watchful care ;
Whofe light explores a daughter's heart,
And reads her forrows there. [Exit.
*";<
SCENE IV.
HYPSIPYLE, EURYNOME, RHODOPE, Bacchanals,
Eury. Hypfipyle.
Hyp. What would'ft thou?
Eury. If thy nature
Refufe to lift thy weapon againfl Thoas,
Refign the talk to us.
Hyp. Why doll thou feek
To rob me of the deed my. arm afpires to ?
Think better of my faith.
Eury. 'Tis boldly promis'd :
Thou bid'ft me trull thee, yet but now I faw
When in a father's fight thy looks grew pale.
Hyp. Even from the hardy warrior's cheek,
Oft-times the colour flies ;
When firft the trumpet's clangors fpeak,
And bid the battle rife.
Yet
ACT I.I HYPSIPYLE.
J
Yet fcorns his foul, with brave difdain,
Ignoble doubts to hear ;
Though on his face awhile remain
The tranfient marks of fear. [Exit.
SCENE V.
EURYNOME, RHODOPE, Bacchanals.
Eury. See, Rhodope, already day declines :
We mufl delay no longer : fome few moments
Shall give th' expected fignal but methinks
Thou look'ft difturb'd.
Rho. The reverend age of Thoas
Excites my pity ; and in him I ftill
Refpect the name and perfon of a king.
Eury. He is our greateft foe : in cruel exile
By him Learchus died ; and Rhodope
Might better fure remember both our wrongs :
In him I loft a fon, and thou a lover.
Rho. His crimes but well deferv'd his punifli-
ment :
For me he.feign'd a paflion, while he fought
With impious love to' force Hypfipyle.
Eury. I fee full well thou feek'ft with vain ex-
cufes
To hide thy weaknefs.
Rho. I'm a woman ftill.
Eury. Then as a woman burft thy flavifh bonds,
And vindicate thy fex on perjur'd man.
Tis
l68 HYPSIPYLE. [ACT i.
'Tis falfely faid that woman-kind,
As by the laws of Heaven defign'd,
To gentle paflions ftill confin'd,
With love alone the heart control.
Tis ours alike, when vengeance warms,
To mijc in battle's Hern alarms,
With beauty's or with valour's arms,
To allure or terrify the foul.
[Exit with Bacchanals.
SCENE VI.
Enter LEARCHUS.
Rho. [to herfelf.~\ Why feem the Gods regard-
lefs of mankind !
Is there no pitying power that will protect
This wretched land ? O moft detefted night !
O horror ! Ha ! what do \ fee ! Learchus !
Lear. Silence, dear Rhodope, betray me not.
Lear. I fpread the rumour to deceive the king.
Rho. What brings thee unadvis'd to perifh here?
Fly, fly, Learchus !
Lear. Let me yet a moment
Breathe out my faithful vows.
Rho. Learchus, no.
Too late thou would' ft betray my eafy faith :
Tis jealoufy that brings thee back to Lemnos,
Haft
ACT I.] HYPSIPYLE.
Haft thou not heard Hypfipyle muft wed
The prince of ThefTaly ? Thou haft, and now
Thy treacherous mind revolves fome black defigh.
Lear. Believe me not fo guilty
Rho. Hence ! no more :
Fly, fave thyfelf : to-morrow's fatal dawn
Shall here behold the race of man extinct.
The- vengeful daughters of our Ifle have fworn
To wreak their rage on the devoted fex :
This is the hour of flaughter.
Lear. Canft thou hope
That I'm fo weak ? Invent fome better fiction
To terrify Learchus.
Rho. Yet believe me ;
O fly ! thou art loft, if thou contemn'ft my pity.
Lear. Forgive me if I muft fufpect thy pity.
Thou think'ft I have betray'd thee, canft thou then
So warmly prize the fafety of a foe ?
No, Rhodope, that virtue ill we credit
Which foars above the weaknefs of mankind.
Rho. Each thinks another's paffions ftill
Are by his own expreft ;
And thus confounds the good or ill,
In every other breaft.
Jf thou canft fcarcely now conceive
That pity dwells in mine,
With equal pain muft I believe
That treafon dwells in thine. [Exit.
SCENE
17O HYPSIPYLE. [ACT i;
SCENE VII.
ZEARCHUS alone.
No 1 defpife a woman's foolifh threats :
Befall what will we muft difturb the nuptials
Of the too happy Jafon. Near the fhore
A defperate band, inur'd to live on fpoiL,
And long the terror of the failor-train,
Attend my nod. I know each avenue
And quarter of the palace ; here awhile
I'll lurk conceal' d, and act as time demands.
Let thofe who but begin to plunge in guilt,
Shrink at the danger ; I've already pafs'd ' V.
So far from crime to crime, 'twere fruitlefs now
To Hop my mid career with late remorfe.
Who ne'er has left the flying fhore,
When firft he fails the ocean o'er,
Thinks every ftar with fate combin'd,
And dreads a rtorm in every wind.
With trembling heart each found he hears :
But cuftom foon difpels his fears ;
Then to the billows' roar he fleeps,
Or carele'fs lings amid the deeps. [Exit*
SCENE
ACT I.] HYPSIPYLE. 171
SCENE VIII.
^i tt
Part of the garden belonging- to the palace, with
fountains on each Jtde, and a mew of a grove
facred to DIANA. Time, night.
-II* JI ..v,
HYPSIPYLE, THOAS, LEARCHUS concealed in the
grove.
i/orfrj
Hjp. At length thou art fafe, my father : here
unfeen
In Dian's facred grove, till my return
Amid thefe fhades remain.
. Tho. Are thefe, my daughter,
Thy Jafon's. nuptials ! this our tender meeting !
Hyp. Ah ! fir ! conceal yourfelf : the time ad-
mits not
Of vain complaints.
Tho. O Heaven ! muft thou return,
Expos'd to all the rage of female malice ?
[Learchus advances and liftcns unfeen.
Hyp. By this alone I can fecure our fafety :
My prefence muft confirm what I've invented,
That all may deem thee dead.
Tho. How canft thou hope
To blind Eurynome ?
Hyp. A Lemnian flain
Wrapp'd in thy regal veil, mall cheat the eye ;
O'er him I'll mourn, and feem to weep my father.
Tho.
172 HYPSIPYLE. [ACT i.
Tho. I doubt thy pious fraud
Hyp. O no ! in Heaven
There flill are Gods that watch the life of kings.
And aid the jufl defigns of innocence.
Tho. There is no friendly power for us
Hyp. If all
Confpire againft us, and vindictive rage
Should for thy blood preferv'd demand my own,
Flow deep the vital ftream ; at lead thcfe eyes
Shall ne'er behold thy death : the world fhall know
That midft my fex's univerfal guilt,
I dill purfued the unerring path of virtue,
Nor e'er forgot a daughter's facred ties. [Exit.
SCENE IX.
THOAS alone.
Heroic maid ! Fate, I forgive thee all ;
Thou mad'ft me father to Hypfipyle,
And every fuffering's light : take, take my throne,
Deprive me next of life, but cherim ftill
Such fentiments to infpire my. daughter's bread,.
And, pitying Gods ! I'll thank you for your bounty.
My foul, indulging in the thought,
With tender bliis runs o'er ;
Her words to me that peace have brought,
My bread had loft before.
Defpis'd
ACT I.] HYPSIPYLE. 173
Defpis'd alike be every ill
Which mortals can fuftain,
One moment's joy which now I feel,
Is worth an age of pain.
[retires into the grove.
SCENE X.
LEARCHUS, THOAS apart.
Lear. What have I heard ? Did Rhodope in-
deed
Declare the truth ? How if Hypfipyle
Returning here fhould take me for her father ?
O fair device ! then might I feize the princefs,
Deceive and force her ha ! it fhall be fo :
But hold no matter doubtlefs love infpires
The happy fraud : be bold my heart what,
Thoas ! [approaches to the grove.
Where can he lie conceal'd ?
Tho. A voice unknown
Repeats my name ! What means it ?
Lear. Wretched daughter !
Whom now thy father undefigning kills.
Tho. What haft thou faid ? for whom doft thou
lament ?
Who art thou ? fpeak.
Lear. Unlefs I find the king,
Hyplipyle is loft.
Tho.
174 HYPSIPYLE. [ACT i.
Tho. Ha ! loft ! Say,' wherefore ?
Behold me here. [coming out.
Lear. Thanks to the mighty Gods !
But fly, my lord ! fly from this impious place :
In Lemnos 'tis fufpected you're conceal'd.
Soon will the vengeful female bands appear ;
And fhould your prefence verify fufpicion,
Your daughter for her piety mud fuffer.
Tho. At leaft I'll flay and die in her defence.
Lear. Ah ! if thou truly lov'ft her, rather fly ;
Thy flight alone can fave her.
Tho. Tell me, friend,
To whom I ftand indebted for this kindnefs.
Lear. Thou know'ft me not I am but hade,
depart ;'
For look, already through the parting boughs,
I fee the mingled gleam of rebel arms.
Tho. When will ye ceafe your malice, cruel
ilars ! [Exit.
SCENE XI.
LEARCHUS alone.
Heaven profper^ to my wifh the wiles of love :
Ye timorous lovers, learn from me to mix
Boldnefs and ftratagem to feize to ravifh
All means are glorious. Be the -conquer! ours,
And whether wit or fortune give the prize,
Alike the vidlor merits his reward.
ACT I.] HYPSIPYLE. 175
Each lover that would win the fair,
May with the warrior well compare,
For whether fame or beauty charms,
Alike the fchool of love and arms.
The lover ufes fraud and lies ;
Infidious arts the warrior tries ;
And both, when victory they gain,
Forget their former toil and pain.
[retires into the grove*
SCENE XII.
A hall illuminated) with an image of REVENGE in
the middle.
HYPSIPYLE, RHODOPE.
Hyp. Yet hear me fhun me not.
Rho. How fhall I ftay ?
My foul is chill'd with terror Can I view
A cruel daughter who has dar'd to fleep
Her impious weapon in a father's blood ?
Leave me
Hyp. Suppofe thou art deceiv'd ?
Rho. Deceiv'd?
Shall I not then believe thefe eyes that faw
The murder'd monarch in his regal palace ?
I faw, and tremble yet with fear and horror.
^ Hyp.
HVPSIPYLB. [ACT i.
Hyp. O no, my friend, in him who feem'd like
Thoas,
Thou faw'ft but hark fome one approaches go,
Attend me at Diana's facred grove :
There fhalt thou know the whole, and further
may'ft
Aflift me with thy friendship.
SCENE XIII.
Enter EURYNOME.
Eury. One amongft us
Betrays her faith.
Hyp. And whence is this alarm ?
Eury. One of our tyrants yet furvives, even now
He was furpris'd within the narrow pafs
That leads into the palace.
Hyp. Heavens ! I tremble
My father fure [afide.
Rho. Perhaps it is Learchus. \afide.
Hyp. Could'ft thou difcern his perfon ?
Rho. Has his name
Yet reach' d thy ears ?
Eury. By favour of the (hade
He fcap'd our knowledge ; but in armour fheath'd
Againft our force he made a bold defence.
Rho. Is he then taken ?
Hjp.
ACT It] HYPSIPYLE. 177
Hyp. Is he vanquifh'd ?
Eury. No:
But foon the female fquadrons muft o'erpower
His fingle arm.
^ -11 ' j *j T ' -L i
. O ill-advis d Learchus !
^ijont I wo* t noflw tjd ; D v/oilof 1
. Ah ! wretehed ft*p r ;| t |;( '^
SCENE XIV,
v'jl'^ I- "!i>3Dnhcj -nil .ift!diui.iJ iCjIT
Enter JASON w his fword drawn, purfumg fome
Amazons.
. WKLI . wl v'i*
Jaf. \witfan.\ 'Tis in vain ye hope
To elude my juft revenge, while thus -
\_fees Hypfipyle as he is about to attack her.
Eury. Rho. O Heaven !
^ tffOft i, t
*/ My love !
.r: 2fi3ifi 3J:nv
>. Ah prince !
r, nt)U- f :t U r< JpIJUji|1 ; i:ij>.
J^/C Is this the Lemnian palace ?
Or thefe the inhofpitable Lybian Ihores ?
Hyp. Ah! my lov'd prince ! what God ha$
fav'd your life ?
Jaf. I came to celebrate the rites of Hymen>
But found myfelf befet with hoftile arms.
Hyp. Thou fhould-Tt ere this have fent to give
us notice
Of thy arrival.
Jaf. No ; I hop'd to increafe
VOL. i. N Thy
178 hYPiiPYtfi. [Act i t
Thy rapture by this unexpected meeting.
For this I left my followers in the veflel,
And tow'rds the palace took my purpps'd way '.
When fudden by an armed troop aflail'd,
I drew my fword ; and foon the aflailants fled.
Enrag'd I follow'd ; but when now I thought
To o'ertake and punifh the perfidious band^
I met with thee.
Hyp. Go, Rhodope, command
That all forbear the prince of Thefialy ;
His life be facred ; for our vow extends
To Lemnians only. [Exit Rhodope.
SCENE XV.
HYPSIPYLE, EURYNOME, JASON.
Jaf. Vow ! what means Hypfipyle ?
Eury. The ungrateful fex have fallen a facrifice
To woman's juft reveage : there lives not now
A fingle man in Lemnos.
Jaf. Heavens ! what force
Suffic'd to perpetrate this horrid purpofe ?
Hyp. Night and fatigue betray'd the unthink-
ing victims ;
Some, while they yielded to a falfe embrace,
Expos'd their bofoms to the vengeful fword :
Some quafFd fallacious death in poifon'd bowls :
Some breath'd their laft in fleep : a thoufand forma
Cone eal' d
ACT I.] HYPSIPYLE.
Conceal' d the treafon with the mafk of friendfhip.
Jaf. My blood is chilFd with horror but the
king
//v/>.He too expir'd amidft the general flaughter:
Should I fpeak truth I muft expofe my father.
[a/ide.
Jaf. Are thefe the regions where the Furies
dwell ?
Come, dear Hypfipyle, retire with me,
[takes her hand,
To breathe in other climes an air lefs cruel,
Where happier omens may attend our loves ;
Nor mall the death of this ill-fated king
Remain unpunim'd : witnefs all ye powers !
Tfwear full vengeance for the horrid deed.
Eury. The offender's name mall calm thy ut-
moft rage.
Jaf. O never ! never !
Eury. She's fo dear to Jafon,
Thou wilt at once forgi/e and pity her.
Jaf. No charm fhall flay my wrath, whoe'er rs
guilty
So may kind love preferve the pure affections
Of her to whom are all my thoughts devoted.
Eury. By her was Thoas flain.
Jaf. By whom ?
Eury. Hypfipyle,
Thy wife.
N 2 Htf,
18O HYPSiPYLE. [ACT I,
Hyp. O Heaven ! [afide.
Jaf. Speak, fpeak, my life, defend
Thy glory from the dreadful imputation :
Can. this be true ?
Hyp. O cruel fate ! [afide.'] Even fo.
[to him, after having looked at Eurynome.
Say 'ft thou ! [lets go her hand.
Hyp. I muft endure it. [afide.
Jaf. Do I dream !
Or is it frenzy all ! What voice was that
Struck through my heart ! Was that Hypfipyle !
Did Jafon hear !
Eury. Now, prince, complete thy vow ;
Now, if thou wilt, revenge the flaughter'd Thoas.
Jaf. Are there fuch favage minds !
Hyp. My lord, my Jafon,
Condemn not yet thy wife.
Jaf. Hence from my light !
My wife ! am I thy love ! who now (hall prefs
That hand Hill reeking with a father's murder ?
I feem already to partake thy guilt
While here with thee I breathe one common air,
And my heart fh udders as I now behold thee.
[going, he flops at the entrance of the fcene, and
continues looking attentively at Hypfipyle.
Hyp. How much, my father, to infure thy fafety
Thy daughter {lifters t [afide.
ACT I.] HYPSIPYLE. 181
Jaf. Who fhall henceforth fay
The looks reflect the image of the mind ?
Let them contemplate yonder form, and learn .
How vice can lurk beneath the maik of goodnefs
Hyp. Why dofl thou thus in filence gaze upon
me ?
Jaf. I feek through all that lovely face
Some marks of cruelty to trace ;
No cruelty I find :
So deep from every fearching eye,
Can dire revenge and fury lie
Conceal'd within the mind. [Exit.
SCENE XVI.
HYPSIPYLE, EURYNOME.
Hyp. Hear'fl thou ? O Heaven !
Eury. Sigh not, Hypfipyle :
Thou lofeft thus the glory of the deed ;
And thefe weak figns of womanifh repentance,
Difgrace the former courage thou haft mown.
[Exit.
185 HYPSIPYLE. [ACT r*.
SCENE XVII.
i
HYPSIPYLE alone.
let me hafte, and from my lover's mind
Remove an error fatal to my fame.
No firfl a father's danger claims my care,
Let him be fafe and then but ah ! meantime
Jafon forfakes me ! Yet Hypfipyle
Shall firil preferve the rights of filial duty,
And thofe preferv'd, the reft be left to Heaven !
1 feel thy power, unpitying love !
Thy hopes and fears too ftrongly move
A heart with every pain diflrefs'd :
Yet ah ! forbear this fatal hour
Muft love and duty rend no more
With ftruggling pangs a daughter's breaft ;
[Exit.
ENP OF THE FIRST ACT.
ACT
HYPSIPYLE.
ACT II. SCENE 3(
Part of the garden belonging to the palace, with
fountains on eachjide, and in the middle a grove
facred to DIANA. Time, night,
, LEARCHUS concealed in the grove,
Eury. In every part methinks thefe eyes behold
Some dreadful objects that augment my fury,
Ye lonely horrors of the filent night,
Raife no remorfe to terrify my foul !
Say rather that my fon's unhappy (hade
No longer roves without a wifh'd revenge :
Say that no more he fighs in vain to crofs
The dire Lethean flood ; and that his peace
Js cheaply purchas'd by his mother's crime.
Lear. It is Hypfipyle be bold Learchus.
[comes out of the grove.
Bury, Some one approaches ! Heavens ! what
can it be ?
Lear. Thou deareil ! < [takes her hand.
Eury. Say, what art thou ? Whence that voice ?
Lear. Ha ! I'm deceiv'd ! [retires.
Eury. Ye powers ! what chilling fear
Kuns through my veins ! Methought I heard the
voice
Of
18-1 UYPSIPYLE. [ACT n.
Of my Learchus where art thou, my fon !
Ah I do not hide thee from a mother's fight :
O ! fpeak and tell me why thou art return' d :
What would'ft thou ? Wherefore doft thou hover
round me ?
Unhappy fhade of him I mourn,
Dear fon, no longer mine ;
If vengeance prompt thee to return,
Know 'tis already thine.
What victim can appeafe the dead,
What peace canft thou obtain,
If all the blood this hand has fhed,
Was fhed for thee in vain ?
[w alks about in great agitation..
SCENE II.
Enter HYPSIPYLE in hajle.
Hyp. Sure Rhodope has reach'd this place be-
fore me ;
But hark ! (he's here : fly fwift, my friend, to
Jafon,
[nieeting Eurynome, Jhe takes her for Rhodope.
Tell him the king yet lives, and that this hour
Shall fee us both together at the port-:
Yet flay awhile, for Jafon with his friends
Perhaps may meet us, and fecure our flight.
[goes towards the grove.
Eury,
ACT II.] HYPSIPYLE. 185
Eurv. [to herfelf.~\ What fecret treafon here has
chance difcover'd !
Now well I know, my fon, why round me hovers
Thy plaintive ghoft ; and have I then in vain
Been plung'd in guilt ? And muft the tyrant live ?
no nor fhall it e'er be faid I've loft,
3 . . ? -)'A I
The fruit of all my crimes, a great revenge.
[goes out in a rage.
SCENE III. coi0 '' V:..,
HYPSIPYLE, LEARCHUS apart.
Hyp. This is the facred grove where lies con r
ceal'd
My deareft father. At my firft arrival,
The fhade, my terror, and impatient duty,
Perplex'd my trembling fteps ; but now full well
1 know the place My lord ! my father ! hade.
Lear. Sure 'tis the voice of her I love < be
bold; [coming oM of the grove.
O Heaven ! my heart beats quick as I approach
her.
Hyp. Come near where art thou ? Yet I hear
thy fteps,
But cannot find thee 'midft this dreary gloom
Perhaps O no, thou art here, [takes his hand.
Lear. Affift me, Love ! [afide.
Hyp. Thou trembleft, O my father ! fear not ;
Jafon
Will
186 HYPSIFYLE. , [ACT ii.
Will make our flight fecure : for even but now
He reach'd the port of Lemnos.
Lear. Fatal chance !
What do I hear ? [ajide.
Hyp. Already from afar
I fee the blaze of torches.
Lear. Then I'm loft. [afide.
Hyp* And now, methinks, I hear my Jafon's
" voice,
Lear. Let me again retire, [returns to the grove.
Hyp. But whither go'il thou ?
Why doft thou fly, my lord ? Alas ! how fap
Misfortunes can unnerve the firmeft foul !
SCENE IV,
Enter EURYNOME with Bacchanals and Amazons
with arms and lighted torches.
Eury. Companions, compafs round the wood,
and flop
Each outlet of the garden,
Hyp. Wretched Thoas,
Thy fear was fure prophetic. \afide,
Eury. Thou art difcover'd ;
Say where thy father lurks. [to Hypfipyle.
Hyp. Affift me, Gods ! [afidc.
Doft thou require the dead ?
6 Bury,
ACT II.] HYPSIPYLE. 187
Eury. 'Tis now too late
For this dillimulation : thou wert heard
To call his name, and hold a converfe with him.
Hyp. O ! 'tis too true his mournful image
ever
Appears before my fight ; where'er I go
Purfues my trembling fteps ; calls me ungrateful t
Reproaches me with favage cruelty,
That durft cut fhort a father's reverend days.
Eury. Her words congeal me, though I know
fhe feigns. \afide.
Hyp. I tremble while I flrive to hide my fear.
[afide,
Eury. No more deceit is vain
Hyp. O Gods ! look there !
Behold Eurynome, fee where he comes !
Obferve his fiery eyes that fwell with rage,
While tears of anger trickle down his cheek ;
His fnow-white locks ftill dropping crimfon blood,
Hang o'er his hoary face. Doft thou not hear
His threatening voice, and mark his dreadful mien?
Unhappy fhade ! -Enough have I endur'd
Of punifhment O Heavens ! In pity, hide,
Hide from my fight the torch of hell take hence.
The furies' iron whips
Eury. Ill-fated prir .fj !
JMy foul is mov'd !
Hyp. She foftens at my words. \ajlde.
Eury.
188 HTPSIPYLE. [ACT n.
Eury. Yon' trees afford a fhelter in their gloom
For melancholy phantoms : hafte, my friends,
Hurl round the flames., and fwift.confume to allies
That unpropitious wood.
Hyp. Ah, no ! forbear
^Thofe trunks devoted to the Sylvan Goddefs.
Eury. Hearken not to her .
Hyp. Impious ! fhall not then
The Gods themfelves be facred from thy fury ?
And who mall execute the dire command ?
Eury. Unthinking maid ! thou haft betray'd
thyfelf.
Behold the grove where Thoas lurks conceal'd ;
Go, friends, and drag him thence to punifhment.
\_the jimazons enter the grove.
Hyp. Hear me ! O ! hear a mod unhappy-
daughter !
What fhall I do ? O all ye powers of Heaven !
Eurynome have pity !
Eury. 'Tis in vain ;
Thy father fhew'd no pity to my fon.
Hyp. If thou'rt fo thirfty for revenge, ftrike
here ;
O pierce this breaft, and let me bleed for him !
Behold me fuppliant, grovelling at your feet
[kneels.
Eury. Her tears difarm my rage,
Hyp. O yet relent,
ACT II.] HYPS1PYLE. 18Q
Or change the deftin'd victim of thy fury.
By all that is rever'd in earth or Heaven,
Even by the allies of thy dear Learchus !
Rury. That name has rouz'd anew my fleeping
rage ;
The tyrant dies, even by this hand he dies :
[draws her fword.
Ne'er will I reft till I behold my fword
Drench'd in his blood. *-'/
[as foe turns, thinking /o j6WThoa% Jhe meets
Learchus, conducted by the Amazons from
the grove ; J)ie Jiands in amazement, and lets
fall her fword.
Lear. My mother \
^ % . ^j * '* * ^ *A
Eury. Heavens ! my fon !
Hyp. What can this mean ? Amazement feizes
me ! [fifes.
SCENE V.
! >nvai ?.{i:w?jwi
Enter RHODOPE.
Rho. What do I fee ? Learchus here and bound !
What power can fave him ! Yes I mull dif-
femble. [ajide.
Eury. Art thou my fon ! Am I Eurynome 1
Lear. As certain as deiire to avenge thy fon
Has made thee cruel to him.
Eury. Wretched mother,
- That
100 HYPSIPYLE. [ACT it.
That blindly has deftroy'd thee ! Doft thou live
Only to make me guilty of thy death ?
O my lov'd fon ! how dearly muft I buy
The bitter pleafure of this fond embrace !
Rho. Companions, bind the victim to yon' trunk,
And let our thirfty arrows drink his life.
[the Amazons bind Learchus to a tree.
Eury. Ah ! hold Inhuman
Rho. Firft by force remove
Eurynome, nor let maternal forrows
Difturb our purpofe.
Hyp. O unhappy mother !
Eury. Have pity, Rhodope
Rho. Wouldft thou o'erturn
The laws thyfelf haft made ?
Eury. Hypfipyle,
Compaffionate my tears !
Hyp. Alas ! what power
Remains in me !
Rho. If but a moment more
Thou linger'ft here, we fpeed the ftroke of death.
Eury. What mortal pangs can equal what I
fuffer !
The laft farewell how mall I fpeak ?
A mother's pain what words can tell ?
I feel my heart with anguifh break
Dear offspring of my love farewell !
This
ACT II."] HYPSIPYLE.
This fond embrace from her receive,
Whofe fatal error feals thy death :
O ! that I thus my woes could leave,
And in thefe arms refign my breath ! [Etif,
SCENE VI.
HYPSIPYLE, RHODOPE, LEARCHUS, Bacchanals,
' '" * and Amazons.
Lear. Unpitying princefs ! in Learchus' fate
Behold the dreadful trophies of thy charms !
Excefs of love impelled me to this ruin.
Hyp. Learchus, no : thou art thyfelf alone
The caufe of thy misfortunes.
Lear. At my birth
This day was fix'd in fate's eternal volume.
Hyp. Unhappy moment when I pleas'd thee firftl
That haplefs inftant when thy eyes
Beheld and thought me fair,
Some baleful ftar was feen to rife,
And fhed a difmal glare.
Lefs cruel would thy hatred prove,
Than fuch a dire destructive love. [Exit.
SCENE
[ACT ir/
.
SCENE VII.
.OfljFY ,
RHODOPE, LEARCHUS, Bacchanals, Amazons.
flho. My friends., unwelcome here to Nerriefis
Would prove the vic"lim : be the facrifice
Public and folemn : hafte and raife an altar
Amid the full aflembly of the people.
Convene together all the conquering band :
Meantime myfelf will in this place remain
To guard the prifoner.
i
\jJie Bacchanals and Amazons go out. ,
Lear. Never did I think
Such tyranny could harbour in thy bread.
Rho. Ungrateful man ! learn better how to judge
The foul of Rhodope ; I feign'd refentment
To avert from thee th' effeds of female rage.
Lear. Should this be true, my heart is thine -
i : . j,;jrn:>in -;'. /a! .'i 1 j .< <A\
Rho. O ! no-
Think not I mean to bargain for thy love.
Lear. Perhaps thou doubt'ft me full By all
the Gods
Rho. Learchus, hold - 1 would not have thee
purchafe
' . -.
My gift with perjury : from Rhodope
Receive at once thy liberty and life, [unbinds him,
Lear. Yet what return can gratitude afford thee ?
Rho. I'm now rewarded, but thou know'ft it not*
Thou
ACT II.] HYPSIPYLE. 1Q3
Thou -canft not judge the generous mind,
What fweets from mercy flow ;
My wrongs might here their vengeance find,
But pardon I beftow.
With fecret joy the offended views
The offender's blufhes rife ;
Whofe fearful confcience guilt fubdues,
While fhame his fpeech denies. \Exit-
SCENE VIII.
LEARCHUS alone.
Why does my feeble virtue take the alarm,
Yet cannot rouze from this lethargic fleep ?
What means this late remorfe ? Down, rebel con-
fcience !
I will not have thee ftruggling in my bofom :
Rule, or obey ; fubdue, or be fubdued.
Let choice direct, or fate conftrain
The affections of my breaft,
Yet wherefore fhould they thus in vain
With doubts my peace moleft ?
If they're cpmpell'd, why do we name
Our paffions good or ill ?
And wherefore are they ftill the fame
If they can change at will ? [Exit.
VOL.I. o SCENE
'*;;*
194 HYPSIPYLE. [ACT ii.
SCENE IX.
An open country covered over with tents, a profpcft
of the fea : the fun riftng.
JASON alone.
Amidfl a thoufand doubts oppreft,
My heart flill flutters -in my breaft,
But no refolve my thoughts approve.
While beauties in her face I find,
My foul detefls her ruthlefs mind ;
I'm torn by hatred and by love.
And can a lovely face to far deceive ?
Hypfipyle, more fierce than beafts of prey \
Barbarity like thine exceeds whate'er
Hyrcania's forefts yield, within whofe ihades-
No tigrefs lurks fo cruel to deflroy
A father's life and do I then excufe her ?
Frame new pretences to prolong my ftay ?
no ! my lofty heart difdains to avow
Its weaknefs paft. I once believ'd her worthy
Of Jafon's flame, and fain would ftill defend
The choice of love Behold the morning rife f
And yet my fpirits keep the accuftom'd watch,
Though fpent with fruitlefs care but now, me-
thinks,
1 feel the tumult of my breaft fubfide ;
My
ACT II.] HYPSIPYLfi. 1Q5
My eyes grow heavy, and my mind fufpends
The painful ftruggle of conflicting paffions. \Jleeps.
SCENE X.
Enter LEARCHUS.
Lear. Enough of ill, my foul. At length 'tis
time,
After fo many dangers paft, to change
This baneful courfe. I cannot bear for ever
To tremble near the fatal precipice ;
To reverence others, and detelt myfelf.
What do I fee ! my rival Numbering here ?
O! happy thou, born under friendly ftars !
The inhuman fair, who fcorns my love, referves
Her charms for thee ; but I in vain muft mourn
Abandon'd to defpair ; while 'midft th' embraces
Of mutual fondnefs thou fhalt fcorn my fufferings,
And find new pleafure from Learchus' pains.
O cruel image that diffracts my heart !
No let not him furvive by whom I perifh ;
[draws a dagger.
Here let him die but ha ! what would I do 1
[flops.
Are thefe the generous thoughts I form'd but now ?
Is this my late remorfe ?
02 SCENE
HYPSIPTLE. [ACT u,
SCENE XI.
Enter HYPSIPYLE.
Hyp. [entering^] Where (hall I meet
My haplefs father ? - Ha ! - Learchus here !
What means his poniard drawn ?
Lear. [to himfeJf.'] The world can ne'er
Be confcious of this virtue : fhould I now
Forbear to kill him, my revenge is loft,
And yet no glory gain'd : the time will come,
I may repent this ill-advis'd compaffion :>7:v;
Then let me ftrike the blow. [about tojlab him.
Hyp. Ah ! traitor ! hold :
What would' ft thou do ? [liolding -his hand.
Lear. Leave me, Hyfipyle.-
Hyp. Hope not I'll e'er permit -
Lear. Confent with me
To quit this place, and I refign my weapon.
Hyp. Firft let a thunder-bolt from angry Jove
Dafh me to atoms !
Lear. Then his fate is fix'd ;
There is no mercy for him.
Hyp. Stay, Learchus :
If I but waken him, thou art loft.
Lear. Ah ! hold ;
I am gone, Hypfipyle.
ACT II.] HYPSIPYLE. 1Q7
Hyp. Firft let thy hand
Refign the poniard to me.
Lear. There, ingrate !
[after a paufe gives up the dagger to her.
Prince ! thou art betray'd ! [wakes Jafon, and flies.
Hyp. O ftay !
[Jafon rifing, and about to draw his fword, fees
Hypfipyle with the dagger in her hand.
SCENE XII,
JASON, HYPSIPYLE.
Jaf. Betray'd ! by whom !
Almighty powers ! [fees Hypfipyle.
Hyp. My lord !
Jaf. Relentlefs woman !
What have I done to thee ? What crime of mine
Incites thy vengeance ? That I've lov'd, may merit
Severeft punifhment, but not from thee.
Thou would' ft, inhuman, from the face of earth
Sweep all the inhabitants, that none might here
Be witnefs to thy guilt.
Hyp. Has then my fate
More fufferings for me ? Prince, thou art deceiv'd ;
I came not here to take thy life.
Jaf. That dagger,
Thofe looks confus'd, the voice I heard but now
Which rouz'd me from my fleep : do not all thefe
Enough
1Q8 HYPSIPYLE. [ACT II.
Enough condemn thee ?
Hyp. 'Twas another hand
Affair d thy life ; I fav'd it from the danger.
Jaf. Yes ; I have wondrous proofs of thy com-
paffion :
She who could pierce a father's breaft, would
doubtlefs
Preferve a hufband.
Hyp. O ! I flew him not.
Jaf. But if thy lips
Hyp. My lips, by fate compell' d,
Belied my deeds.
Jaf. What if I here beheld
The murder'd monarch ?
Hyp. 'Twas deception all :
Thou didft not, couldft not fee him.
Jaf. Tell me then
Where now is Thoas hid ?
Hyp. Alas ! I know not ;
I've fought him, but in vain
Jaf. Perfidious woman !
*/
And think'fl thou Jafon can be thus deluded I
Is't not enough, but thou muft mock me too ?
Thou haft confefs'd thy crime ; each tongi-e con-
firms it ;
Myfelf am witnefs to it ; yet thou hop'ft
To afliune the name of innocent ! even now
.* > \ *. -\ i *
Iftart
ACT II.] HYPSIPYLE. 1QQ
I ftart from fleep, I find thce by my fide,
With looks confus'd, a dagger in thy hand,
Prepared to pierce my heart ; and wilt thou dare
To tell me all was meant for my defence ?
Think not that Theflaly has form'd her fons
So eafy of belief.
Hyp. Soon fhalt thou fee
Jaf. I've feen enough.
Hyp. And wilt thou not-
Jaf. O ! no ;
I'll hear no more.
Hyp. And doft thou then believe
Jaf. Yes, I believe that I partake thy guilt
In liftening to thee longer.
Hyp. Muft we part ?
Jaf. Leave me,
Hyp. Where is thy former love !
Jaf. With fhame
I call it now to mind.
Hyp. And am I then
Jaf. Thou art poifon to my eyes !
Hyp. Yes, yes, ye furies !
Inhabitants of this deftruclive land,
I find that to be innocent is guilt.
Have I not feen enough of ilaughter ftain
My native foil ? Afluage your horrid thirft,
Behold
2OO HYPSIPYLE. [ACT ir.
Behold my blood (hall flow ! [offers toftab herfelf.
Jaf. What doft thou mean ! [holds her.
Hyp. Why fhould'ft thou, Jafon, thus reflrain
my hand,
And make me longer drag the life I loathe ?
Jaf. Die, if thou wilt, but feek fome other place
To end thy wretched being.
[wrejts the dagger from her,
Hyp. Yet at leaft
Jaf. Leave me in peace.
Hyp. O hear me !
Jaf. Never, never.
Hyp. Kill me, in pity kill me !
Jaf. No 1 cannot.
Hyp. For one laft look
Jaf. 'Tis guilt but to behold thee.
Hyp. My lord ! my hulband !
Jaf. Hence ! or I am gone.
Hyp. Since 'tis your harm command, I go ;
But for this cruelty you mow,
Your heart perhaps will anguifh know,
With fighs your breaft may heave.
And when you learn my haplefs ftate,
In vain your tears may mourn my fate ;
For forrow then mall prove too late
My fufferings to relieve, [Exit.
SCENE
ACT II.] MYPSIPYLE. 2O1
V SCENE XIII.
JASON T alone.
Jaf. At length fhe's gone ! Thanks to the mighty
Gods!
A moment longer thofe feducing tears :
H^d fapp'd my beft refolves : far diftant hence
Let me retire to breathe another air,
Where abfence may erafe this fhameful paflioru
.-.;' ". * *.' .
SCENE XIV.
Enter THOAS.
Ah prince ! my friend !
Jaf. My lord ! am I awake ?
Or art thou fovereign of the Lemnian land ?
Tho. At leaft I have been fo.
Jaf. I'm all amazement !
How art thou rifen again ? Myfelf beheld thee
Stretch'd pale and lifelefs in the regal palace :
Either I then but dream' d, or now I dream.
Tho. Thou faw'ft a murder' d wretch array' d like
me,
In princely robes, whofe femblance to myfelf
Deluded every eye : this pious fraud
Hypfipyle contriv'd for my defence.
Jaf.
202 HYPSIPYLE. [ACT ir,
Jaf. O Heaven ! my love ! and art thou guilt-
lefs then
Of each imputed crime ! Thoas, farewell,
This inftant I'll return. [going.
Tho. Why would'ft thou leave me ?
Jaf. O ! let me find the treafure of my foul ;
Soon fhalt thou know how I have injur'd her.
Tho. Yet hear : what would'ft thou do ? The
female bands,
Flufh'd with their late fuccefs, fcour every part ;
And fhould'ft thou thus unguarded venture forth,
Thou could'ft not 'fcape thyfelf, nor fave Hyp-
fipyle.
Jaf. To arms, to arms ! awake, 'tis Jafon calls
Follow me, friends. [g' m g towara's the tents.
Tho. Myfelf will guide your fteps.
Jaf. O no ! thy prefence might difturb our pur-
pofe,
Amidft my fury I mould fear for thee.
Hafte, my companions, halte ! each moment's
precious
My wife ! my friend ! O Heaven, my foul is rack'd
Between contending pangs of love and friendfhip,
I leave
ACT II.] HYPSIPYLE.
I leave thee, prince, nor can I tell
But this may prove the laft farewell !
This arm muft her I love reftore,
Or Jafon fhall return no more.
[while this air is Jinging, the Argonauts
came out of the tents ^
[Exit Jafon, with Argonauts*
SCENE XV.
THOAS alone.
No - while my dear Hyplipyle's in danger,
I will not linger here a tame fpeclator :
A father's love fhall with new vigour brace
My feeble limbs : each timorous beaft aflumes
A fudden fiercenefs to defend its young ;
Loudly they threat, lay by their natural fear,
And what was weaknefs late is courage now.
The turtle when fhe once efpies
The unpitying churl that robb'd her neft ;
Feels the fierce flame of fury rife,
Till then a ilranger to her breaft :
And though no ftrength of claws or bill,
To guard her helplefs young avails ;
At leaft the cruel fpoiler ftill
She with unceaiing cries aflails. [Exit*
END OP THE SECOND ACT.
ACT
204 HYPSIPYLE.
ACT III. SCENE I.
A remote part of the I/land betwixt the city and the
fea-Jhore y with cyprefs trees and monuments of the
ancient kings of LEMNOS.
LEARCHUS with two pirates.
Lear. Our hopes, my valiant friends, have prov'd
abortive ;
Fortune oppofes oft the beft defigns :
Go 3 and let each be ready to depart.
\_the pirates going.
But ha ! what do I fee ! behold where Thoas
Comes unattended to this lonely place.
Now for the lad expedient fate can offer
Return, my friends. [pirates return,
*
SCENE II.
Enter THOAS.
Tho. [entering^] I was directed ftill
To abide in Jafon's camp ; but anxious thoughts
Forbade me there to reft.
Lear. Obferve my purpofe ; ,
Away. [pirates go out.
Tho. [to himfelf^] My bofom throbs with hopes
and fears:
I find
ACT III<] IIIPSIPYLE. 2O5
I find no peace, but every moment dread
Some ftroke of fate : by this untrodden path,
I'll feek the regal palace. \_gi n g*
Lear. Now, Learchus,
Let artifice befriend thee. [tf/foV.] See, my lord,
The guiltieft of your fubjecls at your feet :
Permit him thus [to Thoas, kneeling.
Tho. Ye powers ! art thou alive !
Art thou Learchus ! p$-*'
Lear. I'm indeed Learchus-
Tho. What wouldft thou have from Thoas ?
Lear. Death, or pardon.
Tho. Hence, traitor, dare no more approach my
fight.
Lear. Hear me, and then reject me at your will.
Tho. Perfidious ! know' ft thou not what punifh-
ment
Awaits thee here ?
Lear. Death I deferv'd, my lord,
When I prefum'd to attempt with ruffian force
The fair Hypfipyle : but if a fault
Of youth can find no pity from my king,
A fault which love infpir'd, which keen remorfe
Has fince feverely punifh'd ; here at leaft,
Here let me perifh in my native land.
Five tedious years, an outcali from. my country,
Wandering in foreign climes, the fport of fate,
I've
206 HYPSIPYLE. [ACT ur.
I've liv'd an object loath'd by earth and Heaven ;
And, ah ! what wounds me more, my prince ab-
hors me.
I'm weary grown of long protracted woe :
Life is the greateft evil I endure ;
And he, who drives this fpirit from her dwelling,
Is bounteous while he kills me.
Tho. \afidel\ Such defpair
Pleads in his caufe, and mitigates his crimes.
Lear. Why linger thus my friends ?
\afide) looking outt
Tho. From thy misfortunes,
Learchus, learn in future to refpect
The majefty of kings Be comforted ;'
And live 1 pardon thee. \_g Qm -
Lear. Alas ! my lord,
Still am I left uncertain ; grant me theri
Some furer pledge of mercy.
Tho. After pardon,
What can I grant thee more ?
Lear. Your royal hand.
Tho. Receive it, and depart, [giving his hand,
Leari O gracious prince,
Whofe goodnefs imitates the pitying Gods :
This moment has effac'd my paft misfortunes
Not yet return'd ! [afide^] Still trembling,
doubtful ilill,
6 Behold
ACT III.] &YPSIPYLE. 207
Behold me at your feet, and proftrate thus .
Tho. What men furround me ?
[pirates enter armed, and furround Thoas.
.Lear. So the ftroke is given. \i"\fing.
Yield me thy fword.
Tho. Whom fpeak'fl thou to ?
Lear. To thee.
Tho. To me ! Almighty powers ! but how ~
Lear. No more :
Thou art my priioner.
Tho. What unheard-of treafon !
Lear. At length thou art fallen into my fnare :
thy life
Is at my will. Endure thy lot with patience :
*Tis thus the world for ever fhifts the fcene,
And adverfe fortune ftill fucceeds to good :
'Tis thine in turn to plead for mercy.
Tho. Villain !
Lear. Hold, Thoas, change this language : my
example
Might teach thee prudence : 'twas but now I bent
With humble prayers, a fuppliant at thy feet.-
To fuit our tempers, as the various turns
Of life demand, is fure a needful virtue.
The force thou fee' ft is all at my command :
I can at will
Tho. What canft thou further do ?
Take
08 HYPSIPYLE. [ACT Jit-
Take from this ebbing life its poor remains,
Already irkfome from the double weight
Of years and forrow ?
Lear. Thus Learchus faid,
. But while he fpoke, his tongue belied his thoughts.
- Tho~ Great is the difference 'twixt my heart and
thine.
Lear. Vain boafting all ! each animal that lives,
Defires to hold his being : conftancy,
Which heroes vaunt in fate's extremeft trials,
Is but an art to cheat the unthinking vulgar i
I read thy fecret breaft, and know thou trembled.
Tho. Yes, I might tremble > if the foul of Thoas
Were form'd like thine : a thoufand horrid crimes
Would then for ever haunt my. guilty fight :
Still fhould I feem to hear the bolts of Jove
For ever hilling round me ; Jove the avenger,
Who punifhes the guilt of human-kind.
Lear. To me the wrath of Heaven is not fo
dreadful.
Tho. Vain boafting all ! Thou canft not har-
bour peace :
' For Itill congenial with our nature, grows
The love of virtue ; if it prove too weak
To guard from crimes, at leaft it will fuffice
To be their punifhment : it is a gift
From Heaven, decreed to be a fcourge to thofc
Who dare abufe it ; and the greateft curfe
The
ACT III.J HYPSIPYLE, 20Q
The wicked find, .is that -they Hill retain,
Even in their own defpite, the feeds of honour,
And feel a confcious fenfe of fovereign goodnefs :
I read thy fecret breaft, and know thou trembleft.
Lear. My friends, take hence this fage philo-
fopher,
Whofe knowledge can explore the human mind.
Conduct him prifoner to the fhips ; and thou,
Lay by that ufelefs fword.
Tho. There take it, traitor !
[throws away his fword.
Lear. Now muft thou bid adieu to kingly pride ;
Since Thoas is the vanquim'd, I the victor.
Tho. Firft, impious wretch ! thefe features view,
Then judge impartial of the two a
Where lies the victory.
Though free, thy looks are pak with fear,
While I thefe chains undaunted wear.
And pity feel for thee.
[he is led off by the pirates.
SCENE III.
Enter RHODOPE.
Lear. \io himfelf.~\ Yet that majeftic mien, thofe
fentiments
That fpeak the kingly foul but hold, my thoughts :
Let me reflect on nothing but the gain
VOL. i. p Of
21O HYPSIPYLE. [ACT III.
Of all my heart afpires to.
Rho. [entering."] O Learchus !
Lear. Say, Rhodope, whence fprings thy fudden
fear ?
Rho. Not far remote a ghaftly troop of ftrangers
Bear royal Thoas prifoner to the fea.
O '! if within thy breaft one fpark remain
Of bravery or virtue, feize this moment
To give it proof: now may' ft thou cancel all
Thy guilty deeds, and make thy name immortal.
' Lear. Indeed ! Say, how ?
RJio. Give liberty to Thoas :
Go rilk thy life to fave thy king from danger ;
Perifh or conquer ; with one generous action , x
Efface the memory of thy former crimes,
Nor let me longer blufh to own I've lov'd thee.
Lear. Thou counfell'fl well, and fhalt, for thy
reward,
Be undeceiv'd : know then, by my command
Is Thoas now fecur'd. Hence, if thou wilt,]
Relate the news to proud Hyplipyle :
Warn her no longer to defpife a foe,
However weak : fo little will fuffice
To injure others, that in humble ftate,
Even when deprefs'd, a foe may flill be fear'd.
Tell
ACT III.] HYPSIPYLE. 211
Tell her in me fhe foon may find
Th' effetfs of love fo ill return'd :
Go, bid her then recall to mind
How once her pride Learchus fcorn'd :
And if offended at my deeds,
She gives me <now a traitor's name ;
Declare the offence from her proceeds,
Who kindled this deftruclive flame. [Exit.
SCENE IV.
Enter HYPSIPYLE.
RJio. [to herfelf^] Can crimes like thefe debafe
the mind of man ?
O wretched daughter ! mofl unhappy princefs !
What wilt thou feel when thou fhalt hear the
tidings !
Hyp. My friend ! our fufferings all are pafl :
and Heaven
At length is tir'd of heaping woes upon us.
My faithful confort, and his valiant friends,
Have quell'd the fierce inhabitants of Lemnos :
My innocence is clear' d, my father fafe :
We are victors, difcord ftills her horrid voice,
All, all is love, and peace, and happinefs !
Rho. And yet is Thoas
//}'/>. Thoas now awaits
p 2 Jafon's
Ill HYPSIPYLE. [ACT III.
Jafon's return to the Theflalian camp.
Rho. O were it fo !
** '.'*)'
Hyp. What jnean'ft thou ! Speak, my friend
Rho. Thoas is now a prifoner.
Hyp. Ha ! to whom ?
Rho. A prifoner to Learchus.
Hyp. To Learchus !
How know'ft thou this ?
JRho. But now I met him bound,
Encircled by the followers of that traitor. '
Hyp. Who are his followers ?
Rho. Wretches like himfelf.
i
Hyp. O heavenly powers ! to what untried mis-
fortunes
Will you referve me yet ! O fatal day !
SCENE V.
Enter JASON with the. Argonauts.
Jaf. Hypfipyle, my life ! what new affliction
Obfcures thofe lovely eyes ?
Hyp. My deareft lord,
Thou com'ft in happy time ; for O ! 'tis thou,
And thou alone, canft eafe me Hafte defend
him
Have pity on me
'Jaf. Speak, my love, what would'ft thou ?
ACT III.] HYPSIPYLE.
As yet I know not what thy fpeech intends.
Hyp. O! Thoas !-O my father! curft
Learchus^
I cannot fpeak
Rho. The traitor, falfe Learchus,
Bears off in fetters Thoas to the fea.
...;J.;T i>, ..^q-fio} 'hi'-i riT
Jaf. Perhaps the fame
Hyp. Yes, 'tis the fame Learchus,
Who fought to kill thee while opprefs'd with fleep,
But failing in the dire defign, endeavour' d
With bafe fufpicions to difturb our peace.
Jaf. Infamous villain !
/
Hyp. Generous prince, behold
An enterprife that's worthy of thy courage :
Thou may'ft preferve my deareft father's life :
O fave him, or Hypiipyle is loft !
The fatal hour that fees the death of Thoas,
Cuts fhort my thread of being.
Jaf. Leave me, love,
To punifh that perfidious but meanwhile
Dry up thofe mournful drops ; to fee thee weep
Softens too much the temper of my heart.
O! let
214 HYPSIPYLE. [ACT in.
O ! let not forrow dim thofe eyes
That rule me with unbounded power ;
AfTuage thy fears,
rvr i _u
Dilpel thy tears,
If I'm to boaft of courage more.
.;,-' -j?t
Then ceafe to bid foft paffions rife
That all my firm refolves control ;
For thus my breaft,
With grief oppreft,
Forgets what rage fhould fire my foul.
[Exit with Argonauts.
S&
SCENE VI.
RHODOPE, HYPSIPYLE.
Rho. O princefs ! do not yield to black defpair ;
Think not that fortune will for ever frown ;
Rely on Jafon's valour Hill, and hope.
Hyp. How can I hope, (fince born to woe,
My forrows never ceafe)
That this fad mind fhould ever know
A tranfient gleam of peace ?
Each hour, my heart, by fate deprefs'd ;
A double anguifh bears ;
It finks, with prefent grief diflrefs'd,.
Nor lefs the future fears. [Exit.
SCENE
ACT III.] HYPSIPYLE. 215
SCENE VII.
,- i-io-bd b''> fi?<j ibiw xv.viii-.v xrlcrfll
Enter EURYNOME.
Rho. My thoughts are all perplex'd amid this
maze
Of dreadful mifery.
Eury. O Rhodope !
Where is my fon ?
.S .
Rho. Think on thyfelf, inhuman !
Confult thy fafety, if thou prizeft life,
And hide thee from the angry victors' fight.
Eury. I prize not life, unlefs I find Learchus.
Rho. Forget a name that's hateful to the world;
At once thy fhame and mine.
Eury. What means this anger ?
Didft thou not fave him ?
Rho. Yes with fhame I own it.
Eury. I hope thou doft but feign this indigna-
tion ;
Since when thy lips once call'd for vengeance on
him,
He was thy heart's delight.
Rho. But now my hatred.
The rural maid, with terror mov'd,
Detefts the rofe which once (he lov'd,
Since late her eyes a fnake furvey'd,
Conceal'd beneath the fragrant fhade.
The
HYPSIPYLE. [ACT III*
The bird attempts the bough no more,
From which with pain he 'fcap'd before ;
No more the wary warbler fmgs,
Where once he fhar'd his trembling wings.
[Exit.
SCENE VIII.
''nbTym aj an,-' "1J
EUKTNOME alone.
In feeking thus my fon, I lofe- myfelf ;
But what is life without him ? Well I know
Learchus guilty, yet I love him ftill.
His crimes deftroy my peace ; but in my heart
Affection reigns unquench'd, nay Wronger grows
The more I find him hated by the world.
Tell me, Almighty powers ! do we derive
A curfe or bleffing from a mother* s name ?
" f f j * * ~f
At once defpair and grief I find
With fudden frenzy fire my mind,
A rage by parents only known :
A haplefs fon, by danger preft,
So deep is graven in my bread,
That in his woes I lofe my own, [Exit.
SCENE
ACT III.] HYPSIPYLE. 217
SCENE IX.
A view of the fea Jhore, with the Jh'ips belonging
to LEARCHUS ; a flank laid from one of them to
the Jhore. On one fide appear the ruins of the,
temple of VENUS ; on the other the. remains of an
ancient port of LEMNOS.
JASON-, HYPSIPYLE, RHODOPE, Argonauts. LE-
ARCHUS and THOAS appear on the deck of one of
the Jhips, THOAS in chains, and LEARCHUS with
a dagger in his hand.
Jaf. Compofe thyfelf, Hypfipyle ; at length
We have reach' d the traitor : follow me, my
friends,
To yonder fhips : now rouze your fouls to fury ;
Be pity bamfh'd : let consuming flames
Devour the fails, and ocean's whelming waves ff
Engulph the veflels : fpread the horrid Slaughter,
That fated vengeance may behold the tide
Red with perfidious blood.
Lear: Then be it fo ;
But firft let Thoas bleed.
Hyp. O hold !
Rho. Inhuman !
Jaf. What rage tranfports thee thus ?
Hyp. My father ! huiband !
O! hear,
HYPSIPYT.E. [ACT in.
O! hear, Learchus, hear me pity ing Heaven!*.
I can no more
*A vl /*. &'
Lear. Why, why, Hypfipyle,
Tliis unavailing grief? On thee depends
His life, or death : afcend this (hip, confent
To be Learchus' wife ; and if the daughter
Reward my faithful love, the father lives.
Hyp. What do I hear ! O Jafon !
- Jaf. Dar'ft thou, wretch,
Pronounce the horrid compact ? 'tis in vain
I ftrive to curb my righteous fury longer.
Hyp. Have pity, Jafon ! if thou fhould'fl aflail
He lifts his impious hand againfl my father.
Jaf. Ten thoufand furies ftruggle in my breafl !
Lear. See, Thoas, fee - behold thy pious
daughter ;
With what a zeal fhe haftes to fave thy life.
Thy blood fhall anfwer her relentlefs fcorn ;
I have endur'd enough. \alout to Jlal Thoas.
Hyp. O hold ! I come, [goes towards the Jliip.
Tho. What would'ft thou do, my daughter !
Canft thou thus
Forget what's owing to thyfelf and me ?
I little thought that e'er Hypfipyle
Would prove her father's fhame ! Have I not bred
thee
In
ACT III.] HYPSIPYLE.
In virtues worthy of a prince's nuptials,
Not to partake an impious pirate's bed ?
And wpuld'ft thou now become the wretched men
ther
Of robbers, not of heroes !
Hyp. Teach me then
Some better means to fave thee.
Tho. Save me thus.
ArTert the honour of my blood ; reflect not
It cofl thy father's life ; or if the" thought
Will rife, let it but ilrengthen thy refolve
TQ guard my fame unfullied : live, Hypfipyle,
Live with thy faithful lord, and reign for me,
And if the days I lofe to thine are added.,
I've liv'd, I've reign'd enough.
. Rho. O fortitude !
Jaf. O generous fentiments !
tf O
Hyp. Does not fuch virtue
Soften thee yet Learchus !
Lear. No : it rather
Incites my fury.
Hyp. Muft I then
Lear. No more ;
Yield, or he .dies.
Hyp. O ! let. thefe tears prevail :
Thou art enough reveng'd for all my fcorn :
Let this fuffice r Learchus : will not this
Appeafe
220 HYPSIPYLE. [ACT nr.
Appeafe thy dreadful rage ? Muft thou behold me,
A wretched objecl kneeling at thy feet ?
Then fee me proflrate thus \kneeh*
Lear. My foul is fix'd ;
Come, or thy father dies.
Hyp. Barbarian ! traitor ! \f\f es * n a ra g e *
Yes, I will come ; and Hell with me mall bring
Her blackeft horrors : on the rites abhorr'd
Megaera fhall attend, with dire Alecto :
But I will prove a fury worfe than all.
Yes, I will come ; but it mall be to tear
That treacherous heart from thy detefted bofom :
Monfter of cruelty, I come !
Lear. Then hafte,
Or now he falls beneath my vengeful hand.
\about to Jlab him.
. Behold I come the ftroke forbear :
[/o Learchus.
Is there no pity in the Iky ?
Still let me thy remembrance mare \to Jafon.
My foul difTblves ! I faint ! I die I
What flinty heart could here refrain
To melt with fympathy of woe ?
What cruel eyes could view my pain,
And yet forbid the tears to flow ?
[Hypfipyle weeping, walks JJowty towards
the Jkijp, looking back tenderly on Jafon.
1 Jaf.
ACT III.] HYPSIPYLE. 221
Jaf. Wilt thou forfake me thus, Hypfipyle ?
And would'ft thou, impious favage ! I'm dif-
tracled !
Where (hall I turn for counfel ! Barbarous Gods !
X '., T " , ' -
SCENE LAST.
nter EURYNOME. .
Eury. And have I found thee then at length,
my fon !
Lear. Fly mother, fave thyfelf.
Jaf. Inhuman woman !
*Tis not in vain that fate has fent thee hither.
[flopping her.
Stay thee, Hypfipyle : look here, thou traitpr !
Let Thoas free, or lo ! this hand cuts lliort
Thy mother's life. [draws a dagger, Hypfipyle
[flops Jhort as Jhe is about to enter the J}iij>.
Lear. Say'ft thou !
Eury. What can this mean !
Rho. O unexpected change ! f-* ;1
Lear. Forbear in her
To punifh my mifdeeds. 'Tis I alone
Am Jafon's foe.
Jaf. My rage permits not now
A calm reflection : all are Jafon's foes
That hate not thee : a thoufand cruelties
Pollute her foul : but were Ihe innocent,
Ifhould
HYPSIPYLE*- [ACT
I fliould not blufh to make her now the viclirri :
'Tis guilt enough to be Learchus' mother*
Rho. He feems confounded.
Hyp. Mighty Gods ! afliit us.
Jaf. Wretch, art thou yet refolv'd.
Lear. I am fefolv'g!.
Her life is yours : but let Hypfipyle
Come and fulfill the contract we have made.
Rho. Inhuman monfter !
Hyp. Moft unnatural favage !
Jaf. Then thus to you, infernal deities,
I here devote this horrid facrifice.
Lear. Why do I tremble thus ! [afide.
Jaf. It refts on you,
Upon the fon to avenge the mother's death ;
Die, haplefs wretch ! \about to Jiab her.
Lear. O hold ! forbear to ftrike,
The victory is thine.
Rho. Nature at length
Has touch'd his harden' d breaft.
Eury. My dear Learchus,
To thee I owe my life.
Lear. Eurynome,
Thou little know'ft thy fon call not this pity
My virtue, 'tis my fhame. I would have feen
Thy death unmov'd, but refolution fails me :
Spite of myfelf I tremble, fhrink with terror,
3 And
ACT in.] HYPSIPYLE! 22
And feel my blood congeal within my veins.
Why was I not by nature fix'd in goodnefs,
Or more confirm' d a villain ? Coward heart !
'Tis thou, and thou alone that hail undone me ;
Then thus with thee begin my jufl revenge.
Eury. O hold ! What haft thou done ?
Lear. I neither hope,
Nor will accept their pardon ; as he liv'd,
So fhall Learchus die. \leaps into the fea.
Eury. I faint ! O Heaven !
fcfi&oons, and is carried off.
Rho. This is your work, ye righteous powers !
Jaf. My friends !
Hafte and unbind the king.
\the Argonauts go to the Jhlp.
Hyp. My deareft lord !
I fcarcely yet can ftill my beating heart.
Rho. What ft range events this day has feen !
Tho. Ah prince !
1^
\_commg from
My daughter !
Hyp. Deareft father !
Jaf. O my lord !
Hyp. And is it given me once again to kifs
That honour' d hand ?
Tho. And do I once a^ain
O
Thus
224 HYPSIPYLE. [ACT in.
Thus clafp thee to my bread ?
Rho. Now, faithful lovers,
Propitious Hymen foon fhall recompenfe
Your forrows pafti
TJio. Firft let us to the temple
To thank the gracious powers : for, O my children !
How vain is every human enterprife,
If not begun with duty to the Gods !
CHORUS.
What frenzy muft his foul poflefs,
Whofe hopes on evil deeds depend ?
For though the wicked meet fuccefs,
Yet peace can ne'er their Heps attend.
And even in life's fereneft flate,
Shall Vice receive her fecret fling ;
As Virtue, though deprefs'd by fate,
Herfelf her own reward fhall bring.
THE END OP THE THIRD ACT.
TITUS.
T I T U S.
VOL. I.
PERSONS OF THE DRAMA.
TITUS VESPASIAN, Emperor of Rome.
VITELLIA, Daughter to the Emperor VITELLIUS.
SERVILIA, Sifter to SEXTUS, in love with ANNIUS.
\
SEXTUS, Friend of TITUS, in love with VITELLIA.
ANNIUS, Friend of SEXTUS, in love with SERVILIA.
PUBLIUS, PREFECT of the PR^TORS.
CHORUS of SENATORS and PEOPLE.
The SCENE lies in ROME.
TITUS.
AC T I. SCENE I.
The apartments of VITELLIA, commanding a
profpefi of the TYBER.
VITELLIA, SEXTUS.
Vitel. But wherefore, Sextus, doft thou ftill re-
turn
To fill my ears with fruitlefs repetitions ?
I know that Lentulus, feduc'd by thee,
Is ripe for infurreftion ; that his friends
Wait but the fignal to begin the tumult ;
That when the flames fhall feize the Capitol,
Thy followers will unite their force to afTail
Unguarded Titus ; that each brave aflbciate
Will for diftinc~lion, on his mantle wear,
O'er his right arm, a badge of crimfon hue.
All this from thee a thoufand times I've heard ;
But fee no profpecl yet for my revenge :
Or muft we wait till Titus, in my light,
Shall give his faithlefs hand to Berenice,
And feat her on the throne ufurp'd from me ?
Speak whence this long delay ?
Sex. O mighty Gods !
Q 2 Fitel.
228 TITUS. [ACT r.
Fit el. What means thaffigh? Give me to
know the caufe
Of thy fo frequent and myfterious change.
Whene'er thou leav'ft me, all thy foul feems fir'd
Even to my wifh ;' but when again I fee thee,
Thou art cold, irrefolute. From whence this flrangc
Perpetual ftrife of boldnefs and timidity ?
Sex. Then hear, Vitellia ; hear my fecret heart.
When thou art prefent, thou haft all my thoughts ;
I have no will but thine ; I catch thy fury ;
Eager I burn to avenge thy wrongs ; and Titus
Appears to merit all thy rage can threaten.
But when I leave thee, and return to him,
Forgive me while I fpeak it, Titus then
Appears all goodnefs, and difarms my purpofe.
Fitel. Since thus
Sex. Yet ere thou chid'ft me, let me lay
My foul before thee : thou requir'ft revenge,
But Caefar claims my faith : thy proffer'd love
Impels me to the fatal deed ; but Titus,
With ties of gratitude, reftrains my hand :
Love pleads for thee, while duty pleads for him.
Yet oft as I again behold Vitellia,
I find new charms to fafcinate my heart ;
And oft as I again contemplate Titus,
I find new virtues claim my admiration.
My bofom pants to prove its zeal for thee,
But dares not turn a traitor to its prince,
1 Alas !
ACT I.] TITUS. 22Q
Alas ! I cannot live if thou art loft ;
And, if I gain thee, I deteft myfelf.
Now chide me if thou wilt.
Vitel. Ungrateful, no :
Thou merit'ft not my anger.
Sex. Think, Vitellia,
Reflect once more Ah ! let us not, in Titus,
Deprive the world of all it holds mod dear,
Take from ourfelves a friend, from Rome a father !
Look through the records of antiquity,
You feek in vain his equal : can your mind
Paint one more generous or merciful ?
Speak to him of rewards, his treafures feem
[Too poor to anfwer merit : fpeak of punifhment,
His goodnefs finds excufe for every" crime :
He thefe forgives for inexperienc'd youth,
And thofe for hoary age : in fome he fpares
The unfullied fame of an illuftrious houfe ;
And pities others for their abject ftate.
He meafures not his life by length of years,
But acts of goodnefs done ; and thinks the day
Is loft, that has not made fome fubject happy.
SVitel. Yet ftill he reigns
Sex. He reigns, 'tis true, but claims
No fervice that a Roman fcorns to pay.
I le reigns indeed, but o'er fo vaft an empire,
While Titus watches with unceafing care,
What envied privilege attends his ftation
But
230 TITUS. [ACT i.
But empty titles, and the name of Caefar,
The burden his, the bleffings all our own ? ,
Fltel. And dar'ft thou to my face, with odious
praife,
Extol my hated foe ? Haft thou forgot
This hero, fam'd for clemency, enjoys
The throne his father firft ufurp'd from mine ?
And has he not betray'd, nay even reduc'd me
(This is his greateft crime) almoft to love him ?
And now, perfidious ! to recall again
His Berenice to the fhores of Tyber !
He might at leaft from Rome's imperial beauties
Have found a rival worthier of Vitellia :
But, Sextus, to prefer an exile to me,
A rude barbarian queen
Sex. Thou know'ft, Vitellia,
That Berenice came unbid to Rome.
Vitel. Relate fuch tales to inexperienc'd child-
hood :
I know their mutual paffion, know what tears
Were fhed when laft they parted : well I know
He treats her now with every mark of honour.
There is no room for doubt who does not fee it ?
Perfidious ! he adores her ftill !
Sex. Ah ! princefs !
Are you then jealous ?
Vltcl. Jealous !
Sex. Yes, Vitellia.
ACT I.} TITUS. 231
Fit el. Muft I be jealous then unlefs I tamely
Submit to bear my wrongs without repining ?
Sex. And yet
Fttel. And yet thou haft not heart to win me !
Sex. O were I free
Vitel. Thou art I here releafe thee
From every promife made : I (hall not want
Some nobler hand to execute my vengeance.
Sex. Hear me
Vitel. I've heard enough.
Sex. Yet flay -
Fitel. Farewell !
Sex. My life ! Vitellia ! O forfake me not
Where would'ft thou go ? Forgive what I have faid :
I was to blame believe me I repent :
Speak, fpeak, direct, command the fword of Sextus,
Thou art my oracle, my fate's in thee.
Vitel. Before the fun regain the weftern waves,
Let Titus perifh ; let not
SCENE II.
Enter ANNIUS.
Ann. Sextus, Caefar
Demands thy prefence.
Vitel. Lofe not thefe fhort moments
Which Titus Heals from love and Berenice.
3 Ann.
232 TITUS. [ACT r.
Ann. Vitellia, no thou wrong'ft our mighty
hero ;
Not more is Titus ruler of the world
Than mafter of himfelf : for Berenice
At his command already is departed,
Sex. How, Anhius !
Vitel Say'fl thou ?
Ann. Yes ; you well may gaze,
When Rome with joy and wonder weeps : myfelf
Can fcarce believe it true ; yet I, Vitellia,
Was witnefs to their folemn laft farewell.
Vitel. O my reviving hopes ! . \afide.
Sex. Triumphant virtue !
Fttel. O that Vitellia had been prefent there,
To hear that haughty beauty rail on Titus !
Ann. No ; fhe was foftnefs all and tendernefs :
She went indeed, but went with full conviction
That Titus lov'd her ; that his heart confefs'd,
No lefs than hers, the pangs of feparation.
Fltel. Shg might be yet deceived.
Ann. Full well we faw
Titus conftrain'd to. fummon all the hero,
To quell the lover riling in his bofom.
'Tis true, he conquer'd, but with painful flruggle :
He funk not with misfortune, yet he felt
Her keenefl arrows, while his looks confefs'd
The godlike fufferings of determin'd virtue ;
A dreadful
ACT I.] TITUS. 233
A dreadful ftrife and painful victory !
Vitel. Perhaps I was too warm, and Titus yet
May prove lefs guilty than my fears prefag'd.
[a/ide.
Sextus, forbear to execute my orders ;
All is not yet mature. \afide to Sextus.
Sex. \to her.~\ Wilt thou forbid me
To gaze upon thee, to lament in filence ?
Unjuft Vitellia !
Vitel. What does Sextus mean ?
Of what doft thou complain ?
Sex. Of nothing Heavens !
I dare not fpeak, though torture wrings my foul.
Fit el. If thou would' ft hope my love to gain,
Lay by thy caufelefs fears ;
Nor with perpetual doubts in vain
Moleft Vitellia's ears.
Who thinks to find his miilrefs juft,
Muft ftill her truth believe ;
But he, who fears her faith to truli,
Inftrucls her to deceive. [Exit.
SCENE
234 TITUS. [ACT i.
SCENE III.
SEXTUS, ANNIUS.
Ann. Now, Sextus, is the time to make me
happy ;
I have thy promife for Servilia's hand,
And nothing more remains but Caefar's fanclion
To authorize our loves : this day, my friend,
Thou may 'ft obtain it.
Sex. Annius, thy defire
Becomes a law to Sextus. I'm impatient,
No lefs than thee, till our long faithful friendfhip
Js ftrengthen'd by the ties of fuch alliance.
Ann. I cannot tafte of peace without Servilia.
Sex. And who fhall rob thee of thy foul's de-
fire ?
Does fhe not love thee with the tendered paffion ?
While Sextus breathes, is not each act of his
Devoted to thee ? Is not Titus juft ?
Ann. I doubt not thefe- -and yet methinks I
fear.
In
ACT I.] TITUS. 235
In vain I feek to calm to reft
The heart that flutters in my breaft ;
I feel my foul with fears oppreft,
Yet know not whence they flow.
How anxious is the lover's fate !
Ten thoufand doubts perplex his irate :
'"iiiik-
Fond hopes of future blifs create 4
But certain prefent woe. [Exit.
SCENE IV.
SEXTUS alone.
Affift me, Gods ! by flow degrees I lofe
Dominion o'er myfelf : this fatal paffion
Engrofles all my thoughts i Vitellia fhines
The ftar that guides my fate : the haughty fair
Perceives her power, and cruelly infults trie ;
And yet I dare not murmur. O the force
Of fov' reign beauty ! you who hold from Heaven
This envied gift, take not by her example :
Rule o'er mankind, but ride with milder fway.
Let rebel minds receive your chain,
With rigour there your power maintain ;
But thofe, whofe hearts your reign confefs,
With barbarous pleafure ne'er opprefs.
No
236 TITUS. [ACT i.
No Thracian is fo cruel found,
In diftant Thrace's favage ground,
But fpares the wretch, who cafts away
His recreant arms, and yields the day. [Exit.
SCENE V.
The fcene represents a place before the temple of
JUPITER STATOR, celebrated for the meeting of
the Senate: behind is a view of part of the
Roman Forum, decorated with arches, obeli/ks
and trophies : on the fide is a diftant profpecJ of
the Palatine-hill, and a great part of the facred
way : a front view of the Capitol, which is
afcended by a magnificent flight ofjleps.
PUBLIUS and the Roman Senators : the Deputies of
the fiibjeft provinces attending to prefent their
annual tribute to the Senate. While the enfuing
Chorus is Jung, TITUS defcends from the Capitol,
preceded by the Liflors, followed by the Praetors,
accompanied by SEXTUS and ANNIUS, and fur-
rounded by a numerous crowd of people.
CHORUS.
O guardian Gods ! in whom we trufl
To watch the Roman fate ;
Preferve in Titus, brave and juft,
The glory of the Hate !
For
ACT I.] TITUS. 237
For ever round our Caefar's brows
The facred laurel bloom :
In him, for whom we breathe our vows,
Preierve the weal of Rome.
Long may your glorious gift remain,
And long our times adorn ;
So mall this age the envy gain
Of ages yet unborn.
,
Pub. This day the Senate ftile thee, mighty
Caefar,
The father of thy country ; never yet
More juft in their decree.
Ann. Thou art not only
Thy country's father, but her guardian God.
And lince thy virtues have already foar'd
Beyond mortality, receive thofe honours
We pay to Heaven. The Senate have decreed
To build a {lately temple, where thy name
Shall ftand enroll'd among the powers divine,
And Tyber worfhip at the fane of Titus.
Pub. Thefe treafures, gather'd from the annual
tribute
Of fubjecl: provinces, we dedicate
To effecl this pious work : difdain not, Titus,
This public token of our grateful homage.
Tit. Romans ! believe that every wifh of Titus.
Is center'd in your love ; but let not therefore,
Your.
238 .TITUS. FACT i.
li
Your love, forgetful of its proper bounds,
Reflect difgrace on Titus, or yourfelves.
Is there a name more dear, more tender to me,
Than father of my people ? Yet even this
I rather feek to merit than obtain.
-My foul would imitate the mighty Gods
By virtuous deeds, but fh udders at the thought
Of impious emulation. He who dares
To rank himfelf their equal, forfeits all
His future title to their guardian care.
O ! fatal folly when prefumptuous pride
Forgets the weaknefs of mortality !
Yet think not I refufe your proffer' d treafures,
Their ufe alone be chang'd. Then hear my
purpofe.
Vefuvius, raging with unwonted fury,
Pours from her gaping jaws a lake of fire,
Shakes the firm earth, and fpreads deftruclion round
The fubject fields and cities : trembling fly
The pale inhabitants, while all who 'fcape
The flaming ruin, meagre want purfues.
Behold an object claims your thoughts ; difpenfe
The'fe treafures to relieve our fufFering brethren :
Thus, Romans ! thus your temple build for Titus.
Ann. O truly great !
Pub. How poor were all rewards,
How poor were praife to fuch tranfcendent virtue !
CHORUS.
ACT J.I] TITUS. 23()
r? : ' 1 '.no fisl bri ; - vo)*d .r'.rro ; .-/- v ^ ft < .cv .""T
CHORUS.
O guardian Gods ! in whom we truft
To watch the Roman fate ;
Preferve in Titus, brave and juft,
The glory of the ftate.
a-jjj'. V> '.(/i;,.i :>il,t 540;.. h -jii ,'r t o<..T
Tit. Enough enough Sextus, my friend,
draw near ;
Depart not, Annius : all befides retire.
[all go out but Titus, Sextus and Annius.
Ann. Now, Sextus, plead my caufe.
[ajide to Sextus.
Sex. And could you, fir,
Refign your beauteous queen ?
Tit. Alas ! my Sextus,
That moment fure was dreadful yet I thought
No more 'tis paft ! the ilruggle's o'er ! (he's
gone!
Thanks to the Gods ! I've gain'd the painful con-
queft ;
'Tis juft I now complete the tafk begun :
The greater part is done ; the lefs remains.
Sex. What more remains, my lord ?
3
Tit. To take from Rome
The leaft fufpicion that the hand of Titus
Shall e'er be join'd in marriage to the queen.
Sex. For this the queen's departure may fuffice.
Tit.
240 TITUS. [ACT i.
Tit. No, Sextus ; once before fhe left our city,
And yet return'd twice have we met, the third
May prove a fatal meeting : while my bed
Receives no other partner, all who know
My foul's affeclion, may with fhow of reafon
Believe the place referv'd for Berenice.
Too deeply Rome abhors the name of queen,
But wifhes on the Imperial feat to view
A daughter of her own let Titus then
Fulfill the wifh of Rome. Since love in vain
Form'd my firft choice, let friendfhip fix the fe-
cond.
Sextus, to thee fhall Caefar's blood unite ;
This day thy fifler is my bride
Sex. Servilia ?
Tit. Servilia.
Ann. Wretched Annius ! [afide.
Sex. O ye Gods !
Annius is loft ! [afide.
Tit. Thou hear'ft not ; fpeak, my friend/
What means this lilence ?
Sex. Can I fpeak, my lord ?
Your goodnefs overwhelms my grateful mind
Fain would I
Ann. Sextus fuffers for his friend ! [afide.
Tit. Declare thyfelf with freedom, every wifh
Shall find a grant.
Sex.
ACT I.] TITUS. 241
Sex. Be juft, my foul, to Annius, [aftde.
Ann. Annius, be firm. \afide.
Sex. O Titus
Arm. Mighty Caefar !
I know the heart of Sextus : from our infancy
A mutual tendernefs has grown between us.
I read his thoughts ; with modefl eftimation
He rates his worth, as difproportion'd far
To fuch alliance, nor reflects that Caefar
Ennobles whom he favours. Sacred fir !
Purfue your purpofe. -Can a bride be found
More worthy of the empire or yourfelf ?
Beauty and virtue in Servilia meet ;
She feem'd, whene'er I view'd her, born to reign ;
And what I oft prefag'd, your choice confirms.
Sex. Is this the voice of Annius ? Do I dream ?
[afide.
Tit. 'Tis well : thou, Annius, with difpatchful
care,
Convey the tidings to her. Come, my Sextus,
Caft every vain and anxious thought afide :
Thou malt with me fo far partake of greatnefs,
I will exalt thee to fuch height of honour,
That little of the diftance fhall remain
At which the Gods have plac'd thee now from
. - Titus.
Sex. Forbear, my lord, O ! moderate this good-
nefs,
VOL. i. R Left
242 TITUS. [ACT I.
Left Sextus, poor and bankrupt in his thanks,
Appear ungrateful for the gifts of Caefar.
Tit. What would'ft thou leave me, friend, if
thou deny' ft me
The glorious privilege of doing good ?
This fruit the monarch boafts alone,
The only fruit that glads a throne :
All, all belides is toil and pain,
Where flavery drags the galling chain.
Shall I my only joy forego ?
No more my kind protection fhow,
To thofe by fortune's frown purfu'd ?
No more exalt each virtuous friend,
No more a bounteous hand extend,
To enrich the worthy and the good !
[Exit witH Sextus.
1 "^ ' -
SCENE VI.
ANNIUS alone.
Shall I repent ? O no I've acted well,
As fuits a generous lover : had I now
Depriv'd her of the throne, to enfure her mine,
I might have lov'd myfelf, but not Servilia.
Lay by, my heart, thy wonted tendernefs ;
She who was late thy miftrefs, is become
Thy fovereign ; let thy paflion then be chang'd
To
ACT I.] TITUS.
To diftant homage but, behold, (he's here !
O Heaven ! methinks fhe ne'er before appear' d
So beauteous in my eyes !
SCENE VII.
Enter SERVILIA.
Seru. My life, my love !
Ann. Ceafe, ceafe, Servilia ; for 'tis criminal
To call me (till by thofe endearing names.
Serv. And wherefore ?
Ann. Caefar has elected thee
O torture ! for the partner of his bed
He bade me bring myfelf 1 cannot bear it
The tidings to thee O my breaking heart !
And I 1 have been once 1 cannot fpeak !
Emprefs, farewell !
Seru. What may this mean ? Yet ftay
Servilia Caefar' s wife ! Ah ! why ?
Ann. Becaufe
Beauty and virtue never can be found
More worthy of the throne. My life ! OHeaven!
What would I dare to fay ? Permit me, emprefs,
Permit me to retire.
Serv. And wilt thou leave me
In this confufioh ? Speak, rekte at full
By what ftrange means, declare each circum-
ftance
R 2 Ann.
244 TITUS. [ACT i.
Ann. I'm loft unlefs I go My heart's bed
treafure !
My tongue its wonted theme purfues,
Accuftom'd on thy name to dwell ;
Then let my former love excufe
What from my lips unwary fell.
I hop'd that reafon would fuffice
To calm th' emotions love might raife :
But, ah ! unguarded, fond furprife
Each fecret, I would hide, betrays. [Exit.
SCENE VIII.
~*" ji SERVILIA alone.
Shall I be wife to Caefar ! in one moment
Diflblve my former ties ! confign to oblivion
Such wondrous faith ? Ah, no ! from me the
throne
Can never merit fuch a facrifice :
Fear it not, Annius, it (hall never be.
Thee long I've lov'd,- and ftill I'll love ;
Thou wert the firft, and thou fhalt prove
The laft dear object of my flame.
The love which firft our breaft infpires,
When free from guilt, fuch ftrength acquires,
It lafls till death confumes our frame. [Exit.
SCENE
ACT I.] TITUS. 245
SCENE IX.
An apartment in the Imperial palace, upon the
Palatine-hill.
TITUS, PUBLIUS with a paper.
Tit. What means that paper, Publius ?
Pub. This contains
The names of thofe who rafhly have defam'd
The facred memory of our Caefars dead.
Tit. Such inquiiition, ufelefs now to them,
Can only furnifh fraud with various ways
To enfnare the innocent : I from this hour
Abolifh it, and that the informer's guile
Henceforth may ftand defeated of its aim,
I here decree the accufer fhall incur
The penalties that wait upon the guilty.
Pub. Butjuftice :
Tit. O ! if juftice fhould exert
Her utmoft rigour, foon the earth would prove
A lonely wafte. Where fhall we find the man
Within whofe breait no guilt, no little frailty
Has ever lurk'd ? Let us but view ourfelves.
Believe me, feldom has a judge been known
Free from that crime for which he dooms the of-
fender.
Pub. Yet furely punimments
Tit.
246 TITUS. [ACT i.
Tit. If thefe are frequent,
They lofe their weight ; and chaflifement becomes
Familiar to the wicked ; they perceive
What numbers are partakers in their -guilt :
'Tis dangerous to proclaim how few are virtuous.
Pub. But fome there are, my lord, whofe dar-
ing tongues
Have even attack 1 d your name.
Tit. And what imports it ?
If thoughtlefs levity incite them, to it,
I heed them, not ; if folly, they've my pity ;
If juftice prompt them, I am thankful for it ;
And if they're urg'd by malice, I forgive them.
Pub. At
SCENE X.
Enter SERVILIA.
Serv. Thus proftrate at the feet of Caefar - .
Tit. Servilia! Emprefs !
Serv. O my lord ! forbear ;
Firft hear me, ere you grace me with fuch titles ;
I come to unfold a weighty fecret -
Tit. Publius,
Withdraw awhile, but wait within -
[Publius retires,
Seru. That you,
O generous monarch ! from the numerous fair
That
ACT I.] TITUS. 247
That grace your court, all worthier far than I,
Should on Servilia fix to lhare the bed
Of mighty Caefar, is fo vaft an honour,
As might with tranfport warm the coldeft breaft.
I know the value of the proffer' d glory,
J would be grateful, and muft fhow it thus.
Your choice is turn'd on one, whom yet, perhaps,
You little know, and I mould wrong your goodnefs
By further lilence, therefore come to lay
My foul before you,
Tit. Speak.
Serv. The earth has none
That more adores your virtues than Servilia :
For you I'm all refpecl: and admiration,
But for my heart be not difpleas'd
Tit. Go on.
Serv. My heart, my lord, no more is mine ;
for this
Has Annius long poflefs'd ; ere yet I knew it,
I lov'd him, and have felt no fecond paflion ;
A mutual fympathy infpir'd our fouls ;
And, O ! I find I never mail forget him.
Even from the throne my mind would Hill purfuc
Its wonted courfe. I know 'tis criminal
To oppofe the will of Caefar : yet my duty
Bids me reveal my thoughts before my fovereign :
Then if he ftill perfift in his defign
TO take me for his bride, my hand is his.
Tit,
248 TITUS. [ACT i.
Tit. I thank ye, Gods ! this once, at leaft, I've
feen
Truth undifguis'd ; at length I've met with one
Who ventures to difpleafe by fpeech fincere.
Thou canft not tell, Servilia, how thou charm'ft
me ;
How haft thou given me double caufe of wonder !
Annius prefers thy glory to his peace ;
And thou refufeft empire, to preferve
Thy faith to him : and (hall I then deftroy
Such love and conflancy ? Ah ! no the heart
Of Titus breeds not fuch ungenerous thoughts.
My daughter (thou fhalt find me now thy father,
And not thy confort) baniih from thy breaft
Each needlefs doubt ; for Annius is thy hufband :
Myfelf will join the wifh'd-for knot. May Heaven
Vouchfafe with me to blefs the happy nuptials,
And may from you a future race proceed,
To glad your country with their parents' virtues !
Serv. O Titus ! Emperor ! Joy of human kind !
How fhall my grateful foul exprefs
Tit. Servilia,
If thou would' ft fhow thy gratitude to Caefar,
Infpire each mind with candour like thy own.
Proclaim it to the world, that more I prize
The harfheft truth, than falfehood's flattering voice.
Did
ACT I.] TITUS. 249
Did every fubjeft near the throne,
Like thee a mind fincere poflefs ;
Such cares would not furround a crown,
But all be happinefs and peace.
The rulers of mankind no more
Would fearch in vain the fecret heart ;
No longer truth difguis'd explore
Through all the mazy wiles of art. [Exit.
SCENE XL
\ v *-
Enter VITELLIA.
Serv. O happy day ! [to Tierfelf.
Vitfl. May I before my fovereign
Pay down the tribute of my earlieft homage ;
Adore that face, for which the bread of Titus,
Wounded by love, has loft its wonted peace ?
Serv. Infulting woman ! yet for my revenge
Let her be ftill deceiv'd [<?/<&.] Farewell 1
Vitel. Servilia
Already deigns not to behold me. Heavens !
And does fhe thus depart, forfake me thus ?
Serv. Compjain not if I now depart,
Or, if thou wilt, complain of love ;
Love rules the motions of my heart,
And where he calls my feet muft move.
Nor
25O TITUS. [ACT i.
Nor deem it ftrange, that from thy fight,
Tranfported thus I'm borne away
By that excefs of vail delight,
That leads, my every fenfe aftray. [Exit,
SCENE XII.
<-.:,. ^v' : '-'iu^tiij f'iL>':' .' i-'/j.
VITELLIA alone.
And mufl I fufFer fuch difdainful treatment ?
With what contempt already fhe beholds me !
Inhuman Titus ! is it not enough,
; That Berenice was to me preferr'd ?
Am I the lowed then of woman-kind ?
All, all are worthy thee except Vitellia !
Tremble, ungrateful man, to think thou wrong' ft
me :
This day thy blood
SCENE XIU t
Enter SEXTUS.
f 5 , ( , . , , 1 1
Sex. My life !
Vitel. What tidings bring'ft thou ?
Say, is the Capitol in flames ? Confum'd ? r
Where, where is Lentulus ? Is Titus punifh'd ?
Sex. Nothing has yet been done,
Vitel. Ha ! nothing done !
And
ACT I.] TITUS. 251
And doft thou yet return fo boldly to me ?
What are thy merits that thou dar'ft prefume
To call me now thy life ?
Sex. 'Twas your command
The blow fhould be fufpended.
Fttel. Haft thou not
Heard of my laft affront ? And doft thou full
Wait for a fecond bidding ? Tell me how
Thou e'er wilt hope to be efteem'd a lover,
When thou fo little canft explore my thoughts ?
Sex. O ! might one caufe but juftify
Vitel. One caufe ?
Thou haft a thoufand let what paflion will
Direct and hold dominion o'er thy heart.
Is fame thy wifh ? I bid thee free thy country,
Shake off her chains, and crown thy name with
honour :
Our age fhall boaft her Brutus. Is thy foul
For great ambition form'd ? Behold a path
To empire open : th^ofe that own my caufe,
My friends, are thine, my title to the throne
I will enforce for thee. Say, can this hand
Complete thy happinefs ? Receive it now.
Fly, fly with fpeed ; revenge me, I am thine :
Return all ftain'd with his perfidious blood :
Thou fhalt become my only joy, my bleffing,
My foul's beft treafure. Will not this fuffice ?
|3ear yet, and after linger if thou canft :
Know
252 TITUS. [ACT i.
Know then that Titus till this hour I've lov'd,
That this alone produc'd my fcorn for thee :
That, if he lives, I may perhaps repent ;
That even again, (I dare not truft myfelf)
I may return to love him. Now, be gone :
If love, ambition, glory will not move thee ;
If thou canft bear to hear a rival's name,
A rival who may rob thee of my heart,
Thou' it then a wretch beneath Vitellia's fcorn.
Sex. How many ways am I befet ! Enough,
Forbear ! Thou haft infpir'd me now, Vitellia,
With all thy fury : foon (halt thou behold
The Capitol in flames, and view this fword
Plung'd in the breaft of Titus Mighty 'Gods !
What fudden coldnefs freezes in my veins !
Vitel. Why art thou thoughtful thus ?
Sex. Alas ! Vitellia
Vltel. I know it well already thou repent'ft.
Sex. No, I repent not but
Fit. No more perplex me.-
I fee, ingrate ! thy paffion is but feign'd ;
Fool that I was ! I thought thy words fincere,
And almoft I began to love thee Hence,
Avoid my fight, and think of me no more !
Sex. Yet hold for, O ! I yield : already fee
I fly to ferve you.
Vitel. I can truft no further ;
Thou wilt anew deceive me, in the midft
1 Of
ACT I.] TITUS- 253
Of aclion thou'lt again remember
Sex. No:
Puniih me, Love, if I again deceive you.
Vitel. Hafte then : what mean'il thou ? Where-
fore linger thus J
Sex. I go : meantime thy fcorn reftrain,
Reftore me to thy grace again,
And nothing fhalt thou alk in vain*;
I'll act whate'er thou canft require.
O ! look, and every fcruple dies ;
To avenge thy caufe thy lover flies ;
The charms of thofe all-conquering eyes
Alone fhall his remembrance fire. [Exit.
SCENE XIV.
. VITELLIA alone.
Yes, JTitus, thou (halt find this flighted beauty
Is not fo mean ; at leaft it can fuffice
To taint the allegiance of thy neareft friends,
If found too weak to bend thy ftubborn heart :
Thou .fhalt repent
SCENE
254 TITUS. [ACT I.
SCENE XV.
Enter PUBLIUS.
Pub. Vitellia ! art thou here ?
O fly ! for Caefar hades to thy apartment.
Vitel. Caefar ! why feeks he me ?
Pub. And know'ft thou not
He has ele6ted thee his confort ?
Fitel Publius,
Vitellia brooks but ill to be derided.
Pub. Derided ! Caefar comes himfelf to alk
Of thee confent.
Vitel. Servilia then
Pub. Servilia,
Whate'er the caufe, rejected ftands.
Fit el. And I
Pub. Thou art our emprefs. Princefs, let u*
s^d go;
Caefar experts thee.
Vitel. Stay awhile O Heaven !
Sextus ! unhappy me ! Sextus ! he's gone.
Run, Publius, feek him out no rather hafte
O I have let my rage too far tranfport me ! [afide.
Art thou not gone yet ?
Pub. Whither fhould I go ?
Kiel
ACT I.] TITUS. 255
Fitel. To Sextus, hafle.
Pub. What would'ft thou have me fay ?
Vitel. Bid him return to me this inflant ; fly
Let him not lofe a moment.
Pub. I am gone.
How much excefs of joy diffracts our fenfe !
[a/ide.~\ Exit.
SCENE XVI.
i
VITELLIA alone.
What dreadful maze is this ? Ah ! deareft Titus !
I own I've been unjufl and, O ! if Sextus
Should have effected what my rage enjoin' d,
How wretched then mufl be Servilia's lot !
But wherefore fhould I raife fuch fatal omens ?
Yet what if Titus mould repent his choice ?
And why repent ? What caufe have I to fear it ?
How many different thoughts poflefs my mind !
I'm now tranfported, now again I fear ;
And all within my breafl is wild confufion.
Poor panting heart, and wilt thou never
Reft within thy troubled feat ?
Shall I view the moment ever
Thou fhalt ceafe a while to beat ?
^H> ;
Cruel
256 TITUS. [ACT r.
Cruel ftars ! that thus torment me ;
Fortune fhifts with me in vain :
Pleafure's felf cannot content me,
Pleafure turns with me to pain. [Exit.
END OF THE FIRST ACT.
ACT
TITUS. 257
m ;iu /:il -r'-'if"?-'!'! 'J r 'tff is {'.I
ACT II. SCENE I.
: yifn viTJ i'.n ot ! ./; :i'/r/j f '
PO.ST/COES.
I ATJq'-> *3^ Ajsi ta fin/; Jrwob HJ& >;<; iix^
SEXTUS <z/ow, tw'M /fo badge of the confpirators
upon lih mantle.
J' r !" "' vilrJi ' ' ^ 1 ^ II iv/ (->_ itfiA
Ye Gods ! what means this fudden terror !
whence
This tumult at my heart ! I freeze ! I fhake !
I go and flop by turns each breath of air,
Each lhadow makes me ftart 1 did not think
' i r
It could have prov'd fo hard to be a villain.
But; let us now complete our work begun :
Already at my lignal Lentulus
Advances tow'rds the Capitol, while I
Muft rum on Titus at the precipice
I've fet my foot, and dire neceffity
Muil plunge me headlong down to final ruin.
Yet, if I perifh, let me fall with courage
With courage ? Shall a traitor boaft of courage ?
Unhappy Sextus ! ha ! art thou a traitor ?
O dreadful name ! yet this thou feek'ft to gain.
And whom would'ft thou betray ? The greateft,
beft,.
The mildeft prince on earth ; to whom thou ow'ft
All that thou haft been, all thou art. Is this
His recompenfe.? Was it for this he rais'd thee,
VOL. i. s That
258 TITUS. [ACT n.
That thou might'fl lift thy murderous hand againft
him ?
No - firft gape earth and fwallow me Vitellia,
My heart will ne'er confent to aid thy fury :
O rather, ere I fee my guilt completed,
Let me fall down and at his feet expire !
Now, now the horrid plot is ripe for aclion ! -
Then hade, O hafte ! be Lentulus prevented,
And as it will let fate difpofe the reft -
Ye powers ! what do I fee ! the Capitol
Already burft in flames - yes, Lentulus
Has now begun the fatal enterprize i|
And my remorfe perhaps may come too late -
Eternal Gods ! preferve the life of Titus, [going.
g jow u/o atoqfnoo won r tn i^
SCENE H.
I '
Enter ANNIUS.
-.0:1.: - --.;,';.! no dim ;
Ann. Sextus, where doft thou hafte ?
Sex. I go, my friend-Si'
O Gods-i detain me not.
^mic Cither go'iVth&r
Sex. I go . thou for my ihame too foon wilt
r r> '
learn. [Exit.
fi.:" /T 'J?T L
;j5iii rnorfv/ot : (incs no 3Dnh(| flobiim odT
ib el .nL jfJd> Ik t n'jod iJ^ri uodj irrlt JiA
SCEN^
ACT II.] TITUS. . 259
SCENE III.
ANNIUS alone.
Thou for my fhame too foon wilt learn ! What
fecret
Lurks in thefe words ! And why conceal'd from
Annius ?
What mean, ye powers ! thofe ghaftly looks ! that
fpeech
Confus'd ? Does any danger threaten Sextus?
Sure then a faithful friend fhould not forfake him ;
Let me purfue his fteps. [going.
SCENE IV.
Enter SERVILIA.
Serv. At length, my Annius,
Again I've found thee !
Ann. O my foul's delight !
How do I ftand indebted to thy love !
I will return this inftant : pardon now
This hafty parting from thee. -
Serv. Wherefore would'ft thou
Leave me fo foon !
s 2 SCENE
260 Irrus. [ACT ii.
SCENE V.
Enter PUB LI us and Guards.
Pub. Annius, what doft thou here ?
All Rome's in tumult ; and the Capitol
Is fill'd with fpreading flames, while thou canft
wafte,
Without a blufh, the hours in thoughtlefs love.
Serv. O heavenly powers !
Ann. The words of Sextus now
Fill me with double terror let me feek him.
[going-
Serv. And wilt thou leave me thus in danger ?
Ann. Gods !
My heart's divided between love and friendship !
O Publius ! guard her for my fake ; in her
My life's fole treafure I intruft to thee. [Exit.
SCENE VI.
SERVILIA, PUBLIUS, Guards.
Serv. Publius, what fatal accident is this ?
Pub. Heaven grant it prove no more than acci-
dent,
And not the work of fome dark-dealing hand,
That with a black defign has rais'd thefe flamej*
w
Serv.
ACT II.] TITUS. 26]
Serv. Thou mak'ft my blood run cold.
Pub. Return, Servilia,
To thy abode, and do not fear. I leave
Thefe guards for thy defence. Meantime I hafte
To find Vitellia. Titus bade me feek
And fhield you both from danger.
Serv. Can it be ?
Has Titus leifure to reflect on us ?
Pub. Yes ; Titus thinks on all. His wifdom ftill
Provides for all amidft the general tumult ;
Takes every meafure that may fruftrate treafon,
And re-eftablifh peace. O ! had you feen him
Direct the motions of the populace :
The bold he curbs, the fearful he incites ;
^Threats, praifes, promifes, in every fhape
His wifdom us'd ; in him at once we fee
Rome's great defender, and the foldier's dread,
The friend, the prince, the citizen and father.
Serv. But thus furpris'd, how could he know
Pub. Servilia,
Thou err'ft, for Titus cannot be furpris'd :
No ftroke can come that finds him unprepar'd.
What
262 TITUS. [ACT n.
What though no day of fight be near ;
What though the feas be calm and clear ;
The foldier ne'er on peace relies ;
The failor doubts the mildefl fkies. .
In fafety that his weapon wears ;
And this in calms his oar prepares ;
And either ready {lands to brave
Th' embattled field, or ftormy wave. [Exit.
SCENE VII.
SERVILIA, Guards.
. r ' **''"i
Serv. To be forfaken thus by him I love ;
To know the perils that he runs to engage ;
To feel my heart now tremble for his fafety;
Yet not have power to follow him in danger ;
This, this indeed is torture, 'tis to bear
The pains of lingering death, yet never die.
Though I'm denied with thee to view
The perils thou may 1 ft prove; ;
My heart's affections, ever true^
Shall follow him I love.
V
Love binds them in a lafling chain,
Nor fuffers them to ftray ;
With Annius then they ftill remain,
And fhall for ever flay. [Exit 'with guards.
SCENE
ACT II.] TITUS.
SCENE VIII.
VITELLIA, SEXTUS, unfeen of each other.
Vitel. Ah ! who for pity will direct my fteps
To find out Sextus ? O unhappy woman !
I've fought him every where, but fought in vain :
Could I at leaft but meet with Titus !
Sex. Where,
Where fhall I hide myfelf, and whither fly ?
wretch !
Vitel. Ha ! Sextus ! hear me-^ [feeing him.
Sex. Yes, inhuman !
Thou fhalt be fatisfied ; behold at full
Thy dire command completed.
Fitd. Ah ! what fay'ft thou ?
Sex. Already Titus, O ye mighty powers !
Breathes from his wounded breafl his generous foul.
Vitel. What haft thou done ?
Sex. Think not the deed was mine,
Repentant of my crime I flew to fave him :
But fcarce I came, when from the rebel band
Full at his back a traitor aim'd the blow :
" Villain ! forbear" I cried : but, O ! too late !
The fatal ftroke was given, and in the wound
The afiaffin left his murdering fteel and fled :
1 ftrove to draw it forth, when with the weapon
The
I
264 TITUS. [ACT ii.
The blood guih'd out and ftain'd my veft ; while
Titus,
O all ye Gods ! reel'd, fwoon'd, and fenfelefs fell.
Vitel. Ah ! hold with him I feel myfelf ex-
. pire.
Sex. Compaffion, fury urg'd me to purfue
The bafe aflaffin, but in vain I've fought him,
He has efcap'd my juft revenge Ah ! princefs !
What wretchednefs awaits me ! never more
Shall I have peace ! How dearly have I bought
The hopes of pleaiing thee !
Fit el. Detefted wretch !
Of pleafing me ! thou fill'ft my foul with horror !
Can there be found a monfter like thyfelf ?
When was there ever heard a crime more dreadful ?
Thou haft taken from the world its dearefl trea-
fure ;
From Rome whate'er it boafled great or noble !
And who made thee difpofer of his days ?
What guilt in him didft thou attempt to punim ?
The guilt of loving thee ? In this indeed
Titus has err'd ; but furely this deferv'd not
Its punifhment from thee !
Sex. Eternal Gods !
Where am I ? Is it thus Vitellia fpeaks ?
And didft not thou command
Vttel. Barbarian, peace !
Think not to make me partner in thy crime :
Where
-. ' *
ACT II.] TITUS. 26o
Where didft thou learn to fecond the dirtraclion
Of an offended woman ? Who but Sextus
Would not have feen through all my feeming rage
A blind excefs of love ? O thou wert born
For my undoing ! hatred from another
Were far more welcome than thy love. Inhuman !
I fhould be now the happieft of my fex
Wer't not for thee ! this day I fhould receive
The hand of Titus, from the Capitol
Give laws to half mankind ; and, O ! might boafi
Of innocence ! for thee, for thee I'm guilty !
I lofe the throne I have no hopes of comfort
And Titus O thou villain ! he is dead !
Perjur'd traitor ! could'ft thou ever
From my foul her half diflever ?
Yet in guilt I bear a part,
I feel a chillnefs at my heart,
I feel my vital powers decay.
Why, inhuman ! tell me why,
Didft thou with my rage comply ?
Too late I rue the dreadful day,
No tears can wafh my ftains away. [Exit.
SCENE IX.
SEXTUS alone.
Thanks, cruel Gods ! I've nothing now to fear :
This is the utmoft point of human fufFering !
Whatever
266 TITUS. [ACT n.
Whatever can be loft, I've loft already.
See friendfhip, love, Vitellia, Titus, all
By me at once betray'd ? Kill me, at leaft,
Diffracting thoughts that rend my breaft ! ye furies
That tear my treacherous heart ! Or if you're flow
To execute revenge the talk be mine.
[about to draw his fivord.
SCENE X.
Enter ANNIUS.
Ann. Sextus, difpatch for Titus afks
Sex. I know it ;
He afks my blood, and it fhall now be fhed.
[about tojtab nimjelf.
Ann. Forbear what mean'ft thou ? Titus
afks to fee thee :
He wonders thou art abfent ; why thou leav'ft him
When danger threatens thus.
Sex. Ha ! afk to fee me !
Say'ft thou ? And died not Titus of his wound ?
Ann. What wound ? he's from the throng re-
turn'd in fafety.
Sex. Thou doft deceive me 1 myfelf beheld
- him nu
Fall down transfix' d by an afTaffin's fteel.
Ann. And where was this ?
1 L
3 Sex.
ACT II.] TITUS. 267
Sex. Within the narrow pafs
Afcending the Tarpeian rock.
Ann. O ! no ;
Thou wert deluded ; 'midfl the fmoke and tumult
Some other feem'd like Titus.
Sex. How ! another ?
And who would dare to affume the robes of Caefar,
The facred laurel, and the imperial mantle ?
Ann. All argument is vain ; for Titus lives.
And lives unhurt ; iince even this very inftant
I parted from him.
Sex. O ye pitying Gods !
my lov'd prince ! permit me, deareft friend,
Clofe to thy breafl but doft thou not deceive me ?
Ann. Do I deferve fo little faith ? But come,
Thou malt thyfelf behold him.
Sex. Shall I then
Again prefume to ftand in Titus' prefence ?
What, I that have betray' d him ?
< - r . r . * ''' > - i ( '
Ann. Thou betray'd him \
Sex. Yes 1 the tumult firil was caus'd
by me.
Ann. Is Sextus then a traitor ?
Sex. Yes, my friend !
One moment has undone me O farewell !
1 fly for ever from my native land :
Forget me not defend the life of Titus
From
2(38 TITUS. [ACT ir.
From every future fnare forlorn I go
To mourn in deferts my unhappy crime.
Ann. Yet flay ye powers ! let me reflect
awhile :
Hear me as yet the plot remains a fecret ;
And all to chance alone impute the flames.
Thy flight perhaps might fpeak
Sex. What would'ft thou mean ?
Ann. Thou muil not now depart ; conceal thy
\; fault :
Return to Titus ; expiate thy offence
By every future proof of loyalty.
Sex. Whoe'er he be, the wretch who wounded
fell,
Perchance difcover'd
. Ann. Thither let me hafte
To learn his name ; if yet the truth be known,
If any fpeak of thee ; I (hall have time
To tell thee all ere Caefar will fufpecl: thee ;
Then canft thou fly. By ftill remaining here
Thou may'ft avoid that evil which thy flight
Would now but render fure.
Sex. Alas ! my friend :
I have no thought that can diftinguifh right :
I truft myfelf to thee. Muft I then go ?
I go, if thou approv'fl it but, O Heaven !
Titus will in my looks difcern
Ann. No more ;
The
ACT II.] TITUS. '269
The leaft delay may ruin thee.
Sex. I am gone : [going .
But then behold this mantle flain'd with blood.
Ann. Whence came this blood ?
Sex. It ifTu'd from the wound
Of that unhappy wretch I mourn'd for Titus.
Ann. With care conceal it from the fight
difpatch.
Sex. Chance may perhaps reveal
Ann. Give me the mantle,
And take thou mine Away no more debate
[they change vefts.
Soon will I join thee.
Sex. O I am loft ! fo deep i
Is my diftrefs, I know not if I fpeak
The words of fenfe, or incoherent madnefs !
Thus one, who ftarts through troubled reft,
With vifionary fears oppreft,
Awhile confus'd and ftupid lies,
Nor dares believe, nor doubt his eyes :
For even awake his thoughts purfue
The fhapes his dream had brought to view ;
While fancy ftill dominion keeps,
He knows not if he wakes or fleeps. [Exit.
SCENE
TITUS.
SCENE XI.
[ACT n.
A gallery adorned with Jtatues, adjoining to the
gardens.
TITUS, SERVILIA.
V
T/V. A plot againft my life ! how know'ft thou
this?
Serv. One of the faction has to me reveaFd
The whole defign, and begg'd me to implore
Tour pardon for him.
Tit. Lentulus a traitor ?
Serv. Yes, Lentulus was author of the tumult,
In hopes to rob you of imperial greatnefs.
He led the affociates ; he difpofed the fignals ;
He fir'd the Capitol to excite confulion.
=> " rf T
Already in your facred mantle veiled,
The traitor haften'd to his fide to gain
The troubled populace ; but Heaven is jufl.
The robes he wore with purpofe to betray you.
At once were your defence, and his deftruciion :
A wretch, among the number he feduc*ct,.
Who fought your death, deceiv'd by his appear-
ance,
Rufh'd forth and plung'd his fword in Lentulus.
Tit. And died he with the wound ?
Serv. As yet I know not.
Tit.
ACT II.] TITUS. 271
Tit. How could the black confederacy remain
So long from me conceal'd ?
Serv. Your very guards
Are tainted ; treafon there has found its way :
And that the traitors may each other know,
Thus Caefar they're diftinguifh'd : each accomplice
On his left fhoulder wears, to bind his robe,
A crimfon badge like this obferve take heed.
Tit. Servilia, fay, what think'ft thou of do-
minion ?
. ; >A .*- f
Who more could facrifice to other's good
, ' \ '
Than Ihave done ? Ybt all fuffices not
To gain the public love : there are who hate me,
Who feek to pluck the laurel from my brow,
The laurel dearly earn'd with toil and danger,
And thefe can find aflbciates even in Rome :
By Rome is Titus hated. Mighty Gods !
I, who have labour'd all my days for her ;
Have for her greatnefs fhed my dearelt blood ;
Have borne in diftant climes the parching heat
Of burning Nile, or liter's freezing cold 1
I, who ne'er harbour'd in my mind a thought
But for her glory ; 'midft my own repofe
Still watch'd her good ; who, cruel to _rnyfelf,
To pleafe her rooted up my firft affection,
And flifled in my breaft the only flame
My heart could ever cherifli ! O my country !
Forgetful fubjects ! O ungrateful Rome !
: : x-ifc . n !ssIA
SCENE
272 TITUS. [ACT ir.
SCENE XII.
Enter SEXTUS.
Sex. [entering!] See there my fovereign ; how
my confcious hea/t
Pants in his prefence ! [afide.
Tit. Sextus, deareft Sextus,
Come near, I am betray'd.
Sex. Accurs'd remembrance ! \afide.
Tit. Would'ft thou believe it, friend? Thy
Titus now
Is hateful grown to Rome ! ah ! thou who know' ft
My every thought ; thou, who haft feen my heart
Without difguife, thou who wert ever ftill
The object of my love ; declare, my Sextus,
How I could merit fuch unkind return.
Sex. He knows not how he ftabs me to the foul.
[a/ide.
Tit. Tell me by which of all my deeds I've
drawn
This hatred on me.
Sex. Sir
Tit. Speak, fpeak, my friend.
Sex. O fir ! 1 cannot fpeak
Ttt. Thou weep'ft, my Sextus.
Alas ! my defliny excites thy pity !
Come
ACT II.] TITUS. 273
Come to my bofom :- how my foul is eas'd
Amidft her pains ! how am I charm'd to fee
Thefe tender proofs of thy untainted faith !
Sex. I cannot bear it I can hold no longer
Methinks by filence I again betray him ;
I mufl difcover all
* ",j >t'i
SCENE XIII.
Enter VITELLIA.
Fit el. [entering. ~] Ha ! Sextus here !
Grant Heaven that he betray me not ! [afide.
Sex. This inflant
I'll fall before his feet \_g' m g towards Titus.
' Fltel. Victorious Ca?far,
The mighty Gods preferve thee. [interpofing.
Sex. How ! Vitellia ?
There wanted only this to crown my mifery.
[afide.
Vitel. Still, flill I tremble at thy danger paft
[to Titus.
For pity fpeak not. [to Sextus a/ide.
Sex. This indeed is torture ! [ftjide.
Tit. Princefs ! to lofe my life, to lofe my em-
pire,
Would not afflict me : thefe are only mine,
As thefe conduce to work the good of others :
VOL. i. T He
274 TITUS. [ACT if.
He merits not his birth who thinks his life
Given for himfelf alone : but if my blood
Can profit aught to Rome, yet wherefore thus
Employs flie treafon : Have I e'er refus'd
To fhed it for her ? Knows {lie not, ingrate,
That I'm a Roman, that I'm Titus dill ?
Why fliould fhe feek by dark aflafiins' hands
That life which for her fake I freely offer ?
Serv. O glorious hero !
SCENE XIV.
Enter Axxius with fhe mantle of SEXTUS.
Ann. Could I but relate
To Sextus what I've learn'd, difclofe his danger
[ajtde.
My lord, already are the flames extinguifli'd ;
But thefe were not the work of chance-^-take heed,
For fome there are who plot againft your life.
[to Titus,
Tit. Annius, I know it well but, look, Ser-
vilia !
What do I fee ? Is not the fatal fign,
That marks the traitor, on the veft of Annius ?
Serv. Eternal powers !
Tit. There is no room for doubt ;
The fafhion, colour, every thing concurs.
1 Serv.
ACT II.] TITUS* 275
Serv. Ah ! traitor !
Ann. I a traitor !
Sex. What has chanc'd ? [afde.
Tit. Would' ft thou too, Annius, fhed thy prince's
blood ?
And why, my fon ? How have I injured thee ?
Ann. I fhed thy blood !- ah ! firft let angry
Heaven
Transfix me with its thunder !
Tit. 'Tis in vain
Thou fhunn'ft detection, while that crimfon wit-
nefs,
The rebel's dire distinction, points thee out
A black accomplice in the caufe of treafon.
Ann. What means my fate ? [afide.
Sex. Alas ! what have I done !
I read it now too plain. \afide.
Ann. My lord, I know not
Of any fuch diflinclion : all the Gods
I call to witnefs.
Tit. Tell me then from whom
Thou hadfl this veft.
Ann. I had if I declare
The truth, I muft accufe my friend. \afide.
Tit. Go on.
Ann. I had it then from Oh !
Tit. His guilt confounds him.
T 2 ' Sec.
27^ TITUS. [ACT n.
Sex. O friendship ! [a/ide.
Vitel. O my terror ! \afide.
Tit. Where, my Sextus,
WTiere wilt thou find than me a prince more
wretched ?
All others, by the favours they confer,
At lead can purchafe friends ; while I alone,
By heaping favours, make my friends my foes.
Ann. What ihall I fay to clear me? [afide.
Sex. Never, never,
Muft innocence be loft for me Vitellia,
Thou fee'ft I am compell'd. \_afide to Vitellia.
Vitel. Ah ! hold what doft thou ?
Think of my danger. [to Sextus,
Sex. O diftra&ing ftate ! \afide.
Ann. Eternal powers ! affift me.
Tit. Now, Servilia,
Think'ft thou that fuch a lover could defenre
So vaft a price ?
Serv. I blufh, and feel remorfe
That e'er I lov'd.
Sex. Unhappy friend ! \afidt.
Tit. But fay,
Ungrateful man ! could not the thought alone
Of fuch dire treafon chill thy foul with horror ?
Sex. That moft ungrateful wretch am I. \afidc.
Tit. But how
Sprung
ACT II.] TITUS. 277
Sprung in thy breaft a fury fo unjuft ?
Sex. I can no longer hold \afidel\ See,
mighty Caefar,
Here at your feet [to Titus kneeling.
Vitel. Unhappy me !
Sex. The crime
Which Annius ftands accufed of
F}tel. \_int erpofmg^] Yes, his crime
Is great, but greater ftill is Caefar's mercy.
Sextus for him, my lord, implores your pardon,
And I implore it too. Seek'lt thou my death ?
[to Sextus afide.
j;isn /
Sex. How dreadful is my fate ! [fifes.
Tit. At leaft let Annius
Plead fomething in excufe.
Ann. Fain would I fpeak
But, O ! what can I fay ! [afide.
Tit. Sextus, my foul
Is mov'd with fympathy. I fee my prefence
Confounds him more. Guards, take him to your
. care.
The Senate's juftice foon fhall'try the offence
Of this I will not yet pronounce thee traitor.
Reflect, ingrate, and let it wound thy thoughts,
How different is thy prince's heart from thirie.
Thy
TITUS. [ACT ii.
Thy black defigns too plain appear,
No veil can hide thy guilt and fhame j
And yet to do thee wrong I fear,
In giving thee a traitor's name.
To friendfhip's treacherous maik you fly,
Againft your fovereign to confpire ;
While, pitying your confufion, J
To hide him from your fight retire. [Exit.
SEXTUS, ANNIUS, VITELLIA, SERVILIA, Guards,
Ann. And thou, my deareft confort
[to Servilia,
Serv. Hence ! be gone !
Thy confort I'm no longer. [g * n g*
Ann. Stay and hear me.
Serv. Unmark'd by me each accent flies,
By treacherous lips expreft ;
And every paffion I defpife,
That warms a traitor's breaft.
Thy bonds by me fhall ne'er be worn,
Detefted may they prove !
The nuptials, and the fpoufe I fcorn,
The lover and the love, [Exit.
SCENE
ACT II.] T1TVS, 279
SCENE XVI.
SEXTUS, ANNIUS, VITELLIA, Guards.
Ann. And fpeaks not Sextus yet ? [ajide.
Sex. Methinks I feel
The flroke of death ! [afide.
Fitel. I tremble ! [aftde.
Ann. Sextus, now
Behold me at the laft extremity,
Without an advocate to plead my caufe.
I need not tell thee what reproach I hear
From every tongue, or what this breall conceals.
This is too much think what thy friend endures.
Though like a rebel I depart,
That {till I'm faithful thou canft tell :
I've ever kept thee near my heart,
Let me in thy remembrance dwell.
My chains without complaint I wear ;
But all refolves too feeble prove,
A traitor's name unmov'd to bear,
To bear the hate of her I love. \E,%lt guarded.
SCENE
2SO TITUS. [ACT ii.
SCENE XVII.
SEXTUS, VITELLIA.
Sex. At length I may,, inhuman
FtteL Yet forbear,
Let us not wafte the time in vain complaints :
Fly, Sextus, and preferve thy life and mine.
Sex. Ha ! fhall I fly and leave a guiltlefs
friend ?
Titel. Myfelf will watch the fafety of thy friend.
Sex. No, while my Annius ftill remains in dan-
ger
Vitel. I fwear by all the Gods I will defend him.
Sex. But what avails to thee my flight ?
Fttel By this
My honour and thy life are fafe thou art loft
If aught betray thee ; and with thy difcovery
My fecret guilt is known.
Sex. Within this breaft
It buried lies, and none fhall wrcit it from me-:
In death I will preferve it.
Vitel. I might truft thee,
But that I fee thy tender love for Titus.
His wrath I dread not ; but his clemency
I fear may vanquifh thee by thofe dear moments
In which I pleas'd thee firft ; by all the hopes
3 Thou
ACT II.] TITUS. 281
Thou e'er haft cherifh'd, fly ; remove my terrors :
Much haft thou done already ; O ! complete
The generous work : this is the greateft, laft
Requeft thy love can grant : thou wilt at once
Reftore my peace and honour. Sextus fpeak,
Determine.
Sex. Heavenly pow'rs !
Vitel. Yes, yes, I fee
Companion for me pleading in thy looks !
I know th' emotions of thy tender heart :
Tell me am I deceiv'd ? And do I hope
Too much from thy indulgence ? Speak, my
Sextus.
to, Yes ; thou haft conquered ; I w\ll fly
what power
Enchants me thus ?
Vitel. I am composed again.
Sex. But when from thee I fhall be 'far remov'd,
At lead
SCENE XVIII,
jEtfter'PuBLius and Guards.
Pub. Sextus.
Sex. What would' ft thou ?
Pub. Yield thy fword.
Sex, Ha ! wherefore, fay ?
282 TITUS. [ACT n.
Pub. For thy misfortune, learn
That Lentulus yet lives ; conceive the reft :
Away.
Vtlel. O fatal blow ! [afide.
Sex. At length, inhuman
[gives his fix or d.
Pub. Sextus, we muft be gone ; the Senate
now
Are met to hear thee ; and I dare no longer
Delay thy prefence there.
Sex. Ingrate, farewell !
If e'er thou feel'ft foft zephyrs rife,
WJiofe gentle breath around thee flies,
O fay, " Thefe are the parting fighs
" Of him who died for me."
My fpirit freed from mortal chains,
Shall pleas' d review its former pains
Rewarded thus by thee.
[Exit with Publius and guards.
SCENE XIX.
YITELLIA alone.
Ah ! whither (hall I turn me now ? Behold
Ill-fated Sextus dies, and dies for me !
By Titus foon my guilt will be difcover'd,
And all with him will witnefs to my fhame.
Ono!
ACT II.] TITUS. 283
no ! I dare not fpeak, or fly, or flay ;
1 have no hopes of aid, no friend to cotmfel :
I can fee nothing but impending ruin ;
And nothing feel but terror and remorfe.
What dreadful doubts my foul difmay !
I tremble at the beams of day ;
At every whifpering gale I hear,
My bofom pants with anxious fear.
Fain would I hide myfelf from fight ;
Fain would I bring my crime to light ;
Yet have not courage to reveal
My thoughts, nor courage to conceal. [Exit.
END OP THE SECOND ACT.
ACT
284 TITUS.
ACT III. SCENE I.
A priivite apartment ; chair and fable, with pens,-
ink and paper.
TITUS, PUBLIUS.
Pub. ;My lord, already haftens on the hour
Fix'd for the public games : you know that cuftom
Requires the obfervance of the iblemn day.
The populace, in fwarming numbers, crowd
The joyful theatre ; and nothing more
Is wanting but your prefence. Every one
Pants to behold you from the recent treafon
Preferv'd in fafety : then delay no longer
This iatisfaction to your faithful Rome.
Tit. Publius, this inftant we'll depart ; but yet
I fhall not re,ft till we. receive the ne.ws.
Of Sextus' fate. The Senate muft ere this
Have heard the charge difprov'd ; mull have dif-
cover'd
(For thou (halt find it fo) his innocence ;
The tidings foon will reach us.
Pub. Lentulus
Confefs'd, alas ! too clearly.
Tit. Lentulus,
Perhaps, but feeks a partner in his guilt,
To
ACT III.] TITUS. 285
To (hare with him his pardon. Well he knows
How dear is Sextus to me. Thefe are arts
Familiar to the wicked. From the Senate
None yet appears What can this mean ? Go,
Publius,
Alk wherefore this delay : I would know all
Ere I depart.
Pub. I go : but much I fear
I fhall return the meflenger of ill.
Tit. Believ'ft thou then that Sextus can be falfe ?
I judge his foul from mine ; it cannot be
He ever fhould betray me.
Pub. Yet, my lord,
Remember all have not the foul of Titus.
How flowly does his generous heart
Another's crime believe,
Who ne'er himfelf with treacherous art,
Another could deceive !
No wonder he, whofe honour tried,
From truth could ne'er defcend,
Should think no treafon could reiide
Beneath the name of friend. [Exit.
SCENE
286 TITUS. [ACT in.
SCENE II.
X i .'
TITUS alone.
No, Sextus, no : I never will believe
Thou canft be fuch a traitor. I have feen
Not only proofs of truth and friendfhip from thee,
I've even beheld thee melt with tendernefs
At Titus* fortune.- Is it poffible
A mind fo far fhould change ?
SCENE IIL
Enter ANNIUS*
Tit. Annius, what news ?
Speak ; does not Sextus' innocence appear
Clear as thy own ? What fay'ft thou ? Give me
- comfort.
Ann. O fir ! I come to implore your mercy for
him.
Tit. My mercy ! is he guilty then ?
Ann. That mantle
Which made me feem a traitor in your fight,
He gave to me : by him the fatal badge
Too well was known. Even now before the Senate
Has Lentulus declar'd himfelf by Sextus
Seduc'd to the revolt ; while to the charge
The
ACT III.] TITUS. 28/
The accus'd made no reply, What would we
more ?
What farther hopes remain ?
Tit. Yes, yes, my friend,
Still let us hope the beft, for to the wretched
Misfortune oft is guilt ; nor always that
Is truth which wears her form : this haft thou
found.
Thou cam' ft before me with a rebel's badge ;
Thou wert by all accus'd ; I queftion'd thee,
' Thou mad' ft no anfwer, but didft feem perplex'd,
Loft in thy guilt. Did not thy fault appear
Then manifeft ? Appearance yet deceiv'd us.
Who knows but chance, unhappily for Sextus,
May once again unite fuch feeming proofs ?
Ann. Heaven grant it fo but fhould he yet
be guilty
Tit. Should he be guilty after all my marks
Of friendfhip, fhould I find his heart could ever
Confent to harbour fuch ingratitude ;
I too like him might then forget but no
It cannot be ftill, ftill my hopes remain.
SCENE IV.
Enter PUBLIUS with a paper.
Pub. O Ccefar ! faid I not the event would
prove it ?
Sextus is author of the black defign.
Tit.
388 TITUS. [ACT in.
Tit. Publius ! Can this be true ?
Pub. Alas ! too true ;
Himfelf confefs'd it all. With his aflbciates
The Senate have condemn'd him to be caft
A prey to hungry beafts amid the Circus.
Lo ! here the fentence, terrible yet juft,
Which only wants, great fir, the name of Caefar.
[giving the paper.
Tit. Almighty powers !
[throws himfelf into his chair.
Ann. Moft merciful of princes ! [kneeh.
Tit. Annius, forbear awhile moleft me not
[Annius rifes.
Pub. My lord, already for the folemn pomp
The populace conven'd
Tit. I know it leave me. [Publius retires.
Ann. O prince ! thy godlike grace beflow,
Though rigour fure is juftice now ;
Yet thou wilt ne'er with rigorous hand,
TCxacl. whate'er our faults demand.
Though crimes like his fhould ne'er obtain,
Nor prayers, like mine, thy pity gain ;
Yet for thy mercy's fake forgive ; .
For Titus' fake let Sextus live ! [Exit.
SCENE
ACT III.] TITUS. 280
SCENE V.
TITUS alone.
What dreadful treachery ! unexampled falfe-
hood !
To feem my friend, to be for ever near me,
And every moment from my heart to draw
Frefh proofs of my affection ; yet even then
To plot againlt my life ! and do I ftill
Sufpend his punifhment ? flill doubt to fign
The rightful fentence ? Yes, the traitor dies
[takes the pen to write, thenjlops.
His doom is fix'd and fhall I then unheard
Send Sextus to his death ? Yet why defer it ?
Have not the Senate given him ample hearing ?
But what if he fhould have fome fecret myflery
To impart to me alone Who waits there ?
[lay s down the pen, a guard enters.
Yes:
Firft let me hear, then to his fate difmifs him.
Let Sextus be conducted to my prefence.
[guard goes out.
How wretched is the lot of him who reigns !
We're flill denied the benefits of life
The meanefl men enjoy. Amidft the woods
See the poor cottager, whofe ruflic limbs
Are clad in rude attire, whofe flraw-built hut
But ill refills the inclemencies of Heaven,
VOL. i. u Sleeps
TITUS. [ACT in.
Sleeps undifturb'd the live-long night, and leads
His days in quiet ; little are his wants ;
He knows who love or hate him ; to the foreft
Or diftant hills, alone, accompanied,
Fearlefs he goes, and fees each honeft heart
In every face he meets But we, rmdft all
Our envied pomp, muft ever live in doubt ;
While hope and fear before our prefence ftill
Drefs up the features foreign to the heart.
O could I once have thought to feel this flroke
From faithlefs friendfhip !
" '.:;i Lo-xM;i
3fiJ
SCENE VI.
ba& Ji'xft ei mooi
Enter PUBLIUS. ^ .^^ ^
Tit. Publius, where is Sextus ?
Comes he not yet ?
Pub. The guards are gone with fpeed
To execute your orders*
Tit. What can mean
This long delay ?
Pub. They but even now, my lord,
Went from your prefence.
'Tit. Go, and bid them hafle.
Pub. I (hall obey but fee the advancing Lie-
tors ;
And Sextus cannot now be far he's here.
Tit. Ungrateful man ! yet at his near approach
1 Already
ACT HI.] TITUS.
Already I perceive my former friendfhip
Plead in bis caufe -but no it mull not be ;
Here let him meet his fovereign, not his friend.
[Titus feats hirnfdf, and a/fumes an air of majefly.
.
SCENE VII.
Enter Sextus guarded*
*
Sex. [entering^] Almighty Gods ! are thofe the
looks of Titus ?
Alas ! I find no more their wonted fweetnefs !
How dreadful to me is he now become ! [ajide.
Tit. O Heaven ! is that like Sextus ? Has his
guilt
Transform'd him thus ? He carries in his face
The blended marks of fear, remorfe and fhame !
[afide.
Pub. Behold a thoufand paffions now contend !
[ajide.
Tit. Come near. \_fternly.
Sex. O well known voice ! whofe accents ftrike
My fhuddering heart ! [a/ids.
Tit. Doft thou not hear ? {^Jiernly.
Sex. O Gods !
My feet begin to fail ; a chilly fweat-
Bedews my face ; the agony of death
Cannot be more than this !
\advances Jloivly towards Titus, then Jiops.
u 2 Tit.
TITUS. [ACT in.
Tit. The traitor trembles. \afide.
Pub. I know not which of thefe now fuffers
moft,
Sextus, reflecting on his crime committed,
Or Titus, thus conllrain'd to punim it. \afide.
Tit. And yet he moves my pity \afide^\
Publius, guards,
Leave us alone. [Publius and guards retire.
Sex. O no ! my conftancy [ajide.
Can ne'er fupport the terrors of that face.
I l-9tjjK
SCENE VIII.
TITUS, SEXTUS.
[Titus left alone with Sextus, lays afide his air
of majefty.
Tit. Ah ! Sextus, is it true ? And doft thou then
Defire my death ? How has thy prince, thy father,
Thy benefactor drawn thy hatred on him ?
What if thou could' ft erafe from thy remembrance
Titus thy fovereign, how could'fl thou forget
Titus thy friend ? Is this the recompenfe
Of all my tendernefs and care for thee ?
Whom, whom, ye Gods ! can I hereafter truft,
Since Sextus has betray'd me ? Is it poffible ?
And did thy heart confent to my deftruclion ?
Sex.
ACT III.] TITUS. 2Q3
Sex. O Titus ! O my gracious prince ! no
more \burjling into tears, and
throwing himfelf at the feet of Titus.
No more. Could you but view this wretched heart,
Tho' perjur'd and in grate, 'twould move your pity.
All, all my crimes now Hand before my light,
And all your bounties crowd upon my mind,
I cannot bear reflection on myfelf ;
I cannot bear thofe looks ; to view that face
I tremble ; fhudder but to hear your voice ;
And even your clemency becomes my torment !
haften then my death ! take, quickly take
This faithlefs life : would you be merciful,
Here let me, grovelling at your facred feet,
Pour forth my treacherous blood.
Tit. Rife, thou unhappy ! [Sextus rifes.
1 fcarce can bear to hear his deep remorfe. \ajtde,
Thou fee'ft to what a wretched ftate one crime
Can fink the foul, a wild defire of empire.
What didft thou hope to find upon the throne ?
The fum .of all content ? Unthinking man !
Behold the fruits that I have gather' d from it.
And, if thou canft, defire it (till.
Sex. O no !
Ambition ne'er feduc'd me,
Tit. Tell me then,
What was the caufe ?
Sex. My weaknefs and my fate>
Tit.
29 A TITUS. [ACT in.
Tit. Explain thyfelf more fully.
Sex. Heavens ! I cannot !
Tit. Obferve me, Sextus ; we are now alone ;
Thy fovereign is not prefent : open then
Thy heart to Titus ; truft it with thy friend.
I promife dice Auguflus ne'er fhall know
The fecret thou difclofefl : tell me how
Thy faith was firft feduc'd : let us together
Seek fome pretence to excufe thee. I perchance
Shall be even happier than thyfelf to find it.
Sex. Alas ! my guilt admits of no defence.
Tit. At leaft I alk it in exchange of friendfhip.
I ne'er conceal'd my deepeft thoughts from thee ;
And fure I merit Sextus mould intrui!
One fecret with me.
Sex. What new kind of torture
Mult I endure, either to anger Titus,
Or to accufe Vitcllia ! [aftde.
Tit. Still in doubt ?
Thou ftrik'il me, Sextus, in the tenderelt part.
Coniider that this diffidence becomes
Injurious to our friendlhip : think again.
And grant my juft requelt.
Sex. What fatal itar
Shone at my lucklefs birth ! \_<*fidc.
Tit. Still art thou filent ?
Wilt thou not anfvver me ? Since then thou canil
So
ACT III.] TITUS. 205
So far abufe my mercy
Sex. Sacred fir,
Hear then but whither would I now ? \afide.
Tit. Go\m.
^
Sex. When will my torture ceafe !
Tit. Yet fpeak again,
What is it thou would'ft fay ?
Sex. That I'm the objea
Of heavenly wrath, that I've no longer power
To bear my fate ; that I confefs myfelf
The worft of traitors, call myfelf ungrateful,
Own that I merit death, and wifh to find it.
Tit. And thou malt have thy wim [rifts, ,]
Guards ! from our prefence
Remove the prifoner. [guards return.
Sex. On that awful hand
One farewell kifs
Tit. Away [turning from him.
Sex. This is the laft
Requeft I'll make : O fir ! but for this inftant
Recall your former love to mind
Tit. Away,
Tis now too late ?
Sex. It is it is indeed.
Defpairing
TITUS. [ACT in.
/
Defpairing from your fight I fly,
Grim death I view approaching nigh,
But view without difmay.
Remembrance fharpens every dart,
To think that e'er my faithlefs heart
Could thus my prince betray.
[Exit guarded.
SCENE IX.
TITUS alone.
When was there ever heard fuch ftubborn trea-
fon!
Could even the tendereft father treat more gently
A guilty fon ? Yes, for my grace contemn'd,
Though innocent of every other crime,
He merits not to live : I owe revenge
To my defpis'd, neglected clemency.
[goes towards the table, then flops.
Revenge ! ah ! Titus, wilt thou then defcend
So low, to harbour fuch a bafe defire,
That makes the offended, and the offender equal ?
What mighty praife is his who ufes power
For his revenge ? To take another's life
Is what the meaneft of mankind can boaft ;
To give it is the glorious privilege
Of Gods and kings alone. Then let him live
And fhall the laws in vain decide ? Shall I,
Their
ACT III.] TITUS.
Their g-uardian, thus enforce them ? Cannot Titus
o
Forget his friend in Sextus ? Did not Brutus
And Manlius once forget the name of father ?
O ! let me now purfue thofe great examples.
Henceforth the thoughts of friendihip and of mercy
Be blotted from my breaft \_fos.~] Sextus is
guilty;
Sextus fhall die [Jigns the paper.~\ Behold at
length I tread
The paths of rigour ; fee me ftain'd with blood,
[rifes.
Blood of my fellow-citizen : my friend
Is fingled firft to bear the dreadful fentence.
How will pofterity receive this deed ?
Will they not fay that clemency in Titus
Is wearied out, as cruelty was once
In Scylla and Auguftus ? They may fay -.
I've been too rigid ; that his birth, his youth
Might have excus'd him ; that the firft offence
Should not be punifh'd ; that the fkilful fwain
Lops not with thoughtlefs hafte fome branch un-
found,
Till all his art has pfov'd in vain to fave it.
They'll fay, perhaps, that Titus was the offended,
And might, without a breach of public juftice,
Have pardon'd crimes contriv'd againft himfelf.
Then fhall I do my heart fuch violence,
Yet reft uncertain of the world's approval ?
No, let me not forfake the wonted path
My
TITUS. [ACT in.
My nature fhows though faithlefs yet my friend
Shall live [tears the paper.] and if I muft en-
dure the tongue
Of public cenfure, let me be condemn' d
For mercy, not for rigour. Publius.
[throws doum the paper.
SCENE X.
Enter PUBLIUS.
Pub. C^efar.
Tit. Let us be gone the populace expect IK.
Pub. And what of Sextus, fir ?
Tit. Be Sextus likewife
Conducted to the Circus.
Pub. Then his fate
Tit. Yes, Publius, 'tis determin'd.'
Pub. Wretched^ Sextus! [afitit.
Tit. Ye friendly powers ! if fovereign fway
Demand a heart fevere,
Take, take this envied it ate away,
Or change the mind I bear.
If love cannot with gentle tics
My fubjects' faith enfure,
The allegiance never fhall I prize,
Which punifhments fecure.
SCENE
ACT III.] TITUS. 299
SCENE- XJ.
PUBLIUS, VlTELLIA.
Fit el. Hear, Publius.-^
Pub. Pardon me, for I muft now
Attend on Caefar.
Fuel Whither ?
Pub. To the Circus.
Vitel. And what of Sextus ?
Pub. Sextus will be there.
Pitel. Then muft he die ?
Pub. Too true he muft.
Vitel. Ah me ! [afide.
Did Sextus fpeak with Titus ?
Pub. Yes ; they long
Convers'd together.
Vitel. Know'ft thou then what pafs'd \
Pub. No ; they were left alone by Catfar's order;
I was withdrawn apart. [Exit.
SCENE
30O TITUS. [ACT in.
SCENE XII.
VITELLIA alone.
I can no longer
Nourim fallacious hopes ; it mud be fo :
Already Sextus has difcover'd me ;
I read it plainly in the looks of Publius :
I ne'er before perceiv'd him thus ; he fhuns me ;
Fears to be with me long O ! would to Heaven
I had obey'd the impulfe of my heart !
I fhould in time to Titus have difclos'd
My fecret thoughts, and laid my crime before him :
For oft the penitent, that owns his fault,
Takes half the guilt away 'tis now too late ;
Caefar has heard it all, but not from me ;
This muft incenfe him further.
SCENE XIII.
t
Enter ANNIUS and SERVILIA from different fides.
Serv: Ah ! Vitellia !
Ann. Ah ! princefs !
Serv. My unhappy brother now
jinn. My deareft friend
Serv. Is led to death.
Ann.
ACT III] TITUS. 301
Ann. Erelong,
All Rome fpedlators, muft he be the prey
Of favage beafts.
Vitel. What power's in me to help him ?
Serv. Caefar will grant his life to your entreaties.
Ann. To his new emprefs nothing he'll refufe.
Vitel. Annius, I am not emprefs yet
Ann. Before
Yon' fun falutes the weft, Titus will join
His hand with yours : this inftant, in my prefencc
He gave directions for the nuptial pomp.
Vitel. Sextus has then conceal'd my fecret ftill \
O unexampled proof of faith and love ! \ajide.
Annius, Servilia, let us hafte but whither
Unthinking would I go ? Depart, my friends,
And I will follow.
Ann. But fhould Sextus truft
To late afiiftance, Sextus then is loft ! \Exit.
SCENE XIV.
VITELLIA, SERVILIA.
Vitel. Go thou, Servilia, too for one fhort
moment
I would be left alone.
Serv. Ah ! let him not
Thus perifh in his early bloom of life :
3 Thou
302 TITUS. [ACT m.
Thou know'ft till now that he was ever held
The darling hope of Rome ; and who can tell
By whom he was feduc'd ? In thee compaffion
Would be but gratitude : this haplefs man
Priz'd thee far dearer than himfelf : thy name
Was ever on his lips ; and from his cheek
The colour fled when he difcours'd of thee.
Thou weep'ft -
ViteL Ah ! go -
ii^ if(j -, Y
Sere. But why wilt thou remain ?
Methinks, Vitellia -
->vjss vl.i
Vitel. O ye powers ! depart -
I'll come this inftant hence diftracl me nor.
.:3r:i U
Sen: If only pity you beftow,
My brother to defend :
In vain is all the grief you fhow,
In vain your tears defcend.
Why thefe gentle paffions cherifh ?
Give your fruitlefs pity o'er :
When you leave him thus to perifh,
What could cruelty do more ? [Exit.
crfft fbl sd i>fifOw
SCENE
ACT III.] 1 I I I >. 303
SCENE XV.
VITELLIA alone.
Now, now, Vitellia, is the time to prove
Thy utmoft conftancy : canft thou refolve
To fee thy faithful Sextus pale and breathlefs ?
Sexttis, who loves thee dearer than his life ;
Who, by thy fault, to obey thy cruel will,
Incurr'd the guilt of treafon ; who adores thee,
Inhuman as thou art ! ivho even in death
Preferves to thee his faith inviolate ?
Shalt thou, meanwhile, though confcious of thy
crime,
Without remorfe afcend the bed of Ceefar ?
O \ I fhould fee for ever Sextus near me ;
Should tremble left the earth and air might whifper
My guilt to Titus ! Let me fly this initant,
And proiirate at his feet difcover all. ^
If Sextus cannot wholly ftand abfolv'd,
At leaft I may extenuate his offence.
Farewell the hopes of empire and of nuptials !
Such thoughts were madnefs now let but my
bread
Be freed for ever from thefe racking pangs,
And all my hopes I fcatter to the winds.
Th
804 TITUS. [ACT in.
The failor, when the temped raves,
Cafts in the fea his precious ftores ;
Which through a mighty tract of waves,
His vefiel brought from foreign fhores.
Returning to his native land,
His thanks he to the Gods repays,
That once again the wifli'd-for ftrand,
Though poor, in fafety he furveys. [Exit.
SCENE XVI.
A magnificent entrance to a fpacious amphitheatre,
the infule of which is difcovered through thefe-ve-
ral arches that fupport it. In the midjt of the
circus are jeen the confpirators condemned to the
wild beajls.
JVfiile the following Chants is Jung, TITUS comes
out, preceded by the Liclors, furrounded by the
Senators and Patricians, and followed by the
Prators : then ANXICS and SERVILIA from dif-
ferent fides.
CHORUS.
Tis now, exalted hero ! known
That Titus to the Gods is dear ;
This fingle day's events have (hown,
That you the Gods* protection (hare.
Hail
ACT III.] TITUS. 305
Hail, happy Caefar ! virtue muft
In Heaven for ever find a friend ;
And thofe, who like themfelves are juft,
The righteous Gods will thus defend.
Tit. Ere yet the games begin, before our pre-
fence,
Guards, bring the criminal. His hopes of pardon
Are now extinct ; thus what he leaft expects,
Will come with double welcome. \afide.
Ann. Caefar, mercy !
Serv. Mercy, O facred fir !
Tit. If now you fue
For Sextus, 'tis too late his doom is fix'd.
Ann. And can you then, with looks ferene, con-
demn
Sextus to death ?
Serv. How has the heart of Titus
Forgot its wonted goodnefs !
Tit. Peace he comes.
Serv. O Sextus !
Ann. O my friend !
VOL. i. x SCENE
306 TITUS. [ACT in.
S C JE N E XVII.
Enter PUBLIUS and SEXTUS conduced by the
Liftors.
Tit. Sextus, thou know'ft
The nature of thy crimes : nor need I tell thee
What punifhinent awaits them. Rome o'erturn'd,
Infulted majefty, the laws infring'd,
Friendship betray'd, offended Heaven and earth
Require thy death thou know'ft my life alone
Thy treafon aim'd at . . mark me now _ .
SCENE LAST.
-uo'j .onraleiv- _ , T
Enter VITELLIAO
Vitel Behold
Mofl mighty Cgefar, proftrate at your feet,
[throwing herfe/f at the feet of Titus.
The moft diftrefs'd
Tit. Ah ! rife what doft thou mean ?
What is it thou would'ft fay ?
jr.. 1 T U ' U r 1
ritel. 1 bring before thee
The author of this foul defign.
Tit. Where is he
That could contrive fuch fnares againft my life ?
ViteL Thou'lt not believe it.
Tit.
ACT III.] TITUS. SO/
Tit. Wherefore ?
J r tteL I - am guilty.
Tit. Thou too, Vitellia !
Sex.
' r > O Heavens !
Pub. \
Tit. Which of ye more have plotted to betray
me ?
Vitel. I am the guiltieft I contriv'd the trea-
fon ;
I from his faith feduc'd your dearefl friend,
. And urg'd him, blinded by my wiles, to attempt
Your facred life.
Tit. What caus'd thy rage againft me ?
Vitel. Your goodnefs, which I conftru'd into
love.
Vain hopes I nourifti'd to receive from you
Your hand in marriage, and to fhare the throne :
But fince, neglected twice, I fought revenge.
Tit. What dreadful day is this ! even at the in-
ftant
I ftand prepared to pardon one offender,
Another is difcover'd : righteous powers !
Where {hall I find a faithful friend ? The ftars
Have furely all confpir'd to make me cruel,
Spite of my nature.- No they {hall not boaft
x 2 Such
308 TITUS. [ACT in.
Such triumph o'er me : ftill my conftant mind
Shall hold her wonted tenour. Let us prove
Which can be moft unfhaken, treachery
In other breafts, or clemency in mine.
Guards, ftrike off Sextus' chains ; give Lentulus
o
And his companions life and liberty.
Be witnefs Rome that I am ftill the fame ;
That Titus knows, forgets, and pardons all.
Ann. 7
p JT r O generous prince !
Serv. What virtue e'er before
Attain'd fuch godlike height !
Sex. I'm motionlefs.
Fit el. I cannot hold from tears.
Tit. To thee, Vitellia,
This hand I promisd but
Vltel. I know it, Caefar,
'Tis not for me, for after guilt like mine,
Such union would be monftrous.
Tit. Yet, in part,
I'll anfwer thy defire : I plight my word
Thou ne'er (halt fee a rival on the throne.
I'll have no other confort now than Rome ;
No children but my fubjecls : my affections
Shall undivided center all in them.
Thou, princefs, to the approaching happy nuptials
Of Annius and Servilia add thy own :
To
ACT III.] TITUS. 309
To Sextus give thy hand ; the wifh'd-for grant
His love has dearly purchas'd.
Vltel While I live
Your will fhall ever dilate to my heart.
Sex. O Caefar ! O my lord ! and will you yet
Refufe our adoration ? Shall not Tyber
Raife temples to your name ? How can I hope
The bitter memory of my paft offences
Tit. Sextus, enough ; let us once more be
friends,
And never fpeak again of errors paft;
For thefe already in the breaft of Titus
Are cancell'd all : I blot them from my thoughts ;
And while I thus embrace, I pardon thee.
[embraces Sextus.
CHORUS.
'Tis now, exalted hero ! x known
That Titus to the Gods is dear ;
This (ingle day's events have fhown,
That you the Gods' protection fhare.
Hail, happy Caefar ! virtue muft
In Heaven for ever find a friend ;
And thofe, who like themfelves are juft,
The righteous Gods will thus defend.
END OF THE THIRD ACT.
DEMETRIUS.
DEMETRIUS.
PERSONS OF THE DRAMA.
CLEONICE, Queen of SYRIA, in love with
ALCESTES.
ALCESTES, in love with CLEONICE.
PHENICIUS, a Grandee of the Kingdom, Tutor to
ALCESTES, and Father of OLINTHUS.
OLINTHUS, a Grandee of the Kingdom, rival to
ALCESTES.
BARSENE, the Confidante of CLEONICE, fecretly
in love with ALCESTES.
MITHRANES, Captain of the Royal Guards, Friend
to PHENICIUS.
The SCENE lies in SELEUCIA.
DEMETRIUS.
ACT I. SCENE I.
An apartment illuminated : a feat ; a table on ant
fide and afceptre and crown upon it.
CLEONICE feated, leaning upon tlie table,
OLINTHUS.
Cleo. Enough, Olinthus, in a few fhort mo-
ments
The impatient people at the deftin'd place
Shall fee their queen : they aik of me to choofe
A hufband and a king yes, I will choofe
A king and hufband : give me but an inftant
To recollect my thoughts. Why am I prefs'd
With fuch unmanned d zeal ? Have then my vaflals
No more refpecl ? And was it but to enflave,
You rais'd me to the throne ? Or do you fcorn
To yield fubje&ion to a female fway ?
But Cleonice is not yet the firft
Example of her fex ; Scythia has own'd
The rule of Thomyris and of Thaleftris ;
And Babylon and Carthage have confefsM
The reigns of Dido and Semiramis.
Olm.
314 DEMETRIUS. [ACT I.
OJin. Forgive me, queen, unjuftly you com-
plain :
Say, has not Syria witnefs'd to your virtues ?
Remember, when your mighty father died,
She plac'd you on the throne ; to you intruded
Th' election of her king ; allow'd you time
For counfel and reflection : ever fince
She ftrives in vain to haften on the hour,
Long promis'd by yourfelf to make her happy :
Yet you reproach your people. O ! my queen,
Unjuftly you complain.
Cho. In Cleonice
If thus the realm confide, you cannot fure
Refufe her now fome minutes of delay.
Otin. O Heaven ! fo oft our hopes have been
deceiv'd,
With reafon 'tis we fear. Two moons entire"
Seleucia gave your pious grief to weep
A father's lofs ; the third is in its wane,
Yet are you unrefolv'd. Sometimes to excufe
Your long delay, you plead a fatal dream,
Or unpropitious day : now from the right
You fee the lightning flafh ; now from the altar
Oblique afcends the flame : the bird of night
Now breaks your flumbers with his funeral fong ;
And now your eyes involuntary pom*
The fudden tear.
Cko. Alas ! my fears were true.
Olin. After fuch fond pretences, urg'd in vain,
At
ACT I.] DEMETRIUS. 315
At length this day you promis'd for your choice :
Your fubjefts all affembled, with impatience
Prevent the rifing morn : each decks his perfon
With utmoft pomp to appear before his queen.
Some clothe their limbs in coftly iilken vefts,
Wrought by Sidonian virgins ; fome in wool,
Of deepeft Tyrian dye ; while o'er the brows
Of fome the pride of foreign plumage nods
Amid the turban's folds ; or from their temples
Depend the coftly firings of Indian peafh
Others with gems and burnifh'd gold adorn
The ftately trappings of the Parthian fteed.
This day whate'er is precious Syria Ihows ;
And every treafure now is brought to light,
Which fearful avarice had for years conceal'd.
CJeo. How little this avails to eafe my heart !
Olin. But wherefore all thefe cares, this ufelefs
pomp,
If from the morn till noon, in expectation,
From noon till eve they wait, yet wait in vain ?
The night declines apace, but ft ill you come not.
Irrefolute, uncertain, ftill you're loft
In anxious doubts, while each delay feems fhork
And infufficient to confirm your thoughts :
Yet you reproach your people . O my queen,
Unjuftly you complain.
CJeo. 'Tis all too true ;
Yes, I muft yield to hard ncceffity :
Co
3l6 DEMETRIUS. [ACT I.
Go then, and I will follow : I will choofe
My huiband, and content my kingdom's wifhes.
Olin. Reflect remember that your faithful
fubjecl:
Olinthus loves you that my blood
Cleo. I know
It flows unfullied from a race of heroes.
Olin. Then add to this the virtues of Phenicius.
Cleo. Of thefe I'm not to learn.
Olin. His prudent counfels
Cleo. Oft have I prov'd their worth, and tried
his faith ;
Whate'er thou fay'ft, Olinthus, I confefs.
Olin. And yet you know not all unnoted
long,
Enamour'd of your beauties, have I pin'd
A fecret lover
Cleo. O forbear, and leave me !
Olin. Can I forbear ?
Cleo. Is this a time, Olinthus,
To talk of love ? \rifes<
Olin. Why fwells your indignation,
If pleading here forgivenefs
Cleo. Ceafe, and leave me.
Olin.
ACT I.] DEMETRIUS. 317
OHn. What caufe can now your anger move,
What may thofe looks intend ?
I knew not that to fpeak of love
Would thus my queen offend.
' . 'Tis from your charms my error flow's,
Thefe paffions you impart ;
Love freedom on my tongue bellows,
But binds in chains my heart. [Exit.
SCENE II.
Enter BARSENE.
Cleo. Alceftes, O ! where art thou ? Lov'd
Alceftes,
Doll thou not hear me ? Still in vain I call,
In vain expect thy prefence. My Barfene,
Perchance thou bring'ft me news of glad import ;
Say, is my dear Alceftes yet return'd ?
Bar. O would to Heaven he were ! I come, my
queen,
To hailen your approach : the populace
Begin to murmur loud at your delay,
Nor can you longer, but with utmoft danger,
Protract your Hay.
Cleo. O me unhappy ! come \_going, JJie flops.
Let us depart to choofe this hufband Heaven !
My courage fails, Barfene : vainly reafon
3 Would
318 DEMETRIUS. [ACT I.
Would point me out that courfe my dubious heart
And tardy feet refufe Is there a wretch
So curs' d, fo tortur'd, fo forlorn as I ?
[throws herfelf In the chair.
Bar. Why thus ingenious to torment yourfelf,
By feigning woes that are not ?
Cleo. Feigning woes ?
Is it a fiction then that tyrant duty
Coriftrains me now to bind myfelf in marriage,
A flave till death to one I cannot love ?
To one perhaps who while with feeming tranfport
He feeks my hand, laments the hard condition
On which he buys the throne ?
Bar. 'Tis true ; but yet
The facred ties, the dear fucceeding pledges
That blefs the nuptial bed ; and ftealing time
Whofe courfe can reconcile two hearts averfe ;
All thefe, by flow degrees, will change averfion
To love, or foften it at lead to friendfhip.
Cho. And what if my Alceftes fhould again
Return, and find me in another's arms !
What muft become of both ? The thought dif-
tracls me
How (hall I then repent my breach of faith !
What torment muft be his to fee me falfe !
Alas ! I figure to myfelf his rage,
His juft reproaches, and his jealous pangs,
And in his features every thought I read
His fecret heart conceals.
Bar.
ACT I.] DEMETRIUS.
Bar. And can you hope
That ever he'll return ? A feafon now
Is pail, fince 'midft the Cretan ranks, in battle
Your father fell ; you know that by his fide,
Alceftes fought, nor has been heard of fince.
Or now he groans in chains, or 'miclft the waves
He found his fate, or was in combat flam.
Cleo. No, my heart tells me that Alceltes lives,
Alceftes will return.
Bar. Should he return
You mud be more unhappy. If to him
You give your hand, you flight a hundred lovers
That claim regard ; or (hould you choofe another,
Alcefles prefent at your fatal choice,
You kill the man you love : thus his arrival
But offers you this hard alternative,
To fhow your cruelty to one, or prove
'Unjuft to many.
Cleo. Let him but return,
Some way may yet be found
SCENE III.
Enter MITHRANES.
Mith. O queen, what means
Your long delay ? The peril grows more prefling :
The people's patience now by flow degrees
Degenerates into tumult ; nought can flop
1 Tlic
32O DEMETRIUS. [ACT I.
The threatening mifchief but your fpeedy pre-
fence.
Cleo. Behold Barfene how Alceftes comes !
Let us depart. [rifes.
Bar. Is then your choice determin'd ?
Cleo. 'Tis not determin'd.
Bar. What is then your purpofe ?
Cleo. I know not what.
Bar. Will you thus unrefolv'd,
Expofe yourfelf to fuch a dangerous trial ?
Cleo. I go, Barfene, whither fate compels me,
Without a friend to counfel or fupport.
' f. 'r~tp .-,-.'- 1 . '<!/.
While thus a thoufand doubts I feel,
With empire and with love diftreft,
My heart afflicted fcarce can tell
If hope or fear infpire my breaft.
A fovereign's duty I confefs ;
I own the gentler paffion's fway :
I now refolve, and now no lefs
Repent, and both by turns obey. [Exit.
SCENE
ACT I.} DEMETRIUS. 321
SCENE IV.
BARSENE, MITHRANES.
Bar. Unhappy queen ! her woes excite my pity.
Mith. Have you fo much companion for her
pains,
And yet for me, Barfene, feel fo little ?
Bar. If pity's all you feek, I freely grant it ;
But if you hope for love, your hopes are vain.
Mith. And have I not enough to make me
wretched,
That thou would' il now deprive me even of hope ?
Bar. Light are the fufferings that you prove ;
You freely may complain :
And if you cannot waken love,
At lead you pity gain.
But I, alas ! in fecret mourn,
All hopelefs of relief;
Nor the dear youth, for whom I burn,
Is confcious of my grief. [Exix.
VOL.I. Y SCENE
322 DEMETRIUS. [ACT I.
SCENE V.
Enter PHENICIUS.
Mith. Fruitlefs companion !
Phen. Say, Mithranes, where
Is Cleonice ?
Mith. She at length compell'd,
Is gone to make th' election.
Phen. Then, my friend,
My cares are all in vain.
Mith. What doft thou mean ?
Phen. Yes, to thy well known faith I muft re-
veal
A mighty fecret ; hear, and give me counfel.
Mith. Confide in me, I plight my truth, my
honour
Ne'er to reveal it.
Phen. Thou remember'fl well
That Alexander, Cleonice's father,
Drove from the throne our lawful king Demetrius.
Mith. Near thirty years have fince claps' d, but
Hill
The event is prefent to my mind.
Phen. Thou know'ft
In cruel banifhment Demetrius died :
TllDlV
ACT I.] DEMETRIUS. 323
Thou muft have heard that with him died his fon,
As yet an infant.
Mith. Yes, I recoiled
He too was call'd Demetrius.
Phen. Now, my friend,
Learn that this royal offspring Hill furvives,
Nor is to thee unknown.
Mith. May I believe thee,
Or is it but a dream ?
Phen. I'll tell thee further ;
He in Alceiles lives.
Mith. Immortal powers !
What do I hear !
Phen. His father, when he fled,
Intruded him to me, and gave me charge
To have him nam'd Alceftes : to his bofom
He prefs'd me tenderly, his fond embraces
Dividing thus betwixt his fon and me,
With fighs he cry'd : " Receive this precious
pledge ;
" Preferve him for his father's fake, preferve him
" To aflert a glorious vengeance and to reign."
Mith. Now I perceive the motive of your zeal ;
But wherefore was he thus, fo long concealed ?
Phen. Fearful to hazard yet a life fo valu'd,
I fpread the tidings that Demetrius liv'd,
But kept it fecret that he was Alceftes.
y 2 Thou
324 DEMKTRIUS. [ACT I.
Thou need'ft not here be told that this report
On Alexander brought the Cretan arms ;
And that the tyrant in the battle fell.
But different was th' effect Demetrius' name
Produc'd in Syria ; there the ambitious nobles
Refus'd their credit to the voice of rumour.
And hence a foreign aid was requifite
To fix him on the throne : this aid from Crete
Is now expected ; but it comes in vain.
Alceftes is from hence and, ah ! I know not
If yet he lives meantime our Cleonice
ElecSls a king.
Mith. Should Cleonice now
Elect him, let Alceftes but return,
Let him from Crete receive the promis'd fuccours,
And vengeance flill is in his power.
Plien. Mithranes,
Far different my defigns : I hop'd Alceftes
Some future day to Cleonice join'd
In nuptial bands, with her might (hare the throne ^
For fure the princefs well deferves to reign.
To' this intent, in both their hearts I cherim'd
A growing paffion ; and had deftiny
But I negledl tlje hours in vain complaints.
My friend, I call'd thce to partake my cares,
Could we gain time. \ye yet might reap the fruit
Of all our toils Then let us go, and feek
To interrupt the choice ; if nought betide
Ayail, I'll venture to difclofe the fecret :
Q Do
ACT I.] DEMETRIUS. 32$
Do thou before the aflembly fecond me,
And if the great occafion call for arms,
With arms affift me.
. Here's my hand, my fword,
In fuch a caufe my blood fhall freely flow ;
I ne'er can fried it in a nobler quarrel.
! 'twere an envied death to lofe my life
In fighting for my king.
Phen. Come to my breaft
Thou generous fubject ! thy fidelity
Brings tears into my eyes ; within my heart
1 feel new hopes, and by thy courage fee
The Gods withdraw not yet their favour from us.
Safe through the florm my veflel flies,
The dangerous courfe while Virtue guides ;
While Reafon, near, her aid fupplies ;
While Glory in my breaft refides.
*Tis Virtue that my truth enfures ;
'Tis Reafon makes my courage more ;
And Glory, after death, fecures
My name from time's oblivious power. [Exit.
SCENE VI.
MITHRANES alone.
One like Alceftes never could be born
Jn lowly cottages ; his looks, his air,
His
326 DEMETRIUS. [ACT I,
His fpeech betray'd him : even in humble flate
His a6tions all proclaim'd a princely heart,
j> ,
A foul exalted, form'd to reign,
In lonely woods conceal'd in vain,
Still darts, by fortune though deprefs'd,
A ray of majefty diftrefs'd.
The blazing fire, though deeply hid,
Can never wholly ceafe to fhine ;
Huge rivers in the narrow bed
Refufe their currents to confine, [Exit.
5'jTf);!r-iiJ o Tiff vd bns' t 2^cori wjn ixA T
SCENE VII.
A magnificent place with a throne on one Jide ; feats
oppofite the throne for the Grandees of the king-
dom. A profpecl of the principal port of SELEU-
CIA, with the harbour. Ships illuminated to
folemnize the eleflion of the new ling.
CLEONICE preceded by the Grandees of the kingdom,
followed by PHENICIUS and OLINTHUS. Guards
and People.
CHORUS.
Each God, and every Goddefs hear !
Be prefent at our prayer :
Behold the important moment near
That mull our king declare.
FIRST
ACT I.] DEMETRIUS. 327
I-etoP .;Q DrfJ )12 ;> ^O '
FIRST CHORUS.
Hear ! Mars and Cupid, now defcend ;
Your eyes unbind, your falchion fheathe.
SECOND CHORUS.
Let Peace and Hymen here attend,
With kindled torch, , and olive wreath.
FIRST CHORUS.
^ * * i i JL. ii I TT
Come, Jove, and clofe befide thee wait'
The fubject Gods, with Chance and Fate.
Jstti v'/fc" ,?.iti.t v;<r;ri ,=;*; >ol mi JoncitriXl
SECOND CHORUS.
Benignant come to blefs mankind,
And leave thy angry bolts behind.
CHORUS,
Each God, and every Goddefs hear !
Be prefent at our prayer ;
Behold the important moment near,
That muft our king declare.
[while this Choiics is fung, CLEONICE, at-
tended by PHENICIUS, of c ends the throne.
> tyii - aol sViiij K>
OJin. O queen ! all Syria with impatient zeal
Waits from your lips to hear their monarch nam'd,
At length refolve ^ each, by refpectful filence,
Would haften on th' event.
CJeo.
328 DEMETRIUS. [ACT X.
CIco. Sit then O Gods !
How cruel is this day ! \af.de.
[Phenicius, Olinthus and the reft of the
Grandees take their places.
Phen. What means me now ! \afide.
Cleo. Syrians attend : you rais'd me to the
throne ;
Your love deferves my thanks ; and yet your gift
Is clogg'd with hard conditions : midft fo many
Equal ki birth, and equal in defert,
Like me, who would not paufe ? In all my thoughts
Doubtful, irrefolute, now this, now that,
I choofe, reject ; a thoufand times an hour
I change my will. Behold I come to choofe,
^Tet (till I come uncertain, unrefolv'd.
Phen. Take then, O queen ! a longer time to fix
Your undetermin'd mind.
Olin. A longer time ?
Phen. Be filent think not Syria means to prefs
*
you
With zeal importunate : we all confefs
How great muft be your trial.
Olin. Is the courfe
i
Of thi ee long moons fo little ? Thus indeed
May Cleonice ftill proceed to promife,
And never yet refolve.
Phen. Prefumptuous boy !
Whence fprings this infolence ?
OHn.
ACT I.] DEMETRIUS.
Olin. "Pis zeal, 'tis juftice,
'Tis fenfe of danger for my queen. Should Syria
This day be baffled in her hopes, I know not
To what extremes impatience may proceed.
Phen. They may repent their rafhnefs : thofc
who fit
. ''OH l:Ti'.' r .1&.330IH
Supreme on thrones can brook compulfion ill.
Though length of years unnerve my body's
ftrength,
It has not damp'd the vigour of my foul :
No thefe old veins mail pour forth all their blood
To guard my fovereign's freedom
Cleo. O Phenicius !
J . :,"
Forbear to furnifh caufe for new contention.
What now avails it to defer th' election,
I ftill mall be uncertain Hear me then,
I now declare my choicer
Phen. You muft not choofe.
'Tis time we fhould difcover all. \afidc.
Cleo. What brings
Mithranes here with hafty fteps ?
SCENE VIII.
Enter MITHRANES.
Mith. This inftant,
In a fmall bark, Alcefies is arrivM.
Cleo. Ye powers \
Phen
33O DEMETRIUS. [ACT I.
Plien. I breathe again.
Cleo. Where is Alceftes ?
Miih. He comes from yonder port. . i '
Cko. Phenicius, go ;
And thou, Olinthus O my fluttering heart !
Meet and embrace your now returning friend.
\_rtfes, the reft rife at the fame time.
I had almoft forgot I was a queen. \_afide.
\refumes her feat.
[Phenicius and Mithranes go to meet Alceftes,
ivho is feen to approach the Jhore in a fmall
vejfel; he lands, and they embrace.
OTm. Unfortunate arrival ! \afide.
Cleo. See Alceftes!
And doft thou throb, my heart, to view the con-
queror
That binds thee in his chains ?
SCENE IX.
Enter ALCESTES from the port.
Ale. At length has fate
Given me the wifh'd-for happinefs, my queen,
To throw me at your feet : yes, Heaven allows me
Thus with thefe faithful lips to pay you here
The tribute of my conftancy ; moft happy,
If 'midft the cares that ftill furround a throne,
You deign one royal look to grace my welcome.
Cko.
ACT I.] DEMETRIUS. 331
Cleo. Whate'er I am, or private, or a queen,
Still fhalt thou find the fame in Cleonice.
And art thou then Alcefles now return'd,
So long expected, and fo long bewaiVd ?
Phen. My hopes again revive. [afide.
Cleo. But what difafter
Has thus withheld thee from us ?
Olin. Patience, Heaven ! \afide.
Ale. You know that my departure with your
father
Olin. Alceftes, we've been told the fight, the
ftorm.
The death of Alexander
Cleo. Let him yet
Relate the reft Proceed. [to Alceftes.
Olin. O pain to fuffer ! \afide.
Ale. The courage of our troops began to fink
When Alexander died : the adverfe bands
Already leap'd triumphant on our fhips,
And horrid ilaughter rag'd amidft the vanquifh'd.
Death ftalk'd around in various ghaftly forms ; />
Some in the waves expir'd ; fome breath'd their laft
Transfix'd with hoftile darts ; and oft 'twas doubtful
If feas or foes deftroy'd them. I meanwhile,
Preferv'd amid the havock, hating life,
Stood on the veflel's matter' d prow, expos'd
To many a thoufand fhaft : there long I fought,
Till
332 DEMETRIUS. [ACT I.
Till my blood dreaming faft from every wound,
My fenfes fail'd, and headlong from the height,
Into the feas I fell.
Cleo. My pitying heart^ ""fyfi?e.
Ale. How long I floated on the waves I know
not ;
But when again I rais'd my heavy eyes,
They faw the fbip no more ; but I perceiv'd
Myfelf upon a homely bed reclin'd,
Beneath a fimple roof: the walls around
Were hung with nets ; and clofe befide me flood,
With gentle looks, a hoary fifherman,
Bent by the weight of years.
. b dT
Cleo. But fay, what land
TT J *l, ' 'J *U 2
Had then receiv d thee ?
Ale. 'Twas the land of Crete,
A Cretan was my hofl ; he found me caft
Half dead upon the fhore, and with companion
Convey'd me to his dwelling ; then with care
Reflor'd my fainting fenfe, and to my wounds
Applied the fovereign balm of healing plants :
With him I long remain'd ; 'twas he provided
The bark that brought me hither.
Phen. Strange events !
_ 7 . . sf- r - . . . , . V> <
Qlin. At length the tale is done tis time^-
Cleo. Olinthus.
'
I underftand thee I will choofe my hufband :
Let
ACT I.] DEMETRIUS. 333
Let all be feated and attend.
[Phenicius, Olinthus and the reft of the
Grandees take their places.
Ale. I come
,Moft opportunely to the choice.
[Alceftes going to feat himfelf, is prevented
by Olinthus.
OKn. Forbear,
What would'ft thou do ?
Ale. Obey the queen's command.
Olin. And fhall it be ? Shall Syria then behold
A low-born fhepherd feated by Olinthus ?
Ale. Already Syria has enough diflinguifh'd
Alcefles from the fhepherd. Know, Alceftes
Caft off his Former ftate, when he refign'd
The fhepherd's crook to grafp the warrior's arms.
Olin. But in thofe veins ftill runs a peafant's
blood.
Ale. No in thefe veins far different flows the
ft ream ;
For when I fhed my blood in your defence,
I made it noble.
Olin. Which of all" thy race
Haft thou to boaft ? What now infpires this bold-
nefs ?
Ale. My own right hand, my courage, and my
fword.
OKn.
334 DEMETRIUS. [ACT I.
Olin. Since then
Phen. Be filent yet
Olin. Let us at lead
Be told the glory of his anceftors.
Phen. The glory of thy race with thee conclude!?,
But his begins with him.
Cleo. No more By virtue
Of my command Alceftes is ennobled.
Olin. Yet in this place muft none prefume to fit,
But thofe of higheft rank.
Cleo. Well then, Alceftes
Shall fit as general of the Syrian armies ;
Shall fit as keeper of the royal fignet :
Will this fuffice, Olinthus ?
[Alceftes feats himfelf.
Olin. 'Tis too much \f\fi n g
Give next yourfelf away ; elect him king ;
For all muft fee to what your purpofe tends.
Phen. And dar'ft thou rafhly anfwer thus thy
fovereign ?
Hear me, O queen ! to me commit the talk
To punifh this prefumptuous *
Cleo. To his merits,
And inexperienc'd youth, I pardon all :
But let him curb his fpeech.
Phen. Sit then, and learn [to Olinthus.
At leaft in filence to fupprefs thy temper.
Hear'ft
ACT I.] DEMETRIUS. 33,5
Hear'ft thou, Olinthus ?
Ohn. Sir 1 will obey [/&
I burn with rage. [afide.
Cko. Already in my heart
My choice is fix'd, but ere I fpeak my thoughts,
This one condition grant : each prefent here
Muft fwear allegiance to th' elecled king,
Whether a Syrian, or a ftranger bom,
Of blood illuftrious, or of race obfcure.
Olin. Can I hear this ? [afide.
Phen. Whatever he be, O queen !
I fwear to obey him.
Cko. Now, Olinthus, fpeak.
Phen. Wilt thou not anfwer ?
Olin. Let me ftill be filent.
.Cko. Thou doft perhaps refufe it ?
Olin. I have caufe ;
Nor I alone oppofe the oath enjoin'd ;
Others there are
Cko. Tis well let thofe who feek
On terms like thefe to reign, afcend the throne :
I will not bear controlment in dominion.
[rifes from the throne ; all the reft rife from
their feats at the fame time.
Phen. Heed not, O queen ! the few that dare'
rebel ;
But fee the faithful many that obey.
1 Cko
DEMETRIUS. [ACT I.
Cko. Phenicius, no I never in my prefence
Mull bear even from a few the voice of faction.
[defcends from the throne.
Then let the general council of the ftate
Determine for me. Suffer me to choofe
Without the law's compulfion, or permit me
To quit this throne, which at your own requeft
I firft afcended. In a private ftation
t . Ci _ S
I may, without a crime, on whom I pleafe
Beftow my heart ; and be indeed a queen.
F .anO
If on the throne I muft obey,
Refume again the pageant fway,
For fuch my foul difdains.
The prince whofe power to will is loft,
Is but a titled Have at moft,
And but in fancy reigns.
[Exit followed fy Mithranes, Grandees,
guards and people.
SCENE X.
PHENICIUS, OLINTHUS, ALCESTES.
Phen. And muft thy paffions ever make me
blufh,
Nor wilt thou from the converfe of the wife,
Or their example, learn to rule thy conduct ?
Olin. My father, wherefore are you thus unkind
To me your fon ? The power is yours to raife
Olinthus
ACT I.] DEMETRIUS.: :I 337
Olinthus to the throne, and you oppofe him.
Phen. Yes, Syria then would doubtlefs have a
king
With every virtue ; turbulent and rafh,
Unjuft and violent
OJ'm. Your lov.'d Alceiies
Would then be humble, generous, mild and pru-
dent !
Ah ! who will teach me now the art to gain
A father's dear affection ?
Phen. Would'ft thou gain
On my affe&ion, imitate Alcefles.
The careful peafant when he fpies
A tender tree that kindly grows ;
His pains full gladly there applies,
. And all his culture there beftows.
But with regret he turns a(ide,
Whene'er his nurfling he perceives
His former cares and toil deride,
With fruitlefs boughs and barren leaves.
[Exit.
SCENE XI.
OLINTHUS, ALCESTES.
OUn. My father bids me in Alceites' fchool
Learn to be virtuous Come, begin to teach me :
VOL. i. z And
338 DEMETRIUS. [ACT i.
And Heaven fo frame my genius to receive
Inftruclion, not to fhame fo great a mafter.
Ale. My lord, from you alone I can fupport
Such bitter taunts^the fon of good Phenicius
May fpeak without rebuke.
OJin. I was too bold
To dally with my king : forgive me, fir,
If I offend the regal dignity.
Ale. Farewell, Olinthus, for you put my pa-
tience
To too fevere a trial ; you infult me,
And truft too much in* that refpect I owe you.
The feaman mocks the rifing breeze,
When firfl it blows a gentle gale ;
But trembles, when the wind he fees
With dreadful rage the waves aflail.
The pilgrim, With regardlefs view,
Aloft a fleecy cloud efpies ;
'Till thence unlook'd-for ftorms enfue,
And thunders rattle through the ikies.
{Exit.
SCENE XII.
OLINTHUS alone.
What man, unconfcious of Alceltes' birth,
And race obfcure, but by his proud demeanour
Would
ACT I.] DEMETRIUS. 339
Would deem ham fprung from Pelops or Alcides ?
Yet, fpite of rank, with fhame I own, Alcefles
Is ftill a rival that Olinthus fears.
What now avails a noble name,
The boafted ftock from which I came,
If, 'midft the various turns of fate, . .
A fhepherd-fvvain, of lowly ftate,
With me for- Syria's throne contends ?
Blind Fortune ! I the gift defpife,
That in your changeful favour lies,
That on your partial fmile depends. [Exit.
SCENE XIII.
An inner garden of the royal palace.
CLEONICE, BARSENE.
Cleo: Is it becaufe I love him that the world
Are all Alceiles' foes ? To oppofe me thus,
But adds to my affection.
'Bar. Now perhaps [A.
The council has decided in your favour.
Why then before the time
Cleo. Full well I know
The power of envy : at this very inftant
Perhaps my empire's ended : yet, Barfene,
Think not that malice e'er can make me wretched :
z 2 In
34O DEMETRIUS. ^ACT f,
,_-A SQ. <;!;. , i L
In my Alceftes' heart I more than reign.
Bar. O pangs of jealoufy ! \afidtl
SCENE XIV.
Enter PHENICIUS.
Cleo. Phe'nicius, fpeak,
Has yet the council fettled ?
Phen. All is done.
Cleo. The reft I underftand without thy telling ',
My reign is fmifh'd.
Phen. Better judge, my queen,
Of Syria and yourfelf : your faithful vafials
Have more refpecl: and love. The power is yours
To raife the man you pleafe, to fhare the throne :
Whate'er may prove your choice, of high degree,
Or race obfcure, all fwear to yield obedience.
Cleo. And can it be ? What ! in a few fhort
moments,
So chang'd from what they were ?
Phen. Alas ! you know -not
How dear your fubjefts prize you : all appeared
On this important day. With tranfport fome
Extoll'd your form, where goodnefs feem'dto dwell :
Your wifdom fome, and fome your virtues prais'd r
Some offer'd all their blood in your defence ;
And, 'midft their mingled raptures of applaufe,
O queen \
ACT I.] DEMETRIUS. 341
O queen ! how many eager tongues at once
Pronounc'd the plealing name of Cleonice.
Bar. O my difaftrous love j \afide.
Cko. Go - to the council
Declare this meflage tell them that my heart
Is not infenfible to fuch high proofs
Of duteous zeal ; that Hill my care fhall be
The kingdom never may repent the truft
Plac'd in their queen ; that Cleonice ever
With gratitude fhall own it.
Phen. \a/ide.~] In Alceftes
L / _J
The rightful heir will now afcend the throne.
SCENE XV.
CLEONICE, BARSENE,
Bar. Behold how fortune feconds all your wifhes:
See your delires accomplifh'd ; every forrow
Is now difpers'd,
Cko, O Heaven !
Bar. What means that figh ? .
Js there a caufe of grief ? This happy hour
The man you love is yours ; and ftill your eyes
Are dimm'd with flreaming tears.
Cko. My dear Barfene,
Alceftes now is loft !
Bar, How loft, my queen !
Clco.
342 DEMETRIUS. [ACT I.
Cko. Shall then my fubjecls be more generous
found
Than I their queen ? And would'il thou Cleonice
Should by her partial fondnefs judge of merit,
Without regarding that illuitrious throng
Of nobles that furround her ? Shall fhe raife
A fhepherd to the throne to rule the world ?
O ! can I even in thought It muft not be.
Till now my glory urg'd me to fubdue
The oppofing voice of faction ; that repell'd,
It now infpires me to fubdue myfelf,
Bar. How will Alceftes bear it ?
Cko. If Alceftes
Still love me as he ought, he'll love my glory.
! he'll exult to find his Cleonice
Thus fhine with native luftre o'er her fex,
Above the vulgar herd of common lovers.
Bar. I fear your beft refolves will fhrink before
him.
Cko. Alas ! my friend, I dare not meet the
trial;
1 know not if my virtue could fupport it ;
For O ! my heart is fix'd too firmly his.
If I would conquer, I no more mufl view
That dear lov'd face.
SCENE
ACT I.~J DEMETRIUS. 343
SCENE XVI.
Enter MITHRANES.
With. Alceftes feeks admittance.
Cleo. O Heaven ! Barfene !
Bar. Now, confirm your ftrength.
Cleo. Go 'tis no longer time [to Mithranes.
Mith. Alceftes comes. [Exit.
Cleo. Be refolute my foul. \ajide.
t '.'t:f /'-" :'?i\ ;i " '- oT.-'-J V/tf i!.'r. ~- ; -t "up 5TO/1 .'
SCENE XVII.
Enter ALCESTES.
^7f . And is it given me
Without a blufh, before my beauteous queen
To breathe my vows of conftancy ; to tell her
That abfent from her fight I found no peace ?
To tell her that my thoughts were only hers,
That fhe's my love, my glory, and my life ?
Cleo. Ah ! fpeak not thus.
Ale. Not fpeak ! can then thefe fond,
Thefe true profeffions of my heart's affection,
That once were wont to pleafe, offend thee now ?
And is it thus, O Heaven ! I find again
The fame in Cleonice ? Or am I
The fame Alceftes, that at length returned,
So
344 DEMETRIUS. [ACT I.
So long expected, and fo long bewail'd ?
Cleo. O torture ! [ajide.
Ale. Yes, I fee, I fee it now ;
A few fhort moons of abfence have fuffic'd
To freeze the hopes of ten years faithful love.
C/eo, Ah ! would to Heaven-
Ale . What means that exclamation ?
Tell me my crime ; if ever I have wrong' d thee,
Let fate refume whate'er thy lavifh hand
Has heap'd upon me : may thofe beauteous eyes,
Thofe eyes that rule my heart, that guide my life,
Still on Alceftes dart their angry beams.
Look on me- fpeak
Cleo. I can endure no more
Farewell ! [Exit*
SCENE XVIII.
BARSENE, ALCESTES.
Ale. Ye powers ! what can this mean ? Her
words
Confus'd, her frequent fighs, her looks of forrow,
All make me tremble tell me then, Barfene,
Say whence this new, this cruel change proceeds ?
From the dark workings of fome fecret foe i?
Or is it but her own inconftancy,
The liars' injuftice, or Alceftes' guilt 5
Bar,
4.CT I.] DEMETRIUS. 345
Bar. Even from my foul I pity your diftra&ion :
Perchance fome other beauty may be found
To make Alceftes happier.
Ale. Firft my life
Shall reach its lateft period ftill I'll love her,
Though 'tis decreed I muft no more have peace f
'Tis better far to fuffer every torment
For Clebnice's fake, than to receive
From other lips affection's tendereft vows.
Her charms, that kindled firft my flame,
The fuel ftill fupply :
Through life my paffion burns the_fame,
With me alone (hall die.
JShould Love the faireft maid incline
To hear and foothe my pain :
In vain to me her beauties fhine,
Her pity fooths in vain. [Exit.
5 C E N E XIX.
BARSENE alone.
What would'ft thou more, my heart ? Subject
thyfelf
To be refus'd, contemn'd ! thy hopes are fruitlefs
To overcome Alceftes' conftancy.
Yet who can tell th' event ? Long time and fuf-
fering
Perhaps may conquer by repeated drops
The
346 -DEMETRIUS. [ACT I.
The obdurate rock is worn ; and ftubborn oaks
Yield to the founding axe's frequent blows.
But fhould I be deceiv'd ? Alas ! I fear
The youth I dote on, conftant to his purpofe,
Will more relentlefs prove than ftones or trees.
My foul her freedom feeks to gain,
Would fain refolve to break her chain,
But this the flatterer Hope denies.
Of all the paffions in our breaft,
This firft is born, an early gueft,
And is the laft that dies.
Yet, ah ! to heal diftemper'd minds
How little Hope confpires,
But only conftant fuel finds
For credulous defires. [Exit.
END OF THE FIRST ACT.
ib tt-jti/rT/J' ,"; -i-iJ^r..-; YJra-i ;
ACT
DEMETRIUS, 347
A >C T II. S C E N E I.
A .gallery.
ALCESTES, OLINTHUS.
Ale. And wherefore doft thou now oppofe my
paffage ?
I hafte to the apartment of the queen.
Olin. Thou muft not enter there, the queen
forbids thee :
Olinthus fays it.
/ * . ,\
Ale. Here at leaft I'll wait
Till I'm again permitted to behold her.
Olin. My word may fure fuffice : thou muft not
now
Attempt to appear in Cleonice's prefence :
She has forbidden thee to be admitted,
Nor e'er will fee thee more. Yet doft thou hear
me ?
Ale. See me no more ! O Heaven !
OUn. I fee, Alceftes,' .
Thou art ftruck at this command.
Ale. Olinthus, no.
Forgive me, but I cannot yet believe thee :
To me my queen can ne'er be fo unjuft.
O ! wherefore mould (he doom, to fuch affliction
The
DEMETRIUS, [ACT II.
The man whofe faith to her has prov'd unfhaken ?
Olinthus, either thou deceiv'ft thyfelf,
Or me thou would'ft deceive. .
Olin. And dar'ft thou then
Still doubt my truth ?
Ale. If I have dar'd too far,
I fhall know all from her, \grin?.
Qlin, Yet ftay,
SCENE II.
Enter MITHRANES,
Milh. Alceftes,
Say, whither would'ft thou go ?
Ale. Detain me not ;
I fly to Cleonice,
Mith. O ! my friend,
Thou art denied admittance to her fight,
Ale. Is it then true that I'm forbid f
Mith. Too true.
Ale. For pity's fake, Mithranes, plead my
caufe ;
Return, and tell her that this cruel ftroke
Is more than all my firmnefs can fupport :
Tell her fome envious tongue has wrong'd my fame,
That ftill I'm true, that fhould fhe think me guilty,
I at her feet can clear my fuHied honour,
*-fJT- ' *
ACT II.] DEMETRIUS.
Mith. I dare not now obey you ; for the queen
Has given us charge to fpeak of you no more,
And makes it criminal to name Alceftes.
Ale. But fay the caufe.
Mith. From me fhe keeps it fecret.
Ale. Alas ! I am betray'd : fome impious wretch
Belies me to her : but whoe'er thou art
Tremble, thou traitor ; think not thou (halt long
Be hid from my refentment : in the temple
I'll pierce thy heart, nor fhall the facred altar
Prefer ve thee from my rage.
Ottn. Thefe threats, Alceftes,
Ar fpent in vain.
Ale. Alas ! forgive, my friends,
The tranfport of a mind difturb'd : my ftate
Deferves compaffion, and I alk it of you.
O ! fpeak in my behalf : at leaft with pity
Reflect that, midft his many griefs, Alcefte*
Is now reduc'd to place his truft in you.
Is there a man whofe favage heart
No fenfe of foft compaffion proves,
For one, though guiltlefs, doom'd to part
For ever from the fair he loves ?
Though cruel ftars my death decree,
Yet nothing from my foul can tear
" * ^"i *'4x * JT
Her image which I ever fee,
Which ever in my breait I bear. [Exit.
SCENE
35O DEMETRIUS. [ACT H.
.
SCENE III.
OLINTHUS, MITHRANES.
Olin. At length 'tis done the ruin of Alcefles
Secures to me the empire Yes, Mithranes,
Already hope anticipates my joy.
Mith. The wife rely not eafily on hope.
A happinefs, in confidence expected,
When 'tis withheld, afflicts us like a lofs :
Thou art deceiv'd, if thus thy hopes allure thee.
It were a happinefs indeed to reign,
If headftrong paffions would refpect the throne :
If nothing more remain' d for him to wifh.
^-^ _ ,' i f > ' * \~ *
Who once had worn the veft of royalty ;
T> , r o :p r r: r WMl 511 .!
But one denre extinct, another fpnngs,
r " 8'J77!>l';Cl
The object chang'd it lofes not its ftrength.
If now thou findTt not peace within thyfelf,
Learn thou wilt ftill be wretched in the flate
Of wim d-for empire.
Olin. Think'ft thou not the pleafure
Is mighty, to command ?
Mith. The good we feek
By cuflom grows familiar ; every joy
Is more in expectation than pofleflion.
Thou canft not tell the burden of a crown,
Nor what it cofts to attain the arts of fway.
Olin. By reigning, 'tis we learn to rule.
l MitK.
ACT II.] DEMETRIUS. 351
Mith. 'Tis true :
But he, who learns by ruling, oft muft err,
And every little error in a king,
Is criminal efteem'd.
1 : : '.'.-WOllJ 313f[W
Ottn. Of this, Mithranes,
I cannot fpeak ; for taught alone to wield
The fword and fpear, 'tis not for me to fathom
The paffions of mankind : fuch deep refearches
Demand maturer years, and frequent converfe
In Egypt's temples, or the Athenian porch.
Mith. There, needs not fure the wifdom taught
at Athens
Or Egypt, to preferve our faith -unbroken ?
Hall thou not lov'd Barfene till this hour ?.,rJT
Qlin. And ftill I love her.
Mith. Canft thou, "loving her,
Defire a throne that certain makes her lofs.
yd* ?bniki nu>!uq vzd_-/f ti";n ? "jl^fi ,voll
Qlin. And wilt thou, with a kingdom gained,
compare
The lofing of a heart ?
Mith. By proofs like thefe
Fidelity is known.
OKn. In love, Mithranes,
What faith is to be found ? Through every part
Tis vaunted oft, but little 'tis preferv'd.
See
352 DEMETRIUS. [ACT II.
See the boafled truth of lovers
Like the Arabian bird renown'd,
Vouch'd by all, but none difcovers
Where the wonder may be found.
Canft thou tell what climes conceal him,
Where he dies and lives again ?
When to me thou wilt reveal him,
. Then my love mall fix'd remain.
SCENE IV.
MITHRANES alone.
The lighted breath of Fortune's doubtful gale
Can elevate his thoughtlefs youth : already
Olinthus feems to grafp the regal fceptre ;
Already fees himfelf on Syria's throne ;
How weak is man when paffion blinds the foul I
7*tfix& rclT.au
SCENE V.
MITHRANES, CLEONICE.
Cleo. Who waits there ? I would write.
[fpeaks to a page as entering.
Depart, Mithranes.
Mith. I (hall obey you. [g om g*
Cleo. Hear me Has Alceftes
Again enquir'd of me ?
6 MM.
ACT II.] DEMETRIUS. 353
Mith. He has, O queen !
No other care but (till the unhappy youth
Cleo. Depart enough- yet hear, what
could he fay ?
Mith. He vows that ftill he's true to love>
That treacherous arts your bofom move,
That ne'er your heart could cruel prove,
Where goodnefs once was wont to reft.
He dies to fee your anger paft,
Before your feet to breathe his laft,
The victim of his love diftreit. [Exit*
SCENE VI.
Enter BARSENE*
liar. All is prepar'd, my queen : here in this
paper
You to Alceftes may reveal your purpofe.
Cleo. And fhall I hot in this be moft inhuman
To him and to myfelf ? Yet would I fain
Subdue my hart, would fain eftrange him from
me :
For this the realm expects, my glory prompts,
Heaven wills, and Cleonice muft obey.
But from my lips at leaft he may be told it ;
'Tis tyranny by letter to convey
Such cruel tidings to him No, my friend,
What other confolation can remaia
VOL. I. A A
354 DEMETRIUS. [ACT II.
For two unhappy lovers, doom'd to part,
Than to complain at leafl with mutual forrow,
To dwell on all their former tendernefs,
And mourn together in their lafl adieu ?
Bar. Is this a confolation then ? O no,
A wifh to fee Alceftes has betray' d you.
Truft not yourfelf again to fuch a trial :
Refitting once you have enough perform'd,
You lofe the fruit of your firft viclory
Should you attempt a fecond- Well I know
One interview would weaken your refolves,
And flronger make the foe. Complete, my queen,
The generous work : in you your fubjects hope :
Reflecl that on your conflancy to bear
This cruel ftroke, that fills your foul with anguifti.
Mufi now depend your glory.
Cleo. Tyrant glory !
And muft I die to keep my fame unfullied ?
Or, while I live, for ever mourn the lofs
Of all I hold moft dear ? Inhuman duty !
Thou iliaU be fatisfied yes, I will write,
Bar. My fate begins to fmile ; I ftill have hopes
Alcelles may be mine. [afide.
Cleo. " Belov'd Alceftes," [writing.
Bar. Yes, I may boaft of happinefs indeed,
If 'midft th' emotions of her troubled mind,
For fomc few moments glory keeps her feat.
lafide.
. T3fltO x
Cle
>. A .1 *
ACT II. ]; DEMETRIUS. 355
Cleo. " Our fate permits us not to live in
peace ." [writing .
Bar. My hopes increafe O Heaven ! fhe now
withdraws
Her trembling hand, and leans her penfive cheek :
Alas 1 her firft affections are return' d ! \_afide.
Cleo. My poor undone Alceftes !
\Jpeaks 3 then writes again.
Bar. How I tremble
J,eft fhe repent : yet were I Cleonice
I know not how my heart could bear the conflict.
[afide.
Cleo. [writing^] " Still live, my beft belov'd,
but not for me."
'Tis done, Barfene. \?\fi n g-
Bar. We have reach'd the port. [ajide.
Yes, juflly Heaven has deftin'd for the throne
A mind like yours exalted.
Cleo. Take this paper :
The care be thine \about to give her the paper.
SCENE VII.
Enter PHENICIUS.
Phen. Have pity, gracious queen I
Cleo. For whom do ft thou implore it ?
Phen. For Alceftes.
A A 2 But
356 DEMETRIUS. [ AC T II.
But now I met him pale, and fcarce alive,
Half frantic with his grief: the harm decree
That dooms him never to behold you more,
Is fuch a ftroke as (labs him to the heart.
By turns he fighs, he raves, he prays, he threatens,
But 'midft his rage and grief remembers you,
And you alone ; each moment -he repeats
Your much lov'd name, that even obdurate rocks
Might pity his difirefs.
Cleo. Unjuft Phenicius,
From thee my iiaggering virtue hop'd to find
A kind fupport, but ne'er from thee expected
A motive to betray it. Why, ah ! why
Doft thou return, with barbarous cruelty,
To fearch the wound ft ill bleeding in my breaft"?
Pken. Forgive the warmth of fond paternal lo Ve,
That prompts me thus : Alceftes is my fon,
Son of my choice, fon of my deareft cares,
The happy plant which I have fotlcr'd long,
That flourifh'd in the beams of princely favour,
Beneath your royal eye ; the kingdom's hope ;
The hope and ftay of my declining age.
Ear. O ill-tim'd zeal ! \_afide.
Phen. And muft I now behold
My expectations in a moment blailed ?
Ah ! queen, I cannot boaft fuch ftrength in age
As will enable me a fingle day
To outlive this fatal fhock.
Cleo.
ACT II.] DEMETRIUS. 357
Cho. What can I do ?
What would Alcefles ? Say, what confolation
Does he from me require to eafe his fufferings ?
PJien. To view you once again and die.
Cho. O Heaven !
Phen. Faireft of queens ! I fee your heart is
mov'd :
Have pity on Alceftes, on Phenicius ;
Think on thefe filver hairs, thefe years of fervice j
My well-tried faith fure merits fome indulgence.
i
Cleo. Who longer could refift ? Go, bid him
enter. [tears the paper, and rifes.
Bar. Behold my kindling hopes again extin-
guifh'd. \afide.
Phen. It is enough let her but fee Alceftes,
Alceftes will o'ercome. \_going, meets Olinthus.
'.'' ;<:.; ..j :'.;. !j ! , ' : . MMI^IOT 1ud JVK!
SCENE VIII.
Enter OLINTHUS.
OJ'tn. My queen, my father,-
Alcefles is no longer in Seleucia ;
By my device already he's departed.
Cleo. What fay'ft thou ?
PJien. Wherefore ?
Olin. With ungovern'd warmth
Importunate he fought once more to fee you ;
Hence,
358 DEMETRIUS. [ACT II.
Hence, in your name, I gave him Ari6l command
Inftant to quit the realm.
C/eo. And when from me
Didft thou receive fuch orders ? Guards ! O
Heaven ! [Guards enter.
Hafle, be Alceftes found and brought before us.
[Guards go out.
Phen. Unhappy me ! [aftde.
Cleo. But fhould their fearch be vain,
Tremble, rafh youth, 'tis thou lhalt pay the forfeit
Of thy prefumption.
Otin. I but hop'd to ferve you,
Removing thus a dangerous obftacle,
That might obftrucl your glory.
Cleo. Who made thee
The guardian of my glory ? Could I ever
Have but forefeen, Phenicius, this misfortune ?
Sure all the world confpire againft my peace.
In forrow's lap my infant years
Were from the haplefs cradle bred ;
And Fortune full averfe appears ;
In forrow flill my days are led.
While Love each vain refolve deftroys ;
No longer fix'd my thoughts remain ;
Yet Love, alas ! no peace enjoys,
Nor finds the blifs he feeks to 'gain. [Exit.
SCENE
ACT II.] DEMETRIUS. 35p
\
SCENE IX.
BARSENE, PHENICIUS, OLINTHUS.
Olin. Tell me, my lord, when have you known
a mind
Changeful like Cleonice's ? At one inftant
She loves, and hates ; now afks to fee Alceites,
And now forbids his prefence ; while on others
She lays the blame of her ftill wavering purpofe.
Phen. Ram boy ! and doft thou thus refpect
thy fovereign ?
At leaft for once be taught to curb thy fpeech.
O ! I defpair to amend him ! [to Barfene.
Bar. Ripening days
Will bring maturer thought : as yet Olinthus
Is but in life's firft fpring.
Phen. I too, Barfene,
Have known the fpring of life : thefe locks that
now
Are thinn'd and white with time, were beauteous
once ;
Then, happy times ! 'twas not with fuch contempt
Youth heard the wholefome counfels of the wife :
But now the world declines, and growing old
Degenerates from its virtue. [Exit.
SCENE
36O DEMETRIUS. [ACT II,
SCENE X,
BARSENE, OUNTHUS,
Olin. To content
The aufterity of age, we muft begin
To a6l the hero from our infant years ;
But, ah ! Barfene, different is the plan
Of fprightly youth. Say, does Olinthus ftill
Share in thy tendernefs ?
Bar. Alas ! my lord,
Why would you mock me thus ? Since long ere
this
Mine have been fhaken off for nobler chains,
And, to her fovereign, pleas'd Barfene yields ?
I know in fport thou feek'fl my love :
Know too, but few the tears I fhed ;
But little grief my foul can move,
To find a faithlefs lover fled.
Another now my heart infpires ;
To him my fond affeclions turn ;
And in my breafl the pleafing fires
Still burn, and fhall for ever burn. [Exit.
ACT II.] DEMETRIUS, 36l
SCENE XI.
OLINTHUS alone.
Barfene's fcorn, and Cleonice's anger,
Alceftes' fortune, and the harfh rebukes
Of a ftern father might have damp'd the fire
In every common mind : but 'tis not thefe
Can terrify Olinthus. Great attempts
Demand an equal courage : noble fpirits
Start not at perils, nor refufe fatigues ;
And favouring fortune oft befriends the bold t
He ne'er with venturous veflel braves
The fea, when loud the temperl raves,
Who, pale with fear, the diflant waves
In fafety from the land furveys.
He ne'er attempts to mix in fight,
Who trembles at the glittering light
Of armour, and the falchion's blaze. \_Exit*
SCENE XII.
^4 room with feats.
CLEONICE alone.
Now, Cleonice, now, thy trial comes :
To fee thy lov'd Alceftes once again,
And fee him for the lail J and haft thou courage
To
362 DEMETRIUS. [ACT II.
To fpeak thyfelf the fatal fentence to him ?
To bid him leave thce, drive thee from his
thoughts ?
Far better had it been to let him go.
SCENE XIII.
Enter MITHRANES.
With. My gracious queen, Alceftes is at hand.
After fuch pangs reftor'd again to life,
He waits once more impatient to behold you.
Cleo. How my heart throbs ! \ajide*
RTith. Phenicius faw and cheer'd him,
Told him the power he ftill had in your breaft,
At this recovering, like a tender flower
That rifes to the fun, furcharg'd with dew,
He clear' d his brow, again the colour flufh'd
His glowing cheek, and every look was chang'd ;
While fill'd with hope and unexpected joy,
Love mix'd with tranfport brighten'd in his face.
Cho. Arid muft I lofe him then ? [afide.
Depart, Mithranes,
Bid him approach, I here expect his coming.
Mith. O fortunate Alceftes ! [Exit.
SCENE
ACT II.] DEMETKIUS.
SCENE XIV.
CLEONICE alone.
Where, ah ! where
Are now the boafted thoughts of fame and empire ?
Ah ! what has driven you hence ? To guard my
foul
In this dire trial, this approaching conflict,
I feek you in my breaft but cannot find you ;
This is the dreadful moment Can I place
My hopes in you, when at the name alone
Of him I love, you thus at once forfake me ?
Return, O Heaven ! return : aflemble all.
Confirm my weak refolves, and teach my heart
To bear unmov'd the laft aflaults of love.
SCENE XV,
Enter ALCESTES.
Ale. O queen ador'd ! no longer I'll believe
That grief deilroys us : 'tis deception all,
To fay affliction's iron hand cuts fliort
The lingering haplefs hours of painful life.
O ! were it true, Alceftes had not liv'd :
But if my woes have purchas'd this reward,
This .wim'd-for meeting, happy are my fufFerings ;
Whate'er I've felt is amply now repaid.
364 DEMETRIUS. [ACT IF.
Cko. Heart-breaking tendernefs ! \_afide.
Ale. If thou art Hill
To me the fame as I am Hill to thee ;
If it indeed be true that I may yet
Hope every thing from Cleonice's goodnefs ;
! tell me now by what unknown offence
Have I deferv'd fuch rigour from my queen ?
Cko. Thou (halt know all, Alcetles; fit, and
hear me. [f tts .
Ale. I fhall obey my fovereign. [f tf **
Cko. Chilling fear
Benumbs my heart, \afide*
Ale. I feel my hopes revive. \_afide.
CJeo. Alceftes, doft thou love indeed thy queen ?
Or art thou but enamour' d of her rank,
Her regal fortune, and illuftrious race ?
Ale. And can you think fuch motives urge
Alceftes ?
Or, by your doubts, would you reproach my birth,
My low paternal cottage ? 'Midi! the woods
That gave me life, that nurs'd my early years,
1 left fuch abjecl. thoughts ; or rather fay
I never knew them No In Cleonice
I love the charms, fubje&ed not to change
Of fortune or of age, her noble mind
That in its native virtues bright, reflecls
More fplendor on the crown and regal fceptre,
Than royal dignity on her beftows.
ACT II.] DEMETRIUS. 305
Cleo. May I not then from fuch a generous lover
Expect fome glorious proof of fortitude ?
Ale. Speak your command, Alceftes fhall obey.
C/eo. You promife much.
Ale. And I'll perform it all.
Each danger muft be light, when prov'd for thee.
Securely will I dare the temper's rage ;
Or if thou bidft me go, expofe my bofom
Unarm'd, defencelefs, to th' embattled foes.
Cleo. I alk much more, Alceftes thou muft
leave me.
Ale. Leave thee ! O Heaven ! what is it
thou haft faid ?
Cleo. Yes, thou muft leave me, muft for ever
leave me.
And live without me in some distant clime.
Ale. But who prefcribes this cruel doom ?
Cleo. My honour,
The genius of my fubjeclis, juftice, duty ;
That virtue you admire in Cleonice,
Which gives more brightnefs to the diadem,
Than royal dignity on her beftows.
Ale. And can you then, with conftancy un-
mov'd,
Command me to forfake you ?
Cleo. Ah ! thou know'ft not
Ale. I've known enough ; I fee thou lov'ft me
not. \fifes.
Appeafe
DEMETRIUS. [ACT II.
Appeafe thy glory, fatisfy thy vatfals,
And carry to the throne the ftain of falfehood ;
While wandering through the world I bear in
mind
The deep remembrance of thy faith betray'd ;
If grief permit Alcefles to furvive. [g" l g'
CJeo. Leave me not yet.
Ale. O ! I too much refpecl
Great Cleonice's rank : a bafe-born fhepherd,
By flaying longer here, will but debafe
Her royal dignity.
Cho. Thou dofl deride me,
Ungrateful man !
Ale. And am I then ungrateful ?
Have I forfaken thee, and {acriiic'd
My faith, my promifes, my oaths, my love,
To pomp and irate ? Inhuman, perjur'd woman !
Cleo. Yes, from thy lips I will endure it all :
If thou haft more to utter, give it vent ;
But when thou art weary of infulting me,
Let Cleonice in her turn reply.
Ale. What canft thou fay, ingrate, for thy de-
fence ?
Dofl thou then hope to varnifh o'er the guilt
Of falfehood black as thine ?
Cho. O yet, Alcefles,
Forbear to judge too rafhly lit and hear me.
Ah.
ACT II-.] DEMETRIUS.
Ale. Heavens ! in her power how much fhe ftill
confides ! [afide, fits again.
Cleo. Alceftes, if thou wilt but recolledl
That ten revolving years thou haft been ftill
The deareft object of my conftant wifhes,
Thou wilt believe what anguifh I rnuft feel
In parting from thee now : but Cleonice,
Before the world conftrain'd to choofe a king,
No longer can confult her fecret heart.;
But, fuch her rigid fate, muft facrifice
Each fond affection to her tyrant glory,
And to the peace of others.
Ale. Did not then
The council make thee miftrefs of thy choice ?
Cleo. They did ; and I might now abufe my
power
And raife thee to the throne : but canft thou think
So many peers, unjuftly thus excluded,
Would tamely bear the wrong ? Infidious plots,
And open infults, with eternal difcord,
Would fliake the realm, diftract thyfelf and me.
The weaknefs of my fex, thy youth, thy birth
Would furnifh arms for calumny : our names
Through Ana, in a thoufand mouths, would prove
Foul matter for derifion. No, Alceftes,
Let envy want its food, and let our virtue
Example be to others : let the world
Behold and wonder at our fortitude ;
While pity's eye fhall drop a tender tear_
6 To
368 DEMETRIUS. [ACT' ii.
To fee the fate of two unhappy lovers',
Who thus for glory break the plealing ties
Of love fo juftj by length of years confirm'd.
Ale. Why was I, cruel Gods ! a fhepherd born !
CJeo. Go let us yield to fate far, far from me
Live and be happy moderate thy forrows,
Thou fhalt have little caufe, my dear Alceftes,
To grieve that I remain unfaithful to thee.
No from this moment I begin to die i
Thefe tears perhaps the laft I (lied farewell !
No longer Call me perjur'd and inhuman.
Ale. O Heaven ! forgive me, thou exalted
fair one, [kneels.
Live {till, my queen, preferve thy fame unfullied :
I blum to own my folly yes, I am happy
If from fo dear a teacher I can learn
Such conftancy and virtue.
Cleo. Rife, and leave me,
If it indeed be true thou lov'lt my virtue.
Ale. Here, on this hand that muft no more be
mine,
At leaft permit my trembling lips to feal
One parting kifs, ere yet I go
Both. Adieu!
AU.
ACT H,] DEMETRIUS.
Ale. I cannot curb the tear that falls,
While on my tongue the farewell dies ;
Yet 'tis not grief alone that calls
Thefe trickling waters from my eyes.
Repentance, wonder, hope, and love,
Th' emotion, which I feel, impart :
At once a thoufand thoughts I prove,
That crowd tumultuous to my heart. \_Exit.
SCENE XVI.
CLEOXICE alone.
At length ambitious views be fatisfied :
See me forfaken, fee me now depriv'd
Of all I priz'd ! - what unpropitious power
Implanted in mankind this thiril of honour ?
What to the world avails this tyrant glory,
If purchas'd with fuch pain ? If we to live
For that, muft die to ever)- blifs befide ?
_tl v * *'.-> vf stDifw ;ln->[ft $[
SCENE XVII.
,*' 1 f *~ '*'', ,V .:>*'"'..
Enter BARSENE and PHENICIUS.
Ear. Is it then true, my queen, that you have
gain'd
So great a triumph o'er your fond affection,
Even in the prefence of the man you love ?
VOL. i. B a Phen.
37O DEMETRIUS. [ACT II.
Phen. And is it true that Cleonice proves
So barbarous to herfelf and to Alceftes ?
Cleo. 'Tis all too true.
Phen. I thought fuch cruelty
Ne'er harbour' d in your breafl.
Bar. I hop'd no lefs
From conftancy like yours.
Phen. The inhuman deed
All will deteft who feel a touch of pity.
Bar. Each generous mind that owns the force
of virtue,
Muft praife the glorious action.
Phen. By your rigour
What have you loft ?
Bar. What lading honour won ?
Phen. Ah ! yet revoke
Bar. Still perfevere
Cleo. O Heaven !
Be filent ; wherefore would you thus diflrefs me ?
What would you more ?
Phen. I would, while yet 'tis time,
Free you from this delufion.
Bar. I would flill
Preferve the triumph of your conftancy.
Cleo. Meanwhile you kill me both, my mind
alike
Detefts
ACT II.] DEMETRIUS. 371
Detefls its fufferings, and detefts the cure ;
Who feeks to aid me, haflens on my death.
Though fann'd by gentle breath of air,
The torch, when ready to expire,
Demands a more than wonted care
To keep alive its dying fire,
If now your pity would beftow
Some eafe to my afflicled heart ;
Why will you add new force to woe,
And but increafe my fecret fmart ? [Exit.
SCENE XVIII.
PHENICIUS, BARSENE.
PJien. I cannot tell, Barfene, what to think
Of this excefs of zeal : thy watchful care
To guard her glory carries thee too far.
It cannot be that maxims fo fevere
Infpire thy gentle fex : thou doft conceal
Some private intereft in thy bread, beneath
Thefe fpecious fhows of honour Thou artfilent
A blufh o'erfpreads thy cheek fpeak can it be ?
Art thou the rival then of Cleonice ?
Even now I faw thee on Alceftes turn
Thy looks by flealth, nor did thy fighs efcape me.
But no, thou canfl not thus ungrateful prove ;
Thy fovereign then with juftice might reproach
thee.
B B 2 Bar.
372 DEMETRIUS. [ACT II.
Bar. Is it my fault, Phenicius, if I love ?
li ' '! r K) '- .i ''? ' "I" ' t '~-f
From love's dominion would be found
Our pleafure, not our pain,
If every heart, which he has bound,
Could break at will its chain.
But entering love's alluring (late,
We know not half his wiles ;
And when we know, 'tis then too late
To flruggle in the toils. [Exit.
SCENE XIX.
PHENICIUS alone.
What c.anft thou more, Phenicius? Every thing
Oppofes thy defigns -Protecting Gods !
Ye juft aflerters of the rights of kings,
To you my heart is known 1 do not alk
A fceptre for this hand ; fuch felfifh views
Would ill deferve your favour no 1 feek
Your heavenly fuccour for an injur'd prince :
Yet let me not defpair ; for oft we find
A day ferene fucceed a lowering morn.
Sometimes
ACT II.] DEMETRIUS. 373
Sometimes beneath tempeftuous ikies,
When round him mountain-furges life,
The trembling failor's veflel flies,
And fafely gains the port at laft.
Belide the margin of the ftrand,
In happier days behold him (land,
And to his friends, upon the fand,
Defcribe his toils and dangers pafl. [Exit.
EXD OF THE SECOND ACT.
ACT
374 DEMETRIUS.
ACT III. SCENE I.
A gate of the palace facing the fea JJiore : a vejftl
with Jailors ready for the departure of ALCESTES.
OLINTHUS alone.
'Tis Ib 1 fhall be foon without a rival :
At length Alceftes muft forfake thefe fhores :
But yet I tremble at his long delay ;
And what if Cleonice mould repent !
O ! I would never- no it cannot be :
'Tis but his friends, perhaps, who loth to part,
With many a fond embrace protract his ftay.
SCENE II.
Enter ALCESTES and PHENICIUS converfmg.
~ Ale. My lord, forbear; fince 'tis in vain you
hope
To keep me lorfger here.
OJin. Behold, Alceftes,
The veflel is prepar'd, the failors wait,
The wind is friendly, and ferene the fea.
Plen. Olinthus, peace [to Olinthus.] At leaft
but for awhile
Defer thy parting hence ; 'tis not for nought
lalk
ACT III.] DEMETRIUS. 375
I alk it ftay-- thou never fhalt have caufe
To wifh thou hadft not heard me till this hour
Thou know' ft I've been a friend, a parent to thee.
OKn. Was then my father wanting to detain
him ? \afide.
4k. What can I fay ? The queen's command
forbids me
To hearken to thy counfel.
OTm. Tis moft true ;
Alceftes fpeaks with reafon.
Phen. Canft thou leave me ?
Wilt thou depart, and (hall Phenicius flay ?
I hop'd thou better would'ft return my love.
Ale. My deareft father : fuch I fure may call
thee :
Such haft thou been O fay not I'm ungrateful :
Thou ftabb'ft me to the heart : I little thought
To fee thefe haplefs fruits of all thy cares.
Alas ! I hopM that, bred beneath thy fight,
And treading in thy fteps the paths of honour,
I might fome day have call'd into thine eyes
The tender tears of pleafure not of grief.
But who can change the purpofe of the ftars ?
Permit me to be gone ; departing thus,
I may be lefs ungrateful to thy love.
Perchance the fellowfhip of the unhappy
Communicates misfortune. Yet at leaft,
Since I'm become fo hateful to the Gods,
Let
376 DEMETRIUS. [ACT in.
Let them difturb no other days than mine ;
Let fortune's angry darts on me be fpent,
Nor one be left to pierce thy reverend age.
Pheri. O fpeak not thus, my fon : thou doft
not know ~n^: .
The vaft importance 6f a life like thine : \\^
Mine is a burden ufelefs to myfelf,
Unlefs it can avail to ferve Alceftes.
Ale. You weep, my lord : I merit not thefc
tears.
Alas ! I fhould not thus prolong your forrows
Farewell ! farewell, to both ! \_g oln S'
07/72. Thanks to thfe Gods ! \afde.
.' Ale. \j-eturning.~] To you, my friends, I re-
commend the care
Of my afflicted queen O fhe will need
Your kind fupport in her diftrefsful flate.
Who knows how dear her virtue may have coft !
What anguifh may have rent her tender heart,
To find herfelf forfaken ; to defpair
Of ever feeing her Alceftes more !
To bear ftill prefent in her memory
The happy moments pad, each place O Heaven !
Speak comfort to her grief my friends, farewell !
[as lie is going out, Jis meets Cleonice.
SCENE
,ACT III.] .DEMETRIUf. 377
SCENE III,
Enter CLEOXICE.
Cho. Alceftes, ftay.
Ale. Ye powers !
Olin. Another bar
To his departure ! [gfJe.
Ale. Wherefore, O ! my queen, "\
Come you again to make my pains revive ?
Cleo. Phenicius and Olinthus, for awhile
Retire apart, and leave me with Alceftes.
Olin. My duty bids me with my friend remain.
Cleo. Thou may'ft return to take thy lafl fare-
well.
Olin. I will obey but cannot now believe
r 1 *
Alceftes ever will depart. [ajide.~\ [Exit.
SCENE IV.
CLEONICE* ALCESTES, PHENICIUS*
Phen. O queen !
You come in time, 'tis not in vain that Heaven
Prolong'd his flay : you yet may make him happy.
Reflect
378 DEMETRIUS. [ACT in.
Refle6l how cruel muft you prove,
From all you prize, to part ;
Reflect you live but in his love,
He lives but in your heart.
Remember ftill the gentle flame
That made you once fo bleft :
Remember ftill it burns the fame
Within his faithful breaft. [Exit.
SCENE V.
CLEONICE, ALCESTES.
Cleo. Alceftes, O ! how different is the talk
To form refolves and to complete our purpofe !
Remote from thee, I deem'd the conqueft eafy,
And love to glory feem'd to yield the prize :
Yet when I find myfelf of thee depriv'd,
My heart enfeebled lofes all its firmnefs ;
And glory, O ye powers ! fubmits to love.
Ale. What would'ft thou therefore tell .me ?
Cleo. That without thee
I cannot live ; that fince my ftars forbid me,
To enjoy at once Alceftes and the crown,
The crown be left, and not Alceftes loft.
Ale. What doft thou mean ?
Cleo. No longer on thefe fhores
fits us to remain : with thee I'll fly
To
ACT III.] DEMETRIUS. 37Q
To breathe in other climes a happier air.
Ale. Ha ! fly with me ! but where ? No,
Cleonice ;
Had I the deeds of anceftors to trace ;
! could I boaft of fubjecls and a throne,
1 might perhaps be led to accept the proofs
Thy generous love would give : but all the kingdom
And fubjecls niggard fate to me affords,
Are fome few flocks, and a poor fimple cottage.
Cleo. Yet in that cottage (hall I feel the peace
Which in a ftately palace, far from thee,
My breaft muft never find. No guards indeed
Will watch me whilfl I fleep ; but in return
Jealous fufpicions never will difturb
My calm unbroken reft : though precious viands,
In coftly gold, deck not our homely board,
Yet from the bending boughs my hand fhall pluck
The ripen'd fruit, where lurks no deadly juice
To chill my veins with unexpected death.
I'll wander o'er the hills and meads, but ftill
Alceftes at my fide : my feet fhall trace
The foreft gloom, but Hill Alceftes with me :
Each fun that fets fhall leave me with Alceftes ;
And when again he rifes in the earl
To gild the morn, fhall find me ftill with thee.
Ale. O ! Cleonice moft ador'd ! amidft
Thefe fcenes of happinefs, the pleafing dreams
Of one whofe foul o'erflows with love's excefs,
I read the goodnefs of thy generous heart :
3 Yet
3BO DEMETRIUS. [ACT III,
Yet thefc, alas ! are only vain illufions
Sprung from the warmth of paflion
Cleo. Vain illulions !
Doft thou believe me then incapable
To quit the throne ?
Ale. And can you think that ever
Alceftes will permit it ? No, my queen,
You fliould have tlien conceal'd your virtues more,
And made me lefs enamour'd of your glory.
Great fouls were never form'd to live retir'd
In calm inactive reft. Shall I defraud
All Afia of the long-expe<$ted peace,
Which, in the tumults of our troubled ftate,
Your conftancy and wifdom muft beftow ?
Let us not, Cleonice, lofe the fruit
Of all our tears and anguilli : thy example
Taught me this pure affection Yes, my life,
Who would not fuffer in fo bright a caufe ?
The ftory of our loves re mote it times
.Shall learn, and with our loves our fortitude.
If we're deny'd to lead our days together
In mutual happinefs, at leail our names
Shall live conjoin' d, and fhare one common glory.
Cleo. And wherefore is not here all Afia met,
That, hearing thee, they might excufe the paffion
Which once in Cleonice they condemn'd ?
But now I falter'd ; thou, my dear Alceftes,
Haft ftrengthen'd my refolves, and from thy words
The virtue they excite receives more charms.
6 Go
ACT III.] DEMETRIUS. 382
Go then but firft in me behold th' effecls
Of fortitude like thine : yes, thou fhalt fee
How I can imitate thy great example.
Come, let us to the palace ; there, Alceftes,
Shalt thou be told the confort I will chooie :
Thou fhalt be prefent at the royal nuptials.
Ale. It muft not be you put my conftancy
To too fevere a proof.
Cho. No let -us'- try
To emulate each other in our fufferings.
Ale . O Heaven ! thou little know'ft what cruel
anguifh
The conftant lover feels, who pines with envy
To fee another bleft in the pofTeffion
Of what himfelf muft never hope to enjoy.
Cleo. I fee full well the deep diftrefs
Which jealous hearts endure ;
But fince I ftill confult thy peace,
In me confide fecure.
Yes, when I leave thee thou fhalt know
What thoughts my bofom move :
And while I faithlefs feem, I'll fhow
The ftrongeft proof of love. [Exit.
SCENE
382 DEMETRIUS. [ACT in.
SCENE VI.
ALCESTES alone.
What mean thefe myftic words of Cleonice ?"
She bids me yield her to another's arms,
Yet tells me that fhe Hill confults my peace.
This is to bid me die ere I depart :
But let her be obey'd ; for her I'm ready
To fuffer every pang the mind can feel ;
Nor will I queftion aught that fhe commands.
SCENE VII.
i
Enter OLINTHUS.
Olin. Once more thou art alone, and nothing
now
Remains that can oppofe thy going hence ;
Permit Olinthus thus, in pledge of friendship,
To take this laft embrace.
Ale. Thy noble nature
With generous goodnefs honours my departure,
But know I fhall not leave thee yet.
Olin. What fay'ft thou ?
Speak wherefore ?
Ale. 'Tis the queen's command.
/
Olin. Each moment
Thy purpofe changes.
Ah.
ACT III.] DEMETRIUS. 383
Ale. 'Tis my fovereign's will,
And what fhe wills Alceftes muft obey.
*^ f J ^ r
Olin. What next would Clifcjaice ? Does fhe
purpofe
To elect thee for our king ?
Ale. To fuch a height
My hopes afpire not.
Otin. Would fhe have thee prefent
At thefe new nuptials ? O ! 'twere mofl inhuman,
Nor ought you to confent.
Ale. Thou art deceiv'd :
Whate'er my fate I will endure it all ;
And call that happinefs which fhe beftows.
Thofe lovely lips I flill adore,
Whate'er the doom they give ;
Whether by hope, they life reflore,
Or bid me ceafe to live.
But little can the lover prove,
Of beauty's fovereign fway,
Who the dear object of his love
Refufes to obey. [Exit.
SCENE VIII.
OLINTHUS alone.
This I forefaw ; 'twas but a feemiiig virtue
Incited Cleonice tp appeafe
The
384 DEMETRIUS. [ACT 111.
The people's clamours, while (he for herfelf
And her Alceftes would fecure the throne.
I am but little fear'd the rigid curb
Of a ftern father, that reftrains his fon,
Gives fanclion to their raflmefs. Could I once
Shake off this fervile yoke, we foon fhould fee
A change of fortune ; yes, Olinthus then
Might o'er his rival boaft a full revenge.
The lion, long a prifoner held,
To bear the fervile bonds compelled,
Appears with native ftrength no more t
Yet if by. chance he burfl his chain,
His former rage awakes again,
And he that durft but late aflail
The generous beaft, with -terror pale
Now trembles at his roar. [Exit.
SCENE IX.
The apartments of PHENICIUS in the palace.
PHENICIUS alone.
How are my thoughts confounded ! Clconice
Enjoins me to return to my apartment,
And bids me here await her high command.
When I, impatient, aik'd her of Alceftes,
Her anfwer was, " Alceftes yet departs not."
What can this fecret be, which thus the queen
Againft
ACT III.] DEMETRIUS. 385
Againft her cuftom has from me conceal'd ?
Alas ! I fear that all my former cares
Were fpent in vain.
SCENE X.
Enter MITHRANES.
Mith. Be comforted, my lord,
The Cretan forces now are near the port ;
I from the fummit of the palace, view'd
The billows whitening with a thoufand prows.
Phen. Behold, my friend, the aid we long de-
fir'd :
At laft to Syria's fons we may reveal
The lawful fucceflbr. Find out Alceftes ;
Conduct him to me. Of thy trufty friends
Select whate'er thou canft Yes, dear Mithranes,
I now require the laft, the greateft proof .
Of thy fidelity.
Mith. I fly this inftant
To execute your will.
Phen. But hear, Mithranes,
Proceed with caution, and conceal the caufe
For which the numerous force
TOL, i. c c SCENE
380 DEMETRIUS. [ACT III,
SCENE XI.
Enter LINTHUS.
Olin. Great news, my father,
I bring.
Phen. What tidings bring' il thou ?
Olin. Cleonice
At length has fix'd her choice.
Phen. And nam'd Alceftes ?
0/in. If thus Alceftes hop'd, he hop'd in vain.
Phen. What ftrange, what unexpected ftroke is
this?
SCENE XII.
Enter ALCESTES with two attendants bearing the
crown and royal mantle.
Ale. Low at your feet, permit me [kneels.
Phen. Heavens ! Alceftes,
What can this- mean ?
Ale. Thou art our king, Phenicius.
Phen. Your king ! O rife !
Ale. The virtuous Cleonice
By me has fent thefe enfigns of dominion :
She waits till you, my lord, adorn'd with thefe,
Shall
ACT III.] DEMETRIUS. 387
Shall meet her in the temple, there to join
Your hand with hers : you cannot fure reject
The glorious prefent which Alceiles brings :
I know alike are by Phehicius priz'd
The ambaflador, the giver, and the gift.
PJien. Does not the queen reflect how far un-
equal
Phenicius' age to hers ?
Ale. The queen reflects
That in another never can fhe find
More loyal faith, and more confummate wifdorri.
Th' exalted fair, by choofing thus, avoids
A thoufand evils : fhe rewards your worth,
Prevents the tongue of calumny, provides
For Syria's welfare, and deludes in many
A fond ambitious hope.
Mith. And calms in part
The jealous temped which diilrefs'd Alceftes
May feel within his breaft.
Phtn. [afide.~] For this event,
And this alone my foul was unprepar'd.
Olin. Each is impatient to behold his king '.
My father, hafte : content your longing friends,
The eager populace, and all Seleucia
Enraptur'd with the choice.
Phen> Proceed, Olinthus,
Before me to the temple ; fay that foon
They (hall behold their king with me behind
c c 2 Remain
388 DEMETRIUS. [ACT III.
Remain awhile Mithranes and Alceftes.
Olin. \_ajtde.~] Let not Alceftes gain the queen
or throne,
And I am fatisfied. [Exit.
SCENE XIII.
PHENICIUS, MITHRANES, ALCESTES.
Phen. Propitious powers !
I never hop'd fo much from your indulgence ;
Moft bleil event of all my cares and toils !
Alceftes, thou no more muft call me father ;
No longer by th' endearing name of fon,
Muft thou be prefs'd within thefe aged arms :
Thefe are the laft embraces I muft give thee.
[embraces him.
Ale. What crime of mine can forfeit fuch a
bleffing ?
PJien. I am your fubjedl you are Syria's king.
[kneels.
Ale. O rife ! what haft thou faid ?
Milh. Tranfcendent faith !
Phen. At length know who you are ; in you
ftill breathes
The offspring of Demetrius ; you in Alceftes
Survives the undoubted heir of Syria's throne.
I have preferv'd you for this happy day :
If you diftruft my truth, believe yourfelf,
3 Yout
ACT III.] DEMETRIUS. 38Q
Your princely genius, your exalted foul ;
Believe Phenicius who rejects for you
A profferr'd crown : believe thefe tears of joy
That trickle down my cheek.
Ale. But wherefore, fir,
Have you fo long conceal'd my fortune from me ?
Phen. You fhall know all, give me a moment's
refpite :
My heart, o'ercharg'd with fuch a tide of pleafure,
Scarce gives the vital functions leave to play.
Immortal powers ! from you no more
My loyal faith her meed defires :
My truth is crown'd, my toils are o'er,
My prince no more my zeal requires.
I fear not now the frowns of fate,
No happier fortune wifh to find ;
But calmly death's approach I wait,
Nor death's approach can damp my mind.
[Exit -with attendants.
SCENE XIV.
ALCESTES, MITHRANES.
Ale. Do I then dream or wake ?
Mith. Permit Mithranes,
As the firft homage of a faithful fubject [kneels.
Ah.
30O DEMETRIUS. [ACT III.
'Ale. My beft Mithranes, yet awhile forbear;
Leave me in peace, for flill my foul's in doubt.
Mith. Hence be every thought diftreft ;
Fairer profpecls fill your breafl :
Fortune brings a happier hour,
Seize the occafion in your power :
'Tis time at length to breathe from pain.
Through life accuftom'd ftill to bear
The fling of grief, and pining care,
Though lodg'd in port, you yet defpair,
And dread the perils of the main. [Exit.
SCENE XV.
' ..
ALCESTES alone.
Can it be pofftble ? Am I Demetrius,
Heir to Seleucia's crown ? And have I been
Even to myfelf till now fo little known , ?
What changes have I feen ? In one fhort day
Behold me here a monarch and a fhepherd,
An exile and a hufband. Who, Alceftes,
Can yet enfure thee that malicious fortune
May not once more transform thee to a fhepherd ?
SCENE
ACT III.] DEMETRIUS. 301
SCENE XVI.
Enter BARSENE.
Bar. Phenicius is our fovereign ?
Ale. Cleonice
Has fix'd on him to fill Seleucia's throne.
Bar. Alceftes, I compaffionate your lofs ;
But fince your hopes to efpoufe the queen are vain,
No longer I defpair to find your heart
Admit Barfene's love.
Ale. Barfene's love !
Bar. 'Till now refpeftful I conceal'd my flame :
A throne and queen were rivals far too mighty
For poor Barfene ; but at length I fee
Phenicius king, and Cleonice wedded ;
Your hopes extinct : a more propitious hour
\ ne'er could choofe to tell you that I love.
Ale. Ill haft thou fix'd thy choice, unhappy
maid !
Could'ft thou, Barfene, but difcern
What thoughts this bofom move,
Thy lips might other accents learn,
And never fpeak of love.
Lament
3Q2 DEMETRIUS. [ACT III.
Lament not then that in your pain
I bear fo little part,
For while your words my feet detain,
Far diftant is my heart. [?'V,
SCENE XVII.
BARSENE alone.
And wherefore did I not continue filent ?
Alas ! I hop'd at leaft by my confeflion
Alceftes might have felt a kindred flame ;
That little hope is now for ever loft,
Alceftes knows my paffion, and contemns it.
While the harmlefs turtle-dove
Sees not where the danger lies,
To 'fcape the falcon from above,
To the fowler's hand me flies.
Thus I, who fought to fhun the pain
Of fmother'd grief and love conceal'd,
Muft every fhame and woe fuftain,
Which profferr'd love, refus'd, can yield.
[Exit.
SCENE
ACT III.] DEMETRIUS. 3Q3
SCENE XVIII,
A Jlately temple dedicated to the Sun: an altar, an
image of the Sun in the middle, and a throne on
one fide.
, : '^ '. \
CLEONICE attended, PHENICIUS accompanied fy
two nobles, bearing the royal mantle, crown and
fceptre.
Phen. Believe me, I deceive you not, Alceiles
Is rightful heir of Syria ; and to him
Belong thefe royal enfigns.
Cleo. In his looks
Methought I trap'd a foul above the vulgar,
That fpoke a kingly race. - % ,
Phen. I know my care
To cher-ifh thus a foe was criminal :
But yet the merits of fo dear a foe,
And my refufal to accept a crown,
At once muft plead excufe, and feal my pardon.
Cleo. What ftrange events has fate this day
produc'd !
When I believ'd myfelf of peace depriv'd
Phen. Demetrius comes.
[They advance to meet Al cedes.
SCENE
3()4 DEMETRIUS. [ACT III.
SCENE XIX.
Enter ALCESTES, MITHRANES and Guards*
Ale. And have I found at length
This firft, this happy time when I may fee thee,
Nor fear that thou wilt blufh to own our paflion.
Of all the bleffings royalty may yield,
This is the greateft that Alceiles ever
Can find upon the throne.
Cleo. Let us, my lord,
Exchange our fortune : you are now the king,
And I the fubjec"l ; every doubt that late
Your breaft divided, pafTes now to mine.
Demetrius, go behold the regal feat
Your anceftors have prefs'd even with that plea-
fure
I once would have beftow'd it on Alceftes,
I now reftore it to him. May you long
Poflefs it happier far than I have done.
E'er fince I knew it, barren has it prov'd
Of all content to me, and only now
I lofe it, do I find it gives me joy.
M'rth. Exalted virtue !
Ale. I will mount the throne,
But 'tis your hand fhall guide me ; and this hand
Reward my truth.
Cleo. So grateful a command
6 Takes
ACT III.] DEMETRIUS. 3Q5
Takes from my heart the merit of obedience.
[they approach the altar, and join hands.
Phen. O ! how excefs of tranfport fills my foul !
Ale. "7 Hail ! powerful God ! indulgent prove,
Cleo. S And fhine propitious on our love !
Ale. Like me a lover have you been,
And on the turfy fhore,
Where fam'd Theflalia's dream is feen,
A fhepherd's likenefs wore.
Cleo. My conftant faith was taught by you;
Whofe breafl unchang'd remains ;
And to your laurel ever true,
Its ancient flame retains.
Ale . 7 Hail ! powerful God ! indulgent prove,
Cleo. $ And fhine propitious on our love !
Phen. Heaven thunders to the left.
SCENE XX.
Enter BARSENE.
Bar. O queen ! Seleucia
Is all in tumult.
Cleo. Wherefore?
Ear. Know the envoy >/f
Is now arriv'd from Crete, and with him brings
A hundred fhips.
Cleo.
DEMETRIUS. [ACT III.
Cleo. Tis well, he fhall be heard.
Bar. But rafh Olinthus, whofe impatient pride
Can never brook Alceftes on the throne,
Has join'd the ambaflador, and 'midft the people
Proclaims aloud Phenicius has deceiv'd them,
Declares that he can prove his faying juft,
And that to him is known the true Demetrius.
Cleo. Alas ! Phenicius.
Phen. Banifh every fear,
And with fecurity afcend the throne :
It fhall be feen on which fide falfehood lies.
SCENE LAST,
Enter OLINTHUS "with a paper fealed in his hand,
and the CRETAN Ambaffador y with a train of
GREEKS.
OJin. Stay your rafh fteps, forbear.
[/o Cleonice and Alceftes, as they advance
towards the throne. .
No longer Heaven
Permits deceit to flourim. In this paper
Will be reveal'd the heir of dead Demetrius ;
This paper written by our king Demetrius
Before his death, while in the land of Crete
He hVd an exile : with the royal fignet
Behold it feal'd : this Cretan faw him fign it ;
[faints to the ambtijjador.
He
ACT III.] DEMETRIUS.
He brings it hither by the date's decree,
And with him brings the united force of Crete,
To aflert the honours of the royal blood.
Cleo. O heavenly powers !
Phen. Olinthus, read the fecret.
07/w. Alceftes now muft end his towering pride.
[opens the paper and reads.
" People of Syria, learn that 'midfl you lives
" My fon cone eal' d ; a future day will come
" To make him known : if by no other token
il He ft and difcover'd, know in feign'd Alceltes
" Phenicius educates his youth.
Demetrius."
Cleo. My life returns.
Plien. Olinthus, thy confulion
Phenicius well forefaw.
07/w. I am all amazement !
Mith. How is his rafhnefs damp'd ! [afide.
01 in. My lord, in you
I own my fovereign, and repent my folly.
[to Alceftes.
Ale. Olinthus, I remember nothing now
But that thou art the fon of my Phenicius.
Phen. Permit me once to view you on the
throne ;
My vows are then complete.
Ala.. Whatever I have
Is
3Q8 DEMETRIUS. [ACT III.
Is but the gift of your fidelity ;
This from Alceftes' lips the world (hall learn.
Phen. And from your virtues fhall the world be
taught,
That in one heart may love and glory reign.
[Alceftes and Cleonice afcend the throne.
CHORUS.
Love that to noble breafts extends,
Is not a rival to control
Fair virtue's fway ; but, mutual friends,
To generous deeds they raife the foul.
Reft happy pair in peace fecure ;
Henceforth may every favouring pcAver
To you that happinefs enfure,
Which Heaven averfe denied before.
END OP THE THIRD ACT.
THE
THE DREAM OF SCIPIO.
SPEAKERS.
SCIPIO.
CONSTANCY.
FORTUNE.
PUBLIUS.
^
EMILIUS, Father of SCIPIO.
CHORUS of HEROES.
The action fuppofed to be in Africa, in the
Palace of MASINISSA.
THE DREAM OF SCIPIO.
SCIPIO aileep, CONSTANCY, FORTUNE.
Fort. Come, mighty offspring of Emilius, corne^
Purfue my iieps.
Conf. O ! Scipio !' come and follow
My better track.
Scip. Who dares difturb my reft ?
Fort. 'Tis I.
Conf. 'Tis I : appeafe thy ill-tim'd anger.
Fort-. Turn, turn to me.
Conf. Behold my features.
Scip. Gods !
What blaze of light ! What harmony unknown I
What forms are thefe fb fplendid and fo fair !
Where am I ? Who are you ?
Conf. The nurfe of heroes.
Fort. The great difpenfer I of every good
The univerfe can yield*
Conf. I am CONSTANCY*
Fort. And FORTUNE I.
Scip. But wherefore feek ye me ?
VOL. i, D D Conf.
402 THE DREAM OP SCtt100
Conf< That thou, O ! Scipio, may'fl between
us choofe
Thy partner through the rugged paths of life.
Fort. We promife both to make thee bleft.
Conf, Decide 5
To her or me intruft thy future guidance.
Scip. I. know not what to anfwer,
Port. Doft thou doubt ?
Conf. Canft thou one moment patife ?
Fort. My lock invites thee ;
And wilt thou not to me confign thy days ?
Conf. Hear'il thou my name and com'ft not ?
Fort. Speak*
Conf. Refolve.
Scip. What fhall I anfwer ? If I mud refolve,
One moment give to commune with myfelf.
Where am I ? Say, what power has hither brought
me ?
If all I fee be truth, or but a dream,
If yet I wake, or fancy but deceive me ?
While round this wondrous fcene I gaze y
My foul, bewilder' d with amaze,
On nothing yet refolves.
Th<J heart in mingled paflions left,
As by a troubled ocean toft,
A thoufand thoughts revolves.
Conf.
THE DREAM OP SCIPIO. 403
Conf. Well haft thou faid. Converfe with each
apart,
And learn whate'er thou feekeft.
Fort. Scipio, yes :
But brief be thy demands : I cannot bear
A long delay ; for, varying dill, I fhift
With every moment my purfuit and place.
Unftable as the wind am I,
With looks that change and feet that fly :
With anger now I burn, and now
The fmiles of pleafure fmooth my brow.
Sometimes I take delight awhile,
To raife from earth the ruin'd pile ;
And foon an equal zeal employ
My recent labour to deftroy.
Scip. Where am I then ? In Mafinifla's palace,
Where but even now I closed my eyes in fleep ?
It cannot be.
Conf. No, Africa is far,
Far diftant from us. Scipio, thou' art plac'd
In Heaven's unmeafur'd temple.
Fort. Doft thou not
Confefs it by the numerous ftars that blaze
With glories round thee ? By the unwonted found
Of whirling fpheres in rapturous minflrelfy ?
By this celeftial orb of li /ing fapphire
In which they roll ?
D D 2 Self.
404 THE DREAM OP SCIPIO,
Scij). O ! fay, amidft the fphereS
What makes this fymphony ?
Conf. The fame that makes
With them proportion'd inequality
Of meafure and of motion : in their courfe
They circling meet, and each returns a found
Diftincl: from each, while all together form
One perfect concord. On the mortal lyre
The firings, attempered thus by hand and ear,
Emit fweet harmony. This magic force,
This fecret rule that makes unlike agree,
Is calTd proportion, univerfal law
Of all, created things ; myflerious ray
Of higheft wifdom, which the Samian * fage
In facred numbers taught.
1 "-vys-! /!*
Scip. But wherefore fails
Such powerful melody to ftrike the fenfe
Of human organs ? Why unheard by thofe
In our terrelirial dwelling ?
Conf. Strains like thefe
Confound the faculties of earthly fenfe.
Thofe eyes that feek tne noon-day fun,
Soon loofe their dazzled fight :
The nerves opprefs'd and weaken' d, fhurt
Th' exceffive blaze of light.
* Pythagoras.
The
THE J5REAM OP SCIPIO. 405
The fimple hind, who near refides
Where falling Nilus roars,
Hears not the ruih of foaming tides
That fhake the dcafen'd mores.
Scip. Say, what inhabitants
Fort. No further queftion,
But make at length thy choice.
Scip. Indulgent yet
Say, who refide in thefe fupernal feats ?
Conf. Numbers are here, of various virtues^
fram'd
To various parts.
Scip. But who their dwelling find
Where now we meet ?
Fort. Behold who come to inftrucl thee.
SCIPIO, CONSTANCY, FORTUNE, PUBLIUS, Chorus
of Heroes and EMILIUS.
CHORUS.
From heroes fprung, by fate beftow'd
To give to Rome her earlieft fame,
O ! welcome to this bright abode :
No ftrangers we to Scipio's name.
A thoufand
THE DREAM OP SC1PIO.
A thoufand glorious footfteps view :
Lo ! here thy great forefathers trace,
And through each ihining path purfue
The deeds of thy illuftrious race.
lf. Ye powers ! am I deceiv'd, or do the/e
eyes
Behold my great progenitor, who bow'd
Rebellious Afric to the yoke of Rome ?
Pub. Doubt not ; 'tis I.
Scip. My foul is chill'd with awe !
Are then the dead -
Pub. Scipio, thou err'ft, for know
That Publius is not dead.
Scif. Yet fure confum'd
To namelefs afhes, midft the funeral pile,
Long lince has Rome bewail'd thee.
Pub. Ceafe, O ! ceafe ;
Thou little know'ft thyfelf. Believ'ft thou then
That hand, thofe features and thofe limbs, that form,
The outward man are Scipio ? Thou 'rt deceiv'd
They are but veftments learn, the immortal fenfe,
By which alone we think, conceive and live ;
THAT has no parts, and cannot be diflblv'd.
THAT leflens not its power by length of years,
THAT, THAT is Scipio, and can never die.
Hard were indeed the deftiny of virtue,
If
THE DREAM OP 5CIPIO. 407
Jf nothing of us liv'd beyond the tomb ;
And if indeed we knew no other good
Than what on earth the wicked chiefly fhare.
No, Scipio, no the PERFECT CAUSE of all
Is ever juft, beyond the funeral pile
We ftill have other hopes. Thefe glorious feats
Of light eternal are our great reward ;
And faireft of them this, where dwells with me
Whoe'er on earth has lov'd his native land ;
Whoe'er for public good has clos'd his days,
And for another's fake his blood effus'd.
If here thy hopes fome future day
Would find a happy feat,
Thy great forefathers' deeds furvey,
Nor Publius' name forget.
By him, who meets like us his death,
Here endlefs life is known :
He merits not his natal breath,
Who lives but for himfelf alone.
Sc'ty. As heroes then refide
Fort. If ftill thy doubts
Are unrefolv'd, my patience, Scipio, fails*-
Decide decide.
Conf. Let him demand at full :
Since what he learns will teach him beft to fix
Between our claims.
As heroes then refide
6 In
408 THE DREAM OF SCIPIO.
In thefe bleft regions, wherefore fees not Scipio
His warlike father ?
Pub. Doft thou not behold him
There full reveal' d to fight ?
Scip. Tis true, 'tis true,
Forgive me, mighty father ! I have err'd,
But 'twas the error of my dazzled eyes,
I faw thee not : I err'd not in my mind ;
There ever dwells thy image Thou art HE.
Already in thy well-known form I trace
Paternal majefty. I gaze upon thee,
And my heart beats with love and filial duty.
Indulgent Gods ! O ! father moft belov'd,
O ! happy day ! but doft thou calmly thus
Receive thy fon ? Serene, thy features fhow
No fond emotion. Feel'll thou not, my father,
To fee me here, a joy that equals mine ?
EmiL The joy, my fon, which heavenly bofoms
feel
Opprefles not like yours, and yet is more.
Scip. I am rapt beyond myfelf all, all is won-
der !
My every fenfe is loft !
EmiL Thou canft not quit
The falfe ideas of the world below,
Though now fo far remote. Caft down thine eye,
Look there, behold enclos'd with murky clouds,
Yon little globe, yon fcarce-diftiriguiih'd fpot,
THE DREAM OP SCIPIO. 40Q
Scip. Ye powers ! can that be earth ?
Emil. Thy earth is there.
Scip. All its huge forefts, all its rapid floods ;
Its mighty provinces, contending realms, ' .-\\
With every countlefs nation^Tyber-'-Rome ?
Emil. All in that fpot compris'd,
Scip. O ! fire belov'd !
How vain, how nothing to my fight appears
The wretched theatre of human pride !
Emil. Ah ! could'ft thou on that theatre, my
{bn,
Obferve the^aclors ; fee their follies, dreams,
Their falfe purfuits ; and every caufe that here
Claims jufl derifion, there exciting rage,
And grief and joy and love How wretched then
o thee would feern the boafts of human- kind.
, ;'.'* - 'U^OI--.'. Jit Mi! '..1 S -f..i*l ?fl \'f I/'.'
You h.aplefs mortals, fmile below
To mark the puling infant's woe ;
And mock the little tears that flow
For every trivial ill.
No lefs above we fmile to view
Man's ripen'd age fuch toys purfue,
And even with locks of filver hue,
Be helplefs children ftjll.
Scip. O ! Publius ! O ! my father ! let me here
With you relide. I gladly will forfakq
That
410 U;HE DREAM OF SCIPIO.
That feat of human wretchednefs below,
Fort. It is not yet allow'd.
Conf, It cannot be.
Pub. Thou yet muft live and long,
Scij). I've liv'd enough,
Enough for Scipio.
Emil, Yes ; but not enough
For Fate's defigns, or for the weal of Rome,
For earth and Heaven.
Pub. Much haft thou done already,
But more remains to do. 'Tis not in vain
That Scipio boails the honours of his race,
His lineal wreaths ; and not by chance the plains
Of fair Iberia own'd thy youthful toils.
Think not thou bear'ft in vain the glorious name
Fatal to Africa. The tafk was mine
To lay the yoke on fuch a potent foe,
But thine is to deftroy him Go meantime
Prepare no lefs for fufferings than for triumph :
Both furnifh palms for Virtue. Deftiny
May fhake, but not fubdue her : when'fhe flrives
With adverfe days me fhines with nobler fame.
High-
THE DREAM OP SCIPIO. 41 I
High-feated on the mountain's brow
An aged oak, when tempefts blow,
Secure the buttering rage fuftains:
His leaves in winter fcatter'd round,
With firmer root he ftrikes the ground,
And lofmg beauty ftrength he gains.
Scip. Since all were vain to oppofe the will of
Fate,
I yield to her decree.
Conf. Now, Scipio, time
Demands thy choice.
Fort. Thou need'ft no further learn,
But well canft judge between us.
Scip. 'Tis requir'd,
O ! Publius, that of thefe contending powers
Pub. I know it all act as thou wilt.
Scip. My father,
O ! give mp counfel.
Emll. No ; my counfel, fon,
From thee would take the glory of thy choice.
Fort. If thou would'ft wifh for happinefs, be-
ware
Thou dallieft not with Fortune Scipio, feize
The moment when my lock invites thy hand.
Scip. But tell me, thou that urged thus thy
claim,
' Why
THE DREAM OF SCIPIO.'
Why fhould I follow thee, and why prefer
Thy flops before thy rival's ?
Fort. What attempt,
Without my aid, can e'er with man fucceed ?
Know'it thou my power ? I am arbitrefs below
Of every good or ill : behold the hand,
That fcatters, at my pleafure, grief or joy,
Difgrace or honours, poverty or wealth.
Lo ! I am SHE that builds, deftroys, renews
The mightieft empires. I, at will, can change
A cottage to a throne ; and, at my nod,
A throne becomes a cottage. In the Iky
Whirlwinds are mine, and tempefts on the fea,
I rule the fate of armies : at my fmile
Defeat becomes a gain, and palms arile
From battles loft ; and when difpleas'd, I rend
The promis'd laurel from the victor's hand,
Even on the edge of conquefl, Would' ft thou
more ?
Virtue and valour both confefs my fway.
When FORTUNE wills the vileft feems mod bold,
And bold the vileft. In defpite of juftice,
Guilt ftands ablblv'd, and innogerjce is guilty.
To hirri I view with favouring fight,
Like day appears the gloomy night :
For him, when winter binds the plain, v
Earth gives to fpring the golden grain.
THfi DREAM OF SCIPIO. 413.
But when on one, in evil hour,
The angry eyes of FORTUNE lour j
To him the wood its fhade denies ;
No waves for him the fea fupplies.
Scip. And is there nothing then on earth toop-
pofe
To fuch tremendous power ?
Conf. Yes CONSTANCY.
Know, Scipio, I, and I alone, prefcribe
The law and limits to her dreaded reign.
Where'er I am fiie never can extend
Her mutable dominion. In my prefence".
Her belt of gifts will never boaft a charm.
Nor fhall her threats have terror. Virtue, valour,
Perchance from her may fuffer wrong ; but Time,
My great avenger, will at length alfign
To every deed its merit. Not in HER,
In ME, O ! Scipio, the preferver view
Of ftates and empires : this thy anceflors,
And this thy Rome experienc'd. Prefs'd indeed
By Brennus, in Tarpeias' rocky ftraits,
The Latian freedom fhook, but could not fall.
'Tis true, that on the banks of Aufidus
The Roman conful faw his warrior-youth
_A11 perim by the fword ; but fcorn'd himfelf
To link in blank defpair. To gain the palms*
The lateft palms from Rome, with all his hoft
Of countlefs ftandards, Annibal o'crfhades
The
414 TE DREAM OP SCIPIO*
The Roman foil, but finds that foil a grave
To all the vigor's hopes. Such deeds are mine,
And fuch as FORTUNE never can refift.
She, wearied foon, a different afpect wears ;
And in her own defpite becomes my flave.
The rock, with foamy billows white,
Seems finking down the tumbling tide,
While foaring o'er its topmofl height,
The waters gain on every fide.
But proudly batter'd round in vain
Its ftately head the tempeft braves,
Till fmooth'd to calms, the placid main
Creeps round its foot with lambent waves.
Sclp. No more celeftial CONSTANCY, 'tis thine ;
Lead where thou wilt, I alk no other guide ;
I follow thee.
Fort. Are then my gifts defpis'd ?
Scip. I feek not, nor refufe them.
Fort. And my rage ?
Scip. I not defy, nor fear it.
Fort. Scipio, think ;
Thou may'ft in vain repent look well upon me
Reflect, and then refolve.
Self. I am refolv'd.
Go,
*HE DREAM OF SCIPIO.
Go, boaft an undifputed fway,
That all mankind thy rule obey ;
Yet think not hence in chains to bind
A noble heart, a virtuous mind,
That neither fear nor bafenefs knows.
Let abject fouls thy influence own,
And bend before thy tyrant-throne ;
Such fouls as godlike gifts defpife,
And only fordid merit prize,
Such merit as thy fmile beftows.
Fort. Is there a mortal then that dares deny
To me his vows, and flight my profferr'd grace ?
Scip. Yes I am HE.
Fort. 'Tis well prepare to prove
My hoflile fury -Come, difafters dire,
Adventures horrible ! Ye minifters
Of my refentment crufh this daring rebel,
To you confign'd, and cloom'd to every woe.
Self. Ye powers ! what can this mean ! what
fanguine gleam !
What clouds and iiorms ! What darknefs gathers
round !
And hark ! re founding through the affrighted
fpheres
What horrid cram ! A hundred forky bolts
Hifs o'er my head, while yon ethereal vault
Seems tumbling into chaos ! But the foul
Of
416 THE 'DREAM OP SCIPIO.
Of Scipio knows not fear In vain your threats,.
Infulting FORTUNE ! Goddefs ftill unjuft,
Perfidious power ! - But hold, what voice awakes
My flumbering fenfe ? Where am I ? This is fure
The abode of MalinnTa where is Publius ?
My father, where ? The heavens, and Harry
fpheres
All vanim'd, and thefe wonders but a dream !
Yet this at leafl is real CONSTANCY
Still dwells with Scipio in my breaft I feel
Her facred influence friendly Gods ! I own
Your favouring grace aufpicious omen, hail !
THE END OP SCIPIO S DREAM.
CANTATAS.
CANTATAS.
VOL. I.
CANTATAS.
THE EXCUSE.
FORGIVE me, yet I know not whence
Unjuftly thus my Chloris takes offence.
What have I faid, my fair ?
My haplefs error now declare.
I faid, I LOVE THEE, deareft maid,
THOU ART MY SOUL'S DELIGHT, I faid,
If this difpleafe, ah ! tell me why ?
Is this a crime of deepeft dye ?
If love of thee be guilt, then he alone
Is innocent, who ne'er has Chloris known.
Name, Chloris, one, of all the fwains,
Who fpeaks to thee and breathes not love,
Who fees thee, yet efcapes thy chains ;
Then, if thou canft, my flame reprove.
But why, when numbers thus offend,
Muft I beneath thy fentence pine ?
If Chloris' charms her fex tranfcend,
Ah ! cruel nymph, no blame is mine.
E E 2 Bet
420 CANTATAS.
Be now appeas'd, refume each winning grace,
Thou know'ft not how a frown deforms that lovely
face,
Ah ! truft not me,
But bending fee
In yonder fountain Told I true
What there, alas ! does Chloris view ?
That clouded brow, that haughty air,
Have chang'd thofe features, late fo fair :
But would'fl thou make thine anger known,
A better vengeance is thine own.
If 'tis a fault to fay, " I LIVE
To LOVE BUT THEE, MY SOUL*S DELIGHT !"
Thou may' ft with eafe fuch wrong requite,
Retort the offence on me, and I'll the offence for-
i i ,
give.
I'll patient hear my Chloris tell
And dofl thou fmile ? Enchanting fpell !
That Heals me from myfelf away.
Haite, Chloris, in the ftream furvey
What wonders now thy looks difplay.
If thus a fmile can love's fort power renew,
Ah ! what, my fair, would gentle pity do ?
I own that Beauty, when fhe fmiles,
With magic every care beguiles ;
But Beauty, when fhe 'heals the heart that bleeds,
Aflumes a charm that every charm exceeds.
To
CANTATAS. 421
To yon clear fount again repair,
Again thy features trace ;
But let compaflion now, my fair,
Give every feature grace.
A thoufand charms, unknown before,
Thy perfon fhall adorn ;
Nor thofe bright eyes fhall ever more
Be arm'd with cruel fcorn.
THE
422 CAtfTATAS,
THE ADVICE.
HEAR, Thyrfis, and in friendship hear,
The counfel of a friend lincere :
I pity now thy dangerous ftate,
And tremble for thy near-impending fate.
Say, who could thus my friend advife
On Nyfa's face to fix his eyes ?
Ah ! haplefs youth, in time beware,
Thou foon wilt fall into her fnare.
i
Nyfa has each alluring art
(Too well I know,) that wins the heart :
In every look has Nyfa charms,
With every look each bofom warms ;
Yet none can tell the caufe that kindles thefe
alarms :
Each nymph in vain, like her, fuch triumph feeks
to prove ;
But ah ! thou little know'fi her tyrant fway in love.
I know it well : the fatal hour,
When firft I view'd thofe piercing eyes,
Subdu'd my heart to Beauty's power,
And heav'd my breaft with endlefs fighs.
I know it well nor lefs have known
The fhady vales and forefts drear,
That oft have anfwer'd to my moan,
And learn'd from me a name fo dear.
If
CANTATAS. 423
If thou canft now thofe winning looks believe
That thus thy better fenfe deceive ;
If thou believ'ft a languid glance
That feems to meet with thine by chance :
If thou canft truft a fpeech of guileful words
That, without promife, every hope affords ;
Then may'ft thou think the artful maid
By love and mild compaffion fway'd :
Alas ! I thought it once, but found myfelf be-
tray'd.
Vain folly ! Nyfa only knows to prize
The triumphs of her fatal eyes :
She only joys to view, each hour^
The crowd of wretches that increafe her power :
She fooths her lovers lately gain'd ;
But thofe infults me long has held
To Beauty's cruel yoke compelFd ;
Yet not a flave efcapes, whom once her wiles re-
tain'd.
What art me owns no tongue can tell,
What fecret force of magic fpell ;
But, while (he fcorns, fhe bids foft paffions rife,
And, while me feems to offend, me binds with
ftronger ties.
If
424 CANTATAS.
If e'er fhe warms thy bread to love,
No longer hope for peace ;
A galling bondage fhalt thou prove,
Nor ever find releafe.
To love her with a conftant heart,
New woes thou muft fuftain ;
And if thou feek'ft from her to part,
Death only breaks thy chain.
THE
CANTATAS. 425
THE STORM.
AH ! Nyfa, fly me not, nor think me here
With love's forbidden tale to vex thine ear.
But fee ! in threatening Ikies
The gathering tempeft rife !
Say, would'ft thou lead to fheltering fold
Thy timorous flock ? A friend behold
To fhare thy talk and think me not too bold.
Haft thou no dread ? An inftant mrouds
The face of Heaven in darkening clouds ;
The wind, high -lifting from the ground
The duft and wither'd leaves, in eddies whirls
them round.
From murmurs thro' the branches light :
From fluttering birds' uncertain flight :
From the drops that, falling flow,
Our cheeks bedew full well I know
By every fign Ah ! Nyfa, told I true ?
Hark ! how the thunder growls, the ftreamy light-
ning view :
But, whither, whither doft thou fly ?
Ah ! turn again, a friend is nigh :
Forget thy flock, to yonder cave repair,
And I, befide thee plac'd, will watch my darling
fair,
Thou
426 CANTATAS.
Thou trembleft, idol of my heart,
New fears thy bofom move ;
Fear not from thee I'll ne'er depart.
Nor whifper aught of love.
When thunders roar and lightnings play*
With thee ftill let me dwell ;
But when the ftorm is paft away,
Ungrateful nymph, farewell.
Sit then, fecurely fit within the womb
Of this lone rock, no lightnings pierce the gloom,
No thunder-bolt defcends :
Wide-circling round a laurel grove extends,
And from celeftial wrath this hallow'd fpot de-
fends,
Sit then> my love O ! Heavens ! I feel thee now
Clofe-trembling at my fide thy hands entwin'd
Are lock'd in mine, as if defign'd
To keep me near thee ftill and what {hall bid me
go? '/
Rage, rage, ye Ikies ! ye rage in vain,
Here ftill unfhaken I remain.
O ! moments fought fo long ; but far more dear
Were thefe the fruits of love, and not of fear.
Yet let me, Nyfa', ftill believe,
And ftill my flatter'd fenfe deceive
Who knows ? perhaps I long thy heart poflefs'd,
And modeity, not rigour, chuTd thy bread.
The
JCANTATAS. 427
The terror now thou feem'ft to prove
Perhaps is but the feint of love
Ah ! fpeak, my fair, have I truth divin'd ?
Thy lips are filent ftill, thine eyes to earth de-
clin'd.
O ! Heavens ! a blufh ! a fmile !
Do thefe ray hopes beguile ?
O ! no I fee, nor fee by hope alone,
That blufh, that fmile makes every wifh my own,
Amidft the gloom returning peace
Forbids me more to mourn,
Then never may the temped ceafe,
Or cheerful day return.
Of all the days the fun can give
I feek no brighter iky :
With thee, my love, I thus would live,
With thee I thus would die.
JEALOUSY/
428 CANTATAS.
JEALOUSY.
FORGIVE me, deareft Nyfa, O ! forgive
My jealous thoughts, nor let me longer live
To call thee faithlefs I deteft
The dark fufpicions harbour'd in my breafl.
No more my doubts fhall wrong the fair ;
Now, by thofe beauteous lips I fwear ;
For ftill in thee, thou treafure of my foul !
The laws I worfhip that my fate control.
Yes, beauteous lips, where gentle love
Has fram'd his downy neft ;
To me you vow'd your truth to prove ;
Your vow muft every fear remove ;
On that my hope I reft.
If e'er I rafhly more complain
Of lovely Nyfa's flight,
Henceforth from me may Heaven retain
The cheering beams of light.
I own my crime, nor feek to make defence,
Then punifh if thou wilt yet fome pretence
Thy lover fure may plead for thefe alarms,
Since Thyrlis dotes upon thy charms.
1 This
CANTATAS. 42Q
This well I know, and thou no lefs >
O ! Nyfa, muft the truth confefs.
From all fecluded thee I find
With him in fecret converfe join'd.
At my approach a deep vermillion dyes
Thy alter' d cheek, from his the colour flies.
Both feem confus'd,
As felf-accus'd,
And cithers' faltering words confefs furprife.
He fteals a tender look at thee ;
Thou fmil'ft at him, and ah ! I fee
How well the fmile and blufh agree.
When firft to thee I fpoke of love,
Such, cruel Nyfa, was thy fmile,
So did thy blufh my heart beguile,
And do I caufelefs now thy want of truth reprove ?
And doft thou not betray me ? Faithlefs maid !
Ingrate and barbarous ! Ah ! what have I faid ?
I fwore on thee my peace to reft ;
And lo ! new doubts my peace moleft.
Dear nymph, forgive in vain I fwore,
And now my folly I deplore :
Ah ! think that love diftratf s my brain,
Jor think me now the firft to fwear and fwear in
vain.
When
430 CANTATAS,
When fafe at land the failor vows
To truft no more the waves ;
But when the ftorm no longer blows,
Again the deep he braves.
The warrior oft, retir'd from arms,
Abjures the fword to yield ;
But when the trumpet founds alarms,
He rafhes to the field,
THE
CANTATAS, 431
THE OBSTACLE,
TELL me, proud ftream, the hidden fourcc
From which thy rifin'g waters flow :
I hafte to Chloris flay thy courfe
O ! hear me I to Chloris go.
She waits me on the further fhore ;
Ah ! let me now my fair one join ;
Then through my fields a deluge pour,
At thee no longer I'll repine.
But while I fpeak, behold thy flood increased ;
The day is near, light flreaks the glimmering eaft.
My Chloris waits, but waits in vain,
While yet compell'd I here remain.
Ah ! cruel thou, what crime unknown
Has drawn on me thy vengeance down ?
Oft have I turn'd the herds afide
To keep unftain'd thy limpid tide :
From Phyllis and Lycoris I alone
JPreferv'd the flowers along thy margin grown.
To fpare thy ftream I oft refus'd to take
A few cool drops my thirft to flake.
If e'er the world has heard thy name,
To me, and to my mufe afcribe the fame.
When fummer heats have parch'd the glade,
If then thou glideft through the fhade,
6 'Twas
432 CANTATAS.
'Twas I whofe care thofe fhades fupplied,
And bade the laurel deck thy now ungrateful tide.
Thy waters once would idly creep,
And fcarce their humble channel fteep.
A flender branch, that from a fapling nigh
The wind had rent, fuffic'd to turn thy current dry.
A river now, with fweliing waves,
No more control!' d, thy fury raves ;
And bears along, difdaining bound,
The {tones and trees with deafening found,
Heeds not in me a lover's plaintive cry,
Nor liftens to my prayer, but foams and pafles by.
Yet foon, within a narrower bed
Again thou (halt fubiide,
And fcarce with fcanty moifture fed,
Through murmuring pebbles glide.
Then will I pafs from fhore to fhore,
In fport thy waters ftain,
That ne'er fhall roll their tribute more
Unfullied to the main.
END OP THE FIRST VOLUME.
I
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