Part 5 (1/2)

_Phil._ On the bare earth Evander lies; and as his languid pow'rs Imbibe with eager thirst the kind refreshment, And his looks speak unutterable thanks, Euphrasia views him with the tend'rest glance, Ev'n as a mother doating on her child; And, ever and anon, amidst the smiles Of pure delight, of exquisite sensation, A silent tear steals down; the tear of virtue, That sweetens grief to rapture. All her laws Inverted quite, great nature triumphs still.

_Arcas._ The tale unmans my soul.

_Phil._ Ye tyrants, hear it, And learn, that, while your cruelty prepares Unheard-of torture, virtue can keep pace With your worst efforts, and can try new modes To bid men grow enamour'd of her charms.

_Arcas._ Philotas, for Euphrasia, in her cause, I now can hazard all. Let us preserve Her father for her.

_Phil._ Oh! her lovely daring Transcends all praise. By Heav'n, he shall not die.

_Arcas._ And yet we must be wary; I'll go forth, And first explore each avenue around, Lest the fix'd sentinel obstruct your purpose.

[_Exit ARCAS._

_Phil._ I thank thee, Arcas; we will act like men Who feel for other's woes--She leads him forth, And tremblingly supports his drooping age.

[_Goes to a.s.sist him._

_Enter EUPHRASIA and EVANDER._

_Eva._ Euphrasia, oh! my child! returning life Glows here about my heart. Conduct me forward; At the last gasp preserved! Ha! dawning light!

Let me behold; in faith I see thee now; I do indeed: the father sees his child.

_Eup._ I have reliev'd him--Oh! the joy's too great; 'Tis speechless rapture!

_Eva._ Blessings, blessings on thee!

_Eup._ My father still shall live. Alas! Philotas, Could I abandon that white h.o.a.ry head, That venerable form? Abandon him To perish here in misery and famine?

_Phil._ Thy tears, thou miracle of goodness.

Have triumph'd o'er me.

Take him, take your father; Convey him hence; I do release him to you.

_Eva._ What said Philotas! Do I fondly dream?

Indeed my senses are imperfect; yet Methought I heard him! did he say release me?

_Phil._ Thou art my king, and now no more my pris'ner; Go with your daughter, with that wond'rous pattern Of filial piety to after times.

Yes, princess, lead him forth; I'll point the path, Whose soft declivity will guide your steps To the deep vale, which these o'erhanging rocks Encompa.s.s round. You may convey him thence To some safe shelter. Yet a moment's pause; I must conceal your flight from ev'ry eye.

Yes, I will save 'em, or perish in their cause.

[_Exit PHILOTAS._

_Eva._ Whither, oh! whither shall Evander go?

I'm at the goal of life; if in the race Honour has follow'd with no ling'ring step, But there sits smiling with her laurel wreath, To crown my brow, there would I fain make halt, And not inglorious lay me down to rest.

_Eup._ And will you then refuse, when thus the G.o.ds Afford a refuge to thee?

_Eva._ Oh! my child, There is no refuge for me.

_Eup._ Pardon, sir: Euphrasia's care has form'd a safe retreat; There may'st thou dwell; it will not long be wanted.