Volume Ii Part 29 (1/2)

Can it gain Conquest, or in Fields or Courts?

No, nor defend its own fantastick Owner.

--Come, guess again.

_Sem_. I can guess no further than a Man, and that I'm sure he is.

_Cleo_. I know not-- For yet I never saw him, but in's Character, Unless sometimes in Dreams.

_Sem_. Is't not enough he conquers where he comes, But that his Fame prevents his Sword and Eyes?

Perhaps his Person may not be agreeable; The best in Camps are not the best in Courts.

_Cleo_. So brave a Mind must have as brave an Outside.

My Uncle's Letters from the Camp contain Nothing but Wonders of his Worth and Valour, And 'tis impossible but such a Man Must merit Love as well as Admiration.

_Sem_. Does he not come to Court?

_Cleo_. The Queen has made him many Invitations; But he for some unknown and cruel Cause, Humbly implores her Pardon for refusing: Nor can the General learn his Quality; But like his Deeds, believes it must be great.

_Sem_. 'Tis most likely; but I should never fall in love with Fame alone.

_Cleo_. I hope it is not Love--but strange Curiosity To see this brave Unknown--and yet I fear-- I've hid this new Impatience of my Soul, Even from thee, till it grew too importunate; And strove by all my lov'd Divertis.e.m.e.nts, To chase it from my Bosom, but in vain: 'Tis too great for little Sports to conquer; The Musick of the Dogs displeas'd to day, And I was willing to retire with thee, To let thee know my Story: And this lone Shade, as if design'd for Love, Is fittest to be conscious of my Crime.

--Therefore go seek a Bank where we may sit; And I will sigh whilst thou shall pity me.

[_Stands with her Arms across_.

[Sem. _looks about, finds the Cap and Feathers_.

_Sem_. See, Madam, what I've found.

_Cleo_. 'Tis a fine Plume, and well adorn'd, And must belong to no uncommon Man: --And look, _Semiris_, where its Owner lies --Ha! he sleeps, tread softly lest you wake him: --Oh G.o.ds! who's this with so divine a Shape?

_Sem_. His Shape is very well.

_Cleo_. Gently remove the Hair from off his Face, [Sem. _puts back his Hair_.

And see if that will answer to the rest: --All lovely! all surprizing! Oh, my Heart, How thou betray'st the weakness of our s.e.x!

--Look on that Face, where Love and Beauty dwells-- And though his Eyes be shut, tell me, _Semiris_, Has he not wondrous Charms?

_Sem_. Yes, Madam, and I wou'd excuse you, if you shou'd now fall in Love, here's Substance; but that same Pa.s.sion for Fame alone, I do not like.

_Cleo_. Ah, do not call my Blushes to my Face, But pardon all my weakness: May not my Eyes have leave to gaze a while?

Since after this there's not another Object Can merit their Attention-- But I'll no longer view that pleasing Form-- [_Turns from him_.

And yet I've lost all power of removing-- [_Turns and gazes_.

Even now I was in love with mere Report, With Words, with empty Noise; And now that Flame, like to the Breath that blew it, Is vanish'd into Air, and in its room An Object quite unknown, unfam'd, unheard of, Informs my Soul; how easily 'tis conquer'd!

How angry am I with my Destiny!

Till now, with much disdain I have beheld The rest of all his s.e.x; and shall I here Resign a Heart to one I must not love?

Must this be he must kill the King of _Scythia_?

For I must lay no claim to any other: Grant, Oh ye G.o.ds, who play with Mortals thus, That him for whom ye have design'd your Slave, May look like this Unknown, And I'll be ever grateful for the Bounty.

--But these are vain imaginary Joys.

[Thersander _wakes, rises, and gazes_.