Volume Ii Part 35 (2/2)

--There's something in his Looks that does preserve him, Or I'm not truly brave, and dare not kill him.

--Go, treacherous Unknown, whom I've preferr'd Before so many Princes, who in vain Sue for this credulous Heart which thou'st betray'd.

_Ther_. Ah! Madam, can you be thus cruel to me, And not inform me how I have offended?

_Cleo_. Be gone, I say, if thou would'st save a Life, Which those that dare do evil fear to lose.

_Ther_. Those Eyes thus order'd are far worse than Death.

End what you have so well begun, And kill me; Yet from another's Hand The Blow would he less cruel.

_Cleo_. Oh, Impudence!

Still he wou'd cheat my Rage, as he has abus'd my Love; But, Monster, though thou art below my Hand, I'm yet a Princess, and I can command.

By Heaven, I'll try how much Rage can invent.

_Semiris_, call _Qlympia_ to me strait; She shall in Triumph with me stand and smile, To see thee by some Va.s.sal bleed.

_Ther_. There needs no other witness of my Death.

But her I have offended; To you alone I offer up my Life: for dying, I've something to relate may justify your Rage, Though not deserve your Pity.

_Cleo_. h.e.l.l!

Now I'm confirm'd, he fears that she should see Him die, lest it should cost her but a Tear; --Why should I want the Strength?

--But Oh, I cannot.

[_Offers to present the Dagger_.

But canst thou live, false Man, and see me frown?

_Ther_. No, Madam, I can die--thus-- [_Offers to fall on his Sword_.

_Cleo_. Stay-- Thou shalt not so much Glory gain: No, live, and prove wretched enough to know How very poorly thou hast lost my Heart.

[_Ex. raving_.

[Ther. _gazes after her_.

_Ther_. Must I then live?--I will obey--farewel, The fairest and unkindest of thy s.e.x; If e'er it be thy chance to meet with one That loves more than _Thersander_, if thou canst Treat him worse than thou hast done me-- For oh! how miserable is the Wretch, whose Prayer Repuls'd, like me, lives only to despair.

[_Exit_.

ACT III.

SCENE I.

_The Curtain is let down--being drawn up, discovers_ Orsames _seated on a Throne asleep, drest in Royal Robes, the Crown and Sctpter lying by on a Table_. Geron _near the Throne.

On either side of the Stage, Courtiers ready drest, and mult.i.tude of Lights. Above is discovered the_ Queen, Olympia, _and Women_, Pimante, Artabazes, Ismenes; _Soft Musick plays;--whilst he wakes by degrees, and gazes round about him, and on himself with Wonder_.

_Ors_.--G.o.ds! what am I?

--Or, is there any other G.o.d but I?

_Ger_. Yes, my great Lord; But you're a King, a mighty Monarch, Sir.

_Ors_. I understand thee, 'tis some G.o.d thou mean'st.

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