Volume Ii Part 39 (2/2)

_Ther_. My Fears are all compleated-- [_Aside_.

The Lot is mine.

_Cleo. Clemanthis_, I'm so sensible of the Danger [_Aside to him_.

Whereto you must expose your self for me, I cannot think with Pleasure on the Victory You possibly may gain.

_Ther_. Encourag'd thus, I cannot fail of Conquest; [_Bows to her, and speaks low_.

But, Madam, if _Thersander_ be as nice [_Turns to the Queen_.

As these two Princes are, it will be hard To get him to accept a Challenge from me.

_Cleo. Clemanthis'_ Deeds has rais'd his Fame too high To be esteem'd unworthy of that Justice; Nor can we find the _Scythian_ Prince a Foe More equal to his Youth and Valour too.

_Ther_. If Fortune bless me with Success to Day, I'll owe it to your Cause and not my Sword.

_Qu_. May'st thou be ever Victor. [_They lead him out.

Manent_ Arta. Ism.

_Art_. My Art shall fail me then.

_Ism_. You are displeas'd, Sir.

_Art_. Is that a Wonder?

Who can be tame, and see an unknown Youth, Who brings no Forces but his single Arm, Ravish the Hope and Spoil of Victory from us.

And rival us in Love as well as Glory, Whilst both our Claims to _Cleomena's_ Heart Must be neglected since we want Success?

_Ism_. We could pretend to her no other way.

_Art_. Have you, or I, less Virtue than _Clemanthis_?

_Ism_. Yes, if we envy at his Merits.

_Art_. Pursue your virtuous Road, and in the end See whether you or I reach first the Goal.

I'll take Revenge.

[Art. exit.

_Ism_. I Honour will pursue, A Path which never led me to Repentance.

--_Clemanthis_, if thy Life I basely sought, Like him, I'd save the Hazard of my own; But as thou'rt brave, so thou shalt bravely fall Before _Thersander_ rob me of thy Life, Or thou the Fortune hast to vanquish him-- And if in this Encounter I expire, I do but fall a Victim to an hopeless Fire.

[_Exit_.

SCENE V. _Changes to the Wood_.

_Discovers_ Ther. _and_ Amin. _among the Trees, changing Clothes; after which they come forth_.

<script>