Volume Ii Part 42 (2/2)

[_Kneels_.

_Ors_. I give it thee--G.o.ds, this is fine indeed!

Thy Language and thy Mien are altered.

Oh, how my Soul's inlarg'd already! go, lead the way.

[_Exeunt_.

SCENE IV. _The_ Scythian _Tents_.

_Enter_ Thersander, Lysander.

_Ther_. Leave me, I will be calm, [_Exit_ Lysander.

For this same change of _Cleomena's_ Habit Has but increas'd my Love--and all my Softness-- 'Twas in that Habit that I left _Amintas_.

G.o.ds! has he betray'd me then?

No, I must not have so mean a Thought of him; 'Tis certain that she knows I am _Thersander_-- But if the bold _Clemanthis_ be _Thersander_, Son to the Enemy of _Cleomena_; Yet still 'tis that _Clemanthis_ that ador'd her, And whom she once made happy with her Love.

But I have wounded her, and here remain [_Draws his Sword_.

The Marks of my Dishonour in her Blood.

Oh cruel Instrument of my shameful Crime!

Must the first Service thou hast render'd me Prove to my Soul so fatal? That Sword I left _Amintas_, Wou'd have deny'd Obedience to this Hand, This sacrilegious Hand drew it against her.

_Enter_ King.

_King_. How now, _Thersander_, what, still melancholy?

Upon the first Appearance of your Sadness, I thought't had been for fighting with a Woman; But now I fear that could not be the Cause, Unless 'twere fortify'd by stronger Pa.s.sions-- 'Tis not impossible, but when you saw The Eyes of _Cleomena_ in the Combat They might disarm your Rage, and teach you Love.

If this be all, I'll offer Peace in such a time As they're not able to make War against us, And with it Propositions of a Marriage.

_Ther_. Happy Mistake! Great Sir, I'll not deny the Eyes of _Cleomena_ Have given me Wounds which nothing else can cure; And in that Moment when I would have kill'd her, They staid my guilty Hand, and overcame The shameful Conqueror-- I'll say no more, nor give Laws to your Bounty; But if your Majesty approve my Flame, I shall receive her as the greatest Blessing Heaven can bestow upon me.

_King_. I'm glad to find my Son of my Opinion; For I have already propos'd it to 'em, Which I believe they will with Joy embrace.

_Ther_. All but the lovely Princess, whose Aversion Is still so great against our Family, That I despair she ever will be drawn to't.

_King_. They'll hardly rally up their routed Forces To make fresh War upon us; they're at our Mercy now, And as an Honour will embrace the Alliance.

_Ther_. Pray Heaven they may.

_King_. If they refuse I will recall my Mercy, And make them dearly buy their Scorn; Come, we expect our Herald from their Tents.

[_Exeunt_.

SCENE V. Cleomena's _Apartments_.

_Enter_ Queen, Cleomena _in a Night-Gown_, Semiris.

A Table with Pen and Ink.

_Cleo_. Madam, I confess my self unworthy of your Tenderness.

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