Volume Ii Part 43 (2/2)

_Val_. Madam, the last I dare affirm.

_Cleo_. Tell me, _Vallentio_, didst thou ever love?

_Val_. Madam, your Interest, my Arms, and a brave Enemy.

_Cleo_. But didst thou never feel a softer Pa.s.sion?

_Val_. Madam, I own, though with a Blush I do so, I've felt the Power of two fair Eyes; And I have Wounds that yet would bleed afresh, Should but the cruel Murderess appear.

_Cleo_. Then thou art fit to hear a Secret from me; --But first, _Vallentio_ tell me who I am.

_Val_. My Princess, Madam, and my General; And one, who from your Power of Beauty holds No less Dominion o'er th' adoring World, Than from the Greatness you were born to.

_Cleo_. And you're contented I should be your Queen?

_Val_. Madam, I am--_Pimante_ has been prating. [_Aside_.

_Cleo_. The Army too are of your mind.

_Val_. I cannot answer for the Army, Madam.

_Cleo_. But--what think you of _Orsames_?

_Val_. Madam, I think he merits to be King In any other World but where you reign.

_Cleo_. And what if I would have him King of this?

_Val_. Why then he shall be King, if you would have it so.

_Cleo_. Yes, I would have it, by my self I would; This is the time to let the Monarch know The Glories he was born to; Nor can I die in Peace till he be crown'd. [_Aside_.

I'll have this Nation happy in a Prince, A Prince they long in silence have bemoan'd, Which every slight occasion breaks out loud, And soon will raise them up to a Rebellion, The common People's G.o.d on Holy-days.

--And this, _Vallentio_, I have often observ'd; And 'tis an Act too humble for my Soul, To court my self into security.

_Sem_. Madam, the G.o.ds do disapprove his Reign, Which they not only say shall be but short, But b.l.o.o.d.y and Tyrannick.

_Cleo_. I will expound that Oracle, Which Priests unridling make more intricate: They said that he should reign, and so he did, Which lasted not above a pair of Hours.

But I my self will be his Oracle now, And speak his kinder Fate, And I will have no other Priest but thee, [_To_ Vallentio.

Who shall unfold the Mystery in plain terms.

_Val_. Madam, the City and the Army are, by this Defeat, Enough inclin'd to hear that Reason.

_Cleo_. _Geron_ already has Instructions what to do, And you need none, wanting no Resolution.

_Val_. If I miscarry, Madam, I'll be condemn'd, Never to look my Foe i'th' Face again.

_Cleo_. Haste, and be prosperous--

[_Exit_. Val.

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