English

SCENE XII.

Araxes conducts in Hydarnes, and retires .

Astarbe. Hydarnes.

The King is gracious, and delights in mercy;
And know that free confession merits life:
I'll intercede. Know you the Prince Sophernes?
You are unhappy men betray'd to ruin:
And will ye suffer for another's crime?
Speak of him, as ye ought; 'twas he betray'd you.
Hyd. If racks and tortures cannot tear confession
From innocence, shall woman's flattery do it?

SCENE XI.

Astarbe.

Revenge, I thank thee for this ready thought.
Death now shall reach Sophernes , shamefull death
Thus will I satiate love. His death alone
Can raze him from my heart, and give me peace.

SCENE X.

Astarbe. Doraspe.

Dor. What's the Queen's pleasure? See your servant ready.
Why are your eyes thus fixt upon the ground?
Why that deep sigh? and why these trembling lips?
This sudden paleness, and these starts of frenzy?
You're sick at heart.
Ast. Yes; I will be reveng'd.
Dor. Lift up your eyes, and know me. 'Tis Doraspe .
Ast. Look on me, tell me, is my beauty blighted?

SCENE IX.

Astarbe. Sophernes. Araxes.

Take the villain from my presence,
His crimes are black as hell. I'll turn away,
Lest my heart melt and cool into compassion.
His sight offends me. Bind his irons fast.
So: lead him hence; and let Doraspe know
The Queen permits her entrance.

SCENE VII.

It is not meet, while in the royal presence,
That he should wear these irons. Take them off.
Now leave me; and without attend my pleasure.

SCENE VI.

Ast. Now my design is ripe for execution.
Then let Doraspe well consult her heart.
If she will share with me all change of fortune.
Dor. Doubt not your faithful servant. I'm prepar'd.
I know, however heinous is his crime,
Your intercession always must prevail.
His gratitude will kindle into love,
And in possession every wish be lost.
Ast. How little thou hast div'd into my thoughts!

SCENE V.

Ara. All health attend the mighty Queen of Media ,
Ast. I'm told, Araxes , that the Persian Prince
Hath join'd in horrid league, and hath conspir'd
The murther of my lord and king Phraortes .
Speak forth; say what thou know'st.
Ara. The hand of heaven
Protects the King; and all the black design
Is shown in open daylight. The foul traitor
Is taken in the snares of death he laid.

SCENE IV.

Dor. May the Queen never know a moment's sorrow,
Nor let my words offend! — the Prince Sophernes ,
Leagu'd with a crew of daring desperate men,
Had meditated to destroy Phraortes ,
And let loose war and rapine o'er the land.
But Heav'n has made their machinations vain;
And they now groan in dungeons.
Ast. Then I'm wretched,
And ev'ry pleasing view of life is lost.
Was it confirm'd? or was it only rumour?

SCENE III.

Ast. Have I not caught the eyes of wondring nations,
While warm desire has glow'd on ev'ry cheek,
Ev'n when I wore the pride of majesty?
When opportunity awakes desire,
Can he then gaze, insensible of beauty?
When ardent wishes speak in ev'ry glance,
When love and shame by turns in their full force,
Now pale, now red, possess my guilty cheek,
When heaving breasts, and sighs, and kindling blushes
Give the most strong assurance of consent

SCENE II.

Dor. Why sits the queen thus overcast with thought?
Is Majesty all plac'd in outward pomp?
Is it a Queen, to have superior cares?
And to excell in sorrows and distresses?
'Tis in your power to have superior pleasures,
And feel your self a Queen.
Ast. This mighty empire
I know I do command, and him that rules it.
That was a pleasure once, but now 'tis past!
To you alone I have disclos'd my heart.
I know you faithful.