Chapter XII: 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 multitude
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_.--Gods! what am I? --Or, is there any other God but I?

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

_Ors_. I understand thee, ‘tis some God thou mean’st.

_Ger_. On Earth it is: your Power too is as great; Your Frowns destroy, and when you smile you bless; At every Nod the whole Creation bows, And lay their grateful Tributes at your Feet; Their Lives are yours, and when you deign to take ‘em, There’s not a Mortal dares defend himself: But that you may the more resemble Heaven, You should be merciful and bountiful.

_Ors_. I do believe I am the King thou speak’st of.

_Ger_. Behold this Crown--this sacred Thing is yours.

[_Kneels and gives him the Scepter and Crown; he puts
it on, and walks about_.

_Ors_. It is a glorious Object-- And fit for none but me--

_Olymp_. Madam, methinks the King is the finest Man That e’er I saw--shall he not still be King?

_Qu_. I hope he will deserve it.

_Ors_. So, now methinks I move like Heaven itself, All circled round with Stars, --Hah! what’s this that kneels?

[_The_ Queen _kneels, he snatches her up_.

_Ger_. The Queen your Mother, Sir.--

_Ors_. By my great self it is another Woman, Which I have burnt with a desire of seeing. --Be gone, and leave us here alone together; I’ve something to impart to this fair Thing, Must not be understood by you.

_Qu_. Why, Sir, what is it you can impart to me, Which those about you must not understand?

_Ors_. A new Philosophy inspir’d by Nature, And much above whatever Geron taught. --Come and augment my Knowledge.

_Qu_. Why me, Sir, more than any one about you?

_Ors_. Thou art all soft and sweet like springing Flowers, And gentle as the undisturbed Air.

_Qu_. But I am your Mother.

_Ors_. No matter; thou’rt a Woman, art thou not? And being so, the Mother cannot awe me.

_Ger_. Sir, ‘tis the Person gave you Life and Being.

_Ors_. That gave me Life! oh, how I love thee for’t! Come--and I’ll pay thee back such kind Returns--

_Ger_. Most Royal Sir, this Woman was Not made by Heaven--for you.

_Ors_. Away with your Philosophy; but now you said-- I was a King, a mighty God on Earth, And by that Power I may do any thing.

_Ger_. But Kings are just as well as powerful, Sir.

_Ors_. I am so to my self, do not oppose me.

_Ger_. Sir, this one is not meant, not form’d for you.

_Ors_. Am I a God, and can be disobey’d? Remove that Contradiction from my sight, And let him live no longer: ha, more Women! [Exit Geron.

_Enter_ Olympia _and other Women_.

Oh Nature, how thou’st furnish’d me with Store! And finer far than this-- [_Gazes on_ Olympia. --But what is that whose Eyes give Laws to all, And like the Sun, eclipse the lesser Lights?

_Qu_. Speak to him, _Olympia_.

_Ors_. Who tells me what she is?

_Olym_. Oh, how I tremble!--Sir, I am a Maid.

_Ors_. A Maid! and may you be approacht with Knees and Prayers
[_Kneels_.

_Olym_. I am your Slave, you must not kneel to me-- Takes him up.

_Ors_. How soon my Glory’s vanisht! Till now I did believe I was some God, And had my Power and my Divinity Within my Will; but by this awful Fear, I find thou art the greater Deity: --Pray tell me, fairest, are you not a Woman?

_Olym_. I am a Woman, and a Virgin, Sir.

_Ors_. I did believe that thou wert something more, For I have seen a Woman, and ne’er knew So much Disorder in my Soul before: --For every Look of thine gives me a Pain, And draws my Heart out of its wonted Seat.

_Olym_. Alas, Sir, have I hurt you?

_Ors_. Extremely hurt me, thou hast a secret Power, And canst at distance wound, Which none but Heaven and you cou’d ever do. --But ‘twas my Fault; had I not gaz’d on thee, I had been still a King, and full of Health. --Here--receive this Crown, ‘tis now unfit for me, Since thou hast greater Power--whilst it sits here-- [_He takes off his Crown, and puts it on her_. It looks like Stars fall’n from their proper Sphere: --So, now they’re fixt again.

_Qu. Pimante_, speak to him to take it back.

_Pim_. He kills me with his Looks. --Sir, when you part with this, you’ll be despis’d; Your Glory, and your Thunder, all will vanish.

_Ors_. I yet have something that shall make thee fear, I’m still a King, though I must bow to her; Take him away to Death immediately--

_Pim_. Any where to be out of your Sight-- A King, quotha? [_Exit_.

_Ors_. Come, my fair Virgin, this shall be my Altar, And I will place thee here, my Deity.

_Qu_. Great Sir, that Throne is only fit for you.

_Ors_. I say again, I’ll have it fit for two: Thou art a Woman, thank the Gods for that: --Ascend, my lovely Virgin, and adorn it; Ascend, and be immortal as my self.

_Art_. That Throne she was not born to.

_Ors_. Into the Sea with that bold Counsellor, And let him there dispute with Winds and Waves. [_Art. ex_.

_Being seated on a Throne, enter several in Masquerades,
and dance_.

--Cou’d I be sensible of any Pleasure, But what I take in thee, this had surpriz’d me.

_Olym_. A Banquet, Sir, attends you.

_Ors_. Dispose me as you please, my lovely Virgin; For I’ve resign’d my Being to your Will, And have no more of what I call my own, Than Sense of Joys and Pains, which you create. [_They rise, and sit down at a Banquet. He gazes on her_.

_Olym_. Will you not please to eat?

_Ors_. It is too gross a Pleasure for a King. Sure, if they eat, ‘tis some celestial Food, As I do by gazing on thy Eyes-- Ah, lovely Maid--

_Olym_. Why do you sigh, Sir?

_Ors_. For something which I want; yet having thee, What more can Heaven bestow to gratify My Soul and Sense withal?

_Olym_. Sir, taste this Wine; Perhaps ‘twill alter that deceiv’d Opinion, And let you know the Error of your Passion; ’.will cause at least some Alteration in you.

_Ors_. Why shouldst thou ask so poor a Proof of me? But yet, I will obey,--give me the Wine.

[_They put something into the Bowl_.

_Olym_. How do you like it, Sir?

_Ors_. Why--well; but I am still the same. Come, give it me again--’tis very pleasant-- Will you not taste it too?-- Methinks my Soul is grown more gay and vigorous; What I have drank, has deify’d thee more, Heightens the Pleasure which I take to gaze on thee, And sends a thousand strange uneasy Joys, That play about my Heart, and more transport me-- Drink, my fair Virgin, and perhaps thy Eyes May find some Charms in me to make thee thus.

_Olym_. Alas, they’ve found already but too many. [_Aside_.

_Ors_. I thought I must have gaz’d on thee for ever; --But oh! my Eyes grow heavy in the Play, As if some strange Divinity about me Told me my Safety lay in their Declension. --It is not Sleep!--sure, Kings do never sleep; That were a low submission to a Power A Monarch shou’d despise--but yet ‘tis so: Ye Gods, am I but mortal then? Or do you ever sleep? I find ye do! But I must--and lose this lovely Object: Grant, oh ye Gods, that I may find it in a Dream, Let her Idea hover about my Soul, And keep it still in this harmonious Order --And gently blow the Flame’t has kindled there. [_Falls asleep_.

_Enter_ Geron, Pimante, _and_ Arates.

_Pim_. Are you sure he’s asleep?

_Ger_. How do you like him, Madam?

_Qu_. I fear he is a Tyrant in his Nature.

_Ger_. But since he can be tam’d by Love and Beauty, You should not doubt but he’ll be fit to reign.

_Qu_. Remove him now into his own Apartment, And still continue to impose upon him, Till you receive new Orders.

[_Exeunt_.

SCENE II. _A Grove near the Camp_.

_Enter_ Cleo. _with a Truncheon in her Hand, a Sword and
a Quiver of Arrows by her side, with_ Semiris.

_Sem_. Madam, you are sad, As if you doubted your Success to day.

_Cleo_. There are some Moments wherein I do repent me The too rash Banishment of poor _Clemanthis_. How did he take the Letter which I sent?

_Sem_. As Persons innocent and full of Health Receive unlookt-for Sentences of Death; He sigh’d, and said he wou’d obey your Will: And, Madam, had you seen his silent Grief, You wou’d have thought him innocent.

_Cleo_. Innocent! banish that foolish Pity from your Heart, That wou’d persuade thee he is innocent. Did I not see him courting of Olympia? And can my Eyes deceive me?

_Sem. Olympia_, Madam! Gods, what do I hear! Till now I did not know his Fault of Banishment.

_Cleo_. And was’t not cause enough?

_Sem_. Ah, Madam, what Injustice have you done? Before _Clemanthis_ came into your Cabinet, He entertain’d me for a pretty while With the Intentions of your generous Uncle; He told me how he offer’d him _Olympia_, And that he durst not seem to disesteem it, Being your Uncle, and a Man to whom He ow’d so much; but most to hide his Passion: And then was coming to consult with you, How he should manage this Affair with him.

_Cleo_. And is this Truth thou tell’st me, dear _Semiris_?

_Sem_. Madam, I do not use t’abuse your Credit.

_Cleo_. Fly then, _Semiris_, and reverse his Doom.

_Sem_. Would I knew whither, Madam.

_Cleo_. Why, is he no longer then in the Camp?

_Sem_. Ah, Madam, is he longer in the World? For ‘tis impossible to be imagin’d He parted hence with any Thought of Life.

_Cleo_. Send ev’ry way to find him--hark, I’m call’d-- [_Trumpets sound_. And he that finds him first, is made for ever. Oh Jealousy, thou Passion most ingrate! Thy Ills procure more Mischief than thy Hate. ’.is thou art Tyrant, when Love bears the blame, ’.is pity thou’rt consistent with Love’s Flame. I’ll not my Weakness nor Resentment show; A Heart like mine, should sooner break than bow. --Come, my _Semiris_, we too long have stay’d; That Call, till now, was never disobey’d.

[_Trumpets sound. Ex_.

SCENE III. _Scythian Tents_.

_Enter_ Amintas, _drest fine, with_ Urania.

_Ura_. Within this Shade till the black Day be past, I will attend thy Fortune, or thy Fate.

_Amin_. The King has taken Horse, the Fight’s begun, And I must leave thee to the Gods and Prayer.

_Ura_. Why was I made a Woman? or being so, Why had I not a masculine Courage given me? That side by side I might have shar’d thy Glory, Or have expir’d together?

_Amin_. Thou wilt undo me with this Tenderness. Come send me kindly from thee, With Joys about my Heart that may preserve it; Here rest till my Return; farewel, my Fair.

_Ura_. And if I never see thee more, farewel-- [Amin. _exit_. Here I will lay me down, and never rise, Till thou return’st with Laurel, or with Cypress. [_Sits down_. Now I cou’d curse the Fortune of my Prince, Who quits a Father for an Enemy, To satisfy a Flame will ruin him. [_A noise of Fighting_. --The Fight increases; Oh ye Gods of Battel, In midst of all your Rage preserve my Love.

_Enter_ Artabazes _over the Stage, and goes out_.

_Art_. My Nephew kill’d! and I dismounted too! oh curst Fate!

_Ura_. This Noise has comfort in’t, it sounds like Victory.

[_A hollowing within amongst the noise of Fighting.
Enter_ Amintas.

--Oh Gods! _Amintas_! what has Fortune done?

_Amin_. The undaunted _Scythians_ never lost the Field; Yet now at first ‘twas doubtful To which side Fortune would incline her self _Ismenes_ kill’d where’er he turn’d his Sword, And quite defeated our _Agrippian_ Forces; Yet was not satisfy’d, knowing the King To be the Price of _Cleomena’s_ Heart, But sought him out on all sides, Whom ‘twas not hard to find; For he was hurrying now from Rank to Rank, Distributing a Death to all Opposers. But young _Ismenes_ having pierc’d the Squadrons, And knowing our great King by several Marks, Boldly cry’d out,--Defend the Life I claim. The King made no Reply, but at that Word Prepar’d himself to fight.

_Ura_. Thou kill’st me, till thou bring’st him off again.

_Amin_. Disorder’d thus--the _Dacian_ took Advantage, And charg’d with so much Vigour--we gave Ground; When on that side the single Combat was, There appear’d a Body of two thousand Horse, Led by a Man, whose Looks brought Victory, And made the conquering Foe retire again: But when he did perceive the King engag’d, With unresisted Fury he made up, And rushing in between them, Gave the young Prince a blow upon his Head, That struck him from his Horse. After this Victory _Thersander’s_ Name Did fly from Mouth to Mouth, Inspiring every _Scythian_ with new Valour: He kill’d _Philemon_, and forc’d _Artabazes_ To seek his Safety by his Horse’s Flight; --But here’s the King--retire into this Wood. [Ura. _Ex_.

_Enter_ King, Thersander, _Officers, and Soldiers_.

_King_. Let me once more embrace my dear _Thersander_.

_Amin_. The Prince is wounded, Sir.

_King_. He is--but they look lovely on him.

_Ther_. They’re too slight Marks to give you of my Duty; Your Majesty has greater need of Care.

_King_. Thou art my best Physician, and thy sight Heals all the Wounds I have: come in with me, And let me lay thee to my panting Bosom, Thou great Preserver of my Crown and Life.

_Ther_. I’ll wait upon you, Sir, [_Exeunt all but_ Ther. _and_ Amin. Now let me take thee to my Arms, my Friend; For thou art half my self, my dear _Amintas_: I have strange News to tell thee since we parted, And need thy Counsel in an Affair of Love --Thou know’st my business to the Dacian Court Was to have set thee free; but oh, my Friend! In lieu of that I’ve made my self a Captive.

_Amin_. Your Story, Sir, I know, but heard withal, The Princess did repay your grateful Flame.

_Ther_. I thought she did, for so a while she seem’d; And when I thought my self the most secure, Being fortify’d with all her new-made Promises, My blooming Hopes were blasted e’er full-blown, And I receiv’d her Orders for my Banishment, Which I as soon obey’d: but by the way, I did conceive a thousand Revolutions, Sometimes to serve my Princess--then my Father; Sometimes ‘twas Nature got the upper hand, And then again ‘twas Love: in this Dispute I met the Levies of the _Isadons_, Who were the last of all our Cavalry, To whom I made me known, and came so luckily, As gain’d the yet-disputing Victory.

_Amin_. ‘Twas in an happy Moment.

_Ther_. Thus I comply’d with what I ow’d my Duty. But these of Love are still unsatisfy’d: Dare I, who could offend to that degree, As to deserve a Banishment from her, Approach her uninvited?

_Amin_. ‘Twas dangerous, Sir.

_Ther_. Then ‘twere the fitter for my Enterprise: --But her Displeasure--oh, my _Cleomena_! If, for the Punishment of my Disobedience, You’d only take away that Life you threaten, How willingly I wou’d resign it up, Rather than undergo this Separation!

_Amin_. You’ll certainly expose your Life by going: What other Reason could she have to banish you, But from her Knowledge that you were _Thersander_? And, Sir, you see her Passion for _Clemanthis_ Cou’d not o’ercome her Hatred for her Enemy.

_Ther_. No, when I call to mind her cruel Words; If chusing me before so many Kings, I find ‘twas to the Stranger, not the _Scythian_, She killingly addrest ‘em; therefore I’ll venture on in my Design: --Give order that our Horses be made ready, Whilst I excuse our Absence to the King; our stay will not be long: Mean time it may be thought We’re gone to view the Camp; Interest and Love but rarely do agree, Yet I must reconcile ‘em both to me.

[_Exeunt_.

SCENE IV. _The Dacian Tents_.

_Enter_ Queen, Cleo. Hon. Arta. Ism. _Women, Attendants_.

_Cleo_. ‘Twas strangely lost, and yet I dare affirm, The Victory had been ours but for _Thersander_, Who like the impetuous Sea oppos’d by Land, Made Breaches, and o’erflow’d all that lay near it.

_Ism_. I had reveng’d you on the King of _Scythia_, Had his Arrival not prevented me.

_Cleo_. He is brave, without dispute.

_Ism_. And ‘tis as certain that he did surprize me, Without permitting time for my Defence, He had not else so soon dismounted me. But, Madam, I design (if you approve it) To fight _Thersander_ in a single Combat.

_Art_. That Justice I may hope as well as you; He kill’d my Nephew, young _Philemon_, For which I’ll be reveng’d.

_Qu_. I cannot but commend that noble Ardor That carries you to those Designs of Glory; What thinks my Brother of it?

_Hon_. I like it, if the Victor will accept it.

_Cleo_. And so do I; And that we may do equal Justice to you all, We’ll write _Thersander’s_ Name, And he who draws that Name shall fight the Combat.

_Hon_. But are you sure he will accept the Offer?

_Ism_. I dare engage he will.

_Cleo_. I am of your Opinion; The only brave are never proud of Conquest, I’ll write his Name my self.

_Enter_ Page.

_Hon_. What Shouts are these? [_A Shout without_.

_Page_. Madam, _Clemanthis_ is arriv’d.

_Qu_. The News is welcome.

_Enter_ Ther. _kneels, kisses the_ Queen’s _Hand;
the same to_ Cleomena--_salutes all_.

_Ther_. Madam, the great Necessity which made me leave you, When I believ’d my self unprofitable, Could not detain me when I was assur’d My Sword could do you Service.

_Qu_. This Visit recompenses all our Loss, You’ve made it in a time you may redeem The Opinion your Absence almost forfeited.

_Hon_. Sir, I cou’d chide you too, but that your Sight Changes my Anger into kinder Welcomes.

_Ther_. I ought to suffer, Sir, in your Opinion, Till my Excuses may redeem my Credit.

_Cleo_. How great at once, and innocent he seems, And how his Eyes his past Offence redeems! Whilst all my Cruelties they seem t’ upbraid, They pardon too the Faults themselves have made.

_Qu_. I’m satisfy’d, and you are fitly come To share a Danger we are now disputing.

_Ther_. ‘Tis not the Danger, Madam, can divert me From enterprizing ought that is to serve you.

_Art_. Madam, consider who we are, And ought not to be rank’d with one below us.

_Ther_. Your Honour, _Artabazes_, is too nice; Would we could find in this Dispute, whate’er it be, That were the greatest Difficulty: --Madam, name your Commands.

_Qu_. We are drawing of a Lot To fight _Thersander_ in a single Combat.

_Ther_. Hah--_Thersander_, Madam, is a Conqueror.

_Ism_. Since you’re so nice, we will excuse you, Sir.

_Ther_. What an unlucky accident was this! One Moment’s longer stay had made me happy, [_Aside_. And render’d up these Rivals to my Power.

_Hon_. Come, Sir, the Lots are ready.
[_They draw Lots. It falls to_ Ther.

_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_.

_Ther_. So, now thou dost appear so like _Clemanthis_, That not a _Dacian_ but will be mistaken in thee.

_Amin_. My Lord, I know not how I may appear, But I am ignorant how I am to act.

_Ther_. Remain within the Covert of this Wood, Until the Sign be given for the Combat, And then appear upon the Place appointed, Where I will meet and fight with thee; But so I’ll order all the Blows I give, They shall not wound nor hurt thee, For still remember I must be the Victor.

_Amin_. I will endeavour to perform it so, [_Noise_. That none shall know the Fallacy.

_Ther_. Be gone, I hear a Noise; farewel, dear _Amintas_, Remember that you act Clemanthis well. [_Ex_. Ther.

_Enter some Fellows in Clokes_.

1 _Fel_. That’s he that goes into the Wood, I know him by his Plume; are ye all ready?

2 _Fel_. Yes, for a greater Murder than the killing of one single Man; and here’s a Place as fit as we could wish; shall we set upon him altogether?

1 _Fel_. Ay, ay, Neatness in this Affair is not required: kill him, and _Artabazes_ desires no more.

[The Fellows go behind the Trees, they fight, Amintas falls.

Enter _Ismenes_.

_Ism_. Into this Wood he went, as if he knew my Business, Here we unseen may end the Difference-- [Noise within. --Hark--what Noise of fighting’s that? Perhaps my Aid’s requir’d. [_Exit_.

Ism. _goes in, Scene draws open, discovers_ Amintas _lying as dead all bloody_, Pimante _peeping_; Ism. _re-enters_.

_Ism_. It is _Clemanthis_, and this barbarous Deed Is done by _Artabazes_. [_Exit_.

_Enter_ Pimante.

_Pim_. Had ever Cavalier such damn’d Luck? I have heard it disputed, that this same Danger was to be courted by the Brave and Bold; but I, who took the best Care I could whilst the Fight lasted to secure my self by this Retreat, find my self even here surrounded with it; and poor Clemanthis, who, I’ll warrant, came too with my Design, has met here what he endeavour’d to shun: Yonder’s Ismenes too--well, we are all but Men.

_Ism_. Here’s yet some Breath remaining; oh, _Pimante_, lend thy Assistance. --_Clemanthis_, if thou yet hast so much Sense, Inform us how thou cam’st thus wounded?

_Amin_. Know, Sir, _Thersander_--Prince of _Scythia_--_Thersander_-- Prince of _Scythia_. [_Faints_.

_Pim_. Alas, he’s dead, Sir, trouble him no further.

_Ism_. The Prince of _Scythia_ do this!

_Pim_. Ay, ay, this mighty Prince fearing to encounter a single Man, has set a dozen to kill him; Mercy upon us, ‘twas a bloody Fight: but, Sir, what shall we do with the Body?

_Ism_. If I could command thee any thing it should be Silence, Till I have met _Thersander_ in his Room. [Ism. _exit_.

_Pim_. You should command me, though I was never good at Secrets.

_Enter_ Cleomena, Semiris.

_Cleo_. Let the Coach wait at the Entrance of the Wood: I find I am a perfect Woman now, And have my Fears, and fits of Cowardice.

_Sem_. Madam, will you not see the Combat then?

_Cleo_. I dare not, something here assures me _Clemanthis_ will be conquer’d.

_Pim_. Ha! the Princess here? on my Conscience there was never Mischief but a Woman was at one end o’nt.

_Sem_. How now, _Pimante_, why do you look so scurvily?

_Pim_. Ah, Madam, such a Sight so dismal and bloody!

_Cleo_. What says he?

_Pim. Clemanthis_, Madam--

_Cleo. Clemanthis_! Oh, what of him? Why, my prophetick Heart, dost thou betray me?

_Sem_. For Heaven’s sake, Madam, reassume your Courage.

_Cleo_. Yes--I will hear--the fatal Story--out.

_Pim_. Truth is, Madam, to retire from the Noise and Fury of the Battle, I came into this Wood; and when I thought all Danger past, I heard even here the Noise of Swords and Fighting; which endeavouring to avoid, I fell almost into the Danger of them.

_Sem_. Leave out the History of your own Fears, and come to the Business.

_Pim_. But ah, Madam, unseen I saw: who did I see-- Ah, who should I see but _Clemanthis_, Madam, Fixt with his Back against yon Cypress-tree, Defending himself against a dozen Murderers. I was, alas, too weak to take the weaker side, And therefore came not forth to his Assistance. Prince _Ismenes_ would have taken his Part, but came too late too; But e’er he died we begg’d to know his Murderers, And he could answer nothing but--_Thersander_.

_Cleo_. Remove me to the Body of my Love--

[_They lead her to_ Amin. _who lies wounded; she
gazes on him a while, his Face being all bloody_.

--I will not now deplore as Women use, But call up all my Vengeance to my Aid. Expect not so much Imbecillity-- From her whose Love nor Courage was made known Sufficiently to thee. Oh, my _Clemanthis_! I wou’d not now survive thee, Were it not weak and cowardly to die, And leave thee unreveng’d. --Be calm, my Eyes, and let my Soul supply ye; A silent broken Heart must be his Sacrifice: Ev’ry indifferent Sorrow claims our Tears, Mine do require Blood, and ‘tis with that These must be washt away-- [_Rises, wipes her Eyes_. Whatever I design to execute, Pimante, and Semiris, I conjure ye, Go not about to hinder, but be silent, Or I will send my Dagger to this Heart. Remove this Body further into the Wood, And strip it of these glittering Ornaments, And let me personate this dear dead Prince. Obey, and dress me strait without reply. There is not far from hence a Druid’s Cell, A Man for Piety and Knowledge famous: Thither convey the breathless sacred Corps, Laid gently in my Chariot, There to be kept conceal’d till further Orders.

_Sem_. Ah, Madam, what is’t you intend to do?

_Cleo_. What shou’d I do but die--ah! do not weep, But haste to do as I command ye: Haste, haste, the Time and my Revenge require it.

_Sem_. For Heaven’s sake, Madam, for your royal self, Do not pursue this cruel fatal Enterprize; Pity the Queen, your Servants, and all Mankind.

_Cleo_. Away, thou feeble thing, that never knew’st the real Joys of Love, Or ever heard of any Grief like mine; If thou wou’dst give me Proofs of thy Esteem, Forget all Words, all Language, but Revenge. Let me not see so much of Woman in thee To shed one Tear, but dress thy Eyes with fierceness, And send me forth to meet my Love, as gay, As if intended for my nuptial Day. That Soul that sighs in pity of my Fate, Shall meet returns of my extremes! Hate: Pity with my Revenge must find no room; I’ll bury all but Rage within thy Tomb.

[_Exeunt_.