 | Mariamne |  |
SCENE I.
PHERORAS, NARBAL, SOHEMUS.Pheroras.
The Morning in her richest purple rob'd,
Smiles with auspicious lustre on the day,
Which brings my royal brother back from Rhodes;
Confirm'd in empire by the general voice
Of Cæsar and the senate.
Narb.
This blest day
In latest annals shall distinguish'd shine,
Sacred to majesty, and dear to love:
The same which saw the royal lovers march
In nuptial pomp, revolving now restores
Herod to Mariamne and his crown.
Soh.
Fortune at length to merit grows a friend;
Or fate ordain'd the happiest stars to shed
Their influence on his birth; or sure since Rome,
With civil discord rent, so oft hath chang'd
Her own great lords, as bleeding conquest rais'd
2
The same vicissitudes of restless pow'r.
Narb.
Herod avow'd the dear respect he bore
To Anthony, and drop'd a generous tear
To grace his ruins.
Pher.
Yes, and Cæsar sat
Pensive and silent; in his anxious breast
Perhaps revolving that of all his train,
Who proudly wanton in his mounted rays,
Gay flutt'ring insects of a summer-noon,
How few wou'd bear the wintry storms of fate!
At length he smiling rose, receiv'd the crown
From Herod's hand, and plac'd it on his brow,
Crying, Shine there! for Cæsar cannot find
A worthier head to wear thee.
Soh.
From the grace
Of such a victor to receive a crown,
With such peculiar attributes of fame,
Confers more glory than a chronicle
Of scepter'd ancestors.
Pher.
Narbal, your care
Will see due honours to the day discharg'd.
Let the shrill trumpet's cheerful note injoin
A general feast, and joy with loud acclaim
Through all the streets of Solyma resound.
Let steams of grateful incense cloud the sky,
Till the rich fragrance reach the utmost bounds
Of Herod's empire: let each smiling brow
Wear peaceful olive, whilst the virgin-choirs
Warbling his praise, his paths with flow'rs perfume,
Who guards Judæa with the shield of Rome.
[Exit Nar.
| Mariamne | |