University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

The PALACE.
Queen and Edessa.
Queen.
Talk not of sleep to me, the God of Rest
Disdains to visit where disorder reigns;
Not beds of down, nor music's softest strains,
Can charm him when 'tis anarchy within.
He flies with eager haste the mind disturb'd,
And sheds his blessings where the soul's in peace.

Edessa.
Yet, hear me, Madam!

Queen.
Hence, away, Edessa,
For thou know'st not the pangs of jealousy.
Say, has he not forsook my bed, and left me
Like a lone widow mourning to the night?
This, with the injury his son has done me,
If I forgive, may heav'n in anger show'r
Its torments on me—Ha! is n't that the King?

Edessa.
It is your Royal Lord, great Artabanus.

Queen.
Leave me, for I would meet him here alone,
Something is lab'ring in my breast—