University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Nichomede, Arsinoe, Laodice, Attalus, and Cleone.
Nicho.
Pray Madam, let the Prince your Son here, know
What's the Respect he unto me does owe;
For want of it he is outragious grown,
A fault which surely does but ill become
Such rare bred Mindes.

Arsinoe.
Sir, do I then see you!

Nicho.
Yes, and you shall see Mithrobates too.

Arsinoe.
Oh that's a Traitor!

Nicho.
He talks something true,
You best know if it ought to trouble you.

Arsinoe.
This swift Return I cannot understand,
Where is your Army?

Nicho.
Under good command.
Of my return you soon the Cause shall hear,
I left a Master and a Mistress here.
One Rome and you have taken from my Cares,
T'other I'le save both from your Hands and theirs.

Arsin.
Is this the Cause that does you hither bring?

Nicho.
Yes, and I hope you'l serve me with the King.

Arsin.
Yes Sir, I'le serve you, just as you hope so:

Nicho.
Of your good will I the assurance know.

Arsin.
I'le go and to the King this Business move.

Nicho.
And I'le go think how I may grateful prove.

Arsin.
Do so, you may depend upon my Care,

Nicho.
Whilst I know yours, you guess what my thoughts are

Atta.
Madam, is this Prince Nichomede?

Nicho.
Yes Sir,
Who comes to see if Rome can you prefer,
To him.

Attalus.
Excuse me if I did not know.

Nicho.
Yourself Prince, and deserving Rival show.
And if you dare design t'assault me here,
Still in your looks a noble boldness wear.
But as I to her Aid, am singly come,
Threaten me not with the Kings Power, or Rome;
As I defend, do you attempt alone,
I'le set by all pretences to the Crown.
Try it thus Prince, and we shall soon see then
If Rome, or Hannibal breeds braver Men.