 | Achilles In Scyros |  |
SCENE III.
Nearchus, Achilles.Near.
The olive branch that decks those gliding prows
Proclaims them friendly vessels.
Ach.
See, Nearchus,
9
Of port majestick.
Near.
—Hence: it ill befits
That thou, a seeming virgin, wrapt in weeds
Of female softness, still should'st linger here
Alone, without defence.
Ach.
But say, Nearchus,
Am I not deem'd thy own? Does not the voice
Of general fame declare thee for my father?
What wonder then a daughter should converse
With him who gave her birth?
Near.
But well thou know'st
Thy stay offends the princess.
Ach.
True, Nearchus.
[looking towards the ships.
Near.
[aside.]
How hard to keep Achilles long conceal'd!
Ach.
O! did yon splendid helmet deck my brows,
Yon falchion grace my side—no more, Nearchus,
I'm weary of disguise—this sex's weeds
Of sloth inglorious—time demands—
Near.
What time?
O! Heaven! remember that this sex's weeds
Have won and still preserv'd the fair-one thine.
Ach.
'Tis true, but yet—
Near.
Depart.
Ach.
O! let me now
10
And kindle at the sight.
Near.
[aside.]
What course remains?
[to Ach.]
Yes, stay; indulge thy wish, but know meantime
Thy rival dwells on Deidamia's charms.
Ach.
What say'st thou, ha!
Near.
The prince of Chalcis comes
To Scyros' court, and Lycomedes wills
With him to join his daughter's hand.
Ach.
O! Heavens!
Near.
'Tis true, her heart is thine; but should thy rival
Assail her youth with all the arts of flattery,
Alone and unobserv'd—who knows, Achilles,
He may, perchance, prevail and win her from thee.
Ach.
What mortal dares my wrath excite,
Or hope to win my soul's delight,
While still to guard a lover's right,
I breathe this vital air?
What though the power of beauty's eyes
Has cloth'd these limbs in soft disguise,
My breast a hero's warmth supplies,
I feel Achilles there.
[Exit.
| Achilles In Scyros | |