University of Virginia Library

SCENE VII.

Enter Mithranes.
Mit.
Ah, Tiridates!

Tir.
O Heavens! what cruel silence! Speak—Is then
Zenobia's fate a secret? None can tell
What has befallen, or whither fate has driven her?

Mit.
Alas! too well 'tis known.

Tir.
O! speak.

Mit.
She's dead.

Tir.
O! all ye powers of Heaven!

Mit.
The wretch who slew
The father, took the hapless daughter's life.

Tir.
What villain?—

Mit.
Rhadamistus; he, the inhuman,
By him Zenobia died.

Tir.
O! murderous slave!
And could he then—O! no, it cannot be:
What heart would not relent at charms like hers?
He lov'd her too—Believe it not, Mithranes.

Mit.
Grant Heaven 'twere doubtful! On Araxes' banks
He gave the wound, and from the further shore
A fisher saw her, with the cruel stroke,
Fall in the rapid stream: swift plunging in
He swam to give her aid, but all in vain;
She sunk beneath the tide, from which he drew
Her floating bloody vest. Alas! his tale
Admits no gleam of hope; myself beheld
Zenobia's vest, and knew it for her own.

Tir.
Assist me, heavenly powers!

Zen.
[listening.]
O! cruel trial!

Tir.
The day now fails before my darken'd sight.

[leans against a tree.
Zen.
[apart.]
O! give me counsel, Gods!

Mit.
Be calm, my prince:
The mighty Gods such sufferings send to prove
A hero's virtue.

Tir.
Leave me.

Mit.
Shall I leave you
In such a state? How would the world reproach
Mithranes' loyal truth?

Tir.
Depart, depart.

Mit.

[Exit.