 | The Siege of Sinope |  |
SCENE I.
An open Place in the City of Sinope, before the Portico of the Temple of Themis.ARTABANES, TIGRANES.
TIGRANES.
Hail to my friend, by whose successful cares,
The peace of Pontus on the firm foundation
Of royal faith is fix'd, for ages fix'd.
From the tall citadel's commanding summit,
Advancing swiftly to the Eastern gate,
I saw the Cappadocian troops approach
In shining arms.—Their nearest files, ere this,
By Athridates led, have gain'd the city.
ARTABANES.
No longer hostile, to the passing winds
His people's father, brave Pharnaces, gives
His past resentment, and prepares to meet
With every public, every martial honour,
Due to a monarch, hero, father, friend,
The royal Athridates.
TIGRANES.
At the altar
Their sacred faith exchang'd, all-beauteous concord
12
To bind their peaceful brows.
ARTABANES.
Belov'd of Heav'n,
The gentle power descends, with placid mien,
To bless with milder joys our monarch's reign.
TIGRANES.
With public happiness, for him, the gods
Propitious have entwin'd the heart-felt bliss
Which waits the soft affections. From this hour
(No longer by conflicting duties torn)
The queen to heaven prefers her ardent vows;
Vows which a husband and a father share.
ARTABANES.
Even at this moment, when the imperfect dawn
Just tinges with a faint and trembling lustre
The gilded turrets of yon holy fane,
She seeks the righteous power. The names belov'd
Of Athridates and Pharnaces rise
In rapturous gratulations, at the shrine
Of tutelary Themis. As she pass'd,
I mark'd the triumph which with heighten'd grace
Adorn'd her lovely form: she seem'd to scorn
The earth she trod on, and entranc'd with joy
To press with lighter step the balmy air.
TIGRANES.
Her mind, unruffled with the threatening storm,
Which hung so late o'er these devoted walls,
Resumes its wonted greatness.
13
All the strength
Of manly wisdom, mix'd with woman's sweetness,
In her fair soul in bright assemblage meet;
Soft as the doves in Cytherea's car,
Yet lofty as th' imperial eagle's flight.
But 'tis the hour, when, by the king's command,
I join th' approaching train. Meanwhile 'tis thine
Around these lofty walls with care to range
Thy chosen files, and guard the sacred portal.
| The Siege of Sinope | |