University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

MARIAMNE, ELISA, NARBAS.
ELISA.
Ah! why thus urge to passionate excess
Foes, ardent to pursue thee to thy ruin?
Tho' pausing for a moment, still perhaps
Herod's avenging fury o'er thy head
Hangs threatening. And when death would fly far distant
Instead of warding off the fatal blow,
Thou bidd'st him strike. What guardian arm remains
To shield thee now? Sohemus, brave defender
Of thy illustrious life, whose name long time
In fetters of respectful awe hath held
Oppressive violence, now leaves the court;
With him depart thy hopes. A baleful power
Augustus, to thy husband, delegates.
Who knows with what resolves, and how disposed
He will this day return? Each thought, each deed,
Even his love, with terror is attended.
Thy conscious heart views all the horrid prospect;
Say, hath not madness e'en beyond the tomb
Impell'd his gloomy jealousy? my soul
Still shudders at the fierce relentless mandate.
Why to thy foes thus unreserved? why stoop not
To honest art? why not disguise thy feelings?
Virtue alas! when not by prudence guided,
But leads to danger.

MARIAMNE.
Just is thy advice.
My soul hath been too lofty and unyielding.
A stranger to the paths of art, tho' much
I need its aid.—I will consult Sohemus—
And the direction of my future fate
Resign to him.—Let him approach my presence.—
I will expect him here.—By his advice
My actions shall be govern'd.—Bold with the plan
With which my breast is fraught, th'event uncertain,
And greatly to be fear'd.—Conduct him hither.

[Exit Elisa.