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SCENE IX.
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SCENE IX.

Cherinthus, Creusa.
Creu.
Gods! to Creusa, to the royal heir
Of Phrygia's sceptre this affront!—Cherinthus,
Hast thou a heart?

Cher.
I had; but thou, fair princess,
Hast now depriv'd me of it.

Creu.
If thou lov'st me,
Avenge my injur'd honour: all I have,
My heart, my hand, my bed, my throne are thine:
I shall not set a bound to my reward.

Cher.
What canst thou ask?

Creu.
The blood of bold Timanthes.

Cher.
My brother!—


98

Creu.
Art thou pale? Go, coward wretch!
I'll find some other will deserve my love.

Cher.
Yet hear me, princess!

Creu.
Peace; I'll hear no more:
I see your mutual purpose to betray me.

Cher.
Canst thou so far distrust my faithful passion?

Creu.
I scorn thy passion whether false or true.
The affection of a timorous lover
Ever shall my soul despise,
In whose breast we ne'er discover
Generous sparks of valour rise;
Who, to glorious deeds a stranger,
Fears in fight his sword to prove;
Only bold, when far from danger,
He can safely talk of love.

[Exit.