University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Manent Zimon, Hesione, Omphales, and Ammon.
Hesione.
Yet think, my Father, think how much I owe
That wondrous Youth!

Zimon.
Arise, Hesione!
Thou know'st me tender as thy Soul shou'd wish:
Thou know'st me too, when Heav'n, and Duty call,
Rigid as Death!—Thy Mother was a Spartan,
And wou'd have dy'd, e'er she had own'd this Softness,
No more of it, if thou woud'st hold my Love!
[They rise.
'Tis thro' the best Compassion of my Soul,
That I refuse to grant, what Heav'n forbids.

Omphales.
O barbarous Mercy of mistaken Zeal!
How dreadful are those blind Enthusiasts,
Who wound in Mercy, and torment, to save?
I'm lost for ever! Famine, Exile, Chains
Have none so deeply wretched!

Zimon.
Let us hence!
[To Hesione.
I can allow no farther Conference.

Hesione.
Hear me, Omphales, hear me, e'er we part!
(Haply no more my Voice may reach your Ears)
When we are banish'd far from one another,
And thy poor Heart is breaking with its Sorrows,
Call to thy Mind the solemn Vow I made,
When, once conversing in the Myrtle Bower,
We talk'd of Separation, then in Joy,
And sporting as it were, with Misery.
Be that thy Comfort in the Hour of Mourning!

Omphales.
When'er 'tis said, Omphales loves thee less;
Mourns not thy Absence like a faithful Wretch;
Gives respite to Affliction; or receives
Comfort from ought but thee: when this thou'rt told,
Conclude Distraction has been busy here,
And I'm no more Omphales!

Hesione.
Thou art true!

Omphales.
We both are true!

Hesione.
Omphales will not rest;
Nor think of Peace without me!—Oh, farewel!

Omphales.
Farewel! and with thee all our Happiness;

[Exeunt Zimon and Hesione.