 | Hypsipyle |  |
SCENE X.
Learchus, Thoas apart.Lear.
What have I heard? Did Rhodope indeed
Declare the truth?—How if Hypsipyle
Returning here should take me for her father?
O fair device!—then might I seize the princess,
Deceive and force her—ha! it shall be so:
But hold—no matter—doubtless love inspires
The happy fraud:—be bold my heart—what, Thoas!
[approaches to the grove.
Where can he lie conceal'd?
Tho.
A voice unknown
Repeats my name! What means it?
Lear.
Wretched daughter!
Whom now thy father undesigning kills.
Tho.
What hast thou said? for whom dost thou lament?
Who art thou? speak.
Lear.
Unless I find the king,
Hypsipyle is lost.
174
Ha! lost! Say, wherefore?
Behold me here.
[coming out.
Lear.
Thanks to the mighty Gods!
But fly, my lord! fly from this impious place:
In Lemnos 'tis suspected you're conceal'd.
Soon will the vengeful female bands appear;
And should your presence verify suspicion,
Your daughter for her piety must suffer.
Tho.
At least I'll stay and die in her defence.
Lear.
Ah! if thou truly lov'st her, rather fly;
Thy flight alone can save her.
Tho.
Tell me, friend,
To whom I stand indebted for this kindness.
Lear.
Thou know'st me not—I am—but haste, depart;
For look, already through the parting boughs,
I see the mingled gleam of rebel arms.
Tho.
When will ye cease your malice, cruel stars!
[Exit.
| Hypsipyle | |