University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Enter to them ALCESIMARCHUS, with his sword drawn.
Alc.
Death take me to thy arms, kind loving friend!

Sil.
My mother, we're undone!

Alc.
Here shall I strike,
Or on the left side, here—

Mel.
[to Sil.]
The matter, child?

Sil.
See'st not Alcesimarchus, with his sword—

Alc.
What art about?—Why this delay?—Quit, quit
The light at once—

Sil.
Run, run—Beseech you, help!
Lest he destroy himself—

[Halisca running to assist, drops the casket.
Alc.
My goddess, safety,
Sweeter than safety to a wretch like me!
'Tis you alone, whether I will or no,
'Tis you, preserve my life.—

Mel.
Could you've been guilty
Of such a dismal act?

Alc.
I've nought with thee.
Dead am I to thy voice—But here I have her;
Nor will I ever lose her more—By Hercules!
She's here, and rivetted to me for ever.—
Where are ye, slaves?—Soon as I have her safe
Over the threshold; bolt, bar, chain the doors.

[carries Silenium into the house.
Mel.
He's gone, and born her in!—I'll after him,
And tell him the whole tale: if any thing
Can calm him, and from his resentment save me.

[Exit with Halisca.