University of Virginia Library

SCENE the Second.

Enter Cleomena, with a Truncheon in her hand, a Sword and Quiver of Arrows by her side, with Semiris.
Sem.
Madam, you are sad,
As if you doubted your success to day.

Cleo.
There are some moments wherein I do repent me
The too rash Banishment of poor Clemanthis.
How did he take the Letter which I sent?

Sem.
As persons innocent and full of health
Receive unlookt-for Sentences of Death;
He sigh'd, and said he would obey your will;
And, Madam, had you seen his silent grief,
You would have thought him innocent.

Cleo.
Innocent! banish that foolish pity from your heart
That would perswade thee he is innocent:
Did not I see him courting of Olympia?
And can my Eyes deceive me?

Sem.
Olympia, Madam! Gods, what do I hear!
Till now I did not know his fault of banishment.

Cleo.
And was't not cause enough?

Sem.
Ah, Madam, what injustice have you done?
Before Clemanthis came into your Cabinet
He entertain'd me for a pretty while
With the intentions of your generous Uncle,
He told me how he offer'd him Olympia,
And that he durst not seem to disesteem it,
Being your Uncle, and a man to whom
He ow'd so much: but most to hide his passion;
And then was coming to consult with you
How he should manage this affair with him.

Cleo.
And is this truth thou tell'st me, dear Semiris?

Sem.
Madam, I do not use t' abuse your credit.

Cleo.
Fly then, Semiris, and reverse his doom.

Sem.
Would I knew whither, Madam.

Cleo.
Why, is he then no longer in the Camp?

Sem.
Ah, Madam, is he longer in the world?
For 'tis impossible to be imagined
He parted hence with any thought of life.

Cleo.
Send ev'ry way to find him—hark, I'm call'd—
[Trumpets sound.
And he that finds him first, is made for ever.
Oh Jealousie, thou passion most ingrate!
Thy ills procure more mischiefs than thy hate.
'Tis thou art Tyrant, when Love bears the blame,
'Tis pity thou'rt consistent with Loves flame:
I'le not my weakness nor resentment show;
A Heart like mine, shou'd sooner break than bow.
—Come my Semiris, we too long have stay'd;
That call, till now, was never disobey'd.

[Trumpets sound. Exeunt.