University of Virginia Library

Scene the First.

A Flat Wood.
Enter Cleomena drest in Clemanthis's Clothes, Semiris bearing the Cap and Feather, Pimante the Sword.
Cleo.
Come, my Semiris, you must assist a little,
—And you Pimante, buckle on my Sword.

Pim.
I never parted with a Sword so unwillingly in my life.

Cleo.
So—How dost thou like me now?
Might I not pass, thus habited, for Clemanthis?

Pim.
Yes, Madam, till you come to the fighting-part.

Cleo.
Now go, and do as I have ordered you.

Sem.
Ah, Madam, though I must not wait on you to fight,
I will in death, 'tis my first act, and last of disobedience.

[Weeps.
Cleo.
Do not disturb me with thy grief, Semiris:
Go, leave me to my self, and thoughts of vengeance;
And thou, base Traitor-Prince, shalt buy thy Life
At such a rate shall ruine thee for ever;
And if I fall—as I believe I shall—
The very shame to know I am a Woman,
Shall make thee curse thy Fortune and thy Arms,
If thou hast any sense of manhood left,
After the barbarous murder thou hast done:
But if my better Fortune guide my Arm,
This Arm (whom Love direct) to meet thy Heart,
Then I shall die with real satisfaction:
The time draws on when I should trie my Fate;
Assist me mighty Love in my design,
That I may prove no passion equals mine.

Sem.
Madam, consider whom you must encounter.

Cleo.
Consider thou who's dead, the brave Clemanthis!
[Weeps.
Oh 'tis a shame to weep being thus attir'd,
Let me once more survey my self—
And yet I need not borrow resolution:
Clemanthis, thou art murder'd, that's the word,
'Tis that creates me man, and valiant too,
And all incensed Love can prompt me to:
Hark—hark—the joyful Summons to my death.
[Trumpets sound.
Go, leave me to approach it solemnly—
Come, my dear Sword, from thee I must expect
That service which my Arm may fail t' effect;
And if thou ever didst thy Master love,
Be sure each stroke thou mak'st may mortal prove.

[Exeunt severally.