 | Siroes |  |
SCENE XV.
Cosroes, Emira, Medarses, Laodice.Cos.
Ho!—let the prince be watch'd.
[to the guards without.
Em.
Myself will keep
Your royal person safe.
181
Why fears my father,
Enclos'd with faithful friends, a single traitor?
Laod.
You are too deeply mov'd.
Cos.
And who can tell
What friend is true; or know what snare is laid?
Em.
You fear not me, my lord.
Cos.
No, dear Hydaspes,
On thy untainted faith I trust my all:
Search deep this treason, and defend in Cosroes
A prince that loves thee.
Em.
Nor can Cosroes trust
His peace to one, who bears a heart more loyal:
If all his aid, his counsel nought avail,
Hydaspes, jealous of his truth and honour,
Will shed his dearest blood in your defence.
Cos.
Thus while I lose a son, I find a friend.
Fate hovers, like a rushing tide,
That from the cliff descends;
But thou, dear youth, shalt turn aside
The ruin that impends.
That from the cliff descends;
But thou, dear youth, shalt turn aside
The ruin that impends.
Near and more near the dangers threat,
And, doubtful where to fly,
If e'er thy faith a king forget,
On whom shall he rely?
And, doubtful where to fly,
If e'er thy faith a king forget,
On whom shall he rely?
[Exit.
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