University of Virginia Library

SCENE XV.

Osrhoes, Parthians.
Osr.
Perish then,
Unthinking youth, while we, my valiant friends,
Preserve ourselves for greater deeds. Let each
Cast down his torch to earth, and each again
Retire to his concealment.
[the Parthians go out.
—Yet, in spite
Of all my rage I feel myself a father;
I cannot quit this place—Still, still I turn
To yon devoted walls—Let me not listen
To this unmanly weakness.—Ah! even now
Perhaps a dying child invokes my name:
O! that Pharnaspes may arrive to save her!
Could I but learn their fate!—But whither would
My inconsiderate steps? O Gods! look there—
Ha! who comes yonder? See, the tumult thickens,
And all the imperial palace is in motion—
My friend—my daughter—whither shall I turn?
I lose myself and yet preserve not them.
Since, mighty Gods! you've taken all from Osrhoes,
Why have you left him still these feeble passions?

[Exit hastily.