University of Virginia Library

SCENE XVI.

Enter Lycomedes with Theagenes; Achilles behind.
Lyc.
Dearest daughter,
Behold thy husband; thou, Theagenes,
Illustrious prince, behold thy destin'd spouse.

Ach.
[behind.]
Still, still, my soul, repress thy swelling rage.

Theag.
Whoe'er, O princess, hears what Fame relates
Of Deidamia's charms, may deem she flatters;
But when he sees you thus, will think her tongue
Has paid but scanty praise. Lo! I subdu'd,
Your happy prisoner, yield my freedom here,
And give my life in dowery with my love.

Ach.
[aside.]
Unheard of insolence!

[looking disdainfully at Theag. advancing nearer.
Deid.
[to Theag.]
My merits, prince,
Have ne'er aspir'd so high; nor should you now
So far extol them.
[sees Ach. near Theag.
Pyrrha! hence! what mean'st thou?

Ach.
I speak not, princess.

[retires again.
Deid.
[aside.]
O! what terror shakes
My every sense!

Theag.
[to Lyc. observing Ach.]
What virgin-fair is that
Of lofty mien?

Lyc.
That virgin is your rival.

Deid.
[aside.]
I sink with apprehension.

Ach.
[aside.]
Ah! too surely
He pierces my disguise.

Lyc.
[to Theag.]
Her name is Pyrrha,
Sole partner now of Deidamia's love;
Nor yet the world, from east to western Ind,
E'er saw so constant, or so fond a pair.

Deid.
[aside.]
He speaks in sportive vein, but little thinks
How well he paints two faithful lovers' vows.

Lyc.
What thinks my daughter of the noble consort
Her father's care provides?

Deid.
Alas! my lord,
My inexperience knows not yet to prize—
But if I durst—

Lyc.
Thou blushest, Deidamia,
I read thy heart, and seek to know no further.

[Exit.