University of Virginia Library

SCENE XVIII.

Theagenes, Achilles.
Theag.
[to himself.]
Almighty powers! Does Deidamia thus
Receive my vows? In what have I offended?
And wherefore then—let me pursue her steps.

[going.
Ach.
[meeting him.]
Forbear—say whither would'st thou go?

Theag.
I go
To Deidamia: let me once again
Renew my suit.

Ach.
[resolutely.]
It is not now permitted.

Theag.
Who shall forbid me?

Ach.
I.

Theag.
Dost thou forbid me?

Ach.
Yes, I forbid thee, prince, and know yet more,
That when I speak, I never speak in vain.

[going slowly.
Theag.
[aside.]
The nymphs of Scyros sure are wondrous strange:
Strange in their speech, in their demeanour strange.
And yet there's something in this haughty maid
That pleases while she threatens— [to Ach.]
Hear me, fair-one,
Declare what cause—

Ach.
No more—let this suffice.

[going.
Theag.
And can you think your words alone will strike
A terror here: that you alone have power
To shake the purpose of Theagenes?

Ach.
[sternly.]
Such power is mine—believe and tremble.

Theag.
[aside.]
Heavens!
That fierceness kindles here a new commotion.

[Achilles going meets Deid. at the entrance.
Deid.
False to my hopes!—And art thou yet content
To fail in every claim of love and honour?

Ach.
Alas! 'tis true—I own my warmth betray'd me.

[Deid. leaves him.
Theag.
Hear, beauteous nymph! I will obey your mandate;
But, in return, indulge my sole request:
Give me to know what this resentment means,
And why on me are bent your angry eyes—
And, ah! that sigh—that look—you seem confus'd—
Whence is this change? O! speak.—Why are you silent?

Ach.

[Exit.