University of Virginia Library

SCENE THE FOURTH.

Polyphontes, Merope, Polydore, Ægisthus, Guards.
Me.
What has he said to him? ... Oh heavens! ... I tremble!

Polyp.
Nothing in all the world can save him, lady,
But thy consenting to be mine. If yet
There lurk some rebel subjects in Messene,
I in these walls am undisputed lord.
This fable of thy son shall be examined;
Should I destroy him, all my after ills
Could not to life restore him. A short space
I grant to thy reflections.—Before sun-set,
Here, in the presence of my household Gods,
Thou shalt have given to me thy hand in marriage,
Or here, before thy eyes, I shall myself
Have slain this youth.

Me.
Ah! ... hear me ...

Polyp.
Chuse.—I leave thee.
Invent at will supposititious tales;
At least I have ye all within my power.—
Guards, whosoe'er of these should try t'escape
From this my palace, slay him instantly.