University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Enter Arbaces guarded.
Artab.
Now rides my vessel nigh the port—Arbaces,
Approach; and you retire, but near at hand
Await my call.

[the guards retire.
Arb.
My father here alone?

Artab.
At length, my son, I may preserve thy life.
From thoughtless Artaxerxes I've obtain'd
To speak with thee in private—let us go:
I can conduct thee by a secret way,
To him unknown; and thus at once deceive
His guards and him.

Arb.
Dost thou propose a flight
That would confirm my guilt?

Artab.
Unthinking boy!
Let us be gone—I give thee liberty;
I save thee from the king's resentment, lead thee
To popular applause—perchance to reign.

Arb.
What say you, sir!—to reign!

Artab.
Thou know'st the race
Of Xerxes has to all been hateful long:
I need but show thee to the impatient troops;
Already to our party have I gain'd
The leaders of the bands.

Arb.
Shall I become
A rebel to my prince? The thought alone
Fills me with horror: O my father! leave,
Leave me my innocence.

Artab.
'Tis lost already,
Since all believe it lost: thou art a prisoner,
And bear'st each mark of guilt.

Arb.
But yet unjustly.

Artab.
No matter; this avails not: innocence
Consists, Arbaces, in the fond belief
Of others; take but that belief away,
It shrinks to nothing: he alone is virtuous
Who wears the best disguise, and artful hides
His inmost passions from the observing world.

Arb.
O sir! you are deceiv'd; the noble mind
Is to itself a world; approves or censures
In secret all its good or evil deeds,
Above the partial breath of vulgar crowds.

Artab.
Let it be so—but must we to preserve
Our innocence, be prodigal of life?

Arb.
And what is life, my father?

Artab.
Life, my son,
Is Heaven's most valued gift.

Arb.
Life is a good
That lessens while we use it, every moment
Of our enjoyment is but as a step
That leads us nearer to our dissolution;
And from the cradle we begin to die.

Artab.
And shall I then contend with thee to save thee?
No further reason seek—'tis my command;
Dispatch.

Arb.
Forgive me, but in this I must
Transgress your first command.

Artab.
Force shall compel you;
Follow me.

[offers to take him by the hand.
Arb.
Leave me yet in peace, my father:
Put not my duty to so hard a trial;
For should you now constrain me—

Artab.
Dost thou threaten?
Ungrateful boy!—Speak out—what would'st thou do?

Arb.
Rather than follow you I'd hazard all.

Artab.
Soon shall we see who conquers: follow me:
Away.

[takes his hand.
Arb.
Ho! guards!

Artab.
Be silent.

Arb.
Guards! come forth;
Give me again my chains: back to my dungeon
Once more conduct me.

[guards return.
Artab.
O! I burn with rage!

[aside.
Arb.
Bid me farewell, my father.

Artab.
Hence, and leave me;
Think not I'll listen to a wretch like thee.

Arb.

[Exit guarded.