University of Virginia Library

SCENE VIII.

Aristea, Megacles, Lycidas.
Mega.
O whither shall I turn, divided thus
Between my friend and love!

[aside.
Lyc.
'Tis time I now
Reveal myself to Aristea.

[to Megacles.
Mega.
Stay—
[to him.
O Heaven!

[aside.
Aris.
My lord, my husband, from thy wife
Conceal thy grief no longer.

Mega.
Cruel fate!

[aside.
Lyc.
My friend, my love admits no more delay.

[to Megacles aside.
Aris.
Thy silence, dearest Megacles, distracts me.

Mega.
Yet hold, my heart; complete thy sacrifice:
[aside.
Vouchsafe, O prince! one moment to retire.

[to Lycidas.
Lyc.
Retire! Say, wherefore—

Mega.
Go: confide in me.
I must disclose the whole to Aristea.

Lyc.
But may not I be present?

Mega.
No: this converse
Imports far more than thou may'st think—

Lyc.
'Tis well;
Thou bid'st and I obey: I'll not be far,
An instant may recall me—Think, my friend,
For what, for whom thou speak'st: if Lycidas
Has e'er deserv'd thy gratitude and love,
Now prove it; to thy faithful aid I trust
My peace, my life.

[Exit.