University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Prusias, Arsione, Araspes.
Prus.
Araspes , bring the Prince—
[Exit Araspes.
And pray forbear,
Madam, those sighs which do my Bowels tear,
What need you thus with grief my Soul oppress?
Those Tears will nothing add to your Redress;
Nor is there need of them for your Defence,
Do I his Crimes doubt, or your Innocence?
Or in all I have said, what do you finde,
Should make you think that I can change my mind?

Arsi.
Ah Sir, what can repair those wrongs that be
Thrown on the Justest by base Calumny?
Virtue once charg'd with falshood, can no more
Be made so pure, so bright as 'twas before.
Still some reproachful mem'ry does remain,
Which to the brightest Glory brings a stain.
Whilst, Sir, Detraction harbours in your Court,
And People blindly would the Prince support;
Truth is too weak that Scandal to remove,
They'l think me freed from onely by your love;
And if the least Spot rest upon my Fame,
If your worst Subjects but suppose the same,
Can I deserve your love? or do these Fears
Concern too little then to merit Tears?

Prus.
You're scrupulous, and do too much mistrust
A Husbands love, that knows his love is just:
Glory by Calumny becomes more bright,
And from its darkness gains a greater light:
But here's the Prince, and you shall see to day—