University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Enter Megabyzus.
Mega.
O sir! on what are now your thoughts employ'd?
Why are you thus irresolute—remember
'Tis not a time to ponder, but to act:
The peers in council meet; together join'd
Are all the victims of your just resentment.
There shall we find your rivals; these destroy'd,
The path is smooth'd to empire. Let us fly
To set Arbaces free.

Artab.
Ah! Megabyzus,
What wretchedness is mine! my son refuses
Empire and liberty; heeds not his life,
And with himself involves us all in ruin.

Mega.
What says my lord?

Artab.
Even now contending with him,
I strove in vain to conquer his resolves.

Mega.
Then from the prison let us bear him off
By force.

Artab.
The time we lose to overcome
His guard's fidelity, or shake their valour,
Affords the king full leisure for defence.

Mega.
'Tis true: then first let Artaxerxes die,
And after save Arbaces.

Artab.
But the life
Of my dear son remains a hostage for me.

Mega.
Behold this remedy: let us divide
Our trusty friends between us; at one instant
Do you attack the prison, I the palace.

Artab.
Our forces thus divided will be weaken'd.

Mega.
Something must be resolv'd.

Artab.
The safest course
Is to resolve on nothing: we must now
Have time to plan anew our baffled schemes.

Mega.
What if meanwhile Arbaces be condemn'd?

Artab.
Extremity of need will teach us then
The speediest remedy: let it suffice,
That thou continuest to dissemble yet,
And keep thy followers steady to our cause.
Meantime with caution every means I'll try
That may seduce the guards: till now I thought
The attempt was needless, therefore deem'd it folly,
Without necessity, to increase our dangers.

Mega.
Dispose of me as to thyself seems fit.

Artab.
Betray me not, my friend.

Mega.
Who, I betray you?
Ah, sir! What have you said? Can you believe
I'll e'er be thus ungrateful? I remember
My low beginning: to your bounteous hand
I owe my all: you from the ignoble vulgar
Have rais'd me to the foremost ranks of honour.
Ah, sir! what have you said? Shall I betray you?

Artab.
What hitherto I've done for thee is little:
If Fortune smiles upon me, Megabyzus,
Thou shalt perceive my love: full well I know
Thy passion for Semira, nor condemn it.
I have resolv'd—behold she comes—my will
Shall make thy love secure, and join us both
By closer ties.

Mega.
O transport!