University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Hermione, Cleone.
Cle.
This unexpected Silence, this Reserve,
This outward Calm, this settled Frame of Mind,
After such Wrongs and Insults, much surprize me!
You, who before could not command your Rage,
When Pyrrhus look'd but kindly on his Captive;
How can you bear unmoved, that he should wed her,
And seat her on a Throne which you should fill?
I fear this dreadful Stillness in your Soul!
'Twere better, Madam—

Herm.
Have you call'd Orestes?

Cle.
Madam, I have. His Love is too impatient,
Not to obey with speed the welcome Summons.
His love-sick Heart o'er-looks his unkind Usage:
His Ardour's still the same.—Madam, he's here.