 | Artaxerxes |  |
SCENE V.
Enter Semira.Artab.
Come, my daughter;
Behold thy husband.
Sem.
[aside.]
Heavens! What do I hear?
Is this a time, my lord, to think of nuptials,
When my unhappy brother now—
Artab.
No more;
Thy marriage here may stand him much in stead.
Sem.
Great is the sacrifice—Ah! yet, my father,
Reflect again; I am—
Artab.
Thou art lost to sense,
If thou refusest my command—see there
Thy husband; 'tis my will; reply no further.
If thou refusest my command—see there
Thy husband; 'tis my will; reply no further.
Then learn to love, and should he seem
Ungracious in your eyes;
In him a father's choice esteem;
Respect it and be wise.
Ungracious in your eyes;
In him a father's choice esteem;
Respect it and be wise.
40
Less slow perhaps your heart will prove
To catch the gentle fire,
When midst the temple, kindling love,
Shall Hymen's flames aspire.
To catch the gentle fire,
When midst the temple, kindling love,
Shall Hymen's flames aspire.
[Exit.
| Artaxerxes | |