 | Zenobia |  |
SCENE I.
A wood.Rhadamistus and Ægle.
Rhad.
Whence hadst thou, nymph, that ring?
Ægl.
A stranger's hand
Intrusted it to me.
Rhad.
To what intent?
Ægl.
He, with this token, to the vale of myrtles
Gave me commission, in Zenobia's name,
To invite prince Tiridates.
Rhad.
Didst thou seek him?
Ægl.
I sought him not.
Rhad.
And why?
Ægl.
Because I deem'd
Some treachery was design'd.
Rhad.
[aside.]
In evil hour
Did Zopyrus to this nymph intrust his charge.
[to her.]
But wherefore didst thou then accept from him
The secret message?
Ægl.
Lest another hand
Should execute his purpose.
Rhad.
[aside.]
Now I know
49
For Tiridates at the appointed valley.
Ægl.
I go to tell Zenobia all the treason
My thoughts suggest.
Rhad.
Forbear: it nought avails
To tell Zenobia.
Ægl.
Yes, 'twere meet she knew
That some dark traitor plots against her fame
And spotless faith.
Rhad.
And canst thou know to whom
Belongs the name of traitor, or of faithful?
Ægl.
And canst thou doubt?
Rhad.
There is no longer doubt—
Zenobia's falsehood—
Ægl.
Hold: thou mak'st my blood
Run cold with horror.
Rhad.
Know—
Ægl.
I know full well
That little thou deserv'st such truth and love.
Rhad.
But hear me, nymph, I am—
Ægl.
Unjust, ungrateful,
Inhuman, cruel—
[going.
Rhad.
If thou canst, remove
Suspicion from me.
[following her.
Ægl.
Rather let it still
Dwell in thy breast, and be thy punishment.
[Exit.
| Zenobia | |