University of Virginia Library

SCENE XI.

The Place of Sepulchre of the Kings of Pontus; several magnificent Tombs; in the Middle of the Stage that of Mithridates.
(A faint Light just makes the Tombs visible.)
THAMYRIS, leading EUMENES; XIPHARES attending.
THAMYRIS.
'Tis past! I heard distinct the fatal knell;
The conquering shout from Rome's embattled legions.
Pharnaces falls!—the husband, father, king;
The idol of his people, the last hope
Of wretched Pontus.—O, too greatly daring!
In vain I wept, I kneel'd. Thou dearest object
Of a fond mother's love, her fears, her sorrows!
The fatal hour is come, and we must die.
Thy father's spirit calls. Immortal Powers!
Who pour'd into my bosom woman's softness,
If you decree this trembling hand must shed
The blood of innocence, O steel my soul,
And mould my heart to all my father's fierceness.

XIPHARES.
O shade rever'd of mighty Mithridates!
Ye sacred manes of a line of heroes!
Protect your royal offspring!

THAMYRIS.
Ever faithful
To Mithridates' house, to thee I trust
My soul's last hope; perhaps thy infant king.
Within this awful mansion of the dead
Awhile conceal his helpless innocence.
Sole hope of my sad heart, why bend on me
Those tender beams, which harrow up my soul!
Why dost thou tremble? Why retire thy steps?
The good Xiphares will attend thee still.

XIPHARES.
Whate'er your purpose, royal Thamyris,
Each moment now is precious.

THAMYRIS.
My belov'd!
Yield to thy fate: receive this kiss, and live;
For me, this awful pile, the sad asylum
Of all my soul holds dear, shall soon receive me.
If death alone can save me from the Romans,
My unembody'd spirit still shall hover
Where'er the gods conduct thee. Go, my child!
I cannot say, farewell!

[Xiphares leads Eumenes to the Tomb; they enter, and the Doors close. Thamyris looks after them.