 | The Fatal Constancy |  |
261
SCENE III.
Enter Zimon. to Ammon.Zimon.
How stands the Maid? Did she not leave thee now?
Ammon.
She did; and promises Obedience:
She'll meet us in the holy Place.
Zimon.
'Tis well!—
This Day will be a Day of publick Joy.
An Hecatombe must bleed, and Gods and Men
Shall banquet in these Walls! I've now dispers'd
My several Invitations all around.
And, in return for Heav'ns peculiar Grace,
This Day I yearly mean to solemnize.
Ammon.
Thou'rt ever Grateful!
Zimon.
Ammon, I am Just;
And glory that I am!
Ammon.
And pitying too:
For when you broke the Will of Heav'n to her,
Preferr'd my Vows, and bid her Heart be mine,
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I saw you labour with a Father's Love,
While Duty, and Compassion softly strove,
And wag'd a tender War within your Breast.
Zimon.
Yet you observ'd how I inforc'd it too?
How resolutely just I was?
Ammon.
I did.
Zimon.
There's not a Soul o'er whom my Power extends,
Shall dare to spurn at Heaven!
Ammon.
Yet the Path
Which leads to Heaven's Will, is sometimes rough,
And difficult to tread.
Zimon.
'Tis true, her Task
Might in another tire Obedience out;
But I have train'd her up to Piety!—
O Ammon, slight not a fond Father's Praise!
But, trust me, she will answer all thy Hope.
Approach her not like one made proud by Power,
Demanding Love in Frowns; but gently steal
The Maid's Affection: Tenderness, and Smiles
May win her to the hardest Parts of Duty.
| The Fatal Constancy | |