University of Virginia Library

SCENE VII.

Feraspe and Dorisbe alone.
Fer.
Death, Hell and Furies,
I am Thunder-struck!
What have you done?

Dor.
I have undone my self and thee:
I hate us both:
I rage, I burn
With Anger and Despair.

[Walking up and down in a Fury.
Fer.
You have abus'd my Love;

Dor.
And thus I make you Recompence.

[Draws a Dagger, offers to stab her self.
Fer.
What rash Attempt is this?

[Holds her Hands struggling with her.
Dor.
It is my Will and Pleasure;
Let me strike.

[He forces it out of her Hand, and kneels.
Fer.
O live, my fair Dorisbe, live:
Impute me Fierceness to my Love,
And pardon my Offence.

Dor.
What, live to be reproach'd by thee!
Live to be scorn'd by proud Arsinoe!
I cannot, will not live.

Fer.
Alass! you know not how to die!
Let me strike first,
I'll tell you when I try.

[Holding the Dagger to his Breast.
Dor.
Ye Gods! Why this is kind
[She turns her
I must some Pity show,
[Head and weeps.
Feraspe, you are innocent.

Fer.
No longer than Dorisb elives.

Dor.
If I will die, what blame in you?
The Wound's my own, the Guilt's so too.

Fer.
That Wound would kill us both;
I act, what I permit in you.

Dor.
Heavens! he obliges me too far!
What shall I say?
[Aside.
You cannot save my Life.

Fer.
Not save your Life!

Dor.
The Queen will have me die.

Fer.
She will not dare when I am by.

Dor.
She's guarded by the Prince.

Fer.
The Fort is mine for your Defence.

Dor.
It will be taken before Night.

Fer.
The Haven's open for our Flight.

Dor.
A Thousand Thoughts remain behind. [Aside.
Feraspe, rise;
I must consult my Mind.

Fer.
O make no longer Stay!

[Takes her by the Hand.
Dor.
The Sea is dangerous.

Fer.
But Love guides our way.

[Leads her to the Door of the Fort, and opens it.
Dor.
The Court will miss you.

Fer.
Leave it to my Care.

Dor.
I hear a Noise, let me step in.
Farewel.

[She catches the Key and locks her self in.
Fer.
I am safe when you are there.

[He goes off.