SCENE II.
Procles followed by a party of his guards,
Eurydice, Melissa.
Procles.
Confusion! all is lost.
That Traitor has undone me: and those slaves,
The false Corinthians, in a moment's flight,
Threw all their gates wide open to the foe.
Of hope abandon'd, and the Gods against me,
What now remains?—The Queen! by heaven 'tis well:
Their boasted triumph is not yet compleat.
She's mine, she's mine; and I am conqueror still!
You, bear this woman thro' the postern-gate
[to one party.
Down to the southern shore: I sail this moment
For Epidaurus. You, the while make head
[to another.
Against the near pursuit, and bar its progress
Till she's secur'd. This is my last great stake,
Of dearer price than victory. Away.
Eurydice.
No, Tyrant: I will die first. Off, base slaves.
Dare ye, dare earth-born peasants violate,
With your rude touch, the majesty of kings?
Ah! heaven—
Procles.
Be quick, nor listen to her raving.
