University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

THAMYRIS, ATHRIDATES, ARTABANES, ORCHANES.
ORCHANES.
Royal Sir,
A Roman tribune, by Domitius sent,
Demands your private ear.

ATHRIDATES.
Now hear, and tremble!
That tribune is thy fate; the hour is past;
The hour my weakness gave. Hence, dove-like pity!
Let vengeance steel my soul!—Yet once again—
[Going—Returns.
Fond woman, hear a father; once again
The voice of nature pleads. Thy darling son—
The flaming altar is already drest,
And thirsts to drink his blood. Thy guards withdrawn,
I leave thee free: till night's pale queen ascends
With trembling ray, yon mountain's lofty summit,
My pity gives thee: when, by fierce Bellona,
Comana's guardian goddess, here I swear,
As thou decid'st, he dies, or reigns in Pontus.