 | Siroes |  |
SCENE XV.
Emira, Laodice.Em.
[aside.]
How shall I now address Laodice?
Laod.
Hydaspes, on the sentence of thy lips
My happiness and Persia's fate depend.
210
It seems that unconstrain'd Laodice
Would give herself in marriage ties to Siroes.
Laod.
That were indeed a bliss.
Em.
You love him then?
Laod.
My fondest thoughts are his.
Em.
And do you hope
His hand will ever—
Laod.
Yes, by thee I hope
To see it given to mine.
Em.
Your hopes are vain.
Laod.
And wherefore, say?
Em.
Shall I disclose my secret?
Laod.
With freedom speak.
Em.
I am myself a lover;
Forgive my boldness—I adore your beauties.
Laod.
Mine, mine, Hydaspes?
Em.
Yours, Laodice?
Ah! who unmov'd could view those locks of gold,
Those roseate cheeks, and lips of coral hue,
That ivory breast, and those soft-beaming eyes?
Ah! should you doubt what flame consumes my heart
Look in this face and read my passion there.
Laod.
And silent yet till now—
Em.
Till now respect
211
Laod.
Then mark me well, Hydaspes,
I never can return thy love.
Em.
O! Heaven!
Too cruel fair.
Laod.
If it be true thou lov'st me,
Be friend to my affections; give to me,
With virtue that becomes thy noble nature,
The prince belov'd.
Em.
You claim too much from virtue.
Laod.
Siroes is lost.
Em.
Heaven guards the innocent.
Laod.
If hope to thee should feign thou hast my pity,
Know hope deceives thee
Em.
Can you be so cruel?
Laod.
My cruelty was taught me by Hydaspes.
Em.
O! give me patience, Heaven!
Load.
Yes, while I live,
I'll hate thee still, nor shalt thou e'er have cause
To scoff at my misfortunes.
Em.
Yet one comfort
At least remains—both share the pangs of love.
212
When safe in port my vessel rides,
You drive me back to stormy tides,
And sink me in the main.
But love may give you soon to know
An equal share of equal woe,
Such woe as I sustain.
[Exit.
| Siroes | |