 | Adrian In Syria |  |
SCENE III.
Enter Adrian.Adr.
What hast thou gain'd, Aquilius?
Aquil.
Nothing gain'd:
Sabina, sir, is constant to depart.
211
She has indeed too just a cause for anger.
Aquil.
But yet so gentle her complaints, it seems
As if some other must have touch'd her heart;
And much I doubt she makes a specious plea
Of your inconstancy to veil her own.
Adr.
I like it not: this temper in a woman
Excites suspicion. Let us seek Sabina.
Aquil.
My lord, you have forgot the Parthian king.
My counsel you approv'd, and meant to appease him:
I've sent for Osrhoes, and he waits your summons.
When all is ready to complete your purpose
You still remain confus'd and unresolv'd.
Adr.
Alas! thou know'st not what a war of thought
Now agitates my bosom. Rome, the senate,
Sabina, Emirena, love and glory,
All, all are present to me, while in vain
I seek to reconcile my jarring passions.
On every side I fear some threatening rock:
I choose, repent, and long perplex'd in doubt,
I know not good from ill, till driven at last
To sudden choice, I choose from all, the worst.
Aquil.
Ah! cease, my sovereign, to torment yourself:
You have within your arms the fair for whom
You sigh, and fear to clasp her to your bosom.
212
To introduce the king.
Adr.
Yet stay—if still—
Aquil.
No more of doubts, my lord.
Adr.
Act as thou wilt.
[Exit Aquilius.
| Adrian In Syria | |