 | Adrian In Syria |  |
SCENE IX.
Enter Pharnaspes.Emir.
Unhappy Emirena! O! for counsel
In this extreme of woe!
Phar.
[entering.]
Haste, Emirena.
Emir.
Haste, whither?
Phar.
To Augustus.
Emir.
To Augustus?
Phar.
Implore him to reverse his late decree
Against thy father.
Emir.
What decree, Pharnaspes?
Phar.
He wills that, laden with the weight of chains,
Osrhoes be led—
Emir.
To death?
220
No; worse than death.
Emir.
Whither?
Phar.
To Rome.
Emir.
And what can I to assist him?
Phar.
Go—weep—entreat—to Adrian offer now
Thy hand in marriage—O! forget all ties,
All thoughts of love and hope—O! give up all
To save the king.
Emir.
He charg'd me but even now
To bear for Cæsar everlasting hatred.
Phar.
Alas! you must not think to obey commands
In anger given; a momentary madness.
No, 'tis our duty, dearest Emirena,
Spite of himself to save him.
Emir.
Shall I then
Resign this person to another's arms?
Is this indeed thy counsel? Can Pharnaspes
So steel his constancy?
Phar.
Alas! my princess,
Thou little read'st my heart: thou little know'st
What pangs this conflict costs me. While I speak
I feel each fibre in my bosom tremble:
Each drop of blood runs curdling through my veins.
I know in thee I lose my only good,
Whate'er can solace life: I know without thee
221
A burthen hateful to myself and others.
But what must Asia say should Osrhoes fall,
When we have power to save him? Let us then
To this great duty sacrifice our peace.
Go, go, my love, and consort of Augustus,
Enjoy the highest rank of earthly greatness.
To me at least one comfort will remain
Amidst my wretchedness, to say, that she
Who rul'd Pharnaspes' heart, now rules the world.
Emir.
If thou would'st have me e'er consent to lose thee
Make not thyself so worthy of my love.
Phar.
No, Emirena, no, thou shalt not lose me,
While life informs this breast I'll still be thine,
Thine, as my virtue and thy fame permit.
I swear by all the Gods; by those dear eyes,
Those eyes that cheer my soul; and thou—but whither
Does passion thus transport me? Time admits not
Of mutual sorrow; while we meditate
To save him, Osrhoes may, alas! be lost.
Emir.
Farewell.
[going.
Phar.
Yet hear me.
Emir.
What would now Pharnaspes?
Phar.
Go then—yet pause awhile—Almighty Gods!
I wish thee hence, yet fain would keep thee still.
222
O! Heaven! in leaving thee I love
I feel my powers decay;
Less cruel sure the stroke will prove
That takes my life away.
I feel my powers decay;
Less cruel sure the stroke will prove
That takes my life away.
Our fortune (thus asunder torn)
How ill didst thou foresee;
That I, my love, for thee was born,
And thou wert born for me.
How ill didst thou foresee;
That I, my love, for thee was born,
And thou wert born for me.
[Exit.
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