 | Siroes |  |
SCENE VIII.
Araxes, Emira.Ar.
Now, benignant stars!
Succeed my great designs. Retire.
[to the guards who go out.
Em.
What would
An impious king's more wicked minister?
Must I prepare for death?
Ar.
No, mighty princess;
Live and preserve yourself for him you love,
Your plighted lord—for know that Siroes lives.
Em.
Is't possible?
Ar.
I gladly from the king
Receiv'd the fatal charge; but 'twas to employ
The means to save him.
225
Wherefore from the father,
Repentant of the deed, conceal his safety?
Ar.
Because to me it seem'd his pity rose,
As fear subsided: should he now be told
That Siroes lives, his pity might again
Be chang'd to fear: for pity sways no more
When stronger fear prevails: the first is rais'd
By other's pains, the second by our own.
Em.
But where is Siroes?
Ar.
He in chains expects
His speedy death.
Em.
Hast thou not yet ensur'd
The prince's safety?
Ar.
I must first collect
My faithful friends securely to conduct him,
Where now the impatient people wait his presence;
And since the father thinks him dead, with ease
We may complete our purpose.
Em.
Let us hence—
[going.
But ah! Medarses comes.
Ar.
Be not dismay'd,
I will depart: do you awhile remain,
And learn what next the treacherous prince designs:
Fear not—be constant.
Em.
I confide in thee.
[Exit Araxes.
| Siroes | |