 | Themistocles |  |
SCENE X.
Enter Sebastes.Seb.
At length I come, O Xerxes, to request
A recompense for all my truth and toils.
Xer.
So great indeed, Sebastes, are thy merits
Thou well may'st hope for every thing from Xerxes.
What would'st thou? Speak.
Seb.
Themistocles departs
To conquer Athens: but for Egypt's bands
No chief as yet is nam'd: of these I ask
From Xerxes the command.
Xer.
Would'st thou no more?
Seb.
Sebastes only seeks to give to Xerxes
Proofs of his zeal.
144
Already have I many.
This task is worthy thee: but know'st thou well
The soil of Egypt?
Seb.
All her mountains, rivers,
Her forests, ways, defiles; I could describe
Her very rocks.
Xer.
All this will not suffice:
It much imports to know the names of those
By whom the tumults have been rais'd.
Seb.
Orontes,
And he alone.
Xer.
I deem'd that other chiefs
With him were join'd: this paper bears the names;
See if to thee they're known.
[gives the paper.
Seb.
And whence, my lord,
Receiv'd you this?—O Heaven! what do I see!
Xer.
How now! thou art disturb'd; thy colour changes—
What, art thou silent?
Seb.
[aside.]
Ah! I am betray'd.
Xer.
Ungrateful vassal! pale with dread,
Too late thy looks appear;
When first thy dark design was laid,
'Twas then a time for fear.
Too late thy looks appear;
When first thy dark design was laid,
'Twas then a time for fear.
145
But ever wise are Heaven's decrees,
Which nothing can withstand:
The traitor ne'er his danger sees
Till shipwreck is at hand.
Which nothing can withstand:
The traitor ne'er his danger sees
Till shipwreck is at hand.
[Exit.
| Themistocles | |