University of Virginia Library

SONGS FROM ARTAXERXES.

[From Act II. Scene II.]

ARBACES.
By Heav'n's displeasure the wretch thus is thrown,
With tempests harsh sounding on seas yet unknown:
In vain thus surrounded he struggles with death,
When toss'd by huge billows, and panting for breath;
Even hope too forsakes him, no pity he craves;
He's left without mercy the sport of the waves.

[From Act II. Scene VI.]

MANDANE.
What doubts oppress my wounded heart!
My soul at every breath doth start!
Fain would my gloomy thoughts retire,
Nor fill my stormy breast with ire:
Yet cares torment my tortur'd mind,
Leaving their rugged tracts behind;
And still my soul they hold in pain,
Their cruel empire to maintain.

[From Act III. Scene VII.]

ARBACES.
O where shall I wander my lover to find,
And with sweet discourses indulge my fond mind?
Once more I must view her before I depart,
And with mild embraces enliven my heart.
Perchance she's approaching that smooth gliding stream,
Where I first espy'd, and discover'd my flame:
Farewell then my sorrows, I'll leave you a while,
And steal from my true love one ravishing smile.