University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Vardanes and Lysias.
Lysias.
Let us observe with care, something we, yet,
May gather, to give to us the vantage;
No matter what 's the intent.

Vardanes.
How easy 'tis
To cheat this busy, tattling, censuring world!
For fame still names our actions, good or bad,
As introduc'd by chance, which ofttimes throws
Wrong lights on objects; vice she dresses up
In the bright form, and goodliness, of virtue,
While virtue languishes, and pines neglected,
Rob'd of her lustre—But, let's forward Lysias—
Thou know'st each torn in this thy dreary rule,
Then lead me to some secret stand, from whence,
Unnotic'd, all their actions we may view.

Lysias.
Here, take your stand behind—See, Bethas comes.

[They retire.]