University of Virginia Library

Eudicus—Archedice
EUDICUS
My daughter,
We are well met,—I cannot tell you much;
There is a grain of mischief set in earth
Likely to fruit most deadly. O my child,
I trust thee tho' a maid for secret lips—
These things are death, being said in open day—
But you have hourly speech with the young king,
And no one heeds his talk with a mere girl;
Warn him from one that loves him and knows all,
That as he loves his people and long days,
He go not hostage with these envoys home.

ARCHEDICE
My father, I could tremble and weep tears
As maidens use, but these I will lay by
Till I have done thy bidding; I were base,
Seeing our noblest dangered, to be dainty
To step in safe ways only. Is it much
To do my king such service? Is it more,
Than once my ancient playmate did for me?
When, children both, we, playing in the ling,
He tore a coiling serpent from my arm.
Shall I then tremble? My girl arm alone
Shall reach and pluck this snaky danger down,
That rears itself against our royal head.
I would that Medius had some hint of this,
He would help me and guard Orestes best.

EUDICUS
See, thou speak not with Medius on this thing:
Have with Orestes only thy prompt word.
Why we shall have a dozen helpers soon,
In this our secret: go, content thee, girl.

ARCHEDICE
Ah, you know not how Medius loves our king,
Watches his eye, guesses his every mood,
Breathes in his favour, gladdens in his smile;
Send Medius with him, shall no harm ensue,
Yet am I silent, since you deem it best,
I go to warn Orestes, and ye gods
Clothe with persuasion now my feeble lips.