University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Enter Ptolomy, Phillopater, Achmades.
Ptol.
Who, at the Tilt last night most honour won?

Phillo.
The noble Caliph, Micerenus Son,
Obtain'd the Ruby, he five Warriours forc't
To leave the field, and twice five more unhorst,
Himself unhurt still prancing round the place,
Manag'd his foamy Steed with ample grace,
When brave Cephrenes, hoping victory,
Charg'd him, whose fight I could not stay to see.
Enter Zichmi.
Your haste does some unlook'd for news declare.

Zich.
To arms, to arms, we are surpriz'd, I fear:
For standing on the Eastern Tow'r, whose height
Makes the Skies frown, and Earth shake with its weight,
I saw the Beacons near the shore on fire,
Which to the Skies did in small sparks aspire,
And the next object, which my eyes did grace,
Were armed Troops, that mov'd towards this place.
The City trembles at these new alarms,
And in the Streets the stubborn faction swarms;
For by a Post new come report is spread,
They'r Syrian Troops, and by the Sultan led.

Ptol.
Unlook'd for mischief, oh, my boding fears.

Achm.
Has the Qeen heard the news?

Zichm.
—There's no one dares.
Possess her with it.

Ptol.
Ha, not dares, yes I,
Were death the sequal, would th'adventure try:
Let base and sordid spirits nourish fears,
My courage shall supply my want of years.
Streight raise what pow'rs you can,
[to Zichmi
be it your care
[to Phillo.
To calm the Commons, and prepare for War.
Great Gods permit not Egypt thus to fall,
Revenge not private Crimes in general,
The blot in future Ages will remain,
And on your Godhead fix a lasting stain,
But e're our necks endure captivity,
Like Romans, our own swords shall set us free.

[Exeunt.