University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Alarm.
Both Army's ingag'd, (Egyptians and Syrians) after a skirmish the Assyrians beat the Egyptians over the Stage.
Enter Zelmura, her Sword drawn.
Zelm.
Shame and confusion sieze 'em how they run,
Their slow feet now, outstrips the Postern Sun,
Oh Coward nature, that with fear controuls,
Over the better half of humane souls,
Your Sex be ever branded for this deed,
A Sex that only can in vice exceed,
Were I a man and consequently blest,
With that excelling vigor they possess,
My Arm with Trophies should this realm have stor'd,
Of Monarchs that paid tribute to my Sword,
But henceforth let the title only frame
A lasting blot to mens eternal shame,
For if a womans Courage can convince,
'Tis fit the Sex should bear preheminence,
With smiles I'le meet with death but first set free,
My Captiv'd soul from Griping Jealousie,
My Sisters death my fears shall soon remove,
I cannot dye and leave her here to Love.
And the brave Prince I know will soon consent,
But what I fear I will with haste prevent.
[Exit.