University of Virginia Library

SCENE X.

Enter Ormondo kneeling with a Wreath of Lawrel in his Hand, as from the Battle. The Scarfe upon his Arm.
Orm.
Behold O Royal Fair
The Conquest you have gain'd;
Trophies, which below you are,
Beneath your Feet are laid.

(Presents the Lawrel kneeling.)
Arsin.
Ye Gods behold the Scarfe!
(Aside.)
Ormondo you have Conquer'd.
Conquer'd me.

(Aside.)
Orm.
She sees the Scarfe
(Speaks aside kneeling.)
And changes pale.
I burn, I burn,
Am bound in Chains,
And would not now be free.

(Aside all.)
Arsin.
Rise brave Ormondo,
Who like you
In Peace and War
Triumphing are
May all Subdue.

(She rises.)
Orm.
Great Queen your Mighty Foe
The Persian King
Is overthrown
Dispose of Kingdoms and a Crown
Which to you Obedience own.

Arsin.
Ormondo I applaud
What you have done.
But are you hurt?
I see you bound.

Orm.
Ye Gods!
(Sighing.)
I'm hurt, and bound by you

(Aside.)
Arsin.
You Sigh.

Orm.
If Sighing would do!

Arsin.
Oh! then you Love?

Orm.
Where Love is due.

Arsin.
Are you requited?

Orm.
If not slighted.

Arsin.
You hope?

Orm.
I Fear:

Arsin.
Ormondo dare
Be bold and dare,
Altho' a Queen—
Ye Gods what have I said?

(Aside.)
Orm.
Altho' a Queen!
I comprehend.
She hides Disdain
In pitty of my Pain.

Arsin.
You may implore
Whom you admire,

Orm.
I'll dye, I'll dye,
And say no more.

Arsin.
Altho' a Queen your Love inspire
To Queens Ormondo may aspire.

Orm.
I'll dye, I'll dye,
And say no more.

Arsin.
He does not understand
(Aside.)
Speak timorous Soul,
Thy Pardon's sign'd;
Here's Love and Majesty Combin'd.
Whom do you Love?

Orm.
She bids me tell
I can no longer hold,
I'll speak, and Dye—
It is—Arsinoe—

Arsin.
No more,
I faint.

(Aside.)
Orm.
Your Pitty I implore

Arsin.
Audacious Wretch!

Orm.
O, forgive me!

Arsin.
Proud Slave! no more.
Take this, and part
(Gives her Picture.)
But that I know—
—You Understand—
I'd have thy Heart.

Orm.
I've said too much,
And take my Doom
In this sweet Martyrdom.

(Goes off.)