University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Enter Dorisbe veil'd, Omondo still sleeping.
Dor.
Cruel Stars, who all conspire
To blast my Love with hopeless Fire,
Set my Ormondo free,
Or let me share his Destiny:
Two Lives in one
The Fates have spun;
I last but 'till his Race be done, &c.

Arsin.
She talks of Love;
I've found a Rival here.

Dor.
Two Lives in one
The Fates have spun
I last but 'till his Race be done.

Orm.
What Voice disturbs my Rest?
[He wakes.
I dreamt Arsinoe revok'd my Doom,
And, smiling, plac'd me on a Throne.
Then how I grasp'd her Neck,
And held her panting in my Arms;
I dreamt it only,
She is still unmov'd.

Dorisbe unveils.
Dor.
If not Arsinoe, Dorisbe's here,
To free, or suffer with Love's Prisoner.

Orm.
Perhaps you are the Messenger of Fate;
I am prepar'd.

Dor.
No, no, my Love,
I bring thee Life and Liberty.

Orm.
But if my Life with Treason I must buy,
Leave me, Dorisbe,
I would rather die.

Dor.
By all that's dear,
By all our Loves,
Ormondo, I beseech you hear.

Orm.
Leave, O leave your black Revenge;
Against the Queen no more Conspire:
When in the Garden you design'd her Death
I brought her safely off;
And when you held the Dagger at her Breast,
Did not I ward the Blow,
And wrest it from your Hand?
And now, and now, for my Fidelity,
To save your Life I sacrifice my own.

Arsin.
Ye Gods, what more can I desire?
My Dear Ormondo's innocent?

[Apart to her self.
Orm.
False Dorisbe, once admir'd,
Urge me no more,
I'll save thy Life, and die.

Arsinoe discovers her self.
Arsin.
No, no, you shall not die.

Dor.
Heav'ns, I'm undone!

[Starting in a Fright
Arsin.
Guards!
Who's there?