University of Virginia Library

Scena Secunda.

Scene, the Palace.
Enter Smerdis, leading Phedima.
Smerd.
My Faith's confounded by my happiness:
'Tis the height makes the object seem the less.
Have you this blessing really design'd?—
Not, Madam, that I doubt you can be kind:
But he—
Whose happy doom an Oracle has giv'n,
May doubt th'intent, though not the pow'r of Heav'n.

Phed.
You urge too much what I've too plain exprest:
And force my blushes to make out the rest.

Smerd.
Pardon my doubt. 'Twas my excess of joy
That did my sence of happiness destroy.
This day, fair Excellence, prepare to be
Possessor made, both of my Throne, and Me.
All glories do to Love inferiour prove;
As glory waits on Crowns, so Crowns on Love.

[Proffers to lead her out.
Phed.
But, Sir, to Heav'n I solemnly have vow'd,
That till the gods have their consents allow'd,
I ne're would yield my Love. Whom they design,
Must take his Title from their Voice, not mine.
Permit me then to execute my Vow,
First, pay my debts to Heav'n, and then to You.

Smerd.
To th'Temple then we instantly will haste,
And there I'le hear my happy sentence past.
To their consents I will the gods conjure;
What common charms can't do, yours will procure.
And Heav'n that does all lesser Victims prize,
Can't but accept a Lovers Sacrifice.

[Exeunt.