Mariamne A tragedy |
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 | Mariamne |  |
SCENE IV.
SALOME, SOHEMUS, SAMEAS.Salome.
Sameas , I'm pleas'd your merits are preferr'd
To bear the royal cup; Pheroras long
Pleaded in vain for Mariamne's grace.
Sam.
If to her grace I ow'd this vital air,
I'd choak my self with generous disdain,
Rather than breathe it: from Pheroras' suit
I date my fortunes, and to him devote
Life, conscience, honour.
Soh.
Gratitude is rare!
Most, after favours are conferr'd, profess
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In points of nicest moment, have recourse
To conscience, honour, and such trivial phrase,
T' excuse defect of duty to their friend:
But such a pure, resign'd, implicit zeal,
Excites my wonder, and transcends my praise.
Sam.
Pheroras said, my lord, he'd recommend
To you my poor affairs.
Soh.
Doubt not my care;
Read here thy lot.
[Pulls out his Tablets.
Sam.
Make Sameas chamberlain—
How can I e'er discharge so vast a debt
Of gratitude!
Soh.
How! Should affairs require
Thy hand, it wou'd not shrink to cut a throat?
Sam.
I've such a strong antipathy to blood
I ne'er could sacrifice: but my revenge
Works a more secret, and a safer way.
No poisonous herbs, which various climes produce,
No venom of the mine, nor reptile 'scapes
My curious observation: I extract
Their several essences, and know their pow'rs,
And times of operation.
Soh.
To what use!—
Had I a dog to be dispatch'd—
Sam.
My art
Delights in nobler quarry.
Soh.
Is it stanch?
Sam.
Point out the game, my lord, you'll find I dare
Do more, than most dare think.
Soh.
Then swear—
Sal.
Defer
T' impart your orders 'till the King's arriv'd;
And meet before the banquet.
Sam.
What your will
Enjoins, my duty binds me to perform.
Soh.
Proud Queen! the last decisive hour draws on,
Destin'd to crown our hope, and end our care:
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With dauntless resolution, though the ghosts
Of all her race rise grinning from the tomb,
And in their cause auxiliar furies join;
Intrepid we'll persue our bold career;
Pitch the sure toils, and rouze the fated deer.
[Exeunt.
| Mariamne | |