 | Mariamne |  |
SCENE III.
Enter Sohemus and Salome.Sohemus.
Thus far with fate to friend, and greatly fir'd
With bright ambition, we've pursu'd the path
To glory; and with swift and easy steps,
Approach the summit of imperial pow'r.
Sal.
But shou'd the King's enfeebled soul relent,
And pardon Mariamne?
Soh.
She'll disdain
To re-ascend the throne, or owe her life
To low submission: for the stubborn sense
Of genuine virtue in a royal mind,
Ne'er softens with affliction; but becomes
The more obdurate, when it once hath griev'd;
As metals after melting harder grow.
| Mariamne | |