University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Mentor comes forward.
Mentor, Telemachus.
Ment.
Where is the Son of that Immortal Hero,
Wise, Valiant, great in Arms, that vanquish'd Troy?
Where is Telemachus, the Heir
Of all his Father's Virtue?

Tel.
Alas! my conscious Eyes betray me.

[Aside.
Ment.
If thou art he—Ah no!—Telemachus
Wou'd not thus coldly meet his Friend,
Who brings him news of Joy.

Tel.
My secret Woes—

Ment.
What secret Woe is that
Which Mentor may not share? I come to tell thee
The Gods have heard thy Pray'rs.

Tel.
Aside]
O too enchanting Beauty!

Ment.

Tel.
Aside.]
O cruel Heav'n!—by this Relief
I'm deeper plung'd in Woe.

To Mentor.]
But, since Ulysses is no more,
Why must we leave this Place?
Why court new Danger?

Ment.
Hast thou forgot thy Native Land,
The best of Mothers there,
And fair Antiope, that Royal Maid
That secret sighs for thee?
All these demand thee.

Tel.
After so many tedious Years
Who now expects Telemachus?
Perhaps e'er this some neighbouring Prince
Too potent to be long deny'd,
Usurps my Father's Bed and Throne.
How cou'd I bear that sight? yet how revenge
Where certain Death wou'd meet me?

Ment.
Vain Fears!—Imagin'd Danger!
Confess, inglorious Youth, the real Cause—

Tel.
Is Immortality then offer'd here
A Cause Inglorious?

Ment.
[Going he turns back several times.
[Exit Mentor.