University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

Periander
alone.
Have I then liv'd to this? to this confusion?
My foe, the man on earth my soul most loaths,
Rejoices over me: and she—even she
Hath join'd his triumph!—Off, away, be gone
Love, manhood, reason—Come, ye sister-Furies!
Daughters of hate and hell! arise, inflame
My murderous purpose; pour into my veins
Your gall, your scorpion-fellness, your keen horrors
That sting to madness; till my burning vengeance

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Hath her full draught of blood—
[Walking with a disturb'd motion.
But how! where am I?
O this poor brain! ten thousand shapes of fury
Are whirling there, and reason is no more.
Him! him! a caitif black with every vice!
Debase herself to him!—the thought is hell!
Well, well—and I, how have I doated on her
Whole years of fondness! cherish'd, pleas'd, adorn'd her
With all that love can give—Yet she has done this!
Confusion on my folly—Ha! she comes.
Down, down tempestuous soul: let me be dumb,
And hide this shameful conflict that unmans me.