University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Polydore, Periander, Leonidas.
Periander.
I said I would be private.

Polydore.
O my father,
Here let me kneel for ever, weep these eyes
To blindness, and ne'er know a thought of comfort.

Periander.
What would my Polydore?

Polydore.
Alas! what means
This common face of woe that meets my sight
Where'er I turn? Even now while happy Corinth
Blazes with triumph; while the neighbouring shores
Resound to heaven her voice of general joy,
The palace is in tears. Her silent courts
Are dark with mourning, as if Death and Ruine,
Not Victory, had fix'd their mansion here.

Periander.
There is a cause, my son, a dreadful one.
But leave me to myself.

Polydore.
Am I then grown
A horror to your eyes? What is my crime,
That thus with alienated look you turn
As from some baleful object? Yet, my father,
Oft have you sworn that in this face you saw,
And lov'd your darling Queen.

Periander.
Away, thy looks,
Thy words distract me.

Polydore.
Whither shall I fly?
Where hide this hated head? My mother too,
As now I left her, pressing full her eyes
With fix'd and earnest mournfulness on mine,
Stream'd into tears: then clasp'd me to her bosom
With such sad passion, such transported tremblings,
As parting lovers that must meet no more.
I beg'd to know the cause. Again she press'd me
With fonder eagerness, and sighing cry'd,
Say to the King, my heart has never err'd.

Periander.
By heaven, my soul melts at the piteous tale.
O Polydore—