 | Electra |  |
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ACT THE SECOND.
SCENE THE FIRST.
Scene a royal apartment with a throne.Enter CLYTEMNESTRA, attended.
CLYTEMNESTRA.
Leave me
[Ex. Attendants.
—and let me quit the hard restraint
Of counterfeit appearance—nor obstruct
Nature's impetuous impulse. Painful probes
Of searching thought, what tortures do ye cause!
My wrong'd, abandon'd, ruin'd, lifeless child!
Conscience convicts me, as the baneful source,
Of all thy suff'rings—death! Pride, indignation!
Ye daring counsellors, but dastard champions,
How fell your instigations—false your smiles!
—and let me quit the hard restraint
Of counterfeit appearance—nor obstruct
Nature's impetuous impulse. Painful probes
Of searching thought, what tortures do ye cause!
My wrong'd, abandon'd, ruin'd, lifeless child!
Conscience convicts me, as the baneful source,
Of all thy suff'rings—death! Pride, indignation!
Ye daring counsellors, but dastard champions,
How fell your instigations—false your smiles!
Weak vanity of hope, from evil deeds
To gather bliss. Still vainer the endeavour,
With doubling anguish—anguish to disguise.
What boots it wretchedness the world should think
We are what we but seem?—O Agamemnon!
Orestes! how much happier are the wrong'd
Than those who injure!—Sweet were all my hours
Whilc virtue led their course. But guilt's dominion
Perplexes, harrasses, distracts—confounds!
Fly, mortals, timely the seducer vice—
When once enthral'd, ye plunge from crime to crime,
Disabled for resistance. [Shouting.
—Hah!—Ægysthus!
The cause and scourge of all my foul offences.
To gather bliss. Still vainer the endeavour,
With doubling anguish—anguish to disguise.
What boots it wretchedness the world should think
We are what we but seem?—O Agamemnon!
Orestes! how much happier are the wrong'd
Than those who injure!—Sweet were all my hours
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Perplexes, harrasses, distracts—confounds!
Fly, mortals, timely the seducer vice—
When once enthral'd, ye plunge from crime to crime,
Disabled for resistance. [Shouting.
—Hah!—Ægysthus!
The cause and scourge of all my foul offences.
SCENE THE SECOND.
CLYTEMNESTRA, ÆGYSTHUS, and LYCON.ÆGYSTHUS.
[Shouting without.
Repeat your acclamations, till the skies
Resound with clam'rous echos! O my Lycon!
How kindles rapture from this blaze of joy!
Fan the aspiring flame—exalt my bliss—
Augment these heart-felt triumphs. Hah! my queen—
Whence that thy eyes avoid encount'ring mine?
By the strong transports struggling here for vent,
Those heaving sighs and stealing tears betray
Disloyal love for Agamemnon's race.
CLYTEMNESRTA.
'Tis my misfortune, if within this breast
Such jarring ties and warring passions meet
As to distraction agonize my soul.
The duties of a wife I own and practise—
But can't divest me of a mother's feelings.
ÆGYSTHUS.
Such feeling's frailty, folly! more—'tis guilt;
It marrs my happiness, by rude intrusion
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Learn, if thou'dst hold thy int'rest in my heart,
The foremost virtue for a wife to practice,
And make my will the leader of thy own.
CLYTEMNESTRA.
Hear him, ye Gods! to whose celestial thrones
His vows of gentleness were once addrest,
Hear him reproach me for the tender tears
His own severities and crimes provoke!
His vows of gentleness were once addrest,
Hear him reproach me for the tender tears
His own severities and crimes provoke!
Can I resist the all-subduing strokes
Of pow'rful nature, knocking at my heart?
Can I—thou hard exacter of obedience—
The hours I must remember, when thy tongue
Was taught to sooth me with the softest strains.
The sweets of Hybla honey'd o'er thy words,
While I was won from innocence and bliss
With feign'd observance and obsequious vows.
But like a transient dream dominion past,
And I awoke to suffer and to serve.
Of pow'rful nature, knocking at my heart?
Can I—thou hard exacter of obedience—
The hours I must remember, when thy tongue
Was taught to sooth me with the softest strains.
The sweets of Hybla honey'd o'er thy words,
While I was won from innocence and bliss
With feign'd observance and obsequious vows.
But like a transient dream dominion past,
And I awoke to suffer and to serve.
ÆGYSTHUS.
'Tis the ungovern'd vanity of woman,
Fond of authority and proud of rule,
Which tasks our tongues to vile dissimulation.
Your wayward humours are your worst deluders,
By which you're counsel'd, and by which deceiv'd.
Prerogative, the gift of Gods to man,
When madly you invade, and grieve to miss,
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Nor blame the husband who asserts his right.
CLYTEMNESTRA.
Enjoy such pow'r, and exercise, unenvy'd,
Your lordly, high preheminence. But why
Must rooted passions, all the tender strings
That touch and harmonize the soul be broke?
Why am I grudg'd the privilege to breathe
A mournful sigh for an unhappy son,
Who owes his wrongs, his wretchedness—his death,
To my misdoings? Ev'ry savage brute—
The pard and lioness that scour the desert
Protect and feed their offspring. On the cliff,
The parent-pelican, in want of food,
Relieves her young ones from her spouting veins!
While I, more fell than nature's commoners,
Gave up my helpless unoffending child
To ev'ry want and woe! And now am told,
That ev'n a tear descending on his grave
Is in a mother guilt!—What would'st thou, tyrant?
I cannot harden at thy will to stone.
ÆGYSTHUS.
I would have pleasure seen, and sparkling joy,
Now while the public eye is sharply pointed,
Observant of all looks. Such qualms as these
Intrude untimely, and may keep alive
The dying embers of sedition—serve
To sap allegiance ev'n in loyal hearts.
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Exert thy sex's ready art, dissembling,
To vamp thy visage with a feign'd delight.
CLYTEMNESTRA.
I long have labour'd to deceive myself,
As well as cheat the prying eyes of others:
Have steel'd my heart against a daughter's tears,
And link'd obedience with a guilty pride
To glory in the deeds my soul condemn'd.
But such endeavours all have turn'd against me,
And will, while in my bosom there's a judge
Whom no delusions can amuse or blind.
Conscience presents the mirror to my sight
That shews my crimes in such a hideous glare
As pains reflexion! But the curse redoubles
With bowing nature to the hard constraint
Of forcing smiles, and counterfeiting gladness.
ÆGYSTHUS.
Of all the phantoms that infest the mind,
There's none so fatal as a frail remorse.
The soul that's staunch repels its worst assaults,
But fools and women fight to be o'ercome.
Yet timely learn precaution, lest I'm urg'd
To think, for my security and peace,
The course of slaughter once was stopt too soon.
CLYTEMNESTRA.
If loss of life were all I had to fear,
I'd wish that fury to be rous'd again.
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When at the bar of Minos I appear,
A slaughter'd husband—an abandon'd son,
Will witness 'gainst me to my soul's undoing.
Can fraud or artifice avail me there,
Where all dissimulation must be vain?
No—while for crimes reveal'd, just sentence issues,
The shudd'ring shades will hiss, the furies yell!
And lash me with relentless stripes for ever.
ÆGYSTHUS.
Then since I'm master of the fate you fear,
As love and duty both have lost their influence,
On that foundation I'll erect my pow'r.
As love and duty both have lost their influence,
On that foundation I'll erect my pow'r.
Mark my commands; you know my doom decisive,
My will immoveable—my heart relentless.
Hence—and prepare to greet this embassy
As may become the consort of Ægustus,
Or, by the majesty of mighty kings,
My indignation shall dismiss thy soul
To that tremendous trial.
My will immoveable—my heart relentless.
Hence—and prepare to greet this embassy
As may become the consort of Ægustus,
Or, by the majesty of mighty kings,
My indignation shall dismiss thy soul
To that tremendous trial.
CLYTEMNESTRA.
Righteous Gods!
What curses spring from guilt!—But crimes like mine
Demand ev'n this, to manifest your justice.
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SCENE THE THIRD.
ÆGYSTHUS and LYCON.ÆGYSTHUS.
Now, Lycon, to fruition ripens hope,
Alike my vengeance and ambition triumph.
Alike my vengeance and ambition triumph.
'Twas thou, my friend, and I must bless thy zeal,
Who fir'd me first to all I have atchiev'd.
Why should I gall rememb'rance with the motives?
A progeny destroy'd—a parent fed
With his own murder'd offspring! O Thyestes!
Well might the radient ruler of the day,
Struck with a sight so horrid, turn his steeds,
And back again, adown the slope of heav'n,
Muffled in darkness, hurry from the sight!
I only 'scap'd of my devoted house—
So Jove decree'd, to be his instrument
Of retribution on the race of Atreus.
Who fir'd me first to all I have atchiev'd.
Why should I gall rememb'rance with the motives?
A progeny destroy'd—a parent fed
With his own murder'd offspring! O Thyestes!
Well might the radient ruler of the day,
Struck with a sight so horrid, turn his steeds,
And back again, adown the slope of heav'n,
Muffled in darkness, hurry from the sight!
I only 'scap'd of my devoted house—
So Jove decree'd, to be his instrument
Of retribution on the race of Atreus.
Was it not precious havoc? Warm with conquest—
His hopes accomplish'd, and his heart at ease—
A king and hero—round his glitt'ring crown
The laurel twining—so to send the soul
Of Agamemnon to the shades beneath,
To wander there a discontented ghost,
Was worthy hazard—'twas divine revenge!
His hopes accomplish'd, and his heart at ease—
A king and hero—round his glitt'ring crown
The laurel twining—so to send the soul
Of Agamemnon to the shades beneath,
To wander there a discontented ghost,
Was worthy hazard—'twas divine revenge!
LYCON.
Regaining thus your right, Mycenæ's crown,
And, from their own example, adding theirs,
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A doubly triumph on their desolation.
ÆGYSTHUS.
But thy good service unrewarded yet
With aught but grateful thoughts and kind regard,
Reproaches, Lycon, thy too thankless master.
Look round thee then, for all can charm thy wish—
I lay my pow'r, my pomp, my wealth before thee—
As of a father ask, whose ready hand
Would deal unceasing bounties to a son,
The darling of his bosom—Speak, my Lycon.
LYCON.
The conscious sense of having done my duty
Is full reward. Untainted by ambition,
And well-convinc'd that virtue pays herself,
I sought no higher solace.—Yet—
ÆGYSTHUS.
Say on—
Nor wrong my friendship by unkind reserve.
LYCON.
I dare not.
ÆGYSTHUS.
By the Gods! thou shalt—
'Tis my command. Whatever is thy wish,
I call the sacred host of heav'n to witness,
Ev'n to my kingdom's half, it shall be thine.
LYCON.
Let me entreat you urge this theme no farther?
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Can'st thou, the only faithful, gen'rous friend
Dominion gave a monarch—can'st thou ask
A boon that I shall hesitate to grant?
No—speak, and make we happy in bestowing.
LYCON.
That I should hope what were a prize for kings,
And own I love so much above my rank
As Agamemnon's daughter—were presumption
Too great for me to hazard—you to pardon.
ÆGYSTHUS.
Bid Æthon instant bring the princess hither.
[Lycon goes out.
By all the joys of friendship, long I've mark'd
Love's fond effects—still wond'ring to behold
Regard I judg'd too partial, ne'er suspecting
The tender motive.—Well was it for her
[Lycon returns.
She had an advocate so near my heart.
Oft when the scope of her impetuous temper
Had wing'd resentment half to desperation,
While high-soar'd vengeance was prepar'd to stoop
And tear her feeble quarry, thou hast stept
'Twixt frantic rashness and fierce-kindling rage,
With lenient guile to ward the bending blow!
Such kindness spoke strong passion; and I bless
The fair occasion fortune now affords
To crown thy wishes with my full concurrence.
Love's fond effects—still wond'ring to behold
Regard I judg'd too partial, ne'er suspecting
The tender motive.—Well was it for her
[Lycon returns.
She had an advocate so near my heart.
Oft when the scope of her impetuous temper
Had wing'd resentment half to desperation,
While high-soar'd vengeance was prepar'd to stoop
And tear her feeble quarry, thou hast stept
'Twixt frantic rashness and fierce-kindling rage,
With lenient guile to ward the bending blow!
Such kindness spoke strong passion; and I bless
The fair occasion fortune now affords
To crown thy wishes with my full concurrence.
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O my transported soul! Behold, she comes!
Her looks more mournful than the weeds she wears!
Lamenting excellence! But, from this hour,
Be all thy sorrows and misfortunes chang'd
To scenes of happiness and songs of joy.
SCENE THE FOURTH.
ÆGYSTHUS, LYCON, ÆTHON, and ELECTRA, in Mourning.ÆGYSTHUS.
Come near, Electra. Thou'rt, at length, convinc'd
The Gods are guardians of the thrones of kings.
Forever blasted thou behold'st thy hope
To wrest the sacred scepter from my grasp,
And, in a torrent of rebellious rage,
O'erwhelm my fortune, and involve my life.
But from my soul I pardon what is past:
And with the ashes of thy lifeless brother
Would bury all rememb'rance of my wrongs.
Nay more: to shew how truly I'm thy friend,
My bounteous heart rejoices to bestow
The sum of blessings thou'dst have torn from me,
Peace, safety, greatness, and the joys of love.
The Gods are guardians of the thrones of kings.
Forever blasted thou behold'st thy hope
To wrest the sacred scepter from my grasp,
And, in a torrent of rebellious rage,
O'erwhelm my fortune, and involve my life.
But from my soul I pardon what is past:
And with the ashes of thy lifeless brother
Would bury all rememb'rance of my wrongs.
Nay more: to shew how truly I'm thy friend,
My bounteous heart rejoices to bestow
The sum of blessings thou'dst have torn from me,
Peace, safety, greatness, and the joys of love.
Take with this worthy man, whom I esteem,
All that thy wish would reach. His heart is thine.
Unite affection in one ardent flame,
And on his happiness erect thy own.
All that thy wish would reach. His heart is thine.
Unite affection in one ardent flame,
And on his happiness erect thy own.
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To all the wrongs which I so long have suffer'd,
To all the sorrows that oppress me now,
Sicken my soul, and sink it to despair,
Was there this insult wanting, awful Gods!
To make the measure of my woes complete?
To all the sorrows that oppress me now,
Sicken my soul, and sink it to despair,
Was there this insult wanting, awful Gods!
To make the measure of my woes complete?
But I'll sustain ev'n this—will welcome all—
From hope the gath'ring stock may grow so vast,
That, like an o'ercharg'd building, its own weight
Will bear it down, a bulg'd and broken ruine.
From hope the gath'ring stock may grow so vast,
That, like an o'ercharg'd building, its own weight
Will bear it down, a bulg'd and broken ruine.
LYCON.
In pity to thyself—to him whose heart
Hath suffer'd long in sharpest agonies,
A wishing, trembling, watching, bleeding—
ELECTRA.
Hence—
Avaunt, presumptuous reptile. Glorious Gods!
Avenge this vile attempt at profanation.
The blood deriv'd from your celestial source,
And stream'd thro' kings and heroes down to me,
Shall ruffian hopes dishonour?—Know thou tyrant,
[To Ægysthus.
That Agamemnon's daughter, first of kings!
Asserts her high pre-eminence of birth,
To treat this outrage with the scorn it merits.
ÆGYSTHUS.
Know'st thou not, boaster, all thy pride of soul
A single breath of mine can blast for ever?—
Then be advis'd; suppress such arrogance,
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Who seem'd to carry thunder in his name,
Remember, minion, is for ever lost.
ELECTRA.
I know it well—know ev'ry hope is gone;
And loosing them, I also loose my fears.
What has thy pow'r I dare not to contemn?
Thy racks and engines? Bring 'em instant forth:
And thou shalt see, by my heroic suff'ring,
That I am worthy of my father's fame.
ÆGYSTHUS.
Exalted phrenzy!—Be the trial thine—
Nay, Lycon, I were abject to relent—
Nor must thou intercede—
LYCON.
For your renown—
An eagle wreaks no anger on a wren.
ÆGYSTHUS.
I'll crush the scorpion, whose invenom'd spite
Watches to wound and poison my repose.
By all my glories! 'tis her wish, her pride,
To thwart my inclination, mar my hopes,
And jar to discord ev'ry passion in me.
But she shall suffer—
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SCENE THE FIFTH.
ÆGYSTHUS, ELECTRA, LYCON, ÆTHON and ARCAS.ARCAS.
Sov'reign lord of Argos,
Th' ambassador from Phocis is arriv'd,
Who brings the ashes of Orestes.
ÆGYSTHUS.
Hence—
[To Electra. But on her offering to go out he stops her, by catching hold of her arm.
No, thou domestic fury—thou shalt stay—
I'll riot in thy anguish. To the queen,
Æthon, and tell her I demand her presence.
SCENE THE SIXTH.
ÆGYSTHUS, ELECTRA, LYCON and ARCAS.ARCAS.
Is it your royal pleasure to receive him?
ÆGYSTHUS.
It is. Be thine the office to conduct them.
SCENE THE SEVENTH.
ÆGYSTHUS, ELECTRA and LYCON.ÆGYSTHUS.
The smiling minute is at length arriv'd
That crowns my wishes. 'Twill enhance the joy
A breathless rival at my feet must give
To see yon demon made completely wretched.
O I enjoy thy anguish! ev'ry throb
Of that proud heart beats extacy to mine.
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SCENE THE EIGHTH.
ÆGYSTHUS, LYCON, CLYTEMNESTRA, ÆTHON, Nobles, Attendants and Guards.ÆGYSTHUS.
Now, Clytemnestra, let a wife's obedience
Add to the dignity becomes a queen.
Firm thy resolves, and let no treach'rous tear
Or rebel sigh disgrace thee. Be thyself.
Be what thou wert when first thou crown'st my love,
And rule my heart unrival'd. [dead march behind.
—Hark! they come.
[Ægysthus and Clytemnestra take their seats on the throne, while Electra and the rest range themselves on one side of the stage.
SCENE THE NINTH.
ÆGYSTHUS, CLYTEMNESTRA, ELECTRA, ÆTHON, LYCON, Nobles, Attendants and Guards.To them the Funeral Entry, made in the following order, while a dead march is performing by the whole Orchestra.
Phocian Guards.
Gentlemen Attendants.
The Banner.
The Spear.
The Spurs.
The Gauntlets.
The Sword.
The Shield.
The Corselet.
The Helmet, with a Plume.
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Gentlemen Attendants.
ARCAS.
MELISANDER.
Phocian Guards.
After Arcas has conducted in Melisander, he takes his place among the Argian Courtiers, while trumpets are sounding a flourish on that side from behind.
MELISANDER.
With royal greetings to the king of Argos,
Our phocian monarch, mighty Strophius, sends
These last remains of Agamemnon's son.
A prince whose mind and person were adorn'd
With ev'ry grace becoming his high birth.
But the great Gods, as if they deem'd our world
Unworthy such perfections, let us see
The promise only, their maturer bloom,
Alas, preventing; for in life's green morn
They wither'd by the blast of blind mischance.
Our phocian monarch, mighty Strophius, sends
These last remains of Agamemnon's son.
A prince whose mind and person were adorn'd
With ev'ry grace becoming his high birth.
But the great Gods, as if they deem'd our world
Unworthy such perfections, let us see
The promise only, their maturer bloom,
Alas, preventing; for in life's green morn
They wither'd by the blast of blind mischance.
All then a grieving king and people could,
Was piously perform'd. His body burnt
With regal splendors on a fun'ral pile,
Shrunk to those ashes, which we weeping yield
To the last mansion of his great forefathers.
Was piously perform'd. His body burnt
With regal splendors on a fun'ral pile,
Shrunk to those ashes, which we weeping yield
To the last mansion of his great forefathers.
ÆGYSTHUS.
So wish'd a present was the surest means
To gain thy master's greetings welcome here.
But with its cause let enmity be buried.
Orestes is no more: and royal Strophius,
By deeds of worth, may challenge future friendship.
To gain thy master's greetings welcome here.
But with its cause let enmity be buried.
Orestes is no more: and royal Strophius,
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Inform us next of what we wish to learn—
The means and manner of Orestes' death.
The means and manner of Orestes' death.
MELISANDER.
The monarch we obey ordain'd rewards
To such as should excel in martial skill:
Which kindled ardor in the nobly born
To list for glory in the gallant strife.
To such as should excel in martial skill:
Which kindled ardor in the nobly born
To list for glory in the gallant strife.
The prince, our darling Pylades, began
The manly exercise, and well perform'd
A soldier's part against his friend Orestes.
Before th' applauding court, alike successful,
On horses long, and long on foot they strove,
The palm still doubtful, and their pleas the same.
At length in chariots, drawn by foaming coursers
That proudly-snorting champt their burnish'd bitts,
Encount'ring lance to lance, they stoutly stood,
Urg'd their fierce steeds, or with a dext'rous rein
Turn'd them by nice command to all advantage;
'Till, as Orestes aim'd a vig'rous stroke,
The chariot-floor, unfaithful to his tread,
Plung'd him amidst his horses. Starting, they
Flounder'd and tore, and trampled him to earth.
In vain the king and each beholder rush'd,
Eager to save him—instant was his fate.
The manly exercise, and well perform'd
A soldier's part against his friend Orestes.
Before th' applauding court, alike successful,
On horses long, and long on foot they strove,
The palm still doubtful, and their pleas the same.
At length in chariots, drawn by foaming coursers
That proudly-snorting champt their burnish'd bitts,
Encount'ring lance to lance, they stoutly stood,
Urg'd their fierce steeds, or with a dext'rous rein
Turn'd them by nice command to all advantage;
'Till, as Orestes aim'd a vig'rous stroke,
The chariot-floor, unfaithful to his tread,
Plung'd him amidst his horses. Starting, they
Flounder'd and tore, and trampled him to earth.
In vain the king and each beholder rush'd,
Eager to save him—instant was his fate.
Struck with the dire mishap, th' assembly wept!
And having bath'd with tears the bleeding corse,
Bore it from off the execrated field.
And having bath'd with tears the bleeding corse,
Bore it from off the execrated field.
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Place in the royal sepulchre the urn.
And, strangers, take from me a cordial welcome
To share in all the pleasures of my court.
And, strangers, take from me a cordial welcome
To share in all the pleasures of my court.
Arcas and Æthon, to your mutual trust
I leave the care of hospitable rites.
Let due attention speak the warmth of friendship
With which I greet again the king of Phocis.
I leave the care of hospitable rites.
Let due attention speak the warmth of friendship
With which I greet again the king of Phocis.
[The trophies, being delivered by the Phocians to Argians, are carried out with the urn on one side of the stage, while the court retires on the other.
SCENE THE TENTH.
ARCAS, ÆTHON, MELISANDER, ORESTES, PYLADES, and the Phocian train.ARCAS
, after a considerable pause.
Forgive us, Phocians, if with hearts less chearful
We pay our portion of a just regard.
Thou, on whose brow the venerable marks
Of age and long experience are imprest,
Wilt pardon us, that sorrow's drops distil
For the sad fate of Agamemnon's heir.
We owe the tribute to his father's worth,
Whose sceptre made us once a happy people.
MELISANDER.
The son no less deserv'd it, had you known him.
ARCAS.
A wish'd-for blessing—but the Gods with-held it.
I had a friend was partner of his flight—
Indulge affection to enquire the lot
Of virtuous Melisander. Does he live?
Did he survive his much-lov'd master's fate?
My hoary age was nourish'd by the hope
That I once more should clasp him in these arms,
And, with him, see a prince restor'd to rule
Who would have blest my country. But the fates
Decree these dimning eyes must close forever
Without that happiness.
Indulge affection to enquire the lot
Of virtuous Melisander. Does he live?
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My hoary age was nourish'd by the hope
That I once more should clasp him in these arms,
And, with him, see a prince restor'd to rule
Who would have blest my country. But the fates
Decree these dimning eyes must close forever
Without that happiness.
MELISANDER.
Thou good old man!
Sensation's soft'ning, soul-subduing nerve,
Makes gushing tears outstrip the speed of words
To tell—thy Melisander stands before thee.
Twelve anxious years have plough'd my aged form,
I find, beyond the traces of a friend.
But seeing thee, my heart at once confest
It's fellowship, and yearn'd for this embrace.
ARCAS.
Thou Melisander?—gracious Gods!—'tis he!
O'erpow'ring transport! extacy of joy!
Which yet one sad rememb'rance sorely checks—
The cause that I behold thee.
MELISANDER.
I mistook,
Or thy companion, here, the king call'd Æthon.
ARCAS.
The same.
MELISANDER.
Report has told me of his worth:
And to my friendship do I thus receive him.
And to my friendship do I thus receive him.
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The hour you long have wish'd at length's arriv'd.
Here, noble Argians, hail your sov'reign.
Here, noble Argians, hail your sov'reign.
ARCAS
, kneeling with Æthon.
Gods!—
ÆTHON.
All-righteous pow'rs!—we weep the thanks we owe ye.
ORESTES.
Friends to a cause that's worthy of your virtue—
How do ye charm me with such kind regard!
MELISANDER.
Up, up—nor rashly risk suspicious eyes—
We walk upon the verge of ruin—think
A monarch's fortune rests on our precaution.
We walk upon the verge of ruin—think
A monarch's fortune rests on our precaution.
This stratagem maturely was contriv'd
To gain an unsuspected ent'rance here.
Nor durst we trust to messenger or letter,
And therefore unappriz'd you thus behold us.
To gain an unsuspected ent'rance here.
Nor durst we trust to messenger or letter,
And therefore unappriz'd you thus behold us.
This is the phocian prince, whose royal father
Sends fifteen thousand swordsmen to support
Our arduous enterprize. Scarce one day's march
They lag behind. We hasted to prepare
Our trusty friends for arming in our cause—
No tokens more of duty or respect—
They're dangerous. We must be close and speedy.
Sends fifteen thousand swordsmen to support
Our arduous enterprize. Scarce one day's march
They lag behind. We hasted to prepare
Our trusty friends for arming in our cause—
No tokens more of duty or respect—
They're dangerous. We must be close and speedy.
ARCAS.
With Æthon, singly, let the charge remain
To sooth your present hour; while I away,
Throughout the city, to our trusty friends
These joyful tidings to impart, and plan
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Their vows and transports at their monarch's feet.
I know that ev'ry hand and heart is ready
To risk the sacrifice of all held precious
In daring to assert their sov'reign's claim.
To the safe guardianship of heav'n I leave ye,
That heav'n whose justice makes our cause its own.
SCENE THE ELEVENTH.
ORESTES, PYLADES, MELISANDER, ÆTHON, and the Phocian train.MELISANDER.
Thus far, my prince, secure with fortune's gale
Our prosp'rous pinnace glides. Your eyes have seen
The spoilers of your father's crown and life:
Who having reap'd in fields of high renown
A glorious harvest, brought the purchase home,
And, in full prospect of enjoyment, plum'd
Indulgent hope for long successive years.
But he, who triumph'd o'er the fiercest foes,
Was in his palace, which his guards surrounded,
By treason butcher'd: by the wiles and hands
Of those whom most on earth he had oblig'd,
A wife he doated on, and trusted friend.
Nor meant they there to stop. His kingdom's hope,
Yourself, alike was destin'd, tho' a child.
But the good Gods, by timely interposing,
For righteous vengeance rescu'd you from slaughter:
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To drive the dreadful bolt. Discharge it then
With all the dignity becomes a king!
Be steady, and be just. No wanton rage
Must be indulg'd. Yet awfully serene,
Redress your subjects, sister and yourself:
Punish oppression, root out tyranny,
Tear usurpation from the throne it stains,
And doom the shedders of your father's blood.
ORESTES.
O Melisander! give my heart a little,
A little leisure, that I may subdue
The grief, astonishment and indignation,
With which 'tis heaving, heavy and opprest.
A little leisure, that I may subdue
The grief, astonishment and indignation,
With which 'tis heaving, heavy and opprest.
Yes, my great father, royal Agamemnon,
You shall have signal, shall have full revenge.
My suff'ring people too shall have redress:
And thou, Electra—there my bosom bleeds—
Ye saw, my friends, her speechless agonies!
Ye saw her piety—ye saw her love.
You shall have signal, shall have full revenge.
My suff'ring people too shall have redress:
And thou, Electra—there my bosom bleeds—
Ye saw, my friends, her speechless agonies!
Ye saw her piety—ye saw her love.
PYLADES.
To ease that anguish asks your earliest care.
Occasion must be watch'd for time and place
To steal upon her in a lonely minute,
And give her the delight to see you safe.
ORESTES.
O Pylades! the wish'd-for hour advances—
The field of glory opens full before me!
The field of glory opens full before me!
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From ease I start, from ev'ry soft'ning joy,
Whose bliss enervates, and whose pleasures cloy.
An active warmth my kindling soul inspires,
And in my bosom rage resistless fires!
Come thou, my friend, and let us jointly raise
One common glory, one immortal praise!
Our brave atchievements, and our social flame,
Together blazon on the rolls of fame.
Whose bliss enervates, and whose pleasures cloy.
An active warmth my kindling soul inspires,
And in my bosom rage resistless fires!
Come thou, my friend, and let us jointly raise
One common glory, one immortal praise!
Our brave atchievements, and our social flame,
Together blazon on the rolls of fame.
End of the SECOND ACT.
| Electra | |