University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Agamemnon, Melisander.
Agamemnon.
Domestick Pleasures spread their Charms in vain—
O for the Hour of Vengeance! I, till then,
But stalk about, the Shadow of a King.
Heard you from Arcas aught?

Melisander.
Be patient, Sir.
As yet the Time permits not his Return.
Arcas is zealous ardent in your Service,
And will not fail his Duty.

Enter an Officer belonging to the Court.
Officer.
Sir, Cassandra
Is just arriv'd.

Agamemnon.
Conduct the Princess hither.
This Priam's fairest Daughter, Melisander,
Is a young Princess of engaging Beauty,
Rais'd by Distress; of noble Sense and Spirit
But, by Poetic Visions led astray,
She dreamt Apollo lov'd her, and the Gift
Of Prophecy bestow'd, to gain her Promise:
The Gift once her's, the chastly-faithless Maid
Deceiv'd the God; who therefore, in Revenge,
Since he could not recall it, made it useless,
For ever doom'd to meet with Disregard.
E'er-since the lovely Visionary raves,
With Dignity; foretels the Fate of Nations;
And, judging of the Future from the Past,
Has oft been wond'rous happy in her Guesses.
Some strange some recent Instances of This,
Confirm her in her venerable Madness.

Melisander.
Be not too rash in judging, Agamemnon;
For we, blind Mortals, but a little know
Of boundless Nature—Hark! the Princess comes:
I hear her Voice, I hear the Voice of Sorrow.