 | The Siege of Sinope |  |
SCENE VI.
ATHRIDATES, ARTAXIAS, ORONTES.ARTAXIAS.
Royal sir,
Lose not a moment—on a slender thread
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(Pharnaces at their head) are in the city:
I saw them from the citadel descending,
And flew to save your sacred life.
ATHRIDATES.
Confusion!
By heaven 'tis false—the phantom of thy fear!
ARTAXIAS.
Believe your faithful servant. Artabanes
Conducts the king this way; o'er all the city
Tumultuous shouts of transport rend the air;
The maddening people arm; and even your troops,
The Cappadocians, murmur, and arraign
Your purpos'd vengeance.
ATHRIDATES.
Summon to our aid
The Roman veterans.
ARTAXIAS.
From th' exulting victors
This more I learn'd—the Roman legions, vanquish'd,
Already pass the mountains.
ATHRIDATES.
Curses blast them!
Wither their coward nerves, and give them up
To galling chains; a prey ev'n to Pharnaces!
[Clashing of swords—A shout.]
ARTAXIAS.
He comes; and now too late—
65
(behind).
Away, Tigranes,
First stop the foaming torrent in its course.
Where is this tyrant who defies the Gods?
This monarch, fam'd for violated vows?
This father, thirsting for his children's blood?
| The Siege of Sinope | |