 | The Orphan of China |  |
SCENE I.
Gengis, and Guards.Gengis.
And is it thus that happiness and peace,
The aim of all my labours fly my search?
Ah! now I feel the heavy cares of power.
To the sad business of my tortur'd heart
I cannot give an hour. O Idamè!
For thee I wish; yet round me nought behold
But surly warriors and an irksome train.
[To his train.
Go take your station near the city walls,
Lest haughty Corea's troops attempt surprize.
They have proclaim'd this Infant, Emperor;
And with his forfeit head I'll march against them.
For the last time tell Zamti to obey;
I have too long delay'd this child's destruction.
[He remains alone.
Away. Their diligence is tedious now,
When other cares take up my soul. Alas!
To awe the vanquish'd and the victors rule,
To foresee dangers, half-form'd plots to crush,
And all the cruel business of a king,
Falls heavy on my heart with foreign woes
And other cares perplext.—O happier far
My humble fortune, abject and unknown!
| The Orphan of China | |