University of Virginia Library

SCENE XI.

Madauces and Melampus.
Cassandane, unseen by them, appears in a grove.
CASSANDANE.
Appointed, here I take
My stand unseen.

MELAMPUS.
My friend! my second father!
Whose wisdom guides me, and whose art defends;
I prov'd the wonders of thy magic dew.
Enchanted gates unclos'd; the Centaur fled;
The Hydra veil'd her sev'n-fold neck in darkness.
O vers'd in science, and supremely good!
Is there no plant affords some precious juice,
Which may dispel the sorcery of anguish,
And disenchant the bosom from despair,
That black magician in the mind?

CASSANDANE.
Oh! words
To penetrate a marble heart!

MADAUCES.
My son!
Why drops that sorrow to deform thy glory?

MELAMPUS.
When I reflect how Heav'n and nature fram'd me,
With nerves and spirit for the hardiest toils,
With qualities endu'd me to secure
Felicity and praise; then how my folly,
Such gifts perverting, to the lowest depths
Of misery hath plung'd me—I must weep—
My very deeds this day excite distraction.

MADAUCES.
Think where thou art.

MELAMPUS.
Where conquest gives me rule,
What shall control my anguish but thy friendship?

MADAUCES.
Believe me, half thy toils are yet to come.

MELAMPUS.
Then I revive.

MADAUCES.
Remember thy engagement.

MELAMPUS.
I do, and will perform.

MADAUCES.
Prepare, and follow.

MELAMPUS.
I am prepar'd. Behold my jav'lin safe;
And in fresh perils shall my soul exult,
Though, like Alcides, I descend to hell,
Or mix in combat with a giant race,
From those deriv'd who shook the tow'rs of Jove.