University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Madauces and Melampus.
MADAUCES.
My art informs me, that the utmost efforts
Of violence are try'd. Less obvious mischief,
And thence more dang'rous, threatens. Wary conduct
Must now succeed to valour. All around
Is dress'd in soft delusion to dissolve
The firmest heart in languor. Ev'ry bird
Tunes to deceitful melody his throat;
The od'rous gales in whispers, and the rills
Diffuse in warbles heart-entrancing pleasures:
Each fragrant myrtle may conceal a fiend,
And fate sit lurking in perfidious flowers.

MELAMPUS.
Let me attempt the palace.

MADAUCES.
Something new
And strange awaits thee. I can pass no further;
My steps some hand invisible repels.
Thou know'st how far that weapon can befriend thee;
But with internal sences (may they prove
Like adamant!) against the pow'r of woman
Secure thy heart. The very form of beauty,
Much more of yielding beauty, arm'd with craft,
Subdues the mighty, and deceives the wise,
Most frail, least guarded, when oppress'd by sadness.
Should that accustom'd visitant approach thee
Just on the close of action, oh! endure,
Till my return endure thy heavy thoughts;
But shun relief from beauty's proffer'd joys,
Or thou art lost.

MELAMPUS.
Than adamant more strong,
To sence my heart thy counsels I retain.

MADAUCES.
A power to mine superior drives me hence,
And stops my frozen tongue.