University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

Semira, Megabyzus.
Sem.
Now hear me, Megabyzus; I begin
At length to hope indulgence from your love.
May I expect you'll grant me one request?

Mega.
What would I not to obey you?

Sem.
Yet I fear
Thou wilt oppose my wish.

Mega.
Remove that fear
By speaking your command.

Sem.
O! if thou lov'st me
Break off these nuptials.

Mega.
I?

Sem.
Yes, Megabyzus,
So may'st thou save me from my father's anger.

Mega.
I would obey you: but Semira surely
Means but to jest—

Sem.
O no! I speak my soul.

Mega.
It cannot be—you mean to give me torment,
I read your purpose.

Sem.
Dost thou then deride me?
Till now I thought thee a more generous lover.

Mega.
And I till now believ'd Semira wiser.

Sem.
Thus dost thou shew the greatness of thy mind?

Mega.
Is this the favour you would ask a lover?

Sem.
I have open'd thee a field, where thou with praise,
Without offending me, may'st prove thy virtue.

Mega.
My virtue would I prove, but not in this.

Sem.
Then must I hope in vain?

Mega.
Thy hope is vain.

Sem.
These tears I shed—

Mega.
Avail not.

Sem.
These entreaties—

Mega.
Are scatter'd to the wind.

Sem.
Hear then, inhuman!
I will obey my father; but expect not
That ever I can love thee: I shall still
Detest the fatal tie that binds me to thee.
I swear thou shalt be hateful to my eyes:
Thou may'st possess my hand, but ne'er my heart.

Mega.

[Exit.