University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Enter Thoas attended.
Tho.
[to Hyp.]
Thou dearest of my cares!
Come to thy father's breast; remote from thee
I heavier felt the weight of lengthen'd years;
But now, my daughter, thou art present with me,
My age seems lost, and youth again revives.

[embraces her.
Hyp.
O my torn heart!

[aside.
Tho.
What mean, Hypsipyle,
Those looks of sadness? Is it coldly thus
A daughter meets her father?

Hyp.
Ah! thou know'st not—
[aside.
My lord!—

Eury.
Take heed, Hypsipyle.

[aside to Hypsipyle.
Hyp.
O torture!

[aside.
Eury.
Her weakness will betray me.

[aside.
Tho.
Is my presence
Become so hateful to thee?

Hyp.
Ah! my father!
Thou little know'st my thoughts!

[Eurynome threatens Hypsipyle, to prevent her speaking.
Tho.
Speak.

Hyp.
Heavens! I cannot.

Tho.
Speak, daughter, if thy heart averse disclaim
The destin'd nuptials with Thessalia's prince,
Whom every moment we expect—

Hyp.
O sir!
From the first instant I beheld, I lov'd him.

Tho.
Perchance, accustom'd in my stead to reign,
Thou fear'st that my return must end thy power;
Thou art deceiv'd; I am no longer here
A sovereign or a king. Absolve, condemn;
Rewards and punishments are in thy hand;
I ask no further, dear Hypsipyle,
Than here to live with thee, and die beside thee.

[embraces her.
Hyp.
No more, my father!—

[weeps and kisses his hand.
Tho.
Whence these gushing tears?

Eury.
The soft effusions of too sudden joy.

Tho.

[Exit.