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192
SCENE VII.
Rhodope, Learchus, Bacchanals, Amazons.Rho.
My friends, unwelcome here to Nemesis
Would prove the victim: be the sacrifice
Public and solemn: haste and raise an altar
Amid the full assembly of the people.
Convene together all the conquering band:
Meantime myself will in this place remain
To guard the prisoner.
[the Bacchanals and Amazons go out.
Lear.
Never did I think
Such tyranny could harbour in thy breast.
Rho.
Ungrateful man! learn better how to judge
The soul of Rhodope; I feign'd resentment
To avert from thee th' effects of female rage.
Lear.
Should this be true, my heart is thine—
Rho.
O! no—
Think not I mean to bargain for thy love.
Lear.
Perhaps thou doubt'st me still—By all the Gods—
Rho.
Learchus, hold—I would not have thee purchase
My gift with perjury: from Rhodope
Receive at once thy liberty and life.
[unbinds him.
Lear.
Yet what return can gratitude afford thee?
Rho.
I'm now rewarded, but thou know'st it not.
193
Thou canst not judge the generous mind,
What sweets from mercy flow;
My wrongs might here their vengeance find,
But pardon I bestow.
What sweets from mercy flow;
My wrongs might here their vengeance find,
But pardon I bestow.
With secret joy the offended views
The offender's blushes rise;
Whose fearful conscience guilt subdues,
While shame his speech denies.
The offender's blushes rise;
Whose fearful conscience guilt subdues,
While shame his speech denies.
[Exit.
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