 | Hypsipyle |  |
SCENE I.
The entrance of the temple of Bacchus, adorned with festoons of vine leaves, hanging from the arches, and wreathed round the columns. Various images of Satyrs and Silenus.Hypsipyle and Rhodope, crowned with vine leaves, each with a thyrsis in her hand. A troop of Bacchanals at a distance.
Hyp.
Haste, Rhodope, in pity to my grief,
Fly, save my father: let him not approach
These fatal shores, tell him what danger waits
In this detested palace; open all
The dire conspiracy of female malice.
Rho.
And yet this instant has thy tongue pronounc'd
The dreadful oath to take thy father's life!
Myself beheld thee at the horrid altar
With countenance unmov'd—
Hyp.
All, all was feign'd
To blind Eurynome; thou saw'st how fierce
She breathed her impious rage from breast to breast;
162
When every one besides confess'd her fury,
Had I remain'd suspected, I had lost
The means to assist my father. Filial duty
Taught me to wear the mask of fell revenge:
But while my lips breath'd out the murderous vow,
My heart invok'd the Gods for his protection;
And even my seeming boldness sprung from fear.
Rho.
Yet think not me—
Hyp.
If thou delay'st, we are ruin'd—
O fly, my friend! lose not a moment's time;
Already are his vessels near the port—
O Heaven! whom do I see? Eurynome!
Rho.
What threatening vengeance sparkles in her eyes!
Hyp.
Whisper some counsel to me, gracious powers!
| Hypsipyle | |