 | Demetrius |  |
SCENE X.
Phenicius, Olinthus, Alcestes.Phen.
And must thy passions ever make me blush,
Nor wilt thou from the converse of the wise,
Or their example, learn to rule thy conduct?
Olin.
My father, wherefore are you thus unkind
To me your son? The power is yours to raise
337
Phen.
Yes, Syria then would doubtless have a king
With every virtue; turbulent and rash,
Unjust and violent—
Olin.
Your lov'd Alcestes
Would then be humble, generous, mild and prudent!
Ah! who will teach me now the art to gain
A father's dear affection?
Phen.
Would'st thou gain
On my affection, imitate Alcestes.
On my affection, imitate Alcestes.
The careful peasant when he spies
A tender tree that kindly grows;
His pains full gladly there applies,
And all his culture there bestows.
A tender tree that kindly grows;
His pains full gladly there applies,
And all his culture there bestows.
But with regret he turns aside,
Whene'er his nursling he perceives
His former cares and toil deride,
With fruitless boughs and barren leaves.
Whene'er his nursling he perceives
His former cares and toil deride,
With fruitless boughs and barren leaves.
[Exit.
| Demetrius | |