University of Virginia Library

SCENE XIV.

Enter Phenicius.
Cleo.
Phenicius, speak,
Has yet the council settled?

Phen.
All is done.

Cleo.
The rest I understand without thy telling:
My reign is finish'd.

Phen.
Better judge, my queen,
Of Syria and yourself: your faithful vassals
Have more respect and love. The power is yours
To raise the man you please, to share the throne:
Whate'er may prove your choice, of high degree,
Or race obscure, all swear to yield obedience.

Cleo.
And can it be? What! in a few short moments,
So chang'd from what they were?

Phen.
Alas! you know not
How dear your subjects prize you: all appear'd
On this important day. With transport some
Extoll'd your form, where goodness seem'd to dwell:
Your wisdom some, and some your virtues prais'd:
Some offer'd all their blood in your defence;
And, 'midst their mingled raptures of applause,
O queen! how many eager tongues at once
Pronounc'd the pleasing name of Cleonice.

Bar.
O my disastrous love!

[aside.
Cleo.
Go—to the council
Declare this message—tell them that my heart
Is not insensible to such high proofs
Of duteous zeal; that still my care shall be
The kingdom never may repent the trust
Plac'd in their queen; that Cleonice ever
With gratitude shall own it.

Phen.
[aside.]
In Alcestes
The rightful heir will now ascend the throne.

[Exit.