 | Demetrius |  |
SCENE XVIII.
Barsene, Alcestes.Alc.
Ye powers! what can this mean? Her words
Confus'd, her frequent sighs, her looks of sorrow,
All make me tremble—tell me then, Barsene,
Say whence this new, this cruel change proceeds?
From the dark workings of some secret foe?
Or is it but her own inconstancy,
The stars' injustice, or Alcestes' guilt?
345
Even from my soul I pity your distraction:
Perchance some other beauty may be found
To make Alcestes happier.
Alc.
First my life
Shall reach its latest period—still I'll love her,
Though 'tis decreed I must no more have peace.
'Tis better far to suffer every torment
For Cleonice's sake, than to receive
From other lips affection's tenderest vows.
Shall reach its latest period—still I'll love her,
Though 'tis decreed I must no more have peace.
'Tis better far to suffer every torment
For Cleonice's sake, than to receive
From other lips affection's tenderest vows.
Her charms, that kindled first my flame,
The fuel still supply:
Through life my passion burns the same,
With me alone shall die.
The fuel still supply:
Through life my passion burns the same,
With me alone shall die.
Should Love the fairest maid incline
To hear and soothe my pain:
In vain to me her beauties shine,
Her pity sooths in vain.
To hear and soothe my pain:
In vain to me her beauties shine,
Her pity sooths in vain.
[Exit.
| Demetrius | |