 | Demetrius |  |
SCENE VII.
Enter Phenicius.Phen.
Have pity, gracious queen!
Cleo.
For whom dost thou implore it?
Phen.
For Alcestes.
356
Half frantic with his grief: the harsh decree
That dooms him never to behold you more,
Is such a stroke as stabs him to the heart.
By turns he sighs, he raves, he prays, he threatens,
But 'midst his rage and grief remembers you,
And you alone; each moment he repeats
Your much lov'd name, that even obdurate rocks
Might pity his distress.
Cleo.
Unjust Phenicius,
From thee my staggering virtue hop'd to find
A kind support, but ne'er from thee expected
A motive to betray it. Why, ah! why
Dost thou return, with barbarous cruelty,
To search the wound still bleeding in my breast?
Phen.
Forgive the warmth of fond paternal love,
That prompts me thus: Alcestes is my son,
Son of my choice, son of my dearest cares,
The happy plant which I have foster'd long,
That flourish'd in the beams of princely favour,
Beneath your royal eye; the kingdom's hope;
The hope and stay of my declining age.
Bar.
O ill-tim'd zeal!
[aside.
Phen.
And must I now behold
My expectations in a moment blasted?
Ah! queen, I cannot boast such strength in age
As will enable me a single day
To outlive this fatal shock.
357
What can I do?
What would Alcestes? Say, what consolation
Does he from me require to ease his sufferings?
Phen.
To view you once again and die.
Cleo.
O Heaven!
Phen.
Fairest of queens! I see your heart is mov'd:
Have pity on Alcestes, on Phenicius;
Think on these silver hairs, these years of service;
My well-tried faith sure merits some indulgence.
Cleo.
Who longer could resist?—Go, bid him enter.
[tears the paper, and rises.
Bar.
Behold my kindling hopes again extinguish'd.
[aside.
Phen.
It is enough—let her but see Alcestes,
Alcestes will o'ercome.
[going, meets Olinthus.
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