 | Demetrius |  |
359
SCENE IX.
Barsene, Phenicius, Olinthus.Olin.
Tell me, my lord, when have you known a mind
Changeful like Cleonice's? At one instant
She loves, and hates; now asks to see Alcestes,
And now forbids his presence; while on others
She lays the blame of her still wavering purpose.
Phen.
Rash boy! and dost thou thus respect thy sovereign?
At least for once be taught to curb thy speech.
O! I despair to amend him!
[to Barsene.
Bar.
Ripening days
Will bring maturer thought: as yet Olinthus
Is but in life's first spring.
Phen.
I too, Barsene,
Have known the spring of life: these locks that now
Are thinn'd and white with time, were beauteous once;
Then, happy times! 'twas not with such contempt
Youth heard the wholesome counsels of the wise:
But now the world declines, and growing old
Degenerates from its virtue.
[Exit.
| Demetrius | |