 | Demetrius |  |
394
SCENE XIX.
Enter Alcestes, Mithranes and Guards.Alc.
And have I found at length
This first, this happy time when I may see thee,
Nor fear that thou wilt blush to own our passion.
Of all the blessings royalty may yield,
This is the greatest that Alcestes ever
Can find upon the throne.
Cleo.
Let us, my lord,
Exchange our fortune: you are now the king,
And I the subject; every doubt that late
Your breast divided, passes now to mine.
Demetrius, go—behold the regal seat
Your ancestors have press'd—even with that pleasure
I once would have bestow'd it on Alcestes,
I now restore it to him. May you long
Possess it happier far than I have done.
E'er since I knew it, barren has it prov'd
Of all content to me, and only now
I lose it, do I find it gives me joy.
Mith.
Exalted virtue!
Alc.
I will mount the throne,
But 'tis your hand shall guide me; and this hand
Reward my truth.
Cleo.
So grateful a command
395
[they approach the altar, and join hands.
Phen.
O! how excess of transport fills my soul!
Alc., Cleo.
Hail! powerful God! indulgent prove,
And shine propitious on our love!
Alc.
Like me a lover have you been,
And on the turfy shore,
Where fam'd Thessalia's stream is seen,
A shepherd's likeness wore.
Cleo.
My constant faith was taught by you;
Whose breast unchang'd remains;
And to your laurel ever true,
Its ancient flame retains.
Alc., Cleo.
Hail! powerful God! indulgent prove,
And shine propitious on our love!
Phen.
Heaven thunders to the left.
| Demetrius | |