University of Virginia Library

SCENE VII.

A sea port finely decorated for the arrival of the princess of Phrygia. A view of several ships, from the most magnificent of which Creusa and Cherinthus, accompanied by a numerous train, disembark to the sound of various barbarous instruments.
Creusa, Cherinthus.
Creu.
What means this sadness, prince, that hangs upon you?
Why are you pensive thus? with silent gaze
You look and sigh; and if with friendly speech
I urge your converse, when you seem prepar'd
To tell me much, your faltering tongue is mute.
Where is your wonted cheerfulness, the grace
That season'd your discourse? Are you in Thrace
The same Cherinthus that I knew in Phrygia?
Or is it thus, with melancholy looks,
You Thracians to her lord conduct a bride?
Is this the omen of my future nuptials?

Cher.
If my afflictions bear a sad presage,
On me, fair princess, every evil fall:
My stars can little add to griefs like mine;
Nor breathes a wretch so hopeless as Cherinthus!

Creu.
Am I unworthy to be told your sorrows,
That thus you slight my counsel and assistance?

Cher.
Must I then speak? I will, I will obey you:
From the first moment—from that fatal day—
Alas! I dare no more—forgive my silence:
My speech I fear would but incite your anger.

Creu.
Your diffidence already has deserv'd it;
'Tis true I am a woman, and your secret
Were ill confided to a female breast:
I urge no further—lead me to the palace.

Cher.
O Heavens! yet stay:—be calm and I will speak:
'Tis thou alone hast robb'd me of my peace:
I gaze with rapture on thy matchless charms;
I know my love is vain, and know that death
Alone can fix a period to my sufferings:
Princess, behold the cause—

Creu.
What means this boldness?

Cher.
I knew too well I should offend—

Creu.
Cherinthus;
From thee at least I hop'd for more respect.

Cher.
The faults of love—

Creu.
Forbear; I'll hear no more.

[going.
Cher.
Since you've compell'd me to reveal my crime,
Vouchsafe to hear th'excuse.

Creu.
What canst thou say?

Cher.
That though I love thee, I deserve thy pity:
If there's a crime, Demophoon is the guilty.
My father should have found some other hand
To bring thee to Timanthes: shall he wonder,
Who thoughtless ventures fuel near the fire,
If flames are kindled? Thou hast charms, and I
Have eyes to view: I saw, admir'd and lov'd:
Each day beheld me near thee, while the name
Of kinsman gave a license to my tongue.
Nor did this name alone deceive the world,
I was deceiv'd myself: that love which made
Me sigh for ever for Creusa's presence,
Appear'd but duty: and a thousand times
I thought to paint the affections of a brother,
While my too eager speech betray'd my own.

Creu.
Alas! too plain I saw it all— [aside.]
Such boldness,
So unexpected, strikes me dumb with wonder.

Cher.
And yet sometimes I felt a flattering hope
That secret sympathy inspir'd our souls.
Methought I oft observ'd a tender sigh
Steal from thy breast, view'd in thy eyes a softness
That seem'd much more than friendship—

Creu.
Hold, Cherinthus:
Thou dost begin to abuse my easy nature:
But let me hear thee speak no more of love.

Cher.
What can this mean?

Creu.
Attend, and mark me well:
If from this hour thou dost not learn a converse
More suited to our state, no longer dare
Appear before me—now, thou know'st my meaning.

Cher.

[going.
Creu.
But whither go'st thou?—stay.

Cher.
Forbear—my presence
Too much offends you.

Creu.
Hear me.

Cher.
By my stay
I should insult your patience.

Creu.
Say, Cherinthus,
At whose command dost thou depart?

Cher.
Too well
I understand thee, though thou speak'st it not.

Creu.
Ah! prince! how ill thou know'st me; from that hour—
O Heavens!

Cher.
Go on—

Creu.
From that ill-fated hour—
What am I saying!—leave me if thou wilt.

Cher.
Inhuman princess! yes, I will depart;
And yet perhaps—But see, my brother comes!