 | Demophoon |  |
151
SCENE XI.
An apartment in the Palace, magnificently decorated for the nuptials of Creusa.Timanthes, Cherinthus.
Timan.
And whither, cruel, would'st thou lead me now?
These splendid shows of pomp and joy augment
The pangs of one abandon'd to despair.
Cher.
Methinks no longer I discern my brother:
What means this weakness so unworthy of thee?
If thou hast err'd, thou knew'st it not: 'tis true
Thou art unhappy, but not criminal.
All, all misfortunes may be lightly borne,
When the soul feels not guilt.
Timan.
By deeds alone
The world directs its censure; and when deeds
Condemn us, reason tries in vain to absolve.
But I'm too guilty; or if ignorance
Extenuates my offence, I'm criminal
In daring still to live; and yet I never
Can banish Dirce hence; I feel I love her,
I know I ought not: but, alas! so soon
How can I hope to break the tender ties,
Cast off the lover, husband and the father?
Dissolve an union, dearer by misfortune;
Forget our faith, obliterate the remembrance
152
Leave me, in pity leave me; let me die,
Ere yet a greater guilt—
| Demophoon | |