 | Sappho |  |
327
SCENE II.
AGENOR, DORIS.Dor.
In pity hear me!
Ag.
No, my soul's resolved;
I will not yield to this proud Lesbian youth
Thy beauty, or my wealth.
Dor.
Nor do I hope it.
Ag.
Why then admit vain Phaon to thy bower?
Dor.
In duty to the goddess of this fane,
I must admire the form she made so fair;
On whom she lavish'd more enchanting grace
Than deck'd her own Adonis.
Ag.
And for this,
Ev'n for the gloss and varnish of complexion,
Is virtuous Lycidas, with coy disdain,
Banish'd thy presence.
Dor.
To the shepherd's merit
I give my heart's esteem.
Ag.
'Tis a cold tribute:
The youth deserves thy love, and once possest it.
But mark my words; I led thee here to mark them.
Lo! at this fane I swear, not to survive
The day thou wed'st with Phaon.
Dor.
Dearest Sire!
Recall the word.
328
Daughter, the vow is made;
Jove, when he swears by sable Styx, not binds
His oath more firmly.
Dor.
Hear me but a moment—
Ag.
Away—discard all duty—marry Phaon—
Yet, in the hour of transport, Doris, know
A father's death shall turn thy bliss to woe.
Yet, in the hour of transport, Doris, know
A father's death shall turn thy bliss to woe.
The Furies from their Hell shall start,
And thunder to thy trembling heart,
That then thy father died;
Shall dash with guilt and shame the hour,
When Phaon to the nuptial bower
Leads thee, a willing bride.
And thunder to thy trembling heart,
That then thy father died;
Shall dash with guilt and shame the hour,
When Phaon to the nuptial bower
Leads thee, a willing bride.
[Exit Agenor.
| Sappho | |