 | Zenobia |  |
64
ACT the FIFTH.
Pharasmanes.Not yet return'd!—I'm tortur'd on the rack—
By heav'n to-morrow's dawn—distracting thought!
E're that the Roman ravager enjoys
Her heav'n of bliss, and riots in delight.
My soul's on fire—this night I'll storm his camp
And dash his promis'd joys;—let loose my rage,
[A flourish of trumpets:
And bury all in ruin—ha!—what means
This new alarm?—
Enter Teribazus, Soldiers, &c.
Teribazus.
The treach'rous slave is taken!—
My speed outstripp'd him, and this arm that seiz'd
Hath well secur'd the traitor—
Pharasmanes.
Great revenge,
The measure of thy joys is full!—
Teribazus.
At first
They made a feeble stand;—but hemm'd around
And close incircled by the sons of Asia
They saw death threat'ning at each javelin's point.
I rush'd upon Flamminius—much he courted
A secret parley, but my soul disdain'd
All further conf'rence—he and his complotter
The base Megistus, with the fair deserter
Remeasure back their steps, and clank their chains
In bitterness of heart.—
Pharasmanes.
A father's thanks,
Shall well requite thee—lo! the traitors come—
65
Pharasmanes.
Thou base perfidious!—thou Italian plunderer!
Rhadamistus.
I do not mean to wage a war of words.—
Repent thee of this insult, of these chains
On him, who represents a people here.
Pharasmanes.
Anon thou'lt see how I respect that people.
My just revenge shall tell thee;—on thy head,
And thine, Megistus, sudden vengeance falls.
Megistus.
Alas! worn out with age and misery
I long to lay me in the shroud of death.
Pharasmanes.
I grant thy wish—what words, fair fugitive,
Can colour thy deceit?—
Zenobia.
The heart resolv'd
Wants no excuse, no colouring of words—
I found my husband,—flew to his embrace;—
This,—this is he!—the lord of my desires—
With him content I'll traverse o'er the world.—
Pharasmanes.
Do'st thou avow it too?—
Zenobia.
Do I avow it?—
Yes, I exult, I glory in it—Think'st thou
I'll prove so meanly false to honour's cause
As to apologize for being faithful?—
Teribazus.
I see Flamminius has already school'd her
In Roman maxims—
66
Miserable prince!
I will not answer thee—too soon thy heart
For this last feat will bitterly reproach thee!—
Teribazus.
Away with thy delusive arts—if ever
I form alliance with haughty people,
Those ravagers of earth,—if e'er again
I hold communion with thee,—may the gods—
May Pharasmanes,—but it cannot be—
My heart high beating in my country's cause,
Vows an eternal enmity with Rome.
[Exit.
Rhadamistus.
Thee, Pharasmanes, thee my voice addresses—
Thou know'st my title to her—Hymen's rites
Long since united both—Then loose these chains;—
'Tis in the name of Rome I ask it—
Pharasmanes.
Slave!—
Thy title, by the rights of war, is now extinguish'd.—
Captivity dissolves her former ties,
And now the laws of arms have made her mine.
Zenobia.
And are there laws to change the human heart?
To alter the affections of the soul?
Know that my heart is rul'd by other laws,
The laws of truth, of honour, and of love.
This is my husband! source of all my comfort!
With him I'll live—with him will dare to die!—
Pharasmanes.
By heav'n some mystery—thou treach'rous fair!
Mark well my words—unfold thy birth and rank—
My mind uncertain wanders in conjecture—
Who and what ar't thou?—Vain is ev'ry guess—
Resolve my doubts, or else the Roman's doom
Shall be determin'd streight—
67
And my resolve,
Tyrant, is fix'd to share my husband's fate.
That I unfold—that sentiment reveal—
To heav'n and earth reveal it—for the rest
Guess if you can,—determine if you dare.
Pharasmanes.
Quick, drag Flamminius hence—
Rhadamistus.
Slaves, hold your hands—
My character protects me here—
Pharasmanes.
Dispatch,
Instant dispatch, and seize Megistus too—
[Megistus is led off.
Zenobia.
Horror!—call back the word—it shall not be—
Here will I hold him—barb'rous ruffians hold—
Murder!—my life! my lord! my husband! oh!—
[Rhadamistus is dragg'd off.
Pharasmanes.
Give him the torture; let your keenest pangs
Extort each secret from him—
Zenobia.
Pharasmanes!
Thus lowly humbled, prostrate in the dust,
Washing your feet with tears—have mercy!—this
Will be the blackest, worst of all your murders—
Pharasmanes.
There's but one way to mitigate his doom—
Zenobia.
Give me to know it—spare him—spare his life—
68
Abjure the slave, and by connubial vows
This instant make thee partner of my throne.
Zenobia.
My faith, my love, my very life is his—
My child is his—oh! think thou see'st my infant
Lifting his little hands—
Pharasmanes.
I'll hear no more—
Or yield this moment, or the traitor dies.
[Exit Pharasmanes.
Zenobia,
alone.
Inhuman Tyrant!—madness seize my brain—
Swallow me earth—here shall these desp'rate hands
Strike on thy flinty bosom,—here my voice
Pierce to thy center,—till with pity touch'd
Your caverns open wide to hide a wretch
From hated men,—from misery like this.—
Enter Teribazus.
Afflicted mourner, raise thee from the earth.
Zenobia.
What voice is that—I know thee well—thou ar't
That fiend accurst, the murd'rous Teribazus!—
Yes thou art welcome! (rising)
thou delight'st in blood—
I am your willing victim—plunge your sword
Deep in my heart—I'll thank thee for the stroke,
Since thou hast murder'd all my soul held dear.
Teribazus.
Assuage this storm of grief, nor blame a lover
That dotes like me—could I behold that form
Snatch'd from my arms?—
Zenobia.
You know not what you've done—
Your blameless brother—
69
How!
Zenobia.
You've murder'd him—
Your brother Rhadamistus—
Teribazus.
Rhadamistus!—
Zenobia.
By thee he dies—that is your splendid deed—
Teribazus.
What say'st thou?—he my brother—urge me not
To instant madness—is he—tell me—say—
Ar't thou Zenobia?—
Zenobia.
Yes, that fatal wretch!—
Teribazus.
If this be so—what had I done, ye pow'rs!
To merit this extremity of woe—
—Why did'st thou hide the awful secret from me?—
Zenobia.
Could I betray him—could I trust your father,
Whose fell ambition, whose relentless rage,
Has fix'd a price on our devoted heads?
Teribazus.
Then shall this hated being—no!—I'll live
To save a brother still—he shall not die—
Oh! let me seek him,—throw me at his feet,
Implore forgiveness, and protract his days.
[Exit Teribazus.
Zenobia,
It is in vain—he's lost—we both must perish—
And then my child—who then shall guard his youth?
70
Will break his heart, and unregarded die.—
Enter Zopiron.
Zopiron.
All's lost! all ruin'd!—to the cave of death
Ev'n now the guards lead Rhadamistus forth.
Zenobia.
Thou see'st the sad reverse!—immortal spirits,—
Ye winged virtues,—that with pitying eye
Watch the afflicted,—will ye not inspire
In this sad hour,—one great, one glorious thought,
Above the vulgar flight of common souls,
To save at once my husband and my child?—
—The inspiration comes!—the bright idea
Expands my heart, and charms my glowing soul.
Zopiron.
My gracious queen, let not a blind despair—
Zenobia.
Talk not, Zopiron, when the god inspires!
The god! the god!—my heart receives him all—
—My lord, my Rhadamistus still shall live.
[Exit.
Zopiron.
Yet, I conjure thee, hear thy faithful slave.—
[Follows her out.
Enter Rhadamistus, and Guards.
Rhadamistus.
Say, whither do you lead me?—does your tyrant
Repent his horrid outrage?
Enter Teribazus.
Guards withdraw
To a remoter ground—
[Exeunt Soldiers.
71
Rhadamistus.
Mistaken prince!
My heart bleeds for thee—
Teribazus.
Oh! too well I know
The depth of guilt in which the fates have plung'd me.
—I cannot look upon thee—
Rhadamistus.
Oh! my brother,
Thus let me, ev'n in ruin, thus embrace thee.—
Teribazus.
Do'st thou forgive me?—could I e'er have thought
To see thee here? my rashness has undone thee!—
Rhadamistus.
No, thou art innocent—the guilt is mine,
The guilt of mean, ungenerous policy
Of selfish wisdom, disingenuous art
That from a friend kept back the fatal secret,
When with the ardor of unbounded confidence,
I should have rush'd with transport to thy arms,
Unbosom'd all, and wrapt thee in my heart.
Teribazus.
Alas! I've heap'd these horrors on your head—
I've seal'd thy doom—that is a brother's gift—
The first essay of Teribazus' friendship!—
But I am doom'd to be a wretch abhorr'd,
Of men and gods abhorr'd!—doom'd like my father
To drench these murd'rous hands in brother's blood!—
Rhadamistus.
Imbitter not the pangs that rive my soul—
Where is Zenobia?—unrelenting pow'rs!
Was it for this your persecuting wrath
Gave me to meet her, gave that angel-sweetness
To these delighted eyes, these eager arms?
72
I'll give you freedom still—by heav'n I will—
Rhadamistus.
Was she but giv'n me to afflict her more?
To wake in that dear breast a gleam of joy,
A mockery of joy,—joy scarce, ye pow'rs!
Divided by the moment of delight
From black despair, from agony and death?
Teribazus.
I will protect her,—will restore her to thee,
Or do a deed shall strike mankind with horror!
Not ev'n a father shall retard my sword—
In his own blood I'll drench it—
Rhadamistus.
Ha!—
Teribazus.
This hand,
E're thou shalt fall a victim to his fury,
Shall to the heart,—th' inhuman heart of him—
Who dares—
Rhadamistus.
No more of that—can I consent,
That a brave gen'rous youth, a much lov'd brother,
For ev'ry virtue fam'd,—shall thus debase
By an atrocious deed his fair renown,
And perpetrate a dark insidious work?
—Oh! I should well deserve the worst of ills—
—I then should justify a father's cruelty!—
Teribazus.
He has undone thee—has undone us all—
But yet thou shalt not die—by heav'n I swear—
Yes, take me, horror! pour into my heart
Thy blackest purpose—nerve my lifted arm
To dash him headlong from his glitt'ring throne
A terrible example to the world.
73
Beware, beware, my brother—yet reflect—
You would strike vice with terror—tell me then,
Would not the act of rash impetuous zeal,
Would not th' example arm the ruffian's hand?
Thy virtue thus inflames thy gen'rous ardor—
But oh! my brother, let it not be said
That virtue ever held the murd'rer's knife!
Teribazus.
Gods! have I ruin'd such unheard of goodness?—
Swift I'll dispatch a message to Paulinus,
And call his legions to assault the camp—
Enter Tigranes, and Guards.
Tigranes.
Guards, seize your pris'ner—in a dungeon's gloom
Plunge him sequester'd from the light of heav'n.
'Tis Pharasmanes' will—
Teribazus.
Thou medling fiend!
I will attend his steps; will still protect him
From men like thee—
Rhadamistus.
Should Pharasmanes dare
To violate the rights of public law,
Rome is at hand, and will have ample vengeance.
[Exit with Teribazus.
Tigranes.
My thirst of vengeance shall be sated first.—
Yes, guard him, prince; it makes thy ruin sure!
Thy Ariana too, while fate is busy,
Shall meet her doom, and leave my road to glory
All smooth and level to ambition's wish.
Enter Zopiron.
Zopiron.
'Gainst Rome's ambassador the king, Tigranes,
74
The qeen commands it too.
Tigranes.
The queen!—what queen?
Zopiron.
The beauteous Ariana; now your sovereign.
Tigranes.
Has she relented?—is she married to him?
Zopiron.
She is—the scene with various passions burn'd!—
Her tresses all unbound, with faded charms,
Yet lovely ev'n in sorrow, thro' the ranks
Eager she flew, with shrieks, with outstretch'd arms,
Invoking ev'ry god!—the wond'ring soldier
With soften'd sinews, dropt the sword to earth
And gaz'd with mix'd emotions as she pass'd.
Prone to the ground at Pharasmanes' feet
She fell—he rais'd her soon, and smil'd consent—
To the king's tent she press'd with eager speed—
Th' exulting monarch call'd his priests around him,
And soon with solemn march and festive song
In his pavillion sought the blooming bride.
Tigranes.
This sudden change, Zopiron, this rash haste,
I like it not—
Zopiron.
Nor I Tigranes: doubt,
Suspicion, fear, and wonder, and mistrust,
Rise in each anxious thought—
Tigranes.
But did'st thou see
The ceremony clos'd?—
Zopiron.
I did:—at first
All pale and trembling Ariana stood.
75
She to the altar bore the nuptial cup.
There reverent bow'd, and “hear ye gods,” she said,
“Hear and record the purpose of my soul.”
With trembling lips then kiss'd the sacred vase,
And as our country's solemn rites require,
Drank of the hallow'd liquor.—From her hand
The king receiv'd it, and with eager joy,
As to his soul he took the nectar'd draught,
With stedfast eye she view'd him, whilst a smile
Of sickly joy gleam'd faintly o'er her visage.
Tigranes.
Well, she's our queen—the diadem is hers—
Zopiron.
How long to wear it, heav'n alone can tell.—
[The back scene draws, and discovers the king's pavillion, with an altar, and fire blazing on it; soft musick is play'd, and they come forward.
Pharasmanes and Zenobia.
Pharasmanes.
At length my Ariana's soft compliance
Endears the present bliss, and gives an earnest
Of joy to brighten a long train of years.
Zenobia.
Alas! fond man expatiates oft in fancy,
Unconscious of the fates, and oft in thought
Anticipates a bliss he ne'er enjoys.
Pharasmanes.
Away with gloomy care; for thou ar't mine,
Thou, Ariana!—all our future days
Shall smile with gay, with ever-young desire,
And not a cloud o'ercast the bright serene.
Zenobia.
And does thy penetrating eye pervade
What time has yet in store?
76
Why dost thou ask?
Zenobia.
I have been us'd to grief—release the Roman,
And give him hence safe conduct to his friends;—
I then shall be at peace.—
Pharasmanes.
Beware, beware!
Nor rouze again the pangs, that fire a soul,
Which fiercely doats like mine.
Zenobia.
Dismiss him hence;
Give him his life—it was your marriage vow
He should not suffer—let me see him first;—
Grant me one interview,—one little hour;
In that poor space I can crowd all that's left me
Of love, and tenderness, and fond concern,
Before we part for ever—
Pharasmanes.
Fond concern!
And love, and tenderness!—and shall the Roman
Usurp a monarch's due?—that look betrays
The secret workings of a heart estrang'd!
And shall the man, who dares dispute my love,
Shall the slave breathe a moment?—haste, Tigranes,
And see immediate execution on him.
[Exit Tigranes.
Zenobia.
Oh! stay Tigranes—barb'rous man, recall
The horrid mandate—
Pharasmanes.
By immortal love,
I see the slave still triumphs in your heart.
Zenobia.
Oh! spare him, spare him—by the vital air,
By your own promis'd faith—
[Kneels to him.
77
Since lov'd by thee
His doom is doubly seal'd.—
Zenobia.
You shall not fly me—
Now tear me, drag me groveling in the dust,
Tear off these hands—tear, tear me peice-meal first—
Pharasmanes.
Nay, then since force must do it—
[Shakes her off.
Zenobia.
Barb'rous tyrant!
[She lies stretch'd on the ground.
Pharasmanes.
I go to see the minion of your heart
Expire in pangs before me—ha!—what means
This more than winter's frost that chills my veins?—
Zenobia.
(Looking up)
That groan revives, and calls me back to life!—
Pharasmanes.
I cannot move—each vital function's lost—
The purple current of my blood is stopt—
I freeze—I burn—oh! 'tis the stroke of death—
[Falls on the ground.
Zenobia.
(Rising)
Yes, tyrant, yes; it is the stroke of death
And I inflict it—I have done it all—
Pharasmanes.
Pernicious trait'ress! thou!—
Zenobia.
My vengeance did it—
Zenobia's vengeance!—'tis Zenobia strikes—
Zenobia executes her justice on thee!—
78
Oh! dire accurst event!—ar't thou Zenobia?
Zenobia.
Yes, thou fell monster, know me for Zenobia!
Know the ambassador is Rhadamistus!
Haste thee, Zopiron, and proclaim him king.
[Exit Zopiron.
Pharasmanes.
May curses light upon thee—oh! I die,
And racks and wheels disjoint me—
Zenobia.
Writhe in torment,
In fiercer pangs than my dear father knew.
—But I revenge his death—I dash'd the cup
With precious poison!— (a flourish of trumpets)
ha!—now tyrant wake,
And hear those sounds—my Rhadamistus reigns!—
Pharasmanes.
What and no help!—it is too late—the fates,
The fiends surround me—more than Ætna's fires
Burn in my veins—yet heav'n—no—'tis in vain—
I cannot rise—my crimes—my tenfold crimes—
They pull me!—oh!—
[Dies.
Zenobia.
There fled the guilty spirit,
Shade of my father view your daughter now!
Behold her struggling in a righteous cause!
Behold her conqu'ring in the tyrant's camp!
Behold your murd'rer levell'd in the dust!—
A second flourish of trumpets.
Rhadamistus.
(Within the scenes)
Where is Zenobia?—
Zenobia.
Rhadamistus, here!—
79
Rhadamistus.
Oh! let me, let me thus,—thus pour my soul,
Thus speak my joy,—thus melt within thy arms.—
Zenobia.
My lord! my life, my Rhadamistus!—come,
Grow to my heart,—that bounds and springs to meet thee.—
Rhadamistus.
Once more reviv'd and snatch'd again from death
Thus do I see thee?—these are speechless joys,
And tears alone express them—
Zenobia.
Have I sav'd thee?
All-gracious gods! 'tis rapture in th' extreme!—
Rhadamistus.
My sweet deliverer! my all of bliss!—
Zenobia.
Oh! it is joy too exquisite!—and yet
Grief will imbitter ecstacy like this!—
There lies your father!
Rhadamistus.
All his crimes
Be buried with him!—nature will have way,
And o'er his corse thus sheds the filial tear.
Teribazus.
Oh! that my tears could wash away his stains!—
Zenobia.
Wilt thou forgive his murderer?—
Rhadamistus.
For thee,
Beset with wrongs, and injur'd as thou wer't,
80
And the recording muse applaud thy virtue.
Zenobia.
If thou forgiv'st me, I am bless'd indeed!
Now we shall part no more—Megistus too!—
Thou good old man!—let me embrace thee—ha!
Megistus.
The blood forsakes her cheek—her eyes are fix'd!—
Zenobia.
Support me—help me—oh! I die—I die.—
[Falls in Megistus' arms.
Rhadamistus.
She faints—her colour dies—revive Zenobia;—
Revive my love;—thy Rhadamistus thus,
Thus calls your flutt'ring spirit back to life.
Zenobia.
It will not be—the toil of life is o'er—
My Rhadamistus—
[Sinks down on the ground.
Rhadamistus.
Must I lose thee then?—
Zenobia.
Oh! the envenom'd cup!—the marriage rites
Requir'd that I should drink it first myself—
There was no other way—I did it freely
To save thy life—to save thee for my child.—
Rhadamistus.
A'rt thou a victim for a wretch like me?
Is there no antidote to stop the course
Of this vile poison?—
Zenobia.
None—it rages now—
It rages thro' my veins—my eyes grow dim—
81
Where art thou, Rhadamistus?—must I breathe
Longer in life,—and never see thee more!—
And are my eyes forbid one dear farewell?
Oh! cruel stars!—must they not fix on thee
The last expiring glance?—
Rhadamistus.
Relentless pow'rs!
There lies Zenobia!—round that pallid beauty
Call your ætherial host, each winged virtue,
Call ev'ry angel down,—bid 'em behold
That matchless excellence, and then refuse
Soft pity if they can!—
Zenobia.
Megistus,—seek my child,—
And bring him to his father—Rhadamistus,—
—Wilt thou protect him?—My sweet orphan-babe
I leave thee too!—oh! train him up in virtue—
Wilt thou be fond of him—a mother's fondness
My child should meet—oh! raise me, Rhadamistus—
Give me thy hand—my little infant—oh!—
[Dies.
Rhadamistus.
Tears, you do well to stop—your wretched drops
Are unavailing at a sight like this!—
And art thou gone?—ah! thus defac'd and pale,
Thus do I see thee?—is that ghastly form
All that is left me of thee?—give me daggers,
—Give me some instant means of death, my friends,
That I may throw this load of life away,
And let our hearts be both inurn'd together.
Teribazus.
Live, live my brother, for your infant son—
Let him prevail—
Rhadamistus.
Inhuman that thou art!
Think you I'll stay imprison'd here in life,
When there—behold her—how she smiles in death!—
82
Dead, dead Zenobia!—still I have thee thus—
You ne'er shall part us—this at least I'll hold,
And cling for ever to these pale, pale charms;
Here breathe my last, and faithful still in death,
Love shall unite us in one peaceful grave.
Megistus.
Now, old Megistus, gods! has liv'd too long!—
Teribazus.
Bring ev'ry aid, all medicinal skill
To call a wretched brother back to life,
And give each lenient balm to woes like his.
From thee ambition, what misfortunes flow?
To thee what varied ills weak mortals owe?
'Twas this for years laid desolate the land,
And arm'd against a son the father's hand;
To black despair poor lost Zenobia drove;
The hapless victim of disastrous love!—
| Zenobia | |