University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

To Palmyra, enter Zaphna.
Zaph.
Here! Art thou here, Palmyra?—O my charmer—
Thy presence comes on my benighted soul,
Like a glad morning, to dispel the horrors,
Wherewith I stood beset!—But say, my love—
Hast thou considered, in Sopheian's conduct,
Aught of uncommon tenderness—beyond
What thy superior worth might claim from friendship,
Tho' that is much?

Pal.
Yes, Zaphna—yet, no more
Than my own heart did warrant me to answer;
Tho' that was likewise much.

Zaph.
Of secret glance,
Complexion hurried, incoherent speech;
Sudden emotions half suppress'd, revealing
What they do seek to hide?

Pal.
No—never—Yes,
Something of this—yet little that I mark'd—
Sure nothing that could speak to thy suspicions—
Why wouldst thou put me to ill thoughts, my Zaphna?

Zaph.
Didst thou hear aught touching a secret embassy,
Sent by Sopheian to the Prophet?

Pal.
When?

Zaph.
Within this hour.

Pal.
Indeed!—no, nothing of it.

Zaph.
Nor aught of terms intended?

Pal.
Not a syllable—
What terms?

Zaph.
Suppose his faith, his crown, his people, offer'd
For one rich jewel that out-prizes all.

Pal.
What jewel, Zaphna?

Zaph.
Even thyself, my love!

Pal.
It cannot be.

Zaph.
But if it should—how then?—
Shall I not—

Pal.
What?

Zaph.
Transfix the traitor's heart?

Pal.
Alas!

Zaph.
Stab, tear the robber of my peace?

Pal.
Ah, Zaphna!
My thoughts are driven amid a thousand terrors.

Zaph.
Peace to thy breast, my sweet!—'tis but conjecture.
I have a hasty summons from thy father,
And must attend—

Pal.
O think, till thy return,
No joy can enter where Palmyra sojourns.

Zaph.
Thy Zaphna's life shall wholly be employed,
To trade for comforts, and unlade the freight
Still where his soul hath anchor.

Pal.
Fare thee well—
My ever loved, my friend, my father now—
Farewell, my only Zaphna!

[Exit Palmyra.