University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

The Palace.
The Queen and Archimnestor.
Queen.
This way—apart—
Here, take this golden earnest of my favour.
I know that thou art skill'd, from cause to consequence,
Through nature's longest chain—Where are the drugs?

Arch.
They are of dread import—Think, royal mistress,
Death and the fates are theirs. They send of errands
That cannot be recall'd; to worlds remote,
Of which we know not. Whom they are to send—

Queen.
Befits not thee to ask—suppose a rat,
Or somewhat nobler—Heaven, without compunction,
Kills thousands by the hour—The best must fall;
The manner matters not.—These juleps, come,
Instruct me in their virtues.

Arch.
This falls on nature like a depth of snow,
Unfelt, though weighty—silent as a thief
By night, it steals the mental treasures forth,
And leaves the house asleep—This smiles; but holds,
In every drop, a death; in every death,
A thousand racks, impalements, all the pangs
That science yet hath learn'd, by fire or cord,
To wring from nature.

Queen.
It is enough—Retire.
[Exit Archimnestor.
Empire is now our own, while thus, like fate,
We deal out death to all, who would oppose
The greatness of our purpose.