University of Virginia Library

ACT III.

SCENE I.

Enter MELÆNIS, with a casket; SILENIUM, and HALISCA.
MELÆNIS.
I've told you all—Now follow, my Silenium,
To those, who've better claim to you than I.
Tho' I shall miss you much, I'll reconcile
My mind, to what conduces to your good.
Here, in this casket, you shall find the toys
Giv'n me by her, who left you with me first;
By which you might more easily be known.
This casket take, Halisca: [giving it]
and with speed
Knock at that door, and let them know, I beg
Somebody would come out to me directly.

SCENE II.

Enter to them ALCESIMARCHUS, with his sword drawn.
Alc.
Death take me to thy arms, kind loving friend!

Sil.
My mother, we're undone!

Alc.
Here shall I strike,
Or on the left side, here—

Mel.
[to Sil.]
The matter, child?

Sil.
See'st not Alcesimarchus, with his sword—

Alc.
What art about?—Why this delay?—Quit, quit
The light at once—

Sil.
Run, run—Beseech you, help!
Lest he destroy himself—

[Halisca running to assist, drops the casket.
Alc.
My goddess, safety,
Sweeter than safety to a wretch like me!
'Tis you alone, whether I will or no,
'Tis you, preserve my life.—

Mel.
Could you've been guilty
Of such a dismal act?

Alc.
I've nought with thee.
Dead am I to thy voice—But here I have her;
Nor will I ever lose her more—By Hercules!
She's here, and rivetted to me for ever.—
Where are ye, slaves?—Soon as I have her safe
Over the threshold; bolt, bar, chain the doors.

[carries Silenium into the house.
Mel.
He's gone, and born her in!—I'll after him,
And tell him the whole tale: if any thing
Can calm him, and from his resentment save me.

[Exit with Halisca.