University of Virginia Library

SCENE VII.

Arsinoe, Nichomede, Araspes, Attalus.
Arasp.
'Tis the Kings pleasure, Sir, you him attend.

Nicho.
What I?

Arasp.
Yes, Sir, he sent me to that end.

Arsin.
Prince, calumnies are easily o'rethrown.

Nicho.
Madam, that Truth by me is so well known,
I wonder you instruct me in a thing
I never doubted—

Arsin.
Why then did you bring,
Swell'd with vain hopes which will your self ensnare
Zenon, and Methrobates from so far,

Nicho.
I was resolv'd the whole should be conceal'd,
And you have forc'd it, if it be reveal'd.

Arsin.
Truth forc'd it; and did o're your Gifts prevail,
Such Undertakings, Sir, do often fail.
They both said somewhat more than what you taught.

Nicho.
If you're displeas'd you that displeasure sought.

Arsin.
I cannot be displeas'd at what I find,
Save that it blemishes so brave a mind,
That to those mighty Titles which you had,
We must the base one of Suborner add;

Nicho.
Then to accuse you, they are subornd by me

Arsin.
Prince, mines the trouble, yours the shame will be?

Nicho.
And thus their Credit you would take away.

Arsin.
No Prince, I rather stand to what they say.

Nicho.
What have they said which your belief can gain?

Arsin.
Two mighty Words which will augment your Fame.

Nicho.
May not I know these words of so much weight?

Arasp.
The King expects, Sir, your Attendance straight.

Arsin.
From him you'l hear them, go know his command.

Nicho.
Madam, I now begin to understand
His love to you, chasing his love to me,
Will make you faultless, and me guilty be.
But—

Arsin.
What? continue what that But does mean?

Nico.
Two weighty words which Ile think of again.

Arsin.
Those words of so much weight may not we know?

Nico.
You'l hear them from the King, to whom I go.