University of Virginia Library

SCENE X.

Xerxes, Sebastes. Themistocles and Neocles apart. Attendants.
Xer.
The Greeks, Sebastes, think Themistocles
Is now in Persia—Lose not then a moment
To explore the truth, and ease thy anxious master.
This victim can alone appease the hatred
That preys upon me and consumes my peace.

Neoc.
[aside.]
And yet my father flies not.

Them.
Now's the time
To make the trial.

[making his way through the guards.
Neoc.
[aside to him.]
Hear me, O! my father.

Them.
[before the throne.]
Great king.

Seb.
What means this frenzy? Madman, hence!
Guards, take him from the presence.

Them.
Human prayers
Offend not even the Gods.

Seb.
Away!

Xer.
Not so:
He shall be heard.—What would'st thou, stranger? Speak.

Them.
I seek a shelter here from adverse Fortune,
And only Jove or Xerxes can protect me.

Xer.
Who art thou? Say.

Them.
At Athens was I born.

Xer.
And dar'st thou then, a Greek, appear before me?

Them.
Yes, Xerxes, though full well I know that name
Is here a crime; but now a mighty service
Absolves in me that crime.—Themistocles
Thou seek'st, and him I here conduct before thee.

Xer.
Themistocles? Can this be true?

Them.
With kings
What lips shall utter falsehood?

Xer.
Such high service
No recompense can answer.—Where, O! where
Is this long-sought-for object of my hatred?

Them.
He stands before your sight.

Xer.
Where is he?

Them.
I—
I am Themistocles.

Xer.
Thou!

Them.
I am he.

Neoc.
[aside.]
Where shall I hide me?

[Exit.
Xer.
Dost thou fear so little
To meet my just resentment? Dar'st thou thus—

Them.
Hear me, and then determine.—See before thee
Capricious Fortune's sport.—In me, O! king,
Behold that same Themistocles who shook
So late thy throne, who now resorts to thee
For succour and support.—He knows thee mighty,
Nor is he yet to learn a foe's resentment
Enkindled long against him; yet the hope
To find in thee a guardian and protector
Conducts him hither.—In thy virtue, king,
He thus confides.—Behold me in thy hand,
'Tis thine to save me, or 'tis thine to take
A wish'd revenge.—If love of noble fame
Glows in thy breast, behold an ample field
For virtue worthy thee: subdue thyself,
And stretch thy hand to raise a prostrate foe.
If hatred sway thee, pause a moment yet:
What praise to conquer unresisting weakness?
How useful to acquire a faithful friend.
Think that thou art a king, and think that here
Thou see'st an exile who confides in thee,
And came a willing victim to this land;
Reflect, and calmly then decide my fate.

Xer.
[aside.]
Ye righteous Gods! was ever known a soul
More firm and more unshaken! What intrepid,
What unexampled virtue! Thus alone,
Disarm'd, an enemy, to stand before
The face of Xerxes! Thus in confidence—
O! 'tis too much— [to Them.]
Tell me, Themistocles,
What would'st thou? With my hatred make my glory
Dispute the victory?—O! now at least
Thou shalt not conquer.—Let me clasp thee then
Close to my breast: whate'er thou hop'st is thine;
Take what thou wilt.—My treasures shall be open'd
[descends from his throne and embraces Them.
To give thee aid; my kingdom shall be arm'd
For thy defence; and from this happy hour
Themistocles and Xerxes are the same.

Them.
O king! but now my hopes appear'd excess,
And yet thy generous heart out-goes them all:
What can I offer then? My toils, my blood,
My life? For such transcendent grace bestow'd,
My life, my blood, my toils were worthless all.

Xer.

[Exit attended.