University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Xerxes
alone.
'Tis ever true: a regal diadem
Is heavy to support, and with it brings
A thousand troubles; but the power it gives
To recompense the good, set virtue free
From the blind empire of capricious Chance;
To make the worthy happy; is a privilege
Atones for all, and opens to the soul
The purest joys of frail humanity;
And (if a mortal boast may thus presume)
Can make a monarch equal to a God.
Such have I prov'd it, since the day in which
I gain'd Themistocles? It now imports me
To make this gain secure. I mean to raise
Aspasia to the throne: her birth, her virtue,
Her beauty well deserve it. In my empire
Themistocles will then assert the rights
Of all his future offspring, whilst the ties
Of blood shall make our mutual love increase.
Yet would I first consult Aspasia's heart:
Already, at my will, Sebastes goes
To sound her secret purpose. But as yet,
I see him not return—perchance he's here,
O! Heavens!—It is Roxana!—let me now
Avoid her presence,

[going.