 | Themistocles |  |
SCENE VI.
Enter Sebastes.Seb.
My lord, the Ambassador from Greece
Once more demands an audience.
Xer.
Wherefore, say?
Then is he not departed?
Seb.
No, he learns
That here Themistocles resides in Susa,
112
Xer.
O! 'tis too much; he trifles with my patience:
I will not hear him—charge him to depart,
Nor dare to disobey me.
[Seb. going.
Rox.
[aside.]
This resentment,
Alas! proceeds from love.
Xer.
Yet hear, Sebastes;
I've better thought—Go, bring him to our presence,
I'll punish his presumption.
[Exit Seb.
Rox.
Speak at length
Your secret purpose.
Xer.
'Tis no longer time.
[going.
Rox.
You promise, Xerxes, first to tell me all,
Then, cruel man! you answer not, but leave me.
Xer.
Alas! when speechless I depart,
Could'st thou, Roxana, read my heart,
My thoughts would then unfolded lie.
For oft we seem but to conceal
Those truths which looks too well reveal,
When silence only makes reply.
[Exit.
Rox.
In vain, alas! I would deceive myself.
Aspasia triumphs—but behold she comes,
The haughty fair-one.
| Themistocles | |