 | Themistocles |  |
79
SCENE II.
Aspasia, Sebastes. Themistocles apart.Them.
[aside.]
This stranger, by his looks and bearing, seems
Of high concern and manners more refin'd:
Of him I may enquire—but soft, what maid
With him appears; and by her vests a Greek?
Asp.
[to Seb.]
Yet hear me.
Seb.
No; I cannot, fair Aspasia,
Now longer here remain: the king expects me.
[going.
Asp.
Yet one short moment: is it true the king
Has made this cruel edict?
Seb.
'Tis most true:
Whoe'er to Xerxes brings Themistocles,
Alive or dead, shall gain immense reward.
[going.
Asp.
Unhappy father!
[aside.
Them.
[to Seb.]
Tell me, gracious lord,
(If thus far may be known) can all alike
Presume to approach the feet of royal Xerxes,
And when and where such honour is permitted?
Asp.
[aside.]
How shall I warn my father?
Seb.
[to Them. haughtily.]
Hence and learn
80
Them.
If I perhaps
Have err'd unweeting, courteous deign to instruct me;
A stranger am I; and to me unknown
The country's customs here.
Seb.
Farewell, Aspasia.
[Exit, without attending to Them.
Them.
What senseless pride!
| Themistocles | |