University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Enter Laodice.
Em.
At length thou com'st in time, Laodice,
To ease a faithful lover, who so oft
With tender sighs has languish'd in thy absence.

Laod.
Hydaspes speaks, and ah! my easy heart
Too soon believes.

Em.
The rest let Siroes speak.

Sir.
[aside.]
Unfeeling maid to torture thus my bosom!

Laod.
[to Sir.]
And can I think, illustrious prince, your heart
Will so debase itself in loving me?

Em.
[to Laod.]
His love is firmly yours.

Sir.
[aside to Em.]
Hers, say'st thou, hers?

Em.
[to him.]
Peace, perjur'd man.

Laod.
Does love so little then
Give utterance to his lips?

Em.
A faithful lover
Whose bosom burns, still feeds the flame in silence.

Laod.
Yet oft the glances of an eye betray
The silent lip: but not a look from him
Is turn'd on me; nay rather, as confus'd,
He bends his eyes to earth in stupid gaze,
And seems to give thy every word the lie.

Em.
Not so, Laodice, you are deceiv'd;
You know not Siroes: but I know him well;
He stands abash'd in presence of Hydaspes.

Sir.
[to Em.]
Alas, my love! far other dost thou know.

Em.
[to him.]
Traitor, no more.

Laod.
Abash'd before Hydaspes?
Thou know'st he has no fault, or if a fault,
'Tis courage in extreme, not timid shame.

Em.
But love, that changes all, can render valiant
The coward heart, and fearful make the bold.

Sir.
[aside.]
Unfeeling maid! to torture thus my bosom.

Em.
'Twere best to leave you: constant lovers ever,
Who love like you, abhor society.

Laod.
Hydaspes, yet I tremble lest he still
Deceive thee and myself.

Em.

[Exit.