University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Enter Medarses.
Med.
My lord.

Em.
[aside.]
O! heavenly powers!

Med.
Hydaspes, say
What means that weapon?

Em.
At his foot to lay
The pledge of loyalty: there are who durst
Excite his fear of me. My jealous honour
Admits not doubt—Hydaspes deem'd a traitor!
Yes, Siroes here has touched me—Mighty Gods!
Has touch'd my inmost heart, and till this truth
Be deeply search'd, behold me now disarm'd
And Cosroes' prisoner.

Cos.
O! exalted faith!

Med.
Perchance my brother sought another name
To veil his crime.

Cos.
Hydaspes, to its place
Return thy sword, to wear in my defence.

Em.
Forgive me, when a monarch's life's in danger
A shadow is a substance; from your mind
Be banish'd first the doubt that wrongs Hydaspes,
Then to its place return the unsullied weapon,
Fit guardian for your safety.

Cos.
No, Hydaspes,
Resume thy sword.

Em.
I must not, Sir, obey you.

Cos.
'Tis my command.

Em.
What you command, Hydaspes
No longer dares oppose. But yet permit me
To leave the court, lest new suspicions, rais'd
By envious minds, should taint my innocence.

Cos.
No; 'tis my will Hydaspes should remain
To watch my danger.

Em.
I?

Cos.
Yes, thou Hydaspes.

Em.
Who can to me unsure the faith of numbers
To whom your life is trusted? I must stand
Pledg'd for the truth of each—Had I myself
The sole disposal—

Cos.
'Tis enough—in thee
That power be vested: from the royal guards
Take those approv'd the trustiest: at thy will,
Dispose and change them; and the care be thine
To find the latent traitor.

Em.

[Exit.