 | Siroes |  |
SCENE XI.
Cosroes, Siroes. Emira apart.Cos.
Sit, Siroes, now, and listen while I speak.
[sits.
Behold I come a father or a judge,
Even as thyself would'st choose me. If a father,
Then mark how far my clemency extends;
Or, if a judge, observe how well with thee
I can support the duty.
Sir.
Siroes fears not
The name of judge, and venerates the father.
[sits.
Cos.
May I expect the obedience of a son
To one command? Speak not till I have finish'd—
But hear me with respect.
Sir.
I promise, sir,
Till you permit my speech, to attend in silence.
Em.
[hearing them.]
What would he say?
Cos.
I see, thee, Siroes, guilty
Of many crimes; but let me first recall them
To thy remembrance. I from thee requir'd
An oath that might secure the kingdom's peace,
And this thou didst refuse. I pardon'd thee,
203
A paper told me that some traitor lurk'd
Amongst my dearest friends; and while my mind
Was labouring with suspense and anxious terror,
I found thee, then conceal'd in my apartment.
What would I more? Medarses has himself
Reveal'd thy crimes—
Sir.
And can you, sir, believe—
Cos.
Observe thy promise, hear me and be silent.
Em.
[to herself]
Unhappy prince!
Cos.
All vent complaints against thee,
Thou hast scoff'd at all decorum in the court;
And from thy insolence is none secure.
Medarses bears thy insults; and thy love
Has rashly dar'd to affront Laodice,
Nay offer threats; and even, before my eyes,
Thou wouldst have slain Hydaspes. Add to these
The people's murmurs rais'd against my peace,
Excited first by thee—
Sir.
Ah! falsehood all!
Cos.
Observe thy promise, hear me and be silent.
Behold me now, provok'd by such excesses,
As if compell'd to sentence thee; and yet
I pardon all, and blot them from remembrance.
Come then, my son, let us again revive
The love of child and parent. Name the traitor,
Or those that share his treason: from the offender
204
But penitence sincere and future truth.
Em.
[to herself.]
I see that Siroes now is greatly mov'd:
Alas! should he betray me—
Sir.
O! my lord,
I cannot speak
Cos.
Then hear me,—Dost thou fear
For him that's guilty? Know thy fear is vain,
If thou art he, confession to a father
Absolves the crime and smooths thy path to empire;
But if thou art not he, disclose his name
And freely I forgive him. If thou wilt,
Receive this royal hand, the pledge of pardon.
Em.
[aside.]
Alas! I fear.
Sir.
O! could I surely know
Your justice never would pursue the treason,
I might reveal—
Em.
[interrupting them hastily.]
Does not my lord remember
That now Laodice awaits his leisure?
Sir.
[aside.]
O! Heavens! what means she here?
Cos.
[to Em.]
I know it well:
Ietire Hydaspes.
Em.
I obey my sovereign.
205
Perfidious! dare not now betray my secret.
[retires.
Sir.
[aside.]
Cruel Emira!
Cos.
[to Sir.]
Siroes, speak, retrieve
My past affections.—Still, still art thou silent?
Why art thou thus disturb'd?
Sir.
O! Heaven!
Cos.
I see
Thou canst not bear to hear without emotion
Laodice but nam'd. In this, my son,
Thou shalt be happy: I will here prevent
Thy warmest wishes; I confess my weakness;
I love Laodice, (with shame I own it,)
And yet to thee resign her: only speak,
Disclose the hidden snare, secure my peace,
And take her for thy bride.
Sir.
You would not, sir,
Believe your son—
Em.
[interrupting them.]
Laodice impatient
Has press'd to be admitted; and in fear
She might intrude upon your privacy,
I have dismiss'd her hence.
Cos.
And is she gone?
Em.
She is, my king.
Cos.
Go, haste and call her back.
Em.
I go, my lord—Thou wilt not sure betray me?
[aside to Sir.
206
[aside.]
What anguish do I suffer?
Cos.
Speak, my son,
Laodice is thine—What would'st thou more?
I see thee still in doubt.
Sir.
I never lov'd
Laodice—and yet I must not speak.
Cos.
[rising.]
Perfidious! now too plain I read thy purpose,
To live a traitor and a traitor die.
What could'st thou further ask? I seal thy pardon,
Invite thee to my throne, and to thy arms
Resign a maid, the object of my love;
Yet all will not suffice. My death, my blood,
I know thou long hast sought. Unworthy son!
Indulge thy wish: behold me here before thee,
Unguarded and alone—Inhuman! now,
Disarm me now, and plunge the weapon here.
[points to his breast.
Em.
[interposing.]
What cause excites such anger in my king?
I must not leave you thus without defence?
Behold me here.
Cos.
Go, bring Laodice.
[Exit Emira.
| Siroes | |