University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Lycomedes, Achilles.
Lyc.
Would'st thou believe it, Pyrrha? Yes, on thee
Depends the future peace of Lycomedes.

Ach.
What mean these words?

Lyc.
Yes, dearest maid, 'tis thou
Canst make at will a grateful monarch happy.

Ach.
What power is mine?

Lyc.
My daughter Deidamia,
Repugnant to a father's will, rejects
The proffer'd union with the prince of Chalcis.

Ach.
And wherefore this to me?

Lyc.
Thou rul'st at pleasure
Her every thought, and all her heart is thine.

Ach.
And would you, Lycomedes, ask from me—

Lyc.
Yes, teach her to respect a father's choice;
Teach her the virtues of a noble husband,
And kindle in her breast a flame for him
Who merits all her love: so may she meet
His fond address with equal fair return,
And all a wife's endearments.

Ach.
[aside.]
Yes, to you,
To you, ye weeds of shame, I owe this insult.

Lyc.
What says my Pyrrha?

Ach.
Think'st thou then with me
Such ministry may suit? Ah! Lycomedes,
Thou little know'st me—I? Eternal powers!
Shall I?—O! seek some better advocate
To enforce a father's will.

Lyc.
What fears my Pyrrha?
Perchance she deems Theagenes a lover
That merits not the hand of Deidamia?

Ach.
[aside.]
What shall I say? No longer can I bear
Such cruel sufferings.

Lyc.
Tell me, can my daughter
E'er find a nobler union?

Ach.
[aside.]
'Tis too much.
[to Lyc.]
Hear me, my lord—