University of Virginia Library

SCENE XVI.

Emirena flying in terror, Pharnaspes enters to her in chains, guarded.
Emir.
Ah! whither shall I fly? Who now will save me?
Could I but learn—O! Heaven! Pharnaspes!

Phar.
Princess!

Emir.
And art thou here a prisoner?

Phar.
Art thou safe?

Emir.
Death comes not to the unhappy—Could thy hand
Kindle these flames?

Phar.
No—but 'tis so believ'd.

Emir.
Believ'd, and why?

Phar.
Because I am a Parthian,
Because I'm lost, abandon'd to despair,
Because amidst these walls I was surpris'd.

Emir.
Say, to what purpose came Pharnaspes hither?

Phar.
To save thee and to die.

Emir.
And hadst thou died
Think'st thou that Emirena would be sav'd?

Phar.
Why dost thou mock me thus? This feign'd compassion
Exceeds thy cruelty.

Emir.
My feign'd compassion!

Phar.
How can I think it true? Far other, princess,
Thy words but late imported.

Emir.
Words, alas!
Might differ—Emirena was the same.

Phar.
What meant thy cold reception?

Emir.
Fear to raise
The jealousy of Adrian.

Phar.
What from him
Could Emirena fear?

Emir.
That shame which waits
The vanquish'd at a haughty Roman's triumph?

Phar.
Did he not nobly offer thee this hand?

Emir.
All artifice to read my secret thoughts.

Phar.
Then am I still—

Emir.
My only hope, my life.

Phar.
And art thou then—

Emir.
Still faithful to Pharnaspes;
And to the tomb will still remain unchang'd,
And after death, if then the dead retain
Of aught in life remembrance, shall thy image
Dwell in my constant soul.

Phar.
No more, my love,
Enough; I here detest my jealous doubts.
Forgive me, Emirena! Cruel stars!
In your despite Pharnaspes shall defy
The rage of tyrants and the pangs of suffering.
My princess loves me—yes, her lips confirm it;
And midst your frowns I shall be happy still.

Emir.
Ah! go not yet.

Phar.
Alas! necessity
Now tears me from thee.

Emir.
Gracious powers! Pharnaspes,
What fate awaits us next?

Phar.
My soul is fearless,
And death itself has only terrors for me,
As I'm forbid, alas! to die beside thee.

[Exit guarded.