University of Virginia Library

Scene I.

—A room in the House of Dymas.
(Enter Perseus, with a Servant.)
Perseus.
Dymas sups late to-night. What friends within?

Servant.
Your brother, and the princess, good my lord;
None else.

Perseus.
Go thou behind thy master's couch,
And whisper in his ear that I am come,
And would speak with him instantly. Beware
That none o'er-hear thee.
[Exit Servant.
It must be to-night.
For every instant that he lives doth seem
To sting me for my folly.—He removed—
This arm is not more servant to my wish
Than will the soldiers be. The poor old king
Is merely frantic—should himself be ruled;
Not rule. 'Twere mercy on his withered head
To ease him of the golden weight he bears,
And lift the heavy sceptre. . . . Ha! my friend
(Enter Dymas)
Thou'st been with Philip since we spoke together.

Dymas.
I have.

Perseus.
What said he?

Dymas.
Wait but patiently,
And thou shalt hear the deed before the word—
This evening hath the marriage knot been tied,
No witness save her women and myself.
At turn of midnight, with his virgin bride,
Myself the guide and partner of their way,
Towards Rome he plans escape.

Perseus.
How!

Dymas.
Ask no more:
Come to my chamber:—there lie hid awhile—
Thy fortune's sun will speedily break forth,
And I shall look to bask in't. Come away.

Perseus.
When Perseus is the sun to Macedon,
Then shalt thou be a moon in the same heaven;
As loved and worshipped.

[Exeunt.