University of Virginia Library

SCENE VI.

Egysthus and Clytemnestra.
EGYSTHUS.
Ha! come you here. Keep more aloof from me.
We stand upon the very edge of life.
Arsinoe has gone beside herself,
And threatens to betray.

CLYTEMNESTRA.
Cannot we fly?

EGYSTHUS.
Impossible! The town is all a-foot;
The roads are full, and every eye is wide.

CLYTEMNESTRA.
Would that Arsinoe could be prevail'd.

EGYSTHUS.
You always were too bold and confident;
I ever warn'd you to be circumspect.

CLYTEMNESTRA.
Had you been but content with private gain,
We had not fallen to this jeopardy.
But you still would have gaudy exhibition,
And ape the courtiers.

EGYSTHUS.
The fault was your's.
Why shower upon me, wealth, if not for use?
If we escape to night; before the dawn,
I'll off to sea, and never come again.

CLYTEMNESTRA.
Can you, Egysthus, break from me so freely.

EGYSTHUS.
Your husband is at hand.

CLYTEMNESTRA.
But, you, my lov'd—

EGYSTHUS.
Gods! cease this fondling.

CLYTEMNESTRA.
Ah! you love me not.

EGYSTHUS.
Better for me, had been your hate than love.
See what avails your gifts and your caresses.
My strawy pallet, yielded sweeter rest
Than your high couch, o'er-canopied with gold.