SCENE III.

_Enter_ POLYDAMUS.

_Poly._ Argaleon counselled well to banish him: He has, I know not what, Of greatness in his looks, and of high fate, That almost awes me; but I fear my daughter, Who hourly moves me for him; and I marked, She sighed when I but named Argaleon to her. But see, the maskers: Hence, my cares, this night! At least take truce, and find me on my pillow.

_Enter the Princess in masquerade, with Ladies. At the other end,_ ARGALEON _and Gentlemen in masquerade; then_ LEONIDAS _leading_ AMALTHEA. _The King sits. A Dance. After the Dance,_

_Amal._ to _Leon._ That's the princess; I saw the habit ere she put it on.

_Leon._ I know her by a thousand other signs; She cannot hide so much divinity. Disguised, and silent, yet some graceful motion Breaks from her, and shines round her like a glory. [_Goes to_ PALMYRA.

_Amal._ Thus she reveals herself, and knows it not; Like love's dark lanthorn, I direct his steps, And yet he sees not that, which gives him light.

_Palm._ I know you; but, alas! Leonidas, Why should you tempt this danger on yourself?

_Leon._ Madam, you know me not, if you believe; I would not hazard greater for your sake. But you, I fear, are changed.

_Palm._ No, I am still the same; But there are many things became Palmyra, Which ill become the princess.

_Leon_, I ask nothing Which honour will not give you leave to grant: One hour's short audience, at my father's house, You cannot sure refuse me.

_Palm._ Perhaps I should, did I consult strict virtue; But something must be given to love and you. When would you I should come?

_Leon._ This evening, with the speediest opportunity. I have a secret to discover to you, Which will surprise and please you.

_Palm._ 'Tis enough. Go now; for we may be observed and known. I trust your honour; give me not occasion To blame myself, or you.

_Leon._ You never shall repent your good opinion. [_Kisses her hand, and Exit._

_Arga._ I cannot be deceived; that is the princess: One of her maids betrayed the habit to me. But who was he with whom she held discourse? 'Tis one she favours, for he kissed her hand. Our shapes are like, our habits near the same; She may mistake, and speak to me for him. I am resolved; I'll satisfy my doubts, Though to be more tormented.

SONG.

I.

_Whilst Alexis lay prest In her arms he loved best, With his hands round her neck, And his head on her breast, He found the fierce pleasure too hasty to stay, And his soul in the tempest just flying away._

II.

_When Cælia saw this, With a sigh and a kiss, She cried,--O, my dear, I am robbed of my bliss! 'Tis unkind to your love, and unfaithfully done, To leave me behind you, and die all alone._

III.

_The youth, though in haste, And breathing his last, In pity died slowly, while she died more fast; Till at length she cried,--Now, my dear, now let us go; Now die, my Alexis, and I will die too!_

IV.

_Thus entranced they did lie, Till Alexis did try To recover new breath, that again he might die: Then often they died; but the more they did so, The nymph died more quick, and the shepherd more slow._

_Another Dance. After it,_ ARGALEON _re-enters, and stands by the Princess._

_Palm._ Leonidas, what means this quick return? [_To_ ARGA.

_Arga._ O heaven! 'tis what I feared.

_Palm._ Is aught of moment happened since you went?

_Arga._ No, madam; but I understood not fully Your last commands.

_Palm._ And yet you answered to them. Retire; you are too indiscreet a lover: I'll meet you where I promised. [_Exit._

_Arga._ O my curst fortune! what have I discovered! But I will be revenged. [_Whispers to the King._

_Poly._ But are you certain you are not deceived?

_Arga._ Upon my life.

_Poly._ Her honour is concerned. Somewhat I'll do; but I am yet distracted, And know not where to fix. I wished a child, And heaven, in anger, granted my request. So blind we are, our wishes are so vain, That what we most desire, proves most our pain. [_Exeunt._