SCENE V.

_Enter_ PALMYRA, EUBULUS, _and_ HERMOGENES.

_Palm._ You tell me wonders; that Leonidas Is prince Theagenes, the late king's son.

_Eub._ It seems as strange to him, as now to you, Before I had convinced him; but, besides His great resemblance to the king his father, The queen his mother lives, secured by me In a religious house, to whom, each year, I brought the news of his increasing virtues. My last long absence from you both was caused By wounds, which in my journey I received, When set upon by thieves; I lost those jewels And letters, which your dying mother left.

_Herm._ The same he means, which, since, brought to the king, Made him first know he had a child alive: 'Twas then my care of prince Leonidas, Caused me to say he was the usurper's son; Till after, forced by your apparent danger, I made the true discovery of your birth, And once more hid my prince's.

_Enter_ LEONIDAS.

_Leon._ Hermogenes, and Eubulus, retire; Those of our party, whom I left without, Expect your aid and counsel. [_Exeunt_ HERM. _and_ EUB.

_Palm._ I should, Leonidas, congratulate This happy change of your exalted fate; But, as my joy, so you my wonder move. Your looks have more of business than of love; And your last words some great design did shew.

_Leon._ I frame not any to be hid from you; You, in my love, all my designs may see. But what have love and you designed for me? Fortune, once more, has set the balance right; First, equalled us in lowness; then, in height. Both of us have so long, like gamesters, thrown, Till fate comes round, and gives to each his own. As fate is equal, so may love appear: Tell me, at least, what I must hope, or fear.

_Palm._ After so many proofs, how can you call My love in doubt? Fear nothing, and hope all. Think what a prince, with honour, may receive, Or I may give, without a parent's leave.

_Leon._ You give, and then restrain the grace you shew; As ostentatious priests, when souls they woo, Promise their heaven to all, but grant to few. But do for me, what I have dared for you: I did no argument from duty bring; Duty's a name, and love's a real thing.

_Palm._ Man's love may, like wild torrents, overflow; Woman's as deep, but in its banks must go. My love is mine, and that I can impart; But cannot give my person, with my heart.

_Leon._ Your love is then no gift: For, when the person it does not convey, 'Tis to give gold, and not to give the key.

_Palm._ Then ask my father.

_Leon._ He detains my throne; Who holds back mine, will hardly give his own.

_Palm._ What then remains?

_Leon._ That I must have recourse To arms, and take my love and crown, by force. Hermogenes is forming the design; And with him all the brave and loyal join.

_Palm._ And is it thus you court Palmyra's bed? Can she the murderer of her parent wed? Desist from force: So much you well may give To love, and me, to let my father live.

_Leon._ Each act of mine my love to you has shewn; But you who tax my want of it, have none. You bid me part with you, and let him live; But they should nothing ask, who nothing give.

_Palm._ I give what virtue, and what duty can, In vowing ne'er to wed another man.

_Leon._ You will be forced to be Argaleon's wife.

_Palm._ I'll keep my promise, though I lose my life.

_Leon._ Then you lose love, for which we both contend; For life is but the means, but love's the end. _Palm._ Our souls shall love hereafter.

_Leon._ I much fear, That soul, which could deny the body here To taste of love, would be a niggard there.

_Palm._ Then 'tis past hope: our cruel fate, I see, Will make a sad divorce 'twixt you and me. For, if you force employ, by heaven I swear, And all blessed beings,--

_Leon._ Your rash oath forbear.

_Palm._ I never--

_Leon._ Hold once more. But yet, as he, Who 'scapes a dangerous leap, looks back to see; So I desire, now I am past my fear, To know what was that oath you meant to swear.

_Palm._ I meant, that if you hazarded your life, Or sought my father's, ne'er to be your wife.

_Leon._ See now, Palmyra, how unkind you prove! Could you, with so much ease, forswear my love?

_Palm._ You force me with your ruinous design.

_Leon._ Your father's life is more your care, than mine.

_Palm._ You wrong me: 'Tis not, though it ought to be; You are my care, heaven knows, as well as he.

_Leon._ If now the execution I delay, My honour, and my subjects, I betray. All is prepared for the just enterprise; And the whole city will to-morrow rise. The leaders of the party are within, And Eubulus has sworn that he will bring, To head their arms, the person of their king.

_Palm._ In telling this, you may be guilty too; I therefore must discover what I know: What honour bids you do, nature bids me prevent; But kill me first, and then pursue your black intent.

_Leon._ Palmyra, no; you shall not heed to die; Yet I'll not trust so strict a piety. Within there!

_Enter_ EUBULUS.

Eubulus, a guard prepare; Here, I commit this prisoner to your care. [_Kisses_ PALMYRA'S _hand, then gives it to_ EUBULUS.

_Palm._ Leonidas, I never thought these bands Could e'er be given me by a lover's hands.

_Leon._ Palmyra, thus your judge himself arraigns; [_Kneeling._ He, who imposed these bands, still wears your chains: When you to love or duty false must be, Or to your father guilty, or to me, These chains, alone, remain to set you free. [_Noise of swords clashing._

_Poly._ [_within._] Secure these, first: then search the inner room.

_Leon._ From whence do these tumultuous clamours come?

_Enter_ HERMOGENES, _hastily._

_Herm._ We are betrayed; and there remains alone This comfort, that your person is not known.

_Enter the King,_ ARGALEON, RHODOPHIL, PALAMEDE, _Guards; some like citizens, as prisoners._

_Poly._ What mean these midnight consultations here, Where I like an unsummoned guest appear?

_Leon._ Sir--

_Arga._ There needs no excuse; 'tis understood; You were all watching for your prince's good.

_Poly._ My reverend city friends, you are well met! On what great work were your grave wisdoms set? Which of my actions were you scanning here? What French invasion have you found to fear?

_Leon._ They are my friends; and come, sir, with intent, To take their leaves, before my banishment.

_Poly._ Your exile in both sexes friends can find: I see the ladies, like the men, are kind. [_Seeing_ PALMYRA.

_Palm._ Alas, I came but-- [_Kneeling._

_Poly._ Add not to your crime A lie: I'll hear you speak some other time. How? Eubulus! nor time, nor thy disguise, Can keep thee undiscovered from my eyes. A guard there! seize them all.

_Rho._ Yield, sir; what use of valour can be shewn?

_Pala._ One, and unarmed, against a multitude!

_Leon._ Oh for a sword! [_He reaches at one of the Guards' halberds, and is seized behind._ I wonnot lose my breath In fruitless prayers; but beg a speedy death.

_Palm._ O spare Leonidas, and punish me!

_Poly._ Mean girl, thou want'st an advocate for thee. Now the mysterious knot will be untied; Whether the young king lives, or where he died: To-morrow's dawn shall the dark riddle clear, Crown all my joys, and dissipate my fear. [_Exeunt._