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 I 
 
 
 

 
 THE 
 
 ORPHAN 
 
 O F 
 
 CHINA, 
 
 A 
 
 TRAGEDY, 
 
 As it is perform'd at the 
 
 THEATRE-ROYAL, 
 
 D R U R Y-L A N E. 
 
 Nuncia faroa ruit, matrifque allabitur aures; 
 Evolat infelix et faemineo ululatu 
 ScifTa comam, muros amens atque agmina curfu 
 Prima petit: non ilia virum, non ilia Pericli 
 Telorunique memor : czlum dehinc queftibus implet. 
 . VIRG. 
 
 The T* J-IIR D E'D I-T I O N. .. 
 
 L O N D ON : 
 
 Printed for P. V A i L L A N T. 1772. 
 
 [Price One Shilling and Six-pence.] 
 
 59387
 
 1 
 6 
 
 T O T H E 
 RIGHT HONOURABLE 
 
 JOHN, Earl of BUTE, 
 
 GROOM of the STOLE 
 
 T O H I S 
 
 Royal Highnefs the Prince of WALES, 
 
 MY LORD* 
 
 TH E generous concern you were pleafed 
 to exprefs for the anxieties of a young 
 Author, then wholly unknown to your 
 Lordflrip, and trembling for his firft attempt 
 towards " the graveft, moraleft, and moft 
 A 2 " pro-
 
 IV 
 
 DEDICATION. 
 
 " profitable of all poems," as Milton calls a 
 Tragedy, was the diftinguifhing mark of a 
 mind truly great, and endued with thofe 
 fine feelings which are the ornaments of even 
 greatnefs itfelf. To this your innate partiality 
 for every endeavour in the polite arts I mufl 
 afcribe it, that the following fcenes met with 
 an early approbation from your Lordfhip ; an 
 approbation that was at once the author's pride, 
 and his ftrongeft afTurance of fuccefs. 
 
 The Public have indeed very far outgone my 
 moft fanguine hopes, in their reception of this 
 piece. : but now, my Lord, The Orphan has 
 another fevere trial to go through; he muft ad- 
 venture into the world, unaffifted by theadvan-. 
 tages of reprefentation : he muft enter your 
 Lordfhip's clofet, and there (land the examina- 
 tion of the mofl accurate criticifm. In Metide- 
 fcendat judicis aurcs. This cannot but be an 
 alarming circumflance to a writer fully con- 
 fcious of his own inability; who has not been, 
 able entirely topleafe even his own tafte; who 
 defpairs of fatisfying others of a more exalted 
 relifh in- the arts, and therefore craves at your 
 4 JLordfhip's.
 
 DEDICATION. v 
 
 Lordmip's hands that protection to his induf- 
 try, which he is aware cannot be granted to 
 his merit. 
 
 I have the honour to remain, with the trued 
 refped, and moft grateful acknowledgment, 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 Your Lordmip's 
 
 
 
 Moft obliged, 
 and moft devoted 
 humble fervant, 
 
 Lincoln's Inn, 
 April 30, 1759, 
 
 ARTHUR MURPHY.
 
 PROLOGUE. 
 
 By WILLIAM WHITEHEAD, Efqj 
 POET-LAUREAT, 
 
 Spoken by Mr. HOLLAND. 
 
 J? NOUGH of Greece and Rome. Ti>' exhauftedflort 
 *-* Ofelthtr nation now can charm no more : 
 Ev'n adventitious helps in vain we try, 
 Our triumph* languijb in the public eye j 
 And grave p> ocejjions, mujicdlly flow, 
 Here pafs unheeded, as a Lord Mayor's fhew. 
 
 On eagle wings the poet of to-night 
 Soars for fre/h virtues to the four ce of light, 
 To China's eaftern realms : and boldly' bears 
 Confucius' morals to Britannia's ears. 
 Accept th' imported boon ; as ecchoing Greece 
 Received from wand* ring chiefs her golden fleece \ 
 Nor only richer by the fpoils become, 
 But praife th' advent rous youth, who brings them home* 
 
 One dubious character, we own, he draws^ 
 A patriot zealous in a monarch's caufe ! 
 Nice is the tajk the varying hand to guide, 
 And teach the blending colours to divide ; 
 Where, rainbow-like, trf encroaching tints invade 
 Each other's bounds, and mingle light with Jhade. 
 
 If 'then - y ajjiduous to obtain his end, 
 You find too far thefubjetfs zeal extend j 
 If undijiinguiflytl loyalty prevails 
 Iffiere nature, /brinks, andjlrong affection fails. 
 On China s tenets charge the fond mijiake, 
 Andfpare his error for his virtue's fake. 
 
 From nobhr motives our allegiance fpring), 
 For Britain knows no Right Divine in Kings \ 
 From freedom 1 s choice that boa/led right arofe, ' 
 And thro' each line from freedom's choice it flows, 
 yujiice, with Mercy join d, the throne maintains % 
 And in his People's HEARTS OUR MONARCH reigns. 
 
 E P I-
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 Spoken by Mrs. Y A T E S. 
 
 CT'H R 0' five long ails I've 'wore my Jtgbing face, 
 
 * Confin'd by critic laws to time and place ; 
 
 Yet that once done, I ramble as I pleafe, 
 
 Cry London Hoy ! and whijk o'er land and feat \ 
 
 Ladies, excufe my drefs 'tis true Chinefe. 
 
 *Thus, quit of hujband, death, and tragic ftrain, 
 
 Let us enjoy our dear fmall talk again. 
 
 How cou'd this bard fuccefsful hope to prove ? 
 So many heroes, and not one in love ! 
 No fuitor here to talk of flames that thrill ; 
 
 To fay the civil thing " Tour eyes fo kill /" 
 
 No ravijher, to force us to our will ! 
 
 You've feen their eaftern virtues, patriot pajjlons, 
 And nova for fomething of their tajle and fajhions. 
 O Lord ! that's charming cries tny Lady Fidget, 
 J. long to know it Do the creatures viftt ? 
 Dear Jtfrs. Yates, do, tell us Well, how is it ? 
 
 Fir/}, as to beauty Set your hearts at reft 
 
 They're all broad foreheads, and pigs eyes at bejt. 
 
 And then they lead fuch Jlrange, fuch formal lives ! 
 
 A little more at home than Englifo wives : 
 
 Left the poor things Jhffu'd roam, and prove untrue, 
 
 *rhey all are crippled in the tiney Jhoe. 
 
 A hopeful fcheme to keep a wife from madding ! 
 
 We pinch our feet, and yet are ever gadding. 
 
 *Then they've no cards, no routs, ne'er take their fling. 
 
 And pin-money is an unheard-of thing ! 
 
 *Then how d'je think they <write*~ You'll ne'er divine 
 
 From top to bottom down in one jlrait line. [Mimicks. 
 
 We ladies, when our flames we cannot /mother, 
 
 Write letters from one corner to another. [Mimicks. 
 
 One mode there is, in which both climes agree ; ^ 
 
 / fcarce can tell 'Mongft friends then let it be > 
 
 '--'The creatures love to cheat as well as we. j 
 
 But blefs my wits ! I've quite forgot the bard' ' 
 A civil foul ! By me he fends this card 
 
 ** Prefents refpefts to ev'ry lady here 
 
 " Hopes for the honour of a Jingle tear." 
 
 *The critics then will throw their dirt in vain> 
 One drop from you will wajh out ev'ry Jlain. 
 
 Acquaints you (now the man is paft his fright) 
 
 tie holds his rout,' and here he keeps his night. 
 
 Affiires you all a welcome kind and hearty, 
 
 ybe ladies Jhall play c r ovum and there's the /hilling party. 
 
 [Points to the upper gallery.
 
 Dramatis Perfonas. 
 
 r, Emperor of 1 Mr-HAVARD , 
 the Tartars, i 
 
 OCTAR, a Tartar General, Mr. BRANSBY. 
 
 ZAMTI, a Mandarine, Mr. GARRICK. 
 
 ET AN-, educated as his Son, Mr. M o s s o p. 
 
 youthful Cap- f _ HOLLAND _ 
 
 M i R v A N, a Chinefe in ^ 
 
 the Tartar's fervice, fe- Mr. D A vi E s. 
 cretly a friend of Zamti, 3 
 
 ORASMING, ? Two con- c Mr. PACKER. 
 ZIMVENTI, > fpirators, c Mr. AUSTIN. 
 
 MANDANE, Z"amti's wife, Mrs. YATIS. 
 
 MefTenger, Guards, &c. 
 SCENE, PfKiN, Capital of
 
 THE 
 
 ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 <* 
 <* 
 
 A C T L 
 
 Enter MANDANE and MIRVAN* 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 
 ' never-, Mirvan, never ftill this 
 , 
 
 ^ u ^ t ^ r t> w^h ceafelefs woe All- 
 
 gracious heav'n ! 
 Will not this palace drench'd in gore; 
 
 Of China's kings fix'd on the Tartar's brow ; 
 Will not a tract of twenty years in bondage ! 
 Ah ! will not thefe fuffice, without frefh caufe 
 Of bitter anguifh in Mandane's breaft ? 
 
 MIRVAN. 
 
 Better fupprefs thefe unavailing tears, 
 This fruitlefs flood of grief. 
 
 B M A N T D A N f E,
 
 2 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 
 It will not be 
 
 Ev'n 'mid ft the horrors of this difmal hour, 
 When fate has all transferr'd from loft Cathai 
 To vile barbarian hands ; in fuch an hour, 
 This heart, revolting from the public caufe, 
 Bleeds from a private fource -, bleeds for the woes 
 
 That hang o'er Zamti's houle 
 
 M I R V A N. 
 Alas ! Mandane, 
 
 Amidft the gen'ral wreck, who does not feel 
 The keen domeftic pang ? 
 
 MANDANE. 
 Yes, all. We all 
 
 Mull feel the kindred-touch -, daily the cries 
 Of widows, orphans, father, fon, and brother 
 In vain are fent to heav'n ; the wafteful rage 
 Of thefe barbarians, thefe accurs'd invaders, 
 Burns with increafmg fire , the thunder ftill 
 Rolls o'er our heads, threatening with hideous cram 
 To fall at once, and bury us in ruin. 
 
 M I R V A N. 
 And quickly fall it mutt ! the hand of heav'n 
 
 Weighs this great empire down 
 
 MANDANE. 
 Nay, tax not heav'n ! 
 Almighty juftice never bares it's arm 
 'Gainft innocence and truth. 'Tis Timurkan, 
 
 That fell barbarian that infatiate wafter 
 
 May curfes blaft the Tartar ! he 'tis he 
 Has bpre down all, and ftill his flaught'ring fvvord 
 In yon'der field of death, where Corea's troops 
 Made their laft (land for liberty and China, 
 Crimfons the land with blood. This battle loft,. 
 Oh ! then farewell to all. But, Mirvan, fay, 
 How came the tidings ? . . 
 
 M J R V A N.
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 3 
 
 M I R V A N. 
 From yon lofty tow'r, 
 
 As my eyes, ftraihing tow'rd the diftant plain, 
 Sent forth an anxious look, thro' clouds of duft 
 The favage bands appear'd ; the weftern fun 
 
 Gleam'd on their burnifh'd helms j and foon 3 
 
 fhout 
 
 From the glad multitude proclaim'd th' approach 
 Of Timurkan ; elated with new conqueft, 
 The tyrant comes, and where his wrath will flop 
 
 Heav'n only knows. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 Oh ! there there lies the thought 
 At which imagination ftarts, appall'd 
 With horror at the fcene her bufy workings 
 Have colour'd to my fight there lies the thought 
 That wakens all a mother's fears alas ! 
 
 I tremble for my fon 
 
 M I R V A N. 
 Your fon ! kind heav'n ! 
 
 Have you not check'd his ardour? with your tears, 
 Your foft authority, reftrain'd the hero 
 
 From the alarms of war ? 
 
 M A N D A N E.- 
 Alas, good Mirvan, 
 Thou little know'ft his danger but that truth 
 
 Muft never pafs thefe lips. 
 
 MIRVAN. 
 I hope Mandane 
 
 Doubts not my honeft zeal full well you know 
 I bear this tyrant deep and mortal hate -, 
 That under him I lift, and wear this garb 
 In hopes that fome occafion may arrive, 
 When I may ftrike an unexpected blow, 
 And do my country right. 
 
 B 2 M A N* D A x i .
 
 4 The ORPHAN of CHIN,A. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 Thy loyalty, 
 
 Thy truth, and honour have been ever fpotlefs. 
 Befides thy wrongs, thy countlefs wrongs, the wounds 
 
 He gave your injur'd family and name, 
 
 M I R V A N. 
 
 Alas ! thofe wounds muft (till lie bleeding here, 
 Untented by the hand of time Not all 
 His lenient arts, his favours heap'd upon me, 
 Shall cool the burning anguifh of my foul. 
 What he, that (lew my father ! dragg'd my fifter 
 Blooming in years, to his detefted bed 1 
 Yes, tyrant, yes , thy unextinguiih'd foe 
 Dwells in this bofom. Surely then to me 
 Mandane may reveal her griefs her wrongs 
 Will add new fuel to my hidden fires, 
 And make them burn more fiercely. 
 
 MANDANE. 
 
 Urge no more 
 
 My woes mud reft conceal'd yet mould the tyrant 
 
 Learn from the captives of yon vanquim'd hoft, 
 
 That China's orphan breathes the vital air, 
 
 And to himfelf unknown, within his bread 
 
 Unconfcious bears the gen*fous glowing flame 
 
 Of all the virtues of his royal line ; 
 
 Oh ! (hould they know that the dear youth furvives, 
 
 That for his righteous caufe this war began, 
 
 Their fury then would kindle to a blaze, 
 
 Might wrap the world in flames, and in the ruin- 
 
 My blamelefs fon muft perifli. 
 
 M I R V A N. 
 Seek not thus 
 
 To multiply the ills that hover round you ; 
 Nor from the ftor.es of bufy fancy add 
 New (hafts to fortune's quiver. Zamti's care 
 Hath ftill deceiv'd fufpicion's wakeful eye j 
 
 ARC!
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 5 
 
 And o'er the Mandarine his manners pure, 
 And facred function have difflifed an air 
 Of venerable awe, which e'en can teach 
 Thefe northern foes to foften into men. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 
 Yes, Mirvan, yes Religion wears a mien 
 Jn Zamti's perfon fo feverely mild, 
 That the fierce Scythian refts upon his fpear, 
 And wonders what he feels. Such is the charm 
 Of heart-felt virtue , fuch is nature's force 
 That fpeaks abroad, and in rude northern hearts 
 Can (lamp the image of an awful God. 
 From that fource fprings fome hope : Wretch that 
 
 I am ! 
 
 Hope idly flutters on my trembling tongue, 
 While melancholy brooding o'er her wrongs, 
 Lays waile the mind with horror and defpair. 
 
 What noife is that ? 
 
 MIRVAN. 
 
 Compofe this ftorm of grief; 
 In ev'ry found your fancy hears the Tartar 
 
 Your hulband this way bends 
 
 M A N D A N E. , 
 
 Celeftial pow'rs ! 
 What lab'ring fighs heave in his breaft ? < what 
 
 terror 
 
 Rolls in the patriot's eye ? hafte, Mirvan, hence j 
 Again look out , gather the flying news, 
 And let me know each circumftance of ruin. 
 
 \Exit Mirvan. 
 
 Enter Z A M T i. 
 
 MAND ANE. 
 Zamti ! 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 ^andane ! 
 
 B M A N D A K E,
 
 6 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 Ah ! what haft thou lecn ? 
 
 What haft thou heard? tell me, has fate decreed 
 The doom of China ! 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 China is no more -, 
 
 The eaftern world is loft this mighty empire 
 Falls with the univerie beneath the ftroke 
 Of favage force falls from it's tow'ring hopes ; 
 For ever, ever fall'n ! 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 Yet why, ye pow'rs ! 
 
 Why mould a tyrant, train'd to luft and murder, 
 A lawlefs ravager from favage wilds, 
 Where chearful day ne'er dawns, but low'ring heav'n 
 For ever rolls a turbulence of clouds ; 
 Why Hi Aild a mender thus ufurp the world. 
 And trarriple fair fimplicity from ill 
 Bentath his ruffian feet ? 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Far hence, Mandane, 
 
 Thofe happy days, alas ! are fled, when peace 
 Here nurs'd her blooming olives, and fhed rounei 
 Her foft'ring influence. In vain the plan 
 Of facred laws, by hoary elders taught, 
 Laws founded on the bafe of public weal, 
 Guve leilbrs to the world. In vain Confucius 
 Unlock'd his radiant ftores of moral truth ; 
 In vain bright fcience, and each tender muie> 
 
 Beam'd ev'ry elegance on polifh'd life 
 
 Barbarian pow'r prevails Whate'er our fages 
 
 taught, '] 
 
 Or genii 1 - could infpire, muft fade away, 
 And each fair virtue wither at the blaft 
 Of ncruiern domination, 
 
 MAN DA N E,
 
 The ORPHA^J of CHINA. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 Fatal day ! 
 
 More fatal e'en than that, which firft beheld 
 This race accurs'd within thefe palace walls, 
 Since hope, that balm of wretched minds, 
 
 Irrevocably loft. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Name not the day, 
 
 Which faw this city fack'd frefli ftream my eyes, 
 Frefh bleeds my heart, whene'er the fad idea 
 Comes o'er my tortur'd mind. Why, cruel pow'rsi 
 Why in that moment could not Zamti fall ? 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 
 Thy fanctity, the fymbol of thy God, 
 Made ev'n the conqueror fufpend his blow, 
 
 And murmur foft humanity. High heav'n 
 
 Protected thee for its own great defigns ; 
 To fave the royal child, the new-born babe, 
 From the dire (laughter of his ancient line. 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 
 Yes, my Mandane, in that hour of carnage, 
 For purpofes yet in the womb of time, 
 
 I was referv'd. 1 was ordain'd to fave 
 
 The infant boy ; the dear, the precious charge, 
 The laft of all my kings ; full twenty years 
 I've hid him from the world, and from himfelf, 
 
 And now I fwear Kneel we together here ; 
 
 While in this dreadful paufe our fouls renew 
 
 Their folemn purpofe. Both knee!, 
 
 Thou all-gracious Being, 
 
 Whofe tutelary care hath watch'd the fate 
 
 Of China's Orphan, who haft taught his fteps 
 
 The paths of fafety, ftill invelop him 
 
 In fev'nfold night, till your own hour is come; 
 
 Till your (low juftice fee the dread occafion 
 
 To roufe his foul, and bid him walk abroad 
 
 B 4 Vicegerent
 
 8 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 Vicegerent of your pow'r ; and if thy fervant, 
 
 Or this his foft afibciate, e'er defeat 
 
 By any word or deed the great defign, 
 
 Then ftraight may all your horrible difpleafurc 
 
 Be launch'd upon us from your red right arm, 
 
 And in one ruin dam us both together, 
 
 The blafted monuments of wrath. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 That here 
 
 Mandane vows ne'er to betray his caufc, 
 Be it enroll'd in the records of heav'n ! Botb rife. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 And now my heart more lightly beats ; methinks 
 With ftrength redoubled I can meet the mock 
 Of adverle fate.- 
 
 MANDANE. 
 
 And lo ! the trial comes 
 
 For fee where Etan mourns See where the youth, 
 Unknowing of the llorm that gathers o'er him, 
 Brings fome new tale of woe. 
 
 Enter ETAN. 
 
 ETAN. 
 
 My honour'd father, 
 
 And you, my helplefs mother, ah ! where now, 
 Illuftrious wretched pair, where will ye fly ? 
 Where will your mileries now find a Ihelter ? 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 In virtue I and this dear faithful woman, 
 
 We afk no more. 
 
 MANDANE. 
 Ah ! quickly, Etan, fay 
 
 What means that pallid look ? what new event 
 Brings on the work of fate ? . 
 
 Z A M T K
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 9 
 
 z A M T i. 
 
 Say, does the tyrant 
 Return unglutted yet with blood ? 
 
 K T A N. 
 He does ; 
 
 Ev'n now his triumph moves within the gates 
 In dread barbaric pomp : the iron fwarms 
 Of Hyperboreans troop along the ftreets, 
 Reeking from Daughter ; while, from gazing crowds 
 Of their dire countrymen, an uproar wild 
 Of joy ferocious thro' th' aftonim'd air 
 Howls like a northern tempeft : O'er the reft, . 
 Proud in fuperior eminence of guilt, 
 The tyrant rides fublime. Behind his car 
 The refufe of his fword, a captive train 
 Difplay their honeft fears, and gnafh their teeth 
 With rage and defperation. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 Cruel fate ! 
 
 ET AN. 
 
 With thefe a youth, diflinguifh'd from the reft, 
 Proceeds in fullen march. Heroic fire 
 Glows in his cheek, and from his ardent eye 
 
 Beams amiable horror. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 What of this youth ? 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Be not alarm'd, Mandane What of him ? 
 
 ETAN. 
 
 On him all eyes were fix*d with eager gaze, 
 As if their fpirits, ftruggling to come forth, 
 Would ftrain each vifual nerve, while thro* the 
 
 crowd 
 
 A bufy murmur ran " If fame fay right, 
 " Beneath that habit lurks a prince-, the laft 
 
 "Of
 
 ?o The ORPHAN of CHINA! 
 
 " Of China's race." The rumour fpreads abroad 
 From man to man ; and all with loud acclaim 
 Denounce their vengeance on him. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 Ha ! what fay'ft thou, Etan ? 
 Heav'ns how each blackening hour in deeper horror 
 Comes charg'd with woe ! 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 It cannot be. Ye vain, 
 Ye groundlefs terrors hence. Afids. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 My honour'd lord, 
 
 Thofe eyes upturned to heav'n, alas ! in vain, 
 Declare your inward conflict. . 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Lov'd Mandane, 
 
 I prithee leave me but a moment leave me. 
 Heed not the workings of a fickly fancy, 
 Wrought on by every popular report. 
 Thou know'ft with Morat I convey'd the infant 
 Far as the eaftern point of Corea's realm ; 
 There where no human trace is feen, no found 
 AfTails the ear, fave when the foaming furge 
 Breaks on the fhelving beach, that there the youth 
 Might mock their bufy fearch. Then check thy 
 
 fears 
 
 Retire, my love, awhile -, I'll come anon,- 
 And fortify thy foul with firm refolve, 
 Becoming Zamti's wife. 
 
 MANDANE. 
 Yes, Zamti's wife 
 
 Shall never act unworthy of her lord. 
 Then hence I'll go, and fatisfy each doubt 
 This youthful captive raifes in my heart, 
 
 2 Quick
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA.' n 
 
 Quick panting with its fears. And O ye pow'rs ! 
 Protect my fon, my huiband, and my king ! 
 
 \Exit Mandane. 
 
 ZAMTI .and ETAN. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Come hither, Etan thou perceiv'ft the toils 
 That now incircle me 
 
 ETAN. 
 Alas! too well 
 
 I fee th } impending ftorm. But furely, fir, 
 Should this young captive prove the royal Orphaft, 
 You'll never own th' important truth. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Dream not, young man, 
 To (land fecure, yet blooming into life, 
 While vengeance hovers o'er your father's heacL 
 The ftock once fallen, each fcyon muft decay. 
 
 ETAN. 
 
 Then let me perim ; witnefs for me, heav'n, 
 Could Etan's fall appeafe the tyrant's wrath, 
 A willing victim he would yield his life, 
 And afk no greater boon of heav'n. 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 This zeal 
 So fervid in a ftranger's caufe 
 
 ETAN. 
 A ftranger ! he ! 
 
 My king a ftranger ! Sir, you never meant it ; 
 Perhaps you would explore the fiery feeds 
 Of Etan's temper, ever prompt to blaze 
 At honour's facred name. Perim the man, 
 Who, when his country calls him to defend 
 The rights of human kind, or bravely die, 
 
 Who
 
 12 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 Who then to glory dead can fhrink aghaft, 
 And hold a council with his abject fears. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Thefe tow'rings of the foul, alas ! are vain. 
 I know the Tartar well fhould I attempt' 
 By any virtuous fraud to veil the truth, 
 His lion-rage again mall ftalk abroad, 
 Again fhall quaff the blood of innocence ; 
 And for Zaphimri all the poor remains 
 Of China's matrons, and her hoary fires, 
 Her blooming virgins, and her lifping babes, 
 Shall yield their throats to the fell murd'rcr's knife, 
 And all be loft for ever 
 
 ETAN. 
 Then at once 
 
 Proclaim him to the world ; each honeft hand 
 Will grafp a fword, and, 'midft the circling guards, 
 Reach the ufurper's heart or mould they fail, 
 Should overwhelming bands obftruct the deed, 
 They'll greatly dare to die ! better to die 
 With falling liberty, than bafely lead 
 An ignominious life. Zaphimri loft, 
 Ne'er ihall fair order dawn, but thro' the land 
 Slav'ry fhall clank her chains, and violation, 
 Rapine, and murder riot at the will 
 Of luft and lawlefs pow'r. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Thou brave young man, 
 Indulge my fond embrace Thy lovely ardor 
 It glads me thus to fee. To eafe at once 
 Thy gen'rous fears, the prince Zaphimri's fafe j 
 
 Safe in my guardian care 
 
 ETAN. 
 
 This pris'ner, fir, 
 He does not then alarm you ? 
 
 ZAMTI.
 
 The ORPHAN of CHIN A. 13 
 
 z A M T i. 
 No 1 from thence 
 I've nought to fear. 
 
 ETAN. 
 
 Oh ! fir, inform your fon 
 Where is the royal heir ? 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Seek not too foon 
 
 To know that truth now I'll difclofe the work, 
 The work of vengeance, which my lab'ring foul 
 Has long been famioning. Ev'n at this hour 
 Stupendous ruin hovers o'er the heads 
 
 Of this accurfed race 
 
 ETAN. 
 Ruin! 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 I'll tell thee 
 
 When Timurkan led forth his favage bands, 
 Unpeopling this great city, I then feiz'd 
 The hour, to tamper with a chofen few, 
 Who have refolv'd, when the barbarians lie 
 Buried in deep and wine, and hotly dream 
 Their havock o'er again, then, then, my fon, 
 In one collected blow to burft upon 'em ; 
 Like their own northern clouds, whofe midnight 
 
 horror 
 
 Impending o'er the world, at length breaks forth 
 In the vaunt lightning's blaze, in ftorms and thunder 
 Thro' all the red'ning air, till frighted nature 
 Start from her couch, and waken to a fcene 
 Of uproar and deftruction 
 
 ETAN. 
 Oh! my father, 
 The glorious enterprize ! 
 
 Z A M T I.'
 
 *i4 The ORPHAN of CHIN A^ 
 
 z A M T i. 
 
 Mark me, young man. 
 
 Seek thou my friends, Orafming and Zimventi. 
 In the dim holy cloifters of yon temple 
 Thou'lt find them muling near Ofmingti*s tomfe 
 I charge they all convene ; and there do thou 
 Await my coming. Bid them ne'er remit 
 Their high heroic ardor ; let them know, 
 Whate'er mall fall on this old moiildi|jig clay, 
 The tyrant never mall fubdue my mind. 
 
 End of the Firft ACT. 
 
 ACT
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Enter ZAMTI. 
 
 z A M T I. 
 
 RE AM on, deluded tyrant -, yes, dream on 
 )8( j) )5( In blind fecurity : whene'er h igh heav'n 
 gS ^* Means to deftroy, it curies with illufion, 
 &.MMJB with error O f tne mind. Yes, wreak 
 
 thy fury 
 
 Upon this captive youth ; whoe'er he is, 
 If from his death this groaning empire rife, 
 Once more itfelf, refplendent, rich in arts 
 That humanize the world, he pays a debt 
 Due to his King, his Country, and his God. 
 His father, wherefoe'er he dwell, in tears 
 Shall tell the glory on his boy deriv'd -, 
 And ev'n his mother, 'midft her matron fhrieks, 
 Shall blefs the childbed pang that brought him forth 
 
 To this great lot, by fate to few allow'd ! 
 
 What would'ft thou, Mirvan ? 
 
 Enter MIRV AN. 
 
 MIRVAN. 
 Eagerly without 
 
 A rev'rend ftranger craves accefs to Zamti 
 His head hoary with age, with galling tears 
 His eyes fuffus'd j his ev'ry look impatience 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 
 Give him admittance [Exit Mirvan. 
 
 How my fpirits rum 
 
 Tumultuous
 
 1 6 The ORPHAN of CHIN A. 
 
 Tumultuous to my heart what may this mean ? 
 Lo ! where he comes 
 
 Enter MOR AT. 
 
 M O R A T. 
 Zamti ! - 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Ha ! thro* the veil 
 Of age, that face that mien Morat ! 
 
 M O R A T. 
 Oh ! Zamti ! 
 Let me once more embrace thee 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 
 Good old man ! They embrace, 
 
 But wherefore art thou here ? what of my boy ? 
 
 MORAT. 
 
 Ah ! what indeed ? Ev'n from the ocean's margin, 
 Parch'd with the fun, or chill'd with midnight damps, 
 O'er hills, and rocks, and dreary continents, 
 In vain I've follow'd 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 Why didft let him forth ? 
 
 MORAT. 
 
 Think not thy Morat urg'd him to the deed. 
 His valour was the caufe , and foon as fame 
 Proclaim'd the prince alive, the mighty din 
 Of preparation thro' all Corea's realm 
 Alarm'd his breaft Indignant of controul 
 He burft his covert, and now, haplefs youth 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 Ah. ! dead ! -in battle fall'n I 
 
 4. MORAT;
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 17 
 
 M o R A T. 
 Alas ! ev'n now 
 He drags the conqu'ror's chain.' 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Mahdane then 
 
 May flill embrace her Ton. My boy may live, 
 To know the fweets of freedom, ere he die. 
 
 M O R A T. 
 
 Alas !. the meafure of your woes is full. 
 Unconfcious of our frauds, the tyrant thinks 
 The prince his pris'ner in your fon. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Ah ! Morat ! 
 
 M O R A T. 
 
 \Vild thro' the flreets the foe calls out on Zamti. 
 Thee they pronounce the author of this fraud ; 
 And on your Harriet threaten inftant vengeance. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 There was but this-r-but this, ye cruel pow'rs, 
 And this you've heap'cl upon me. Was it not 
 Enough to tear him from his mother's arms, 
 Doom'd for his prince to wander o'er the world ? 
 Alas ! what needed more ? Fond foolifh eyes 
 Stop your unbidden gufn tear, tear me piecemeal 
 No, I will not complain but whence on him 
 Could that fulpicion glance ? 
 
 MORA T. 
 This very morn, 
 
 Ere yet the battle join'd, a faithful mefienger, 
 Who thro' the friendly gloom of night had held 
 His darkling way, and pafs'd the Tartar's camp, 
 
 Brought me advices from the Corean chief, 
 
 That icon as Hamet join'd the warlike train, 
 His (lory he related. Straight the gallant leader 
 C With
 
 i8 The O*RPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 With open arms receiv'd him knew him for thy 
 
 fon, 
 
 In fecret knew him, nor reveal'd he aught 
 That touch'd his birth. But Hill the bufy voice 
 Of fame, increafmg as me goes, thro' all the ranks 
 Babbled abroad each circumftance. By thee 
 How he was privately convey'd fent forth 
 A tender infant to be rear'd in folitude, 
 A ftranger to himfelf ! The warriors faw 
 With what a graceful port he mov'd in arms, 
 An early hero ! deem'd him far above 
 The common lot of life deem'd him Zaphimri, 
 And all with reverential awe beheld him. 
 This, this, my Zamti, reach'd the tyrant's ear, 
 And rifes into horrid proof. 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 Iffo, 
 Oh ! what a facrifice muft now be made ! Afidt. 
 
 M O R A T. 
 But when the fecret mail be known 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 Oh ! Morat ! 
 
 Does thy poor bleeding country Mill remain 
 Dear to thy heart ? Say, doft thou ftill revere 
 That holy pow'r above, Supreme of beings, 
 Miftaken by the Bonzee, whom our fathers 
 Worihip'd in happier days ! 
 
 M O R A T. 
 He, only he 
 For twenty years hath given me ftrength in exile. 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 
 Then bending here, before his awful throne, 
 Swear what I now unfold, mail ever lie 
 In facrcd jQknce wrapp'd - 
 
 MOR AT,
 
 The ORPHAN of CHIN A. 19 
 
 M O R A T. 
 I fwear ! 
 
 AMTL 
 
 Now mark me 
 
 Morat my fon (turning af.de) Oh ! cruel, cruel 
 
 tafk, 
 To conquer nature while the heart-firings break.- 
 
 MORAT. 
 
 Why heave thofe fighs ? and why that burft of 
 grief? 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 My fon his guiltlefs blood I cannot fpeak- 
 
 Burfts into tears. 
 MORAT. 
 Ha ! Wilt thou fhed his blood ? 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Thou wretched father ! Half afide, 
 
 MORAT. 
 
 Oh ! had you known the virtues of the youth ; 
 His truth, his courage, his enlightened mind 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 I prithee urge no more here nature's voice 
 Speaks in fuch pleadings : Such reproaches, Morat ? 
 Here in my very heart give woundings here, 
 Thou can'ft not know and only parents feel 
 
 MORAT. 
 And wilt thou, cruel in thy tears 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Nay ceafe, 
 
 In pity to a father ceafe. Think, Morat, 
 Think of Zaphimri 
 
 MORA T. 
 Ah ! how fares the prince ? 
 
 C 2 z A M T i.
 
 2o The ORPHAN of C H i N A." 
 
 z A M T i. 
 
 He fares, my Morat, like a God on earth, 
 Unknowing his celeftial origin: 
 Yet quick, intenfe, and burfting into afbion ; 
 His great heart lab'ring with he knows not what 
 Prodigious deeds ! Deeds, which ere long fhall 
 rouze, 
 
 and alarm the world. 
 
 MORAT. 
 What mean 
 Thole myftic founds ? 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Revenge, conqueft, and freedom ! . 
 
 MORAT. 
 Conqueft and freedom ! 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Ay ! Conqueft and freedom ! 
 The midnight hour fhall call a chofen band 
 Of hidden patriots forth ; who, when the fot 
 Sinks down in drunken revelry, fhall pour 
 The gather'd rage of twenty years upon him, 
 And vindicate the eaftern world. - 
 
 MORAT. 
 By heav'n ! 
 The news revives my foul. - 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 And can'ft thou think, 
 To lave one vulgar life, that Zamti now 
 Will marr the vaft defign ? No ; let him bleed, 
 Let my boy bleed : in fuch a caufe as this 
 I can refign my fon with tears of joy 
 Refign him, and one complicated pang 
 Shall wrench him from my heart. - 
 The C9nqu'ror comes ! Warlike mujjc tvit&rn. 
 
 This
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 21 
 
 This is no hour for partying Morat, hence, 
 And leave me to my fix'd refolve. - 
 
 MORAT. 
 Yet think, 
 Think of fome means to fave your Hamet. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Oh! 
 
 It cannot be the foul of Timurkan 
 Is bold and ftirring when occafion calls, 
 He fprings aloft, like an expanding fire, 
 And marks his way with ruin. Now he knows 
 Zaphimri lives, his fear will make him daring 
 Beyond his former crimes for joy and riot 
 "Which this day's triumph brings, remorfekfs rage 
 And maflacre fucceed and all our hopes 
 Are blafled, for an unimportant boy. 
 
 A fecond Flourijh. 
 
 MORAT. 
 
 That nearer found proclaims his dread approach- 
 Yet once more, Zamti, think 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 No more I'll fend 
 
 Tliofe mail conduct thee where Crafming lives 
 There dwell, unfeen of all. But, Morat, firft 
 Seek my Mandane. Heav'ris ! how mail I bear 
 Her ftrong impetuofity of grief, 
 When me ihall know my fatal purpofe ? Thou 
 Prepare her tender fpirit ; footh her mind, 
 And faye, oh ! fave me from that dreadful con8ih 
 
 [Exeunt.
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 wo large Folding-gates in the Back-fcene are 
 burjl open by the Tartars, and then enter 
 TIMURKAN, with bis 
 
 TIMURKAN. 
 
 Hail to this regal dome, this gorgeous palace ! 
 Where this inventive race have lavifh'd all 
 Their elegance j ye gay apartments hail ! 
 Beneath your ftoried roof, where mimick life 
 Glows to the eye, and at the painter's touch 
 A new creation lives along the walls ; 
 Once more receive a conqueror, arriv'd 
 PVom rougher fcenes, where item rebellion dar'4 
 Draw forth his phalanx ; till this warlike arm 
 Hurl'd defolation on his falling ranks, 
 And now the monfter, in yon field of death, 
 Lies overwhelm'd in ruin. 
 
 O C T A R, 
 
 There he fell, 
 
 No mere to ftalk thy realm j the eaftern worlcj 
 From this aufpicious day, beneath your feet 
 Lies bound in adamantine chains. . 
 
 TIMURKAN. 
 Thus, Octar, 
 
 Shall Timurkan difplay his conquering banners, 
 From high Samarcand's walls, to where the Tanais 
 Devolves his icy tribute to the fea. - 
 
 O C T A R. 
 But firft this captive prince. 
 
 TIMURKAN. 
 Yes, Oclar, firft 
 
 Zaphimri gluts my rage bring him before us firft 
 We'll crufh the feeds of dark confpiracy 
 For Zamti he, that falfe infidious fiave, 
 Shall dearly pay his treafons, . 
 
 X) T A R,
 
 The OR* HAN of CHINA. 23 
 
 O C T A R. 
 
 Zamti's crimes 
 
 'Twere beft to leave unpunifhed : vers'd in wiles 
 
 Of fly hypocrify, he wins the love 
 
 Of the deluded multitude. 'Twould feem, 
 
 Should we inflict that death his frauds deferve, 
 
 As if we meant deftrudtion to their faith : 
 
 When a whole people's minds are once inflam'd 
 
 For their religious rights, their fury burns 
 
 With rage more dreadful, as the fource is holy. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Oclar, thou reafon'ft right : henceforth my art 
 To make this fiubborn race receive the yoke, 
 Shall be by yielding to their fofter manners, 
 Their vefture, laws, and cufloms : thus to blend 
 And make the whole one undiftinguifh'd people. 
 The boy comes forth in fullen mood what paftions 
 Swell in his breaft in vain ! -. 
 
 Enter HAMET, in Chains. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Thou art the youth, 
 Who mow'd our battle down, and flefh'd your fword 
 
 In many a flaughter'd Tartar. 
 
 HAMET. 
 True ; I am, 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Too well I mark'd thy rage, and faw thee hew 
 A wafteful paiTage thro' th' embattled plain. 
 
 HAMET. 
 
 Then be thou witnefs for me, in that hour 
 I never munn'd your thickeft war , and if 
 In yonder field, where my poor country-men 
 In mangled heaps lie many a rood extended, 
 Kind fate had doom'd me to a noble fall, 
 With this right arm I earn'd it. 
 
 C4 T I M U R. K A N.
 
 24 The ORPHAN 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Say, what motive 
 
 Unfheath'd thy rebel blade, and bad thce feels; 
 Thefe wars ? 
 
 H A M E T. 
 
 The love of honourable deeds ; 
 The groans of bleeding China, and the hate 
 Of tyrants. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Ha ! take heed, ralh youth I fee 
 This lefibn has been taught thee. Oclar, hafte, 
 Seek me the Mandarine let him forthwith 
 Attend me here. (Exit Ocftar.) Now tremble at 
 
 my words ! 
 Thy motive to thefe wars is known thou art 
 
 Zaphimri. 
 
 H A M E T, 
 I Zaphimri ! 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Falfe one, yes ; 
 Thou art Zaphimri thou ! whom treach'rous 
 
 guile 
 
 Stole from my rage, and fent to diftant wilds, 
 Till years and horrid counfel mould mature thee 
 For war and wild commotion. 
 H A M E T, 
 I the prince ! 
 
 The lad of China's race ! nay mock not majefty. 
 Nor with the borrow'd robes of facred kings 
 Drefs up a wretch like me were I Zaphimri, 
 Think'ft thou thy trembling eye could bear the mock 
 Of a much-injur'd king? could'ft thou fuftain it ? 
 Say, could'ft thou bear to view a royal Orphan, 
 Whofe father, mother, brother, fifters, all 
 Thy murd'rous arm hath long fince laid in duft ? 
 Whofe native crown on thy ignoble brow 
 Thou dar'ftdi [honour ? whofe wide-wafted country 
 Thy arms have made a witdernefs ? 
 
 T I M U R K A N T .
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA-. 25 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 I fee 
 
 Thou haft been tutor'd in thy lone retreat 
 By fome fententious pedant. Soon thefe vain, 
 Thefe turgid maxims mail be all fubdued 
 
 By thy approaching death . 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Let death come on ; 
 
 Guilt, guilt alone fhrinks back appall'd the brave 
 And honed ftill defy his dart ; the wife 
 Calmly can eye his frown ; and mifery 
 Invokes his friendly aid to end her woes. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Thy woes, prefumptuous youth, with all my fears, 
 Shall foon lie buried. 
 
 Enter Z A M T I. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Now, pious falfe one, fay, who is that youth ? 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 His air, his features, and his honeft mien 
 Proclaim all fair within. But, mighty fir, 
 I know him not. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Take heed, old man, nor dare, 
 As thou do'ft dread my pow'r, to pradtHe guile 
 Beneath a mafk of facerdotal perfidy : 
 Prieftcraft, I think, calls it a pious fraud. 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 
 Prieftcraft and facerdotal perfidy 
 To me are yet unknown. Religion's garb 
 Here never ferves to confecrate a crime ; 
 We have not yet, thank heav'n, fo far imbib'd 
 The vices of the north. - 
 
 T I M U R K A N.'
 
 26 The ORPHAN of CHIN A. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Thou vile impoftor ! 
 
 Avow Zaphimri, whom thy treacherous arts 
 Conceal'd from juftice; or elfe defolation 
 Again mail ravage this devoted land. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Alas ! full well thou know'ft, that -arm already 
 
 Hath fhed all royal blood. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Traitor, 'tis falfe ; 
 
 By thee, vile (lave, I have been wrought to think 
 The hated race deftroy'd thy artful tale 
 Abus'd my cred'lous ear. But know, at length 
 Some captive (laves, by my command impal'd, 
 Have own'd the horrid truthj have own'd they 
 
 fought 
 
 To feat Zaphimri on the throne of China. 
 Hear me, thou froward boy ; dar'ft thou be honeft, 
 And anfwer who thou art ? 
 
 H A M E T. 
 
 Dare I be honeft ? 
 
 I dare ; a mind grown up in native honour 
 Dares not be otherwife then if thy troops 
 Afk from the lightning of whofe blade they fled, 
 Tell 'em 'twas Harriet's. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 'Tis it is my fon 
 
 My boy, my Hamet 4ftde* 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Where was your abode ? 
 
 HAMET. 
 
 Far hence remote, in Corea's happy realm 
 
 Where the firft beams of day with orient blulhes 
 Tinge the fait wave there on the fea-beat more 
 
 2 A ea-
 
 The O R P H A N of C H I N A. 2J 
 
 A cavern'd rock yielded a lone retreat 
 To virtuous Morat. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Oh! ill-fated youth ! '4/Me, 
 
 H A M E T. 
 
 The pious hermit in that mcfs-grown dwelling 
 Found an afy him from heart- piercing woes, 
 From ilav'ry, and that reftlefs din of arms 
 With which thy fell ambition Ihook the world. 
 There too the fage nurtured my greener years 5 
 With him and contemplation have I walk'd 
 The paths of wifdom ; what the great Confucius 
 Of moral beauty taught, whate'er the wife, 
 Still wooing knowledge in her fecret haunts, 
 Difclos'd of nature to the fons of men, 
 My wond'ring mind has heard but above all 
 The hermit taught me the moft uieful fcience, 
 That noble fcience, to be Brave and Good. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Oh ! lovely youth at ev'ry word he utters, 
 A foft effufion mix'd of grief and joy 
 Flows o'tr my heart. AJide. 
 
 T I M U R K A N, 
 Who, faid he, was your father ? 
 
 H A M E T. 
 
 My birth, the pious fage, I know not why 
 Still wrapp'd in filence ; and when urg'd to tell, 
 He only anfwer'd that a time might come, 
 I fhould not blulh to know my father. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Now 
 With truth declare, haft thou ne'er heard of Zamti ? 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Of Zamti ? oft enraptur'd with his name 
 
 My
 
 *8 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 My heart has glow'd within me, as I heard 
 The praifes of the godlike man. . 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Thou Have, fo Zamti. 
 
 Each circumftance arraigns thy guilt. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Oh ! heav'ns ! 
 Can that be Zamti ! 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Yes, that is the traitor 
 
 H A M E T. 
 
 Let me adore his venerable form, 
 Thus on my knees adore - 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 I cannot look upon him, 
 Left tendernefs diffolve my feeble pow'rs, 
 And wreft my purpofe from me Afide. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Hence, vain boy ! 
 
 Thou fpecious traitor, thou falfe hoaity moralift \ 
 
 Te Zamti. 
 
 Confufion has o'erta'en thy fubtle frauds. 
 To make my crown's aflurance firm, that none 
 Hereafter fhall afpire to wrench it from me, 
 Now own your fancied king ; or, by yon heav'n, 
 To make our vengeance fure, thro* all the eaft 
 Each youth fhall die, and carnage thin mankind, 
 Till in the gen'ral wreck your boafted Orphan 
 Shall undiftinguim'd fall. Thou know'ft my word 
 Is fate. Octar, draw near when treaibn lurks, 
 Each moment's big with danger thou obferve 
 
 Thefe my commands 
 
 folks apart to Oftar, 
 
 ZAMTI.
 
 , The ORPHAN of CHINA. 29 
 
 2 A M T I. 
 
 Now virtuous cruelty reprefs my tears. 
 Ceafe your foft conflict, nature. Hear me, 
 
 Tartar. 
 
 That youth his air his ev'ry look, unmans me 
 
 quite. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Wilt thou begin, diflembler ? 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Down, down, down 
 
 It mufl be fo, or all is loft That youth, 
 I've dealt by him as ev'ry king could wifh 
 In a like cafe his faithful fubjefts would. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Do'ft thou then own it ? Triumph, Timurkan, 
 And in Zaphimri's grave lie hum'd rny fears. 
 Brave Oclar, let the victim ftraight be led 
 To yonder facred fane j there, in the view 
 Of my rejoicing Tartars, the declining fun 
 Shall fee him offered to our living Lama, 
 For this day's conqueft : thence a golden train 
 Of radiant years, mail mark my future fway. \Extt. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Flow, flow my tears, and eafe this aching bread. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 
 Nay, do not weep for me, thou good old man. 
 If it will clofe the wounds of bleeding China, 
 That a poor wretch like me mud yield his life, 
 I give it freely. If I am a king, 
 Tho' fure it cannot be, what greater blefling 
 Can a young prince enjoy, than to diffufe, 
 By one great aft, that happineis on millions, 
 For which his life mould be a found of care ? 
 Come, lead me to my fate. Exit with Qctar, &V. 
 
 5 z M t r.
 
 30 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 z A M T i. 
 
 Hold, hold my heart ! 
 
 My gallant, gen'rous youth ! Mandane's air, 
 His mother's dear refemblance rives my foul. 
 
 MANDANE within. 
 Oh ! let me fly, and find the barb'rous man 
 
 Where where is Zamti ? 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Ha! 'tis Mandane 
 
 Wild as the winds, the mother all alive 
 In ev'ry heartftring, the forlorn one comes 
 To claim her boy 
 
 Enter MANDANE. 
 
 MANDANE. 
 And can it then be true ? 
 Is human nature exil'd from thy breaft ? 
 Art thou indeed fo barb'rous r 
 ZAMTI. 
 Lov'd Mandane, 
 
 Fix not your fcorpions here a bearded fhafr 
 Already drinks my fpirits up. 
 
 MANDANE. 
 I've feen 
 
 The trufty Morat Oh ! I've heard it all. 
 He would have Ihunn'd my fleps , but what can 
 
 i 'fcape 
 The eye of tendernefs like mine ? 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 By heav'n 
 I cannot fpeak to thee. 
 
 MANDANE. 
 Think'ft thou thofe tears, 
 
 Thofe falfe, thofe cruel tears, will choak the voice 
 
 Of
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA; 31 
 
 Of a fond mother's love, now ftung to madnefs ? 
 Oh ! I will rend the air with lamentations, 
 Root up this hair, and beat this throbbing breaft, 
 Turn all connubial joys to bitternefs, 
 To fell defpair, to anguifh and remorfe, 
 Unlefs my fon 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Thou ever faithful woman, 
 Oh ! leave me to my woes. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 Give me my child, 
 
 Thou vvorie than Tartar, give me back my fon ; 
 Oh ! give him to a mother's eager arms, 
 And let me ftrain him to my heart. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Heav'n knows 
 
 How dear my boy is here. But our firft duty 
 Now claims attention to our country's love, 
 All other tender fondneffes muft yield j 
 I was a fubject ere I was a father. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 
 You were a favage bred in Scythian wilds, 
 And humanizing pity never reach'd 
 Your heart. Was it for this oh ! thou unkind one, 
 Was it for this oh ! thou inhuman father, 
 You woo'd me to your nuptial bed ? So long 
 Have I then clafp'd thee in thefe circling arms, 
 And made this breaft your pillow ? Cruel, fay, 
 Are thefe your vows ? are thefe your fond endear- 
 ments ? 
 
 Nay, look upon me if this wafted form, 
 Thele faded eyes have turned your heart againft me, 
 With grief for you I wither'd in my bloom. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Why wilt thou pierce my heart ? 
 
 M AN D A N J,"
 
 32 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 Alas ! my fon, 
 
 Have I then bore thee in thefe matron arms, 
 To fee thee bleed ? Thus do'ft thou then return ? 
 This could your mother hope, when firfl ftie fent 
 Her infant exile to a diftant clime ? 
 Ah ! could I think thy early love of fame, 
 Would urge thee to this peril ? thus to fall, 
 By a ftern father's will by thee to die ! 
 From thee, inhuman, to receive his doom ! 
 Murder'd by thee! Yet hear me, Zamti, hear 
 
 me 
 
 Thus on my knees I threaten now no more 
 'Tis nature's voice that pleads , nature alarm'd, 
 Quick, trembling, wild, touch'd to her inmoilfeel- 
 
 ing> 
 
 When force would tear her tender young ones from 
 her. 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 
 Nay, feek not with enfeebling fond ideas 
 To fwell the flood of grief it is in vain- 
 He mull lubmit to fate. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 
 Barbarian ! no She rifes bajlily. 
 
 Hefhall not die rather I prithee, Zamti, 
 Urge not a arief-diihacted woman : Tremble 
 At the wild fury of a mother's love, 
 
 Z A M T f . 
 
 I tremble rather at a breach of oaths, 
 But thou break thine. Bathe your perfidious hands 
 In this life-blood, betray the righteous cauie 
 Of all our facred kings. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 Our kings ! our kings ! 
 What are the fcepter'd rulers of the world ?- 
 Form'd of one common clay, are they not all 
 Doom'd with each fubie6b, with the meaneft flave, 
 
 To
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 33 
 
 To drink the cup of human woe ? alike 
 All levelFd by affliction ? Sacred kings ! 
 
 *Tis human policy fets up their claim. 
 
 Mine is a mother's caufe mine is tjie caufe 
 
 Of hufband, wife, and child ; thofe tend'reft ties ! 
 Superior to your right divine of kings ! 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Then go, Mandane thou once faithful woman, 
 Dear to this heart in vain ; go, and forget 
 Thofe virtuous leffons, which I oft have taught thee, 
 In fond credulity, while on each word 
 You hung enamour'd. Go, to Timurkan 
 Reveal the awful truth. Be thou Ipeclatrefs 
 Of murder'd majefty. Embrace your fon, 
 And let him lead in mame and fervitude 
 A life ignobly bought. Then let thofe eyes, 
 Thofe faded eyes, which grief for me hath dimm'd, 
 With guilty joy reanimate their Juflre, 
 To brighten flavery, and beam their fires 
 On the fell Scythian murderer. 
 
 MANDANE. 
 And is it thus, 
 
 Thus is Mandane known ? My foul difdains 
 The vile imputed guilt. No never never- 
 Still am I true to fame. Come lead me hence, 
 Where I may lay down life to fave Zaphimri, 
 But fave my Hamet too. Then, then you'll find 
 A heart beats here, as warm and great as thine. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Then make with me one ftrong, one glorious effort; 
 And rank with thofe, who, from the firft of time, 
 In fame's eternal archives ftand rever'd, 
 For conqu'ring all the deareft ties of nature, 
 To ferve the gen'ral weal. 
 
 D MAN-
 
 34 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 M AND ANE. 
 That favage virtue 
 
 Lofes with me its horrid charms. I've fworn 
 To fave my king. But mould a mother turn 
 A dire aiTaflin oh ! I cannot bear 
 The piercing thought. Diftraction, quick di- 
 ffraction 
 
 Will feize my brain. Think thou behold'ft my 
 
 Hamet, 
 
 The dear, the lovely youth, my blooming hero, 
 Think thou behold'ft him See ! My child! 
 
 My child ! 
 
 By guards furrounded, a devoted victim. 
 Barbarian hold ! Ah ! fee, he dies ! he dies f 
 
 She faints into Zamti'j- arms. 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Where is Arface ? Fond maternal love 
 Shakes her weak frame (Enter Arface.) Quickly, 
 
 Arface, help 
 
 This ever-tender creature. Wand'ring life 
 Rekindles in her cheek. Soft, lead her off 
 To where the fanning breeze in yonder bow'r, 
 May woo her fpirits back. Propitious heav'n ! 
 Pity the woundings of a father's heart ; 
 Pity my ftrugglings with this beft of women ; 
 Support our virtue : kindle in our fouls 
 A ray of your divine enthufiafm ; 
 Such as inflames the patriot's bread, and lifts 
 Th' impaflion'd mind to that fublime of virtue, 
 That even on the rack it feels the good, 
 Which in a fingle hour it works for millions, 
 And leaves the legacy to after times. 
 
 [*//, leading off Mandane. 
 
 End of the Second ACT. 
 
 5 ACT
 
 The ORPHAN cf CHINA. 35 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 S C E N E a Temple. Several tombs up and 
 down the jiage. 
 
 Enter MORAT. 
 
 *3e<s* HIS is the place thefe the long 
 
 ^ T ^ winding ifles, 
 
 ^^ & The folemn arches, whofe religious awe 
 
 #. j&* Attunes the mind to melancholy mufing, 
 Such as befits free men reduc'd to flaves 
 
 Here Zamti meets his friends amid thefe tombs, 
 
 "Where lie the facred manes of our kings, 
 
 They pour their orifons hold converfe here 
 
 With the illuftrious fhades of murder'd heroes, 
 
 And meditate a great revenge (a groan is keard) 
 
 a groan ! 
 
 The burft of anguifh from fome care-worn wretch 
 That*forrows o'er his country-' ha ! 'tis Zamti ! 
 
 ZAMTI comes out of a tomb. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Who's he, that feeks thefe manfions of the dead ? 
 
 MORAT. 
 The friend of Zamti and of China.- 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Morat ! 
 
 Come to my arms, thou good, thcu beft of men- 
 I have been v/eeDine; o'er the facred reliques 
 
 * * D a Of
 
 36 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 Of a dear mnrder'd king Where are our friends ? 
 
 Haft ieen Orafming ? 
 
 M O R A T. 
 
 Thro' thefe vaults of death 
 Lonely he wanders, -plung'd in deep defpair. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Haft thou not told him ? haft thou nought reveaPd 
 Touching Zaphimri ? 
 
 M O R A T. 
 There I wait thy will.. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Oh ! thou art ever faithful -on thy lips 
 Sits penfive filence, with her hallow'd finger 
 Guarding the pure recefles of thy mind. 
 But, lo ! they come. 
 
 Enter ORASMING, ZIMVENTI, and others. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Droop ye, my gallant friends ? 
 
 OR ASM ING. 
 
 Oh ! Zamti, all is loft Our dreams of liberty 
 
 Are vanifh'd into air. Nought now avails 
 
 Integrity of life. Ev'n heav'n, combin'd 
 
 With lawleis might, abandons us and virtue 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 
 ,Can your great fouls thus flirink within ye? thus 
 From heroes will ye dwindle into flaves ? 
 
 ORASMING. 
 
 Oh! could you give us back Zaphimri ! then 
 
 Danger would fmile, and lofe its face of horror. 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 
 What, -would his prefence fire ye ! 
 
 ORASMING.
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 37 
 
 o R A s M I N G. 
 'Twould by heav'n ! 
 
 Z I M V E N T I. 
 This night fhould free us from the Tartar's yoke. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Then mark the care of the all-gracious Gods ! 
 This youthful captive, whom in chains they hold. 
 
 Is not Zaphimri. 
 
 ORASMING/ZIMVENTI. 
 Not Zaphimri ! 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 No? 
 
 Unconfcipus of himfelf, and to the world unknown, 
 He walks at large among us 
 
 O R A S M I N G. 
 Heav'nly pow'rs ! 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 This night, my friends, this very night to rife 
 
 Refulgent from a blow, that frees us all, 
 
 From the ufurper's fate ! the firft of men, 
 Deliv'rer of his country ! 
 
 O R A S M I N G. 
 Mighty Gods ! 
 Can this be poffible ? 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 It is mod true 
 
 I'll bring him to ye ftraight (calling to Etan within 
 
 the tcmb) what ho ! come forth 
 
 You feem transfix'd with wonder oh ! my friends. 
 Watch all the motions of your rifing fpirit, 
 Direct your ardor, when anon ye hear 
 What fate, long pregnant with the vaft event., 
 Is lab'ring into birth, 
 
 D 3 ETAN 
 
 CT f\ "*" O *** 
 
 5 9 a 8 1
 
 38 The ORPHAN of CHINA, 
 
 ETAN comes out of the tomb. 
 
 E T A N. 
 
 Each ftep I move 
 A deeper horror fits on all the tombs ; 
 
 Each fhrine, each altar feems to {hake ; 35 ^ 
 
 Confcious of fome important crifis. . _ . 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Yes; 
 
 A crifis great indeed, is now at hand ! 
 
 Heav'n holds its golden :balance forth, and weighs 
 Zaphimri's and the Tartar's deftiny, 
 While hov'ring angels tremble round the beam. 
 Haft thou beheld that picture ? 
 
 E T A N. 
 Fix'd attention 
 
 Hath paus'd on ev'ry part ; yet flill to me 
 It fhadows forth the forms of things unknown ;- - 
 All imag'ry obfcure, and wrapp'd in darknefs. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 That darknefs my informing breath fhall clear, 
 As morn difpels the night. Lo ! here difplay'd 
 This mighty kingdom's fall. 
 
 ETAN. 
 
 Alas ! my father, 
 
 At fight of thefe fad colourings of woe, 
 Our tears will mix with honeft indignation. 
 Z A i\I T I. 
 
 Nay, but furvey it clofcr fee that child, 
 
 That royal infant, the laft facred relict 
 
 Of China's ancient line fee where a mandarin^ 
 
 Conveys the babe to his wife's foft'ring bread, 
 There to be nourifh'd in an humble ftate ; 
 "While their own fon is fent to climes remote j 
 'lhat, ihouid the dire ufurper.e'er fufpect 
 
 The
 
 The ORPHAN of CHIN A. 39 
 
 The prince alive, he in his (lead might bleed, 
 
 And mock the murd'rer's rage. *" 
 
 E T A N. 
 
 Amazement thrills 
 
 Thro' all my frame, and my mind, big with wonder, 
 Feels ev'ry pow'r fufpended. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Rather fay 
 
 That ftrong imagination burns within thee. 
 
 Do'il thou not feel a more than common ardor ? 
 
 ET AN. 
 By heav'n my foul dilates with fome new impulfe ; 
 
 Some ftrange infpir'd emotion would the hour 
 
 Of fate were come this night my dagger's hilt 
 
 I'll bury in the tyrant's heart. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Wilt thou ? 
 
 ET A N. 
 
 By all the mighty dead, that round us lie, 
 By all who this day groan in chains, I will. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 And when thou doft then tell him 'tis the prince 
 That flrikes. t 
 
 .E T A N. 
 
 The prince's wrongs mall nerve my arm 
 With tenfold rage. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Nay, but the prince himfelf ! 
 ETAN. 
 What fays my father ? 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Thou art China's Orphan ; 
 
 The laft of all our kings no longer Etan, 
 
 But now Zaphimri ! 
 
 D 4 ZAPHIMRI/
 
 40 The ORPHAN of CHINA. ' 
 
 Z APHIMRI. 
 Ha! 
 
 'OR AS MING. 
 O wond'rous hand 
 Of heav'n ! 
 
 Z APHIMRI. 
 A crowd of circumflances rife 
 
 Thy frequent hints obfcure thy pious care 
 
 To train my youth to greatnefs. Lend your aid 
 To my aftonifh'd povv'rs, that feebly bear 
 This unexpected fhock of royalty. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Thou noble youth, now put forth all your ftrength. 
 
 And let heavVs vengeance brace each fmew. - 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 
 Vengeance ! 
 
 That word has {hot its light'ning thro' my foul. 
 
 But tell me, Zamti ftill 'tis wonder all 
 
 Am I indeed the Royal Orphan ? 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Thou ; 
 
 Thou art the king, whom as my humble fon, 
 
 I've nurtur'd in humanity and virtue. 
 
 Thy foes could never think to find thee here, 
 
 Ev'n in the lion's den j and therefore here 
 
 I've fix'd thy fafe afylum, while my fon 
 
 Hath dragg'd his life in exile. Oh ! my friends, 
 
 Morat will tell ye, all, each circumftance 
 
 Mean time there is your king ! 
 
 All kneel to him. 
 O R A S M I N G, Z I M V E N T I. 
 Long live the Father of the eaftern world ! 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Sole governor of earth ! 
 
 z A p H i JR I.
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 41 
 
 z A p H I M R 1. 
 
 All-ruling pow'rs ! 
 
 Is then a great revenge for all the wrongs 
 Of bleeding China ; are the fame and fate 
 Of all pofterity included here 
 
 Within my bofom ? 'They all rife. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Yes ; they are , the fhades 
 Of your great anceftors now rife before thee, 
 
 Heroes and demi-gods ! Aloud they call 
 
 For the fell Tartar's blood 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 Oh! Zamti; all 
 
 That can alarm the pow'rs of man, now flirs 
 In this expanding breaft. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Anon to burft 
 
 With hideous ruin on the foe. My gallant heroes, 
 
 Are our men ftation'd at their pofts ? 
 
 ORASMING. 
 
 They are. . 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Is ev'ry gate fecur'd ? 
 
 ORASMING. 
 
 Allfafe. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 The fignal fix'd ? 
 
 ORASMING. 
 It is : Will Mirvan join us ? 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Doubt him not. 
 
 In bitternefs of foul he counts his wfongs, 
 And pants for vengeance would have join'd ye 
 here, 
 
 But,
 
 4$ The OR p H A N of C H i N A. 
 
 But, favour'd as be as, his paft requires him 
 About the Tartar's peribn. The affauh begun, 
 He'll turn his arms upon th' aftonifti'd foe, 
 And add .new horrqrs to the wild commotion. 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 
 Now, bloody fpoiler, now thy hour draws nigh, 
 And ere the dawn thy guilty reign mall end. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 How my heart burns within me ! Oh ! my friends, 
 Call now to mind the fcene of defolation, 
 Which Timurkan, in one accurfed hour, 
 Heap'd on this groaning land. Ev'n now I fee 
 The favage bands, o'er reeking hills of dead, 
 Forcing their rapid way. I fee them urge 
 With rage unhallow'd to this facred temple, 
 Where good Ofmingti, with his queen and children, 
 Fatigu'd the Gods averfe. See where Arphila, 
 Rending the air with agonizing Ihrieks, 
 Tears her difhevell'd hair : Then, with a look 
 Fix'd on her babes, grief choaks its paiTage up, 
 And all the feelings of a mother's bread 
 Throbbing in one mix'dpang, breathlefs me faints 
 Within her hnfband's arms. Adown his cheek, 
 In copious ftreams fall fiow'd the manly forrovv ; 
 While cluft'ring round :his knees his little offspring, 
 Tn 'tears all-eloquent, with arms outftretch'd, 
 Sue for parental aid. r r- 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 Go on the tale 
 Will fit me for a fcene of horror. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Oh ! my prince, 
 
 The charge, which your great father gave me, ftill 
 Sounds in my ear. 'Ere yet the foe burft in, 
 " Zamti," faid he Ah! that imploring eye ' 
 
 That
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 43 
 
 That agonizing look ! - 
 
 " Preferve my little boy, my cradled infant 
 
 4 * Shield him from ruffians Train his youth to 
 
 " virtue : 
 
 " Virtue will rouze him to a great revenge ; 
 " Or failing Virtue mail ftill make him happy.", 
 He could no more the cruel fpoiler feiz'd him, 
 And dragg'd my king my ever honour'd king, 
 The father of his people, bafely dragg'd him 
 By his white rev'rend locks, from yonder altar, 
 Here, on the blood-ftain'd pavement j while the 
 
 queen, 
 
 And her dear fondlings, in one mangled heap, 
 Pied in each other's arms. 
 
 Z A PHIMRI. 
 Revenge ! Revenge ! 
 
 With more than lion's nerve I'll fpring upon him. 
 And at one blow relieve the groaning world. 
 Let us this moment carry fword and fire 
 To yon devoted walls, and whelm him down 
 
 In ruin and difmay. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Zaphimri no. 
 
 By rafhnefs you may marr a noble caufe. 
 
 To you, my friends, I render up my charge 
 
 To you I give your king. Farewell, my fov'reign. 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 
 Thou good, thou godlike man a thoufand feelings 
 Of warmed friendfhip -all the tendencies 
 Of heart-felt gratitude are ftruggling here, 
 And fain would fpeak to thee, my more than father. 
 Farewell j fure we mall meet again. 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 We mall 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 farewell Zamti, farewell. (Embraces him) Oraf- 
 
 ming, now 
 
 The
 
 44 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 The nobleft duty calls us. Now remember 
 We are the men, whom from all human kind 
 Our fate hath now felected, to come forth 
 AfTerters of the public weal ; to drench our fwords 
 In the oppreflbr's heart , to do a deed 
 Which heav'n, intent on its own holy work, 
 
 Shall paufe with pleafure to behold. 
 
 [//, "with confpirators. 
 Z A M T I. 
 May the Moft High 
 
 Pour down his bleffings on him ; and anon, 
 In the dead wafle of night, when awful juftice 
 Walks with her crimfon fteel o'er flaughter'd heaps 
 Of groaning Tartars, may he then direct 
 His youthful footfteps thro* the paths of peril ; 
 Oh ma*y he guide the horrors of the ftorm, 
 An Angel of your wrath, to point your vengeance 
 On ev'ry guilty head. Then, then 'twill be 
 
 enough, 
 
 When you have broken the oppreflbr's rod, 
 Your reign will then be manifeft Mankind will fee 
 
 That truth and goodnefs ftill obtain your care 
 
 A dead march. 
 What mean thofe deathful founds ? Again ! 
 
 They lead 
 
 My boy to (laughter Oh ! look down, ye heavens ! 
 Look down propitious ! Teach me to fubdue 
 That nature which ye gave. [Exit. 
 
 A dead march. Enter HAMET, OCTAR, 
 
 guards^ &c. 
 
 OCTAR. 
 
 Here let the victim fall, and with his blood 
 Warn his forefathers' tomb. Here ends the hated 
 
 race. 
 
 The eaftern world thro' all her wide domain, 
 
 Shall
 
 The O R p H A N of C H i N A 45 
 
 Shall then fubmiflive feel the Scythian yoke, 
 And yield to Timurkan. . 
 
 % H A M E T. Standing by the tomb. 
 Where is the tyrant ? I would have him fee, 
 With envy fee, th' unconquer'd pow'r of virtue ; 
 How it can calmly bleed, fmile on his racks, 
 And with flrong pinion foar above his pow'r, 
 To regions of perennial day. 
 
 O C T A R. 
 The father 
 
 Of the whole eaflern world mail mark thee well, 
 When at to-morrow's dawn thy breathlefs corfe 
 Is born thro' all our ftreets for public view. 
 It now befits thee to prepare for death. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 I am prepar'd. I have no luft or rapine, 
 
 No murders to repent of. Undifmay'd 
 
 I can behold all-judging heav'n, whofe hand 
 
 Still compalTing its wond'rous ends, by means 
 
 Inextricable to all mortal clue, 
 
 Hath now inclos'd me in its awful maze. 
 
 Since 'tis by your decree that thus befet 
 
 Th' inexorable angel hovers o'er me, 
 
 Be your great bidding done. . 
 
 O C T A R. 
 
 The fabre's edge 
 
 Thirfts for his blood then let its light'ning fall 
 
 On his afpiring head. Guards feize Hamet. 
 
 M A N D A N E, within. 
 Off, fet me free. Inhuman, barb'rous ruffians.- 
 
 O C T A R. 
 What means that woman with dimevell'd hair, 
 
 And wild extravagance of woe ? 
 
 M AN D|\ NE,
 
 ,46 The O R p H A N of C H i N A. 
 
 MAN DANE. 
 My griefs 
 
 Scorn all reftraint^I mud I will have way. . 
 
 She enters, and throws herfelf on her knees. 
 Me, me, on me convert your rage plunge deep, 
 Deep in this bofom your abhorred fteel, 
 
 But fpare his precious life. . 
 
 O C T A R. 
 Hence, quickly bear 
 
 This wild, this frantic woman. 
 
 M AND ANE. 
 
 Never, never 
 
 You mall not force me hence. Here will I cling 
 Faft to the earth, and rivet here my hands, 
 In all the fury of the laft defpair. 
 
 He is my child, my dear, dear fon. 
 
 O C T A R. 
 How, woman ! 
 
 Saidil thou your fon ? 
 
 M A N D A N E, 
 Yes, Oftar, mine -, my fon, 
 My boy, my Harriet (/he rifes y And embraces him.) 
 
 Let my eager love 
 Fly all unbounded to him oh ! my child ! my 
 
 child! 
 
 O C T A R. 
 
 Sufpend the ftroke,' ye minifters of death, 
 Till Timurkan hear of this new event. 
 Mean time, thou Mirvan, {peed in queft of Zamti, 
 And let him anfwer here this wond'rous tale. [Exit. 
 
 MIRVAN. 
 
 The time demands his pretence , or defpair 
 May wring each fecret from her tender bread. Afide. 
 And then our glorious, fancied pile of freedom, 
 At one dire ftroke, mail tumble into nought. 
 
 [Exit. 
 
 M AN D A N .
 
 The-ORPHAN of CHIN-A. 47 
 
 M ANDANE. 
 
 Why did'ft thou dare return ? ah ! rather why 
 Did'ft thou fo long defer with ev'ry grace, 
 And ev'ry growing virtue, thus to raife 
 Your mother's dear delight to rapture ? 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Loft 
 
 In the deep mifts of darkling ignorance, 
 To me my birth's unknown but fure that look, 
 Thofe tears, thofe ihrieks, that animated grief 
 Defying danger, all declare th' effect 
 Of nature's ftrugglings in a parent's heart. 
 Then let me pay my filial duty here, 
 Kneel to her native dignity, and pour 
 In tears of joy the tranfport of a fon. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 
 Thou art, thou art my fon -thy father's face, 
 His ev'ry feature, blooming in his boy. 
 Oh ! tell me, tell me all , how haft thou liv'd 
 With faithful Morat ? how did he fupport 
 
 In dreary folitude thy tender years ? 
 
 How train thy growing mind ? oh ! quickly tell 
 
 me, 
 Oh ! tell me all, and charm me with thy tongue. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 
 Myfterious pow'rs ! have I then liv'd to this, 
 In th' hour of peril thus to find a parent, 
 In virtue firm, majeflic in diftrefs, 
 At length to feel unutterable bl-ifs 
 In her dear circling arms I'ksy enibract. 
 
 Enter TIMURKAN, OCTAR, Gfc. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Where is this wild 
 Outrageous woxzwn, who with hsadiong grief 
 
 Sufpends
 
 48 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 Sufpends my dread command tear 'em afunder, 
 Send her to fome dark cell to rave and fhriek 
 And dwell with madnefs and let inftant death 
 Leave that ram youth a headlefs trunk before me. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 
 Now by the ever-burning lamps that light 
 Our holy fhrines, by great Confucius' altar, 
 By the prime fource of life, and light, and being, 
 That is my child, the blofibm of my joys 
 Send for his cruel father, he 'tis he 
 Intends a fraud he, for a ftranger's life, 
 Would yield his offspring to the Ci ..el ax, 
 And rend a wretched mother's brain with madnefs. 
 
 Enter ZAMTI. 
 
 Sure the fad accents of Mandane's voice 
 Struck on my frighted fenfe 
 
 T I M U R K A N. - 
 
 Once more, thou Have ! 
 
 "Who is that ftubborn youth ? 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Alas ! what needs 
 This iteration of my griefs ? 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 Oh ! horror ! horror ! 
 
 Thou marble-hearted father ! 'tis your child, 
 And would'ft thou fee him bleed ? 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 On him ! on him 
 
 Let fall your rage, and cafe my foul at once 
 Of all its fears. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 Oh! my devoted child ! She faints. 
 
 H A M E T,
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 49 
 
 H A M E T. 
 
 Support her, heav'n ! fupport her tender frame 
 Now, tyrant, now I beg to live (kneels) lo ! here 
 I plead for life ; not for the wretched boon 
 To breathe the air, which thy ambition taints ; 
 But oh ! to eafe a mother's pains; for her, 
 For that dear object, oh ! let me live for her. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Now by the conquefts this good fword has won, 
 In her wild vehemence of grief I hear 
 The genuine voice of nature. 
 
 M A N D A N E, rewiring. 
 
 Ah ! where is he ? 
 
 He is my fon my child and not Zaphimri 
 
 Oh ! let me clafp thee to my heart thy hard, 
 
 Thy cruel father mail not tear thee from me. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Hear me, thou frantic mourner, dry thofe tears 
 Perhaps you flill may fave this darling fon. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 
 Ah ! quickly name the means. 
 
 T I M U R K A N, 
 Give up your king, 
 Your phantom of a king, to fate my vengeance. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 
 Oh ! my much honour'd mother, never hear 
 The bafe, the dire propofal let me rather 
 Exhauft my life-blood at each gnming vein. 
 Mandare then, then you may well rejoice 
 To find your child, then you may truly know 
 The befb delight a mother's heart can prove, 
 When her fon dies with glory. 
 
 E T I M U R K A N.
 
 50 The ORPHAN of CHIN A. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Curfes blaft 
 The ftripling's pride 'Talks apart with Odar, 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Ye venerable hoft, 
 
 Ye mighty mades of China's royal line, 
 Forgive the joy that mingles with my tears, 
 "When I behold him ilill alive. Propitious pow'rs ! 
 You never meant entirely to deftroy 
 This bleeding country, when your kind indulgence 
 
 Lends us a youth like him. 
 
 Oh ! I can hold no more let me infold 
 
 That lovely ardor in his father's arms 
 
 My brave, my gen'rous boy ! Embraces him, 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Doft thou at length 
 Confefs it, traitor? 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Yes, I boaft it, tyrant ; 
 Boaft it to thee, to earth and heav'n I boaft, 
 This, this is Zamti's fon. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 At length the hour. 
 
 The glorious hour is come, by Morat promised, 
 " When Hamet mall not blufh to know his father." 
 
 Kneels to him. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Oh ! thou intrepid youth ! what bright reward 
 
 Can your glad fire beftow on fuch delert ? 
 
 The righteous Gods, and your own inward feelings 
 
 Shall give the fweeteit retribution. Now, 
 
 Mandane, now my foul forgives thee all, 
 
 Since I have made acquaintance with my fon ; 
 
 Thy lovely weaknefs I can now excufe ; 
 
 But oh ! I charge thee by a hufband's right 
 
 T I M U R K A N.
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA* $i 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 A hufband's right ! a traitor has no right-- 
 Society difclaims him Woman, hear 
 
 Mark well my words; difcolour not thy foul 
 
 With the black hue of crimes like his renounce 
 
 All hymeneal vows, and take again 
 
 Your much lov'd boy to his fond mother's arms, 
 
 While juftice whirls that traitor to his fate. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 
 Thou vile advifer ! what, betray my lord, 
 
 My honour'd hufband turn a Scythian wife ! 
 
 Forget the many years of fond delight, 
 
 In which my foul ne'er knew decreafmg love, 
 
 Charm'd with his noble, all-accomplifh'd mind 1 
 
 No, tyrant, no ; with him I'll rather die ; 
 
 With him in ruin more fupremely bleft, 
 Than guilt triumphant on its throne. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Now then^ 
 
 Inhuman Tartar, I defy thy pow'r 
 Lo ! here, the father, mother, and the fon ! 
 
 Try all your tortures on us here we Hand 
 
 Refolv'd to leave a tract of bright renown 
 
 To mark our beings all refolv'd to die 
 
 The votaries of honour ! 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Then die ye mall what ho ! -guards, feize the 
 
 flaves, 
 
 Deep in fome baleful dungeon's midnight gloom 
 Let each apart be plung'd and Etan too 
 Let him be forthwith found he too ihall lhare 
 
 His father's fate. 
 
 M I R V A K. 
 Be it my talk, dread fir, 
 To make the rack ingenious in new pains, 
 
 E 2 Till
 
 52 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 Till even cruelty almoft relent 
 
 At .their keen, agonizing groans. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Be that, 
 
 Mirvan, thy care. Now by th' immortal Lama 
 I'll wreft this myft'ry from 'em elfe the dawn 
 Shall fee me up in arms 'gainft Corea's chief 
 I will unfurl my banners his proud cities 
 Shall dread my thunder at their gates, and mourn 
 Their frnoaking ramparts o'er his verdant plains 
 And peaceful vales I'll drive my warlike carr, 
 
 And deluge all the eaft with blood. [Exit. 
 
 O C T A R. 
 
 Mirvan, do thou bear hence thofe mifcreant flaves. 
 Thou, Zamti, art my charge Laying hold of him. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Willing I come Shakes him off. 
 
 The fteady mind can fcorn your manfions drear, 
 And brighten horror with its noon -tide ray. 
 Mandane, fummon all thy ftrength. My fon, 
 Thy father doubts not of thy fortitude. 
 
 [#//, guarded by Octar. 
 
 MANDANE. 
 Allow me but one lad embrace To the guards. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Oh ! mother, 
 Would I could refcue thee. 
 
 MANDANE. 
 Loft, loft again ! 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Inhuman, bloody Tartars. 
 
 Both together. 
 Oh ! farewell. [Exeunt, on different fides. 
 
 End of the Third ACT. 
 
 ACT
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 53 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE, a Prifon. HAMET in chains. 
 
 Enter ZAPHIMRI (difguifed in a Tartar drefs) 
 with MIRVAN. 
 
 M I R V A N. 
 
 ftretch'd at lengthen the dank 
 ground he lies ; 
 
 Scorning his fate. Your meeting muft 
 befhort 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 It {hall. 
 
 MIRVAN. 
 
 And yet I tremble for th* event ; 
 
 Why would'ft thou venture to this place of danger? 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 
 And can'ft thou deem me then fo mean of fpirit, 
 To dwell fecure in ignominious fafety ; 
 With cold infenfibility to wait 
 The ling'ring hours, with coward patience wait 'em, 
 Deliberating on myfelf, while ruin 
 Nods over Zamti's houfe ? 
 
 MIRVAN, 
 Yet whilft thou'rt here, 
 Thy fate's fufpended en each dreadful moment. 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 
 I v/ill hold converfe with him ! ev'n tho' death 
 Were arm'd againft the interview. [Exit Mirvan. 
 
 3 HAMET,
 
 54 The ORPHAN of C H i N A, 
 
 H A M E T,>?/// on the ground. 
 
 What wouldft thou, Tartar ? 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 Rife, noble youth, no vulgar errand mine 
 
 H A M E T, comes forward. 
 
 Now fpeak thy purpofe.. 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 Under this difguife 
 
 H A M E T. 
 
 If under that difguife, a murd'rer's dagger 
 Thirft for my blood thus I can meet the blow. 
 
 Throwing himfelf open, 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 
 No ruffian's purpofe lurks within this bofom. 
 To thefe lone walls, where oft the Scythian ftabber 
 With murd'rous ftride hath come ; thefe walls that 
 
 oft 
 Have feen th' aflaffin's deeds ; I bring a mind 
 
 Firm, virtuous, upright. Under this vile garb, 
 
 Lo ! here a fon of China. Opens his drefs. 
 
 H AMET. 
 Yes, thy garb 
 
 Penotes a fon of China , and thofe eyes 
 Roll with no black intent. Say on - 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 
 Inflam'd with admiration of heroic deeds, 
 I come to feek acquaintance with the youth, 
 
 Who for his king would bravely die. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Say then, 
 Doft thou applaud the deed ? 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 
 By heav'n, I do. 
 
 Yes,
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 55 
 
 Yes, virtuous envy rifes in my foul 
 
 Thy ardor charms me, and ev'n now I pant 
 To change conditions with thee. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Then my heart 
 
 Accepts thy proffer'd friendlhip ; in a bafe, 
 
 A prone, degen'rate age, when foreign force, 
 And foreign manners have o'erwhelm'd us all, 
 
 And funk our native genius ; thou retain'ft 
 
 A fenfe of ancient worth. But wherefore here, 
 
 To this fad manfion, this abode of forrow, 
 Com'ft thou to know a wretch that foon muft die ? 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 
 By heav'n, thou malt not die 1 come to fpeak 
 
 The gladfome tidings of a happier fate. 
 
 By me Zaphimri fends 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Zaphimri fends ! 
 
 Kind pow'rs ! Where is the king ? 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 His fteps are fafe ; 
 
 Unfeen as is the arrow's path. By me he fays, 
 
 He knows, he loves, he wonders at thy virtue 
 
 By me he (wears, rather than thou fhould'ft fall, 
 He will emerge from dark obfcurity, 
 And greatly brave his fate. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Ha! die for me! 
 For me, ignoble in the fcale of being ; 
 
 An unimportant wretch ! Whoe'er thou art, 
 
 I prithee, ftranger, bear my anfwer back 
 
 Oh ! tell my fov'reign that here dwells a heart 
 Superior to all peril. When I fall, 
 A worm, an inieft dies ! But in his life 
 Are wrapp'd the glories of our ancient line, 
 
 E 4 The
 
 56 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 The liberties of China ! Then let him 
 Live for his people Be it mine to die. 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 
 Can I bear this, ye pow'rs, and not diffolve 
 
 In tears of gratitude and love ? Afidc. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Why ftreams 
 
 That flood of grief ? and why that (lifted groan ? 
 Thro' the dark mift his forrow cafts around him, 
 He feems no common man. Say, gen'rous youth, 
 Who, and what art thou ? 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 
 Who, and what am I ! 
 
 Thou lead'ft me to a precipice, from whence 
 Downward to look, turns wild the mad'ning brain, 
 
 Scar*d at th' unfathomable deep below. 
 
 Who, and what am I ! Oh ! the verieft wretch 
 That ever yet groan'd out his foul in anguifh. 
 One loft, abandon'd, hopelefs, plung'd in woe 
 
 Beyond redemption's aid. To tell thee all 
 
 In one dire word, big with the laft diftrefs, 
 
 In one accumulated term of horror, 
 
 Zaphimri ! 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Said'ft thou ! - 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 
 He ! that fatal wretch , 
 
 Exalted into mifery fupreme. 
 Oh ! I was happy, while good Zamti's fon 
 I walk'd the common traces of life, and ftrovc 
 Humbly to copy my imagin'd fire. 
 
 But now 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Yes now if thou art He as fure 
 
 Tis
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 57 
 
 3 Tis wond'rous like rais'd to a ftate, in which 
 A nation's happinefs on thee depends. 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 A nation's happinefs ! There, there I bleed 
 
 There are my pangs. For me this war began . 
 
 For me hath purple (laughter drench'd yon fields 
 
 I am the cauie of all. I forg'd thofe chains 
 
 For Zamti and Mandane too Oh ! heav'ns ! . 
 
 Them have I thrown into a dungeon's gloom. 
 
 Thefe are the horrors of Zaphimri's reign. 
 
 I am the tyrant ! - I afcend the throne 
 By trampling on the neck of innocence ; 
 By bafe ingratitude j by the vile means 
 Of felfifh cowardice, that can behold 
 Thee, and thy father, mother, all in chains, 
 All loft, all murder'd, that I thence may rife 
 
 Inglcwious to a throne ! 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Alas ! thy fpirit, 
 Thy wild diforder'd fancy pictures forth 
 
 Ills, that are not or, being ills, not worth 
 
 A moment's paufe 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 
 Not ills ! thou can'ft not mean it. 
 
 Oh ! I'm environ'd with the worn: of woes ; 
 
 The angry fates, amidft their hoards of vengeance, 
 
 Had nought but this they meant to render me 
 
 Peculiarly diftrefs'd. Tell me, thou gallant 
 
 youth, 
 
 A foul like thine knows ev'ry fine emotion, 
 Is there a nerve, in which the heart of man 
 Can prove fuch torture, as when thus it meets 
 Unequali'd friendfhip, honour, truth, and love, 
 
 And no return can make ? Oh ! 'tis too much, 
 
 Ye mighty Gods, too much thus, thus to be 
 A feeble prince, a Ihadow of a king, 
 
 Without
 
 58 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 Without the pow'r to wreak revenge on guilt, 
 
 Without the pow'r of doing virtue right. 
 H A M E T. 
 
 That power will come. 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 
 But when ? when thou art loft, 
 
 When Zamti and Mandane arc deftroy'd 
 Oh ! for a dagger's point, to plunge it deep, 
 Deep in this ha ! Deep in the tyrant's heart. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 There your revenge fhould point. Far that great 
 
 deed 
 Heav'n hath watch'd all thy ways j and wilt thou 
 
 now 
 With headlong rage fpurn at its guardian care, 
 
 Nor wait the movements of eternal Juftice ! 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 Hal whither has my phrenzy ftray'd ? Yes, 
 
 heav'n 
 
 Has been all- bounteous. Righteous pow'rs ! 
 
 To you my orifons are due But oh ! 
 
 Complete your goodnefs : Save this valiant 
 
 youth ; . 
 
 Save Zamti's houfe ; and then, if fuch your will, 
 That from the Tartar's head my arm this night 
 
 Shall grafp the crown of China teach me then 
 
 To bear your dread vicegerency I ftand 
 
 Refign'd to your high will. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 And heav'n, I truft, 
 Will Mill preferve thee ; in its own good time 
 
 Will finim its decrees. 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 Yes, Harriet, yes ; 
 
 A gleam of hope remains. Should Timurkan 
 
 Defer his murder to the midnight hour, 
 
 4 Then
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA^ 59 
 
 Then will I come,-~then burft thefe guilty walls, 
 Rend thofe vile manacles, and give thee freedom, 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Oh ! no you muft not rifle 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 A band of heroes 
 
 For this are ready ; honourably leagu'd 
 To vindicate their rights. ^ Thy father's care 
 Plann'd and infpir'd the whole. Among the troops, 
 Nay in his very guards, there are not wanting 
 Some gallant fons of China, in that hour, 
 Who will difcover their long-pent-up fury, 
 And deal definition round. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 What alj conven'd, 
 And e\ 'ry thing difpos'd ? 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 
 Determin'd ! Now 
 
 In filent terror all intent they ftand, 
 
 And wait the fignal in each gale that blows. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Why did'ft thou venture forth ? 
 
 Z A PHI MR I. 
 What, poorly lurk 
 While my friends die ! that thought but, gene-. 
 
 rous youth, 
 
 I'll not think meanly of thee No that thought 
 Is foreign to thy heart. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 
 But think, my prince, 
 
 On China's wrongs, the dying heroes' groans j 
 Think on thy anceftors. 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 My anceftors ! 
 What is't to me a long-defcended line, 
 
 A race of worthies, legiflators, heroes, 
 
 iUnlefs I bring their virtues too ? No more 
 
 Thy
 
 6o The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 Thy own example fires me. Near this place 
 
 I'll take my ftand, and watch their bufy motions, 
 Until the gen'ral roar ; then will I come, 
 And arm thee for th* aflault. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Oh! if thoudo'ft, 
 Yet once again I'll wield the deathful blade, 
 
 , And bear againft the foe. 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 Yes, thou and I 
 
 Will rum together thro' the paths of death, 
 Mow down our way, and with fad overthrow 
 Purfue the Tartar like two rufhing torrents, 
 That from the mountain's top, 'midft roaring caves, 
 'Midft rocks and rent-up trees, foam headlong down, 
 
 And each depopulates his way. 
 
 A flcurijh of trumpets. 
 H A M E T. 
 What means 
 That fudden and wild harmony ? 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 
 Even now 
 
 The conqu'ror, and his fell barbaric rout, 
 For this day's victory indulge their joy , 
 Joy foon to end in groans for all confpires 
 To forward our defign and lo ! the lights 
 That whilom blaz'd to heav'n, now rarely feen 
 Shed a pale glimmer, and the foe fecure 
 Sinks down in deep debauch *, while all awake, 
 The genius of this land broods o'er the work 
 Of juftice and revenge. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Oh ! revel on, 
 
 Still unfufpecling plunge in guilty joy, 
 And bury thee in riot. . 
 
 S Z A P R I M ft I.
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 61 
 
 Z A p H i M R I. 
 
 Ne'er again 
 
 To wake from that vile trance for ere the dawn, 
 Detefted fpoiler, thy hot blood (hall fmoke 
 On the ftain'd marble, and thy limbs abhorr'd 
 I'll fcatter to the dogs of China. 
 
 Enter MIR VAN. 
 
 M I R V A N. 
 Break off your conf 'rence O6tar this way comes. 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 
 This garb will cloak me from each hoftile eye ; 
 Thou need'ft not fear detection. 
 
 Enter OCTAR. 
 
 M I R V A N. 
 There's your pris'ner. Pointing to Hamet. 
 
 OCTAR. 
 
 Lead him to where Mandane's matron grief 
 Rings thro' yon vaulted roof. 
 
 HAMET. 
 Oh ! lead me to her ; 
 Let me give balm to her afflicted mind ; 
 And foften anguilh in a parent's breaft. 
 
 [Exit, with Mirvan. 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 
 What may this mean ? 1 dread fome lurking 
 
 mifchief. [Exit on the oppofitejidt. 
 
 OCTAR. 
 
 When the boy clings around his mother's heart 
 In fond endearment, then to tear him from her, 
 Will cnce again awaken all her tendernefs, 
 And in her impotence of grief, the truth 
 
 At
 
 62 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 At length will burft its way. But Timurkan 
 Impatient comes* 
 
 Enter TIMURICAN. 
 
 OCTAR. 
 
 Thus with diforder'd looks, 
 Why will my fov'reign fhun the genial banquet^ 
 To feek a dungeon's gloom ? 
 
 TIM UR KAN. 
 Oh ! valiant Oftar, 
 
 A more than midnight gloom involves my foul. 
 Haft thou beheld this ftubborn Mandarine ? 
 
 OCTA R. 
 
 I have ; and tried by ev'ry threaten'd vengeance 
 To bend his foul : Unconquer'd yet by words 
 He fmiles contempt ; as if fome inward joy, 
 Like the fun lab'ring in a night of clouds, 
 Shot forth its glad'ning unrefifled beams, 
 Chearing the face of woe. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 What of Mandane ? 
 
 OCTAR. 
 
 At firft with tears and bitter lamentations 
 She call'd on Hametloft; but when I urg'd, 
 She ftill might fave her boy, and fave herfelf, 
 Would Ihe but give Zaphimri to your wrath, 
 Her tears forgot to flow ; her voice, her look, 
 Her colour fudden chang'd, and all her form 
 Enlarging with th f emotions of her foul, 
 Grew vafter to the fight. With blood-mot eye* 
 She caft a look of filent indignation, 
 Then turn'd in fullen mood away. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Perdition 
 O'erwhelm her pride. 
 
 OCTAR,
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 63 
 
 o c T A R. 
 
 Might I advife you, fir, 
 
 An artful tale of love mould foftly glide 
 
 To her afflicted foul a conqu'ror's fighs 
 
 Will waft a thoufand willies to her heart, 
 
 Till female vanity afpire to reach 
 
 The eailern throne ; and when her virtue melts 
 
 In the foft tumult of her gay defires, 
 
 Win from her ev'ry truth, then fpurn to fhame 
 
 The weak, deluded woman. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Oftar, no 
 
 I cannot ftoop with love-fick adulation 
 
 To thrill in languifhing defire, and try 
 
 The hopes, the fears, and the caprice of love. 
 
 Enur'd to rougher fcenes, far other arts 
 
 My mind empioy'd, to fling the well-ftor'd quiver 
 
 Over this manly arm, and wing the dart 
 
 At the fleet rain-deer, fweeping down the vale, 
 
 Or up the mountain, {training ev'ry nerve j 
 
 To vault the neighing deed, and urge his courfe 
 
 Swifter than whirlwinds thro' the ranks of war 
 
 To drive my chariot- wheels, fmoaking with gore : 
 
 Thefe are my paffions, this my only fcience, 
 
 Above the puling ficknefles of love. 
 
 Bring that vile flave, the hoary prieft, before me. 
 
 [Exit Oftar, 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 By heav'n their fortitude erects a fence 
 To fhield 'em from my wrath, more povv'rful far 
 Than their high-boafled wall, which long hath flood 
 The mock of time, of war, of florms, and thunder. 
 The wonder of the world ! 
 What art thou, Virtue, who can'ft thus infpire 
 This ftubborn pride, this dignity of foul, 
 And ftill unfading, beauteous in diftrefs, 
 Can'ft tafte of joys, my hea/t hath never known ? 
 
 Enter
 
 64 The ORPHAN of CHINA* 
 
 Enter ZAMTI, in Chains. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Mark me, thou traitor, thy detefted fight 
 Once more I brook, to try if yet the fenie 
 Of deeds abhorr'd as thine, has touch'd your fouL 
 Or clear this myft'ry, or by yonder heav'n 
 I'll hunt Zaphimri to his fecret haunt, 
 Or fpread a gen'ral carnage round the world. 
 ZAMTI. 
 
 Thy rage is vain -far from thy ruthlefs pow'r 
 
 Kind heav'n protects him, till the awful truth 
 In fome dread hour of horror and revenge 
 Shall burft like thunder on thee. 
 
 TIMURK AN. 
 
 Ha ! beware, 
 
 Nor rouze my lion-rage yet, ere 'tis late, 
 
 Repent thee of thy crimes. 
 
 Z A M T L 
 The crime would be 
 
 To yield to thy unjuft commands. But know, 
 
 A louder voice than thine forbids the deed ; 
 The voice of all my kings! forth from their tombs 
 Ev'n now they fend a peal of groans to heav'n, 
 Where all thy murders are long fmce gone up, 
 And ftand in dread array again ft thee. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Murders ! 
 
 Ungrateful Mandarine ! fay, did not I, 
 
 "When civil difcord lighted up her brand, 
 And' fcatter'd wide her flames j when fierce conten- 
 tion 
 
 'Twixt Xohohamti and Zaphimri's father 
 Sorely convuh'd the realm , did not I then 
 
 Lead
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 65 
 
 Lead forth my Tartars from their northern frontier* 
 And bid fair order rife ? 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Bid order rife ! 
 
 Haft thou not fmote us with a hand of wrath ? 
 By thee each art has died, and ev'ry fcience 
 Gone out at thy fell blaft art thou not come 
 To fack our cities, to fubvert our temples, 
 The temples of our Gods, and with the worfbip, 
 The monftrous wormip of your living Lama, 
 Profane Our holy mrines ? 
 
 T I M U R K A N; 
 Peace, infolent, 
 
 Nor dare with horrid treafon to provoke 
 The wrath of injur'd majefty.- 
 
 Z AM T I; 
 Yes, tyrant^ 
 
 Yes, thou haft fmote us with a hartd of wrath ; 
 Full twenty years haft fmote us; But at length 
 "Will come the hour of heav'n's juft vifitation,' 
 
 "When thou fhalt rue hear me, thou man of 
 
 blood 
 
 Yes, thou fhalt rue the day, when thy fell raige 
 Imbrued thofe hands in royal blood now tremble- 
 The arm of the Moft High is bar*d againft thee 
 And fee ! the hand of fate defcribes thy doom 
 
 In glaring letters on yon rubied wall ! 
 
 Each gleam of light is perilh'd out of heav'n, 
 And darknefs rumes o'er the face of earth. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Think'ft thou, vile flave, with vifionary fears 
 I e'er can ihrink appal'd ? thou moon-ftruck feerj 
 
 No more I'll bear this mockery of words 
 
 Or ftrait refolve me, or, by hell and vengeance, 
 Unheard-of torment waits thee . 
 
 F 2AMTJ.
 
 (6 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 z A M T I. 
 Know'ft thou not 
 
 I offer'd up my boy ? and after that, 
 After that conflict, think'ft thou there is aught 
 
 Zamti has left to fear ? 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Yes, learn to fear 
 
 My will my ibv'reign will which here is law, 
 And treads upon the neck of Haves. 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 Thy will 
 The law in China ! Ill-inftrucled man ! 
 
 Now learn an awful truth, Tho' ruffian pow'r 
 
 May for a while fupprefs all facred order, 
 
 And trample on the rights of man , the foul, 
 
 Which gave our legiflation life and vigour, 
 Shall ftill lubfift above the tyrant's reach. 
 
 The fpirit of the laws can never die 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 I'll hear m> more. What ho ! (Enter Oftar, and 
 
 guards) Bring forth Mandane 
 
 Ruin involves ye all this very hour 
 
 Shall fee your fon impal'd. Yes, both your fens. 
 
 Let Etan be brought forth. 
 
 O C T A R. 
 Etan, my liege, 
 
 Is fled for fafety. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Thou pernicious Have ! To Zamti. 
 Him too would'it chou withdraw from juftice ? 
 
 him 
 
 Would'ft thou fend hence to Corea's realm, to brood 
 O'er lome new work of trealbn ? By the pow'rs 
 Who feel a joy in vengeance, and delight 
 In human blood, I will unchain my fury 
 
 On
 
 The ORPHAN of CHJNA. 67 
 
 On all, who trace Zaphimri in his years j 
 But chief on thee, and thy devoted race. 
 
 Enter MANDANE ##*/ HAMET; 
 Mirvan guarding them, &c. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 "Woman, attend my words inflant reveal 
 This dark confpiracy, and fave thyfelf. 
 If wilful thou wilt fpurn the joys that woo thee, 
 The rack mail have its prey. - 
 
 MANDANE. 
 It is in vain. -- 
 
 I tell thee, Homicide, my foul is bound 
 By folemn vows ; and wouldft thou have me break 
 What angels wafted on their wings to heav'n ? 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Renounce your ram refolves, nor court deftruction. 
 
 MANDANE. 
 
 Goddefs of vengeance, from your realms above, 
 Where near the throne of the Mofl High thort 
 
 dwell'ft, 
 
 Infpher'd in darknefs, amidit hoards of thunder, 
 Serenely dreadful, 'till dire human crimes 
 Provoke thee down ; now, on the whirlwind's wing 
 Defcend, and with your flaming fword, your bolts 
 Red with almighty wrath, let loofe your rage, 
 And blaft this vile feducer in his guilt. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Blind frantic woman ! think on your lov'd toy, r 
 
 MANDANE. 
 
 That tender ftruggle's o'er if he tnuft die, 
 I'll greatly dare to follow. -- 
 
 F 2 TI :,IURK AN,
 
 68 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 T I M U R K A N, 
 Then forthwith 
 
 I'll put thee^to the proof Drag forth the boy 
 To inftant death. -- They feize Harriet, 
 
 H A M E T. 
 
 Come on then - Lead me hence 
 To ibme new world where juftice reigns, for here 
 Thy iron hand is ftretch'd o'er all. -- 
 
 [Exit, guarded. 
 
 I T I M U R K A N. 
 Quick, drag him forth. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 
 Now by the pow'rs above, by ev'ry tie 
 Of humanizing pity, feize me firft , 
 Oh ! fpare my child, and end his wretched mother. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Thou plead'ft in vain. -- 
 
 Enter a MeJJcnger in hajle. 
 
 MeJJenger. 
 Etan, dread fir, is found. -- 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Ah ! China totters on the brink of ruin. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Where lurk'd the Have ? 
 
 Emerging from difguiie, 
 
 lie rum'd amid the guards that led forth Harriet ; 
 
 " Sufpend the ftroke>" he cry'd ; then crav'd ad- 
 
 mittance 
 
 To your dread prefencc, on affairs, he fays, 
 Of higkeft import to your throne and.life. 
 
 z A M T i.
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 69 
 
 z A M T i. 
 
 Ruin impends, (afide) Heed not an idle boy. 
 
 To Timurkan. 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Yes, I will fee him bring him ftraight before me. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Angels of light, quick on the rapid wing 
 Dart from the throne of grace, and hover round 
 him. 
 
 Enter ZAPHIMRI, guards following him. 
 
 TIMURKAN. 
 Thou com'ft on matters of importance deep 
 
 Unto my throne and life. 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 
 I do. This very hour 
 
 Thy death is plotting. 
 
 TIMURKAN. 
 
 Ha ! by whom ? 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 Zaphimri ! 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 What means my fon ? 
 
 TIMURKAN. 
 Quick, give him to my rage, 
 And mercy fhall to thee extend. 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 Think not 
 
 I meanly come to fave this wretched being. 
 Pity Mandane Save her tender frame Knee t ls. 
 Pity that youth oh ! fave that godlike man. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 "Wilt thou difhonour me, degrade thyfelf, 
 
 F 3 Thy
 
 7 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 Thy native dignity by bafely kneeling ? * 
 
 Quit that vile pofture. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Ram intruder, hence. I'D Zamti. 
 
 Hear me, thou (tripling ; or unfold thy tale, 
 Or by yon heav'n they die Would'ft thou appeafc 
 
 my wrath ? 
 Bring me Zaphimri's head. 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 Will that fuffice ? 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 
 Oh ! heavens ! Afidt. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 It will 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 Then take it, tyrant. 
 
 Rifing up, and pointing to himfelf. 
 Z A M T I. H A M E T. 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 
 I am Zaphimri I your mortal foe. 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 
 Now by yon heav'n ! it is not. 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 
 Here ftrike here 
 
 Since nought but royal blood can quench thy thirft.~ 
 
 Unfluice thefe veins, but fpare their matchlefs 
 
 lives. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Would'ft thou deceive me too P 
 ZAMTI. 
 
 He would 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 
 No here, 
 
 Here on his knees, Zaphimri begs to die. 
 
 ZAMTI.
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 71 
 
 z A M T i. 
 
 Oh ! horror, 'tis my fon by great Confucius, 
 That is my Etan, my too gen'rous boy, 
 That fain would die to fave his aged fire. 
 
 M AND ANE. 
 Alas ! all's ruin'd freedom is no more. Afide. 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 Yet hear me, Tartar hear the voice of truth 
 
 I am your victim by the gods, I am. 
 
 Laying hold of Timurkan. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Thou early traitor ! by your guilty fire 
 Train'd up in fraud no more thefe arts prevail.* 
 My rage is up in arms, ne'er to know reft, 
 
 Until Zaphimri perim. Off, vile (lave 
 
 This very moment fweep 'em from my fight. 
 
 M AND ANE. 
 Alas ! my hufband Oh ! my fon, my fon 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 May all the hoft of heav'n protect him ftill ! 
 
 [Exeunt Zamti and Mandane, 
 guarded by Octar, &c. 
 
 ZAPHIMRI, ftnigglmg with Timurkan, on his 
 
 knees. 
 
 Ah ! yet withold in pity hold a moment 
 I am Zaphimri I refign my crown 
 
 TIMURKAN. 
 Away, vain boy ! go fee them bleed behold 
 
 How they will writhe in pangs j pangs doom'd 
 
 for thee, 
 
 And ev'ry {tripling thro' the eaft. Vile fiave, 
 
 away ! Breaks from him, and exit. 
 
 F 4 z A PH i M RI,
 
 72 Thc'ORpHAN of CHINA. 
 
 ZAPHIMRI, lying en the ground \ officers and 
 guards behind him. 
 
 Oh! cruel ! . yet a moment- Barbarous 
 
 Scythians ! 
 
 "Wilt thou not open earth, and take me down, 
 Down to thy caverns of eternal darknefs, 
 From this iupreme of vyoe ? Here will I lie, 
 Here on thy flinty bofom,- with this breaft 
 I'll harrow up my grave, and end at once 
 This pow'rleis wretch, this ignominious king! 
 And fleeps almighty Juitice ? Will it not 
 Now waken all its terrors ? arm yon band 
 Of fecret heroes with avenging thundeflfe 
 By heaven that thought (rifmg) lifts up my kin- 
 dling foul 
 
 With renovated fire (afide.) My glorious friends, 
 (Who new convene big with your country's fate,) - 
 When I am dead, oh ! give me juft revenge 
 
 Let not my made rife unaton'd amongft ye ; 
 
 Let me not die inglorious j make my fall 
 With ibme great act of yet unheard-of vengeance, 
 "Refound throughout the world; that fartheft Scythia 
 May ftand appall'd at the huge diflant roar 
 Of one vaft ruin tumbling on the heads 
 Of this fell tyrant, and his hated race. 
 
 End of the Fourth ACT. 
 
 ACT
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 73 
 
 ACT V, 
 
 SCENE, the Palace. 
 
 Enter OCTAR ; ZAMTI and MANDANE, following 
 him. 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 
 $****)|(HY doft thou lead us to this hated 
 manfion ? 
 
 * W * Muft we a g ain behold the tyrant's 
 frown? 
 
 Thou know'ft our hearts are fix'd. 
 
 OCT A R. 
 The war of words 
 
 We fcorn again to wage - hither ye come 
 Beneath a monarch's eye to meet your doom. 
 The rack is now preparing Timurkan 
 Shall foon behold your pangs, and count each groan 
 Ev'n to the fulleft luxury of vengeance. 
 Guard well that pafiage (to the guards 'within)^ fee 
 
 thefe traitors find 
 
 No means of flight ; while to the conqueror 
 I haften, to receive his lail commands. 
 
 [Exit Octar, on the cppofite fide. 
 
 ZAMTI and MANDANE. 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 
 Thou ever faithful creature - 
 MANDANE. 
 Can'ft thou, Zamti, 
 
 Still call me faithful ? by that honour'd name 
 
 Wilt
 
 74 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 Wilt thou call her, whofe mild maternal love 
 Hath overwhelm'd us all ? . 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Thou art my wife, 
 
 Whofe matchlefs excellence, ev'n in bondage, 
 Hath chear'd my foul ; but now thy ev'ry charm, 
 By virtue waken'd, kindled by diftrefs 
 To higher luflre, all my paffions beat 
 Unutterable gratitude and love. 
 And muft oh ! cruel ! muft I fee thee bleed ? 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 
 For me death wears no terror on his brow 
 Full twenty years hath this refounding breaft 
 Been fmote with thefe fad hands ; thefe haggard eyes 
 Have feen my country's fall ; my deareft huiband, 
 My fon, my king, all in the Tartar's hands : 
 What then remains for me ? Death, only death. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Ah ! can thy tendernefs endure the pangs 
 
 Inventive cruelty ev'n now defigns ? 
 
 Muft this fair form this foft perfection bleed? 
 
 Thy decent limbs be ftrain'd with cruel cords, 
 To glut a ruffian's rage ? 
 
 M AND ANE. 
 Alas ! this frame, 
 
 This feeble texture never can fuftain it. 
 But this this I can bear Shews a 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 Ha! 
 
 M AND ANE. 
 
 Yes ! this dagger ! 
 
 Do thou but lodge it in this faithful breaft ; 
 My heart lhall fpring to meet thcc. 
 
 Z A M T J,
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 75 
 
 Z A M T J. 
 >h! 
 
 M AND ANE. 
 Do thou, 
 
 My honour'd lord, who taught'ft me ev'ry virtue, 
 Afford this friendly, this laft human office, 
 And teach me now to die. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Oh! never never 
 
 Hence let me bear this fatal inftrument 
 
 Takes the dagger. 
 
 What, to ufurp the dread prerogative 
 Of life and death, and meafure out the thread 
 Of our own beings ! 'Tis the coward's act, 
 Who dares not to encounter pain and peril 
 
 Be that the practice of th' untutor'd favage ; 
 
 Be it the practice of the gloomy north. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 
 Muft we then wait a haughty tyrant's nod, 
 The vafials of his will ? no let us rather 
 Nobly break thro' the barriers of this life, 
 And join the beings of fome other world, 
 Who'll throng around our greatly daring fouls, 
 And view the deed with wonder and applaufe. - 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Diftrefs too exquifite ! ye holy pow'rs, 
 
 If aught below can fuperfede your law, 
 
 And plead for wretches, who dare, felf-impell'd, 
 
 Rum to your awful prefence ; oh ! it is not 
 
 When the diftemper'd paflions rage ! when pride 
 
 Is ftung to madnefs ; when ambition falls 
 
 From his high fcaffolding -, oh ! no if aught 
 
 Can juftify the blow, it is when virtue 
 
 Has nothing left to do -, when liberty 
 
 No more can breathe at large ; 'tis with the groans 
 
 Qf our dear country when we dare to die. 
 
 3 MANDANE.
 
 76 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 M AND ANE. 
 Then here at once dire<5t the friendly fleel. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 One laft adieu ! now ! ah ! does this become 
 Thy hufband's love ? thus with uplifted blade 
 Can I approach that bofom-blifs, v/here oft 
 With other looks than thefe oh ! my Mandane . 
 I've hufh'd my cares within thy Ihelt'ring arms ?-^ 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 
 Alas I the loves that hover'd o*er our pillows 
 Have fpread their pinions, never to return, 
 
 And the pale fates furround us 
 
 Then lay me down in honourable reft ; 
 Come, as thou art, all hero, to my arms, 
 
 And free a virtuous wife 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 It muft be fo 
 
 Now then prepare thee my arm flags and droops 
 Confcious of thee in ev'ry trembling nerve. 
 
 Deifies down tke dagger. 
 
 By heav'n once more I would not raife the point 
 Againft that hoard of fweets, for endlefs years 
 Of un.ive.rfal empire. 
 
 M A N D A N E. 
 
 Ha ! the fell miniflera of wrath and yet 
 They mall not long infult us in our woes. 
 Myielf will (till preierve the means of death. 
 
 Takes up the dagger. 
 
 Enter TIMURKAN ^WOcTAR. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Now then, detefted pair, your hour is come 
 Drag forth thefe flaves to inftant death and torment, 
 I hate this dujl delay ; I burn to fee them 
 Gafping in death, and welt'ring in their gore.. 
 
 M A N D A N E.
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 77 
 
 M ANDANE. 
 
 Zamti, fupport my fteps with thee to die 
 Is all the boon Mandane now would crave. 
 
 \Exeiini. 
 TIMURKAN and OCTAR. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Thofe rafh, prefumptuous boys, are they brought 
 forth ? 
 
 OCTAR. 
 Mirvan will lead the viftims to their fate. 
 
 TIMURKAN. 
 
 And yet what boots their death ? the Orphan lives, 
 And in th'is breaft fell horror and remorfe 
 
 Muft be the dire inhabitants. Oh! Octar, 
 
 Thefe midnight vifions make my inmoft foul. 
 
 OCTAR. 
 
 And mall the fhad'wings of a feverifh brain 
 Bifturb a conqu'ror's breaft ? 
 
 TIMURKAN. 
 O6tar, they've made 
 
 Such defolation here 'tis drear and horrible! 
 On yonder couch, foon as fleep clos'd my eyes, 
 All that yon mad enthufiaftic prieft 
 In myftic rage denounc'd, rofe to my view ; 
 And ever and anon a livid flam, 
 From confcience mot, fhew'd to my aching fight 
 The colours of my guilt 
 
 Billows of blood were round me ; and the ghofts, 
 The ghofts of heroes, by my rage deftroy'd, 
 Came with their gha/llyorbs, and ftreaming wounds ; 
 They ftalk'd around my bed ; with loud acclaim 
 They call'd Zaphimri ! 'midft the lightning's blaze 
 Heav'n roll'd confenting thunder? o'er my head ; 
 Straight from his covert the youth fprung upon me, 
 Ajid (liook his gleaming fteel he hurl'd me down, 
 
 Down
 
 ^g The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 Down headlong, down the drear hold, hold ! 
 
 where am I ? 
 Oh ! this dire whirl of thought my brain's on fire 
 
 O CTAR. 
 
 Compofc this wild diforder of thy foul. 
 Your foes this moment die. 
 
 Enter MIRVAN. 
 
 T I M U R K. A N. 
 What would'ft thou, Mirvan ? 
 
 MIRVAN. 
 
 Near to the eaftern gate, a Gave reports, 
 As on his watch he flood, a gleam of arms 
 Caft a dim luftre thro' the night ; and ftraight 
 The fteps of men thick founded in his ear $ 
 In clofe array they march'd. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Some lurking treafon ! 
 
 What, ho ! my arms ourfelf will fally forth. a 
 
 MIRVAN. 
 
 My liege, their fcanty and ram-levied crew 
 Want not a monarch's fword the valiant 
 Join'd by yon faithful guard, will foon chaftife them.- 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Then be it foOctar, draw off the guard, 
 And bring their leaders bound in chains before me. 
 
 [Exit Odtar. 
 
 TIMURKAN and MIRVAN. 
 
 MIRVAN. 
 
 With fure conviction we have further learn'd- 
 The long-contended truth Etan's their king 
 The traitor Zamti counted but one fon 5 
 
 And
 
 The ORPHAN of CHIRAC 79 
 
 And him he fent far hence to Corea's realm, 
 That mould it e'er be known the prince furviv'd, 
 The boy might baffle juftice 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Ha ! this moment 
 
 Ourfelf will fee him fall. 
 
 M I R V A N. 
 Better, my liege, 
 
 At this dead hour you fought repofe mean time 
 Juftice on him mail hold her courfe. Your foes 
 Elfe might ftill urge that you delight in blood. 
 The femblance of humanity will throw 
 A veil upon ambition's deeds 'tis thus 
 That mighty conqu'rors thrive ; and ev'n vice, 
 When it would profper, borrows virtue's mien. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Mirvan, thou counfel'ft right : beneath a mew 
 Of public weal we lay the nations wafte. 
 And yet thefe eyes mall never know repofe, 
 Till they behold Zaphimri periih. Mirvan, 
 Attend me forth. 
 
 MIRVAN. 
 Forgive, my fov'reign liege, 
 
 Forgive my over-forward zeal 1 knew 
 
 It was not fitting he mould breathe a moment : 
 The truth once known, I rulh'd upon the victim, 
 And with this fabre cleft him to the ground. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Thanks to great Lama ! treafon is no more, 
 And their boy king is dead Mirvan, do thou 
 This very night bring me the ftripling's head. 
 Soon as the dawn mail purple yonder eail, 
 Aloft in air all China mall behold it, 
 Parch'd by the fun, and welt'ring to the wind : 
 Hafte, Mirvan, hafte, and fate my fondeft wifh. 
 
 M i R Y A N.
 
 8o The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 M I R V A N. 
 This hour approves my loyalty and truth. [Exit. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Their deep-laid plot hath miis'd its aim, and Tt- 
 murkan 
 
 May reign fecure no longer horrid dreams 
 
 Shall hover round my couch the proftrate world 
 Henceforth mall learn to own my fov'rergrr fway, 
 
 Enter MIR VAN. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Well, Mirvan, haft thou brought the wifh'd-fof 
 pledge ? 
 
 M I R V A N. 
 My liege, I fear 'twill flrike thy foul with horror ? 
 
 T I M U R K A N, 
 
 By heav'n the fight will glad my longing eyes. 
 Oh ! give it to me. - 
 
 Enter ZAPHIMRI (a fabre in his hand) and 
 plants btmfelf before the tyrant. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Ha ! then all is loft. 
 
 2 A V H t M R I. 
 Now, bloody Tartar, now then know Zaphimri. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 
 Accurfed treafbn ! to behold thee thus 
 Alive before me, blafts my aching eye-balls- : 
 My blood forgets to move each pow'r dies in 
 me 
 
 4 ZAPHIMRI.
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 81 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 
 Well may'ft thou tremble, well may guilt like thine 
 Shrink back appall'd ; for now avenging heav'n 
 In me fends forth its minifter of wrath, 
 
 To deal deftru&ion on thee. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Treach'rous flave ! 
 
 'Tis falfe ! with coward-art, a bafe aflaffin, 
 A midnight ruffian on my peaceful hour 
 Secure thou com'ft, thus to affault a warrior, 
 Thy heart could never dare to meet in arms. 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 
 Not meet thee, Tartar ! Ha ! in me thou fee'ft 
 One on whole head unnumberM wrongs thou'fl 
 
 heap'd 
 
 Elfe could I fcorn thee, thus defencelefs. Yes, 
 By all my great revenge, could bid thee try each 
 
 fhape, 
 
 Affume each horrid form* come forth array 'd 
 In all the terrors of deftructive guilf; - 
 But now a dear, a murder'd father calls -, 
 He lifts my arm to rivet thee to earth, 
 Th* avenger of mankind. 
 
 M I R V A N, 
 Fall on, my prince. 
 
 T I M TJ R K A N. 
 
 By heav'n, I'll dare thee ftill ; refign it, flave, 
 Refign thy blade to nobler hands. 
 
 Snatches MirvanVyfl^r^* 
 M I R V A N. 
 O ! horror ! 
 
 What ho ! bring help. Let not the fate of China, 
 Hang on the iflue of a doubtful combat. 
 
 T I M U R K A N. 
 Come on, prefumptuons boy, 
 
 G 2 A P H i M R i ,"
 
 Sz The ORPHAN of C H i x A. 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 Inhuman regicide ! 
 
 Now, lawleis ravager, Zaphimri conies 
 To wreak his vengeance on thee. [Exeunt fighting. 
 
 M I R V A N, ftlus. 
 
 Oh ! nerve his arm, ye pow'rs, and guide each 
 blow ! 
 
 To him, enter H A M E T. 
 M I R V A N. 
 
 See there ! behold he darts upon his prey. 
 
 Z A P H I M R I, within. 
 Die, bloodhound, die. 
 
 T I M U R K A N, witltin. 
 May curfes blaft my arm 
 
 That fail'd fo foon ! 
 
 H A M E T. 
 The Tartar drops his point. 
 
 Zaphimri now 
 
 T I M U R K A N, within. 
 Have mercy ! mercy ! oh ! 
 
 ZAPHIMRI, within. 
 
 Mercy was never thine This, fell deftroyer, 
 This, for a nation's groans. 
 
 M I R V A N. 
 
 The monlter dies , 
 
 He quivers on the ground Then let me fly 
 
 To Zamti and Mandane w'uh the tidings, 
 And call them back to liberty and joy. 
 
 [Exit Mirvan. 
 
 HAMET remains j to him Z A PHI MR j. 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 
 Now, Hamet, now oppreffion is no more : 
 This fmoking blade hath drunk the tyrant's blood. 
 4 , HAM ST.
 
 the ORPHAN of CHINA. 83 
 
 H A M E T. 
 
 China again is free ; there lies the corfe 
 That breath'd deftru&ion to the world. 
 
 Z A P & I M R I. 
 Yes, there, 
 
 Tyrannic guilt, behold thy fatal end, 
 The wages of thy fins. 
 
 Enter MOR AT, 
 
 MORAT. 
 Where is the king ? 
 
 Revenge now ftalks abroad. Our valiant leaders, 
 True to the deflin'd hour, at once broke forth 
 From ev'ry quarter on th' aftonifh'd foe ; 
 O<5tar is fall'n ; all cover'd o'er with wounds 
 He met his fate , and ftill the flaught'ring fword 
 Invades the city, funk in fleep and wine. 
 
 Z A P H I M R i. 
 
 Lo ! Timurkan lies levell'd with the dud ' 
 Send forth, and let Orafming ftrait proclaim 
 Zaphimri king i my fubjedts rights reftor'd. 
 
 [Exit Morat. 
 
 Now, where is Zamti ? where Martdanc ? ha ! 
 What means that look of wan defpair ? 
 
 Enter MIRVAN. 
 Oh ! dire mifchance ! 
 
 While here I trembled for the great event, 
 The unrelenting (laves, v/hofe trade is death, 
 
 Began their work. Nor piety, nor age, 
 
 Could touch their felon-hearts they feiz'd on 
 
 Zamti, 
 And bound him on the wheel - all frantic at the 
 
 fight, 
 Mandane plung'd a poniard in her heart, 
 
 And at her hufband's feet expir'd. 
 
 G 2 HAKE T,
 
 84 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Oh ! heav'ns ! 
 My mother ! 
 
 Z APHIMRI. 
 
 Fatal rafhnefs ! Mirvan, fay, 
 
 Is Zamti too deftroy'd ? 
 
 M I R V A N. 
 Smiling in pangs, 
 
 We found the good, the venerable man : 
 Releas'd from anguifh, with what ftrength remain'd, 
 He reach'd the couch, where loft Mandane lay ; 
 There threw his mangled limbs ; there, cling- 
 ing to the body, 
 
 Prints thoufand kifles on her clay-cold lips, 
 And pours his fad lamentings, in a (train 
 Might call each pitying angel from the fky, 
 To fympathize with human woe. 
 
 'The great folding doors open in the lack fcem, 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 And fee, 
 
 See on that mournful bier he clafps her ftillj 
 Still hangs upon each faded feature ; ftill 
 To her deaf ear complains in bitter anguifh. 
 
 Heart-piercing fight ! 
 
 H A M E T. 
 Oh ! agonizing fcene ! 
 
 The corpfe is brought forwar d y Zamti lying on 
 the couch, and clafping the dead body. 
 ZAMTI. 
 
 Ah ! flay, Mandane, flay, yet once again 
 
 Let me behold the day-light of thy eyes 
 
 .Gone, gone, for ever, ever gone thofe orbs 
 
 That ever gently beam'd, muft dawn no more. 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 
 Arc thefe our triumphs ? thefe our promised joys ? 
 2 ZAMTI.
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 85 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 The mufic of that voice recalls my foul. 
 
 [Rifes from the body ^ and runs eagerly to em- 
 brace Zaphimri; his ft rengtb fails him, 
 and he falls at his feet. 
 My prince ! my king ! 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 Soft, raife him from the ground. 
 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Zaphimri ! ^-Hamet too ! oh ! blcfs'd event ! 
 I could not hope fuch tidings thee, my prince, 
 Thee too, my fon I thought ye both deftroy'd. 
 My flow remains of life cannot endure 
 Thefe ftrong vicifTitudas of grief and joy. 
 And there oh! heav'n ! fee there, there lit* 
 Mandane ! 
 
 H A M E T. 
 
 How fares it now, my father ? 
 Z A M T I. 
 
 Lead me to her 
 Is that the ever dear, the faithful woman ? 
 
 Is that my wife ? and is it thus at length, 
 
 Thus do I fee thee then, Mandane? cold, 
 
 Alas! death-cold 
 
 Cold is that bread, where virtue from above 
 Made its delighted fojourn, and thofe lips 
 That utter'd heav'nly truth, pale! pale ! drad, 
 dead ! Sinks on the body. 
 
 Pray ye entomb me with her ? 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 
 Then take, yepow'rs, then take yourconquefts back -, 
 Zaphimri never can furvive 
 
 Z A M T I, rat/tag bimfelf. 
 
 I charge thee live ; 
 
 A bafe deferdon of the public weal 
 
 Can ne'er become a king alas! my fon, * 
 
 :(By that dear tender name if once again 
 
 G 3 Zamti
 
 86 The ORPHAN of CHINA" 
 
 Zamti may call thee) tears will have their way- 
 Forgive this flood of tenderneis my heart 
 
 Melts even now thou noble youth this is 
 
 The only interview we e'er fhall have. 
 
 ZAP HIM R I. 
 
 And will ye then, inexorable pow'rs, 
 Will ye then tear him from my aching heart ? 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 The moral duties of the private man 
 
 Are grafted in thy foul oh ! ftill remember 
 
 The mean immutable of happinefs, 
 Or in the vale of life, or on a throne, 
 
 Is virtue each bad action of a king 
 
 Extends beyond his life, and acts again 
 
 Jis tyranny o'er ages yet unborn. 
 
 To error mild, fevere to guilt, protect 
 
 The helplefs innocent; and learn to feel 
 
 The beft delight of ferving human kind. 
 
 Be thefe, my prince, thy arts , be thefe thy cares. 
 
 And live the father of a willing people. 
 
 H A M E T. 
 
 Oh ! cruel ! fee ah ! fee ! he dies his lips 
 
 Tremble in agony his eye- balls glare 
 
 A death-like palencfs fpreads o'er all his face. 
 
 Z A P H I M R I. 
 Is there no help to fave fo dear a life ? 
 
 ZAMTI. 
 
 It is too late 1 die alas ! I die - 
 
 Life harrafs'd out, purfu'd with barb'rous art 
 Thro' ev'ry trembling joint, now fails at once 
 
 Zaphimri oh ! farewell ! 1 mail not fee 
 
 The glories of thy reign Hamet ! my fon . 
 
 Thou good young man, farewell Mandane, yes, 
 My foul with pleafure takes her flight, that thus 
 Faithful in death, I leave thefe cold remains 
 Near thy dear honour'd clay. Dies. 
 
 Z A P H I M R i.
 
 The ORPHAN of CHINA. 87 
 
 z A P H I M R i. 
 And art thou gone, 
 
 Thoubeft of men ? then muft Zaphimri pine 
 In ever-during grief, fmce thou art loft -, 
 Since that firm patriot, whofe parental care 
 Should raife, (houkl guide, mould animate my virtues, 
 Lies there a breathlefs corfe. 
 H A M E T. 
 
 My liege, forbear, 
 
 Live for your people ; madnefs and defpair 
 Belong to woes like mine. 
 
 ZAPHIMRI. 
 Thy woes, indeed, 
 
 Are deep, thou pious youth yes, I will live, 
 To foften thy afflictions ; to afluage 
 A nation's grief, when fuch a pair expires. 
 
 Come to my heart : in thee another Zamti 
 
 Shall blefs the realm now let me hence to hail 
 
 My people with the found of peace , that done, 
 To theie a grateful monument mall rife, 
 
 With aJi fepulchral honour frequent there 
 
 We'll offer incenle ; there each weeping mufe 
 
 Shall grave the tributary verfe -, with tears 
 
 Embalm their memories -, and teach mankind, 
 Howe'er OpprefTion ftalk the groaning earth , 
 Yet heav'n, in its own hour, can bring relief ; 
 Can blaft the tyrant in his guilty pride, 
 And prove the Orphan's guardian to the lafV 
 
 F I N I S.
 
 T O 
 
 M. DE VOLTAIRE. 
 
 S I R 
 
 A Letter to you from an Englifli author will carry 
 with it the appearance of correfponding with 
 the enemy, not only as the two nations are 
 af prefent involved in a difficult and important war, 
 but alfo becaufe in many of your late v/ritings you feem 
 determined to live in a ftate of hoftility with the Bri- 
 tifh nation. Whenever we come in your way, " we 
 (i are ferocious, we are iflanders, we are the people 
 *' whom your country has taught, we fall behind other 
 *' nations in point of tafte and elegance of compofition ; 
 " the fame caufe that has witheld from us a genius for 
 " painting and mufic, has alfo deprived us of the true 
 * fpirit of Tragedy ; and, in fhort, barbarifm ftill 
 *' prevails among us." 
 
 But, notwithftanding this vein of prejudice, which 
 has difcoloured almoll all your fugitive pieces, there ftill 
 breathes throughout your writings fuch a general fpirit 
 cf Humanity and zeal for the honour of the Republic 
 of Letters, that I am inclined to imagine the author of 
 the Englifti Orphan of China (an obfcure inlander) 
 may ftill addrefs you upon terms of amity and literary 
 benevolence. 
 
 As I have attempted a Tragedy upon a fubjecl: that has 
 jexercifed your excellent talents, and thus have dared to 
 try my ftrength in the Bow of ULYSSES, I hold myfelf 
 in fome fort accountable to M. De VOLTAIRE for the 
 departure I have made from his plan, and the fubftitu- 
 tion of a new fable of my own. 
 
 My firft propenfity to this ftory was occafioned by the 
 
 remarks of an admirable critic * of our own, upon the 
 
 ORPHAN OF THE HOUSE CF CHAU, preferved to us by 
 
 the induftrious and fenfible P. Du HALDE, which, as 
 
 * Mr. Hiird, in his Commentary upon Horace.
 
 To M. DE VOLTAIRE. 89 
 
 our learned commentator obferves, amidft great wild- 
 nefsand irregularity, has ftillibme traces of refemblance 
 to the beautiful models of antiquity. In my reflections 
 upon this piece, I imagined I faw a blemifh in the man- 
 ner of faving the Orphan, by the tame refignation of an- 
 other infant in his place ; efpecially when the fubjedl af- 
 forded fo fair an opportunity to delineate the ftrugglirigs 
 of a parent, on fo trying an cccafion. It therefore oc- 
 curred to me, if a fable could be framed, in which the 
 Father and the two Young Men might be interwoven 
 with probability and perfpicuity, and not embarrafled 
 with all the perplexities of a riddle, as, you know, is 
 the cafe of the HERACLIUS of CORNEILLE, that then 
 many fituations might arife, in which fome of therieareffc 
 affections of the heart might be awakened: but even 
 then I was too confcious that this muft be executed in 
 jts full force, by a genius very different from myfelf. 
 
 In this ftate of mind, fir, I heard with pleafure that M. 
 De VOLTAIRE had produced at Paris his L/ORPHELIW 
 DE LA CHINE : I ardently longed fora perufal of the 
 piece, expecting that fuch a writer would certainly feize 
 .all the ftriking incidents which might naturally grow 
 out of fo pregnant a ftory, and that he would leave rra 
 fource of paflion unopened. I was in fome fort, but not 
 wholly difappointed : I faw M. De VOLTAIRE rufhing 
 into the midft of things at once ; opening his fubje& in 
 an alarming manner ; and, after the narrative relating 
 o GENGISKAN is ever, working up his firft act like a 
 poet indeed. 
 
 Meum qui pe&us inaniter angit 
 Ut Magus. 
 
 In the beginning of the fecond a&, he again touched 
 .our affections with a mafter-hand ; but, likea rower who 
 has put forth all his ftrength, and fuddenly flackens hts 
 -exertion, I faw, or imagined I faw, him give way all 
 ,at o,nce j the great tumult of the paflions is over j the
 
 9 9 To M. D* VOLTAIRE. 
 
 mtereft wears away; GEVGISKAK talks polities ; the 
 tenderneis of a mother, Hying with all the itrong im- 
 puiies of naturvc to the relief of her child, is thrown in- 
 to cold unimpaflioned narrative ; the rait pour Famoureux 
 mult have its place, and the rough conqueror of a whole 
 people mull inftantly become Le Chevalier GENGISK AN, 
 as eirant a lover as ever fighed in the Thuilleries at Pa- 
 ris. Your own words, fir, ftrongly expreflive of that 
 manly and fenfible tafte, which diftinguilhes you 
 throughout Europe, occurred to me upon this occafion : 
 " Quelle place pour la galanterie que le parricide & 
 c< 1'inceftc, qui defolent une famille, & la contagion qui 
 *" r^yage un pais ? Et quel exemple plus frapant du ridi- 
 *' cule de notre theatre, &c du pouvoir de 1'habitude, 
 ** que Corneille d'un cote, qui fait dire a Thei'e'e.- 
 
 * c Que'que ravage affreux qu'etale ici la Pefte ; 
 
 *' L'ahicnceaux vrais amans eft encore plus funefte. 
 " Et aftoi, qui, foixante ans apres lui, viens faire parler 
 " une vielle Jocafte d'un viel amour : & tout celapour 
 * eomplaire au gout le plus fade &lc plus faux qui ait 
 " iamais corrompu la literature." Indeed, fir, GEN- 
 CIS KAN, in the very moment of overwhelming a whole 
 nation, ufurping a crown, and mafTacring the royal fa- 
 mily, except one infant, whom he is in queft of, appear- 
 ed to me exactly 'ike the amorous CEoipus in the 
 n.idit of a deftniclive plague. " Nunc non erat his lo- 
 
 " cus." How would thnt noble performance, that 
 
 C/^^tfWvofyourcountry, the ArHALiEof RACINE, 
 have been defaced by the gallantry of an intrigue, if a- 
 tyrant had been introduced to make love to the wife of 
 the high-prieft? or if Jo AD, entertaining a fecret af- 
 fection for ATM A LIE, and being afked what orders he 
 would give relating to the delivery of his country, fhpuld 
 
 ;infw?r, " aucune," none at all. And yet this is the 
 
 language of a northern conqueror, whining for a Man- 
 wife, who has no power of refiftjng, ajid hav-r
 
 To M. DE V L T A I R E. 
 
 ing no relation to the royal family, could not, by an 
 intermarriage, ftrengthen his intereft in the crown. But 
 to you, who have told us that Love fhould reign a ve- 
 ry tyrant in Tragedy, or not appear there at all, being 
 unfit for the fecond place j to you, who have faid that 
 NERO fhould nothide himfelf behind a tapeftry to over- 
 hear the converfation of his miftrefs and his rival ; to 
 you, fir, what need I urge thcfe remarks r To fill up 
 the long career of a tragedy with this epjfodic love mufl: 
 certainly have been the motive that led you into this er- 
 ror ; an error I take the liberty to call it, becaufe I have 
 cbferved it to be the hackneyed and ineffectual ftrata- 
 gem of many modern writers. Within the compafs of 
 my reading, there is hardly a bad man in any play, bui 
 he is in love with fome very good woman : the fcenes 
 that pafs between them, I have always remarked, arc 
 found dull and unawakcning by the audience, even 
 though adorned with all the graces of fuch compofition 
 as yours, of which it is but juftice to fay, that it bef- 
 tows embellifjiments U p 0ri every fubjecl:. 
 
 For me, fir, who only draw in crayons, who have no 
 refource to thofe lanjng colours of imagination with 
 which you fet off every thing ; a writer fuch as I am, 
 fir, could not prefume to fupport that duplicity of paf- 
 iion which runs through your piece. I could not pre- 
 tend, by the powers of ftyle, to fuborn an audience in 
 favour of thofe fecondary pafiages, from which their at- 
 tention naturally revolts. A plainer and more fimple 
 method lay before me. I was necefiltated to keep the 
 main object, as much as poflible before the eye ; and 
 therefore it was that I took a furvey of my fubjed, in 
 order to catch at every thing that feemed to me to re- 
 fult with order and propriety from it. A fcantinefj of 
 mterefling bufmefs feemed to me a primary defecl in the 
 conftruchon of the French ORPHAN OF CHINA, and 
 that I imagined had its fource in the early date of your
 
 92 To M. DE VOLTAIRE. 
 
 play. By beginning almoft * gemino ab ovo," by mak- 
 ing the Orphan and the Mandarine's fon children in their 
 cradles, it appeared to me that you had ftripped yourfelf 
 of two characters, which might be produced in an amiable 
 light, foas to engage the affe&ions of their auditors, not 
 only for themfelves, but confequentially for thofe alfot 
 whom they fhould ftand in any degree of relation. 
 From this conduct I propofed a further advantage, that 
 of effacing the very obvious refemblance to the 
 AN*DROMACHE, which now ftrikes every body in your 
 plan. This laft remark I do not urge againft acciden- 
 tal and diftant coincidencies of fentiment,. diction, or 
 fable. Many of the Greek plays, we know, had a family- 
 likenefs, fuch as an GLDIPUS, an ELECTRA, an IPHI- 
 CENIA in TAURIS, in AULIS, a MEROPE, &c. But 
 What is a beauty in RACINE, feems in his great fucceflbr 
 to be a blermfh. In the former, nothing depends on 
 the life of ASTYANAX but what was very natural, the 
 happinefs of the mother : in the latter, the fate of a 
 kingdom is grafted upon the fortunes of an infant ; and 
 I afk your own feelings, (for no body knows the human 
 heart better) Whether an audience is likely to take any 
 confiderable intereft in the deftiny of a babe, who, when 
 your Zamtihas faved him, cannot produce any change, 
 any revolution in the affairs of China ? No, fir ; the 
 conquered remain in the fame abject ftate of vafialage, 
 and the prefervation of the infant king becomes therefore 
 almoft uninterefting, certainly unimportant: whereas 
 when the Orphan is grown up to maturity, when he is a 
 moral agent in the piece, when a plan is laid for reveng-* 
 ing himfelf on the deftroyers of his family, it then be- 
 comes a more prefilng motive in the Mandarine's mind ; 
 nay, it is almoft his duty, in fuch a cafe, to facrifice 
 even his own offspring for the good of his country. In 
 your ftory, fir, give me leave to fay, I do not fee what 
 end cap be anfwered by ZAMTJ'S loyalty : his profpect
 
 To M. DE VOLTAIRE. 93 
 
 is at leaft [fo diftant, that it becomes almoft chimerical. 
 And therefore, as hiftory warrants an expulfion of the 
 Tartars j as it was not upon the firft inroad, but in pro- 
 eefs of time and experience, that they learned to incor- 
 porate themfelves with the conquered, by adopting their 
 laws and cuftoms, I had recourfe to my own preconceiv- 
 ed notions. Whether I was partially attached to them, 
 or whether my reafonings upon your fable were juft, 
 you, fir, and the public, will determine. 
 
 You will perceive, fir, in the Englifh Orphan fome 
 occafional infertions of fentiment from your elegant per- 
 formance. To ufe theexpreflionof the late Mr. DRYDEN, 
 when he talks of BEN JOHNSON'S imitation of the an- 
 cients, jQMwill often track meinyourfnow. For this I fhall 
 make no apology, either to. the public or to you : none 
 to the public, becaufe they have applauded fome ftrokea 
 for which I am indebted to you j and none certainly to 
 you, becaufe you are well aware I have in this inftance 
 followed the example of many admired writers j Boi- 
 LEAU, CORNEILLE, and RACINE, in France j and in 
 England, MILTON, Mr. APDISON, and Mr. POPE. 
 It was finely faid by you, (I have read the ftory, and 
 take it upon truft) when it was objected to the celebra- 
 ted abbe METASTASIO, as a reproach, thathehad fre- 
 quent transfufions of thought from your writings, " Ah ! 
 le cher voleur ! il m'a bien embelli." This talent of em- 
 bellifhing I do not pretend to; to avail myfelfof my 
 reading, and to improve my own productions, is all I 
 can pretend to; and that I flatter myfelf I have done, 
 not only by tranfplantingfrom you, but alfo from many 
 of the writers of antiquity. If the authorities I have 
 abovementioned were not fufficient, I could add another 
 Very bright example, the example of M. De VOLTAIRE, 
 whom I have often tracked, to ufe the fafne expreffion 
 again, in the/now of Shakefpear. The fnow of SHAKE- 
 SPEAR is but a cold exprefiionj but perhaps it will bs
 
 94 To M DE VOLTAIRE. 
 
 more agreeable to you, than a word of greater energy^ 
 that fhould convey a full idea cf the aftonifhing powers 
 of that great mart ; for we iflanders have remarked of 
 late, tbatM. De VOLTAIRE has a particular fatisfadion 
 in defcanting on the fault's of the moft wonderful genius 
 that ever exifted fmce the a:ra of HOMER, and that too, 
 even then, when he is under obligations to him; info- 
 much that a very ingenious gentleman of my acquaint- 
 ance tells me, that whenever you treat the En^lifh bard 
 as a drunken favage in your dvdnt propos, he always 
 deems it a fure prognoftic that your play is the better 
 for him. 
 
 If the great fcenes of SHAKESPEAR, fir ; if his 
 bouridlefs view of all nature, the lawn, the wildernefs, 
 the blafted heath, mountains, and craggy rocks, with 
 thunder and lightning on their brows; if thefe cannot 
 ilrike the imagination of M. De VOLTAIRE, how can 
 I expert that the ftudied regularity of my little fbfrub- 
 bery fhould afford him any kind of pleafure ? To drop 
 the metaphor, if the following tragedy does not appear 
 to you a MONSTROUS FARCE, it is all I can reaforrably 
 expedt. But whatever may be your opinion of it, I muft 
 fceg that you will not maJce it the criterion by which 
 you would decide concerning the tafte of the Englifh 
 nation, or the prefent ftate of literature among us. What 
 you have humbly faid of yourfelf, in order to do honour 
 to your nation, I can affert with truth of the author of 
 the Englifh ORPHAN, that he is one of the worft poets 
 now in this country. It is true, indeed, that the play 
 has been received with uncommon applaufe; that fo ele- 
 gant a writer as the author of CREUSA and THE RO- 
 MAN FATHER was my critic and my friend; and that 
 a great deal of very particular honour has been done me 
 by many perfons of the nrft diftinclion. But, give me 
 leave to fay, they all know the faults of the piece as well 
 s is it had been difcufTed by the academy of Bella Let-
 
 To M. DE VOLTAIRE. 
 
 trts.-- -We area generous nation, fir; and even the 
 fainteft approaches to merit, always meet here the warrn- 
 eft encouragement. One thing further I will allure 
 you, in cafe you {hould difcover any traces of barbarifm 
 in the ftyle or fable, That if you had been prefcnt at the 
 representation, you would have feen a theatrical fplendor 
 conducted wifh a bienfeance unknown to thefcene Fran- 
 coife\ the performers of ZAPHIMRI and HAMET, by 
 their interefling manner, would have made you regret 
 that you had not enriched your piece with two charac- 
 ters, to which a colourift, like you, would have given 
 the moft beautiful touches of the pencil, had the idea 
 ftruck your fancy; and, though a weak irate of health 
 deprived the play of fo fine an aclrefs as Mrs. GIBBER, 
 you would have beheld in MANDANE a figure that would 
 be an ornament to any ftage in Europe, and you would 
 have acknowledged that herA&ing promifes to equal the 
 elegance of her perfon : moreover, you would have 
 feen a ZAMTI, whofe exquifite powers are capable of 
 adding Pathos and Harmony even to our great SHAKE,- 
 SPEAR, and have already been the chief fupport of fome 
 of your own fcenes upon the Englifh ftage. 
 
 Upon the whole, fir, I beg you will not imagine that 
 I have written this Tragedy in the fond hope of eclipfing 
 fo celebrated a writer as M. De VOLTAIRE: I had an 
 humbler motive, prcpter amzrem quod te imitari avto, 
 Could I do that in any diftant degree, it would very am- 
 ply gratify the ambition of, 
 
 Sir, your real admirer, 
 
 and moft humble fervant, 
 London, April 30, 1759* 
 
 The AUTHOR of 
 T he ORPHAN' of CHINA,
 
 Printed for PAUL VAILLANT. 
 
 I *T* HE Lying Valet, a Comedy, by David Garrick, Efq; 
 z I Lethe, a dramatic Satire, by David Garrick, Efq; 
 
 3 Lilliput, a dramatic Entertainment, in one Aft. 
 
 4 The Male Coquet, a Farce, in two Ads. 
 
 By ARTHUR MURPHY, Efq. 
 
 5 The Apprentice, a Farce, in two Ads. 
 
 6 The Upholfterer, or What News ? a Farce, in two Ads, 
 
 7 The Orphan of China, a Tragedy, in five Ads. 
 
 8 The Defert Ifland, a dramatic Poem, in three Ads. 
 
 9 The Way to Keep Him, a Comedy, in three Ads. 
 
 10 The fame, in five Ads. 
 
 11 All in the Wrong, a Comedy, in five Ads. 
 
 12 The Old Maid, a Comedy, in two Ads. 
 
 13 No One's Enemy but his Own, a Comedy, in five Ads. 
 
 14 What we muft all come to, a Comedy, in two Ads. 
 
 15 The School for Guardians, a Comedy, in five Ads. 
 
 16 The Citizen, a Farce, in two Ads. 
 
 By SAMUEL FOOTE, Eft. 
 
 17 The Knights, a Comedy, in two Ads. 
 
 18 The Englifhman in Paris, a Comedy, in two Als. 
 
 19 The Englifhman returned from Parrs, a Farce, in two Ads. 
 20 The Mayor of Garrett, a Comedy, in two Acb. 
 
 21 The Commiflary, a Comedy, in three Adi. 
 
 22 The Patron, a Comedy, in three Ads. 
 
 23 The Lyar, a Comedy, in three Ads. 
 
 24 The Lame Lover, a Comedy, in three Ads. 
 
 25 Regulus, a Tragedy, iii five Acis, by Mr. HAVARD. 
 
 26 The Letters of Pliny the Younger, with Obfervations OH 
 
 each Letter, by JOHN Earl of ORRERY, 2 Vol. Odavo. 
 
 27 A new Royal French Grammar, by JOHN P.\LMR.ET,i2mo. 
 
 28 A new Hiftory of England, in French and Englifli, by 
 
 Queftion and Anfwer. 1 2mo, a new Edition. 
 
 .A 7 , b. This Book is intended for the Ufe of all thofe v.ho learn ths 
 French or English Languag-s, and is very proper for young Pcr- 
 . fons at Schools. 
 
 29 Nouvelle Hiftoire d'Angleterre, par Demandes Sc par 
 
 Reponfes, izmo. 
 
 30 A New French Didionzry, in two Parts ; the Firft French 
 
 and Englifh, the Second Englifh and French : 
 
 CONTAINING, 
 
 I. Several HUNDRED WORDS not to Se found in any of the Diflion- 
 
 ariei hitherto published . 
 
 II. The various ME ANIN c 3 of WorJ>, often explained by French or 
 Englifh Sentences : 
 
 III. The GENCERS of NOBNS, ADJECTIVE?, and PRONOUNS, and 
 
 the CONJUGATIONS of VERBS : 
 
 IV. The IRREGULARITIES of the PARTS of SPEECH. 
 
 To which is prefixed a French Grammar, fhewing how to form tlfc 
 
 regular Pans of Speech, 
 iy THOMAS DKLKTANVILLF, Oftavo, Price /s.
 
 Z E N O B I A: 
 
 A 
 
 TRAGEDY. 
 
 As it is performed at the 
 
 THEATRE ROYAL 
 
 I N 
 
 DRURY-LANE. 
 
 By the AUTHOR of the 
 
 ORPHAN OF CHINA. 
 
 THE FOURTH EDITION. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 Printed for W. GRIFFIN, in Catharine-ftreet, Strand. 
 MOCCLXVIII. 
 
 [P. is. 6d.
 
 T O 
 
 Mrs. DANCER. 
 
 MADAM, 
 
 T| N a country, where addreftes of this nature hdvc 
 j[ generally waited upon the Great, upon a Wealthy 
 Merchant, a Rich Commiffary, or fome New Man 
 from the Sugar-iflands, it will appear as furprizing 
 to many, as, no doubt, it will to yourfelf, that a 
 New Form of Dedication mould now be introduced. 
 For the trouble I am giving you it will, however, 
 be unneceflary to make any turther apology, when I 
 obferve that in France, where talents are honoured, 
 it has been frequently the practice of the mofl cele- 
 brated wits to do juftice to thofe, who, by their pro- 
 feilion, are the very Organ of the Mules. A VOL- 
 TAIRE and a MARMONTEL have paid their compli- 
 ments to a CLAIRON : and why may not an Englifh 
 Author, inferior as rie is, and ever muft be, to 
 writers of that clafs, rival, at leaft their politenefs, 
 by addrefliog himfelf to Mrs. DANCER, one of the 
 firft Ornaments of the Britifh Theatre ? 
 
 There are, indeed, I muft confefs it, fome demands 
 upon my gratitude on this occafion > which even now 
 are ftruggling to call my attention another way. 
 Mr. GARRICK, Madam, has a claim to all the hajid- 
 fome things that ean be laid of him. His politenefs 
 from the moment he faw the play, his afliduity in 
 preparing it for reprefentation, the tafte with which 
 he has decorated it, and the warmth of his zeal for 
 the honour of the piece, are circumftances that call 
 upon me for the ilrongeft acknowledgements. I 
 
 could
 
 DEDICATION. 
 
 could employ my pen with pleafurc in thanking 
 Mr. BARRY for the very fine exertion of his powers, 
 wherever the Poet gave the fmalleft opportunity. 
 Mr. HOLLAND, who had before now given fpirit to 
 jfuch fcenes as mine, has renewed the obligation. I 
 could add others to the lift, but they, and even Mr. 
 GARRICK at their head, muft excufe me, if I turn 
 to Mrs. DANCER, and fay with Hamlet, " Here's 
 metal more attractive." 
 
 ZEXOBIA, Madam, is your own entirely. Where- 
 cver my inaccuracy has left imperfections, they 
 are fo happily varnifiied over by your (kill, that 
 cither they are not feen, or you extort forgivenefs for 
 them : and if the Author is any where lucky enough 
 tofnatcb a grace beyond his ufiial reach, it is multi- 
 plied by your addrefs into a number of beauties, like 
 the SWORD in To/Jo's Jerufalem, which, when bran- 
 dimed by the hand of Rinaldo> appears to the whole 
 army to be THREE SWORDS. 
 
 The fate of ZENOBIA has been very extraordinary. 
 She was faved in her life-time from the waters of the 
 Araxes by the hand of a fhepherd, and now me is 
 faved from the critics by Mrs. DANCER. 
 
 In teflimony of the fact, the play, Madam, is 
 infcribed to you by him, who admires your talents, 
 and remains 
 
 Your moft obedient Servant, 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 Merck
 
 PROLOGUE: 
 
 Spoken by Mr. HOLLAND. 
 
 OF old, when Rome in a declining age 
 Of lawlefs pow'r had felt the barb'rous rage, 
 
 This was the tyrant's art: He gave a prize 
 
 To him, who a new pieafure mould devife. 
 Ye tyrants of the Pit, whofe cold difdain 
 
 Rejects and naufeates the repeated ftrain ; 
 
 Who call for rarities to quicken fenfe, 
 
 Say, do you always the reward difpenfe? 
 
 Ye bards, to whom French wit gives kind relief, 
 
 Are ye not eft the firft to cry STOP THIEF ! 
 
 Say, to a brother do you e're allow 
 
 One little fprig, one leaf to deck his brow? 
 
 No; fierce invedtive fluns the play-vvright's ears, 
 
 Wits, Poets corner, Ledgers, Gazetteers ? 
 
 'Tis faid, the Tartar, e're he pierce the heart, 
 
 Jnfcribes his name upon his poifon'd dart. 
 
 That fcheme's rcjeded by each fcribbling fpark;. 
 
 OnrChriftian fyftem ftabs you in the dark. 
 
 And yet the defp'rate author of to-night j 
 
 Dares on the mufes wing another flight ; 
 
 Once more a dupe to fame forfakes his eafe, 
 
 And feels th' ambition here again to pleafe. i 
 
 He brings a tale from a far diibnt age, 
 Enobled by the grave hiftoric page! * 
 Zenobia's woes have touch'd each polim'd ftate ; 
 The brighteil eyes of France have mourn'd her fate. 
 Harmonious Italy her tribute paid, 
 And fung a dirge to her lamented made. 
 
 Yet think not that we mean to mock the eye 
 With pilfer'd colours of a foreign dye. 
 NOT to tranflate our bard his pen doth dip; 
 He takes a play, as Britons take a fhip; 
 They heave her down; -with many a fturdy ftrobe, 
 Repair her well, and build with Heart of Oak. 
 To ev'ry breeze fet Britain's dreamers free, 
 NEW-MAN her, and away again to fea. 
 
 This is our author's aim; - and if his art 
 Waken to fentiment the feeling heart ; 
 Jf in his fcenes alternate paffions burn, 
 And friendfhip, love, guilt, virtue take their turn ; 
 If innocence opprefs'd lie bleeding here, 
 You'll give 'tis all he aflcs one VIRTUOUS TEAR.* 
 
 Tacitus Ann. Lib. 12. Scfl. 44, to end of 51.
 
 Dramatis Perfonse. 
 
 PHARASMANES, Mr. AICKIN. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS, Mr. BARRY. 
 
 TERIBAZUS, Mr. HOLLAND. 
 
 ZOPIRON, Mr. PACKER. 
 
 TIGRANES, Mr. HURST. 
 
 MEGISTUS, Mr. HAVARD. 
 
 ZENOBIA* Mrs. DANCER. 
 
 ZELMIRA, Mrs. BARRY. 
 
 Attendants, Guards, &c. 
 
 SCENE lies in Pharafroancs' Camp, on the Banks f 
 the Araxcs.
 
 Z E N O B I A. 
 
 ACT the FIRST. 
 
 Z E L M I R A. 
 
 THRO' the wide camp 'tis awful folitude ! 
 On er'ry tent, which at the morning's dawn 
 Rung with the din of arms, deep iilcnce fits 
 Adding new terrors to the dreadful fcene ! 
 My heart dies in me! hark! with hideous roar 
 The turbulent Araxes foams along, 
 And rolls his torrent thro' yon depth of woods ! 
 'Tis terrible to bear! who's there ? Zopiron I 
 
 Enter Z o P I R o N. 
 
 Z E L M I R A. 
 
 My lord; my hufband ! help me; lend your aid? 
 
 ZOPIRON. 
 
 Why didft thou leave thy tent? why thus afflicl 
 Thy anxious breaft, thou partner of my heart ? 
 Why wilt thou thus diftradl thy tender nature 
 With groundlcfs fears e're yonder fun fhall vifit 
 The weftern Iky, all will be hufti'd to peace, 
 
 Z E L M I R A. 
 
 The interval is horrid; big with woe, 
 
 With confternation, periland difmay! 
 
 And oh ! if here, while yet the fate of nations 
 
 Sufpended hangs upon the doubtful fword, 
 
 If here the tremblino- heart thus flirink with horror, 
 
 B Her*
 
 2 Z E N a B 1 A 7 
 
 Here in thefe tents, in this unpeopled camp, 
 Oh! think, Zopiron, in yon field of death 
 Where numbers loon in purple heaps fhall bleed,. 
 What feelings there mult throb in ev'ry breaft ? 
 How long, ambition, wilt thou ftalk the earth 
 And thus lay wafte mankind ! 
 
 ZOPIRON. 
 This day at length 
 
 The warlike king, victorious Pharafmanes 
 Clofes the fcene of war. The Roman bands 
 But ill can cope with the embattled numbers 
 Alia pours forth, a firm undaunted hoft ! 
 A nation under arms! and every bofom 
 To deeds of glory fir'd ! Iberia then 
 
 Z E L M i R A. 
 
 Perifh Iberia ! may the fons of Rome 
 Pour rapid vengeance on her falling ranks, 
 That he, who tramples on the rights of nature, 
 May fee his vafTals over-whelm'd in ruin, 
 May from yon field be led in fullen chains, ' 
 To grace the triumph of imperial Rome, 
 And from th' aflembled fenate humbly learn 
 The dictates of humanity and juftice ! 
 
 ZOPIRON. 
 
 Thy jjcnerous zeal, thy ev'ry fentiment 
 Charms my delighted foul. But thou be cautious, 
 And check the riling ardor that inflames thee. 
 The tyrant fpares nor fex, nor innocence 
 
 Z E L M i R A. 
 
 Indignant of controul, he. fpurns each law, 
 Each holy fan&ion, that restrains the nations, 
 And forms 'twixt man and man the bond of peace. 
 
 ZOPIRON. 
 
 This is the tyger's den; with human gore 
 P'or ever floats the pavement; with the fhrieks 
 Of matrons weeping o'er their flaughter'd fons, 
 The cries of virgins to the brutal arms 
 Oi violation dragg'd, with ceafelefs groans 
 
 Of
 
 A T R A G E D Y. 3 
 
 Of varied mifery for ever rings 
 
 The dreary region of his curs'd domain. 
 
 Z E L M i R A. 
 
 To multiply his crimes, a beauteous captive, 
 Th' afflicted Ariana fhe for her, 
 For that fair excellence my bofom bleeds ! 
 She, in the prime of ev'ry blooming grace, 
 When next the glowing hour of riot comes, 
 Shall fall a victim to his bafe delnes 
 
 Z o P i R o N. 
 
 The bounteous gods may fuccour virtue ftill ! 
 In this day's battle, which perhaps e're now 
 The charging hofts have join'd, fhould Roman valour 
 
 Prevail o'er Aiia's numbers. 
 
 i 
 
 Z E L M I R A. 
 
 That event 
 
 Is all our hope. And lo ! on yonder rampart 
 Trembling with wild anxiety fhe ftands, 
 Invokes each god, and bids her {training eye 
 Explore the diftant field. 
 
 Z o P i R o N. 
 Yes, there fhe's fix'd 
 
 A ftatue of defpair! That tender bofom 
 
 Heaves with no common grief I've mark'd her oft, 
 
 And if I read aright, fome mighty caufe 
 
 Of hoarded anguifh, fome peculiar woe 
 
 Preys on her mind unfeen! But, ha! behold, 
 
 She faints ; her fears too pow'rful for her frame 
 
 Sink that frail beauty drooping to the earth. 
 
 [Exit ha/lily. 
 
 Z E L M I R A, 
 
 Hafte, fly, Zopiron, fly with inftant fuccour ; 
 Support her; help her; Lo ! th' attendant train 
 Have caught her in their arms ! affift her heav'n, 
 Afluage the forrows of that gentle fpiritf 
 Her flutt'ring fenfe returns ; and now this way 
 The virgins lead her. May the avenging gods 1 
 In pity of the woes fuch virtue feels, 
 
 B 2 In
 
 4 Z E N O B I A, 
 
 In pity of the wrongs a world endures, 
 With pow'r refiftlefs arm the Roman legions, 
 That they may hurl in one cojle&ed blow 
 AiTur'd deftruction on the tyrant's head ! 
 
 Enter Z E N o B I A, leaning on two attendants. 
 
 ZEN OBI A. 
 
 A little onward, ftill a little onward 
 Support my fleps 
 
 Z E L M I R A. 
 
 How fares it, madam, now ? 
 
 ZENOBI A. 
 
 My ftrength returns I thank ye, gen'rous maids, 
 And would I could requite you fruitlefs thanks 
 Are all a wretch can give. 
 
 Firjl attendant, 
 The gentle office 
 
 Of mild benevolence our nature prompt; . 
 Your merit too commands : on Ariana 
 We tend with willing, with delighted care, 
 And-that delight o'er pays us for our trouble. 
 
 ZE N OBI A. 
 
 Your cares for me denote a heart that feels 
 
 For others woes. Methinks with ftrength renew* d 
 
 I could adventure forth again. 
 
 Second attendant. 
 'Twere beft 
 
 Repofeyour wearied fpirits we will feek 
 Yon riling ground, and bring the fwifteft tidings' 
 Of all the mingled tumult. 
 
 ZE tf OBI A. 
 Go, my virgins j 
 Watch well each movement of the marfhaU'd field; 
 
 JEach turn of fortune ; let me know it all ; 
 
 Each varying circumftance. 
 
 Z E N O B I A,
 
 A TRAGEDY. 5 
 
 ZEN OBI A, ZELMIR^ 
 
 Z E L M I R A. 
 
 And will you thus, 
 Be doom'd for ever, Ariana, thus 
 A willing prey to vifionary ilk, 
 The felf-confuming votarift of care? 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 
 A 1 as ! I'm doom'd to weep the wrath of hea\*'n 
 With inexhaufted vengeance follows ftill, 
 And each day comes with aggravated woes. 
 
 Z E L M I R A. 
 
 Yet when Iberia's king, when Pharafmanes, 
 With all a lover's fondnefs - 
 
 Z E N O B I A. 
 
 Name him not ! 
 
 Name not a monfter horrihle with blood, 
 
 The widows, orphans, and the virgin's tears ! 
 
 Z E L M i R A. 
 
 Yet favage as he is, at fight of thee 
 Each fiercer paflion foftens into love. 
 To you he bends; the monarch of the eaft 
 Dejected droops beneath your cold difdain, 
 And all the tyranny of female pride. 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 
 That pride is virtue ; virtue that abhors 
 The tyrant reeking from a brother's murder ! 
 Qh ! Mithridates ! ever honour'd fhade ! 
 
 Peaceful hereign'd, difpenfmg good around him, 
 
 In the mild eye of honourable days! 
 
 Thro' all her peopled realm Armenia felt 
 His equal fway ; the funfet of his pow'r 
 With fainter beams, but undiminifh'd glory, 
 Still fhone ferene, while ev'ry confcious fubje<3: 
 With tears of praife beheld his calm decline", 
 And blefs'd the parting ray ! yet then, Zelmira, 
 Oh ! fact accurs'd ! yes Pharafmanes then, 
 
 Detefted
 
 6 Z E N O B I A, 
 
 Detefted perfidy ! nor ties of blood, 
 Nor facred laws, nor the juft gods reftrain him ; 
 In the dead midnight hour the fell aflafiin 
 Rufh'd on the {lumber of the virtuous man ; 
 His life blood gufh'd ; the venerable king 
 Wak'd, faw a brother arm'd againft his life, 
 Forgave him and expir'd ! 
 
 Z E L M IR A. 
 
 Yet wherefore open 
 
 Afrefh the wounds, which time long fince hath clos'd? 
 This Day confirms his fceptre in his hand. 
 
 Z E N O B I A. 
 
 Confirms his fceptre his I indignant gods, 
 
 Will no red vengeance from your ftores of wrath 
 
 Burft down to crufh the tyrant in his guilt? 
 
 His fceptre, faidft thou ? urge that word no more > 
 
 The fceptre of his fon '-the folemn right 
 
 Of Rhadamiftus ! Mithridates' choice, 
 
 That call'd him to his daughter's nuptial bed, 
 
 Approv'd him lineal heir; confenting nobles, 
 
 The public will, the fan&ion of the laws, 
 
 All ratified his claim ; yet curs'd ambition, 
 
 Deaf to a nation's voice, a nation's charter, 
 
 Nor fatisfied to fill Iberia's throne, ' 
 
 Made war, unnatural war, againft a fon, 
 
 Ufurp'd his crown, and with remorfelefs rage 
 
 Purfued his life. 
 
 Z E LM IR A. 
 
 Can Ariana plead 
 
 For fuch a fon? means fhe to varnifh o'er 
 
 The guilt of Rhadamiftus ? 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 Guilt, Zelmira! 
 
 Z E L M I R A. 
 
 Guilt that moots horror thro' my aching heart! 
 Poor loft Zenobia ! 
 
 ZEN OBI A.
 
 A TRAGEDY. 7 
 
 Z E N O B I A. 
 
 And do her misfortunes 
 
 Awaken tender pity in your breaft ? 
 
 Z E L M I R A. 
 
 Ill-fated princefs ! in her vernal bloom 
 By a falfe hufband murder'd ! from the ftem 
 A Rofe-bud torn, and in fome defert cave 
 Thrown by to moulder into filent duft ! 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 
 You knew not Rhadamiftus ! Pharafmanes 
 
 Knew not the early virtues of his fon. 
 
 As yet an infant, in his tend'reft years 
 
 His father fent him to Armenia's court, 
 
 That Mithridates' care might form his mind 
 
 To arts, to wifdom, and to manners worthy 
 
 Armenia's fceptre, and Zenobia's love. 
 
 The world delighted faw each dawning virtue, 
 
 Each namelefs grace to full perfection rifmg ! 
 
 Oh ! he was all the fondeft maid could wifh. 
 
 All truth, all honour, tendernefs and love ! 
 
 Yet from his empire thrown ! with mercilefs fury 
 
 His father following, (laughter raging round, 
 
 What could the hero in that dire extreme ? 
 
 ZEL M i R A. 
 
 Thofe ftrong impafiion'd looks ! fome fatal fecret 
 Works in her heart, and melts her into tears. [dfidt. 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 
 Driv'n to the margin of Araxes' flood, 
 No means of flight, aghaft he look'd around, 
 Wild throbb'd his bofom with conflicting pafHons, 
 And muft I then ? tears gufh'd and choak'd his voice, 
 And muft I leave thee then Zenobia? muft 
 Thy beauteous form he paus'd, then aim'd a poniard 
 At his great heart but oh! I rufh'd upon him, 
 And with thefe arms clofe-wreathing round his neck, 
 W ith all the vehemence of pray'rs and fhrieks, 
 Implor'd the only boon he then could grant 
 
 To perifh with him in a fond embrace. . 
 
 The foe drew near time prefs'd, no way w?^eft 
 
 He
 
 8 2 N O B I A, 
 
 He clafp'd me to his heart together both, 
 Lock'd in the folds of love, we plung'd at once, 
 And faught a requiem in the roaring flood. 
 
 Z E L M I R A. 
 
 -This wondrous tale this fuddew burft of paflion 
 
 ZENOBI A. 
 
 Ha! whither has my frenzy led me? hark ! 
 That found of triumph! loll, for ever loft ! 
 Ruin'd Armenia oh ! devoted race! 
 
 A flourljh of trumpet) 
 
 Enter TIGRANES, Soldiers, and fume Prifoners. 
 
 Z E N' O B I A. 
 
 Thy looks, Tigranes, indicate thy purpofe ! 
 The armies met, and Pharafmanes conquer 'd \ 
 Is it not fo ? 
 
 T I C R A N E S, 
 
 As yet with pent up fury 
 The foldier pants to letdeftruction loofe. 
 With eager fpeed we urg'd our rapid march, 
 To where the Romans tented in the vale 
 With cold delay protract the ling'ring war. 
 At our approach their fcanty numbers form 
 7'keir feeble lines, the future prey of vengeance. 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 
 And wherefore, when thy fword demands its mare 
 Of havock in that fcene of blood and horror, 
 Wherefore return'fr, thou to this lonely camp ? 
 
 TIGRANES. 
 
 With Cautious eye as I explor'd the forefr, 
 Which rifes thick near yonder ridge of mountains^ 
 And ftretches o'er th' interminable plain, 
 I faw thefe captives in the gloomy wood 
 Seeking with filent march the Roman camp. 
 I'mpal'd alive 'tis Pharafmanes' will 
 They fufter death in mifcry of torment. 
 
 2 EN OBI A,
 
 A TRAGEDY. 9 
 
 ZENOBI A. 
 
 tJnhappy men! and muft they ha! that face, 
 
 That aged mien ! that venerable form ! 
 Immortal pow'rs!~^is it my more than father ? 
 Is that Megiftus ? 
 
 M E G i s T u s. 
 Ariana here ! 
 
 Gods ! could I ever hope to fee her more ? 
 Thou virtuous maid ! thou darling of my age I * 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 It is it is Megiftus ! - once agaFn 
 Thus let me fall and clafp his rev'rend knee, 
 Print the warm kifs of gratitude and love 
 Upon this trembling hand, and pour the tears, 
 The mingled tears of wonder and of joy. 
 
 MEGISTUS. 
 
 Rife, Ariana, rife allmighty gods ! 
 The tide of joy and tranfport pours too fart 
 Along thefe wither'd veins it is too much 
 For a poor weak old man, worn out with grief 
 And paliied age, it is too much to bear! 
 Oh! Ariana, daughter of affliction, 
 Have I then found thee? do I thus behold thee I- 
 Now I can die content ! 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 Thou beft of men ! 
 Thefe joys our tears and looks can only fpeak. 
 
 MEGISTUS. 
 
 Yet they are cruel joys myfterious heav'n ! 
 You bid the ftorm o'ercaft our darkfome ways ; 
 You gild the cloud with gleams of cheering light ; 
 Then comes a breath from you, and all is vanilh'd ! 
 
 Z E NO B i A. 
 Wherefore dejected thus 
 
 MEGISTUS. 
 Alas,! to meet thee 
 
 C But
 
 10 Z E N O B I A, 
 
 But for a moment, and then part for ever ! 
 To meet thee here, only to grieve thee more, 
 To add to thy afflictions, wound that bofom 
 
 Where mild affection, where each virtue dwells, 
 
 Juft to behold thee, and then clofe my eyes 
 In endlefs night, while you furvey my pangs 
 In the approaching agony of torment - 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 Talk not of agony ; 'tis rapture all ! 
 And who Has pow'r to tear thee from my heart ? 
 
 MEGISTUS. 
 Alas ! the charge of vile imputed guilt' 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 I know thy truth, thy pure exalted mind 
 
 Thy fenfe of noble deeds imputed guilt 
 
 Oh! none will dare haft thou Tigranes? what, 
 What is his crime? blufti, foul traducer, blufh ! 
 Oh}(toMegi/tus)thewide world muft own thy ev'ry virtue, 
 
 TIGRANES. 
 
 If in the confcious foreft I beheld 
 Their dark complottings 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 Peace, vile fland'rer, peace I- 
 Thou know'ft who captivates a monarch's heart " 
 
 'Tis I protect him Ariana does it! 
 
 Thou, venerable man ! in my pavillion 
 
 I'll lodge thee fafe from danger oh ! this joy, 
 
 This beft fupreme delight the gods have fent, 
 In pity for whole years of countlefs woe. 
 
 [Exit with Megiftus. 
 
 ZELMIRA, TIGRANES. 
 
 TIGRANES. 
 
 With what wild fury her conflicting paflions 
 Rife to a ftorm, a tempeft of the foul ! 
 
 I know
 
 ATRAGEDY. ir 
 
 I know the latent caufe her heart revolts, 
 And leagues in fecret with the Roman arms. 
 
 Z ELMIRA. 
 
 Beware Tigranes ! that excefs of joy, 
 Thofe quick, thofe varied paflions ftrongly fpeak 
 The ftranger has an int'reft in her heart. 
 Befides, thou know'ft o'er Pharafmanes' will 
 She holds fupreme dominion- 
 
 TIGRANES. 
 True, me rules him 
 With boundlefs fway 
 
 Z E LM I R A. 
 
 Nay, more to wake thy fears - 
 
 The youthful prince, the valiant Teribazus 
 In fecret fighs, and feels the ray of beauty 
 Through ev'ry fenfe foft-thrilling to his heart. 
 He too becomes thy foe. 
 
 TIGRANES. 
 
 Unguarded man! 
 
 Whate'er he loves or hates, with gen'rous warmth, 
 
 As nature prompts, that dares he to avow, 
 
 And lets each paflion ftand confefs'd to view; 
 
 Such too is Ariana ; bold and open 
 
 She kindly gives inftru&ions to her foe, 
 
 To marr herbeft deiigns. 
 
 ZELMIRA. 
 Her foe, Tigranes ! 
 
 That lovely form infhrines the gentleft virtues, 
 Softer! compaffion, unaffected wifdom, 
 To outward beauty lending higher rharms 
 Adorning and adorn 'd ! The gen'rous prince, 
 He too full well thou know'ft him he unites 
 In the heroic mould of manly firmnefs, 
 Each mild attractive art oh ! furely none 
 Envy the fair renown that's earn'd by virtue. 
 
 TIGRANES. 
 
 None fliould Zelmira! ha! thofe warlike notes! 
 
 C 2 Enter
 
 12 Z E N O B I A, 
 
 Enter TERIBAZUS, 
 
 TER IBAZUS. 
 
 Each weary foldier reft upon his arms, 
 And wait the king's return Zelmira fay, 
 Inthefe dark moments of impending horror, 
 How fares thy beauteous friend? her tender fpirit 
 But ill fupports the fierce alarms of war. 
 
 Enter ZENQBIA. 
 ZENO BI A. 
 
 Where is he? let me fly oh ! Pharafmanes 
 Methought thofe founds befpoke the king's approach 
 
 Oh! Teribazus, tell me --- have the fates - 
 
 This horrible fufpenfe 
 
 TERIBAZUS, 
 I came, bright maid, 
 To hum the wild emotions of thy heart. 
 Devouring Slaughter for a whije fufpends 
 It's ruthlefs rage ; as either hoft advanc'd 
 In dread array, and from the burnifh'd arms 
 Of Afia's ranks redoubled funbeams play'd 
 Burning with bright diverfities of day, 
 Came forth an herald from the Roman camp 
 With proferr'd terms my father deign'd for once 
 To yield to mild perfuafion in his tent 
 Th' ambaflador of Rome will foon attend him 
 To flieathe the fword, and give the nations peace, 
 
 ZENOBI A. 
 
 But oh ! no peace for me, misfortune's heir! 
 
 The wretched heir ofmifery ! But now 
 
 A more then father found, yet cruel men 
 
 Would tear him from me gen'rous, gen'rous prince, 
 
 Spare an old man, whofe head is white with age, 
 
 Nor let 'cm wound mtf with the fharpeft pang 
 
 That ever tortur'd a poor bleeding heart. 
 
 TERIBAZUS.
 
 ATRAGEDY. ^ 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Arlfe my fair; let not a florm of grief 
 Thus bend to earth my Ariana's beauties ; 
 Soon fhall they all revive 
 
 ZENO BI A. 
 
 They brought him fetter'd, 
 
 Bound like a murderer ! Tigranes, he, . 
 
 This is the author of the horrid charge 
 
 He threatens inftant death but oh ! protect, 
 
 Protect an innocent, a good old man, 
 
 Or ftretch me with him on the mournful bier. 
 
 TERIBAZUS, 
 
 By heav'n, whoe'er he is, fince dear to you, 
 He fhall not fuffer quick, direct me to him- 
 My guards fhall fafe inclofe him. 
 
 Z E N O B I A. 
 
 In my pavillion 
 He waits his doom- 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Myfelf will bear the tidings 
 
 Of life, of joy, and liberty reftor'd. 
 
 And thou artificer of ill, thou falfe, 
 
 Thou vile defamer! leave thy treach'rous arts, 
 
 Nor dare accufe whom Ariana loves. 
 
 ZEN OBI A, ZELMIRA. 
 
 Z i N o B i A. 
 
 Zelmira, this is happinefs fupreme! 
 Oh ! to have met with unexampl'd goodnefs 
 .To owe my all, my very life itfelf, 
 To an unknown but hofpitable hand, 
 And thus enabled by the bounteous gods, 
 
 To pay the vaft, vaft debt 'tis ecftacy 
 
 2 That
 
 I 4 ZENOBIA, 
 
 That fwells above all bounds, till the fond heart 
 Ache with delight, and thus run o'er in tears. 
 
 Z E L M i R A. 
 
 What muft Zelmira think ? at firft your tongue 
 
 Grew lavifh in the praife of Rhadamiftus, 
 
 With hints obfcure touching your high defcent - y < 
 
 And now this hoary fage is he your father ? 
 
 My mind is loft in wonder and in doubt. 
 
 Z E N o B I A. 
 
 Then to difpel thy doubts, and tell at once 
 What deep referve has hid within my heart, 
 
 I am Zenobia I that ill-ftarr'd wretch ! 
 The daughter of a fcepter'd anceftry, 
 And now the flave of Mithridates' brother ! 
 
 ZELMIRA. 
 
 Long loft Zenobia, and reftor'd at length ! 
 
 I am your fubjecl j oh ! my queen ! my fov'reign ? 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 Thou gen'rous friend ! rife, my Zelmira, rife. 
 That good old man ! oh ! it was he beheld me 
 Borne far away from Rhadamiftus' arms, 
 
 Juft perifhing, juft loft ! 
 
 He dafh'd into the flood, redeem'd me thence, 
 And brought me back to life. My op'ning eyes 
 Juft faw the light, and clos'd again to fhun it. 
 Each vital pow'r was funk, but he, well fkill'd 
 In potent herbs, rccall'd my flutt'ring foul. 
 
 ZELMIRA. 
 May the propitious gods reward his care. 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 With me he fav'd a dear, a precious boy, 
 Then in the womb conceal'd; he fav'd my child 
 To trace his father's lov'd refemblance to me, 
 The dear, dear offspring of our bridal loves. 
 
 ZELMIRA,
 
 ATRAGEDY. 15 
 
 Z E L M I R A. 
 
 Oh ! bleffings on him, bleffings on his head ! . . 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 
 Refign'd and patient I fince dwelt with him 
 
 Far in the mazes of a winding wood, 
 
 Midft hoary mountains, and deep cavern'd rocks. 
 
 But oh ! the fond idea of my lord 
 
 Purfued me ftill, or in the cavern'd rock, 
 
 The mountain's brow, and pendent foreft's gloom. 
 
 The fun look'd joylefs down; each lonely night 
 
 Heard my griefs ecchoing thro' the woodland ihade. 
 
 My infant Rhadamiftus! he is loft, 
 
 He too is wrefted from me ! 'midft the rage 
 
 And the wide wafte of war, the hell-hound troops 
 
 Of Pharafmanes fought my lone retreat, 
 
 And from the violated (hades, from all 
 
 My foul held dear, the barb'rous ruffians tore me, 
 
 And never fhall the wretched mother fee 
 
 Her child again ! 
 
 ZELMI R A. 
 
 Heav'n may reftore him ftill, 
 
 May ftill reftore your royal hufband too 
 
 Who knows but fome protecting god 
 
 ZENOB i A. 
 No god ! 
 
 No guardian pow'r was prefent ! he is loft I- 
 Oh ! Rhadamiftus ! oh ! my honour'd lord ! 
 No pitying eye beheld thy decent form ; -. 
 
 The rolling flood devour'd thee ! thou haft found 
 
 A watry grave, and the laft difmal accents 
 
 That trembled on thy tongue, came bubbling up, 
 
 And murmur'd loft Zenobia ! 
 
 Z EL MIR A. 
 
 Yet be calm. 
 
 The gods may bring redrefs even now they give 
 
 To mifery like thine, the heartfelt joy 
 
 Of fhielding injured viriue. 
 
 ZENOBIA.
 
 16 Z E N O B ! A, 
 
 Z E N O B I A. 
 
 Yes, Zelmira, 
 
 That pure delight is mine, a ray from heav'n 
 That bids affliction fmile All gracious pow'rs ! 
 Alake me yeur agent here to fave Megiftus, 
 I'll bear the load of life, bear all its ills 
 Till you (hall bid this fad world-weary fpirit 
 
 To peaceful regions wing her happy flight, 
 And feek my lord in the dark realms of night; 
 Seek his dear made in ev'ry penfive grove, 
 And bear him all my conftancy and love. 
 
 END OF THE FiRf 
 
 ACT
 
 TRAGEDY. 
 
 ACT the SECOND. 
 
 TlGR ANE S. 
 
 A Falfe accufer deem'd ! artificer of fraud ! 
 -\ Thofe words, intemp'rate boy thy phrenzy too 
 Deluded fair! mall coft you dear attonement. 
 Yet Eilloccafion rife the king approaches. 
 
 " '[Grand warlike Tnufit.i 
 
 A Military Procejjion : Enter Pharafmanes, fcfr. 
 
 P H A R A S M A N E S. 
 
 At length the fame of Pharafmanes 1 arms 
 
 Hath aw'd the nation? round Rome fhrinks ao-hafl 
 
 With pale difmay, recalls her trembling legioi-is, 
 
 And deprecates the war oh ! what afcene 
 
 Of glorious havoc had yon fie4d beheld, 
 
 If peaceful counfels had not check'd my fury ! 
 
 Valiant Tigranes, thofe rebellious (laves, 
 
 Thy care detected have they fuffer'd death ? 
 
 Ti CRANES. 
 
 Your pardon, Sir their doom as yet fufpended j 
 The cjen'rous prince I would not utter aught 
 Should injure Teribazus ~ 
 
 Prt AR ASM ANES. 
 
 ttn 1 proceed^ 
 
 And g\ve me all the truth 
 
 T I G R A N E S. 
 
 y liis command 
 
 His ttndcr nature deem'd it barb'rous rigour 
 IV. ur">;e their fcntcnce 
 
 P H A It A 3 M A N E S. 
 
 Vain afpiring boy ! 
 
 Tttt Tt-ribueiis/ [Enter Zenobia] 
 
 tell th' unthiakin^ prince, 
 
 D The
 
 IS Z E N O B I A, 
 
 The rafli prefumptuous ftripling, thefe his arts, 
 
 Thefe pra6Hces of popular demeanour, 
 
 Are treafon to his father let him know 
 
 Thro' wide Armenia and Iberia's realm 
 
 My will is fate the Haves fhall meet their doom. 
 
 Z E-N o B i A. 
 
 Oh ! mighty king, thus bending lowly down, 
 An humble fuppliant 
 
 PH AR ASM AN ES. 
 
 Ariana here! 
 
 Thou beauteous mourner, let no care moleft 
 Thy tender bofom ; rife and bid thy charms 
 Beam forth thy gentleft luftre to adorn 
 The glories of my triumph. 
 
 ZENOBI A. 
 
 Oh ! a wretch like me 
 
 It beft befits thus groveling on the earth 
 
 To bathe your feet with tears 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 It muft not be [He raifes her, 
 
 By heav'n renown in arms in vain attends me, 
 
 If the lov'd graces of thy matchlefs form 
 
 Are thus deprefs'd and languim in affliction, 
 
 Like flow'rs that droop and hang their pining heads 
 
 Beneath the rigour of relentlefs Ikies, 
 
 ZENOBI A. 
 
 If thou would'ft raife me from the depths of woe, 
 Forgive thofe captives, whom thy fatal anger 
 Adjudg'd to death, nor let ill-tim'd refentment 
 Fall on the prince your fon 'twas I my tears 
 My piercing lamentations won his heart 
 To arreft their doom . 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 For traitors to my crown 
 Does Ariana plead i 
 
 ZENOBIA.
 
 ATRAGEDY. 19 
 
 Z E N O B I A. 
 
 For mild humanity 
 
 My fuppliant voice is rais'd I point the means 
 
 To add new glory to your fame in arms. 
 
 In naught fo near can men approach the gods 
 
 As the dear at of giving life to others. 
 
 In feats of war the glory is divided, 
 
 To all imparted, to each common man, 
 
 And fortune too fhall vindicate her {hare. 
 
 But of fweet mercy, the vaft, vaft renown 
 
 Is all your own ; nor officer, nor foldier 
 
 Can claim a part the praife, the honour'd praife, 
 
 Adorns the victor, nor is th* eccho loft 
 
 'Midft fhouts of armies, and the trumpet's found. 
 
 He conquers even victory itfelf, 
 
 Than hero more a bleffing to the world ! 
 
 PH AR ASM ANES. 
 
 Thy eloquence difarms my ftubborn foul. 
 But wherefore urgent thus ? amidft the band 
 Is there who claims thy foft folicitude? 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 
 A hoary fage alas ! a more than father 
 
 The beft of men preferver of my being,, - 
 A blamelefs fhepherd ! rude of fraud and guilt, 
 Innoxious thro' his life oh! mighty king, 
 Spare an old man, a venerable lire ! 
 Naught has your fortune greater than the pow'r 
 To ferve humanity ! -*- mew that your heart 
 Has the fweet grace, the gen'rous virtue too ! 
 
 PHARASMANES, 
 My foul relents, and yields to thy entreaty, 
 Thy violence of pray'r releafe him ftreight 
 My brighteft honours wait him j honours fit 
 For him who gave thee birth j for him whofe virtue 
 Thy gen'rous foul deems worthy its efteem., 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 
 Our humble ftation feeks nor pomp nor fplendor - 
 We only afk, unenvied and obfcure, 
 To live in blamelefs innocence, to fcek 
 
 D i Oui
 
 20 Z E N O B I A, 
 
 Our calm retreat, embrac'd in depth of woods, 
 And dwell with peace and humble virtue there, 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 That cold difdain, which fhuns admiring eyes, 
 
 Attracts the more, exalting ev'ry charm. 
 
 No more of humble birth thy matchlefs beauty, 
 
 Like gems, that in the mine conceal their luftre, 
 
 Was form'd to dignify the ealtern throne. 
 
 My fcepter> that ftrikes terror to each heart, 
 
 Grac'd by thy decent hand fhall make each fubjecl: 
 
 Adore thy fofter fway The glorious aera 
 
 Of Pharafmanes' love, his date of empire 
 
 With Ariana fhar d, henceforth begins, 
 
 And leads the laughing hours but firft the florm 
 
 Of war and wild commotion muft be hufh'd 
 
 That mighty care now calls me to my throne, 
 
 To give the Roman audience ; audience fit 
 
 To ftrike a citizen -of Rome with awe, 
 
 When he behoJds the majefty of kings. [<" 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Dread Sir, the Roman embafly approaches. 
 
 From yonder rampart, that invefts your camp, 
 I heard their horfes hoofs with eager fpeed 
 -Beat the refounding foil. 
 
 P H A R A S M A N E S. 
 
 Let 'em approach 
 
 And thou, whofe arrogance butl forbear 
 
 When Ariana pardons, my refentment 
 Yields to her fmiles, and looks away its rage. 
 As when the crimes of men Jove's wrath demand, 
 And the red thunder quivers in his hand ; 
 The queen of love his vengeance can difarm 
 With the foft eloquence of ev'ry charm ; 
 Controul his paffions with refiftlefs fway, 
 And the. impending ftorm fmile to ferenefl day. 
 
 [Exit wttb his train 
 
 Z E N* E I A.
 
 ATRAGEDY. 2* 
 
 ZEN OBI A, TERIBAZUS. 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 And may I then once more, thou bright perfe&ion, . 
 
 May Teribazus once again approach thee, 
 
 While thus my father, my ambitious father, 
 
 At fight of thee forgets his cruel nature, 
 
 And wonders how he feels thy beauty's pow'r? 
 
 Oh ! may I but I'm too importunate 
 
 Your looks rebuke me from you, and I fee 
 How hateful I am grown ! 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 Miftake me not 
 
 Nor rafhly thus arraign the looks of one, 
 Whofe heart lies bleeding here thy gen'rous worth 
 Is oft the live-long day my fav'rite theme. 
 But oh ! for me, for wretched Ariana, 
 The god of love long fmce hath ejuench'd his torch, 
 And ev'ry fource of joy lies dead within me. 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 That cold averted look! but I am us'd 
 To bear your fcorn ; your fcorn that wounds the deeper, 
 Maflt'd as it is with pity and efteem. 
 Yet love incurable, relentlefs love 
 Burns here a conftant flame, that rifes ftill, 
 And will to madnefs kindle, (hould I fee 
 That hoard of fv/eets, that treafury of charms 
 Yield to another, to a barb'rous rival 
 Who perfecutes a fon to his undoing. 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 
 If Ariana's happinefs would wound thee, 
 Thou'lt ne'er have caufe to murmur or repine. 
 Naught can divorce me from the black defpair 
 To which I've long been wedded. 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 Calm difdain, 
 
 I <rrant you, well becomes the tyrant fair 
 Whom Pharafmanes deftines for his throne. 
 But oh ! in pity to this breaking heart,, 
 
 i Give
 
 a* Z E N O B I A, 
 
 Give me, in mercy give fome other rival, 
 Whom I may ftab, without remorfe may ftab, 
 'Midft his delight, in all his heav'n of blifs, 
 And fpurn him from the joys, that fcorpion-Iike 
 Shoot anguim here here thro' my very foul. 
 
 Z E N o BI A. 
 
 Alas ! too gen'rous prince, the gods long fince 
 Between us both fix'd their eternal bar. 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 What fay'ft thou Ariana? ha ! beware, 
 Nor urge me to deftraction love like mine, 
 Fierce, gen'rous, wild, with difappointment wild, 
 May roufe my defp'rate rage to do a deed 
 Will make all nature fhudder. Love defpis'd 
 Not always can refpedl the ties of nature ! 
 
 Driven to extremes the tend'reft paflion fcorn'd 
 
 May hate at length the objedl it adores, 
 
 And ftung to madnefs no ! inhuman fair, 
 
 You ftill muft be, in all viciflitudes, 
 
 In all the fcenes misfortune has in ftore, 
 
 You ftill muft be the fov'reign of my foul. 
 
 But for the favour'd, for the happy rival, 
 
 By heav'n, whoe'er he be, defpair and phrenzy 
 
 May ftrike the blow, and dam him from your arms 
 
 A facrifice to violated love. 
 
 Z E N O B I A. 
 
 Why thus diftracl: yourfelf with vain fufpicions ? 
 You have no rival, whom your rage can murder 
 None in the pow'r of fate oh ! Teribazus, 
 
 The wretched Ariana long, long fince 
 
 My heart fweels o'er I cannot fpeak a duty, 
 
 A rigorous duty bids me ne'er accept 
 
 Thy proferr'd love; a duty, which, if known, 
 
 Would in eternal filence feal thy vows, 
 
 Turn all thy rage to tears, and, oh ! my prince! 
 
 Bid thee refpecl calamities like mine. [Exit. 
 
 TER IB AZU s. 
 
 Yet Ariana ftay turn, turn and hear me 
 She's gone, the cruel, unrelenting fair ! 
 
 And
 
 ATRAGEDY. 23 
 
 And leaves me thus to mifery of foul. 
 
 Enter Z o P I R o N. 
 
 Flamminius, from the Romans is arriv'd, 
 And bears the olive-branch the king your father 
 Affembles all his nobles 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Say, Zopdron, 
 
 Does Rome yield up Armenia? 
 
 Zo P IR ON. 
 
 Rome is ftill 
 
 The fcourge of lawlefs pow'r a people's rights 
 The confcript fathers have refolv'd to fhield, 
 And to the lineal heir aflert the crown. 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 May the ftern god of battles aid their arms, 
 And fight with the deliverers of mankind ! 
 Unnatural father ! that would feize my fcepter, 
 Mine as my brother's heir, and ravifh with it 
 The idol of my foul but now no more 
 His tyranny prevails to empire rais'd, 
 'Twill be the pride of my exulting heart, 
 To lay my crown at Ariana's feet. [Exit. 
 
 Z o P i R o N. 
 
 Unhappy prince ! fhould Pharafmanes know 
 His ardent paffion for the captive maid, 
 Alas ! his fatal rage propitious pow'rs ! 
 May thefe events, may Rome's ambaflador, 
 Oh ! may he come with concord in his train, 
 And far avert the ills my heart forebodes ! 
 Butlo! Flamminius. 
 
 Enter RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Z o P i R o N. 
 Welcome to thefe tents 
 The harbinger of peace ! 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 Does your king know 
 Flammin-ius waits his leifure? 
 
 Z O P I R O N.
 
 34 2 N O B I A, 
 
 Z O P I R O N. 
 
 He prepares 
 
 To hear you, Roman ! 
 
 R H A D A M I S T U S* 
 
 As I tread his camp 
 
 There is I know not what of horror {hoots 
 Thro' all my frame, and difconcerted reafon 
 Sufpends her function, a black train of crimes^ 
 Murders, and luft, and rapine, cities fack'd, 
 Nations laid wafte by the deftructive fword, 
 A thoufand ruthlefs deeds all rife to view, 
 And {hake my inmoft foul, as I approach 
 The author of calamity and ruin. 
 
 Z o p i R o N. 
 
 Then from a Roman, from a fon of freedorrt 
 Let the fell tyrant hear the voice of truth, 
 The ftrong refiftlefs ftrain, which liberty 
 Breathes in. her capitol, till his proud heart 
 Shudder with inward horror at itfelf. 
 
 R H A D A M I S T U S. 
 
 In Pharafmanes' camp that honeft ftile ! 
 
 * Thy vifage bears the characters of virtue. ^ 
 * Wilt thou impart thy name and quality ? 
 
 Z o P i R o N. 
 
 In me you fee Zopiron ! deem me not 
 
 A vile abettor of the tyrant's guilt. - 
 
 To me Armenia trufts her facred rights - t 
 Hither her chofen deligate {he fends me, 
 At the tribunal of Iberia's king, 
 To plead her caufe, an injur'd people's caufe? 
 Oh! never, never fliall my native land 
 Yield to a vile ufurper. 
 
 R H A jy A M i s T tJ s. 
 Rome has heard 
 
 Thy patriot toil for freedom Rhadamiftus 
 Has heard thy gen'rous ardor in his caufe, 
 And pants to recompence thy truth and cal. 
 
 Z O P I R O $\
 
 A T R A G E D Y. 25 
 
 Z O P I R O N. 
 
 Oh! name not Rhadamiftus now no more 
 The god-like youth (hall blefs Armenia's realm. 
 The fates juft fhew'd him to the wond'ring world, 
 And shen untimely fnatch'd him from our light ! 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 And didft thou know the prince ? 
 
 Z o PI R o N. 
 My lot fevere 
 
 Denied that tranfport; but the voice of fame 
 Kndears his memory. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 A time may come 
 
 When you may meet, and both in friendfhip burn. 
 Still Rhadamiftus lives ! 
 
 Zo P I R O N. 
 
 Said'ft thou Flamminius ! 
 
 Lives he? 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Still he furvives ; from death and peril 
 Sav'd by a miracle ! and now for him 
 Rome claims Armenia. 
 
 Z o p i R o N. 
 
 Claims Armenia for him ! 
 
 For Rhadamiftus claims! and will ye, gods! 
 Still will ye give him to a nation's pray'rs ? 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Alas ! he lives ; heart-broken, defolate, 
 In forrow plung'd, abandon'd to defpair! 
 
 * Z o P i R o N. 
 
 The righteous gods will vindicate liis caufe. - 
 
 His lov'd Zenobia, Mithridates' daughter, 
 That ev'ry excellence does {he too live? 
 
 E Have
 
 2 6 2 E N O B I A, 
 
 Have the indulgent pow'rs watch'd o'er her fate, 
 And fav'd her for her people ? 
 
 RH AD AM IST us. 
 There, Zopiron* 
 
 There lies the wound that pierces to his foul, 
 The fharpeft pang, that rends that cleaves his heart* 
 Oh ! never more (hall lovely loft Zenobia, 
 That angel form, that pattern of all goodnefs, 
 No, nevermore fhe's.gone, for ever gone ! 
 Thou would'ft not think her barb'rous, cruel hufband 
 With his own hand the recolle&ed tale 
 
 Of horror (hakes my frame to difTolution! 
 
 Her hufband ! he ! that dear, that tender form 
 
 Oh ! poor Zenobia oh ! [Falls into afwoon. 
 
 Z o p i R o N. 
 
 He faints ; he falls! 
 
 Can Roman ftoicifm thus difTolve 
 
 In tender pity? rife, Flamminius, rife; 
 
 He ftirs ; he breathes; and life begins to wander 
 
 O'er his forfaken cheek. Refume thy ftrength, 
 
 And like a Roman triumph o'er your tears. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 I'll not be forcM back to a wretched world. 
 No j let me, let me die. 
 
 Z o P i R o N. 
 His eyes reject 
 The cheerful light what can this anguifh mean ? 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 You do but wafte your pains; it is in vain ! 
 Away and leave a murderer to his woes. 
 
 ZOPIRON. 
 
 Why thus accufe thyfelf ? I'll not believe it 
 Thus let me raife thee from the earth 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Alas ! (ri/ing] 
 
 Defpuir weighs heavy on me. 
 
 ZOPIRON.
 
 A T R A G E D Y. 27 
 
 Z O P I R O N. 
 
 Still I muft 
 
 Controul this fudden phrenzy 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Oh! Zopiron, 
 Here, here it lies 
 
 ZOPIRON. 
 
 Unburthen all, and eafe 
 
 Your loaded heart it cannot be thou never wert 
 
 Amurd'rer! 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Yes ! the horror of the world ! 
 
 A murd'rous wretch ! the fatal Rhadamiftus ! 
 
 'Twas I thefe felon hands ! with treach'rous love 
 I clafp'd her in this curs'd embrace I bore her 
 In thefe detefted arms, and gave that beauty, 
 
 That tender form to the devouring waves. 
 
 Plunge me, ye furies, in yeur lakes of fire 
 
 Herefix, fix all your vultures in my heart ! 
 
 And lo ! they rufh upon me (Jtarts up) fee ! fee there! 
 With racks andwheels they come; they tear me piece-meal 
 
 ? Tis juft Zenobia! 1 deferve it all 
 
 [Falls upon Zopiron. 
 
 ZOPIRON. 
 
 Afilft him guardian pow'rs ! your own high will 
 Ouides thefe events! revive, my prince, revive ! 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Why thus recall me to defpair and horror ? 
 To bid me hate the light, deteft myfelf, 
 
 Traitor to nature, traitor to my love! 
 
 And yet, Zopiron, yet I am not plung'd 
 So far in guilt, but thou may'ft pity me! 
 Keav'n, I atteft, yes you can witnefs gods ! 
 I meant to perifli with her but the fates 
 Denied that comfort from her circling arms 
 The torrent bore me far expiring, fenfelefs, 
 Gafping in death, the overflowing tide 
 
 E 2 Impetuous
 
 2$ Z E N O B I A, 
 
 Impetuous drove me on th' unwifh'd for fhorc. 
 
 There foon deferted by the mercilefs uream 
 
 A band cf Romans, as from Syria's frontier 
 
 They rang'd the country round, defcried me ftretch'd 
 
 Pale and inanimate with barb'rous pity 
 
 They lent their aid, and chain'd me to the rack 
 
 Of inaufpicious life ! 
 
 Z o p i R o N. 
 
 For wond'rous ends 
 
 Myfterious providence has ftill referv'd you, 
 To circulate the happineis of millions, 
 A patriot prince 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Would they had let me perifli ! 
 
 What has a wretch like me to do in life, 
 When my Zenobia's loft? 'tis true, my Friend, 
 Shebegg'd to die but that pathetic look, 
 Her tears, embraces, and thofe ftreaming eyes 
 Still beauteous in diftrefs ! each winning grace, 
 Her ev'ry charm fhould have forbid the deeiF, 
 And pleaded for her life ! 
 
 ZOPIRON. 
 
 And yet, my prince, 
 
 When felt-acquitting confcience 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Sclf-condemn'd 
 
 My foul is rack'd, is tortur'd not her child, 
 
 Her unborn infant,- the firft fruit of-love, 
 
 Not cv'n her babe could with the voice of nature 
 
 Plead for itfelf, or for its wretched mother. 
 
 They perifh'd both, ---flic and her little one, 
 And I furvive to tell it. 
 
 , Z O P I R O N. 
 
 Let not grief 
 
 O'erwhelm your reafon thus what! when your father, 
 
 Your cruel father, recking from the blood 
 
 -Of Mithridatcs 
 
 R H A D A M I S T U S.
 
 ATRAGEDY. 29 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Naught but death was left, 
 
 Yet ev'n that laft, fad refuge was debarr'd me ! 
 
 E'er fince I've liv'd in mifery; my days 
 Were colour'd all with anguifh and defpair! 
 Long from the Romans I conceal'd my name. 
 
 At length reveal'd me to a chofen friend ; 
 
 Journey'd with him to Rome; and in full fenate 
 Told all the difmal ftory of my woes. 
 
 The confcript fathers heard, and dropt a tear 
 
 Then to quick vengeance fir'd, difpatch'd their legions 
 To wage the war; Paulinus leads them on, 
 And now to me commits this embafly, 
 With fully delegated pow'rs from Rome. 
 
 Z O P I R O N. 
 
 With one united voice Armenia calls 
 For Mithridates' heir ! convinc'd by rumour 
 That thou ar't loft, the gen'ral cry demands 
 Your brother Teribazus 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 "He, Zopiron, 
 Is to thefe eyes a flranger. 
 
 ZOPIRON. 
 
 Haplefs prince! 
 
 A cloud of woes lies brooding o'er his head. 
 
 A fair, a lovely captive rules his heart; 
 
 Her name is Ariana; and indeed 
 
 No wonder file attracts his foft regard, 
 
 And kindles all the vehemence of love. 
 
 The tyrant eyes her too with fierce defire, 
 
 And ruin nods o'er Teribazus' head. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 By heav'n it fhall not be alas ! I know 
 The pang of lofing whom the heart adores. 
 I'll yield him up Armenia what are crowns 
 But toys of vain ambition, when the loy'd 
 The dear pertaker of my throne is loft? 
 
 2 Enter
 
 39 ZENOBIA, 
 
 Enter TIGRANES. 
 
 ZOPIRON. 
 What would Tigranes ? 
 
 TIGRANES. 
 
 Pharafmanes calls 
 Flamminius to his prefence 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 I attend him ; 
 
 So tell your king 
 
 TIGRANES. 
 Inftant he waits thee Roman. [Exit. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 How my heart trembles at the awful meeting! 
 
 ZOPIRON. 
 
 Then fummon all your ftrength the lapfe of time 
 J 7 rom early youth, when Pharafrnanesr faw you, 
 Affliction's inward ftroke, that Roman garb, 
 Ail will protect, and cloak you from detection! 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 Zopiron yes; in this important crifis, 
 When violated laws, and injur'd men, 
 When my own wrongs are lab'ring in my heart, 
 The great occafion calls for firmeft vigour. 
 Yes, in this interview I will maintain t 
 A Roman's part ; in Pharafmanes' foul 
 I'll wake the furies of detefted guilt, 
 And pour the rapid energy of truth 
 Till ev'n to himfelf his crimes are known, 
 And the ttfurper tremble on his throne. 
 
 END OF THE SECOND ACT.
 
 ATRAGEDY. 3* 
 
 ACT the THIRD. 
 
 PHARASMANES, on his Throne : TIGRANES, ZOPIR.ON, 
 Officers, &V. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 W r HERE is this bold republican from Rome? 
 This enemy of kings? Tigranes, thou 
 Bid the plebeian enter Pharafmanes 
 Vouchsafes him audience. 
 
 Enter FLAMMINIUS. 
 
 P H A R A S M A N E 3. 
 
 Now, Flamminius, fay 
 
 What motive brings you to Araxes' banks, 
 
 To wage this flow, this philofophic war ? 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 By me, unworthy of th' important charge, 
 By me, unequal to the arduous theme, 
 The confcript fathers here explain their conduct, 
 And juftify the ways of Rome to kings. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 Roman, thou may'ft declaim with all thy pomp 
 Of idle eloquence. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 No pow'r of words, 
 
 No graceful periods of harmonious fpeech 
 Dwell on my lip the only art I boaft 
 
 Is honeft truth, unpolifh'd, unadorn'd ! 
 
 Truth that muft ftrike conviction to your heart, 
 
 Truth that informs you, to ufurp a crown, 
 
 For dire ambition to unpeople realms, 
 
 Are violations of each facred lav/, 
 
 And bid the Roman eagle wing'd with vengeance 
 
 To the Araxes' margin bend her flight, 
 
 To tell deftru&ion it fhall rage no more. 
 
 P H A R A S M A N E *
 
 3* Z E N O B I A, 
 
 P H A R A S M A N E S. 
 
 And dares Paulinus' foldier, dar'ft thou Have 
 Thus offer vile indignity, and mouthe 
 The language of your forum to a king ? 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Rome knows, and owns you as Iberia's king, 
 But not Armenia's.' 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 Th' aflembled fenate 
 Acknowledges your vaft renown in arms, 
 And honours the unfhaken fortitude 
 Ev'nofafoe but, Sir, the fortitude, 
 Whofe brutal rage lays nations defolate, 
 It is the glory of imperial Rome 
 To humble and fubdue it is the glory 
 Of Rome, that fpares the vanquifh'd, 'tis her pride 
 To fet the nations free ; to fix the bounds 
 Of the fell tyrant's pow'r ; to trace the circle 
 From which he muft not move thefe are the arts 
 The- bright prerogative of Rome of Rome, 
 The miitrefs of the world, whofe conqu'ring banners 
 O'er Afia's realms fo oft have wav'd in triumph, . 
 And made ev'n kings her fubjets . 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 Ha ! vain boafter ! 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Made oriental kings, fhort by the knee 
 Accept their crown, with tears of joy accept it, 
 And be the viceroys of a Roman fenate. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 And this to Pharafmanes? has not yet 
 A train of conquefts taught you to revere 
 This good right arm in war'? This arm the Parthians 
 Have felc with fatal overthrow no fpuil, 
 
 No
 
 A TRAGEDY. 33 
 
 Mo trophies won from me have grac'd their triumphs; 
 No friends of mine were harnefs'd to their chariots; 
 No captive chief, like youi own mangled Crafius, 
 There roams a fallen ghoft, and calls for vengeance, 
 For vengeance ftill unpaid, and calls in vain 
 For the fad funeral rites. Would Rome prefume 
 To wreft Armenia from me, lo ! my banners 
 From frofty Caucafus to Phafis' banks 
 Wave high in air, and fhadow all the land. 
 Call your embattled legions or does Rome, 
 All conqu'ring Rome, that miftrefs of the world-, 
 Does fhe at length by her ambaiTadors 
 Negotiate thus the war? 
 
 RH AD AMI3TUS. 
 
 Rome, Sir, commands 
 
 The fubject world, for (he adores the goes 
 
 And their all-pow'rful aid. 
 
 P H A R A S M A N E S. 
 
 Would'ft thou difpute 
 
 My lawful claim, arm thee with fword and fire, 
 
 Not with vain fubtleties, and idle maxims. - 
 
 Armenia's crown is mine,-r-deriv'd to me, 
 Heir to a brother, and a fon deceas'd. 
 
 RH AD AMISTUS. 
 
 And can a murd'rer, can the midnight ruffian 
 Prove himfelf heir by the aflaflin's flab? 
 
 PH A R A S M A N E S. 
 
 Thou bafe reviler ! [Comes f$rward and draws his fabtr. 
 
 Tl G R ANES. 
 
 Moderate your fury; [holding him] 
 
 It were unjuft 
 
 Z o P i R o .v. 
 
 The character he bears, 
 
 The laws of nations 
 
 P H A R A S M A N* F. S. 
 
 Thou bafe infolent ! 
 
 F Who
 
 34 Z E N O B I A, 
 
 Who dar'ft to wound the ear of facred kings 
 
 With a black: crime, that's horrible to nature! . 
 
 R H A D A M I 3 T U S. 
 
 Yes horrible to nature ! yet the world 
 
 Has heard it all thou art the man of blood ! 
 
 A brother's blood yet fmokes upon thy hand 
 
 Not his white age, his venerable looks, 
 
 Not ev'n his godlike virtues could withhold thee ! 
 
 Gaih'd o'er with wounds he falls ; he bleeds, he dies, 
 
 Without a groan he dies ! that is thy work, 
 
 Thine, murd'rcr, thine! 
 
 PHARAS MANES. 
 No more the hand of heav'n 
 Shook from the blafted tree the wither'd fruit 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Forbear the impious (train it is the ftile 
 Ambition fpeaks, when for a crown it ftabs, 
 Then dares, with execrable mock'ry dares, 
 Traduce the governing all-righteous mind. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 He harrows up my foul ! and do'ft thou think 
 A madman's ravings 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 Since that hour accurft 
 
 Haft thou not plung'd thee deeper flill in guilt? 
 Your fon your blamelefs fon 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 His crimes provok'd 
 
 A father's wrath his and Zenobia's crimes ! . 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 She too untimely loft unbidden tears 
 Forbear to ftream, nor quite unman me thus. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 In tears l by heav'n, thou woman-hearted flavc, 
 
 Thofe
 
 ATRAGEDY. 35 
 
 Thofe coward fymptoms have fome latent fpring 
 That lies conceal'd within that treach'rous heart. 
 
 RHADAMISTtJS. 
 
 They are the tears humanity lets fall 
 
 When foft ey'd beauty dies untimely flain. 
 
 But to avenge her death, array'd in terror 
 The Roman legions 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 Lead 'em to the charge. 
 
 Thou quit my camp: If when yon fun defcends 
 Thou linger'it here, the title of ambafiador 
 Shall naught avail to fave thee from my fury. 
 
 R H A b A M i s T u s. 
 E'er that refign Armenia Till the clofe 
 Of day, I give thee leifure to revolve 
 The vengeance Rome prepares Thou know'ft 
 With .what a pond'rous arm her hardy fons 
 Lift the avenging fpear. Be timely wife, 
 Nor dare provoke your fate. [Exit. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 Roman farewel ! 
 
 Do thou, Tigranes, ifiue forth my orders 
 From tent to tent, that each man ftand prepared 
 For the dead midnight hour with filent march 
 Then will I pour with ruinous aflault 
 Upon th' aftonifh'd foe, my horfes hoofs 
 Imbrue in blood, and give to-inorrov/'s fun 
 
 A fpectacle of .horror and deftruction. 
 
 [He afcends his throne^ and the back fcene clafes. 
 
 Enter Z E N o B I A and M E G I s T U s. 
 
 ZENOBI A. 
 
 Oh ! tell me all Megiftus ; let me hear 
 
 All th"t concerns my child, my blooming boy, 
 
 My little Rhadamiftus is he Cafe? 
 
 Give me the truth do not deceive a mother 
 
 Who doats upon her babe is my child fafe? 
 
 F 2 M E G I S T U S,
 
 36 2 E N O B I A, 
 
 M E G I S T U S. 
 
 Dry up your tears I cannot bear to fee you 
 
 Afflicted thus your infant hero's fafe 
 
 You may believe your faithful old Mcgiftus 
 
 Z E N o B I A. 
 
 I do believe thee but excufe my weaknefs . 
 
 My flutt'Yina; fears for ever paint him to me 
 By ruffians feiz'd, and as he fees the knife 
 Aim'd at his little throat, in vain imploring 
 For me by .name, and begging my affiftance, 
 While far, far off his miferable mother 
 No aid can give, nor fnatch him to her heart. 
 
 M E G i s T u s. 
 
 I never yet dcceiv'd you by yon heav'n 
 
 The prince ftill lives when 1 regain'd my cottage 
 
 After the toils of many a weary day, 
 
 I found him there but griev'd and wond'ring much 
 
 Where his dear mother was. 
 
 Z E N o B I A. 
 
 Megiftus tell me, 
 
 Oh! tell me each particular ; his looks, 
 
 All his apt queftions, his enchanting words; 
 
 For I could hear of him for ever lovely youth ! 
 
 Kis father's image blooming in his boy! 
 
 Thro' fev'n revolving years my only comfort ! 
 
 When from my eyes the fudden forrows gufh'd, 
 How would he look, and afk his wretched mother 
 What meant thofe falling tears ? alas ! ev'n now 
 I fee him here before me did my child 
 Think his poor mother loft ? 
 
 M E G i s T u s. 
 
 At firft he feem'd 
 
 To pine in thought at your long weary abfence, 
 
 And many a look he caft, that plainly fpokc 
 
 His little bofom heav'd with various paflions. 
 
 Still would he feek you in each well known haunt, 
 
 Fach bow'r, each cavern, like the tender fawn 
 
 That thro' the woodland feeks its mother loft, 
 
 Exploring
 
 A TRAGEDY. 37 
 
 Exploring all around with anxious eye, 
 And looking flill unutterable grief, 
 Lonely and lad, and ftung with keen regret. 
 
 Z E N O B I A. 
 
 Did my child weep ? not much I hope 
 
 MEGISTUS. 
 
 With Toothing tales 
 
 I labour'd to beguile him from his forrow ; 
 I promis'd your return; a gentle fmile 
 Brightejj'd his anxious look ; he llgh'd content, 
 And then I led him to a fafer dwelling 
 Among the fhepherds of the Syrain vale, 
 Who all have fworn to guard him as their own, 
 And in due feafon lead him to the Romans. 
 
 Z E NOBI A. 
 
 Oh ! may thofe fliepherds know the kindeft influence 
 Of the indulgent heav'ns ! yet why not flay 
 To guard him but i'll not complain on me 
 Your cares were fix'd oh ! tell me how the gods 
 Watch'd ov'r all thy ways, and brought thee to me ? 
 Where haft thou liv'd thefe many, many days ? 
 
 MEGISTUS. 
 
 In bitternefs of foul I've liv'd, thy fate 
 Thy tender form deep imag'd in my breaft ! 
 I rang'd the banks where the Arazes flows, 
 But bring, alas! no tidings of your lord. 
 Heart-broken, wearied out, I meafur'd back 
 My feeble {reps, but thou wer't ravifh'd thence ; 
 For thee I travers'd hills and forefts drear; 
 Thee I invok'd, that ev'ry cavern'd rock, 
 Each vale, each mountain eccho'd with thy name. 
 
 Z E N O B I A. 
 
 And here at length you find me, here encompafs'd 
 With all the worft of ills hence let us fly 
 To the blefs'd Syrian rally, where my child 
 Wins with his early manhood ev'ry heart, 
 And calls for me, and chides this long dejay. 
 
 M E G i s T Bf s,
 
 38 ZENOBIA, 
 
 M E G I S T U S. 
 
 Vain the attempt one only way is left 
 
 Reveal thee to th' ambaflador of Rome. 
 
 Safe in his train thou may'ft efcape this place, 
 And gain Paulinus' camp Zenobia known 
 Will meet protection there. 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 The gods infpire 
 
 The happy counfel ha ! Tigranes comes ! 
 Retire Megiftus (he goes out) a gay dawn of hope 
 Beams forth at length, and lights up day within me. 
 
 ZENOBIA, TIGRANES. 
 
 TIGRANES. 
 
 Hail princefs, deftin'd to imperial fway, 
 To grace with beauty Pharafmanes' throne ! 
 By me the impatient king requefts you'll fix 
 The happy nuptial hour. 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 Thou might'ft as well 
 
 Command me wed the forked lightnings blaze 
 That gilds the ftorm, and be in love with horror. 
 
 TIGRANES. 
 
 Take heed, rafh fair ! an eaftern monarch's love, 
 Ardent as his, muft not be made the fport 
 Of tyrant beauty when a rival dares 
 Oppofe his fov'reign's wifli 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 Does Pharafmanes, 
 
 Say,-^does your king permit his fpies of ftate, 
 That curfe of human kind, to breathe their whifpers 
 In his deluded ear ? 
 
 TIGRANES. 
 
 Full well 'tis know 
 
 That Teribazus bids you thus revolt, 
 
 And draws your heart's allegiance from yoitr king.
 
 ATRAGEDY. ^ 
 
 ZENOBI A. 
 
 Thou vile accufer ! if the prince's virtues 
 
 Have touch'd my bofotn, what haft thou to urge? 
 
 What if a former Hymeneal vow 
 
 Has bound my foul ? what if a father, Sir, 
 
 A father dear as my heart's purple drops, 
 
 Enjoin a rigid duty ne'er to mare 
 
 The throne of Mithridates with a murderer ? 
 
 T I G R A N E S. 
 
 Madam, thofe words 
 
 Z E N O B I A. 
 
 Thou instrument of ill ! 
 
 Who ftill ar't ready with a tale fuborn'd, 
 
 And if thou ar't not perjur'd, dar'ft betray ; 
 
 Away and let thy confcience tell the reft. [Exit. 
 
 TIGRANES, alone. 
 
 Vain haughty fair ! thou haft provok'd my rao-e 
 By wrongs unnumber'd but for all thofe wrongs 
 Soon (hall inevitable ruin feize thee. 
 
 Enter RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Perhaps e're this your king's tumultuous paflions 
 
 Sink to a calm, and reafon takes her turn. 
 
 Then feck him, Sir, and bear a Roman's melTage, 
 
 The terms of peace humanity fuggefts. 
 
 Tell him Flamminius wifhes to prevent 
 
 The rage of (laughter, and the ftreams of blood 
 
 Which elfe mail deluge yonder crimfon plains. 
 
 T 1 G R A N E S. 
 
 Already, Roman, his refolve is fix'd.-- * 
 War, horrid war impends. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 And yet In pity 
 
 To human kind, to the unhappy millions 
 
 2, Who
 
 4 o Z E N O B I A, 
 
 Who foon fhall die, and with their fcatter'd bones- 
 Whiten the plains of Alia, it were beft 
 To (heathe thefword, and join in Rome's alliance. 
 Wilt thou convey my meflage? 
 
 T i c R A N E s. 
 I obey. [Exit. 
 
 RH AD A MIST us, alone. 
 
 May Come propitious pow'r infpire his heart, 
 And touch the fprings of human kindnefsin himv 
 Elfe awainft whom amidft the charging hofts 
 Muft Rhadamiftus' fword be levell'd ? ha ! 
 
 Spite of his crimes he is my father ftill 
 
 And muft this arm againft the fource of life 
 
 Nay more, perhaps againft a brother too, 
 
 A brother ftill unknown ! he too may die 
 
 By this unconfcious hand ! this hand already 
 
 Inur'd to murder whom my heart adores ! 
 
 My brother then may bleed !--- and when in death 
 
 Gafping he lies, and pours his vital ftream 7 
 
 Then in that moment fhall the gen'rous youth 
 
 Extend his arms, and with a piteous look 
 
 Tell me a brother doth forgive his murderer ? 
 
 Gods ! you have doomed me to the blackeft woe, 
 
 To be a wretch abhorr'd, author of crimes 
 
 From which my tortur'd breaft revolts with horror! 
 
 Who's there ? a youth comes forward now be firm., 
 
 Be firm my heart, and guard thy fatal fecret ! 
 
 Enter TERIBAZUS. 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 Illuftrious Reman, if misfortune's fon 
 
 A wretched, ruin'd miicrable prince 
 
 May claim attention 
 
 RH ADA MIST US. 
 
 Jla ! can this be he ! 
 
 The graces of his youth, each feeling here, 
 
 Here at my heurtftrings tell me 'tis my brother !, [a/JcJe. 
 
 TERIBAZUS.
 
 A TRAGEDY. 41 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 I fee you're mov'd, and I intrude too far. 
 
 RHADA MJSTUS. 
 
 Purfue your purpofe warmeft friendfhip for you 
 Glows in this breaft 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 Tho' Pharafmanes' fury 
 Maintains a fix'd hoftility with Rome, 
 Blend not the fon with all a father's crimes. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 Go on I pant to hear 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 My father's cruelty 
 
 Each dpy breaks out in fome new ac"l of horror, 
 Nor lets the fword grow cool from human blood. 
 Firft in his brother's breaft he plung'd it ; then 
 Inflam'd to fiercer rage 'gainft his own fon, 
 -Oh! Rhadamiftus ! thou much injur'd prince! - 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 And didft thou love that brother? 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 Gen'rous Roman, 
 
 He liv'd far hence remote I ne'er beheld him, 
 But the wide world refounded with his fame. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Hold, hold my tears ! oh ! they will burft their way 
 
 At this his virtuous tendernefs and love ! [afide* 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 And doft thou weep too Roman ? 
 
 RHADAMISTUS, 
 
 Frem fuch horror, 
 
 G And
 
 42 Z E N O B I A r 
 
 And fo much cruelty my nature fhrinks. 
 
 Whatever purpofe rolls within thy breaft, 
 
 Boldly confide it {hall I arm'd with vengeance 
 
 Aflauit the purple tyrant in his camp? 
 
 Or wilt thou join ray fteps; then in the front 
 
 Of a brave vet'ran legion head the war, 
 
 Seek the ufurper 'midft his plumed troops, 
 
 And thus avenge mankind ? 
 
 TER IB AZ us. 
 
 No ; far from me, 
 
 Far be the guilt of meditating aught 
 
 Againft the life frem whence my being fprung". 
 
 Let him opprefs me, he's a parent ftill ! . 
 
 R H A D A M I S T U S. 
 
 He rives my heart ! oh ! what a lot is mine ! \afide* 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Not for myfelf I fear; but oh ! Flamminius, 
 
 A lovely captive,' 'tis for her I tremble ; 
 
 For Ariana, for that fweet perfection ; 
 
 She is her fex v s boall! her gentle bofom 
 
 Fraught with each excellence! her form and feature 
 
 Touch'd by the hand of elegance; adorn'd 
 
 By ev'ry grace, and caft in beauty's mould ! 
 
 Her fharafmanes means to ravim from me. 
 
 But thou convey her hence 'tis all I afk. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 By heav'n I will do thou too join our flight; 
 Armenia fliall be thine, and that fweet maid 
 Reward thy goodnefs with connubial love, 
 Adorn thy throne, and make a nation blefs'd ! 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Make Ariana happy; bear her hence 
 And fave triofe bright unviolated charms 
 From Pharafmanes' pow'r when wifh'd for peace 
 Settles a jarring world, Flamminius then, 
 Then will I feek thce. Wilt thou then refign her? 
 
 RHADAMISTWS.
 
 ATRAGEDY. 43 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Yes then, as pure as the unfullied fnow 
 That never felt a funbeam; then I'll give her 
 Back to thy faithful love. 
 
 T E R i B A ?, u s. 
 
 Thou gen'rous Roman, 
 
 In gratitude I bow flic's here at hand ; 
 
 A moment brings her to you, while at diftance 
 
 I watch each avenue, each winding path, 
 
 That none intrude upon your privacy. [Exit. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS, alone. 
 
 At length I've feen my brother ; know how much 
 He differs from his father! he (hall feek 
 The Roman tents; I'll there difclofe myfelf ; 
 There will embrace him with a brother's love. 
 Oh ! how the tender tranfport heaves and fwells, 
 Till thus the fond excefs difolves in tears! 
 
 Enter MEGISTUS, leading ZEN OBI A. 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 Alas ! my heart forebodes I know not what 
 
 M E G i s T us. 
 Difpel each doubt this is your only refuge. 
 
 Z E N O B I A. 
 
 Thou gen'rous Roman, if diftrefs like mine 
 
 If an unhappy captive may approach thee 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 To me affliction's voice ye pow'rs of heav'n ! 
 That air! thofe features ! that remembcr'd glance! 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 If thus a wretch's prefence can alarm you . 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 The inufic of that voice? fuch once fhe look'd ! 
 
 G 2 And
 
 44 Z E N O B I A, 
 
 And if I had not plung'd her in the ftream, 
 
 I could perfuade myfelf 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 Thofe well known accents ! 
 
 Thofe tender foft regards ! nay mock me not! 
 
 I could not hope to fee thee tell me ar't thou 
 
 That once ador'd ! oh ! (faints into Megiftus' arms.} 
 
 ME GISTU s. 
 
 Ah ! her ftrength forfakes her 
 
 Support her heav'n ! (catches her in his arms.) 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Ye wonder-working gods ! 
 Is this illuiion all ? or does your goodnefs 
 Indeed reftore her? if I do not dream, 
 If this be true, oh ! let thofe angel-eyes 
 Open to life, to love, and Rhadamiftus. 
 
 M E G i s T u s. 
 What further miracles doth heav'n prepare? 
 
 Z E N- o B i A. 
 
 Forgive my weaknefs the air-painted image 
 
 Of my lov'd lord and fee!---again it's prefent ! 
 
 That look that fpeaks the fond impaflkm'd foul ! 
 
 Yes, fuch he was ' oh ! ar't thou tell me fay 
 
 Ar't thou rcftor'd me? ar't thou Rhadamiftus? 
 
 RH ADA MIST us. 
 
 I have not murder d her '-benignant gods ! 
 I am not guilty my Zenobia lives ! - 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 
 It is my lord oh ! I can hold no longer, 
 
 But thus delighted fpring to his embrace, 
 Thus wander o'er him with my tears and kiflc?, 
 And thus, and thus, fpeak my enraptur'd foul. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 She lives ! fhe lives f what kind protecting god, 
 
 Long
 
 ATRAGEDY. 45 
 
 Long loft, .and long lamented, gives thee back, 
 Gives me to view thee, and to hear thy voice 
 With joy to ecftacy, with tears to rapture ? 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 This good old man 'twas he prefery'd; me for you. 
 
 MEGISTU s 
 
 Oh ! day of charms ! oh ! unexpected hour ! 
 I have not liv'd in vain thefe gufhing eyes 
 Have feen their mutual tranfports ! - 
 
 R H ADAMIST US. 
 
 Gen'rous friend, 
 
 Come to my heart, Zenobia's fecond father! 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 Thou art indebted more than thou can'ft pay him, 
 
 Indebted for our infant babe preferv'd, 
 
 The bloflbm of our joys! thou can'ft not think 
 
 How much he looks, and moves, and talks like thee. , 
 
 R H AD AMISTUS. 
 
 Oh ! mighty gods ! it is too much of blifs, 
 Too exquiiite to bear ! thefe barb'rous hands 
 Had well nigh murder'd both my wife and child f 
 Wilt thou forgive me oh ! my beft delight, 
 Wilt thou receive a traitor to your arms? 
 Wilt thou Zenobia? 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 Will I, gracious heav'n ? 
 
 Thou fource of all my comfort ! - 
 
 ME GIST us. 
 Ha ! beware, 
 
 Beware my prince! but now with hafty ftep 
 I faw Tigranes circling yonder tent. 
 
 RH ADAMISTUS. 
 
 Th' ambafiador of Rome he feeks, on bus'nefs 
 Qf import high I will prevent his fpeed- 
 And rauft I then fo foon depart Zenobia? 
 
 3 ZENOBIA,
 
 4 6 2 E N O B I A, 
 
 Z E N O B I A . 
 
 Hence, quickly hence anon we'll meet again 
 
 R H A r> A M i s T u s. 
 
 Yes, we will meet ; the gods have giv'n thee to me, 
 And they will hnifh their own holy work. [Exit. 
 
 M E 6 i s T u s. 
 
 My pray'rs are heard at length Zenobia ftill 
 Shall be Armenia's queen. 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 Oh? good Megiftus, 
 
 Heav'n has been bounteous, and reftor'd my lord. 
 With him I'll fly, wrapt in the gloom of night, 
 And thou, Megiltus, thou fhal't join our flight; 
 Plac'd near his throne thy gcn'rous zeal {hall (hare 
 The bright reward of all thy toil and care ; 
 While I, redeem'd at length from fierce alarms, 
 Forget my wees in Rhadamiftus' arms. 
 
 Ei> OF THE THIRO Act. 
 
 ACT
 
 A TRAGEDY. 47 
 
 ACT the FOURTH. 
 
 Enter R HAD A MIST us, and TERIBAZUS. 
 
 T E R i B A -i u s. 
 
 THOU ar't a friend indeed, thou gen'rous man ! 
 The beft of friends, to fave fuch innocence, 
 That lovely virgin bloom ! the pious act 
 Shall to remoteit time tranfmit thy name, 
 Ennobled by humanity and virtue. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Alas! no praife I merit; 'tis a deed 
 
 That lofes virtue's name , 
 
 TERIB AZUS. 
 Flamminius, no! 
 
 Thou (halt not derogate from worth like thine. 
 But oh ! beware, my friend, and fteel thy heart 
 Againft the fweet illapfe of gentler paflions. 
 To love her were fuch treachery ! by heav'a! 
 It were a fraud of a more damned hue - 
 A fraud to facred friendfhip ! but my foul 
 Rejects the mean fufpicion thou ar't juft, 
 And Ariana mall be mine again ! 
 
 RH A D AMISTUS. 
 
 If when the tumult of the war is pafs'd, 
 You then perlift to claim her 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 Then perfift ! 
 
 When I do not perfift, whene'er my heart 
 Forgets the fond idea ha ! take heed 
 Your colour dies by fits, and now again 
 It flumes o'er your cheek if beauty's pow'r 
 Can waken foft defire, and fure fuch beauty 
 
 May warm the breaft of ftoic apathy, 
 
 If thou can'ft love, -refign the truft at once. 
 For oh ! to lofc her, to behold thofe charms, 
 
 That
 
 48 Z rf O B I A, 
 
 That all-perfection yielded to another, 
 
 Were the worft agony, the keeneft ftab 
 
 That ever pierc'd a lover to the foul. - 
 
 The thought, the very thought inflames to madnefs f 
 
 RHADAMISTU s. 
 
 (Afide) Not till the fever of his mind fubfides, 
 
 Muft I reveal me the difclofure now 
 
 Would to his phrenzy give a whirlwind's wing, 
 
 And bury all in ruin let her then, 
 
 Yes, Teribazus, let the blooming maid 
 
 Still in this camp, a voluntary captive, 
 
 Since you will have it fo fmce weak miftruft 
 
 Can taint a nobk fpirit, let her here 
 
 Teach that rare beauty to difplay its charms, 
 
 Its various graces ; bid thofe radiant eyes 
 
 Dart their quick glances to the tyrant's foul, 
 
 Inflame his hot defires, and half abfolvethem. 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Madnefs and horror ! -no! hafte, fly, begone, 
 And give her hence fafe conduct I can truft 
 To Roman continence your Scipio's praife 
 Shall be the theme of fame's eternal lip ! 
 
 R H A D A M I S T U S. 
 
 Thou too attend her fteps; watch all her ways ; 
 When we have reach'd the Roman fanctuary, 
 Then (hall fuch wonders to thy lift'ning ear, 
 The web which fate has wove beware my friend 
 Tigranes comes what would'ft thou Sir? 
 
 Enter TJGRANES. 
 
 TIGRANES. 
 The king 
 
 Grants you one parley more ev'n now this way 
 He bends his fteps remote from all he means 
 To hold a private conPrencc 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 Rome's ambaflador 
 
 Attends his pleafure. [Exit Tigranes. 
 
 TERIBAZUS.
 
 A TRAGEDY. 49 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 I muft hence, Flamminius 
 
 Farewel ! yet e're thou go'ft, I ftill muft crave 
 
 Another interview farewel ! remember, 
 
 My love, my life, my all depend on thee. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Ah! lucklefs prince! how loft in error's maze 
 
 Blindly he wanders, and love's fweet delufion 
 
 Infufes it's enchantment through his heart ! 
 
 But when remov'd from Pharaimanes' pow'r 
 
 He learns my prior claim, his gen'rous friendfhip 
 
 Will bound with tranfport at a brother's joys, 
 
 And with a warmth of fympathy partake 'em. 
 
 But ha! my father! grant me ftrength, ye pow'rs! 
 
 To meet the dread encounter; ' 
 
 Enter PHARASMANES. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 Once again 
 
 E're you depart, if Pharafmanes deign 
 To treat, and thus expoftulate with Rome.? 
 3 Tis to thy pray'rs I grant it. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Rome had father 
 
 Perfuade than conquer her well-ballanc'd juftice 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 No more of Roman juftice blazon not 
 Virtues you ne'er have pra&is'd with the nam6, 
 The fpecious name of love for human kind 
 You fandtify th' infatiate rage of conqueft, 
 And where the fword has made a folitude,/ 
 That yon proclaim" a peace. Ev'n now your views 
 Stand manifeft to fight To thee 'tis known 
 That Rhadamiftus lives ! 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 How Sir! can he 
 
 Does that unhappy prince" 
 
 H PHAR
 
 50 Z E N O B I A, 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 Thou falfe diflcmbler ! 
 
 Yes in thy heart the fatal fecret's lodg'd !- 
 
 R H ADAMISTUS. 
 
 Sir if your fon if you will fearch his heart 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 From certain fugitives I've learn'd it all 
 In yonder camp, conceaPd from vulgar eyes, 
 To war againft his father ftill he lives ! 
 Why doft thou droop dejected? fomething lurk's 
 Beneath that burning blufh 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 That burning blufh 
 
 Glows on my cheek for thee- r - 1 know your fon, 
 And know him unfufceptible of guilt. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 Then, Roman, mark my words would'ft thou prevent 
 
 The carnage fate prepares on yonder plains? 
 
 Go tell Paulinus I will treat of terms 
 
 With him, who brings me Rhadamiftus' head. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 Your own fon's head ! 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 Why doft thou gaze fo earned ? 
 
 Why thofe emotions ftruggling for a vent ? 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Amazement checks my voice, and loft in wonder 
 
 I view the unnatural father, who would bathe 
 
 His hands in blood, in a fon's blood a {on 
 
 Who pants, with ardor pants, on terms of peace 
 
 To fheathe the fword, and with a filial hand 
 
 To throw a veil over a father's crimes. 
 
 PHARASMANES,
 
 A TRAGEDY. 5 
 
 PH ARASMANES. 
 
 By heav'n 'tis falfe uas he not dar'd to league 
 
 With my determin'd foes ? ev'n to the fenate, 
 
 To ev'ry region, where his voice could pierce, 
 
 Has he not fled with the delufive ftory ? 
 
 With grief and loud complaints inflam'd the world? 
 
 And even now, does not the ftripling come 
 
 To the Araxes' banks with Rome in arms? 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Tho' urg'd by dire conftraint, yet heav'n can witnefc 
 His ftrong reluctance. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 Let the rebel know 
 
 He never lhall afcend Armenia's throne. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 And fhall deftru&ion with her horrid train 
 Stalk o'er the land ? 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 Yes let deftruHon loofe 
 
 *Tis Pharafmanes' glory 
 
 RH AD A MISTUS. 
 Can the rage, 
 And the wild tumult of deftruHve havoc 
 
 Adminifter delight ? alas ! the day 
 
 That deluges the land with human blood, 
 
 Is that a day of glory? . 
 
 I, Sir, have travers'd o'er the field of death, 
 Where war had fpent its rage hadft thou beheld 5 
 
 That fcene of horror, where unnumber'd wretches, 
 
 In mangled heaps lay welt'ring in their gore ; 
 Where the fond father in the gafp of death. 
 
 Wept for his children, where the lover figh'd" 
 
 For her, whom never more his eyes could view j 
 Where various mifery fent forth its groans; 
 Had'ft thou beheld that fcene, the touch, of nature 
 Had fcirr'd within thee, and the virtuous drop- 
 Qf pity gufh'd unbidden from thy eye. 
 H. .
 
 I* Z E N O B I A, 
 
 PHAR ASMANES. 
 
 Enervate flaye ! here ends all furtVzr parley 
 Go tell your gen'ral, tell your Roman chiefs, 
 The father claims his fon. Have we not heard 
 How your own Brutus to the liclor's fword 
 Condemn'd his children ?- r -and would Rome difputft 
 A king's paternal pow'r ? let 'em yield up 
 The treach'rous boy, or terrible in arms 
 Shall Pharafmanes overwhelm their legions, 
 Mow down their cohorts, and their mangled limbs 
 Give to the vulture's beak. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 And yet reflect 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 Roman no more. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 Unwilling I withdraw; 
 A father's ftern refolve the fon fhall mourn, 
 And with a pang of nature fhall behold 
 The Roman eagle dart like thunder on thee. [Exit, 
 
 PHARASMANES, alone. 
 
 Away, and leave me flave ! to-morrow's fun 
 Shall fee my great revenge mean time I give 
 The gentle hours to love and Ariana. 
 What ho ! Tigranes ! 
 
 Enter TIGRANES. 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 Does the ftubborn fair 
 Yfeld to my ardent vows ? 
 
 TIGRANES. 
 
 She mocks your paffion, 
 
 And gives to Teribazus all her fmiles. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 By heav'n ! ev'n love itfelf fliall be my flave!
 
 ATRAGEDY. 53 
 
 Yet love like mine requires her foft confent, 
 And will not riot o'er her plunder'd charms. 
 
 Quick, bring her father to me- 
 
 T IGR ANE S. 
 
 By your orders 
 
 At hand Megiftus waits your fov'reign will. [Sxtt, 
 
 PHARAS MANES. 
 
 Bring him before us wife and prudent age 
 Will plead my caufe, and fecond my defires. 
 
 Enter M E G I s T u s. 
 
 M E G I S T U S. 
 
 Dread Sir a blamelefs, adiftrefs'd old man, 
 Of guilt unconfcious 
 
 P H A R A S M A N E S. 
 
 Whatfoe'er thy guilt 
 
 A fmile from Ariana expiates all. 
 
 MEGISTUS. 
 
 Believe me, Sir, I never have offended 
 
 She was my fole delight; my age's comfort; 
 
 For her I felt more than a parent's love 
 
 But 'midft the troubles that diftracl: the land 
 I loft her in defpair with yearning heart 
 I rang'd the country round in fond purfuit 
 This is my crime fure 'tis no crime to love 
 Such blooming innocence! 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 Difpel thy fears 
 
 Thy love for Ariana fpeaks thy virtue 
 
 That graceful form, that fymmetry of fhape, 
 That bloom, thofe features, thofe love-darting eyes, 
 All, all attract, that there each fond admirer 
 Could ever gaze, enamour'd of her charms. 
 
 MEGISTUS. 
 Alas ! whate'er the fymmetry of ihape, 
 
 Whate'e*
 
 54 Z E N O B I A, 
 
 Whate'er the grace that revels in her feature, 
 Glows in her bloom, or fparkles in her eye, 
 They all are tranfient beauties, foon to fade, 
 And leave inanimate that decent form. 
 Inward affliction faps the vital frame, 
 Incurable affliction ! fix'd in woe 
 Her eyes for ever motionlefs and dim 
 Gaze on the fancied image of her hufband. 
 
 P H A R A S M A K E S. 
 
 Her hufband ! 
 
 MEGISTUS. 
 
 Yes ; a hufband fever'd from her 
 
 By fatal chance! him fhe for ever fees 
 
 With fancy's gufhing eye, and fecks him ftill 
 
 In fond excurnons of delufive thought. 
 
 She pines each hour, and ev'n in blooming dies, 
 
 As drooping rofes, while the worm unfeen 
 
 Preys on their fragrant fweets, ftill beauteous look,. 
 
 And wafte their aromatic lives in air. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 The rofe tranfplanted to a warmer fky 
 Shall raife its languid head, and all be well. 
 
 MEGISTUS. 
 
 Her hufband ftilt furvives, and far remote 
 He wanders in Armenia's realm 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 No more 
 
 To call her his ! by all my promis'd joys 
 
 His doom is fix'd! do thou ftreight feek thy daughter,. 
 
 My lovelieft Ariana in her ear 
 
 Breathe the mild accents of a father's voice, 
 
 And reconcile her heart to love and me. 
 
 MEGISTUS. 
 
 Your pardon, Sir, it were not fit my voice* 
 Should teach her to betray her holy vows. 
 
 PH. A RA.SU A % s s,
 
 A TRAGEDY. 55 
 
 PHARAS MANES. 
 When Pharafmanes fpeaks - 
 
 M E c i s T u s. 
 
 My life is his, 
 
 And when he wills it, 'tis devoted to him 
 But, Sir, tho' poor, my honour ftill is mine, 
 'Tis all that heav'n has giv'n me, and that gift 
 The gods expect I never fhould relign. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 And do'ft thou hefitate ? what, when a crown 
 Invites thy daughter to imperial fplendor ? 
 
 M E GIS TUS. 
 
 Oh ! not for me fuch fplendor ! I have liv'd 
 My humble days in virtuous poverty. 
 To tend my flock, to watch each rifmg flow'r, 
 Each herb, each plant that drinks the morning dew$ 
 
 And lift my praife to the juft gods on high ! . 
 
 Thefe were my habits, thefe my only cares ; 
 
 Thefe hands fuffic'd to anfwer my defires, 
 
 And having naught, yet naught was wanting to me* 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 Away, thou flave ! I would not quite defpife thee * 
 
 Or yield your daughter, or my fwifteft vengeance 
 
 Falls on thy hoary head a monarch's love 
 
 Shall feize her trembling to his eager arms, 
 
 Then fpurn her back a prey to wan defpair, 
 
 Till bitter anguifhblall each wither'd charm, 
 
 And rave in vain for love and empire fcorn'd ! 
 
 [Exit. 
 ME GIS TUS, alone. 
 
 Fell monfter go ! inexorable tyrant ! 
 
 Perhaps I fhould have footh'd his lion rage 
 
 With feign'd compliance ha ! why fudden thus 
 
 Enter Z E N OBI A. 
 
 Z E N O B I A. 
 
 Th' important hour, Megiftus, now approaches 
 
 Lo!
 
 56 2 E N O B I A^ 
 
 Lo ! the laft blufhes of departing day 
 But feebly ftreak yon dim horizon's verge. 
 
 My Rhadamiftus comes to guide my fteps 
 
 Thro* devious paths feek thou Zopiron's tent 
 Thus we {hall lull fufpicion 
 
 M E o i s T u s. 
 
 I obey ; 
 
 May guardian angels fpread their wings around thee ! ' 
 
 [Exit. 
 
 Z E N o B I A, alone. 
 
 Yes, the blefs'd gods, who thro' the maze of fate 
 Have led us once again to meet in life, 
 Will prove the friends of virtue to the laft. 
 -Ha! Teiibazus comes! 
 
 ZENOBIA, TERIBAZUS. 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 And is it giv'n 
 
 Once more to fee thee here? do'ft thou avoid me? 
 Do'ft thou defpife me in this tender moment 
 When my foul bleeds with anguifh at the thought 
 Of parting with thee ? Ariana ! 
 
 ZEN OBI A* 
 
 Oh! 
 
 Unhappy prince ! oh! fly me; fhun me; death 
 And ruin follow one mort moment's ftay 
 W^ill rouze your father's rage 
 
 T E R I B A Z IT Sv 
 
 My father's rage 
 
 Already has undone me ah ! in tears ! 
 
 And do they fall for me? does that foft figh 
 Heave for the loft, afflicted Teriba^as ? 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 Yes the tear falls, and the figh heaves for thee 
 Thy elegance of mind the various graces 
 That bloom around thee. and adorn the hero, 
 Nay, other ties there are which ftrongly pleady 
 
 i And
 
 A T R A G E D Y. 5; 
 
 And bid me tremble for thee. 
 
 And yet, lad recompenfe for all thy friendfhip, 
 To warn thee hence, to bid thee mun my ways, 
 I Is all the gratitude I now can offer. 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 Thus rnuft we part ? 
 
 ZE NOB i A. 
 
 A rival is at hand, - 
 
 Here in the camp,- an unexpected rival,- 
 
 Sent by the gods, the idol of my foul ! 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 What fay'ft thou, Ariana ? has another 
 Ufurp'd thy heart? unkind, relentlefs maid!-- * 
 Since firft thy beauty dawn'd upon my fight, 
 
 How have I lov'd, repented, yet lov'd on ! 
 
 Ev'n againft you, -aga"inft myfeif I ftruggled 
 
 Prefent I fled you abfent I ador'd 
 
 I fled for refuge to the foreft's gloom, 
 
 But in the foreft's gloom thy image met me ! * 
 
 The fhades of night, the lultre of the day, 
 
 All, all retrac'd my Ariana's form. 
 
 Thy form purfued me in the battle's rage, 
 'Midft ihouts, and all the clangor of the war. 
 ~ It ftole me from myfelf! my lonely tent 
 Re-ecchoes with my groans, and in the ranks 
 The wond'ring foldier hears my voice no more/ 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 
 Yet leave me Teribaztfs-- -gen'rous youth! 
 Remembrance oft (hall dwell upon thy praife,- 
 But for my love 'tis all another's claim. 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Another's claim ! why wilt thou torture thus;* 
 A fond defpairing wretch ? oh ! not for me 
 
 Thofe forrows fall they are another's tears; 
 
 -Another claims them froni me name this rival 
 That my fwift fury tell me has Flamminius, 
 Has the bafe Roman broke his promis'd faith ? 
 Will not the b'arb'rous man afford you flicker ? 
 
 I ZN>frIAV
 
 5 8 Z E N O B I A, 
 
 ZE NOB i A. 
 
 Why wilt them force me fpeak ? the fate of all, 
 Thine Teribazus, mine, the fate of one, 
 Whom, were he knwn, thy heart holds ever dear, 
 Is now concern'd Flamminius claims my love 
 Long fmce he won my heart 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Vindictive gods ! 
 
 Flamminius claims thy love! not Caefar's felf 
 
 Shall dare to wreft thee from me Ariana! 
 
 Thus on my knees, would I could perifh here 
 That ev'n in death I ftill might gaze upon thee, 
 Till the laft pang divide thee from my heart. 
 
 Enter RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 It was the voice of anguifh and defpair ! 
 Why thus illuftrious prince 
 
 TERIBAZUS, 
 
 (Starting up] Thou treach'rous Roman! 
 
 \V"ho com'ft to violate each facred tie, 
 The laws of honour, and the laws of love! 
 Who com'ft beneath the mafk of public faith 
 To do a robber's work ! 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 When to your camp 
 
 I bring a heart that longs to ferve you, prince, 
 Why this intemp'rate rage ? 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 To do the work 
 
 Of perfidy and fraud ! but firft by rapine,. 
 By violated maids your city grew; 
 And do you come to emulate your fires ? 
 Unwilling to degenerate in vice. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Miftaken youth ! oh ! if you did but know me F 
 If you but knew the juftice Rome intends 
 
 TERIB AZU
 
 ATRAGEDY. 59 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Juftice and Rome! and doft thou dare to join 
 Two names fo oppofite? have we not heard 
 Of frugal confuls, and of ftoic chiefs, 
 Who foon forgetting here their fabine^farms, 
 Made war a trade, and then return'd to Rome 
 Rich with the plunder of the rifled eaft? 
 Again fome new Lucullus leads them on, 
 Fir'd with the love of rapine. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 Fir'd with zeal 
 
 To break a nation's chains would'ft thou but hear me 
 It is a friend implores 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 
 A gen'rous friend ! 
 
 Then liften to him let thefe ftreaming eyes, 
 Thefe earneft pray'rs this fupplicating form 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Leagu'd with my foe behold her ! mighty gods ! 
 
 Have I deferv'd it of her ? 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Yet be calm 
 
 Yet liften to me Oh ! I could unfold- 
 
 Yet ftay I'll prove myfelf a brother to thee. 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Roman expect me in the battle's front 
 
 Inftant depart, but leave thy prey behind; 
 
 Dare not, I charge thee dare not, tempt her hence 
 
 To-morrow's fun mall fee me cloath'd in terror 
 
 Purfue thy fteps thro' all the ranks of war, 
 
 Till my fpear fix thee quiv'ring to the ground. [Exit< 
 
 RHADAMISTUS, ZENOBIA. 
 
 ZENO BI A. 
 Yet, Rhadamiftus, call him let him know 
 
 I 2 RHADAMISTUS.
 
 60 Z E N O B I A, 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Thou lovely trembler ! banifh ev'ry fear 
 
 The time now b ds us hence and lo ! the moon 
 Streams her mild radiance on the ruftling grove.- - 
 I will conduci: thee ha! Zopiron 
 
 Enter Z p P I R o N. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 (Come 
 
 Thou befl of men, let me once more embrace thce. 
 
 ZOPIRON. 
 Oh ! fpeed thee hence each moment's big with death 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Farewel ! farewel ! when I've efcap'd your camp 
 Seek thou my brother ; foothe his troubled fpirit, 
 Explain thefe wonders; tell him Rhadamiftus 
 
 Efteems and loves, and honours all his virtues. 
 
 Farewel Zopiron! in Armenia's court 
 Thy king mall thank thy goodnefs my Zenobia, 
 Qh ! let me guide thee from this place of danger 
 To life, to love, to liberty and joy. 
 
 [Exit with Zenobia. 
 
 ZOPIRON. 
 
 Lo! the heav'ns fmile with gentleft afpecl on them ! 
 This calm ferene that ev'ry planet fheds 
 To light their fteps, this glad aetherial mildnefs 
 Is fure the token of incircling gods 
 That hover anxious o'er the folemn fcene ! 
 
 Enter PHARAS MANES, TIGRANES following. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 Let Terjbazus ftreight attend our prefence 
 
 TIGRANES. 
 
 But now with glaring eye and fierce dem.ca.nour 
 Jie enter'd yonder tent 
 
 PHARAS MANJS,
 
 A TRAGEDY. 61 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 jBid him approach us. 
 
 Then do thou round the midnight watch, and fee 
 That Rome's ambafiador has left my camp. [Exit Tigrane*, 
 This war, Zopiron, (hall be Coon extinguifh'd 
 Jn Roman blood, and yield Armenia to me. 
 
 Zo PIRON. 
 
 Armenia, Sir ; fHll obftinately mourns 
 
 Loft Mithridates, father of his people. 
 
 Her hardy fons with one confenting voice 
 
 Demand a king from Rome ; all leagu'd and fwern 
 
 Never to crouch beneath the conqu'ror's yoke. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 put when the Roman eagle bites the ground, 
 They'll {hrinl; aghaft, and own my fov'reign fway, 
 
 Enter TERIBAZUS. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 Thou bafe confed'rate with thy father's foes ! 
 
 TERIBAZUS, 
 
 The accufation, Sir, if proof fupport it, 
 Gives you my forfeit life, and I reiign it, 
 Freely refign if deftitute of proof, 
 It is a ftab to honour, and the charge 
 Should not be lightly urg'd. 
 
 PHARASMANES, 
 This arrogance 
 That dictates to a father 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 'Tis the fpirit 
 
 Of injur'd innocence if Pharafmanes 
 Sufpect my truth, fend me where danger calls; : 
 Bid me this moment carry death and (laughter 
 
 To rage in yonder camp; yes, then your fon 
 
 Shall mark his hatred of the Roman name. 
 
 P H A R A S M A N E S,
 
 62 Z E N O B I A, 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 Haft thou not dar'd to thwart my tend'reft pafiion, 
 And to feduce my Ariana's love ? 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 And if this youthful heart, too prone to melt 
 At beauty's ray, receiv'd the gentle flame, 
 'Tis paft the charm is o'er no longer now 
 
 I walk a captive in her haughty triumph ! 
 
 In vain me now may call forth all her graces, 
 Inftruct her eyes to roll with bidden fires, 
 And practice all the wonders of her face. 
 Ambition calls, and lights a nobler flame. 
 
 Enter TIGRANES. 
 
 TlGR ANES. 
 
 TV ambaflador of Rome, and that old traitor 
 The falfe Megiftus 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 Speak j unfold thy purpofe. 
 
 TlGRAN,ES. 
 
 Together left the camp, and in their train 
 Bear Ariana with them 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 Ariana ! ^ 
 
 Have the (laves dar'd detefted treachery ! 
 Now, now, my father, now approve my zeal. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 Hafte, fly, purfueher; bring the trait'refs back ! 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 My rapid vengeance mall o'ertake their flight; 
 
 And bring the Roman plund'rer bound in chains. [Exit. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 Do thou, Tigranes, with a chofen band 
 
 I Circle
 
 A TRAGEDY. 63 
 
 Circle yon hills, and intercept their march. 
 And thou, Zopiron, fend my fwifteft horfe 
 To range the wood, and fweep along the vale. 
 
 [Exit Tigranes. 
 
 ZOPIRON. 
 Ye guardian deities, now lend your aid. [Exit. 
 
 PHARASMANES, alonf. 
 
 Has the perfidious, yet ador'd deceiver, 
 Thus has (he left me? from a monarch's fmile 
 
 Fled with a lawlefs ravager from Rome ? " 
 
 Oh ! give me vengeance; give Flamminius to me, 
 That he may die in agony unheard of. 
 
 The trait'refs then, fpite of each winning art,-* * 
 Spite of her guilt fhe triumphs in my heart. 
 
 END OF THE FOURTH ACT, 
 
 ACT
 
 Z E N O B I A, 
 ACT the FIFTH. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 NOT yet return'd ! I'm tortur'd on the rack 
 By heav'n to-morrow's dawn diftra6ling though* ! 
 E're that the Roman ravager enjoys 
 Her heav'n of blifs, and riots in delight. 
 My foul's on fire this night I'll ftorm his camp 
 And dafh his promis'd joys 5 let loofe my rage, 
 
 [Aflourijh of trumpets; 
 
 And bury all in ruin ha! what means 
 This new alarm ? 
 
 Enter TERIBAZUS, Soldiers, &c.- 
 
 T E R i B A z u s. 
 
 The treach'rous flave is taken ! 
 
 My fpeed outftripp'd him, and this arm that feiz'J 
 Hath well fecur'd the traitor 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 Great revenge, 
 
 The meafure of thy joys is full ! 
 
 T E R I B A Z U S.- 
 
 Atfirft 
 
 They made a feeble {land; but hemm'd around 
 
 And clofe incircled by the fons of Afia 
 
 They faw death threat'ning at each javelin's point. 
 
 I rum'd upon Flamminius much he courted 
 
 A fecret parley, but my foul difdain'd 
 
 All further conf'rence he and his complotter 
 
 The bafe Megiftus, with the fair deferter 
 
 Remeafure back their fteps, and clank- their chains- 
 
 In bitternefs of heart. 
 
 PHARASMAN'ES. 
 A father's thanks, 
 Shall well req.uitc thec lo ! the traitors come - 
 
 Eritff
 
 ATRAGEDY. 65 
 
 Enter RHADAMISTUS, ZENOBIA, MEGISTUS, in Chains* 
 
 PH ARASMANES. 
 
 Thou bafe perfidious ! thou Italian plunderer! 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 I do not mean to wage a war of words. 
 Repent thee of this infult, of thefe chains 
 On him, who reprefents a people here. 
 
 PHARA SMANES. 
 
 Anon thou'lt fee how I refpect that people. 
 My juft revenge {hall tell thee ; on thy head, 
 And thine, Megiftus, fudden vengeance falls. 
 
 MEGISTUS. 
 
 Alas ! worn out with age and mifery 
 I long to lay me in the Ihroud of death. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 I grant thy wifh what words, fair fugitive, 
 Can colour thy deceit? - 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 The heart refolv'd 
 
 Wants no excufc, no colouring of words 
 I found my hufband, flew to his embrace; 
 This, this is he ! the lord of my defires 
 With him content I'll traverfe o'er the world. 
 
 PH AR ASM A NES. 
 
 Do'ft thou avow it too ? 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 Do I avow it? 
 
 Yes, I exult, I glory in it Think'ft thou 
 I'll prove fo meanly falfe to honour's caufe 
 As to apologize for being faithful ? 
 
 TERIB AZUS. 
 
 I fee Flamminius has already fchool'd her 
 In Roman maxims 
 
 K R M A D A M I S T U S.
 
 $6 Z E N O B I A, 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 Miferable prince ! 
 
 I will not anfwer thee too foon thy heart 
 For this laftfeat will bitterly reproach thee! 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Away with thy delufive arts if ever 
 I form alliance with haughty people, 
 Thofe ravagers of earth, if e'er again 
 I hold communion with thee, may the gods 
 May Pharafmanes, but it cannot be 
 My heart high beating in my country's caufe, 
 Vows an eternal enmity with Rome. \_E.\it, 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Thee, Pharafmanes, thee my voice addrefles 
 Thou know'ft my title to her Hymen's rites 
 
 Long fmce united both Then'loofe thefe chains j 
 
 'Tis in the name of Rome I afk it 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 Slave! 
 
 Thy title, by the rights of war, is now extinguifii'd. 
 
 Captivity diffolves her former ties, 
 
 And now the laws of arms have made her mine. 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 
 And are there laws to change the human heart? 
 To alter the affections of the foul ? 
 Know that my heart is rul'd by other laws, 
 The laws of truth, of honour, and of love. 
 This is my hufband ! fource of all my comfort ! 
 With him I'll live with him will dare to die ! 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 By heav'n fome myftery thou treach'rous fair ! 
 
 Mark well my words unfold thy birth and rank 
 
 My mind uncertain wanders in conjecture 
 
 Who and what ar't thou ? Vain is ev'ry gucfs 
 
 Refolve my doubts, or elfe the Roman's doom 
 Shall be detrmin'd ftreight 
 
 ZEKOBI A,
 
 ATRAGEDY. 67 
 
 Z E N O B I A. 
 
 And my refolve, 
 
 Tyrant, is fix'd to {hare my hufband's fate. 
 
 That I unfold that fentiment reveal 
 
 To heav'n and earth reveal it for the reft 
 
 Guefs if you can, determine if you dare. 
 
 PH ARASM A NES. 
 
 Quick, drag Flamminius hence 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 Slaves, hold your hands 
 My character protects me here 
 
 PH ARASM AN IS. 
 
 Difpatch, 
 
 Inftant difpatch, and feize Megiftus too 
 
 [Megiftus iV hd off. 
 
 ZE NO B i A. 
 
 Horror! call back the word it mall not be- 
 Here will I hold him barb'rous ruffians hold 
 Murder ! my life ! my lord ! my hufband ! oh ! 
 
 [Rhadamiftus is draggd off. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 Give him the torture j let your keeneft pangs 
 Extort each fecret from him 
 
 ZENOBI A. 
 
 Pharafmanes ! 
 
 Thus lowly humbled, proftrate in the duft, 
 Warning your feet with tears have mercy! this 
 Will be the blackeft, worft of all your murders 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 There's but one way to mitigate his doom 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 Give me to know it fpare him fp^re his life 
 
 K 2 PHARASMANES.
 
 fa 2 E N O B I A, 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 Abjure the flave, and by connubial vows 
 This inftant make thee partner of my throne. 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 
 My faith, my love, my very life is his 
 My child is his oh ! think thou fee'ft my infant 
 Lifting his little hands 
 
 PH ARASMANES. 
 
 I'll hear no more 
 
 Or yield this moment, or the traitor dies. 
 
 [Exit Pharafmanes. 
 
 ZEKOBIA, alone. 
 
 Inhuman Tyrant! rnadnefs feize my brain 
 
 Swallow me earth here (hall thefe defp'rate hands 
 
 Strike on thy flinty bofom, here my voice 
 Pierce to thy center, till with pity touch'd 
 Your caverns open wide to hide a wretch 
 From hated men, from mifery like this.~ 
 
 Enter TERIBAZUS. 
 Afflicted mourner, raife thee from the earth. 
 
 ZENOBI A. 
 
 What voice is that I know thee well thou ar't 
 That fiend accurft, the murd'rous Teribazus ! 
 Yes thou art welcome ! (rifing) thou delight'ft in blood 
 I am your willing victim plunge your fword 
 Deep in my heart I'll thank thee for the ftroke, 
 JSince thou haft murder'd all my foul held dear. 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 Affuage this ftorm of grief, nor blame a lover 
 
 That dotes like me could I behold that form 
 
 Snatch'd from my arms ? 
 
 ZENOB i A. 
 
 You know not what you've done F- 
 
 Your blamelefs brother' 
 
 TERIBAZUS.
 
 ATRAGEDY. $ 9 
 
 TER.IB AZU s. 
 How! 
 
 Z E NO B I A. 
 
 You've murder'd him 
 
 Your brother Rhadamiftus 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 Rhadamiftus ! 
 
 ZE N o B i A. 
 By thee he dies that is your fplendid deed . 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 What fay'ft thou ? he my brother uro;e me not 
 To inftant madnefs is he tell me fay 
 Ar't thou Zenobia ? 
 
 Z E N O B I A. 
 
 Yes, that fatal wretch ! 
 
 TERIBAZUS, 
 
 If this be fo what had I done, ye pow'rs ! 
 
 To merit this extremity of woe 
 
 ^ Why did'ft thou hide the awful fecret from me?' 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 Could I betray him could I truft your father, 
 Whofe fell ambition, whofe relentlefs rage, 
 Has fix'd a price on our devoted heads ? 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Then fhall this hated being no ! I'll live 
 To fave a brother ftill he mall not die 
 Oh ! let me feek him, throw me at his feet, 
 Implore forgivenefs, and protract his days. 
 
 [Exit Teribazus, 
 ZENOBIA, 
 
 It is in vain he's loft we both nxift perim . 
 
 And then my child who then fhall guard his youth ? 
 
 N*
 
 jo Z E N O B I A, 
 
 No more thefe eyes fhall fee him my fweet boy 
 Will break his heart, and unregarded die. 
 
 Enter Z o p i R o N. 
 
 Z O P I R O N. 
 
 All's loft ! all ruin'd ! to the cave of death 
 Er'n now the guards lead Rhadamiftus forth. 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 
 Thou fee'ft the fad reverfe ! immortal fpirits, 
 
 Ye winged virtues, that with pitying eye 
 Watch the afflicted, will ye not infpire 
 In this fad hour, -one great, one glorious thought, 
 Above the vulgar flight of common fouls, 
 
 To fave at once my hufband and my child ? 
 
 The infpiration comes ! the bright idea 
 Expands my heart, and charms my glowing foul. 
 
 Zo P IR o N. 
 My gracious queen, let not a blind defpair 
 
 Z E N OB i A. 
 
 Talk not, Zepiron, when the god infpires ! 
 
 The god ! the god ! my heart receives him all 
 
 < My lord, my Rhadamiftus ftill fhall live. [Exit. 
 
 Zo P IRQ w. 
 
 Yet, I conjure thee, hear thy faithful flave. 
 
 [Follows her out, 
 
 Enter RHADAMISTUS, and Guards. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Say, whither do you lead me? does your tyrant 
 Repent his horrid outrage ? 
 
 Enter TERIBAzus. 
 
 Guards withdraw 
 
 To a remoter ground [Exeunt Soldiers. 
 
 2 RHADAMISTCS,
 
 ATRAGEDY. 71 
 
 RHADAMISTUS, TERIBAZUS. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Miftaken prince ! 
 
 My heart bleeds for thee ' 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Oh ! too well I know 
 
 The depth of guilt in which the fates have plung'd me. 
 
 I cannot look upon thee 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Oh ! my brother, 
 
 Thus let me, ev'n in ruin, thus embrace thee. 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Do'ft thou forgive me N-- could I e'er have thought 
 To fee thee here ? my rafhnefs has undone thee ! - 
 
 RH AD AMISTU s. 
 
 No, thou art innocent the guilt is mine, 
 The guilt of mean, ungenerous policy 
 Of felfifli wifdom, difingenuous art 
 That from a friend kept back the fatal fecret, 
 When with the ardor of unbounded confidence, 
 I fhould have rufh'd with tranfport to thy arms, 
 Unbofom'd all, and wrapt thee in my heart. 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Alas ! I've heap'd thefe horrors on your head 
 
 I've feal'd thy doom that is a brother's gift 
 
 The firft efiay of Teribazus' friendmip ! 
 
 But I am doom'd to be a wretch abhorr'd, 
 
 Of men and gods abhorr'd ! doom'd like my father 
 
 To drench thefe murd'rous hands in brother's blood ! 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Imbitter not the pangs that rive my foul 
 Where is Zenobia ? unrelenting pow'rs ! 
 Was it for this your perfecuting wrath 
 Gave me to meet her, gave that angel-fweetnefs 
 To thefe delighted eyes, thefe eager arms ? 
 
 TERIBAZUS.
 
 72 2 E N O B I A, 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 I'll give you freedom ftill by heav'n I will 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Was (he but giv'n me to afflift her more ? 
 To wake in that dear breaft a gleam of joy, 
 A mockery of joy, joy fcarce, ye pow'rs ! 
 Divided by the moment of delight 
 From black defpair, from agony and death ? 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 I will protea her, will reftore her to thee, 
 Or do a deed fhall ftrike mankind with horror! 
 Not ev'n a father fhall retard my fword 
 In his own blood I'll drench it 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Ha! 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 This hand, 
 
 E're thou fhalt fall a viclim to his fury, 
 Shall to the heart, th' inhuman heart of him 
 ' Who dares - 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 No more of that can I confent, 
 That a brave gen'rous youth, a much lov'd brother, 
 For ev'ry virtue fam'd, fhall thus debafe 
 By an atrocious deed his fair renown, 
 And perpetrate a dark infidious work? 
 
 Oh ! I fhould well deferve the worft of ills 
 
 I then fhould juftify a father's cruelty ! 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 He has undone thec has undone us all 
 But yet thou fhalt not die by heav'n I fwear 
 Yes, take me, horror ! pour into my heart 
 Thy blackeft purpofe nerve my lifted arm 
 To dafh him headlong from his glitt'ring throne 
 A terrible example to the werld. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS.
 
 A TRAGEDY. 73 
 
 RH AD AM1STUS. 
 
 Beware, beware, my brother yet reflect. 
 You would ftrike vice with terror tell me then, 
 Would not the adl of ra(h impetuous zeal, 
 Would not th' example arm the ruffian's hand ? 
 Thy virtue thus inflames thy gcn'rous ardor 
 But oh ! my brother, let it not be faid 
 That virtue ever held the murd'rer's knife ! 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Gods! have I ruin'd fuch unheard of goodnefs ? * 
 
 Swift I'll difpatch a meflage to Paulinus, 
 And call his legions to aflault the camp 
 
 Enter TIG RANKS, and Guards. 
 
 T i c R A N E s. 
 
 Guards, feize your pris'ner in a dungeon's gloom 
 Plunge him fequefter'd from the light of heav'n. 
 'Tis rharafmanes' will 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 Thou medling fiend ! 
 
 I will attend his fteps; will {till proteft him 
 From men like thee 
 
 R H A D A M I S T U S. 
 
 Should Pharafmanes dare 
 
 To violate the rights of public law, 
 
 Rome is at hand, and will have ample vengeance. 
 
 [Exit lulth Teribazus. 
 
 Tl G R A N E S. 
 
 My thirft of vengeance {hall be fated firft. 
 
 Yes, guard him, prince; it makes thy ruin fure ! 
 Thy Ariana too, while fate is bufy, 
 Shall meet her doom, and leave my road to glory 
 All fmooth and level to ambition's wifh. 
 
 Enter Z o P I R o N. 
 
 Zo P IR O N. 
 
 Rome's ambafl'ador the king, Tigranes, 
 
 L Sufpends
 
 "4 2 E N O B I A, 
 
 Sufpends his fentence till his further orders. 
 The qeen eommands it too. 
 
 TlGR ANES. 
 
 The queen ! what queen ? 
 
 Z o P i R o K. 
 
 The beauteous Arianaj now your fovereign. 
 
 TlGRANES. 
 
 Has (he relented? is fhe married to him? 
 
 Zo P i R o N. 
 
 She is the fcene with various paflions burn'd ! 
 Her trefles all unbound, with faded charms, 
 Vet lovely ev'n in forrow, thro' the ranks 
 Eager fhe flew, with fhrielcs, with outftretch'd arms, 
 Invoking ev'ry god! the wond'ring foldier 
 With foften'd finews, dropt the fword to earth 
 And gaz'd with mix'd emotions as (he pafs'd. 
 Prone to the ground at Pharafmanes' feet 
 
 She fell he rais'd her foon, and fmiPd confent 
 
 To the king's tent (he prefs'd with eager fpeed 
 
 Th' exulting monarch calTd his priefts around him, 
 And foon with folemn march and feftive fong 
 In his pavillion fought the blooming bride. 
 
 TlGRANES. 
 
 This fudden change, Zopiron, this rafh hafte, 
 I like it not 
 
 ZOPIRON. 
 Nor I Tigranes : doubt, 
 Sufpicion, fear, and wonder, and miftrurr, 
 Rife in each anxious thought' 
 
 TIGRANES. 
 But did'ft thou fee 
 The ceremony clos'd ? 
 
 ZOPIRON. 
 I did: at firft 
 All pale and trembling Ariana flood. 
 
 Then
 
 A TRAGEDY. 75 
 
 Then more collected, with undaunted ftep 
 
 She to the altar bore the nuptial cup. 
 
 There reverent bow'd, and " hear ye gods," ftie faid, 
 
 " Hear and record the purpofe of my Ibul." 
 
 \Vith trembling lips then kifs'd the facred vafe, 
 
 And as our country's folemn rites require, 
 
 Drank of the hallow'd liquor. From her hand 
 
 The king receiv'd it, and with eager joy, 
 
 As to his foul he took the ne&ar'd draught, 
 
 With ftedfaft eye flie view'd him, whilft a fmile 
 
 Of lickly joy gleam'd faintly o'er her vifage. 
 
 TlGRANES. 
 
 Well, (he's our queen the diadem is hers * 
 
 Z o P i R o N. 
 How long to wear it, heav'n alone can tell. 
 
 [The back fcene draws, and dif covers the king's pavllliyn, 
 with an altar, and fire blazing on it;foft mufick js play'd, 
 and they come forward. 
 
 PHARASMANES and ZENOBIA. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 At length my Ariana's foft compliance 
 Endears the prefent blifs, and gives an earneft 
 Of joy to brighten a long train of years. 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 Alas ! fond man expatiates oft in fancy, 
 Unconfcious of the fates, and oft in thought 
 Anticipates a blifs he ne'er enjoys. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 Away with gloomy care; for thou ar't mine, 
 Thou, Ariana! all our future days 
 Shall fmile with gay, with ever-young defire. 
 And not a cloud o'ercaft the bright ferene. 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 And does thy penetrating eye pervade 
 What time has yet in ftore ? 
 
 L 2 PHARASMANES,
 
 76 2 E N O B I A, 
 
 P H A R A S M A N E S. 
 
 Why doft thou afk ? 
 
 Z E N O B I A. 
 
 I have been us'd to grief releafe the Roman, 
 
 And give him hence fafe conduct to his friends ; * 
 
 I then fhall be at peace. 
 
 P H A R A S M A N E S. 
 
 Beware, beware ! 
 
 Nor rouze again the pangs, that fire a foul, 
 
 Which fiercely doats like mine, 
 
 Z E N O B I A, 
 
 Difmifs him hence ; 
 
 Give him his life it was your marriage vow 
 
 He fhould not fuflFer let me fee him firft; 
 
 Grant me one interview, one little hour; 
 In that poor fpace I can crowd all that's left me 
 Of love, and tendernefs, and fond concern,. 
 Before we part for ever 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 Fond concern ! 
 
 And love, and tendernefs! and fhall the Roman 
 Ufurp a monarch's due ? that look betrays 
 The fecret workings of a heart eftrang'd ! 
 And (hall the man, who dares difpute my love, 
 Shall the flavc breathe a moment? ---hal'te, Tigranes, 
 And fee immediate execution on him. [Exit Tigranes, 
 
 Z E x o B i A. 
 
 Oh! ftay Tigranes barb'rous man, recall 
 The horrid mandate 
 
 PHARASMAKES. 
 By immortal love, 
 I fee the flave ftill triumphs in your heart. 
 
 ZENOBI A. 
 
 Oh ! fpare him, fpare him by the vital air, 
 
 By your own promis'd faith [Kneels to htm, 
 
 PHARASMANES.
 
 A TRAGEDY. 77 
 
 P H A R A S M A if E S. 
 
 Since lov'd by thee 
 
 His doom is doubly feal'd. 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 
 You fliall not fly me - 
 
 Now tear me, drag me groveling in the duft, 
 
 Tear off thefe hands tear, tear me peice-meal firft 
 
 P H A R A S M A N E S. 
 
 Nay, then fince force muft do it ---- [Shakes her sff. 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 Barb'rous tyrant ! [She liesJlrelcWd on the ground. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 I go to fee the minion of your heart 
 
 Expire in pangs before me ha! what means 
 
 This more than winter's froft that chills my veins : - 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 (Looking up] That groan revives, and calls me back to life ! 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 I cannot move each vital function's loft - .... 
 The purple current of my blood is ftopt - 
 I freeze I burn oh ! 'tis the ftroke of death - 
 
 [Falls on the ground. 
 
 (Rlfmg] Yes, tyrant, yes; it is the ftroke of death 
 And I inflict it- I have done it all - 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 Pernicious trait'refs ! thou ! - 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 My vengeance did it - 
 
 Zenobia's vengeance ! 'tis Zcnobia ftrikes 
 
 Zenobia executes her juftice on thee! - 
 
 PHARASMANES.
 
 
 7 8 Z t N O B I A, 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 Oh ! dire accurft event ! ar't thou Zenabia ? 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 Yes, thou fell monfter, know me for Zenobia f 
 
 Know the ambaflfador is Rhadamiftus ! 
 
 Hafte thee, Zopiron, and proclaim him king. 
 
 [Exit Zopiron. 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 May curfes light upon thee oh ! I die, 
 And racks and wheels disjoint me 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 Writhe in torment, 
 
 In fiercer pangs than my dear father knew. 
 But I revenge his death I dam'd the cup 
 With precious poifon! (a faurijh of trumpets] ha! now 
 
 tyrant wake, 
 And hear thofe founds my Rhadamiftus reigns ! 
 
 PHARASMANES. 
 
 What and no help! it is too late the fates, 
 The fiends furround me more than Etna's fires 
 
 Burn in my veins yet heav'n no 'tis in vain 
 
 I cannot rife my crimes my tenfold crimes 
 
 They pull me ! oh ! [Dies. 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 There fled the guilty fpirit, 
 Shade of my father view your daughter now! 
 Behold her ftruggling in a righteous caufe ! 
 Behold her conquering in the tyrant's camp ! 
 Behold your murd'rer levell'd in the duft ! 
 
 A fecond flourijh of trumpets. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 (Within thefcenes) Where is Zenobia? 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 Rhadamiftus, here! 
 
 Enter
 
 ATRAGEDY. 79 
 
 Enter RHADAMISTUS, TERIBAZUS, MEGISTUS, 
 
 Z O P I R O N, &c. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Oh ! let me, let me thus, thus pour my foul, 
 Thus fpeak my joy, thus melt within thy arms. 
 
 ZENO BI A. 
 
 My lord ! my life, my Rhadamiftus ! come, 
 Grow to my heart,~that bounds and fprings to meet the*. - 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 Once more revived and fnatch'd again from death 
 Thus do I fee thee? thefe are fpeechlefs joys, 
 And tears alone exprefs them 
 
 ZEN OB i A. 
 Havelfav'dthee? 
 All-gracious gods I 'tis rapture in th' extreme ! ._ 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 My fweet deliverer ! my all of blifs ! - .. 
 
 ZENOBI A. 
 
 Oh ! it is joy too exquifite ! and yet 
 Grief will imbitter ecftacy like this ! 
 There lies your father ! 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 All his crimes 
 
 Be buried with him ! nature will have way, 
 And o'er his corfe thus meds the filial tear. 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 Oh ! that my tears could wafh away his ftains ! 
 
 ZENOBI A. 
 Wilt thou forgive his murderer? 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 For thee, 
 Befet with wrongs, and injur'd as thou wer'-:, 
 
 In
 
 8o 2 E N O B I A, 
 
 In ev'ry region fame fhall clap her 'wings, 
 And the recording mufe applaud thy virtue. 
 
 Z E N o B i A. 
 
 If thou forgiv'ft me, I am blefs'd indeed ! 
 Now we (hall part no more Megiftus too! 
 Thou good old man! let me embrace thce ha! 
 
 MEGISTUS. 
 . The blood forfakes her cheek her eyes are fix'd ! 
 
 ZEN OBI A. 
 
 Support-me help me oh! I die I die. 
 
 [Falls in Megiftus' arm;* 
 
 R H A D A M I S T U S. 
 
 She faints her colour dies revive Zenobia; 
 Revive my love; thy Rhadamiftus thus, 
 Thus calls your flutt'ring fpirit back to life. 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 It will not be the toil of life is o'er 
 
 My Rhadamiftus [Sinh flown on the ground. 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 Muft I lofe thee then ? 
 
 ZE N o B i A. 
 
 Oh ! the envenom'd cup ! the marriage rites 
 Requir'd that I mould drink it firft myfelf 
 There was no other way I did it freely 
 To fave thy life to fave thee for my child.* 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 
 A'rt thou a victim for a wretch like me? 
 Is there no antidote to ftop the courle 
 Of this vile poilbn I 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 None it rages now 
 
 It rages thro' my vein J- my eyes jrovv dim- 
 They're
 
 A TRAGEDY. Si 
 
 They're loft in darknefs oh ! I cannot fee thee 
 Where art thou, Rhadamiiius? muft I breathe 
 Longer in life, and never fee thee more ! 
 And are my eyes forbid one dear farewell ? 
 Oh ! cruel ftars ! muft they not fix on thes 
 The laft expiring glance? 
 
 R H A D A M I S T U S. 
 
 Relentlefs pow'rs ! 
 
 There lies Zenobia ! round that pallid beauty 
 
 Call your astherial hoft, each winged virtue, 
 Call ev'ry angel down, bid 'em behold 
 That matchlefs excellence, and then refufe 
 Soft pity if they can ! 
 
 ZENOBIA. 
 
 Megiftus, feek my child, 
 
 And bring him to his father Rhadamiftu?, 
 
 Wilt thou protect him ? My fweet orphan-babe 
 
 I leave thee too! oh ! train him up in virtue 
 
 W^ilt thou be fond of him a mother's fondnefs 
 
 .My child mould meet oh ! raife me, Rhadamiftus 
 
 Give me thy hand my little infant oh ! 
 
 [Dies. 
 
 R H AD A M I ST US. 
 
 Tears, you do well to flop your wretched drops 
 
 Are unavailing at a fight like this! 
 
 And art thou gone? ah .''thus defac'd and pale, 
 
 Thus do I fee thee ? is that ghaftly form 
 
 All that is left me of thee ? gjve me daggers, 
 
 Give rne fome inftant means of death, my friends, 
 That I may throw this load of life away, 
 And let our hearts be both inurn'd together. 
 
 TERI B AZ u s. 
 
 Live, live my brother, for your infant fon 
 Let him prevail 
 
 RHADAMISTUS. 
 Inhuman that thou art ! 
 Think you I'll ftay imprifon'd here in life, 
 
 When there behold her how fhc iiniles in death' 
 
 M When
 
 8.2 Z E N O B I A, 
 
 When there that form think ye I'll linger here?- 
 
 Dead, dead Zenobia! ftili I have thee thus 
 
 You ne'er fhall part us this at leaft I'll hold, 
 
 And cling for ever to thcfe pale, pale charms ; 
 Here breathe my laft, and faithful ftill in dt~th, 
 Love {hall unite us in one peaceful grave. 
 
 M E G i s T u s. 
 Now, old Megiftus, gods ! has liv'd too long! 
 
 TERIBAZUS. 
 
 Bring ev'ry aid, all medicinal fkill 
 To call a wretched brother back to life, 
 And give each lenient balm to woes like his. 
 
 From thee ambition, what misfortunes flow ? 
 
 To thee what varied ills weak mortals. owe? 
 
 'Twas this for years laid defolate the land, 
 
 And arm'd acrainfl a fon the father's hand ; 
 
 To black defpair poor loft Zenobia drove; 
 
 The haplefij victim of difaftrous love ! 
 
 E P I-
 
 EPILOGUE: 
 
 Written by DAVID GARRICK, Efqj 
 And Spoken by Mrs. A B I N G T O N. 
 
 (She peeps thro* the Curtain) 
 
 HOW do you all, good folks? In tears for certain, 
 I'll only take a PEEP BEHIND THE CURTAIN; 
 You're all fo full of tragedy, and fadnefs ! 
 For me to come among ye, would be madnefs : 
 This is no time for giggling when you've leifure, 
 Call out for me, and I'll attend your pleafure ; 
 As foldiers hurry at the beat of drum, 
 Beat but your hands, that inftant I will come. 
 
 [She enters upon their clapping* 
 
 This is fo good, to call me out fo foon 
 
 The COMIC MUSE by me intreats a BOON; 
 She call'd for PRITCHARD, her firfr. maid of honour, 
 And begg'd of her to take the tafk upon her; 
 But fhe, I'm furs you'll all be forry for't, 
 Refigns her place, and foon retires from court : 
 To bear this lofs, we courtiers make a fhift, 
 When good folks leave us, worfe may have a lift. 
 The COMIC MUSE, whofe ev'ry fmile is grace, 
 And her STAGE SISTER, with her tragic face, 
 
 Have had a quarrel each has writ a CASE. 
 
 And on their friends afTembled now I wait, 
 
 To give you of THEIR DIFFERENCE A TRUE STATE. 
 
 MELPOMENE, complains when fhe appears, 
 
 For five good acts, in all her pomp of tears, 
 
 To raife your fouls, and with her raptures wing 'em, 
 
 Nay wet your handkerchiefs, that you may wring 'em. 
 
 Some flippant huffey, like myfelf comes in ; 
 
 Crack goes her fan, and with a giggling grin, 
 
 Hey ! PRESTO PASS ! all topfy turvy fee, 
 
 For HO, HO, HO ! is chang'd to HE, HE, HE ! 
 
 We own the fault, but 'tis a fault in vogue, 
 
 'Tis theirs, who call and bawl for EPILOGUE! 
 
 3 O ! fhame 
 
 J
 
 - 1 
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 O ! mame upon you for the time to come, 
 
 Know better and go miferable home. , 
 
 What fays our COMIC GODDESS? with reproaches, 
 
 She vows her SISTER TRAGEDY encroache's! 
 
 And fpite of all her virtue, and ambition, 
 
 Is known to have an am'rous difpofition: 
 
 For in FALSE DELICACY wond'rous fly, 
 
 Join'd with a certain IRISHMAN O fye! 
 
 She made you, when you ought to laugh, to cry. 
 
 Her fifter's fmiles with tears me try'd to fmother, "1 
 
 Rais'd fuch a tragi-comic kind of pother, > 
 
 You laugh'd with one eye, while you cry'd with t'other. J 
 
 What can be done ? fad work behind the fcenes ! 
 
 There comic females fcold with tragic queens. 
 
 Each party different ways the foe ailails, 
 
 Thefefhake their daggers, thofe prepare their nails. 
 
 'Tis YOU alone muft calm thefe dire mifhaps, 
 
 Or we mall ftill continue pulling caps. 
 
 What is your will? I read it in your faces; "} 
 
 That all hereafter take their proper places, i 
 
 Shakehands,andkifsandfricnds 3 and BURN THEIR CASES. J 
 
 F I N I S,
 
 THE 
 
 GRECIAN DAUGHTER 
 
 A 
 
 TRAGEDY. 
 
 As it is acted at the 
 
 THEATRE -R 
 
 in 
 DRTIiY-L AXE. 
 
 A X E, w E D i T ro^ T . 
 
 L O 3T D O 3T: 
 
 "Hinted for W. GRIFFIN, at GARRICK\S-HEAD, 
 in Catherine Street, Strand.
 
 I
 
 T O 
 
 MRS. BARRY, 
 
 (With the Printed Copy of the GRECIAN DAUGHTER) 
 
 From the A U T H O R. 
 
 Jt-yNchanting Genius ! Siren of the age; 
 Oh ! form'd to animate a drooping ftage ! 
 Blefs'd in thy talents ; Matchlefs in thy art ! 
 Delightful Tyrant of the feeling heart ! 
 This Play be thine ; acce.t the Poet's praife, 
 And Itill endure the fcenes you help'd to raife. 
 
 Britain and France fhall now the laurel Share ; 
 Thou CLAIRON here, and She a BARRY there! 
 Proceed, Gre.it Adrtfs ! Friend of ev'ry Mufe ! 
 The NINE without Thee half their rapture lofe. 
 Fair Virtue's image THEY can only trace ; 
 THOU giv'it her form, and harmony, and grace. 
 Jn human fhape (what Pi ATO wiQi'd to fee) 
 She walks the ftage, flie breathes, flie charms in Thee, 
 Proceed each night tp draw the tender tear, 
 Pleafe ev'ry eye, and ravifli ev'ry ear. 
 Nor let the pride of a too felfifh age 
 Damp with unhallowM founds thy native rage. 
 Ah ! let not furly wealth thy art degrade, 
 And call its influence a MERE MIMIC TRADE. 
 THINE is THE ART, which TULLY priz'd of yore, 
 'Himfelf inftruflcd by theatric lore : 
 THINE is THE ART DEMOSTHENES admir'd, 
 Th' Athenian ftate when his BOLD ACTION fir'd ; 
 Aloft, LIKE THINE, when his extended hand 
 Menac'd the proud oppreffors of the land ; 
 And, nerv'd by feelings equal to thy own, 
 Made HAUGHTY PHILIP tremble on his throae. 
 
 Go,
 
 Go, fair Enthufiaft ! with thy magic fkill 
 Mould the obedient Paflions to thy will. 
 The Paflions, pliant to thy fov'reign fway, 
 Alternate rife, blend, mix, and melj away. 
 Shew how Euphrafia, of affections mild, 
 Doats on her Sire, her Hultand, and her Child. 
 Sweet fall the accents Oh ! let ftilnefs reign, 
 While the foft Warbler pours her plaintive ftrain ! 
 Sweet fall the accents, meek as ev'ry grace 
 That decks that Form, and beams around the Face, 
 Then rifing higher, urg'd by Nature's laws, 
 Brave ev'ry danger in a Father's caufe. 
 With pilgrim feet afcend the craggy fteep ; 
 There might the night-bird liften as you weep. 
 Thence to the tyrant, wing thy rapid way, 
 And fhake his foul with terror and difmay. 
 Alarm'd, dillrafted, wild with maddening fears, 
 " Amaze the faculties of eyes and ears." 
 To vengeance rouz'd, charming in horror fhine, 
 And bid e'en BRUTUS' dagger envy thine. 
 
 Lovely aflaflin I Hark ! with loud acclaim 
 Confenting Theatres atteft thy fame ! 
 Delighted hear thee, with true genius fraught, 
 Give weight to words, and energy to thought. 
 Wak'd by thy voice, to life each Mufe (hall ipring, 
 *' What Mufe for BARRY can refufe to fing ?" 
 WHITEHEAD once more (hall fcrm the juil dcfign, 
 Ant! tune the note, almoft as fweet as thine ; 
 MASON be tempted to unlock his ftore, 
 And his lov'd CHORUS meditate no more. 
 Then may we view, to claim the Poet's prize 
 New SOUTHERNS, ROWES, and ether OTWAVS rife ; 
 A SHAKESPEARE comes but once from the indulgent 
 Thefe fcenes no longer (hall attraft thy eye, 
 Poor loft EUPHRASIA thrown neglected by. 
 A FEMALE-GARRJCK Britain's ftage lhall fee, 
 AuJ e'en the BARD owe half his fame to THEE. 
 
 ife; t 
 
 :nt ikies. \
 
 PROLOGUE. 
 
 Spoken by Mr. W E S T O N. 
 
 He peeps in at the Stage Door. 
 
 JLJ. I P ! mufic ! mufic ! Have you more to play ? 
 Somewhat I'd offer- Stop your cat-gut, pray. 
 
 Will you permit, and not pronounce me rude, 
 A bookfeller one moment to intrude ? 
 My name is Foolfcap : Since you faw me laft, 
 Fortune hath given me a rare helping caft. 
 
 To all my toils a wife hath put a (top 
 
 A devil then ; but now I keep a mop. 
 My mafter died, poor man ! He's out of print ! 
 His widow, fhe had eyes, and took my hint. 
 A prey to grief, fhe could not bear to be, 
 And fo turn'd over a new leaf with me. 
 
 I drive a trade ; have authors in my pay, 
 Men of all work, per week, per flieet, per day. 
 TRAV'LLERS who not one foreign country know t 
 And PAST'RAL POETS in the found of Bow. 
 TRANSLATORS from the Greek they never read; 
 CANTABS and SOPHS in Covent-Garden bred. 
 HISTORIANS, who can't write ; who only take 
 Sciflars and pafte ; cut, vamp ; a book they make. 
 
 I've treated for this play ; can buy it too, 
 If I could learn what you intend to do. 
 If for nine nights you'll bear this tragic fluff; 
 I have a newfpaper, and there can puff. 
 
 A newfpaper does wonders ! None can be 
 In debt, in love, dependent or quite free, 
 Ugly or handfome, well, or ill in bed, 
 Single or married, or alive or dead, 
 But we give life, death, virtue, vice with eafe; 
 In fhort a newfpaper does what we pleafe. 
 
 There
 
 viii PROLOGUE. 
 
 There jealous authors at each other bark ; 
 Till Truth leaves not one glirapfe, no, not one fpark ; 
 But lies meet lies, and joftle in the dark. 
 Our bard within has often felt the dart 
 Sent from our quiver, levell'd at his heart. 
 I've prefs'd him, ere he plays this defp'rate game, 
 To anfwer all, and vindicate his name. 
 But he convinc'd that all but truth mull die, 
 Leaves to its own mortality the lie. 
 Would any knew, while parties fight pell-mell, 
 How he employs his pen ? his play will tell. 
 To That he trufts ; That he fubmits to you, 
 Aim'd at your tend'reft feelings, moral, new. 
 The fcenes, he hopes, will draw the heart-felt tear ; 
 Scenes that come home to ev'ry bofom here. 
 If this will do, I'll run and buy it flraight ; 
 Stay Let me fee ; I think I'd better wait- 
 Yes ; I'll lie fnug, till you have fix'd 
 
 t Itraight ; 
 
 ter wait L 
 
 'd it's fate. J 
 
 EPILOGUE* 
 
 WRITTEN BY A FRIEND. 
 And Spoken by Miss Y O U N G E. 
 
 J. H E GRECIAN DAUGHTER'S compliments to all ; 
 Begs that for Epilogue you will not call ; 
 For leering, giggling would be out of feafbn, 
 And hopes by me you'll hear a little reafon. 
 
 A father rais'd from death, a nation fav'd, 
 A tyrant's crimes by female fpirit brav'd, 
 That tyrant ftabb'd, and by her uervelefs arm, 
 While Virtue's fpell furrounding guards could charm ! 
 
 Can
 
 EPILOGUE. ix 
 
 Can {he, this facred tumult in her breaft, 
 Turn Father, Freedom, Virtue, all to Jeft? 
 WaJre you, ye fair ones, from yeur fweet repofe, 
 As wanton zephyrs wake the fleeping rofe; 
 Difpel thofe clouds, which o'er your eyelids crept, 
 Which our wife Bard miitook, and fwore you wept. 
 Shall me to MACARONIES life reftore, 
 Who yawn'd, half dead, and curs'd the tragic BORE ? 
 Difmifs 'em, fm irking, to their nightly haunt, 
 'Where dice and cards their moon-ftruck minds enchant? 
 Some muffled, like the witches in Macbeth, 
 Brood o'er the magic circle, pale as death! 
 Others, the cauldron go about about 
 And Ruin enters, as the Fate's run out! 
 Bubble, bubble, 
 Toil and trouble, 
 Paflions burn, 
 And bets are double ! 
 Double! doublet 
 Toil and trsuble, 
 Paffions burn, 
 And all is bubble ! 
 
 But jefts apart, for fcandai forms thefe tales, 
 Falfehood be mute let Juftice hold her fcales ; 
 Britons were ne'er enflav'd by evil pow'rs ; 
 To peace, and wedded love, they give their midnight hours : 
 From {lumbers pure, no rattling dice can wake 'em ! 
 Who make the lavvs^ were never known to break 'em. 
 'Tis falfe, ye fair, whatever Spleen may fay, 
 That you down Folly's tide are borne away j 
 You nc;ver wim at deep diftrefs to fneer; 
 For eyes, tho' bright, are brighter thro' a tear. 
 Should it e'er be this Nation's wretched fate 
 To laugh at all that's goodj and wife, and great j 
 Arm'd at all points, let Genius take the field, 
 And on the ftage aiflidfted Virtue mield, - 
 Drive from the land each bafe unworthy paflion; 
 Till Virtue triumph in defpite of Falhion. 
 
 B THE
 
 Dramatis Peribnab. 
 
 EVANDER, 
 PHILOTAS, 
 
 POCION y 
 
 ARCAS, 
 
 GREEK HERALD,- 
 
 CALIPPUS, 
 
 GREEK SOLDIER* 
 
 OFFICER, 
 
 EUPHRASIA,. 
 ERIXENF, 
 
 Mr. BARRY. 
 Mr. REDDISH.. 
 Mr. AICKIN. 
 Mr. J. AICKIN. 
 Mr. PALMER. 
 Mr. HURST. 
 Mr. PACKER. 
 Mr. INCHBALD- 
 Mr. DAVIES. 
 Mr. WHEELER. 
 
 Mrs. BARRY. 
 Mifs PLATT* 
 
 Scene, SYRACUSE,
 
 T HE 
 
 GRECIAN DAUGHTER. 
 ACT L 
 
 -Enter MELANTHON, and PyiLOTAs. 
 
 MELANTHON. 
 
 j[ E T, yet a moment ; hear, Philotas, hear me ! 
 
 Phil. No more ; it muft not be, 
 
 Melan. Obdurate man ; 
 
 Thus wilt thou fpurn me, when a king diftrefs'd, 
 .A good, a virtuous, venerable king, 
 The father of his people, from a throne 
 'Which long with ev'ry virtue he adorn'd, 
 Torn by a ruffian, by a tyrant's hand, 
 Groans in captivity ? In his own palace 
 Lives a fequefter'd prifoner? Qh ! Philotas, 
 If thou haft not renounc'd humanity; 
 Let me behold my fovereign; once again, 
 .Admit me to his^prefence, let me fee 
 My royal mafter. 
 
 Phil. Urge thy Fui-t no further; 
 Thy words are fruitlefs; Dionyfius' orders 
 Forbid accefs; he is our fov'reign now; 
 'Tis his to give the law, mine to obey. 
 
 Melon. Thou can'ft not mean it his to give the law ! 
 :Detefted fpoiler! his! a vile ufurpei ! 
 Have we forgot the elder Dionyfius^ 
 
 J3 2 JSurnam'.d
 
 a THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 Surnam'd the Tyrant? To Sicilians throne 
 The monfter waded thro' whole feas of blood. 
 Sore groan'd the land beneath his iron rod, 
 Till rous'd at length Evander came from Greece, 
 Like Freedom's Genius came, and fent the tyrant 
 Stript of the crown, and to his humble rank 
 Once more reduc'd, to roam, for vile fubfiftence, 
 A wandering fophift, thro' the realms of Greece. 
 
 Phil. Melanthon, yes ; full clearly I remember 
 The fplendid day, when all rejoicing Sicily 
 Hail'd her deliverer. 
 
 Melon. Shall the tyrant's fon 
 Deduce a title from the father's guilt ? 
 Philotas, thou wert once the friend of goodnefs ; 
 Thou art a Greek; fair Corinth gave thee birth j 
 I mark'd thy growing youth ; I need not tell, 
 With what an equal fway Evander reign'd, 
 How juft, how upright, generous and good ! 
 From ev'ry region bards and fages came ; 
 Whate'er of fcience ancient Egypt ftor'd, 
 All that the Eaft had treafur'd ; all that Greece 
 Of moral wifdom taught, and Plato's voice, 
 Was heard in Sicily. Shall Dionyfms 
 Extinguish ev'-ry virtue in the land, 
 Bow to his yoke the necks of freeborn men, 
 And here perpetuate a tyrant's reign ? 
 
 Phil. Whate'er his right, to him in Syracufe 
 All bend the knee; his the fupreme dominion, 
 And death and torment wait his fovereign nod. 
 
 Melon. But foon that pow'rfhallceafe: behold his walls 
 Now clofe encircled by the Grecian bands; 
 Timoleon leads them on ; indignant Corinth 
 Sends her avenger forth, array'd in terror, 
 To hurl ambition from a throne ufurp'd, 
 And bid all Sicily refume her rights.
 
 A TRAGEDY. 3 
 
 Phil. Thou wert a ftatefman once, Melanthon ; now, 
 Grown dim with age, thy eye pervades no more 
 The deep-laid fchemes which Dionyfius plans. 
 Know then, a fleet from Carthage even now 
 Stems the rough billow; and, e'er yonder fun, 
 That now declining feeks the Weftern wave, 
 Shall to the fhades of night refign the world, 
 Thou'lt fee the Punic fails in yonder bay, 
 Whofe waters warn the walls of Syracufe. 
 
 Melan. Art thou aftranger to Timoleon's name? 
 Intent to plan, and circumfpect to fee 
 All poflible events, he rumes on 
 Refiftlefs in his courfe ! Your boafted mafter 
 Scarce {lands at bay; each hour the ftrong blockade 
 Hems him in clofer, and ere long thou'lt view 
 Oppreflion's iron rod to fragments fliiver'd ! 
 The good Evander then 
 
 Phil. Alas, Evander 
 Will ne'er behold the golden time you look for ! 
 
 Melan. How! not behold it ! Say, Philotas, fpeak; 
 fjas the fell t/rant, have his felon murderers 
 
 Phil. As yet, my friend, Evander lives. 
 
 Melan. And yet 
 
 Thy dark half-hinted purpofe Lead me to him - 
 Jf thou haft murder'd him 
 
 Phil. By Heav'n, he lives. 
 
 Melan. Then blefs me with one tender interview. 
 Thrice has the fun gone down, fmce laft thefe eyes 
 Have feen the good old king; fay, why is this? 
 Wherefore debar'd his prefence ? Thee, Philotas, 
 The troops obey, that guard the royal pris'ner; 
 Each avenue to thee is open; thou 
 Can'ft grant admittance; let me, let me fee him ! 
 
 Phil. Entreat no more; the foul of Dionyfius 
 Is ever wakeful ; rent with all the pangs 
 That wait on confcious guilt.
 
 % THE -GRECIAN 
 
 Melan. But when dun night 
 
 Phil. Alas! it cannot be But mar4c.my words. 
 Let Greece -urge on her general aflauh. 
 Difpatch fome friend, who may o'er-leap the walls, 
 And tell Timoleon, the good old Evander 
 Has liv'd three days, by Dionyiius' order,, 
 Lock'd up from ev'ry fuftenance^f .nature, 
 And life, now wearied out, almoft expires. 
 
 Melan. If any.fpark of virtue dwell within thec, 
 Lead me, Philotas, lead .me to his prifon. 
 
 Phil. The tyrant's jealous care hath mov'd him thence, 
 
 Melan. Ha ! mov'd him, fay 'ft thou ? 
 
 Phil. At the midnight hour, 
 Silent convey 'd him up the fteep afcent, 
 To where the elder Dionyfius form'd, 
 On the fharp fummit of the pointed rock,, 
 "Which overhangs the deep, a ..dungeon drear : 
 Cell within cell, a labyrinth of horror, 
 Deep cavern'd in the cliff, where many a wretch, 
 Unfeen by mortal eye, has groan'd in anguifh, 
 And died obfcure, unpitied, and unknown. 
 
 Melan. Clandeftine murderer ! Yes, there's the fccnc; 
 Of horrid maflacre. Full oft I've walk'd, 
 When all things lay in fleep and darknefs hufh'd. 
 Yes, oft I've walk'd the lonely fullen .beach, 
 And heard the mournful found of many a corfe 
 Plung'd from the rock into the wave beneath, 
 That murmur'd on the fhore. And means he thu? 
 To end a monarch's life ? Oh ! grant my prayV - f 
 My timely fuccour may protect his days ; 
 The guard is yours 
 
 Phi!. Forbear ; thou plead'ft in vaui ; 
 I muft not yield ; it were aflur'd deftruclion ; 
 Farewell, difpatch a meflage to the Greeks ; 
 I'll to my flatioji ; now thou know'A the worft. [Exit. 
 
 MELANTHON.
 
 TRAGEDY. 
 
 MELANTHON. 
 
 Oh ! loft Evander ! Loft Euphrafia too ! 
 How will her gentle nature bear the fhock 
 Of a dear father, thus in ling'ring pangs 
 A prey to famine, like the verrieft wretch 
 Whom the hard hand of Mifery hath grip'd ! 
 In vain fhe'll rave with impotence of forrow ; 
 Perhaps provoke her fate : Greece arms in vain ; 
 All's loft i Evander dies ! 
 
 Enter CALIPPUS. 
 
 Calip. Where is the king ? 
 Our troops, that fallied to attack the foe, 
 Retire difordered ; to the eaftern gate 
 The Greeks purfue ! Timoleon rides in blood f 
 Arm, arm, and meet their fury ! 
 
 Melon. To the citadel 
 Direct thy footfteps ; Dionyfms there 
 Marlhals a chofen band. 
 
 Calip. Do thou call forth 
 
 Thy hardy veterans ; hafte, or all is loft! [Exit. 
 
 [Warlike mufic. 
 
 MELANTHON. 
 
 Now, yejuftGods, now look propitious down ; 
 "Now give the Grecian fabre tenfold edge, 
 And fave a virtuous king ! 
 
 [WarMe mufic. 
 
 Enter EUPHRASTA, 
 
 Eupb. War on, ye heroes, 
 Ye great afTerters of a monarch's caufe ! 
 Let the wild tempeft rife. Melanthon, ha, ! 
 
 Dhl'ft
 
 6 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER; 
 
 Did'ft thou not hear the vaft tremenduous roar ? 
 Down tumbling from it's bafe the eaftern tow'r, 
 Burft on the tyrant's ranks, and on the plain 
 Lies an extended ruin. 
 
 Melan. Still new horrors 
 Increafe each hour, and gather round our heads. 
 
 Eupb, The glorious tumult lifts my tow'ring foul. 
 Once more, Melanthon, once again, my father 
 Shall mount Sicilia's throne. 
 
 Melan. Alas ! that hour 
 Would come with joy to ev'ry honeft heart, 
 Would fhed divineft bleflings from its wing j 
 But no fuch hour in all the round of time, 
 I fear, the Fates averfe will e'er lead on. 
 
 Euph. And ftill, Melanthon, ftill does pale Defpair 
 Deprefs thy fpirit ? Lo ! Timoleon comes 
 Arm'd with the pow'r of Greece ; the brave, the juft, 
 God-like Timoleon ! ardent to redrefs, 
 He guides the war, and gains upon his prey. 
 A little interval fhall fet the viclor 
 Within our gates triumphant. 
 
 Melan. Still my fears. 
 
 Forbode for thee. Would thou hadft left this place, 
 When hence your hufband, the brave Phocion fled, 
 Fled with your infant fon ! 
 
 Eupb. In duty fix'd, 
 
 Here I remain'd, while my brave gen'rous Phocion 
 Fled with my child, and from his mother's arms 
 Bore my fweet little one. Full well thou know"ft 
 The pangs I fuifer'd in that trying moment ; 
 Did I not weep ? Did I not rave and fliriek, 
 And by the roots tear my difhevelPd hair ? 
 Did I not follow to the fea-beat fhore, 
 Refolv'd with him and with my blooming boy 
 To truft the winds and waves ? 
 
 Melan.
 
 A TRAGEDY. 7 
 
 Mdan. Deem not, Euphrafia, 
 I e'er can doubt thy conftancy and love. 
 
 Eupb, Melanthon, how I loved, the Gods who faw 
 Each fecret image that my fancy form'd, 
 The Gods can witn^fs how I lov'd my Phocion. 
 And yet I went not with him. Could I do it; 
 Could I defert my father? Could I leave 
 The venerable man, who gave me being, 
 A victim here in Syracufe, nor fray 
 To watch his fate, to vifit his affliction, 
 To cheer his prifon hours, and with the tear 
 Of filial virtue bid ev'n bondage fmile ? 
 
 Melan. The pious aft, whate'er the fates intend, 
 Shall merit heart-felt praife. 
 
 Eupb. Yes, Phocion, go, 
 
 Go with my child, torn from this matron breaft, 
 This breaft that ftill fhould yield it's nurture to him, 
 Fly with my infant to fome happier fhore. 
 If he be fafe, Euphrafia dies content. 
 Till that fad clofe of all, the taflc be mine 
 To tend a father with delighted care, 
 To fmooth the pillow of declining age, 
 See him fink gradual into mere decay, 
 On the laft verge of life watch ev'ry look, 
 Explore each fond unutterable wifh, 
 Catch his laft breath, and clofe his eyes in peace. 
 
 Melon. I would not add to my afflictions ; yet 
 My heart mifgives ; Evander's fatal period 
 
 Eupb. Still is far off; the Gods have fent relief, 
 And once again I fhall behold him king. 
 
 Melan. \a& \ this dream of hope at length may waken 
 To deep defpair. 
 
 Euph. The fpirit-ftirring virtue 
 That glows within me, ne'er mall know defpair. 
 JVfo, I will truft the Gods. Defponding man ! 
 
 C Haft
 
 8 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 Haft thou not heard with what refiftlefs ardour . 
 
 Timoleon drives the tumult of the war ? 
 
 Haft thou not heard him thund'ring at our gates ? 
 
 The tyrant's pent up in his laft retreat ; 
 
 Anon thou'lt fee his battlements in duft, 
 
 His walls, his ramparts, and his tow'rs in ruin ; 
 
 Deftru&ion pouring in on ev'ry fide, 
 
 Pride and oppreflion at their utmoft need, 
 
 And nought to fave him in his hopelefs hour. 
 
 \_A ' Jloitrijh of trumpets,, 
 
 Melan. Ha ! the fell tyrant comes 'Beguile his rage, 
 And o'er your forrows caft a dawn of gladnefs. 
 
 Enter DIONYSIUS, CALIPPUS, OFFICERS, &c. 
 
 Di. The vain prefumptuous Greek! His hopes of con- 
 Like a gay dream, are vanifh'd into air. [queft^ 
 Proudly elate, and flufh'd with eafy triumph 
 O'er vulgar warriors, to the gates of Syracufe 
 He urg'd the war, till Dionyfms' arm 
 Let flaughter loofe, and taught his daftard train 
 To feek their fafety by inglorious flight. 
 
 Eupb. O Dionyfius, if diftracling fears 
 Alarm this throbbing bofom, you will pardon 
 A frail and ten Jer fex. Should ruthlefs war 
 Roam through our ftreets, and riot here in blood, 
 Where fliall the loft Euphrafia find a flicker ? 
 In vain fhe'll kneel, and clafp the facred altar. 
 
 let me then, in mercy let me feek 
 
 The gloomy manfion, where my father dwells ; 
 
 1 die content, if in his arms I perifh. 
 
 Dion. Thou lovely trembler*, hum. thy fears to reft* 
 The Greek recoils ; like the impetuous furge 
 That dafhes on the rock, there breaks, and foams, 
 And backward rolls into the fea again. 
 All fhall be well in Syracufe : a fleet N 
 
 Appears,
 
 A TRAGEDY. 
 
 Appears in view, and brings the chofen fons 
 
 Of Carthage. From the hill that fronts the harbour j 
 
 I faw their canvas fwelling with the wind, 
 
 While on the purple wave the weftera fuu 
 
 Glanc'd the remains of day. 
 
 Eupb. Yet till the fury 
 
 Of war fubfide, the wild, the horrid interval 
 In fafety let me foothe to dear delight 
 In a lov'd father's prefence j from his fight, 
 For three long days, with fpecious feign'd excufe 
 Your guards dcbarr'd me. Oh ! while yet he lives, 
 Indulge a daughter's love j worn out with age 
 Soon muft he feal his eyes in ehdlefs night, 
 And with his converfe charm my ear no more. 
 
 Dion. Why thus anticipate misfortune ? Still 
 Evander mocks the injuries of time. 
 Calippus, thou furvey the city round ; 
 Station the centinels, that no furprife 
 Invade the unguarded works, while drowfy night 
 Weighs down the foldier's eye. Afflicted fair, 
 Thy couch invites thee. When the tumult's o'er,' 
 Thou'lt fee Evander with redoubled joy. 
 Though now unequal to the cares of empire 
 His age fequefter him, yet honours high 
 Shall gild the ev'ning of his various day. 
 
 'Euph. For this benignity accept my thanks. 
 They gufh in tears, and my heart pours it's tribute.," 
 
 Dion. Perdiccas, ere the morn's revolving light 
 Unveil the face of things, do thou difpatch 
 A well-oar'd galley to Hamilcar's fleet ; 
 At the north point of yonder promontory 
 Let fome feleiled officer inftrucl: him 
 To moor his fhips, and iffue oh the land. 
 Then may Timoleon tremble : vengeance then 
 Shall overwhelm his camp, purfue his bandi 
 
 C * Wi
 
 io THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 With fatal havock to the ocean's margin, 
 
 And caft their limbs to glut the vulture's famine 
 
 In mangkd heaps upon the naked fhore. 
 
 [Exit 
 
 EUPHRASIA, 
 
 Etiph. What do I hear r Melanthon, can it be ? 
 If Carthage comes, if her perfidious fons 
 Lift in his caufe, the dawn of freedom's gone, 
 
 Melan. Woe, bitt'reft woe impends ; thou would'ft not 
 
 Euph. How! fpeak! unfold.' [think 
 
 Melan. My tongue denies it's office. 
 
 Euph. How is my father ? Say, Melanthon 
 
 Melan. He, - 
 
 Perhaps he dies this moment. Since Timoleon 
 Firft form r d his lines round this beleaguer'd city,, 
 No nutriment has touch'd Evander's lips. 
 In the deep caverns of the rock imprifon'd 
 He pines in bittereft want, 
 
 Euph. To that abode 
 Of woe and horror, that laft ftage of life, 
 Has the fell tyrant mov'd him ? 
 
 Melan. There /equefter'd, 
 Alas ! he foon muft perim. 
 
 Euph. Well, my heart, 
 Well do your vital drops forget to flow. 
 
 Melan. Enough his fword has reek'd with public 
 
 flaughter j 
 Now dark infiduous deeds muft thin mankind. 
 
 Euph. Oh ! night, that oft haft heard my piercing 
 
 fhrieks 
 
 Difturb thy awful filence ; oft has heard 
 Each ftroke thefe hands in frantic forrow gave 
 From this fad breaft refounding, now no more 
 I mean to vent complaints ; I mean not now 
 
 With
 
 A T R A G E D Y. xi 
 
 With bufy mem'ry to retrace the wrongs 
 His hand hath heap'd on our devoted race. 
 I bear it all , with calmeft patience bear it : 
 Refign'd and wretched, defperate and loft. 
 
 Melan. Dcfpair, alas ! is all the fad refource 
 Our fate allows us now. 
 
 Euph. Yet why defpair ? 
 Is that the tribute to a father due ? 
 Blood is his due, Melanthon; yes, the blood, 
 The vile, black blood, that fills the tyrant's veins, 
 Would graceful look upon my dagger's point. 
 Come, vengeance, come, {hake of this feeble fex, 
 Sinew my arm, and guide it to his heart. 
 And thou, O filial piety, that rul'ft 
 My woman's breaft, turn to vindicate rage; 
 Affume the port of juftice; fhew mankind 
 Tyrannic guilt hath never dar'd in Syracufe, 
 Beyond the reach of virtue. 
 
 Melan. Yet beware; 
 
 Controul this frenz.y that bears down your reafo-ri. 
 Surrounded by his guards, the tyrant mocks 
 Your utmoft fury ; moderate your zeal, 
 Nor let him hear thefe tranfports of the foul, 
 Thefe wild upbraidings. 
 
 Euph. Shall Euphrafia's voice 
 Be hum'd to filence, when a father dies j 
 Shall not the monfter hear his deeds accurft ? 
 Shall he not tremble, when a daughter comes, 
 W^ild with her griefs, and terrible with wrongs, 
 Fierce in defpair, all nature in her caufe 
 Alarm'd and rouz'd to vengeance? Yes, Melanthon, 
 The man of blood fhall hear me ; yes, my voice 
 Shall mount aloft upon the whirlwind's wing, 
 Pierce yon blue vault, and bring the thund'rer down. 
 Melanthofl come ; my wrongs will lend me force ; 
 
 The
 
 12 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 The weaknefs of my fex is gone ; this arm 
 Feels tenfold ftrength ; this arm fhall do a deed 
 For Heav'n and earth, for men and Gods to wonder at 
 This arm fliall vindicate a father's caufe. 
 
 END OF THE FIRST ACT. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 A wild rsmahiic Scene amidjl overhanging Rocks \ a Cavern 
 on one Side. 
 
 ARC AS, with a Spear in bis Hand. 
 
 J. H E gloom of night fits heavy on the world ; 
 And o'er the folemn fcene fuch ftillnefs reigns, 
 As 'twere a paufe of nature ; on the beach 
 No murmuring billow breaks ; the Grecian tents 
 Lie funk in fleep ; no gleaning fires are feen j 
 All Syracufe is hufh'd ; no 1 ftir abroad, 
 Save ever and anon the dafhing oar, 
 That beats the fullen wave. And hark ! Was that 
 The groan of anguifh from Evander's cell, 
 Piercing the midnight gloom ? It is the found 
 Of buftling prows, that cleave the briny deep. 
 Perhaps at this dead hour Hamilcar's fleet 
 Rides in the bay.
 
 A T R A G E B Y. ?3 
 
 Enter PHILOTAS, from the Cavern. 
 
 Phil. What ho ! brave Areas ! ho ! 
 
 Areas. Why thus defert thy couch ! 
 
 Phil. Methought^the found 
 Of diftant uproar chas'd affrighted fleep. 
 
 Areas. At intervals the oar's refounding ftroke 
 Conies ecchoing from the main. Save that report, 
 A death-like filence thro' the wide expanfe 
 Broocl c o'er the dreary coaft. 
 
 Phil. Do thou retire, 
 And feek repofe ; the duty of thy watch 
 Is now perform'd ; I take thy poft. 
 
 Areas. How fares 
 Your royal pris'ner ? 
 
 Phil. Areas, mall I own .1 
 
 A fecret weaknefs ? My heart inward melts 
 To fee that fuffering virtue. On the earth. 
 The cold, damp earth, the royal victim lies j 
 And while pale famine drinks his vital fpirit, , 
 He welcomes death, and fmiles himfelf to reft. 
 Oh ! would I could relieve him ! Thou withdraw; 
 Thy wearied nature claims rejpofe ; and now 
 The watch is mine. 
 
 Areas. May no alarm difturb thee. \Exlt, 
 
 PHILOTAS, 
 
 Some dread event is lab'ring into birth. 
 
 At clofe of day the fullen fky held forth 
 
 Unerring fignals. With difaftrous glare 
 
 The moon's full orb rofe crimfon'd o'er with blood 5 
 
 And lo ! athwart the gloom a ailing ftar 
 
 Trails a long tracl of fire ! What daring ftep 
 
 Sounds on the flinty rock ? Stand there j what ho ! 
 Speak, ere thpu dar'il advance, 
 
 Enter
 
 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 Enter EUPHRASIA, with a Lanthorn In her Hand. 
 
 Euph. Thou need 'ft not fear j 
 It is a friend approaches. 
 
 Phil. Ha ! what mean 
 Thofe plaintive notes ? 
 
 Euph. Here is no ambufh'd Greek, 
 No warrior to furprize thee on the watch. 
 An humble fuppliant comes Alas my ftrength 
 Exhaufted quite forfakes this weary frame. 
 
 Phil. What voice thus piercing thro' the gloom of 
 
 night 
 
 What art thou ? Speak, unfold thy purpofe ; fay, 
 W^hat wretch, with what intent, at this dead hour 
 Wherefore alarm'ft thou thus our peaceful watch ? 
 
 Euph. Let no miftruft affright thee Lo ! a wretch, 
 The verieft wretch that ever groan'd in anguifh. 
 Comes here to grovel on the earth before thee ? 
 To tell her fad, fad tale, implore thy aid, 
 For fure the pow'r is thine, thou canft relieve 
 My bleeding heart, and foften all my woes. 
 
 Phil. Ha ! fure thofe accents (takes the light from her, 
 
 Euph. Deign to liften to me. 
 
 Phil Euphrafia! 
 
 Euph. Yes ; the loft, undone Euphrafia ; 
 Supreme in wretchednefs j to th' inmoft fenfe, 
 Here in the quickeft fibre of the heart, 
 Wounded, transfix'd, and tortur'd to deftra&ion. 
 
 Phil. Why, princefs, thus anticipate the dawn ? 
 Still fleep and filence wrap the weary world j 
 The ftars in mid career ufurp the pole ; 
 The Grecian bands, the winds, the waves are hufh'd ; 
 All things are mute around us ; all but you 
 Reft in oblivious {lumber from their cares.
 
 ATRAGEDY. t 
 
 Eupb. Yes ; all at peace ; I only wake to mifery. 
 
 Phil. How didft thou gain the fummit of the rock ? 
 
 Eupb. Give me my father ; here you hold him fetter'd; . 
 Oh ! give him to me ; in the fond purfuit 
 All pain and peril vanifh ; love and duty 
 Infpir'd the thought ; defpair itfelf gave courage ; 
 I climbed the hard afcent ; with painful toil 
 Surmounted craggy cliffs, and pointed rocks ; 
 What will not mifery attempt ? If ever 
 The touch of nature throbb'd within your breaft, 
 Admit me to Evander ; in thefe caves 
 I know he pines in want ; let me convey 
 Some charitable fuccour to a father. 
 
 Phil. Alas ! Euphrafia, would I dare comply. 
 
 Eupb. It will be virtue in thee. Thou, like me, 
 Wert born in Greece : Oh ! by our common parent- 
 Nay fray ; thou {halt not fly ; Philotas ftay 
 You have a father too ; think were his lot 
 Hard as Evander's if, by felon hands 
 Chain'd to the earth, with flow confuming pnngs 
 He felt fharp want, and with an afking eye 
 Implor'd relief, yet cruel men deny'd it, 
 "Would'ft thou not burft thro' adamantine gates, 
 Thro' walls and rocks, tofavehim? Think, Philotas^ 
 Of thy own aged fire, and pity mine. 
 Think of the agonies a daughter feels,- 
 When thus a parent wants the common food, 
 The bounteous hand of nature meant for all. 
 
 PaiL'T were bed withdraw thee, princefs; thy affiftance 
 Evander wants not ; it is 'fruitlefs all j 
 Thy tears, thy wild entreaties, are in vain. 
 
 Eupb. Ha ! thou haft murder'd him ; he is no more ; 
 I underitand thee ; butchers, you have ihed 
 The precious drops of life ; yet, e'en in death, 
 Let me behold him ; let a daughter clofe 
 
 D With
 
 rfr THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER 
 
 With duteous hand a father's beamlefseyes ;, 
 Print her laft kifles-on his hrmour'd hand, 
 And lay him decent in the fhroud of death. 
 
 Phil.- Alas! this frantic-grief can nought avail. 
 Retire, and feek the couch-of balmy fleep, 
 In this dead hour, this feafon of repofe. 
 
 Euph. And doft thou then;, inhuman that thou-irt^, 
 Advifc a wretch like me to -know repofe ? 
 This is my laft abode : thefe caves, thefe rocks,. 
 Shall ring for ever with Euphrafia's wrongs ^ 
 All Sicily fhall hear me ; yonder deep 
 Shall eccho back an injur'd daughter's caufe ; 
 Here will- 1 dwell, and rave, andfhriek, andgivfe 
 Thefe fcatter'd locks to all the pa/ling winds ; 
 Gall on Evander loft ; and,, pouring curfes,, 
 Arid cruel gods, and cruel ftars invoking^ 
 Stand on the cliff in madnefs and defpair. 
 
 Phil. Yet calm this violence ; reflecl:, Euphrafia^ 
 With what fevere enforcement Dionyfius 
 Exacts obedience to his dread command. 
 If here thou'rt found 
 
 Euph. Here is Euphrafia's manfion, (falls on the ground.) 
 Her fix'd eternal home j inhuman favages,. 
 Here ftretcbme with a father's murder'd corfe ; 
 Then heap your rocks,, your mountains on my head j 
 It will be kindnefs in you ; 1 fhall reft 
 Tntomb'd within a parent's arms.. 
 
 Phil By Heav.'n r 
 My heart in pity bleeds. 
 
 Euph. Talk'ft thou of pity ? 
 Yield to the gen'rous inftincl: ; grant my pray'r j 
 *Let my eyes view him, gaze their laft upon him, 
 And fhew you have fome fenfe cf human woe. 
 
 Phil. Her vehemence of grief o'erpow'rs me quite. 
 My honeft heart condemns the barb'rous deed, 
 Airiifldare /.
 
 & TRAGEDY. 17 
 
 Eupk. And if you dare ! Is that 
 
 The voice of manhood.? Honeft, if you dare ! 
 'Tis the flave's virtue ! 'tis the utmoft limit 
 
 Of the bafe coward's .honour. Not a wretch, 
 
 There's not a villain, not a tool of pow v 'r,, 
 
 .But, filence intereft, extinguifhTcar, 
 
 And he will prove benevolent to man. 
 
 The gen'rous heart does more ; will dare to all 
 
 That honour prompts^ 'Howdoft thou dare to murder? 
 
 Refpecl the gods, and know no other fear. 
 
 Phil. Oh ! thou haft conquer'd. Yes, Euphrafia, go 
 Behold thy father-- 
 
 Eupb. JRaHe me, raife me up$ 
 I'll bathe thy hand with tears, thou gen'rous man ! 
 
 Phil. Yet mark my words j if aught of nourishment 
 Thou wo ultPft convey, my .partners of the watch 
 Will ne'er confent 
 
 Eitpb. I will obferve your orders-: 
 On any terms, h ! let me, let me fee him. 
 
 Phil. Yon lamp will guide thee thro' the cavern'^ way, 
 
 uj>k. My heart runs o'er in thanks j the pious a& 
 Timoleon fhall reward ; the bounteous gods, 
 .And thy own virtue /hall reward the deed. 
 
 (Goes ixto -the cave* 
 
 PHItOTAS. 
 
 Prevailing, pow'rful virtue !*Thou fubdu'ft 
 The ftubborn heart, and mould'ft it to thy purpofe. 
 AVould 1 could fave them ! But tho' not for n\e 
 The glorious pow'jr to fhelter innocence, 
 Yet for a moment to afluage its woes, 
 Is the beft fympathy, the pureft joy 
 Mature intended for the heart of man, 
 When -thus fhe gave the focial gen'rous tear. [*/>. 
 Da
 
 iS THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 Scene the Infide of ike Cavern. 
 Enter ARC AS and EUPHRASIA. 
 
 Areas. No ; on my life I dare not. 
 
 Euph. But a fmall, 
 
 A wretched pittance ; one poor cordial droj 
 To renovate exhaufted drooping age, 
 I afk no more. 
 
 Areas. Not the irnalleft ftore 
 Of fcanty nourifhment muft pafs thefe walls. 
 Our lives were forfeit elfe : a moment's parley 
 Is all I grant ; in yonder cave he lies. 
 
 Evander (within the cell.} Oh ! ftruggling nature ! Ie$ 
 
 thy conflict end. 
 Oh ! give me, give me reft. 
 
 Euph. My father's voice ! 
 It pierces here ! it cleaves my very heart. 
 I fhall expire, and never fee him more. 
 
 Areas. Repofe thee, princefs, here, (draws a couch.) 
 
 here reft thy limbs, 
 Till the returning blood fhall lend thee nrmnefs. 
 
 Euph. The cayes, the rocks, re-echo to his groans, 
 And is there no relief? 
 
 Areas. All I can grant 
 
 You fhall command. I will unbar the dungeon,- 
 Unloofe the chain that binds him to the rock, 
 And leave your interview without reftraint. 
 
 [Opens a cell in tbe back Scetu.J 
 
 Euph. Hold, hold my heart ! Oh ! how fhall I fuftain 
 The agonizing fcene ? (rifis.) I muft behold him j 
 Nature, that drives me on, will lend me force. 
 Is that his manfion? t . . 
 
 'Areas.
 
 A. TRACED' Y. 19 
 
 Areas. Take your laft farewell. 
 His vigour feems not yet exhaufted quite. 
 You muft be brief, or ruin will enfue. [Exit. 
 
 Evan, (raifmg bimfelf.) Oh! when fhall I get free? 
 Thefe ling'ring pangs 
 
 Euph. Behold ye pow'rs, that fpe&acle of woe! 
 
 Evan. Difpatch me, pitying gods, and fave my child ! 
 I burn, I burn; alas ! no place of reft : [Rifes and comes out. 
 A little air; once more a breath of air; 
 Alas! I faint; I die. 
 
 Euph. Heart-piercing fight! 
 Let me fupport you, Sir, 
 
 Evan. Oh ! lend your arm. 
 
 Whoe'er thou art, I thank thee That kind breeze 
 
 Comes gently o'er my fenfes Lead me forward 
 
 And is there left one charitable hand 
 
 To reach it's fuccour to a wretch like me? 
 
 Euph. Wellmay'ft thouafk it. Oh ! my breaking heart ! 
 The hand of death is on him. 
 
 Evan. Still a little, 
 A little onward to the air conduct me; 
 'Tis well ; I thank thee ; thou art kind and good, 
 And much I wonder at this gen'rous pity. 
 
 Euph. Do you not know me, Sir? 
 
 Evsn. Methinks I know 
 
 That voice art thou alas! my eyes are dim! 
 
 Each object fwims before me No, in truth 
 
 I do not know thee. 
 
 Euph. Not your own Euphra r ia? 
 
 Evan. Art thou my daughter ? 
 
 Euph,. Oh ! my honour'd Sire ! 
 
 Evan. My daughter, my Euphrafia ? come to clofe 
 
 A father's eyes ! Giv'n to my laft embrace ! 
 
 Gods ! do I hold her once again ? Your mercies 
 
 Are without number [falls on the couch.] 
 
 This
 
 w THE "GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 This xcefs of blifs 
 
 O'erpow'rs it -kills Euphrafia carald I hope it ? 
 I die content Art thou indeed my daughter ? 
 Thou art my hand is moiften'd with thy tears 
 I pray you do not weep thou art my child 
 I thank you gods ? in my laft dying moments 
 You have not Jeft me I wouid pour my praife 
 You read my heart you fee what pafles there. 
 
 Euph. Alas he faints ; the gufhing tide of tranfport 
 Bears down each feeble fenfe Reftore him Heaven ! 
 
 Evan. All, my Euphrafia, all will foon be well. 
 Pafs but a moment, and thts bufy globe, 
 Its thrones, its empires, and its buftliag millions, 
 Will feem a fpeck in the great void of fpace. 
 Yet while I ftay, thou darling of my age 
 Nay .dry thofe tears- 
 
 Euph. I will my father. 
 
 Evan. Where, 
 I fear to aflc it, where is virtuous Phocion \ 
 
 Eupb. Fled from the tyrant's pow'r. 
 
 Evan. And left thee here 
 Expos'd and helplefs ? 
 
 Eupb. He is all truth and honour: 
 He fled to fave my child. 
 
 Evan. My young Evanderl 
 Your boy is fafe Euphrafia ? Oh ! ray heart 
 Alas ! quite gone ; worn out writh mifery j 
 Oh ! weak, decay'd old man ! 
 
 Euph. Inhuman wretches ! 
 Will none relieve his want ? A drop of water 
 Might fave his lifej and ev'n that's deny'd him. 
 
 Evan. Thefe ftrong emotions Oh ! that eager air- 
 It is too much Aflift me ; bear me hence j 
 And lay me down in peace. 
 
 Eupb. His eyes are fix'd !
 
 A TRAGEDY. w 
 
 And thofe pale quiv'ring lips ! He clafps my hand 
 What, no afiiftance ! Monfters will you thus 
 Let him expire in thefe weak feeble arms ? 
 
 Enter PHILOTAS. 
 
 Phil Thofe wild, thofe piercing fhrieks will give tb>* 
 
 alarm. 
 
 Euph. Support him ; bear him hence ; 'tis all I afk. 
 Evan. (As be is carried of.) O Death ! where art thou? 
 
 Death, thou dread of gaUt, 
 
 Thou wifh of innocence, affli&ion's friend, 
 Tir'd nature calls thee Come, in mercy come,, 
 And lay me pillow'd in eternal reft. 
 My child where art thou ? Give me reach thy hand- 
 Why doft thou weep ? My eyes are dry Alas ! 
 Quite parch'd my lips quite parch'd they cling- 
 together. 
 EupS. Now judge, ye Pow'rs, in the whole round 
 
 of time, 
 If e'er you view'd a fcene of woe Tike this.. [Exeunt* 
 
 Enter ARCAS.. 
 
 Areas. The grey of morn breaks thro' yon eaftern clouds. 
 Twere time this interview fnould en4 ; the hour 
 Now warns Euphrafia hence; what man could dare, 
 I have indulg'd Philotas ! ha ! the cell 
 Left void ! Evander gone ! What may this mean? 
 Philotas, fpeak. 
 
 Enter PHH.OTAS. 
 
 Phil. Oh ! vile, detefted lot 
 Here to obey the favage tyrant's will, 
 And murder virtue, that can thus behold' 
 
 It's
 
 22 THEGRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 It's executioner, and fmile upon him< 
 That piteous fight ! 
 
 Areas. She muft withdraw Philotas; 
 Delay undoes us both. The reftlefs main. 
 Glows with the blufli of day. Timoleon's iteefy 
 That pafs'd the night in bufy preparation, 
 Makes from the fhore. On the high craggy point 
 Of yonder jutting eminence I mark'd 
 Their haughty ftreamers curling to the wind. 
 He feeks Hamilcar's fleet. The briny deep 
 Shall foon be dy'd with blood. The fierce alarm 
 Will rouze our flumb'rirtg troops. The time requires 
 Without or further paufe, or vain excufe, 
 That fhe depart this moment. 
 
 Phil. Areas, yes; 
 My voice fhall warn her of th' approaching danger. [Exit* 
 
 drcas. Would fhe had ne'er adventur'd to our guard* 
 I dread th' event; and hark! the wind conveys 
 In clearer found the uproar of the main. 
 The fates prepare new havock ; on th' event 
 Depends the fate of empire. Wherefore thus 
 Delays Euphrafia ? Ha! what means, PhilotaSj 
 That fudden hafte, that palediforder'd look? 
 
 'Enter PHILOTAS. 
 
 Phil. O ! I can hold no more; at fuch a fight 
 Ev'n the hard heart of tyranny would melt 
 To infant foftnefs. Areas, go, behold 
 The pious fraud of charity and love ; 
 Behold that unexampled goodnefs ; fee 
 Th' expedient fharp neceffrty has taught her j 
 Thy heart will burn, will melt, will yearn to view* 
 A child like her, 
 
 Areas. Ha! Say what my fiery 
 Wakes thefe emotions ? 
 
 Phil
 
 .A TRAGEDY. 23 
 
 Phil. Wonder-working virtue ! 
 The father fofter'd at his daughter's breaft ! -. 
 OJ filial piety! The milk defign'd 
 For her own offspring, on the parent's lip 
 Allays the parching fever. 
 
 Ar<aS. That device 
 
 Has fhe then form'd, eluding all our care,.. 
 To minifter relief? 
 
 Phil. On the bare earth 
 Evander lies ; artd as his languid pow'rs 
 Imbibe with eager thirft the kind refremment, 
 And his looks fpeak unutterable thanks, 
 Euphrafia views him. with the ten'dreft glance, 
 Ev'n as a mother doating on her child, 
 And, ever and anon, amidft the fmiles 
 Of pure delight, of exquifite fenfation, 
 A filent tear fleals down ; the tear of virtue, 
 That fweetens grief to rapture. All her laws 
 Inverted quite, great Nature triumphs ftill. 
 
 Areas. The tale unmans my foul. 
 
 Phil. Ye tyrants hear it, 
 And learn, that, while your cruelty prepares 
 Unheard of torture, virtue can keep pace 
 With your worft efforts, and can try new modes 
 To bid men grow enamour'd of her charms. .-, 
 
 Areas. Philotas, for Euphrafia, in her caufe 
 J now can hazard all. Let us preferve ^- 
 Her father for her. 
 
 Phil. Oh ! her lovely daring 
 Tranfcends all praife. By Heav'n, he fhall not die. 
 
 Areas. And yet we muft be wary ; I'll go forth, 
 And firft explore each avenue around, 
 Left the fix'd fentinel obnVucl your purpofe. [Exit* 
 
 Phil.. F thank t,hee, Areas; ws will a like men 
 
 E Who
 
 24 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 Who feel another's woes She leads him forth, 
 And tremblingly fupports his drooping age. 
 
 [Goes to ajjijl hi in. 
 
 Enter EUPHRASIA, and EVANDER. 
 Evan. Euphrafia, oh ! my child ! returning life 
 Glows here about my heart. Conduct me forward 
 At the laft gafp preferv'd! Ha! dawning light ! 
 Let me behold j in faith I fee thee now ; 
 I do indeed: the father fees his child. 
 
 Euph. I have reliev'd him Oh ! the joy's too great; 
 'Tis fpeechlefs rapture ! 
 
 Evan. BleiTmgSj bleffings on thee ! 
 Euph. My father ftill fhall live. Alas ! Philotas, 
 Could I abandon that white hoary head, 
 That venerable form ? Abandon him 
 To perifh here in mifery and famine ? 
 
 Phil. Thy tears, thou miracle of goodnefs ! 
 Have triumph'd o'er me; thefe round gufhing drops 
 Atteft your conqueft. Take him, take your father j 
 Convey him hence; I do releafe him to you. 
 
 Evan. What faid Philotas ! Do I fondly dream? 
 Indeed my fenfes are imperfect ; yet 
 Methought I heard him ! Did he fay releafe me ? 
 
 Phil. Thou art my king, and now no more my pris'nerj 
 Go with your daughter, with that wond'rous pattern 
 Of filial piety to after times. 
 
 Yes, princefs, lead him forth; I'll point the path, 
 Whofe foft declivity will guide your fteps 
 To the deep vale, which thefe o'erhanging rocks 
 Encompafs round. You may convey him thence 
 To fome fafe fheher. Yet a moment's paufej 
 I muft conceal your flight from ev'ry eye. 
 Yes, I will fr.ve 'em Oh ! returning virtue ! 
 How big with joy one moment in thy fervice ! 
 That wretched pair ! I'll perifh in their caufe. [Exit. 
 
 EVPHRASIA,
 
 A T R A G E D Y. 25 
 
 EUPHRASIA, EVANJDER. 
 
 Evan. Whither, oh ! whither fhall Evahder go ? 
 I'm at the goal of life ; if in the race 
 Honour has follow'd with no lingering ftep, 
 But there fits fmiling with her laurel'd wreath, 
 To crown my brow, there would I fain make halt, 
 And net inglorious lay me down to reft. 
 
 Eupb. And will you then refufe, when thus the Gods 
 Afford a refuge to thee ? 
 
 Evan. Oh! my child, 
 There is no refuge for me. 
 
 Eupb. Pardon, Sir: 
 
 Euphrafia's care has formM a fafe retreat; 
 There may'ft thou dwell ; it will not long be wanted; 
 Soon fhall Timoleon, with refiftlefs force, 
 Burft yon devoted walls. 
 
 Evan. Timoleon! 
 
 Eupb. Yes, 
 
 The brave Timoleon, with the pow'r of Greece; 
 Another day fhall make the city his. 
 
 Evan. Timoleon come to vindicate my rights ! 
 Oh! thou {hall reign in Sicily! My child 
 Shall grace her father's throne. Indulgent Heav'n! 
 Pour down your bleffings on this beft of daughters; 
 To her and Phocion give Evander's crown ; 
 Let them, oh ! let them both in virtue wear it, 
 And in due time tranfmit it to their boy! 
 Enter PHILOTAS. 
 
 Phil. All things are apt ; the drowfy fentinel 
 Lies hufh'd infleep; I'll marfhal thee the way 
 Down the fteep rock. 
 
 Eupb. Oh ! Let us quickly hence, 
 
 Evan. The blood but loiters in thefe frozen veins. 
 Do you, whofe youthful fpirit glows with life, 
 Do you go forth, and leave this mould'ring corpfe. 
 
 E 2 T
 
 26 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER. 
 
 To me had Heav'n decree'd a longer date, 
 It ne'er had fuffer'd a fell monfter's reign, 
 Nor let me fee the carnage of my people. 
 Farewell, Euphrafia; in one lov'd embrace 
 To thefe remains pay the laft obfequies, 
 And leave me here to link to filent duft. 
 
 Euph. And will you then, on felf-deftru&ion. bent, 
 Reject my pray'r, nor truft your fate with me ? 
 
 Evan. Truft thee ! Euphrafia ? Truft in thee my chili 
 Tho' life's a burden I could well lay down, 
 Yet I will prize it, fmce beftow'd by thee. 
 Oh ! thou art good; thy virtue foars a flight 
 For the wide world to wonder at ; in thee, 
 Hear it all nature, future ages hear it, 
 The father finds a parent in his child. 
 
 END OF THE SECOND ACT.
 
 A TRAGEDY. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Scene a P-ampart near the Harbour, 
 Enter MELANTHON" and P H i L o T A s. 
 
 Melon. AND lives he ftill ? 
 Phil. He does ; and kindly aliment 
 Renews the fprings of life. 
 
 Mtlan. And doth he know 
 The glorious work the deftinies prepare r 
 Phil. He is inform'd of all. 
 Melan. That Greek Timoleon 
 Comes his deliverer, and the fell ufurper 
 Pants in the laft extreme ? 
 
 Phil. The glorious tidings 
 Have reach'd his ear. 
 
 Melan. Lead on, propitious Pow'r, 
 Your great defign ; lecond the Grecian arms, 
 And whelm the fons of Carthage in the deep. 
 
 Phil. This hour decides their doom; and,lo! EuphraCa 
 Stands on the jutting rock, that rock, where oft 
 Whole days fhe fat in penfive forrow fix'd, 
 And fwell'd with ftreaming tears tl.e reliefs deep. 
 There, now with other fentiments elat?, . 
 She views Timoleon with victorious prow 
 Glide thro' the waves, and fees the fcatter'd navy 
 Of Carthage fly before him. 
 
 Melon... B\e& event! 
 
 Evandcr, if thou mock'ft me not, fhall live 
 Once more to fee the juftice of the Gods. 
 But wilt thou ftill protect my royal mafter ? 
 Wilt thou admit me to his wifh'd-for prcfence ? 
 
 Phil.
 
 -8 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 Phil. Let it fuffice that no aflaflin's aim 
 Can now afiault him I mult hence, Melanthon ; 
 I now muft mingle with the tyrant's train, 
 And, with a femblance of obfequious duty, 
 Delude fufpicion's eye My friend, farewel. [Exit* 
 
 MELANTHON. 
 
 If he deceive me not with fpecious hopes, 
 I {hall behold the fov'reign, in whofe fervice 
 Thefe temples felt the iron cafque of war, 
 And thefe white hairs have filver'd o'er my head. 
 
 Enter EUPHRASIA. 
 
 Eupb. See there; behold 'em ; lo! the fierce encounter j- 
 He nifties on ; the ocean flames around 
 With the bright flafh of arms ; the echoing hills 
 Rebellow to the roar. 
 
 Melan. The Gods are with us, 
 And victory is ours. 
 
 Euph. High on the ftern 
 
 The Grecian leaders ftand : they ficm the furge^ 
 Launch'd from their arm the miffive lightnings fly, 
 And the Barbaric fleet is wrapt in fire, 
 And lo ! yon bark, down in the roaring gulph ; 
 And there, more, more are perifhing Behold ! 
 They plunge for ever loft. 
 
 Melun. So perifh all, 
 
 Who from yon continent unfurl'd their fails, 
 To (hake the freedom of this fea-girt ifle ! 
 
 Euph. Did I not fay, Melanthon, did I not 
 Prefage the glories of Timoleon's triumph ! 
 Where now are Afric's fons ? The vanquifti'd tyrant 
 Shall look ao;haft ; his heart fhall fhrink appall'd, 
 And dread his malefacHons ! Worfe than famine, 
 Defpair fliall faften on him !
 
 TRAGEDY. 29 
 
 Enter D I O N Y S I U S, C A L I P P U S, &V, 
 
 Dion. Bafe deferters ! 
 
 Curfe on their Punic faith ! Did they once dare 
 To grapple with the Greek ? Ere yet the main 
 Was ting'd with blood, they turn'd their mips averfe. 
 May ftorms and tempefts follow in their rear, 
 And dafh their fleet upon the Lybian fliore ! 
 
 Enter CALIPPUS, 
 
 Qaltp. My liege, Timoleon where the harbour opens 
 Has ftorm'd the forts, and ey'n now his fleet 
 Purfues its cqurfe, and fteers athwart the bay. 
 
 Dion. Ruin impends ; and yet, if fall it muft, 
 J bear a mind to meet it, undifmay'd, 
 Unconquer'd ev'n by Fate. 
 
 Calip. Through ev'ry ftreet 
 Pefpajr and terror fly. A panic fpreads 
 From man to man, and fuperftition fees 
 Jove arm'd with thunder, and the Gods againft us. 
 
 Dion. With facred rites their wrath muft he appeas'd, 
 Let inftant victims at the altar bleed ; 
 Let incenfe roll its fragrant clouds to Heav'n, 
 And pious matrons, and the virgin train, 
 In flow proceffipn to the temple bear 
 The image of their Gods, 
 
 Eupb. Ha ! Does the tyrant 
 Dare with unhallpw'd ftep, with crimes and guilt, 
 Approach the facred fane ? Alas ! my father, 
 Where now thy fanftuary ? What place fliall hide 
 Thy perfecuted virtue ? (Afide.) 
 
 Dion. Thou, Euphrafia, 
 
 Lead forth the pious band,. This very moment 
 {flue o,ur orders, 
 
 *&,
 
 30 THE. GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 hitpb. With confenting heart 
 Eurhrafi?. goes to waft her pray'rs to Heav'n. [Exit. 
 
 Dion. The iblemn facrifice, the virgin throng. 
 Will gain the popular belief, and kindle 
 Jn the fierce foidiery religious rage. 
 Away., my friends, prepare the fole.mn pomp. , 
 
 [Exit CALIPPUS, &V. 
 
 s'Philotas, thou draw near : how fares your prifoncr ? 
 Has he yet breath'd his laft ? 
 
 Phil. Life ebbs apace ; 
 Tomorrow's fun fees him a breath lefs corfe. 
 
 Dion. Curfe on his iing'ring pangs ! Sicilia's crown 
 No more {hair deck his brow j and if the fand 
 Still loiter in the glafs, thy hand, my friend, 
 May {hake it thence, 
 
 Phil. It {hall, dread Sir; that taflc 
 Leave to thy faithful fervant. 
 
 Dim. Oh! Philotas, 
 
 Thou little know'ft the cares, the pangs of empire. 
 The ermin'd pride, the purple that adorns 
 A conqueror's breaft, but ferves, my friend, to hide 
 A heart that's torn, that's mangled with remorfe. 
 Each object found me wakens'horrid doubts ; 
 The flatt'ring train, the centinel that guards me, 
 The Have that waits, all give fome new alarm, 
 And from the means of-fafety dangers rife. 
 Ev'n victory itfelf plants anguifh here, 
 And round my laurels the fell ferpent twines. 
 
 PhiL Would Dionyfius abdicate his crowh a 
 And fue for terms of peace ? 
 
 Dion. Detefted thought ! 
 
 No, though ambition teems with countlcfs ills, 
 it ftill has charms of pov.-'r to fire the foul. 
 Tho' horrors multiply around my head, 
 I will oppofc them all. The pomp of (kcrifice 
 
 But
 
 A f R A G E D Y. & 
 
 i*. .... 
 
 JBut nowordain'd, is mockery to Heav'n. 
 "Tis vain, 'tis fruitlefs ; then let daring guilt 
 .Be my infpircr, and confummate all, 
 ^IV'here are thofe Greeks, the captives of my fvvord, 
 Whofe defp'rate x'alour rufti'd within our walls, 
 "Bought near our perfon, and the pointed lance 
 Aim'd at my breaft ? 
 
 Phil. In chains they wait their doom. 
 
 Dion. Give me to fee 'em ; bring the flaves befor me. 
 
 PhiL What, ho ! Melanthori, this way lead your pri-i 
 foners . 
 
 Enter MEL ANT HON with Greek Officers and Soldiers* 
 
 Dion. Aflaflms and not warriors ! do ye come, 
 \Vhen the wide range of battle claims your iword, 
 Thus do you come againft a firtgle life 
 To wac;e the war ? Did not our buckler ring 
 With all your darts in one collected volley 
 Shower'd on my head ? Did riot your fwords at once 
 Point at my breaft, and thirft for regal blood ? 
 
 Greek Of. We fought thy life. I am by birth a GreeK, 
 An open foe in arms I meant to flay 
 'The foe bf human kind. With rival ardour 
 We took the field ; one voice, one mind, one heart; 
 A'l leagu'd, all covenanted : in yon camp 
 Spirits there are who aim, like us, at glory. 
 Whene'er you fally forth, whene'er the Greeks 
 Shall fcale your walls, prepare thee to encounter 
 A like aflkult. By me the youth of Greece 
 Thus notify the war they mean to wage. 
 
 Dion. Thus then I warn them of my great revenge.; 
 Whoe'er in battle fhall become our pris'ner, 
 In torment meets his doom. 
 
 Greek Of. Then wilt thou fee, 
 How vile the body to a mind that pants 
 
 F <#
 
 32 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 For genuine glory. Twice three hundred Greeks 
 Have fworn, like us, to hunt thce through the ranks; 
 Ours the firfr. lot ; we've fail'd j on yonder plain 
 Appear 7 in arms, the faithful band will meet thee. 
 
 Dion. Vile flave, no more. Melanthon drag 'em hence 
 To die in mifery. ImpaFd alive 
 The winds fhall parch them on the craggy cliff. 
 Selected from the reft let one depart 
 A mefiengef to Greece, to tell the fate 
 Herchofen fons, her firft adventurers, met. [Exit, 
 
 Melar.. Unhappy men ! how fhall my care protect 
 Ycur forfeit lives ? Philotas, thcu conduct thtrn, 
 To the deep dungeon's gloom. In that recels, 
 ' Midfr the wild tumult of eventful war, 
 We may ward off the blow. My friends, farewel : 
 That officer will gtide your fteps. 
 
 [All filhw PHILOTAS, except PHOCIOK. 
 Pbo. Difguis'd 
 Thus in a foMier's garb he knows me not, 
 
 Melanthon \ 
 
 Melon. Ha ! Thofe accents ! Phocion here ? 
 Pbo. Yes, Phccion here ! Speak, quickly tell me, fay 
 How fares Euphrafia ? 
 
 Melon. Ha ! beware ; Philotas, 
 
 Conduct thefe pris'ners hence ; this foidier here 
 Shall bear the tidings to Timoleon's camp. 
 
 Pbo. Oh ! fatisfy my doubts ; how fares Euphrafia ? 
 Melan. Euphrafia lives, ant: ill's the anxious moments 
 W^th ev'ry virtue. Wherefore venture hither ? 
 Why with rafh valour penetrate our gates? 
 
 Pho. Could I refrain ? Oh ! could I tamely wait 
 Th' event of ling'ring war ? With patience count 
 The lazy-pacing hours, while liere in Syracufe 
 The tyrant keeps all that my heart holds dear ? 
 For her dear fakej all danger finks before me ; 
 
 For
 
 A TRAGEDY. 33 
 
 Tor her I burft the barriers of tne gate, 
 Where the deep cavern'd rock affords a pafTage. 
 A hundred chofen Greeks purfu'd my fteps, 
 We forc'd an entrance ; the devoted guard 
 Fell victims to our rage ; but in that moment 
 Down from the walls fuperior numbers came. 
 The tyrant led them on. We rufh'-d upon him, 
 If we could reach his heart, to end the war. 
 But Heav'n thought otherwise. Molanthon, fay, 
 I fear to afk it, lives Evander ftHl.? 
 
 Melan, Alas, he live-s imprifon'd in the rock. 
 Thou muft withdraw thee hence ; regain once more 
 Timoleon's camp ; alarm his .flunib'ring rage : 
 AfTail the Avails ; thou with thy plalanx feek 
 The fub terraneous path ; that way at night 
 The Greeks may enter, and let in deftru&ion 
 To the great work of .vengeance. 
 
 Pbo. Would'ft thou have me 
 Bafely retreat, while my Euphrafia. trembles 
 Here on the ridge of peril.? She perhaps 
 May fall unknown, unpitied, undiftinguifh'd 
 Amidft the gen'ral carnage. Shall I leave her 
 To add that beauty to the purple heap ? 
 No ; I will feek her in thefe walls accurft, 
 Ev'n in the tyrant's palace ; fave that life ? 
 My only fource of joy, that life, whole lofs 
 Weuld make all Greece complotter in a murder^ 
 And damn a righteous caufe. 
 
 Melan. Yet hear the voice 
 Of fober age. Should Dion^fius' fpie 
 Detect thee here, ruin involves us all ; 
 'Twere beft retire, and feek Timoleon's tents ; 
 Tell him, difmay and terror fill the city j 
 Ev'n now in Syracufe the tyrant's will 
 Cfdains with pomp oblations to the Gods.
 
 34- THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 His deadly hand ftill hot' with recent blood, 
 The monfter dares approach the facred altar ; 
 Thy voice may roufe Timoleon to th' aflault, 
 And bid him ftorm the works. 
 
 Pbo. By Heav'n I will ; 
 
 My breath ihall wake his rage ; this very night, 
 When deep fits heav on the fiumb'ring city, 
 Then Greece unlheaths her fword, and great revenge 
 Shall {talk with death and horror o'er the ranks 
 Of flaughter'd troops, a facrifice to freedom ! 
 But firft.let me behold Euphrafia. 
 
 Mdm. Hufh 
 
 Thy pent-up valour ; to a fecret haunt 
 I'll guide thy fteps ; there dwell, and in apt time 
 I'll bring Euphrafia to thy longing arms. 
 
 Ph. Wiltthouf 
 
 Mdan. By Heav'n I will j another aft 
 Of defperate fury might endanger all. 
 The tyrant's bufy guards are potted round ; 
 In filence follow ; thou Tnalt fee Euphrafia. 
 
 Pbo. Oh ! lead me to her j that exalted virtue 
 With firmer nerve (hall bid me grafp the javelin, 
 Shall bid my fword with more than lightning's fwiftnefs 
 Blaze in the front of war, and glut its rage 
 With blow repeated in the tyrant's veins. [Exeunt. 
 
 Scent d Ttmp/e, with a Monument in the Middle* 
 
 Fntcr E u P H R A s I A, R I K E N E, and ot/xr Female 
 
 Attendants. 
 
 Eut>b. This way, my virgins, this way bend your fteps. 
 Lp ! the fad fepulchre where, hears'd in death, 
 The pale remains of my dear mother lie. 
 
 , while the victims at yon altar bleed, 
 
 And
 
 A TRAGEDY. 35 
 
 And with your pray'rs the vaulted roof refounds, 
 There let me pay the tribute of a tear, 
 A weeping pilgrim o'er Eudocia's afhes. 
 
 Erix. Forbear, Euphrafia, to renew your forrows. 
 
 Eupb. My tears have dry'd their fource; thenletme hers 
 Pay this fad vifk to the honour'd clay 
 That moulders in the tomb. Thefe facred viands 
 I'll burn an off' ring to a parent's made, 
 And fprinkle with this wine the hallow'd mould. 
 That duty paid, I will return, my virgins. 
 
 [She gees into the tomb. 
 
 Erix, Look down, propitious Pow'rs ! behold that virtue, 
 And heal the pangs that defolate her foul. 
 
 E-iitr PHIL or AS. 
 Phil. Mourn, mourn, ye virgins ; rend your fcatter'd 
 
 garments ; 
 
 Some dread calamity hangs o'er our heads. 
 In vain the tyrant would appeafe with facrifice 
 Th' impending wrath of ill-requited Heav'n. 
 Ill omens hover o'er us : at the altar 
 The victim dropt, ere the divining feer 
 Had gor'd his knife. The brazen ftatues trembled, 
 And from the marble, drops of blood diftiU'd. 
 
 Erix. Now, ye juft Gods, if vengeance you prepare, 
 Now find the guilty head. 
 
 Phil. Amidft the throng 
 A matron labours with th' infpiring God ; 
 She flares, fhe raves, and with no mortal found 
 Proclaims aloud, " Where Phcebus am I borne? 
 " I fee their glitt'ring fpears ; I fee them charge ; 
 <c Bellona wades in blood ; that mim^ied body, 
 f Deform'd with wounds and welt'ring in its gore, 
 <' I know it well ; Oh ! clofe the dreadful fee tie; 
 ;' Relieve me Phcebus, 1 have feen too much." 
 * ' Erix.
 
 . THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER; 
 
 Erlx. Alas! I tremble for Evander's fate; 
 Avert the omen, Gods, and guard his life. 
 
 Enter EUPHRASIA from the Toml. 
 
 Eupb. Virgins, I thank you Oh! more lightly now 
 My heart expands; jthe pious act is done, 
 And I have paid my tribute to a parent. 
 Ah ! wherefore does the tyrant bend his way? 
 
 Phil. He flies the altar ; leaves th' iinfi nifh'd rites. 
 No God there fmiles propitious on his caufe, 
 Pate lifts the awful balance; weighs his life, 
 The lives of numbers, in .the trembling fcale. 
 
 Euph. Defpair and horror mark his haggard looksj 
 His wild, diforder'd ftep He rufhes forth; 
 Some new alarm demands him i-r-Ev'n now 
 He ifiues at yon portal ! Lo! fee there, 
 The fuppliant crowd difperfes; wild with fear ? 
 DiftradHon in each look, the wretched throng 
 Pours thro' the brazen gates Do you retire, 
 Retire Philotas; let me here remain, 
 An4 give the moments of fufpended fate 
 To pious worfhip and to filial love. 
 
 Phil. Alas! I fear to yield: awhile I'll leave thec, 
 And'at the temple's entrance wait thy coming. [Exit. 
 
 Eupb. Now then, Euphrafia, now thou may'ft indulge 
 The purcft ecftacy of foul. Come forth, 
 Thou man of woe, thou man of ev'ry virtue. 
 
 Enter EVANDER from the Monument, 
 
 Evan. And does the grave thus cafl me up again 
 With a fond father's love to view thee? Thus 
 To mingle rapture in a daughter's arms? 
 
 Eufi. How fares my father now ? 
 
 &M0,
 
 A TRAGEDY. 37 
 
 Evan. Thy aid, Euphrafia, 
 
 Has giv'n new life. Thou from this vital ftrearrt 
 Deriv'ft thy being ; with unheard-of duty 
 Thou haft repaid it to thy native fource. 
 
 Eupb. Sprung from Evander, if a little portion; 
 Of all his goodnefs dwell within my heart, 
 Thou wilt not wonder. 
 
 Evan. Joy and wonder rife 
 In mix'd emotions! Though departing hence, 
 After the ftorms of a tempeftuous life, 
 Tho' I was entering the winVd-for port, 
 Where all is peace, all blifs, and endlefs joy, 
 Yet here contented I can linger ftill 
 To view thy goodnefs, and applaud thy deeds, 
 Thou author of my life ! Did ever parent 
 Thus call his child before? My heart's too full, 
 My old fond heart runs o'er j it akes with joy. 
 
 Eupb, Alas, too much you over-rate your daughter; 
 Nature and duty call'd me Oh ! my father, 
 How didft thou bear thy long, long fufPrings ? How 
 Endure their barb'rous rage? 
 
 Evan. My foes but did 
 
 To this old frame, what Nature's hand muft do. 
 In the worft hour of pain, a voice ftill whifper'd me, 
 " Rouze thee, Evander ; felf-acquitting confcience 
 " Declares thee blamelefs, and the gods behold thee." 
 I was but going hence by mere decay 
 To that futurity which Plato taught, 
 Where the immortal fpirit views the planets 
 Roll round the mighty year, and wrapt in blifs 
 Adores th' ideas of th' eternal mind. 
 Thither, oh! thither was Evander going, 
 But thou recall'ft me; thou ! 
 
 Enpb. Timoleon too 
 Invites thee back to life., 
 
 Evan.
 
 38 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 Evan. And does he ftill 
 Urge on the fiege ? 
 
 Euph. His active genius comes 
 To fcourge a guilty race. The Punic fleet 
 Half loft is fwallow'd by the roaring fea. 
 The (hatter'd refufe feek the Lybian fhore, 
 To bear the news of their defeat to Carthage. 
 
 Evan. Thefe are thy wonders heaven! Abroad thy 
 
 fpirit 
 Moves o'er the deep, and mighty fleets are vanifh'd. 
 
 Eupb. Ha! hark! what noife is that! It come-? 
 
 this way. 
 
 Some bufy footftep beats the hallow'd pavement. 
 Oh ! Sir, retire Ye Pow'rs ! Philotas ! ha ! 
 
 Enter PuiLOTAS. 
 
 Phil. For thee, Euphrafia, DionyfiuS calls. 
 Some new fufpicion goads him. At yon gate 
 I ftopt Calippus, as with eager hafte 
 He bent this way to feek thee. Oh ! my fovereign, 
 My king, my injur'd mafter, will you pardon 
 The wrongs I've done thee? (knech to Evandcr.J 
 
 Evan. Virtue fuch as thine, 
 From the fierce trial of tyrannic pow'r, 
 Shines forth with added luftre. 
 
 Phil. Oh! forgive 
 
 My ardent zeal there is no time to wafte. 
 You muft withdraw Truft to your faithful friends* 
 Pafs but another day, and Dionyfius 
 Falls from a throne ufurp'd. 
 
 Evan. But ere he pays 
 
 The forfeit of his crimes, xvhat Rfeams of blood 
 Shall flow in torrents round ! Methinks I might 
 Prevent this wafte of nature I'll go forth, 
 And to my people fhew their rightful king.
 
 A TRAGEDY. 39 
 
 Euph. Banifh that thought; forbear; therafh attempt 
 Were fatal to our hopes; opprefs'd, difmay'd, 
 The people look aghaft, and wan with fear 
 None will efpoufe your caufe. 
 
 Evan. Yes all will dare 
 
 To a<ft like men; their king, I gave myfelf 
 To a whole people. I made no -referve ; 
 My life was their's ; each drop about my heart 
 Pledg'd to the public caufe ; devoted to it; 
 That was my compact; is the fubject's lefs? 
 If they are all debas'd, and willing fiaves-, 
 The young but breathing to grow grey in bondage, 
 And the old finking to ignoble graves, 
 Of fuch a race no matter who is king. 
 And yet I will not think it ; no ! my people 
 Are brave and gen'rous ; I will truft their valour, [going. 
 
 Eupb. Yet ftay; yet be advis'd. 
 
 Phil. As yet my lieqe, 
 
 No plan is fix'd, and no concerted meafure. 
 The fates are bufy : wait the vaft event. 
 Truft to my truth and honour. Witnefs, Gods, 
 Here in the temple of Olympian Jove 
 Philotas fwears 
 
 Evan. Forbear: the man like thee, 
 'Who feels the bed emotions of the heart, 
 'Truth, reafon, juftice, honour's fine excitements, 
 Acts by thofe laws,, and wants no other fanction. 
 
 Eupb. Again, th' alarm approaches ; fure deftruction 
 To thee, to all will follow : hark ! a found 
 Comes hollow murmuring thro' the vaulted ifle. 
 It gains upon the ear. Withdraw, my father; 
 All's loft if thou art feen. 
 
 Phil And lo! Calippus. 
 Darts with the light'ning's fpeed acrpfs the ifle. 
 
 G Evan.
 
 40 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 Evan. Thou at the Scnate-houfc convene my friends; 
 Melanthon, Dion, and their brave aflbciates, 
 Will fhew that liberty has leaders ftill. 
 Anon I'll meet 'em there : my child farewell ; 
 Thou fhalt direct me now. 
 
 Eupb. Too cruel fate ! 
 The tomb is all the manfion I can give j 
 My mother's tomb ! 
 
 Phil. You muft be brief; th' alarm 
 Each moment nearer comes. In ev'ry found 
 Deftrution threatens. Ha ! by Heaven this way 
 Cajippus comes Let me retard his fpeed. [Exit, 
 
 EUPHRASIA coming fa -ward. 
 
 How my diftra&ed heart throbs wild with fear? 
 
 What brings Calippus? Wherefore? Save me Heaverr* 
 
 Enter CALIPPUS. 
 
 Calip. This lonely mufmg in thefe drear abodes 
 Alarms fufpicion : the king knows thy plottings, 
 Thy rooted hatred to the ftate and him,. 
 His fov'reign will commands thee to repair 
 This moment to his prefence. 
 
 Eupb. Ha ! what means 
 
 The tyrant ? 1 obey (Exit Calippus.) and, oh ! ye Pcw'rs, 
 Ye minifters of Heaven, defend my father ; 
 Support his drooping age ; and when anon 
 Avenging Juflice (hakes her crimfon freel, 
 Oh ! be the grave at leaft a place of reft ; 
 That from his covert in the hour of peace 
 Forth he may come to blefs a willing people, 
 And be your own juft image here on earth. 
 
 END OF THE THIRD ACT.
 
 A T R A G E D Y. 41 
 
 AC T iv: 
 
 Enter MELANTHON and P H I L o T A s. 
 
 Melon. -/~VWAY ; no more ; pernicious, vile difTembJer ! 
 
 Phil. Wherefore this frantic rage ? 
 
 Melan. Thou can'ft not varnifh 
 With thy perfidious arts a crime like this. 
 I climb'd the rugged cliff; but, oh ! thou traitor, 
 Where is Evander ? Thro' each dungeon's gloom 
 I fought the good old king the guilt is thine j 
 May vengeance wait thee for it. 
 
 Phil. Still, Melanthon, 
 Let prudence guide thee. 
 
 Melan. Thou haft plung'd thee down 
 Far as the loweft depth of hell-born crimes ; 
 Thou haft out-gone all regifters of guilt ; 
 Beyond all fable haft thou finn'd, Philotas. 
 
 Phil. By Heav'n thou wrong'ft me. 
 Did'ft thou know, old man 
 
 Melan, Could not his rev'rend age, could not his virtue, 
 His woes unnumber'd, foften thee to pity ? 
 Thou haft deftroy'd my king. 
 
 Phil. Yet v/ilt thcu hear me ? 
 Your king ftill lives. 
 
 Melan. Thou, vile deceiver ! Lives ! 
 But where ? Away j -no more. I charge thee, leave me. 
 
 Phil. We have remov'd him to a place of fafety. 
 
 Melan. Remov'd !~Thou traitor ! what dark privacy- 
 Why move him thence ? The dark affaflin's ftab 
 Has clos'd his days calm unrelenting villain ! 
 1 lenow it all. 
 
 .G 2 Phil.
 
 42 THB GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 Phil. By ev'ry pow'r above 
 Evander lives ; in fafety lives. Laft night 
 When in his dark embrace fleep wrapt the world, 
 Euphrafia came, a fpeftacle of woe ; 
 Dar'd to approach our guard, and with her tears, 
 With vehemence of grief, fhe touch'd my heart. ' 
 I gave her father to her. 
 
 Milan. How, Phi lotas ! 
 If thou do'ft not deceive me 
 
 Phil No, by Heaven ! 
 
 By ev'ry pow'r above But hark ! thofe jiotes 
 Speak Dionylius near Anon, my friend, 
 I'll tell thee each particular ; thy king 
 Mean while is fafe bat lo ! the tyrant comes ; 
 With guilt like his I muft equivocate, 
 And teach ev'n truth and honour to diflemble. 
 
 Enter D I o N-Y si us, CALIPPUS, ?V. 
 
 Dion. Away each vain alarm the fun goes down, 
 Nor yet Timoleon iflues from his fleet. 
 There let him linger on the wave- worn beach ; 
 Here the vain Greek fhall find another Troy, 
 A more than Hector here. Tho' Carthage fly, 
 Ourfelf ftill Dionyfius here remains. 
 And means the Greek to treat of terms of peace I 
 By Heav'n, this panting bofom hop'd to meet 
 His boafted phalanx on the embattled plain. 
 And doth he now, on peaceful councils bent, 
 Difpatchhis herald ? Let the Have approach. 
 
 Enter the H E R A L D. 
 i 
 
 Dion. Now fpeak thy purpofe j what doth Greece impart? 
 Herald. Timoteon, Sir, whofe great renown in arms 
 Is equall'd only by the fofter virtues 
 
 Of
 
 A TRAGEDY. 43 
 
 Of mild humanity that fway his heart, 
 
 Sends me his delegate to ofFer terms, 
 
 On which ev'n foes may well accord ; on which 
 
 Thefierceft nature, tho' it fpurn at juftice, 
 
 May fympathize with his. 
 
 Dion. -Unfold thy myftery j 
 Thou fhalt be heard. 
 
 Herald. The gen'rous leader fees, 
 With pity fees, the wild deftrudive havock 
 Of ruthlefs war j he hath furvey'd around 
 The heaps of flain that cover yonder field, 
 And touch'd with gen'rous fenfe of human woe, 
 Weeps o'er his victories. 
 
 Dion. Your leader weeps ! 
 Then let the author of thofe ills thou fpeak'ft of, 
 Let the ambitious fador of deftrudion, 
 Timely retreat, and clofe the fcene of blood. 
 Why doth affrighted peace behold his ftandard 
 Uprear'd in Sicily ? and wherefore here 
 The iron ranks of war, from which the fhepherd 
 Retires appall'd, and leaves the blailed hopes 
 Of half the year, while clofer to her breaft 
 The mother clafps her infant ? 
 
 Herald. 'Tis not mine 
 
 To plead Timoleon's caufe ; not mine the office 
 To juftify the {Iron?, the righteous motives 
 That urge him to the war : the only fcope 
 My deputation aims at, is to fix 
 An interval of peace, a paufe of horror, 
 That they, whofe bodies on the naked ihore 
 Lie weltering in their blood, from either hoft 
 May meet the laft fad rites to nature due, 
 And decent lie in honourable graves. 
 
 Dion. Go tell your leader, his pretexts are vain. 
 Let him, with thofe that live, embark for Greece, 
 
 And
 
 44 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 And leave our peaceful plains ; the mangled limbs 
 Of thofe he murder'd, from my tender care 
 Shall meet due obfequics. 
 
 Herald. The hero, Sir, 
 Wages no war with thofe, who bravely die. 
 'Tis for the dead I fupplicate ; for them 
 We fue for peace ; and to the living too 
 Timoleon would extend it, but the groans 
 Of a whole people have unfheath'd his fword. 
 A fingle day will pay the funeral rites. 
 To morrow's fun may fee both armies meet 
 Without hoftility, and all in honour ; 
 You to interr the troops, who bravely fell ; 
 We, on our part, to give an humble fod 
 To thofe, who gain'd a footing on the ifle, 
 And by their death have conquer'd. 
 
 Dion. Be it fo ; 
 
 I grant thy fuit : foon as to-morrow's dawn 
 Illume the world, the rage of wafting war 
 In vain fhall thirft for blood : but mark my words j 
 If the next orient fun behold you here, 
 That hour fhall fee me terrible in arms 
 Deluge yon plain, and let deftruction loofe. 
 Thou know'ft my laft refolve, and now farewel. 
 Some careful ofKcer conduct him forth. [Exit Herald. 
 By Heav'n the Greek hath offered to my fword 
 An eafy prey ; a fucrince to glut 
 My great revenge. Calippus let each foldier 
 This night refign his wearied limbs to reft, 
 That ere the dawn, with renovated ftrength, 
 On the unguarded, unfufpe&ing foe, 
 Difarm'd, and bent on fuperftitious rites, 
 From every quarter we may rufh undaunted, 
 Give the invaders to the deathful fteel, 
 And by one carnage bury all in ruin. 
 
 My
 
 A TRAGEDY. 45 
 
 My valiant friends hafte to your feveral pofts, 
 And let this night calm unrufHed fpirit 
 Lie hum'd in fleep Away, my friends, difperfe. 
 Philotas, wait Euphrafia as we order'd ? 
 
 Philo. She's here at hand. 
 
 Dion. Admit her to our prefence. 
 Rage and defpair, a thoufand warring pafiions, 
 All rife by turns, and piece-meal rend my hsart. 
 Yet ev'ry means, all meafures muft be tried, 
 To fweep the Grecian fpoiler from the land, 
 And fix the crown unfhaken on my brow. 
 
 Enter EUPHRASIA. 
 
 Euph. What fuddencaufe requires Euphrafia's prefence? 
 
 Dion. Approach, fair mourner, and difpel thy fears. 
 Thy grief, thy tender duty to thy father, 
 Has touch'd me nearly. In his lone retreat 
 Refpecl, attendance, ev'ry lenient care 
 To foothe affliction, and extend his life, 
 Evander has commanded. 
 
 Euph. Vile diffembler ! 
 
 Detefted homicide ! (Afide) And has thy heart 
 Felt for the wretched ? 
 
 Dion. Urgencies of ftate 
 Abridg'd his liberty ; but to his perfon 
 All honour hath been paid. 
 
 ' Euph. The righteous Gods 
 Have mark'd thy ways, and will in time repay 
 Juft retribution. 
 
 Dion. If to fee your father, 
 If here to meet him in a fond embrace, 
 Will calm thy breaft, and dry thofe beauteous tears, 
 A moment more fhall bring him to your prefence. 
 
 E-upb. Ha ! lead him hither ! Sir, to move him now, 
 Aged, infirm, worn out with toil and years 
 
 No,
 
 4.6 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 No, let me feek him rather If foft pity 
 
 Has touch'd your heart, oh ! fend me, fend me to him. 
 
 Dion. Controtil this wild alarm ; with prudent care 
 Philotas mail conduct him ; here I grant 
 The tender interview. 
 
 Eupb. Difaftrous fate ! 
 Ruin impends ! This will difcover all ; 
 I'll perifh firft ; provoke his utmoft rage, (df'dc) 
 
 Tho' much I languifh to behold my father, 
 Yet now it were not fit approaching night 
 At the firft dawn of day 
 
 Dion. This night, this very hour, 
 You both muft meet ; the time forbids delay. 
 Together you may ferve the ftate and nie. 
 Thou fee'ft the havock of wide wafting war ; 
 And more, full well you know, are ftill to bleed. 
 Thou may'ft prevent their fate. 
 
 Eupb. Oh ! give the meajis, 
 And I will blefs thee for it. 
 
 Dion. From a Greek, 
 Torments have wrung the truth, Thy hufband, Phocion ~ 
 
 Eupb. Oh ! fay, fpcak of my Phocion. 
 
 Dion. He ; 'tis he 
 
 Hath kindled up this war; with treacherous arts 
 Inflam'd the {rates of Greece,, and now the traitor 
 Comes with a foreign aid to wreft my crown. 
 
 Euph. And does my Phocion fhare Timoleon's glory * 
 
 Dion. With him inverts our walls, and bids rebellion 
 Erecl her ftandard here. 
 
 Eupb. Oh ! blefs him Gods ! 
 Where'er my hero treads the paths of war, 
 Lift on his fide; againft the hoftile javelin 
 Uprear his mighty buckler ; to his iword 
 Lend the fierce whirlwind's rage, that he may come 
 With wreaths of triumph, and with conqueft crown'*?, 
 
 And
 
 A TRAGEDY. 47 
 
 And his Euphrafia fpring with rapture to him, 
 
 Melt in his arms, and a whole nation's voice 
 
 Applaud my hero with a love like mine ! 
 
 . Dion. Ungrateful fair ! Has not our fovereign will 
 
 On thy defendant's fix'd Sicilia's crown ? 
 
 Have I not vow'd protection to your boy ? 
 
 Eupb. From thee the crown ! From thee ! Eu'phrauVs 
 
 children 
 
 Shall on a nobler bafis found their rights; 
 On their own virtue, and a people's choice. 
 
 Dion. Mifguided woman ! 
 
 Eupb. Afk of thee protection ! 
 The father's valour fhall protect his boy. 
 
 Dion. Rufh not on lure deftruclion ; ere to late 
 Accept our proffer'd grace. The terms are thefe } 
 Inftant fend forth a mefl'<io;e to your hiifband ; 
 Bid him draw off his Greeks ; unmoor his fleet, 
 And meafure back his way. Full well he knows 
 You and your father are my hoftages j 
 And for his treafon both may anfwer. 
 
 'Eupb. Thirik'ft ihou then 
 
 So meanly of my Phdcion ? Doft thou deem him 
 Poorly wound up to a mere fit of valour, 
 To melt away in a weak woman's tear ? 
 Oh ! thou doit little know him ; know'ft but little 
 Of his exalted foul. With gen'rous ardour 
 Still will he urge the great, the glorious plan, 
 And gain the ever honour'd bright reward, 
 Which fame intwines around the patriot's brow* 
 And bids for ever flourish on his tomb, 
 For nations free'd and tyrants laid in duft. 
 
 Dion. By Heav'n, this night Evander breathes his laft, 
 
 Euph. Better for him to fink at once to reft, 
 Than linger thus beneath the gripe of famine, 
 In a vile dungeon fcoop'd with barb'rous flail 
 
 H Deep
 
 48 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER 
 
 Deep in the flinty rock ; a monument 
 Of that fell malice and that black fufpicion 
 That mark'd your father's reign ; a dungeon drear 
 Prepar'd for innocence ! Vrce liv'd fecure, 
 It flourifh'd, triumph \i, grateful to his heart ; 
 'Twas virtue only could give umbrage ; then, 
 In that black period, to be great and good 
 Was a ftate crime; the pow'rs of genius then- 
 Were a constructive treafon. 
 
 Disn. Ha,! beware, 
 Nor with vile calumny provoke my rage. 
 
 Euph. Whate'er was laudable, whate'er was worthy., 
 Sunk under foul oppreflion ; frecborn men 
 Were torn in private from their houfehold gods, 
 Shut from the light of Heaven in cavern'd cells,. 
 Chain'd to the grunfel edge, and left to pine 
 In bitternefs of foul > while in the vaulted roof 
 The tyrant fat, and through a fecret channel 
 Collected ev'ry found ; heard each complaint 
 Of martyr'd virtue ; kept a reghfter 
 Of fighs and groans by cruelty extorted j 
 Noted the honeft language pf the heart ; 
 Then on the victim's wreak'd his murd'rous ragr y 
 For yielding to the feelings of their nature. 
 
 Dion. Obdurate woman ! obftinate in- ill ! 
 Here ends all parley. Now your father's doom 
 Is fix'd i irrevocably fix'd ; this njght 
 Thou (halt behold him, while inventive cruelty 
 Purfues his wearied life through every nerve. 
 I fcorn all dull delay. This very night 
 Shall fate my great revenge. [Exit. 
 
 Eupb. This night perhaps 
 
 Shall whelm thee down, jiomore toblaft creation. 
 My father, who inhabit'ft with the dead, 
 Now let me feek thee in the lonely tomb, 
 And tremble there with anxious hope and fear. [Exit*
 
 A TRAGEDY. 49 
 
 Scene the Infttle oftlx Temple. 
 Enter PHOCION and MELANTHON. 
 
 Pbo. Each Hep I move, a grateful terror fhakes 
 My frame to diflblution. 
 
 Melon. Summon all 
 
 Thy wonted firmnefs ; in that dreary vault 
 A living king is number'd with the dead. 
 I'll take my poft, near where the pillar'd ifle 
 Supports the central dome, that.no alarm 
 Surprize you in the pious aft. [Exit. 
 
 Pbo. If here 
 
 They both are found ; if in Evander's arms 
 Euphrafia me^ts my fearch, the fates atone 
 For all my fufPrings, all ami&iqns paft. 
 Yes I will feek them ha ! tlje gaping tomb 
 Invites my fteps now be propitious Heaven ! 
 
 [He enters the 'Tomb. 
 
 Enter EUPHRASIA. 
 
 All hail ye caves of horror ! In this gloom 
 Divine content can dwell, the heartfelt tear, 
 Which, as it falls, a father's trembling hand 
 Will catch, and wipe the forrows from my eye. 
 Thou Pow'r fupreme ! whofe all-pervading mind 
 Guides this great frame of things; who now behold 'ft me, 
 Who in that cave of death art full as perfect 
 As in the gorgeous palace, now, while night 
 Broods o'er the world, I'll to thy facred fhrine, 
 And fupplicate thy mercies to my father. 
 Who's there ? rEvander ? Anfwer quickly fay 
 H 2
 
 5<5 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 Enter PHOCION from the Tomb. 
 
 Pho. What voice is that ? Melanthon ! 
 Euph. Ha ! thofe founds ! 
 Speak of Evajider ; tell me that he lives, 
 Qr loft Euphrafia dies. 
 
 Pho. Heart-i well ing tranfport ! 
 Art thou Euphrafia ? 'Tis thy Phocion, love ; 
 Thy hufband comes. 
 
 Euph. Support me ; reach thy hand 
 Pho. Once more I clafp her in this fond embrace I. 
 Euph. What miracle has brought thee to me ? 
 Pho. Love 
 Urff'd me on, and guided all my ways. 
 
 EupA, Oh ! thou dear wanderer ! But wherefore hert% 
 Why in this place of woe ? My tender little one, 
 Say is he fafe '?' Oh ? fatisfy a mother ; 
 Speak of my child, or [ go wild at once ; 
 Tell me his fate, and tell me all thy own. 
 
 Pho. Your boy is fafe, Euphrafia ; lives to reign 
 In Sicily ; Timoleon's guardian care 
 Protects him in his camp ; difpel thy fears ; 
 T he Gods once more will give him to thy arms. 
 Euph. My father lives fepulchred ere his time.' 
 Here in Eudocia's tomb ; let me conduft thee 
 ' Pho. I came this moment thence 
 Euph. And faw Evandcr ? 
 Pho. Alas ! I found hirri not. 
 Euph. Not found him there 
 Have there fell murderers Oh ! [f^nts owa 
 
 Pko. I've been too rafh ; revive, my love, revive ; 
 Thy Phocion calls ; the Gods will guard Evander, 
 And fave him to reward thy matchlcfs virtue. 
 
 Enter EVANDER find MELANTHOX. 
 Ei- an. Lead me, Melanthon, guide my aged (reps ; 
 W.here' is he ? Let me f.e hirn,
 
 A TRAGEDY. 5* 
 
 Pho. My Euphrafia ; 
 
 Thy father lives ; thou venerable man ! 
 
 Behold ! -I cannot fly to thy embrace. 
 
 Euph, Thefe agonies muft end me Ah I my father ! 
 Again I have him ; gracious Pow'rs ! again 
 I clafp his hand, and bathe it with my tears. 
 
 Evan. Euphrafia ! Phocion too ! Yes, both are here ; 
 Qh ! let me thus, thus ftrain you to, my heart. 
 
 Pbo. Protected by a daughter's tender care, 
 By my Euphrafia fav'd ! That fweet reflection 
 Exalts the blifs to rapture. 
 
 Euph. Why my father, ' 
 
 Why thus adventure forth ? The ftrong alajm 
 
 O'erwhelm'd my fpirits. 
 
 Evan. I went forth, my child, . 
 When all was dark, and awful filence round. 
 To throw me proftrate at the altar's foot, 
 To craye the care of Heaven for thee and thine. 
 Melanthon there 
 
 Enter PHILOTAS. 
 
 Euph. Philotas ! ha ! what means 
 
 Phil. Inevitable ruin hovers o'er you : 
 The tyrant's fury mounts into a blaze j 
 Unfated yet with blood, he calls aloud 
 For thee, Evander ; thee his rage hath order'd 
 This moment to his prefence. 
 
 Evan. Lead me to him : 
 His prefence hath no terror for Evander, 
 
 Euph. Horror ? It muft not be. 
 
 Phil. No ; never, never : 
 
 I'll perifh rather.- But the time demands 
 
 Out utmoft vigour ; with the light'ning's ipe;d 
 JDecifive, rapid. With the fcorpion ft^ngs 
 
 Of
 
 j2 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 Of c.onfcience laftvd, defpair and horror feize him, 
 And guilt but fejrves to goad his tortur'd mind 
 To blacker crimes. His policy has granted 
 A day's fufpenfe from arms ; yet even now 
 His troops prepare^ in the dead midnight hour, 
 With bafe furprife, to ftorm Timoleon's camp. 
 
 Evan. And doth he grant a falfe insidious truce, 
 To turn the hour of peace to blood and horror ? 
 
 Eupb. I know the monfter well ; when fpecious feeming 
 Becalms his Jooks, the rankling heart within 
 Teems with deftruftion. Like our own mount .flitna, 
 When the deep fnows invert his hoary head, 
 And a whole winter gathers on his brow, 
 Looking tranquility ; ev'n then beneath 
 The fuel'd entrails fummon all their rage, 
 Till the affrighted fhepherd round him fees. 
 The fudden ruin, the vulcanq's burft, 
 Mountains hurl'd up in air, and moulten rocks, 
 And all the land with defolution cover'd. 
 
 Melan. Now, Phocion, now, on thee our hope depends. 
 Fly to Timoleon I can grant a pafspprt 
 Rouze him to vengeance ; on the tyrant turn 
 His own inudious arts, or all is loft. 
 
 Pho. Evander thou, and thou, my beft Euphrafia, 
 Both fhall attend my flight. 
 
 Melan. They myft remain ; 
 Th' attempt would hazard all. 
 
 Euph. Together here 
 
 We will remain, fafe in the cave of death ; 
 And wait our freedom from thy conqu'ring arm. 
 
 Evan. Oh ! would the Gods roll back the ftream of time, 
 And give this arm. the fmew that it bpafted 
 At Tauromenium, when its force refiftlefs 
 Mow'd down the ranks of war ; I then might guide 
 The battle's rage, and, ere Evander die, 
 Add fHJl another laurel to my brow.
 
 A TRAGEDY. 53 
 
 Eupb. Enough of laurell'd vi&ory your fword 
 Hath reap'd in earlier days. 
 
 Evan. And fhall my fword, 
 When the great caufe of liberty invites, 
 Remain inactive, unperforming quite ? 
 Youth, fecond youth rekindles in my veins 
 Tho' worn with age, this arm will know its office 5 
 Will fhew that victory has not forgot 
 Acquaintance with this hand.^And yet O fhame \ 
 It will not be : the momentary blaze 
 
 Sinks, and expires I have furviv'd it all ; 
 
 Surviv'd my reign, my people and myfelf. 
 
 Enph. Fly, Phocion, fly > Melanthon will conduct thee. 
 
 Mclan. And when th' affault begins, my faithful cohorts 
 Shall form their ranks around this facred dome. 
 
 Pho. And my poor captive friends, my brave com- 
 panions 
 Taken in battle, wilt thou guard their lives ? 
 
 Melon. Truft to my care : no danger fhall aflail them. 
 
 Pho. By Heav'n, she glorious expectation fwells 
 This panting bofom ! Yes, Euphrafia, yes ; 
 
 Awhile I leave you to the care of Heaven * 
 
 Fell Dionyfius tremble ; ere the dawn 
 
 Timoleon thunders at your gates The rage, 
 
 The pent-up rage of twenty thoufand Greeks, 
 Shall burft at once ; and the tumultuous roar 
 Alarm th' aftonim'd world. The brazen gates 
 Afundcr fhall be rent; the tow'rs, the ramparts, 
 Shall yield to Grecian valour ; death and rage 
 Thro' the wide cities round fhall wade in gore, 
 And guilty men awake to gafp their laft, 
 Melanthon, come. 
 
 Evan. Yet, ere thou go'ft, young man, 
 Attend my words : tho' guilt may oft provoke, 
 As now it does, jufl: vengeance on it's head,
 
 54 
 
 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 In mercy punifh it. The rage of {laughter 
 Can add no trophy to the victor's triumph ; 
 Bid him not fhed unnecefTary blood. 
 Conqueft is proud, inexorable, fierce ; 
 It is humanity enobles all ; 
 So thinks Evander, and fo tell Timoleon. 
 
 Pho. Farewell; the midnight hour fhall give you 
 freedom. [Exit with Melanthon and Phikia;. 
 
 Eupb. Ye guardian Deities, watch all his ways. 
 
 Evan. Come, my Euphrafia, in this interval 
 Together we will feek the facred altar, 
 And thank the God, whofe prefence fills the dome, 
 For the beft gift his bounty could beftow, 
 The virtue he has giv'n thee ; there we'll pour 
 Our hearts in praife, in tears of adoration, 
 For all the wbnd'rous goodnefs lavifh'd on us, 
 
 END F THE FOURTH ACT. 
 
 A C T
 
 TRAGEDY, 55 
 
 A C T V. 
 
 Enter DIONYSIUS and CALIPPUS. 
 
 t)ion. llrRE the day clos'd, while yet the bufyeye 
 Might view their camp, their ftations and their guards, 
 Their preparations for approaching night, 
 Did'ft thou then mark the motions of the Greeks ? 
 
 Calip. From the watch-tour I faw them: all things 
 
 fpoke 
 
 A foe fecure, and difcipline relax'd. 
 Their arms thrown idly by, the foldiers frray'd 
 To one another's tents ; thsir fteeds no more 
 Stood near at hand caparifon'd for war j 
 And from the lines numbers pour'd out, to fee 
 The fpot, where the befieg'd had fallied forth, 
 And the fierce battle rag'd ; to view the flain 
 That lie in heaps upon the crimfon beach. 
 There the fond brother, the afflicted father, 
 And the friend, fought fome veftige of the face 
 Of him who dy'd in battle ; night came on ; 
 Some flowly gain'd their tents ; difpers'd around 
 Whole parties loiter'd, touch'd with deep regret ; 
 War, and its train of duties, all forgot. 
 
 Dion. Their folly gives them to my fwoH : are all 
 My orders iflued ? 
 
 Calip. All.- 
 
 Dion. The troops retir'J 
 To [rain recruited vigour from repofe ? 
 
 I Calip %
 
 5 6 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 Calip. The city round lays hufli'd in fleep. 
 
 Dion. Anon 
 
 Let each brave officer, of chofen valour, 
 Forfake his couch, and with delib'rate fpirit, 
 Meet at the citadel. An hour at furtheft 
 Before the dawn, 'tis fix'd to fiorm their camp; 
 And whelm their men, their arms, and {reeds and tents , 
 In one prodigious ruin. Haftc, Calippus, 
 Ply to thy poft, and bid Euphrafia enter. [Exit Calipptit;. 
 Evander dies this night: Euphrafia too 
 Shall be'difpos'd of. Curfe on Phocion's fraud, 
 That from my pow'r withdrew their infant boy. 
 In him the feed of future kings were crufh'd, 
 And the whole hated line at once extinguifh'd. 
 
 Enter EUPHRASIA. 
 
 Dion. Once more approach and hear me; 'tis not now 
 A time to wafte in the vain war of words. 
 A crifis big with horror is at hand. 
 I meant to fpare the ftream of blood, that foon 
 Shall deluge yonder plains. My fair propofals 
 Thy haughty fpirit has with fcorn rejected. 
 And now, by Heav'n, here; in thy very fight, 
 Evander breathes his laft. 
 
 Eufh. The truce you've granted 
 Sufpends the rage of war: mean time fend forth 
 The orators of peace with olive crown'd. 
 Timoleon, good and juft, and ever willing 
 To conquer rather by perfuafive truth, 
 Than by devouring /laughter, will agree 
 In friendly parley to aflert his rights, 
 And compromife the war. 
 
 Dion. And rnuft I fue 
 For terms of peace ? To an invader fue ? 
 
 Since
 
 A TRAGEDY. 57 
 
 Since you, the fiend of Syracufe and Greece, 
 Since you thus urge me on to defp'rate daring, 
 Your father firft of him I'll be affur'd 
 Your father meets his fate. 
 
 Eupb. If yet there's wanting 
 A crime to fill the meafure of thy guilt, 
 Add that black murder to the dreadful lift; 
 With that complete the horrors of thy reign. 
 
 Dion. Woman, beware: Philotas is at hand. 
 And to our prefence leads Evander. All 
 Thy dark complottings, and thy treach'rous art% 
 Have prov'd abortive. 
 
 Eupb. Ha! What new event ? 
 And is Philotas falfe ? Has he betray'd him ? [Afide. 
 
 Dion. Evander's doom is feal'd What ho! 
 Now ihalt thou fee him die in p^ns before thee. 
 
 Enter P'H I L o T A s. 
 
 Eupb. How my heart finks within me ! 
 
 Dion. Where's your pris'ner ? 
 
 Phil. Evander is no more. 
 
 Dion. Ha ! Death has robbed mo. 
 Of half my great revenge. 
 
 Phil. Worn out with anguifh 
 I faw life ebb apace. Witn ftudied art 
 We gave each cordial drop Alas ! in vain ; 
 He heav'd a figh; invok'd his daughter's name, 
 Smil'd and expir'd. 
 
 Dion. Bring me his hoary head. 
 
 Pbi/o. You'll pardon, Sir, my over-hafty zeal. 
 I gave the body to the foaming furge 
 )own the fteep rock defpis'd 
 I 2k
 
 58 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 Dion. Now rave and fhriek, 
 
 And rend your fcatter'd hair. No more Evander 
 Shall fway Sicilia's fceptre. 
 
 Euph. Mighty Gods ! 
 
 The harden'd heart, the man elate with pride 
 View with compafiion ! To the bad extend 
 Some portion of your mercy ; crimes and blood 
 Have made their fouls a feat of defolation, 
 Of woe, defpair and horror ! Turn to them 
 An eye $f pity : whom your bounty form'd 
 To truth, to goodnefs, and to gen'rous deeds, 
 On them no more from your bright ftores of blifs 
 You need dilpenfe : their virtue will fupport them. 
 Dion. Now then thou feel'il my vengeance. 
 Eupb. Glory in it ; 
 
 Exult and triumph. Thy worft fhaft is fped. 
 Ye,t ftill th' unconquer'd mind with fcorn can view th.cc; 
 With the calm funfhine of the brcaft beholds 
 Thy pow'r unequal to fubdue the foul, 
 Which virtue form'd, and which the Gods protect. 
 
 Dion. Philotas, bear her hence ; {he fhall not live; 
 This moment bear her hence ; you know the reft ; 
 Go, fee our will obey'd ; that done, with all 
 A warrior's fpeed attend me at the citadel ; 
 There meet the heroes, whom this night I'll lead 
 To freedom, victory, to glorious havock, 
 To the deftrudtion of the Grecian name. [Exit. 
 
 Euph. Accept my thanks, Philotas; generous man! 
 Thefe tears atteft th' emotions of my heart. 
 But oh ! fhould Greece defer 
 
 Ph'ilo. Dtfpel thy fears ; 
 
 Phocion will bring relief; or iliould the tyrant 
 Aflault their camp, he'll meet a marfhaU'd foe. 
 L*t me conduft thee to the filcnt tomb.
 
 A TRAGEDY. 59 
 
 Eufib, Ah ! there Evamler, naked and difarm'd, 
 Defencelefs quite, may meet fome ruffian ftroke. 
 
 Phil. Lo ! here's a weapon ; bear this dagger to him. 
 In the drear monument fhuld hoftile fteps 
 Pare to approach him, they mufl enter fmgly ; 
 This o-uards the- pafTai^e ; man by man they die. 
 There may'ft thou dw 11 anvirt: the wild commotion. 
 
 Euph. Ye pitying Gods, protecl my father then ! 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 Scfjie the Citadel. 
 
 CALIPPUS and federal Officers. 
 
 Firft Officer. What new event thus fummons* us 
 together ? 
 
 Calip. 'Tis great occafion calls ; Timoleon's ardor 
 Comes rufhino; on ; his works rife high in air, 
 Advance each day, and tow'r above our walls. 
 One brave exploit may free us Lo ! the king. 
 
 Enter DiONYSius. 
 
 Dion. Ye brave aflbciates, who fo oft have fhar'd 
 Our toil and danger in the field of glory, 
 My fellow-warriors, what no god could promife, 
 Fortune hath giv'n us. In his dark embrace 
 Lo ! fleep envelops the whoie Grecian camp. 
 Againft a foe, the outcafts of their country, 
 Freebooters roving in purfuit of prey, 
 Succcfs by war, or covert ftratagem 
 Alike is glorious. Then, my gallant friends, 
 What need of words ? The gen'rous call of freedom, 
 Your wives, your children, your invaded right ;, 
 All that can fteel the patriot breaft with valour, 
 
 Expands
 
 6a THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 Expands and. rouzes in the fwelling heart. 
 
 Follow th' impulfive ardour ; follow me, 
 
 Yqur king, your leader j in the friendly gloom 
 
 Of night afTault their camp ; your country's love, 
 
 And fame eternal, fhall attend the men 
 
 Who march'd through blood and horror, to redeem 
 
 From the invader's pow'r, their native land. 
 
 Callp. Lead to the onfet ; Greece fhall find we bear 
 Hearts prodigal of blood, when honour calls, 
 Refolv'd to conquer or to die in freedom. 
 
 Dion. Thus I'varefolvM : when the declining moon. 
 Hath veil'd her orb, our filent march begins. 
 The order thus : Calippus, thou lead forth 
 Iberia's fons with theNumidian bands, 
 And line the fhore. Perdiccas, be it thine 
 To march thy cohorts to the mountain's foot, 
 Where the wood fkirts the valley ; there make halt 
 Till brave Amyntor ftretch along the vale t 
 Ourfelf, with the embodied cavalry 
 Clad in their mail'd cuirafs, will circle round 
 To where their camp extends its furtheft line ; 
 Unnumber'd torches there fhall blaze at once, 
 The fignal of the charge ; then, oh ! my friends, 
 On every fide let the wild uproar loofe, 
 Bid maffacre and carnage ftaik around, 
 Unfparing, unrelenting ; drench your fwords " 
 In hoftile blood, and riot in deftruclion. 
 
 Enter an Officer. 
 
 Dion. Ha ! fpeak ; unfold thy purpofe. 
 
 Officer. Inftant arm ; 
 
 To arms, my liege ; the foe breaks in upon us j 
 The fubterraneous pafs is theirs ; that way 
 Their band invades the city funk in fleep. 
 
 Dion.
 
 A TRAGEDY. 61 
 
 Dion. Treafon's at work ; detefted, treacherous villains ! 
 Is this their promis'd truce? Away, my friends, 
 Rouze all the war ; fly to your fev'ral pofts, 
 And inftant bring all Syracufe in arms. 
 
 [Exeunt. Warlike Mufic. 
 
 Enter M E L A N T H o N. 
 
 Calip. Melanthon, now collect your faithful bands, 
 JVLelan. Do thou purfue the King ; attend his fteps .- 
 Timoleon lords it in the captive city. 
 
 [Exit CALIPPUS. 
 
 Enter PHIL OT AS. 
 
 Melon. Philotas, vengeance has begun its work. 
 
 Phil. The Gods have fent relief; difmay, and terror, 
 And wild amaze, and death in ev'ry fhape, 
 Fill the affrighted city. 
 
 Melan. Tyrant, now 
 Th' inevitable hour of fate is come. 
 Philotas, round the dome that holds Evander 
 We will arrange our men ; there fix our poft, 
 And guard that fpot, till, like fome God, Timoleon 
 Still the wild uproar, and bid flaughter ceafe. [Extunt. 
 
 Scene another Part of the City. 
 
 Enter DIONYSI us. 
 
 Why deep the coward flaves ? All things confpire ; 
 The Gods are leagu'd ; I fee them raze my tow'rs ; 
 My walls and bulwarks fall, and Neptune's trident 
 From its foundation heaves the folid rock. 
 Pallas directs the ftorm j her gorgon fhield 
 
 Glares
 
 62 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 Glares in my view, and from the fleet fhe calls 
 Her Greeks enrag'd. In arms I'll meet 'em all. 
 What, ho ! my guards Arife, or wake no more. 
 
 Enter CALIPPUS. 
 
 Calip. This way, my liege; our friends, a valiant band, 
 Affemble here. 
 
 Dion. Give me to meet the Greek. 
 Our only fafety lies in brave defpair. [Exeunt. 
 
 Scene the Infide of the Temple. 
 
 .A JMcnument in the Middle. 
 E u PHRASIA, ERIXENE, and Female Attendants. 
 
 Euph. Which way, Erixene, which way, my virgins, 
 Shall we dired our fteps ? What facred altar 
 Clafp on our knees ? 
 
 Erix. Alas ! the horrid tumult 
 Spreads the deftruclion wide. On ev'ry fide 
 The victor's {hours, the groans of murder'd wretches, 
 In wild confufion rife. Once more defcend 
 Eudocia's tomb j there thou may 'ft find a flicker. 
 
 Euph. Anon, Erixene, I mean to vifit, 
 Perhaps for the laft time, a mother's urn. 
 This dagger there, this instrument of death, 
 Should Fortune profper the fell tyrant's arms, 
 This dagger then may free me from his pow'r, 
 And that drear vault intomb us all in peace. 
 
 [Puts up the dagger. 
 
 Hark ! how the uproar (wells' Alas what numbers 
 In Dionyfiu-;' cauic fhall yield their throats 
 To the deftructive fword ! Aloft I climb'd 
 
 The
 
 A TRAGEDY. 63 
 
 The temple's vaulted roof; the fcerie beneath 
 
 Is horrible to fight, our domes and palaces 
 
 Blaze to the fky and where the flames forbear. 
 
 The Greeks enrag'd brandifh the gleaming fword. 
 
 From the high roofsj to fhun the raging fire, 
 
 Wretches precipitate their fall. But oh ! 
 
 No paufe, no merc^ ; to the edge o'th* fword 
 
 They give their bodies ; butcher'd, gafh'd with Wounds 
 
 They die in mangl'd heaps, and vHth their limbs 
 
 Cover the fanguine pavement. 
 
 'Erix. Hark ! 
 
 Euph. The Dili 
 
 Of arms with clearer found advances. Ha ! 
 Thatfudden burft ! Again ! They rum upon us f 
 
 The portal opens- Lo ! fee there The foldier 
 
 Enters ; war invades the facred fane } 
 No altar gives a fanchiary now. 
 
 [Warlike mufic. 
 
 Enter DIONYSIUS andCALiPPUs, ivitafeverulfoMers. 
 
 Dion, Here will I mock their fiege j here ftand at bay, 
 And brave 'erri to the laft. 
 
 Calip. Our weary foes 
 Defift from the purfuit. 
 
 Dion. Tho' all betray me, 
 Tho' ev'ry God confpire, I will riot yield. 
 If I miift fall, the temple's pond'rous roof, 
 The manfioh of the Gods combin'd againft me 
 Shall firft be crufh'd, and lie in ruin with me. 
 Euphrafia here ! Detefted, treach'rous woman ! 
 For my revenge preferv'd ! By Hcav'h 'ris well ; 
 Vengeance awaits thy guilt, and this good fword 
 Thus fends thee to atone the bleeding victims 
 This night has maflacred. 
 
 K. Cafy.
 
 $4 THE GRECIAN DAUGtfTEIt: 
 
 Calip. (Holding Dionyftus's arm) My liege forbear ; 
 Her life preferv'd may plead your caufe with Greece, 
 And mitigate your fate. 
 
 Dion. Prefumptuous Have ! 
 My rage is up in arms By Heav'n {he dies. 
 
 Enter EVANDER from the tomb. 
 
 Evan. Open, thou cave of death, and give me way* 
 Horror I forbear ! Thou murd'rer hold thy hand ! 
 The Gods behold thee, horrible aflaffin ! 
 Reftrain the blow ; it were a ftab to Heav'n ; 
 All nature fliudders at it ! Will no friend 
 Arm in a caufe like this a father's hand ? 
 Strike at this bofom rather. Lo ! Evander 
 Proftrate and groveling on the earth before thee ; 
 He begs to die ; exhauft the fcanty drops 
 That lag about his heart ; but fparc my child. 
 
 Dion. Evander ! Do my eyes once more behold him ? 
 May the fiends feizc Philotas ! Treach'rous flave ! 
 'Tis well thou riv'ft' ; thy death were poor revenge 
 From any hand but mrnc. [Offers tojirike. 
 
 Eupb. No, tyrant, no ; (Rujbinglefore EvAxhER. 
 I have provok'd your vengeance ; through this bofom 
 Open a paflage ; firfl on me, on me 
 Kxhauft your fury ; ev'ry Pow'r above 
 Commands thee to refpecl: that aged head ; 
 His wither'd frame wants blood to glut thy rage ; 
 Strike here ; thefe veins are full ; here's blood enough ; 
 The purple tide will gufh. to glad thy fight. 
 
 Dion. Amazement blafts. and freezes ev'ry pow'r ! 
 They fhall not live. Ha ! the fierce tide of war 
 
 [Afaurijh of trumpets. 
 This way comes rufhing on. 
 
 (Goes to the top ofthcjhigr. 
 Eupb*
 
 A TRAGEDY. 65 
 
 Eupb. (Embracing EVANDER) Oh! thus, my father, 
 We'll perim thus together, 
 
 Dion. Bar the gates ; 
 Clofe ev'ry pafiage, and repel their force. 
 
 Evan. And mail I fee tkee bleed ? Oh ! for a fword ! 
 Bring, bring me daggers ! 
 
 Eupb. Ha! 
 
 Dion. (Coming down tbejlagc) Guards fcize the Have, 
 And give him to my rage. 
 
 Evan. (Seized by the guards) Oh ! fpare her, fpare her. 
 Inhuman villains ! 
 
 Eupb. Now one glorious effort ! (Afede. 
 
 Dion. Let me difpatch ; thou traitor, thus my arm-' 
 
 Eupb. A daughter's arm, fell monfter, ftrikes the blow. 
 Yes, firfl /he ftrikes ; an injur'd daughter's. arm 
 .Sends thce devoted to th' infernal gods. (Stabs bim.) 
 
 Dion. Detefied fiend ! Thus by a woman's hand ? 
 
 (He falls.) 
 
 Eupb. Yes, tyrant, yes ; in a dear father's caufc, 
 A woman's vengeance tow'rs above her fex. 
 
 Dion. May curfes blaft thy arm ! May ^Etna's fires 
 Convulfe the land ; to its foundation {hake 
 The groaning ifle ! May civil difcord bear 
 Her flaming brand through all the realms of Greece ; 
 And the whole race expire in pangs like mine. (Dies.) 
 
 Eupb. Behold, all Sicily behold ! The point 
 Glows with the tyrant's blood. Ye flaves, (to the guards) 
 
 look there ; 
 
 Kneel to your rightful king : the blow for freedom 
 Gives you the rights of men ! And oh ! my father, 
 My ever honour'd fire, it gives thee life, 
 
 Evan. My child ; my daughter ; fav'd again by thee ! 
 
 (He embraces her. 
 
 A flcurijh of trumpets, 
 
 K 2 Enter
 
 66 THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER: 
 
 Fntor PHOCIOIC, MELANTHON, PHILOTA?, &V. 
 
 Pho. Now let the monfter yield. My befl Euphrafia !. 
 
 Euph. My lord ! my Phocion ! welcome to my heart. 
 Lo ! there the wonders of Euphrafia's arm ! 
 
 Pho. And is the proud one fall'n ! The dawn fhall fee 
 him 
 
 A fpecracle for public view. Euphrafia ! 
 
 Evander too ! Thus to behold you both 
 
 Evan. To her direct thy looks ; there fix thy praife, 
 And gaze with wonder there. The life I gave her 
 Oh ! fhe has us'd it for the nobleft ends ! 
 To fill each duty ; make her father feel 
 The purefl joy, the heart-djflblving blifs 
 To have a grateful chil.d. But has the rage 
 Of (laughter ceas'M ? 
 
 P/jf>. It has. 
 
 E-jan. Where is Timoleon t 
 
 Pho. lie guards the citadel ; there gives his orders 
 To calm the uproar, and recall from carnage 
 His conqu'ring troops. 
 
 Euph. Oh ! once again, my father, 
 Thy (way fhall bkfs the land. Nor for himfelf 
 Timoleon conquers ; to redrefs the wrongs 
 Of bleeding Sicily the hero comes/ 
 Thee, good Melanthon, thee, 'thou gen'rous man, 
 His juftice /hail reward. Thee too, Philotas, 
 Whofe fympathizing heart could feel the touch 
 Of foft humanity, the hero's bounty, 
 His brightcft honours, fhall be lavifh'd on thce. 
 Evander too will' place you near his throne; 
 And {hew mankind, ev'n on this {here of being, 
 That virtue ftill fhall meet its fure reward. 
 
 PM.
 
 A TRAGEDY. 67 
 
 PhiL I am rewarded : feelings fuch as mine 
 Are worth all dignities ; my heart repays me. 
 
 Evan. Come, let us feek Timoleon ; to his care 
 I will commend ye both : for now, alas ! 
 Thrones and dominions now no more for me. 
 To her I give my crown. Yes, thou, Euphrafia, 
 
 Shalt reign in Sicily. And^oh ! ye Pow'rs, 
 
 In that bright eminence of care and peril, 
 
 Watch over all her ways ; conduct and guide 
 
 The goodnefs you infpir'd, that me may prove, 
 
 If e'er diftrefs like mine invade the land, 
 
 A parent to her people j ftretch the ray 
 
 Of filial piety to times unborn, 
 
 That men may hear her unexampled virtue, 
 
 And learn to emulate THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER ? 
 
 THE END.
 
 POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 A HE Tragedy, here offered to the Publi--. Is founded 
 on a pafTage in VALERIUS MAXIMUS *. We are told 
 by that author, " That a woman of ingenuous birth was 
 " convicted before the PRJETOR of a capital crime, and 
 * c delivered over to the TRIUMVIR to be put to death in 
 * prifon-. The jailer received her into his cuftody, but, 
 *' touched with companion, did not proceed immediately 
 *' ]to execute the fentence. His humanity went fo far as to 
 *' admit the daughter of the unhappy criminal into the 
 ft gaol ; but not without a previous fearch, left any 
 *' nourifhment fhould be fecretly conveyed. To ftarve 
 * c the prifoner to death was his defign. Several days 
 " pafled, when it became matter of wonder how the poor 
 " woman fubfifted fb long. The jailer's curofity was 
 " excited : he watched the daughter narrowly, and faw 
 *' her give her breaft to the famifhed mother, and with 
 fc her milk fupply the cravings of nature. Touched by 
 ' l the novelty of fo affecting a fight, he made his report to 
 " the TRIUMVIR, from whom it reached the PRAETOR, 
 *' and, the whole matter being referred to the JUDICIAL 
 * s MAGISTRATES, the mother received a free pardon. 
 " What will not filial piety undertake ? What place 
 " will it not penetrate ? What will itnotdevife, when, 
 " in a dungeon it finds unheard of means to prefervc 3. 
 *' parent's life ? Is there, in the courfe of human affairs, 
 " a fcene fo big with wonder, as a mother nourished at 
 " the daughter's breaft ? The incident might, at the firft 
 " view, be thought repugnant to the order of nature, if 
 ** TO LOVE OUR PARENTS were not the FIRST LAW 
 *' ftamped by the hand of Nature on the human heart." 
 Thus far VALERIUS MAXIMUS : He goes en in the fame 
 place, and tells aGreektale, in which the heroine performs 
 the fame act of piety to a father in the decline of life. For 
 the purpofes of the drama, the latter ftory has been 
 preferred. The painters long fince feized the fubjecl : 
 and by them it has been called ROMAN CHARITY. 
 
 TS.o 
 
 * Vice Valcr. Max. lib, 5, c. <}, (if Pietiti In Parentts, 7.
 
 POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 The Author has taken the liberty to place it in the reign 
 of DIONYSIUS the Younger, at the point of time when 
 TIMOLEON laid fiege to SYRACUSE. The general effect, 
 it was thought, would be better produced, if the whole 
 had an air of real hiftory. 
 
 Atque it a mcntltur, fie vcris fctlja rctntfcet^ 
 Prhno ne medium^ media m difcrepet vnum. 
 The Author does not wim to conceal that the fubjecl of 
 this Tragedy has been touched in fome foreign pieces : but 
 he thinks it has been only touched. The ZELMIRE of 
 Monf. BELLOY begins after the daughter has delivered 
 her father out of prifon. The play indeed has many 
 beauties; and if the fentiments and bufinefs of that piece 
 coincided with thedefignof THE GRECIAN DAUGHTER, 
 the Author would not have blufhed to walk in the fame 
 tract. But a new fable was abfolutely necefiary : and per- 
 haps in the prefent humour of the times, it is not unlucky 
 that no more than three lines could be adopted from Monf. 
 BELLOY. Every writer, who makes up a ftory with cha- 
 racters and incidents already hackneyed on the Englifh 
 ftage, and invents nothing, cries out with an air of 
 triumph, That he has not borrowed from the wits of' 
 FRANCE. In the Ifle of Man, it is faid, there is an epi- 
 taph in thefe words : " He "who lies here interred, was never 
 " out of this ijland." The poor man was to be pitied : 
 a fimilar inscription upon the tomb ftone of a modern 
 poet, would, perhaps, do as little honour to the memory 
 of the deceafed. 
 
 The Author cannot difmifs-his Play, without declaring 
 that, though in love with the fubject, he has not fatisfied 
 even his own ideas of the drama : he laments that he had 
 neither time nor ability to make it better. To heighten 
 it with additional beauties was rcferved for the decora- 
 tions with which the zeal of Mr. GARRICK: has em- 
 bellifhed the reprefentation ; for the admirable perform- 
 ance of Mr. BARRY ; and, above all, for the enchant-, 
 ing powers and the genius of Mrs. BARRY,
 
 University of California 
 
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