Till I grew stone, as they seemed half to be, And rather let me see Death all than such a being ! And the end? Myr. The Hunter smiled upon me--I should say, His lips, for his eyes moved not-and the woman's Myr. And was: the ancestor of heroes, too, Sar. Had been the son who slew her for her incest.1 130 140 150 1. [For the story of Semiramis and Ninya, see Justinus Hist., lib. i. cap. ii.] 161 Then-then-a chaos of all loathsome things But think not of these things—the mere creations Unused by toil, yet over-wrought by toil Such as might try the sternest. Sar. I am better. Now that I see thee once more, what was seen 170 Sal. Enter SALEMENES. Is the king so soon awake? Sal. So I term you also, Now you have shown a spirit like to hers. And charge once more the rebel crew, who still Keep gathering head, repulsed, but not quite quelled. Sal. 180 There yet remain some hours Of darkness: use them for your further rest. Sar. No, not to-night, if 'tis not gone: methought I passed hours in that vision. Myr. Scarcely one; 190 I watched by you: it was a heavy hour, But an hour only. Sal. That slave deserves her freedom. Freedom only! Your patience That slave deserves to share a throne. 'Tis not yet vacant, and 'tis of its partner Sar. How! of the Queen? Sal. Even so. I judged it fitting for their safety, 200 That, ere the dawn, she sets forth with her children For Paphlagonia, where our kinsman Cotta1 Governs; and there, at all events, secure My nephews and your sons their lives, and with them Their just pretensions to the crown in case Sar. I perish-as is probable: well thought Let them set forth with a sure escort. Sal. Is all provided, and the galley ready That To drop down the Euphrates; but ere they Depart, will you not see Sar. My sons? It may 210 Unman my heart, and the poor boys will weep; Save with some hollow hopes, and ill-worn smiles ? Sal. Requests to see you ere you part-for ever. Sar. Unto what end? what purpose? I will grant Aught—all that she can ask-but such a meeting. I. [See Diod. Siculi Bibl. Hist., lib. ii. 80 c. Cotta was not a kinsman, but a loyal tributary.] VOL. V. G 220 Sal. You know, or ought to know, enough of women, Since you have studied them so steadily,i That what they ask in aught that touches on The heart, is dearer to their feelings or Their fancy, than the whole external world. I think as you do of my sister's wish; But 'twas her wish-she is my sister-you Her husband-will you grant it? Sar. But let her come. Sal. Sar. "Twill be useless: I go. [Exit SALEMENES. We have lived asunder Too long to meet again—and now to meet ! Sal. Re-enter SALEmenes and Zarina. 230 My sister! Courage: Shame not our blood with trembling, but remember From whence we sprung. The Queen is present, Sire. Zar. I pray thee, brother, leave me. Sal. Since you ask it. [Exit SALEMENES. Zar. Alone with him! How many a year has passed,1 Though we are still so young, since we have met, Which I have worn in widowhood of heart. He loved me not yet he seems little changedChanged to me only-would the change were mutual! He speaks not-scarce regards me-not a word, Nor look-yet he was soft of voice and aspect, Indifferent, not austere. My Lord! i. The MS. inserts— (But I speak only of such as are virtuous.) 240 1. [Byron must often have pictured to himself an unexpected meeting with his wife. In certain moods he would write letters to her which were never sent, or never reached her hands. The scene between Sardanapalus and Zarina reflects the sentiments contained in one such letter, dated November 17, 1821, which Moore printed in his Life, pp. 581, 582. See Letters, 1901, v. 479.] Sar. Zarina ! Zar. No, not Zarina-do not say Zarina. That tone-That word-annihilate long years, And things which make them longer. 'Tis too late Sar. 'Tis most true; And that reproof comes heavier on my heart Sar. Your brother said It was your will to see me, ere you went Zar. Our children: it is true. I wish to thank you that you have not divided Once but they have not changed. Sar. I fain would have them dutiful. Nor ever will. I cherish Those infants, not alone from the blind love Sar. Deem not I have not done you justice: rather make them I trust them with you-to you: fit them for I had half forgotten, Zar. Sar. The throne-I say it not in fear—but 'tis 260 270 |