ACT THE FIFTH SCENE I. The Bower of Semiramis. STATIRA discovered. Stat. Bless me, ye powers above, and guard my virtue ! Where are you fled, dear shades? where are you fled? "Twas but a dream, and yet I saw and heard [Flourish of Trumpets. massy bars: At length we have conquered this stupendous height, And reached the grove. Stat. Ye guardian gods defend me! Roxana's voice! then all the vision's true, Enter ROXANA. Rox. Secure the brazen gate. Where is my rival? 'tis Roxana calls: Stat. And what is she, who, with such towering pride, Would awe a princess that is born above her. Rox. Behold this dagger! 'Tis thy fate, Statira! Behold, and meet it as becomes a queen. Fain would I find thee worthy of my vengeance; Too late thou tremblest at my just revenge, [Holds up the Dagger Stat. Hold, hold, thy hand advanc'd in air: I read my sentence written in thine eyes; thou see him. Fool! but for him thou might'st unheeded live; Slave. Madam, the king and all his guards are come; With frantic rage they thunder at the gate, Too long I have trifled. Let me then redeem Rox. Nor he nor Heaven shall shield thee from my Die, sorceress, die, and all my wrongs die with thee! Enter ALEXANDER, LYSIMACHUS, CASSANDER, PERDICCAS, THESSALUS, OFFICERS, and GUARDS. Ha! Oh! my soul! my queen, my love, Statira! Are these my promised joys? Stat. Alas! My only love, my best and dearest blessing! thee. Alex. Thou shalt not leave me-Cruel, cruel stars! Oh, where's the monster, where's the horrid fiend, Ror. Behold the wretch, who, desperate of thy love, In jealous madness gave the fatal blow! Alex. To dungeons, tortures, drag her from my sight, Stat. My soul is on the wing: Farewell, my most loved lord: ah, me! farewell! Roxana's life-'Twas love of you that caused [Dies. Alex. Yet, ere thou tak'st thy flight-she's gone! she's gone! All, all is hushed, no music now is heard; The roses wither, and the fragrant breath That waked their sweets, shall never wake them more ! Rox. Weep not, my lord! no sorrow can recall her. Oh turn your eyes, and in Roxana's arms, You'll find fond love and everlasting truth. Aler. Hence from my sight, and thank my dear That yet thou art alive. Rox. Yes, thus I'll fasten on your sacred robe, Thus on my knees for ever cling around thee, Till you forgive me, or till death divide us. Alex. Hence, fury, hence; there's not a glance of thine But like a basilisk comes winged with death. Rox. Oh speak not thus to one who kneels for mercy! Think for whose sake it was I madly plunged Alex. Oh, murderess, off! for ever shun my sight, My eyes detest thee, for thy soul is ruin. Rox. Barbarian! yes, I will for ever shun thee. That has revenge in store for perjured love, What means this deadly dew upon my forehead? Cas. The poison works. Enter EUMENES. Eum. Pardon, dread sir, a fatal messenger : Struck with the horror of Statira's fate, But, what I fear most deeply will affect you, Alex. Dead! then he is blest! But here, here lies my fate. Hephestion! Clytus! My victories all for ever folded up In this dear body. Here my banners lost, when Shall I be mad indeed! [Exeunt all but CASSANDER and THESSALUS. Cass. He's gone-but whither? Follow, Thessalus, Attend his steps, and let me know what passes. [Exeunt THESSALUS and CASSANDER, separately. |