[_Theano goes into palace. Dionysius comes from garden. Ocrastes moves aside and stands in shadow_] _Diony._ 'Tis time our sister should be told Our happy purpose. _A lord._ She is here. [_Aratea re-enters, and hastens across to Dionysius_] _Ara._ My brother, I came to seek you. Lord Aristocles---- _Diony._ Ay, troubles press upon us, dearest sister, And much is trembling in adventure's hand. Now do we need your husband's strength to meet Ill fortune's tide. _Ara._ Then you have sent for Dion? O, you forgive! _Diony._ Speak not that traitor's name! He is the foe 'gainst whom I must go forth. You are to wed a lord whose might shall be My own. To-night! Dost hear? _Ara._ Ay, Dionysius. _Diony._ And art not pleased? No thanks that I provide For your forsaken state? Now, now! One word. Stand not so fixed, as I had ordered you To instant death. _Ara._ You make me marble, sir. Unloose my soul's locked torture with the key Of one retracting word, or I must seek In kinder stone my sole relief from pain. O, say it is not so! This is a jest Will make you weep when you---- _Diony._ Jesting to fools! Not thron�d skies can change what we've determined. This rebel brow shocks my fond heart that toils In your ungracious service. Come, my friends. All to the council hall! With me, my sister. _Ara._ O, brother, not one moment to look back And say farewell to Heaven? Not one to gaze Into the darkness ere I plunge to hell? _Diony._ And let the hour 'tween my intent and deed Lay meddling finger on my purpose? Nay, You know me better, madam. On my lords! Delay's the whetstone sharpens best the blades Of enemies. _Ara._ Go, sir! I am myself. I will not move. If you will tear me hence, And drag your father's daughter at your feet, Then you may take me to the council hall. _Diony._ Your pleasure, sister. Here we'll hold our court. Go, Clitus, to the steps and turn all hither. _Ara._ Art thou my brother, Dionysius? Nay! We are of different mothers. Now I know We are of different fathers, too. _Diony._ You dare! Silence thy slanderous tongue! _Ara._ I say thou 'rt not My royal father's son! _Diony._ His sword is mine! [_Seizes her in a rage, threatening her with his weapon; then slowly releases her and she sinks to bench by pillar of the colonnade. Lords assemble, some talking excitedly but in undertone, others cool and scoffing. Speusippus and friends enter, taking inconspicuous place. Ocrastes keeps in shade, motionless and unnoticed._]