_Phil._ Nay, by the gods, should you so die, my maid, Then Sicil' will have groaning cause 'gainst one Who robs her country to make rich her grave. Immortal Beauty must herself go wronged Should you so break her living mould in you, And drain her veins to your fair body trusted For warm and deathless passage. _The._ [_Springing up_] Are you man Or monster that you foul this hour with thought So gross? _Phil._ A man--no more, no less--who loves Your mother's daughter. Hate me as you will, I here adopt your grief,--with oath and tear Take it to love as my own child of woe, And swear you faith to death. _The._ The gods, my lord. Record not oaths of men till they've received The confirmation of an act. I'll wait Their seal on yours. _Phil._ This night---- _The._ Sir, will you go? Stay not to rouse Ocrastes' rage. _Phil._ You think He'll come? _The._ I've sent for him. _Phil._ You're proudly sure. Will coo your loves by this forbidding bed? _The._ Ay, for her hovering shade knows now the truth. [_Enter Heraclides_] _Her._ Pardon, my lord, that I have sought you out. The hour like an unbridled courser needs Strong hands upon it. Ah,--death here? _Phil._ There lies Delay's excuse,--and yet 'tis none, for woe Whose feast is but a heart should lift no head Beside the large calamity that makes A morsel of a state. How goes our matter? _Her._ Aristocles is locked within the castle, In care of Dionysius' guards. _Phil._ Ah, then He's safe. _Her._ As safe as we could wish, my lord. And I've yet fresher news. Ocrastes joins us, With wealth and courage like an Atlas back To bear our venture. _Phil._ He revolts from Dion? Ocrastes? _Her._ He, my lord. _Phil._ What works this change? _Her._ A lady's morning cheek and golden hair. He now is wed to absent Dion's wife. _Phil._ What say you, sir? _Her._ The lords were in debate Of who should have her, when out comes Ocrastes, And cries his claim with such o'er-riding proof That Dionysius claps a quick assent And all the court confirm him sullenly. Ocrastes goes to Italy for troops To meet the force which Dion brings from Greece---- _Phil._ But this new marriage! Tell us more. Belike I've missed some sport. _Her._ Sport? Ha! It was a scene. _Phil._ But went the lady to him willingly?