_Her._ O, she was modest, played chameleon And chang�d color rhythmically, as though A music of sweet shades sat on her cheek, Then coyly swooned, but her reviving eye, Methinks, looked kindly on his youthful beauty. _Phil._ [_Watching Theano_] And the young lord? Did not his countenance Play hers a blushing match? _Her._ Ay, shame and will Mapped out his face between 'em, but short met In love's red constancy. _The._ O! O! _Her._ Once more The lady fainted, but 'twas in his arms. Ha, ha! _The._ And yet I live! _Phil._ How long, my lord, Since this bold comedy? _Her._ 'Tis now two hours Behind us. _Phil._ [_To Theano_] Ah, before he came to you! What shameless shame! _The._ He loved me! How--O, why? _Phil._ Nay, ask not why. As well essay to trace The legend that the soft and curling foam Writes on the shaken wave as fix love's path With steady eye or his vagaries mark. Farewell an hour. I'll come again to-night To serve your grief. You'll learn at last to trust me, And in my heart seek comfort. [_Exeunt Phillistus and Heraclides_] _The._ Oh, oh, oh! He does not love her. Would he did! I then Might honor him that dared dishonor truth For love's almighty sake,--but 'twas to save His life. Ah, me, his life that sav�d thus Abates all value and becomes as clay. _Meth._ Sweet mistress! _The._ O, O me! _Meth._ Stay this hot flood. Tears bring no lover back. Ay, not though maids Should weep until their cheeks were but a mead For two salt brooks to play. _The._ O, leave me! _Meth._ Nay---- _The._ Leave me, I say! Away! [_Exit Methone_] O death! O life!-- Which wears the darker face? Here is my choice. [_Falls by Nauresta's body_] [_Curtain_] SCENE 2. _A bare room in the castle fort. Aristocles alone._ _Aris._ They said a bed would be provided me, But nothing's here. And nothing's all he needs, Who holds himself a soul stripped of the world And its necessities. [_Lies down_] That fellow took My cloak. Good luck to him. Philosophy, Thou art the only sail no wind may drive Into misfortune's port. How still the world! The silence like a great Accuser stares, Full of dumb curses looking from large eyes. [_Rises and walks_]