_King_. How now, _Thersander_, what, still melancholy? Upon the first Appearance of your Sadness, I thought’t had been for fighting with a Woman; But now I fear that could not be the Cause, Unless ‘twere fortify’d by stronger Passions-- ’.is not impossible, but when you saw The Eyes of _Cleomena_ in the Combat They might disarm your Rage, and teach you Love. If this be all, I’ll offer Peace in such a time As they’re not able to make War against us, And with it Propositions of a Marriage. _Ther_. Happy Mistake! Great Sir, I’ll not deny the Eyes of _Cleomena_ Have given me Wounds which nothing else can cure; And in that Moment when I would have kill’d her, They staid my guilty Hand, and overcame The shameful Conqueror-- I’ll say no more, nor give Laws to your Bounty; But if your Majesty approve my Flame, I shall receive her as the greatest Blessing Heaven can bestow upon me. _King_. I’m glad to find my Son of my Opinion; For I have already propos’d it to ‘em, Which I believe they will with Joy embrace. _Ther_. All but the lovely Princess, whose Aversion Is still so great against our Family, That I despair she ever will be drawn to’t. _King_. They’ll hardly rally up their routed Forces To make fresh War upon us; they’re at our Mercy now, And as an Honour will embrace the Alliance. _Ther_. Pray Heaven they may. _King_. If they refuse I will recall my Mercy, And make them dearly buy their Scorn; Come, we expect our Herald from their Tents. [_Exeunt_. SCENE V. Cleomena’s _Apartments_. _Enter_ Queen, Cleomena _in a Night-Gown_, Semiris. A Table with Pen and Ink. _Cleo_. Madam, I confess my self unworthy of your Tenderness. _Qu_. Ah, _Cleomena_! you value my Repose at too cheap a Rate, When you expose a Life so dear to me To so much Danger, as to fight _Thersander_. _Cleo_. I am not the first Person of my Sex Has drawn a Sword upon an Enemy; Do you not say he is my Father’s Murderer? And does he not deprive me of that Crown, You say the Gods have destin’d me to wear? _Qu_. ‘Tis true, he’s Son to him that kill’d thy Father; But bating that, he has committed nothing But what wou’d rather cause esteem than hate. _Cleo_. Pardon me, Madam, if I am forc’d to say, My Sentiments cannot correspond with yours. _Qu_. What think you of a Husband in this Prince? _Cleo_. How, Madam, marry _Thersander_! _Qu_. The King has generously offered it; My Council do approve it, and the Army Cannot contain their Joy for the blest News. _Cleo_. Gods! let the Council and the Army perish, E’er I lose one single Moment of my Satisfaction; Is this the Hate which with my Milk you made me suck For all that Race? is this th’ Effect of my fierce Education? _Qu_. All things must be preferr’d to th’ Publick Good, When join’d with my Commands. _Cleo_. What you command, I dare not disobey: But, Madam, I beseech you do not claim That cruel Duty here.