_Herm._ The same he means, which, since, brought to the king, Made him first know he had a child alive: 'Twas then my care of prince Leonidas, Caused me to say he was the usurper's son; Till after, forced by your apparent danger, I made the true discovery of your birth, And once more hid my prince's. _Enter_ LEONIDAS. _Leon._ Hermogenes, and Eubulus, retire; Those of our party, whom I left without, Expect your aid and counsel. [_Exeunt_ HERM. _and_ EUB. _Palm._ I should, Leonidas, congratulate This happy change of your exalted fate; But, as my joy, so you my wonder move. Your looks have more of business than of love; And your last words some great design did shew. _Leon._ I frame not any to be hid from you; You, in my love, all my designs may see. But what have love and you designed for me? Fortune, once more, has set the balance right; First, equalled us in lowness; then, in height. Both of us have so long, like gamesters, thrown, Till fate comes round, and gives to each his own. As fate is equal, so may love appear: Tell me, at least, what I must hope, or fear. _Palm._ After so many proofs, how can you call My love in doubt? Fear nothing, and hope all. Think what a prince, with honour, may receive, Or I may give, without a parent's leave. _Leon._ You give, and then restrain the grace you shew; As ostentatious priests, when souls they woo, Promise their heaven to all, but grant to few. But do for me, what I have dared for you: I did no argument from duty bring; Duty's a name, and love's a real thing. _Palm._ Man's love may, like wild torrents, overflow; Woman's as deep, but in its banks must go. My love is mine, and that I can impart; But cannot give my person, with my heart. _Leon._ Your love is then no gift: For, when the person it does not convey, 'Tis to give gold, and not to give the key. _Palm._ Then ask my father. _Leon._ He detains my throne; Who holds back mine, will hardly give his own. _Palm._ What then remains? _Leon._ That I must have recourse To arms, and take my love and crown, by force. Hermogenes is forming the design; And with him all the brave and loyal join. _Palm._ And is it thus you court Palmyra's bed? Can she the murderer of her parent wed? Desist from force: So much you well may give To love, and me, to let my father live. _Leon._ Each act of mine my love to you has shewn; But you who tax my want of it, have none. You bid me part with you, and let him live; But they should nothing ask, who nothing give. _Palm._ I give what virtue, and what duty can, In vowing ne'er to wed another man. _Leon._ You will be forced to be Argaleon's wife. _Palm._ I'll keep my promise, though I lose my life. _Leon._ Then you lose love, for which we both contend; For life is but the means, but love's the end. _Palm._ Our souls shall love hereafter. _Leon._ I much fear, That soul, which could deny the body here To taste of love, would be a niggard there.