_Palm._ Then 'tis past hope: our cruel fate, I see, Will make a sad divorce 'twixt you and me. For, if you force employ, by heaven I swear, And all blessed beings,-- _Leon._ Your rash oath forbear. _Palm._ I never-- _Leon._ Hold once more. But yet, as he, Who 'scapes a dangerous leap, looks back to see; So I desire, now I am past my fear, To know what was that oath you meant to swear. _Palm._ I meant, that if you hazarded your life, Or sought my father's, ne'er to be your wife. _Leon._ See now, Palmyra, how unkind you prove! Could you, with so much ease, forswear my love? _Palm._ You force me with your ruinous design. _Leon._ Your father's life is more your care, than mine. _Palm._ You wrong me: 'Tis not, though it ought to be; You are my care, heaven knows, as well as he. _Leon._ If now the execution I delay, My honour, and my subjects, I betray. All is prepared for the just enterprise; And the whole city will to-morrow rise. The leaders of the party are within, And Eubulus has sworn that he will bring, To head their arms, the person of their king. _Palm._ In telling this, you may be guilty too; I therefore must discover what I know: What honour bids you do, nature bids me prevent; But kill me first, and then pursue your black intent. _Leon._ Palmyra, no; you shall not heed to die; Yet I'll not trust so strict a piety. Within there! _Enter_ EUBULUS. Eubulus, a guard prepare; Here, I commit this prisoner to your care. [_Kisses_ PALMYRA'S _hand, then gives it to_ EUBULUS. _Palm._ Leonidas, I never thought these bands Could e'er be given me by a lover's hands. _Leon._ Palmyra, thus your judge himself arraigns; [_Kneeling._ He, who imposed these bands, still wears your chains: When you to love or duty false must be, Or to your father guilty, or to me, These chains, alone, remain to set you free. [_Noise of swords clashing._ _Poly._ [_within._] Secure these, first: then search the inner room. _Leon._ From whence do these tumultuous clamours come? _Enter_ HERMOGENES, _hastily._ _Herm._ We are betrayed; and there remains alone This comfort, that your person is not known. _Enter the King,_ ARGALEON, RHODOPHIL, PALAMEDE, _Guards; some like citizens, as prisoners._ _Poly._ What mean these midnight consultations here, Where I like an unsummoned guest appear? _Leon._ Sir-- _Arga._ There needs no excuse; 'tis understood; You were all watching for your prince's good. _Poly._ My reverend city friends, you are well met! On what great work were your grave wisdoms set? Which of my actions were you scanning here? What French invasion have you found to fear? _Leon._ They are my friends; and come, sir, with intent, To take their leaves, before my banishment. _Poly._ Your exile in both sexes friends can find: I see the ladies, like the men, are kind. [_Seeing_ PALMYRA. _Palm._ Alas, I came but-- [_Kneeling._