_Sar._ We have lived asunder Too long to meet again--and _now_ to meet! Have I not cares enow, and pangs enow, To bear alone, that we must mingle sorrows, 230 Who have ceased to mingle love? _Re-enter_ SALEMENES _and_ ZARINA. _Sal._ My sister! Courage: Shame not our blood with trembling, but remember From whence we sprung. The Queen is present, Sire. _Zar._ I pray thee, brother, leave me. _Sal._ Since you ask it. [_Exit_ SALEMENES. _Zar._ Alone with him! How many a year has passed[27], Though we are still so young, since we have met, Which I have worn in widowhood of heart. He loved me not: yet he seems little changed-- Changed to me only--would the change were mutual! He speaks not--scarce regards me--not a word, 240 Nor look--yet he _was_ soft of voice and aspect, Indifferent, not austere. My Lord! _Sar._ Zarina! _Zar._ No, _not_ Zarina--do not say Zarina. That tone--That word--annihilate long years, And things which make them longer. _Sar._ 'Tis too late To think of these past dreams. Let's not reproach-- That is, reproach me not--for the _last_ time---- _Zar._ And _first_, I ne'er reproached you. _Sar._ 'Tis most true; And that reproof comes heavier on my heart Than----But our hearts are not in our own power. 250 _Zar._ Nor hands; but I gave both. _Sar._ Your brother said It was your will to see me, ere you went From Nineveh with----(_He hesitates_.) _Zar._ Our children: it is true. I wish to thank you that you have not divided My heart from all that's left it now to love-- Those who are yours and mine, who look like you, And look upon me as you looked upon me Once----but _they_ have not changed. _Sar._ Nor ever will. I fain would have them dutiful. _Zar._ I cherish Those infants, not alone from the blind love 260 Of a fond mother, but as a fond woman. They are now the only tie between us. _Sar._ Deem not I have not done you justice: rather make them Resemble your own line than their own Sire. I trust them with you--to you: fit them for A throne, or, if that be denied----You have heard Of this night's tumults? _Zar._ I had half forgotten, And could have welcomed any grief save yours, Which gave me to behold your face again.