Cleo. But oh! Clemanthis, I forgot my Fate,
My Destiny depends upon my People;
Urg’d by the Queen, they’ve made a Resolution
To give me to that Prince who does most powerfully
Advance the Ruin of the King of Scythia.
Ther. Madam, I am not ignorant of the Conditions
That are impos’d on those who pretend to you;
I will not only serve you in this War
With more Success than any,
But set the Crown of Scythia on your Head.
Cleo. That’s bravely said.
Ther. Perhaps it seems extravagantly spoken,
In the Condition you behold me now;
But here I vow—I never will demand
[Kneels.
The Divine Cleomena till I have crown’d her—
Yes, Madam, till I have crown’d her Queen of Scythia.
—Till then—give me but hope—enough, to live—
[Rises.
Cleo. That’s to your Passion due; and when I know Who ‘tis I favour—I will more allow.
Sem. Madam, the Queen is here.
Enter Queen, Honorius, Artabazes, Ismenes, Guards,
Attendants, &c.
Queen. I am glad to see you all in Readiness;
To morrow I intend to be i’th’ Camp,
—And Cleomena is your General;
Since ‘tis her Cause we fight, it is but just
She share the Danger of it with the Glory.
Arta. We all approve it, Madam, and are proud
Fair Cleomena shall a Witness be
Of what we do to serve her,
And see the easy Conquest we shall make
Upon the Persons of her Enemies.
Hon. I know not, Sir, what you may do, But we have found it not so easy.