Ther. Encourag’d thus, I cannot fail of Conquest; [Bows to her, and speaks low. But, Madam, if Thersander be as nice [Turns to the Queen. As these two Princes are, it will be hard To get him to accept a Challenge from me.
_Cleo. Clemanthis’. Deeds has rais’d his Fame too high
To be esteem’d unworthy of that Justice;
Nor can we find the Scythian Prince a Foe
More equal to his Youth and Valour too.
Ther. If Fortune bless me with Success to Day, I’ll owe it to your Cause and not my Sword.
Qu. May’st thou be ever Victor. [They lead him out.
Manent Arta. Ism.
Art. My Art shall fail me then.
Ism. You are displeas’d, Sir.
Art. Is that a Wonder?
Who can be tame, and see an unknown Youth,
Who brings no Forces but his single Arm,
Ravish the Hope and Spoil of Victory from us.
And rival us in Love as well as Glory,
Whilst both our Claims to Cleomena’s Heart
Must be neglected since we want Success?
Ism. We could pretend to her no other way.
Art. Have you, or I, less Virtue than Clemanthis?
Ism. Yes, if we envy at his Merits.