Cleo. I am not the first Person of my Sex
Has drawn a Sword upon an Enemy;
Do you not say he is my Father’s Murderer?
And does he not deprive me of that Crown,
You say the Gods have destin’d me to wear?
Qu. ‘Tis true, he’s Son to him that kill’d thy Father; But bating that, he has committed nothing But what wou’d rather cause esteem than hate.
Cleo. Pardon me, Madam, if I am forc’d to say, My Sentiments cannot correspond with yours.
Qu. What think you of a Husband in this Prince?
Cleo. How, Madam, marry Thersander!
Qu. The King has generously offered it; My Council do approve it, and the Army Cannot contain their Joy for the blest News.
Cleo. Gods! let the Council and the Army perish,
E’er I lose one single Moment of my Satisfaction;
Is this the Hate which with my Milk you made me suck
For all that Race? is this th’ Effect of my fierce Education?
Qu. All things must be preferr’d to th’ Publick Good, When join’d with my Commands.
Cleo. What you command, I dare not disobey: But, Madam, I beseech you do not claim That cruel Duty here.
Qu. You’ll find it fit to change that peevish Humour, And I will leave you to consider of it. [Exit.