Phil. I thank thee, Arcas; we will act like men
Who feel for other's woes—She leads him forth,
And tremblingly supports his drooping age.
[Goes to assist him.
Enter Euphrasia and Evander.
Eva. Euphrasia, oh! my child! returning life
Glows here about my heart. Conduct me forward;
At the last gasp preserved! Ha! dawning light!
Let me behold; in faith I see thee now;
I do indeed: the father sees his child.
Eup. I have reliev'd him—Oh! the joy's too great;
'Tis speechless rapture!
Eva. Blessings, blessings on thee!
Eup. My father still shall live. Alas! Philotas,
Could I abandon that white hoary head,
That venerable form? Abandon him
To perish here in misery and famine?
Phil. Thy tears, thou miracle of goodness.
Have triumph'd o'er me.
Take him, take your father;
Convey him hence; I do release him to you.
Eva. What said Philotas! Do I fondly dream?
Indeed my senses are imperfect; yet
Methought I heard him! did he say release me?
Phil. Thou art my king, and now no more my pris'ner;
Go with your daughter, with that wond'rous pattern
Of filial piety to after times.
Yes, princess, lead him forth; I'll point the path,
Whose soft declivity will guide your steps
To the deep vale, which these o'erhanging rocks
Encompass round. You may convey him thence
To some safe shelter. Yet a moment's pause;
I must conceal your flight from ev'ry eye.
Yes, I will save 'em, or perish in their cause.
[Exit Philotas.
Eva. Whither, oh! whither shall Evander go?
I'm at the goal of life; if in the race
Honour has follow'd with no ling'ring step,
But there sits smiling with her laurel wreath,
To crown my brow, there would I fain make halt,
And not inglorious lay me down to rest.
Eup. And will you then refuse, when thus the gods
Afford a refuge to thee?