SCENE II.
The Inside of the Temple.
Enter Phocion and Melanthon.
Phoc. Each step I move, a grateful terror shakes
My frame to dissolution.
Mel. Summon all
Thy wonted firmness; in that dreary vault
A living king is number'd with the dead.
I'll take my post, near where the pillar'd aisle
Supports the central dome, that no alarm
Surprise you in the pious act.
[Exit.
Phoc. If here
They both are found; if in Evander's arms
Euphrasia meets my search, the fates atone
For all my suff'rings, all afflictions past.
Yes, I will seek them—ha!—the gaping tomb
Invites my steps—now, be propitious Heaven!
[He enters the Tomb.
Enter Euphrasia.
Eup. All hail, ye caves of horror!—In this gloom
Divine content can dwell, the heartfelt tear,
Which, as it falls, a father's trembling hand
Will catch, and wipe the sorrows from my eye,
Thou Pow'r supreme! whose all-pervading mind
Guides this great frame of things; who now behold'st me,
Who, in that cave of death, art full as perfect
As in the gorgeous palace, now, while night
Broods o'er the world, I'll to thy sacred shrine,
And supplicate thy mercies to my father.
Who's there?—Evander?——Answer——tell me——speak——
Enter Phocion, from the Tomb.
Phoc. What voice is that?—Melanthon!