Rhodogune goes out. Laodice lays a hand on Danaë's heart.
It is now twilight. Sophron enters.
Sophron.
Queen, am I swift enough to your commanding?
Laodice.
I am ever rich in your discerning service.
Why came you by the sea?
She sees that Sophron's gaze is fixed on Danaë, who does not look at him.
Girl, stand behind me.
Danaë obeys.
Why came you by the sea?
Sophron. Lady ... the sea?...
Laodice.
Does not the way by land still fit mine urgence?
Sophron.
Your safety's urgence made it seem most good
To search the straits for masts of Ptolemy.
Laodice.
Ha.... Yes.... And did you speak with any such?
Danaë looks at Sophron and shakes her head.
Sophron.
The seas were void of alien keels to-night.
Laodice.
Are there Egyptians seen in Ephesus?
Sophron.
None since the aged men who mummied the king.
Laodice.
Tell me the common talk of Egypt's plan;
And what device to handle Ptolemy
Is in your friendly mind.
Sophron.
There's but a common fear of Egypt's secret.
We cannot meet him yet unless the cities,
Yes, all these cities of men, take hands with us.
Laodice.
Must I keep house in Smyrna still, my man?
Play queen in a corner harmlessly?
Sophron. Madam,
The coast is safer here than at Ephesus,
Retreat on Sardis safer and more ready.
Laodice.
I more withdrawn apart from my main kingdom,
Baffled from drainage of the unended East.
I have required you here because a word,
Perhaps a word malicious, has crept here:
It has been said that some Ephesian men
Have bartered for my town with Ptolemy—
Do you know any of these? Do they live?
Sophron.
There are none known: such could not sell past me.
Laodice.
They use my palace: examine those about you.
Sophron.
There is no need: I know them to be clean.
Danaë again shakes her head, but more eagerly.