Zemp. Though thy late actions did my anger move,
It cannot rob thee of a mother's love.
Why shouldst thou grieve?
Grief seldom joined with blooming youth is seen;
Can sorrow be where knowledge scarce has been?
Fortune does well for heedless youth provide,
But wisdom does unlucky age misguide;
Cares are the train of present power and state,
But hope lives best that on himself does wait:
O happiest fortune if well understood,
The certain prospect of a future good!
Aca. What joy can empire bring me, when I know That all my greatness to your crimes I owe:
Zemp. Yours be the joy, be mine the punishment.
Aca. In vain, alas, that wish to Heaven is sent For me, if fair Orazia must not live.
Zemp. Why should you ask me what I cannot
give?
She must be sacrificed: Can I bestow
What to the gods, by former vows, I owe?
Aca. O plead not vows; I wish you had not shown You slighted all things sacred for a throne.
Zemp. I love thee so, that, though fear follows still,
And horror urges, all that have been ill,
I could for thee
Act o'er my crimes again; and not repent,
Even when I bore the shame and punishment.
Aca. Could you so many ill acts undertake, And not perform one good one for my sake?
Zemp. Prudence permits not pity should be shown To those, that raised the war to shake my throne.
Aca. As you are wise, permit me to be just;
What prudence will not venture, honour must;
We owe our conquest to the stranger's sword,
Tis just his prisoners be to him restored.
I love Orazia; but a nobler way,
Than for my love my honour to betray.