Palm. I must weep for your good fortune; [To Leon.
Pray, pardon me, indeed I cannot help it.
Leonidas,—alas! I had forgot,
Now I must call you prince,—but must I leave you?
Leon. I dare not speak to her; for, if I should,
I must weep too. [Aside.
Poly. No, you shall live at court, sweet innocence,
And see him there. Hermogenes,
Though you intended not to make me happy,
Yet you shall be rewarded for the event.
Come, my Leonidas, let's thank the gods;
Thou for a father, I for such a son. [Exeunt all but Leon. and Palm.
Leon. My dear Palmyra, many eyes observe me,
And I have thoughts so tender, that I cannot
In public speak them to you: Some hours hence,
I shall shake off these crowds of fawning courtiers,
And then— [Exit Leon.
Palm. Fly swift, you hours! you measure time for me in vain,
'Till you bring back Leonidas again.
Be shorter now; and, to redeem that wrong,
When he and I are met, be twice as long! [Exit.
ACT II. SCENE I.
Enter Melantha and Philotis.
Phil. Count Rhodophil's a fine gentleman indeed, madam; and, I think, deserves your affection.
Mel. Let me die but he's a fine man; he sings and dances en François, and writes the billets doux to a miracle.
Phil. And those are no small talents, to a lady that understands, and values the French air, as your ladyship does.