Classic Poem

SCENE IX.

Araxes. Astarbe

Ast. I bring the royal mandate, read your order.
The sentence of Sophernes is suspended;
I'd question him in private. Guide me to him.
Ara. He's dead.
Ast. Sophernes dead! when? how? by whom?
Ara. The captive woman by whose hand he fell,
Is gone before the King; just now she parted.
Ast. My guilt, my hate, my love, all war within.
And conscience and distraction will betray me.
Ara. Within that dungeon lyes the breathless body.
Ast. Name him no more. Begone; I'd be alone.
You know my pleasure.
Ara. I am all Obedience.