Classic Poem

SCENE XI.

Ast. What, sue to her! and when I sued disdain me!
How my disgrace grows on me! Let him perish,
And perish by that woman. My resentment
Kindles and burns, to take her charge upon me.
Yet still would he relent, I could forgive him.
Dor. His wife is dead, on whom his heart was fix'd:
That obstacle's remov'd
Ast. And Death hangs o'er him.
That sight perhaps may shake his resolution.
If I could hope, I would delay his sentence.
I dread his death. What is there to be done?
I'll see him ere he dies. O abject thought!
Yes, I will see him, and renew my offers
In his last moments; For whene'er he dies
My mind will ne'er know peace. I will defer it.
I'll sooth the king in his soft hours of love,
When all his strongest purposes are nothing.
When 'tis deferr'd — Would I could cease from thought!
Phra. Tell her as soon as justice is perform'd,
The King requires her thanks — She 's wondrous fair!
You know my will; these are my last commands,
Let punctual care and diligence obey me.