The Distrest Mother/Act 3, Scene 2
SCENE II.
Orestes, Hermione, and Cleone.
Orest.Madam, your Orders are obey'd; I have seen
Pyrrhus, my Rival; and have gained him for you.
The King resolves to wed you.
Pyrrhus, my Rival; and have gained him for you.
The King resolves to wed you.
Her.So I am told;
And farther, I am informed, that you, Orestes,
Are to dispose me for the intended Marriage.
And farther, I am informed, that you, Orestes,
Are to dispose me for the intended Marriage.
Orest.And, are you, Madam, willing to comply?
Her.Could I imagine Pyrrhus lov'd me still?
After so long Delays, who would have thought
His hidden Flames would shew themselves at last,
And kindle in his Breast, when mine expired?
I can suppose, with you, he fears the Greeks;
That it is Interest, and not Love, directs him;
And, that my Eyes had greater Power o'er you.
After so long Delays, who would have thought
His hidden Flames would shew themselves at last,
And kindle in his Breast, when mine expired?
I can suppose, with you, he fears the Greeks;
That it is Interest, and not Love, directs him;
And, that my Eyes had greater Power o'er you.
Orest.No, Princess, no! it is too plain he loves you:
Your Eyes do what they will, and cannot fail
To gain a Conquest, where you wish they should.
Your Eyes do what they will, and cannot fail
To gain a Conquest, where you wish they should.
Her.What can I do, alas!—my Faith is promised:
Can I refuse, what is not mine to give?
A Princess is not at her Choice to love;
All we have left us is a blind Obedience:
And yet, you see, how far I had complyed,
And made my Duty yield to your Intreaties.
Can I refuse, what is not mine to give?
A Princess is not at her Choice to love;
All we have left us is a blind Obedience:
And yet, you see, how far I had complyed,
And made my Duty yield to your Intreaties.
Orest.Ah, cruel Maid! you knew—but I have done.
All have a Right to please themselves in Love:
I blame you not: 'Tis true I hop'd:———But you
Are Mistress of your Heart: and I am content.
'Tis Fortune is my Enemy; not you.
But, Madam, I shall spare you farther Pain
On this uneasie Theme; and take my leave.
All have a Right to please themselves in Love:
I blame you not: 'Tis true I hop'd:———But you
Are Mistress of your Heart: and I am content.
'Tis Fortune is my Enemy; not you.
But, Madam, I shall spare you farther Pain
On this uneasie Theme; and take my leave.