Arcas. Take your last farewell. His vigour seems not yet exhausted quite. You must be brief, or ruin will ensue. [Exit. Eva. [Raising himself.] Oh! when shall I get free? These ling'ring pangs Eup. Behold, ye pow'rs, that spectacle of woe! Eva. Despatch me, pitying gods, and save my child; I burn, I burn; alas! no place of rest: [Rises and comes out. A little air; once more a breath of air; Alas! I faint; I die. Eup. Heart-piercing sight! Let me support you, sir. Eva. Oh! lend your arm. Whoe'er thou art, I thank thee: that kind breeze Comes gently o'er my senses-lead me forward: And is there left one charitable hand To reach its succour to a wretch like me? Eup. Well may'st thou ask it. Oh! my breaking heart! The hand of death is on him. Eva. Still a little, A little onward to the air conduct me ; 'Tis well;-I thank thee; thou art kind and good, And much I wonder at this gen'rous pity. Eup. Dost thou not know me, sir? Eva. Methinks I know That voice art thou-alas! my eyes are dim! I do not know thee. Eup. Not your own Euphrasia ? Eva. Art thou my daughter? Eup. Oh! my honour'd sire! Eva. My daughter, my Euphrasia! come to close A father's eyes! Giv'n to my last embrace! Gods! do I hold her once again? Your mercies Are without number. This excess of bliss [Falls on the Couch. O'erpow'rs; it kills; Euphrasia-could I hope it? I die content-Art thou indeed my daughter? Eup. Alas, he faints! the gushing tide of transport Bears down each feeble sense: restore him, Heav'n! Era. All, my Euphrasia, all will soon be well. Pass but a moment, and this busy globe, Its thrones, its empires, and its bustling millions, Eup. I will, my father. Eva. Where, I fear to ask it, where is virtuous Phocion? Eup. Fled from the tyrant's pow'r. Eva. And left thee here Expos'd and helpless? Eup. He is all truth and honour: He fled to save my child, Eva. My young Evander! Your boy is safe, Euphrasia?-Oh! my heart! Eup. Inhuman wretches! Will none relieve his want? A drop of water Eva. These strong emotions- Oh! that eager air- Eup. His eyes are fix'd! And those pale quiv'ring lips! He clasps my hand: Enter PHILOTAS. Phil. Those wild, those piercing shrieks will give th' alarm. Eup. Support him; bear him hence; 'tis all I ask. Eva. [As he is carried off.] O Death! where art thou? Death, thou dread of guilt, Thou wish of innocence, affliction's friend, My child-where art thou? give me; reach thy hand. together. Enter ARCAS. Arcas. The grey of morn breaks thro' yon eastern clouds. "Twere time this interview should end: the hour Now warns Euphrasia hence: what man could dare, I have indulg'd-Philotas!-ha! the cell Left void!-Evander gone!-What may this mean? Philotas, speak. Enter PHILOTAS. Phil. Oh! vile, detested lot, Here to obey the savage tyrant's will, Arcas. She must withdraw, Philotas; The time requires Without or further pause, or vain excuse, Phil. Arcas, yes; My voice shall warn her of th' approaching danger. Enter PHILOTAS. Phil. O! I can hold no more; at such a sight Ev'n the hard heart of tyranny would melt To infant softness. Arcas, go, behold The pious fraud of charity and love; Behold that unexampled goodness; see Th' expedient sharp necessity has taught her; Thy heart will burn, will melt, will yearn to view A child like her. Arcas. Ha!-Say what mystery Wakes these emotions? Phil. Wonder-working virtue! The father foster'd at his daughter's breast! For her own offspring, on the parent's lip Arcas. That device Has she then form'd, eluding all our care, Phil. On the bare earth Evander lies; and as his languid pow'rs D A silent tear steals down; the tear of virtue, And learn, that, while your cruelty prepares With your worst efforts, and can try new modes Arcas. Philotas, for Euphrasia, in her cause Phil. Oh! her lovely daring Transcends all praise. By Heav'n, he shall not die. Acras. And yet we must be wary; I'll go forth, And first explore each avenue around, Lest the fix'd centinel obstruct your purpose. [Exit ARCAS. Phil. I thank thee, Arcas; we will act like men Who feel for others' woes-She leads him forth, And tremblingly supports his drooping age. [Goes to assist him. Enter EUPHRASIA and EVANDER. Eva. Euphrasia, oh! my child! returning life Glows here about my heart. Conduct me forward : At the last gasp preserv'd! Ha! dawning light! Let me behold; in faith I see thee now; I do indeed: the father sees his child. Eup. I have reliev'd him-Oh! the joy's too great; 'Tis speechless rapture! Eva. Blessings, blessings on thee! Alas! Philotas, Could I abandon that white hoary head, Phil. Thy tears, thou miracle of goodness! |