Chrysothemis
(But that intemperate passion rules her mind)
The guard of prudence: this she casts away.
On what high hope depending art thou arm'd
With this fierce daring, and dost call me forth
To act beneath thy guidance? Seest thou not
Thou art a woman, not a man, in strength
995
Inferior to thy foes; and that each day
A more exalted state their fortune finds,
Whilst ours flows backwards, and to nothing sinks ?
A foe so potent who shall dare attack,
And without ruin from his force retreat?
Take heed lest to our present ills we add
A weight of heavier ills, should any hear
1000
This bold discourse; for little would avail,
1000
Little advantage us our glorious fame,
If with disgrace we die; for not in death
Is the most dreadful ill, but when we wish
To die, and have not death within our pow'r.
But I implore thee, ere thou crush us quite
In hideous ruin, and o'er all our race
Bring total desolation, check thy rage;
1005
And this bold converse I will always keep
Secret and undivulged. Do thou restrain
Thy daring spirit, and by time be taught,
Weak as thou art, to sovereign pow'r to yield.
