Scena tertia. Scene, the Palace.
Enter Smerdis, with a Letter.
Smerd.
He that so well a King can counterfeit,
Should scorn to stick at any smaller cheat.
From his own Copies too I have so near
Pursu'd Theramnes Hand, and Character,
That the most curious, nay, Theramnes's eye,
Did he but see't, could scarce the cheat descry.
Well, it must take. I shall so happy prove,
Both to find out, and to confound their Love.
Enter Theramnes, who seeing Smerdis, offers to withdraw.
Theramnes, stay.
Ther.
—I fear I am too rude.
Smerd.
Theramnes, no, a Friend cannot intrude▪
Ther.
But I have prest into your privacies.
Smerd.
Friendship above all private business is;
Unless it be the high concerns of Love,
And Honour. But there we two equal prove
Rivals in both.
Ther.
What means my King?
Smerd.
—I mean
Onely one Beauty o're us both does Reign.
Ther.
No, you whose Empire's greatness is above
All Rivals, should admit none in your Love.
And think you that my confidence aspires
To Court that Beauty which my King admires.
Smerd.
Think you I can believe you never saw▪
The eyes and charms of the fair Phedima.
Or can you utter so prophane a word,
To say she can be seen and not ador'd?
Ther.
Love, like Religion, never chose one way▪
That all should to one object homage pay.