No More Learning

_ Prince!

_Sal. _ You have shown a soul to-night,
Which, were he not my sister's lord----But now 410
I have no time: thou lovest the King?

_Myr. _ I love
Sardanapalus.

_Sal. _ But wouldst have him King still?

_Myr. _ I would not have him less than what he should be.

_Sal. _ Well then, to have him King, and yours, and all
He should, or should not be; to have him _live_,
Let him not sink back into luxury.
You have more power upon his spirit than
Wisdom within these walls, or fierce rebellion
Raging without: look well that he relapse not.

_Myr. _ There needed not the voice of Salemenes 420
To urge me on to this: I will not fail.
All that a woman's weakness can----

_Sal.
_ Is power
Omnipotent o'er such a heart as his:
Exert it wisely. [_Exit_ SALEMENES.

_Sar. _ Myrrha! what, at whispers
With my stern brother? I shall soon be jealous.

_Myr. _ (_smiling_).
You have cause, Sire; for on the earth there breathes not
A man more worthy of a woman's love,
A soldier's trust, a subject's reverence,
A king's esteem--the whole world's admiration!

_Sar. _ Praise him, but not so warmly. I must not 430
Hear those sweet lips grow eloquent in aught
That throws me into shade; yet you speak truth.

_Myr. _ And now retire, to have your wound looked to,
Pray lean on me.

_Sar. _ Yes, love!