gly one--I'll none on't; or
If ever I indulge in't, it shall be
With kings--my equals.

_Myr._ These men sought to be so.

_Sar._ Myrrha, this is too feminine, and springs
From fear----

_Myr._ For you.

_Sar._ No matter, still 'tis fear.
I have observed your sex, once roused to wrath,
Are timidly vindictive to a pitch
Of perseverance, which I would not copy.
I thought you were exempt from this, as from
The childish helplessness of Asian women[t]. 590

_Myr._ My Lord, I am no boaster of my love,
Nor of my attributes; I have shared your splendour,
And will partake your fortunes. You may live
To find one slave more true than subject myriads:
But this the Gods avert! I am content
To be beloved on trust for what I feel,
Rather than prove it to you in your griefs[u],
Which might not yield to any cares of mine.

_Sar._ Grief cannot come where perfect love exists,
Except to heighten it, and vanish from 600
That which it could not scare away. Let's in--
The hour approaches, and we must prepare
To meet the invited guests who grace our feast.
[_Exeunt_.

ACT III.

SCENE I.--_The Hall of the Palace illuminated_--SARDANAPALUS
_and his Guests at Table.--A storm without, and Thunder
occasionally heard during the Banquet_.

_Sar._ Fill full! why this is as it should be: here
Is my true realm, amidst bright eyes and faces
Happy as fair! Here sorrow cannot reach.

_Zam._ Nor elsewhere--where the King is, pleasure sparkles.

_Sar._ Is not this better now than Nimrod's huntings,
Or my wild Grandam's chase in search of kingdoms
She could not keep when conquered?

_Alt._ Mighty though
They were, as all thy royal line have been,
Yet none of those who went before have reached
The acme of Sardanapalus, who 10
Has placed his joy in peace--the sole true glory.

_Sar._ And pleasure, good Altada, to which glory
Is but the path. What is it that we seek?
Enjoyment! We have cut the way short to it,
And not gone tracking it through human ashes,
Making a grave with every footstep.

_