s.

_Poly._ The gods then have not such another gift.
Say who their parents were.

_Her._ My wife, and I.

_Arga._ It is not likely, a virgin, of so excellent a beauty,
Should come from such a stock.

_Amal._ Much less, that such a youth, so sweet, so graceful,
Should be produced from peasants.

_Her._ Why, nature is the same in villages,
And much more fit to form a noble issue,
Where it is least corrupted.

_Poly._ He talks too like a man that knew the world,
To have been long a peasant. But the rack
Will teach him other language. Hence with him!
[_As the Guards are carrying him away, his peruke
falls off._
Sure I have seen that face before. Hermogenes!
'Tis he, 'tis he, who fled away with Eubulus,
And with my dear Eudoxia.

_Her._ Yes, sir, I am Hermogenes;
And if to have been loyal be a crime,
I stand prepared to suffer.

_Poly._ If thou would'st live, speak quickly,
What is become of my Eudoxia?
Where is the queen and young Theagenes?
Where Eubulus? and which of these is mine?
[_Pointing to_ LEON. _and_ PALM.

_Her._ Eudoxia is dead, so is the queen,
The infant king, her son, and Eubulus.

_Poly._ Traitor, 'tis false: Produce them, or--

_Her._ Once more
I tell you, they are dead; but leave to threaten,
For you shall know no further.

_Poly._ Then prove indulgent to my hopes, and be
My friend for ever. Tell me, good Hermogenes,
Whose son is that brave youth?

_Her._ Sir, he is yours.

_Poly._ Fool that I am! thou see'st that so I wish it,
And so thou flatter'st me.

_Her._ By all that's holy!

_Poly._ Again. Thou canst not swear too deeply.--
Yet hold, I will believe thee:--Yet I doubt.

_Her._ You need not, sir.

_Arga._ Believe him not; he sees you credulous,
And would impose his own base issue on you,
And fix it to your crown.

_Amal._ Behold his goodly shape and feature, sir;
Methinks he much resembles you.

_Arga._ I say, if you have any issue here,
It must be that fair creature;
By all my hopes I think so.

_Amal._ Yes, brother, I believe you by your hopes,
For they are all for her.

_Poly._ Call the youth nearer.

_Her._ Leonidas, the king would speak with you.

_Poly._ Come near, and be not dazzled with the splendour,
And greatness of a court.

_Leon._ I need not this encouragement;
I can fear nothing but the gods.
And, for this glory, after I have seen
The canopy of state spread w