silis, this news--
Basilis, his new city, which he now
Near Lycosura builds, Lycaon's town,
First city founded on the earth by men.
He to thee sends me on, in one thing glad,
While all else grieves him, that his grandchild's death
Extinguishes distrust 'twixt him and thee.
But I from our deplored mischance learn this:
The man who to untimely death is doom'd,
Vainly you hedge him from the assault of harm;
He bears the seed of ruin in himself.

_The Chorus._

So dies the last shoot of our royal tree!
Who shall tell Merope this heavy news?

_Polyphontes_

Stranger, this news thou bringest is too great
For instant comment, having many sides
Of import, and in silence best received,
Whether it turn at last to joy or woe.
But thou, the zealous bearer, hast no part
In what it hath of painful, whether now,
First heard, or in its future issue shown.
Thou for thy labour hast deserved our best
Refreshment, needed by thee, as I judge,
With mountain-travel and night-watching spent.--
To the guest-chamber lead him, some one! give
All entertainment which a traveller needs,
And such as fits a royal house to show;
To friends, still more, and labourers in our cause.

[Attendants _conduct_ AEPYTUS _within the palace_.

_The Chorus_

The youth is gone within; alas! he bears
A presence sad for some one through those doors.

_Polyphontes_

Admire then, maidens, how in one short hour
The schemes, pursued in vain for twenty years,
Are--by a stroke, though undesired, complete--
Crown'd with success, not in my way, but Heaven's!
This at a moment, too, when I had urged
A last, long-cherish'd project, in my aim
Of peace, and been repulsed with hate and scorn.
Fair terms of reconcilement, equal rule,
I offer'd to my foes, and they refused;
Worse terms than mine they have obtain'd from Heaven.
Dire is this blow for Merope; and I
Wish'd, truly wish'd, solution to our broil
Other than by this death; but it hath come!
I speak no word of boast, but this I say:
A private loss here founds a nation's peace.

[POLYPHONTES _goes out_.

_The Chorus_

Peace, who tarriest too long; _str._
Peace, with delight in thy train;
Come, come back to our prayer!
Then shall the revel again
Visit our streets, and