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Rh

Alas! my royal master, do not thus To racking thoughts give way! is there not means To free you from this pain, if you to use them Have courage? Let the empress be convey'd Far from these walls. It is a cruel remedy, But it will give you peace.

I did attempt it, but she has so closely Entwin'd herself upon me—O, my friend, It needs must pass! I in th' unconscious grave Shall be at rest.

But does she know the nature of your fears?

O no! she does not! from that hateful subject, As from a hideous serpent, still with her I've kept aloof.—Alas! what can I do? I could as well into her noble heart Thrust the barb'd dart as tell her what I fear.

Perhaps she still, as from the common horrors Of a sack'd town, may be conjur'd to flee. And here she comes: be it at least attempted.