Page:Poems of Anne Countess of Winchilsea 1903.djvu/506

 868 THE POEMS OF ANNE �From whence these Hands have dug my way to Light. 'Tis Aristomenes that stands before you. �Amal. O blest and strange Surprise! [Aside- �Aristom. Now, if you have a Soul for noble Deeds, As 'tis reported of you Spartan Ladies, By my Escape your Fame shall rise so high, That ne'er an ancient Heroes shall outsoar it: If not, I know the Place from whence I came, 60 �And 'twill be told with more uncommon Things, Which shall make up the Story of my Fortunes, That I alone liv'd to be there twice Bury'd. [She looks about. Nay, look not round ; for if you fear you wrong me, I wou'd not injure you, to gain my Safety. �Amal. Nor wou'd I fail to help you to secure it, For all that Lacedemon holds most Precious. I gaz'd about, lest any were in sight, That might prevent my dear Design to save you. Support me, as I walk, like one that serv'd me, 70 �And when they have unlock'd that Postern-door, I'll give you some Command before the Guard, Which to perform they shall admit your Passage : Or this must force it, if your evil Stars �[Gives him her Dagger. Have plac'd such there, as know and wou'd detain you. �Aristom. As long as Life, I'll proudly wear this Favour. �Amal. Oh ! haste, my Lord, lose not this precious moment. �Aristom. No, stay ; and ere I take one step tow'rds Free- dom, �Let me be told, to whose blest Aid I owe it ; And how I may discharge so vast a Debt : 80 �Tho' I, and all that's dear to me shou'd perish, I wou'd not stir, 'till satisfy 'd in this. �Amal. Know then, my Lord Tho' whilst I speak, I tremble for your Danger, ��� �