Oroes: The dread secret Hath long been hid in darkness from the eyes Of men within the sepulchre; the shade Of Ninus, and offended heaven, long time Have raised their voice in vain, and called for vengeance.

Arsaces: It must be as thou sayest: for know, but now, Even on this spot, I heard most dreadful groans.

Oroes: It was the voice of Ninus.

Arsaces: Twice the noise Affrighted me.

Oroes: ’Twas he: he calls for vengeance.

Arsaces: He has a right to ask it: but on whom?

Oroes: On the vile murderers, whose detested hands Had of the best of sovereigns robbed mankind; No tracks are left behind of the base treason, But all with him lies buried in the tomb: With ease might they deceive the sons of men, But not the all-seeing eye of watchful heaven, Which pierces the deep night of human falsehood.

Arsaces: O would to heaven this feeble hand had power To punish crimes like these! I know not wherefore, But when I cast my eyes towards you tomb, New horrors rise: O might I not consult That venerable shade, the inhabitant Of those dark mansions?

Oroes: No; it is forbidden: An oracle severe long since denounced The wrath of heaven against whoe’er should press Into this vale of tears, inhabited By death and the avenging gods: await With me, Arsaces, for the day of justice: Soon will it come, and all shall be accomplished: I can no more: sequestered from the world, I pray in secret to offended heaven, Which, as it wills, commissions me to speak, Or close my lips in silence: I have said All that I dare, and all I ought: be careful Lest in these walls a word, or look, or gesture, Betray the secret which the god by me Hath trusted with thee; for on that depends His glory, Asia’s welfare, and thy life. Approach, ye magi, hide these sacred relics Beneath the altar. [The great gate of the palace opens, Assur appears at a distance, surrounded by attendants and guards on every side.] Ha! the palace opens: The courtiers crowding to the queen: behold The haughty Assur with his servile throng Of flatterers round him! O almighty power! On whom dost thou bestow thy bounties here? O monster!

Arsaces: Ha! what meanest thou?

Oroes: Fare thee well: When night shall cast her sable mantle o’er These guilty walls, I’ll have more converse with thee, Before the gods: revere them, my Arsaces, For know, brave youth, their eyes are fixed on thee.

SCENE IV.

Arsaces, Mitranes, in the front of the stage, Assur, Cedar, with attendants, on one side.

Arsaces: His words are dreadful; they affright my soul: What horrid crimes! and what a court is here! How little known! my royal master poisoned, And Assur, but too well I see, suspected!