The Prince of Parthia: A Tragedy

VARDANES [_alone_].

I'll seize her, but I'll keep her for myself, It were a sin to give her to his age-- To twine the blooming garland of the spring Around the sapless trunks of wither'd oaks-- The night, methinks, grows ruder than it was, Thus should it be, thus nature should be shock'd, And Prodigies, affrighting all mankind, Foretell the dreadful business I intend. The earth should gape, and swallow cities up, Shake from their haughty heights aspiring tow'rs, And level mountains with the vales below; The Sun amaz'd should frown in dark eclipse, And light retire to its unclouded heav'n; While darkness, bursting from her deep recess, Should wrap all nature in eternal night.-- Ambition, glorious fever of the mind, 'Tis that which raises us above mankind; The shining mark which bounteous heav'n has gave, From vulgar souls distinguishing the brave.

_End of the Third Act._