MEROPE.
Discovery of a visit made by stealth.
THE CHORUS.
With arms then they should send him, not by stealth.
MEROPE.
With arms they dare not, and by stealth they fear.
THE CHORUS.
I doubt their caution little suits their ward.
MEROPE.
The heart of youth I know; that most I fear.
THE CHORUS.
I augur thou wilt hear some bold resolve.
MEROPE.
I dare not wish it; but, at least, to hear
That my son still survives, in health, in bloom;
To hear that still he loves, still longs for, me,
Yet, with a light uncareworn spirit, turns
Quick from distressful thought, and floats in joy—
Thus much from Arcas, my old servant true,
Who saved him from these murderous halls a babe,
And since has fondly watch'd him night and day
Save for this annual charge, I hope to hear.
If this be all, I know not; but I know,
These many years I live for this alone.
[Merope goes in.
