196 DRAMATIC SCENES. 



Fool that I was, to tremble at vain laws, 

 Nor learn from him defiance of their frown ; 

 Since innocence and guilt are us'd alike ; 

 Blood-thirsty stabbers, and their destin'd prey > 

 PERSEUS, and HE* I will not call him brother, 

 He wants not that enhancement of his guilt. 



KING. But closer to the point ; and lay before us 

 Your whole deportment this ill-fated day. 



PERSEUS. Scarce was he cool from that embrace this 



morning, 



Which you injoined, and / sincerely gave ; 

 Nor thought he plann'd my death within my arms, 

 When holding vile, oaths, honour, duty, love, 

 He fir'd our friendly sports to martial rage. 

 If war, why not fair war? But THAT has danger. 

 From hostile conflict, as from brother's play, 

 He blushed not to invite me to his banquet. 

 I went not ; and in that was I to blame ? 

 Think you, there nothing had been found but peace,. 

 From whence, soon after, salli'd armed men ? 

 Think you, I nothing had to fear from swords, 

 When from their foils I scarce escaped with life? 



Or poison might his valour suit as well. 



This pass'd, as suits his wisdom, Macedonians L 

 Who volts o'er elder brothers to a throne ; 

 With an armed rout, he came to visit me, 

 Did I refuse to go, a bidden guest ? 

 And should I welcome him, a threatening foe ? 

 Resenting my refusal ; boiling for REVENGE ! 



DEM. t'Tis FALSE. 



ANT. jForbear The King. 



PERSEUS. Had 1 receiv'd them, 



You now had mourn 'd my death, not heard my cause, 

 Dares he deny he brought an armed throng? 

 Call those I name ; who dare this deed, dare all ; 

 Yet will not dare deny that this is true. 

 My death alone can yield a stronger proof ; 

 WiTl no less proof than that content a FATHER-? 



* Pointing at Demetrius. f Most energetically. 



In a low tone. 



