I love
Sardanapalus.

_Sal._ But wouldst have him King still?

_Myr._ I would not have him less than what he should be.

_Sal._ Well then, to have him King, and yours, and all
He should, or should not be; to have him _live_,
Let him not sink back into luxury.
You have more power upon his spirit than
Wisdom within these walls, or fierce rebellion
Raging without: look well that he relapse not.

_Myr._ There needed not the voice of Salemenes 420
To urge me on to this: I will not fail.
All that a woman's weakness can----

_Sal._ Is power
Omnipotent o'er such a heart as his:
Exert it wisely. [_Exit_ SALEMENES.

_Sar._ Myrrha! what, at whispers
With my stern brother? I shall soon be jealous.

_Myr._ (_smiling_).
You have cause, Sire; for on the earth there breathes not
A man more worthy of a woman's love,
A soldier's trust, a subject's reverence,
A king's esteem--the whole world's admiration!

_Sar._ Praise him, but not so warmly. I must not 430
Hear those sweet lips grow eloquent in aught
That throws me into shade; yet you speak truth.

_Myr._ And now retire, to have your wound looked to,
Pray lean on me.

_Sar._ Yes, love! but not from pain.
[_Exeunt omnes_.

ACT IV.

SCENE I.--SARDANAPALUS _discovered sleeping upon a
Couch, and occasionally disturbed in his slumbers,
with_ MYRRHA _watching_.

_Myr._ (_sola, gazing_).
I have stolen upon his rest, if rest it be,
Which thus convulses slumber: shall I wake him?
No, he seems calmer. Oh, thou God of Quiet!
Whose reign is o'er sealed eyelids and soft dreams,
Or deep, deep sleep, so as to be unfathomed,
Look like thy brother, Death,[23]--so still, so stirless--
For then we are happiest, as it may be, we
Are happiest of all within the realm
Of thy stern, silent, and unwakening Twin.
Again he moves--again the play of pain 10
Shoots o'er his features, as the sudden gust
Crisps the reluctant lake that lay so calm[ac]
Beneath the mountain shadow; or the blast
Ruffle