Rho. You make us blush, we have deserved so little.

Pala. And yet instruct us how to merit more.

Leon. And as I would be just in my rewards,
So should I in my punishments; these two,
This, the usurper of my crown, the other,
Of my Palmyra’s love, deserve that death,
Which both designed for me.

Poly. And we expect it.

Arga. I have too long been happy, to live wretched.

Poly. And I too long have governed, to desire A life without an empire.

Leon. You are Palmyra’s father; and as such,
Though not a king, shall have obedience paid
From him who is one.  Father, in that name
All injuries forgot, and duty owned. [Embraces him.

Poly. O, had I known you could have been this king,
Thus god-like, great and good, I should have wished
To have been dethroned before.  ’Tis now I live,
And more than reign; now all my joys flow pure,
Unmixed with cares, and undisturbed by conscience.

  Enter PALMYRA, AMALTHEA, ARTEMIS, DORALICE, and MELANTHA.

Leon. See, my Palmyra comes! the frighted blood
Scarce yet recalled to her pale cheeks,
Like the first streaks of light broke loose from darkness,
And dawning into blushes.—­Sir, you said [To POLY. 
Your joys were full; Oh, would you make mine so! 
I am but half restored without this blessing.

Poly. The gods, and my Palmyra, make you happy, As you make me! [Gives her hand to LEONIDAS.

Palm. Now all my prayers are heard: 
I may be dutiful, and yet may love. 
Virtue and patience have at length unravelled
The knots, which fortune tyed.

Mel. Let me die, but I’ll congratulate his majesty:  How admirably well his royalty becomes him!  Becomes! that is lui sied, but our damned language expresses nothing.

Pala. How?  Does it become him already?  ’Twas but just now you said, he was such a figure of a man.

Mel True, my dear, when he was a private man he was a figure; but since he is a king, methinks he has assumed another figure:  He looks so grand, and so august! [Going to the King.

Pala. Stay, stay; I’ll present you when it is more convenient.  I find I must get her a place at court; and when she is once there, she can be no longer ridiculous; for she is young enough, and pretty enough, and fool enough, and French enough, to bring up a fashion there to be affected.

Leon. [To RHODOPHIL.]
Did she then lead you to this brave attempt?
[To AMALTHEA.] To you, fair Amalthea, what I am,
And what all these, from me, we jointly owe: 
First, therefore, to your great desert we give
Your brother’s life; but keep him under guard
Till our new power be settled.  What more grace
He may receive, shall from his future carriage
Be given, as he deserves.