2ND MAN.
Without relief!

1ST MAN.
Cruel death!

2ND MAN.
Fell decree!



ACT II.

SCENE I.--THE KING, PSYCHE, AGLAURA, CIDIPPE, LYCAS, _and_
FOLLOWERS.


PSY. The cause of your tears, my Lord, is dear to me; but you are too
kind when you allow a father's love to overmaster the duties of a
great king. The homage which here you pay to nature is fraught with
too much injury to the rank which you hold. I must decline its
touching favours. Check somewhat the sway of your grief over your
wisdom, and cease to honour my destiny with tears, which, springing
from a king's heart, show weakness.

KING. Ah! my daughter! close not my eyes to these tears; my grief is
reasonable, even though it be extreme; and when such a loss as mine
must endure for ever, wisdom herself, believe me, may weep. 'Tis in
vain that pride of regal sway bids us be insensible to such
calamities; as vain for reason to come to our help, and desire us to