DEMETRIUS, ASPASIA, CALI.
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ALI.At length th' unwilling sun resigns the worldTo silence and to rest. The hours of darkness,Propitious hours to stratagem and death,Pursue the last remains of ling'ring light. DEMETRIUS.Count not these hours, as parts of vulgar time;Think them a sacred treasure lent by heaven,Which, squander'd by neglect, or fear, or folly,No prayer recalls, no diligence redeems.To-morrow's dawn shall see the Turkish kingStretch'd in the dust, or tow'ring on his throne;To-morrow's dawn shall see the mighty CaliThe sport of tyranny, or lord of nations. CALI.Then waste no longer these important momentsIn soft endearments, and in gentle murmurs;Nor lose, in love, the patriot and the hero. DEMETRIUS.'Tis love, combin'd with guilt alone, that meltsThe soften'd soul to cowardice and sloth;But virtuous passion prompts the great resolve,And fans the slumbering spark of heavenly fire.Retire, my fair; that pow'r that smiles on goodness,Guide all thy steps, calm ev'ry stormy thought,And still thy bosom with the voice of peace!
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