1; p. [64], 1. 14.]
That Midas wears?--
_Zopyr._ Ha! he has got it on!--
Know you the secret cause why with such care
He hides his royal head? you have not seen--
_Asph._ Seen what?
_Zopyr._ Ah! then, no matter:-- (_turns away agitated._)
I dare not sneak or stay[;]
If I remain I shall discover all.
_Asp._ I see the king has trusted to your care
Some great state secret which you fain would hide.
I am your friend, trust my fidelity,
If you're in doubt I'll be your counsellor. [45]
_Zopyr._ (_with great importance._)
Secret, Asphalion! How came you to know?
If my great master (which I do not say)
Should think me a fit friend in whom to pour
The weighty secrets of his royal heart,
Shall I betray his trust? It is not so;--
I am a poor despised slave.--No more!
Join we the festal band which will conduct
Silenus to his woods again?
_Asph._ My friend,
Wherefore mistrust a faithful heart? Confide
The whole to me;--I will be still as death.
_Zopyr._ As death! you know not what you say; farewell[!]
A little will I commune with my soul,
And then I'll join you at the palace-gate.
_Asph._ Will you then tell me?--
_Zopyr._ Cease to vex, my friend,
Your soul and mine with false suspicion, (_aside_) Oh!
I am choked! I'd give full ten years of my life
To tell, to laugh--& yet I dare not speak.
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