lover Alcmene.

SCENE III

JUPITER, ALCMENE, CLEANTHIS, MERCURY

JUP. My dear Alcmene, forbid the torch-bearers to come near. They
give me delight in enabling me to see you; but they might betray my
being here, and this were best unrevealed. Restrained by all the
heavy cares with which the glory of our arms held me bound, my heart
has stolen from the duties of my post the moments it has just given
to your charms. This theft, which I have consecrated to your beauty,
might be blamed by the public voice; and the only witness I want, is
she who can thank me for it.

ALC. I take great interest, Amphitryon, in the glory which your
illustrious exploits have cast upon you; the fame of your victory
moves my heart to its depths. But when I see that this disastrous
honour keeps my lover away from me, such is my heart's feeling that
I cannot forbear to think ill of it, and to regret the high order
which makes you general of the Thebans. It is sweet after a victory
to see the glory to which one's lover has been raised; but, from
among the perils attached to this glory, a deadly blow, alas! may
soon fall. With how many fears is one's heart wounded at the report
of the least skirmish! In the horror of such a thought, is there
anything that can console for the threatened stroke? And with
whatever laurels the victor may be crowned, whatever share one may
have in that supreme honour, is it worth what it costs a tender
heart, which trembles every moment for its lover?