But now my country knows the sweets of safety,

Freed from her fears; sure now I may indulge

My just esteem for your superior virtue.

Bethas.

Bethas.

Yes, I must think you what you would be thought,

For honest minds are easy of belief,

And always judge of others by themselves,

But often are deceiv'd; yet Parthia breeds not

Virtue much like thine, the barb'rous clime teems

With nought else but villains vers'd in ill.

Arsaces.

Arsaces.

Dissimulation never mark'd my looks,

Nor flatt'ring deceit e'er taught my tongue,

The tale of falsehood, to disguise my thoughts:

To Virtue, and her fair companion, Truth,

I've ever bow'd, their holy precepts kept,

And scann'd by them the actions of my life.

Suspicion surely ne'er disturbs the brave,

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