DANAË. Which fingers mixed the poison? See, I kiss them, Trust them ever to do their will with me. There is no poison in a poppy-seed; The seedling draws its venom from the earth-- 'Tis the earth's natural need for such event.
LAODICE. Ay, but the disposition is in the seed; I poison by a motion of the heart.
_RHODOGUNE, a Parthian waiting-woman, enters._
RHODOGUNE. Madam, the governor of Ephesus Comes newly from the harbour to your will.
LAODICE. Bid this Ephesian governor to me.
RHODOGUNE _goes out._ LAODICE _lays a hand on_ DANAË'S _heart._
SOPHRON. Queen, am I swift enough to your commanding?
LAODICE. I am ever rich in your discerning service. Why came you by the sea?
_She sees that_ SOPHRON'S _gaze is fixed on_ DANAË, _who does not look at him._
LAODICE. Does not the way by land still fit mine urgence?
SOPHRON. Your safety's urgence made it seem most good To search the straits for masts of Ptolemy.
LAODICE. Ha.... Yes.... And did you speak with any such?
_DANAË looks at SOPHRON and shakes her head._
SOPHRON. The seas were void of alien keels to-night.
LAODICE. Are there Egyptians seen in Ephesus?
SOPHRON. None since the aged men who mummied the king.
LAODICE. Tell me the common talk of Egypt's plan; And what device to handle Ptolemy Is in your friendly mind.
SOPHRON. There's but a common fear of Egypt's secret. We cannot meet him yet unless the cities, Yes, all these cities of men, take hands with us.
LAODICE. Must I keep house in Smyrna still, my man? Play queen in a corner harmlessly?
SOPHRON. Madam, The coast is safer here than at Ephesus, Retreat on Sardis safer and more ready.
LAODICE. I more withdrawn apart from my main kingdom, Baffled from drainage of the unended East. I have required you here because a word, Perhaps a word malicious, has crept here: It has been said that some Ephesian men Have bartered for my town with Ptolemy-- Do you know any of these? Do they live?
SOPHRON. There are none known: such could not sell past me.
LAODICE. They use my palace: examine those about you.
SOPHRON. There is no need: I know them to be clean.
_DANAË again shakes her head, but more eagerly._
LAODICE, _turning her head and looking up at DANAË suddenly._ Why do you tremble, girl? There's nought to fear.