University of Virginia Library

SCENE X.

Sabina, Emirena, Aquilius.
Sab.
Say, what means Augustus?
Aquilius, speak.

Aquil.
The secret lies not deep
To searching eyes. Augustus is a lover,
And yonder stands your rival.

Emir.
Gracious empress,
So Heaven preserve you long for Cæsar, hear
And succour the distress'd—my crown, my husband,
My country and my father, all are lost.

Sab.
[aside.]
The haughty fair derides me.

Emir.
On this hand,
This royal hand permit me thus—

Sab.
Away:
I am not yet become the wife of Cæsar,
Nor art thou wretched as thy words imply;
Since Fortune, leaving still thy wonted beauty,
Has little taken from thee. At thy choice
Thou may'st acquire even more than thou hast lost,
And I perhaps from thee, some future time,
May ask that grace which now thou seek'st of me.

Emir.
My shameful bonds—

Sab.
No more—I would be private.

Emir.
O! Heaven! what sorrows must this breast endure.

[Exit.