University of Virginia Library

SCEN. II.

Phocas, Mart. taking himself for Herac. Crispus, Exuperius, Amintas, Pulcheria, her Women Guards and Attendants.
PULCH.
See Brother where he comes! what shall we doe?

MARTIAN
taking himself for Heracl.
I am betray'd, here's Exuperius too.

PHO:
What discourse have you now with the Princess?
O'th' marriage I intend?

MARTIAN
taking himself for Heraclius.
'Tis that I pross.

PHO:
Does she incline? prevail you for my Son?

MARTIAN
taking himself for Heraclius.
I have her promise, Sir, it shall be done.

PHO:
'Tis not a little won on her hard heart;
But when?

MARTIAN
taking himself for Heraclius.
That secret she does not impart.

PHO:
Tell me then one that is of greater worth,
'Tis said that you can bring Heraclius forth,
If you love Martian, let me know him too.

MARTIAN
taking himself for Heraclius.
You know him but too well: and him I do,

pointing at Exuperius.
EXUPERIUS
I serve my Prince, who duty does deserve.

MARTIAN
taking himself for Heraclius.
And well thou doest thy promises preserve.

PHO:
I have a note here that does give some hint,
But 'tis obscure, there's much of riddle in't;
And for the meaning I am come to you,
Leontius.

MARTIAN
taking himself for Heraclius.
Call me Heraclius too;
Leontius is no more, nor do I need
To hear my sentence, I'm prepar'd to bleed.

PHO.
And well thou may'st expect it, whose attempt,
From treason, and fowl murther's not exempt.

MART.
taking himself for Heracl.
'Twas what I ought; to serve, and let thee raign,
Both to my name, and birth had bin a stain;
My Fathers blood, cries lowd to me for thine,
Which I'd not spare shouldst thou the Crown resign:
Death I expect, nay, rather death desire,
Since of our courage, 'tis the greatest trier:
That death I fear'd not, I have shown for thee,
That thy Son lives, the thanks belong to me.

PHO.
This allegation is but weakly made,
Leontius sav'd my Son, that debt's well pay'd;
Heraclius then, methinks should find some shame,
To beg more payment in another name.
But grant you sav'd my Son, you would kill me,
Though calld a Tyrant, yet I just will be:
I owe thee for his life, thou me for mine,
Leons shall scape, but justice forfeits thine.
Against a Princes life, there's nothing weighs,
Treason deserves death, noble Acts just praise.

MARTIAN
taking himself for Heraclius.
Which you but pay unto my borrowed name;
But know your Tyranny shall build my fame;
I as Heraclius by my death will shew
What to my honour, and my birth I owe,
Make that so glorious that my subjects shall
Grieve for my loss, rejoice to see thee fall.

PHOCAS.
Well, we shall see your courage, the next room
May cool your heat, there you shall know your doom.

MART:
taking himself for Heracl:
Madam, farewel; but know, my latest breath
Shall be to those that can prevent your death.

Exit with Crispus and Guards.