University of Virginia Library

Scena Quarta.

Felix, Albin.
Felix.
Albin , I do me violence, but I must,
My gentle nature would have easily
Destroy'd me, let the peoples rage at present
Display it self, and let Severus thunder,
And fret with fury having performed this
I am secure; but art not thou surpriz'd
With this unshaken constancy? seeth thou
Impenetrable hearts like his, or such
Horrid impieties? I have satisfied
My grieved heart, and have neglected nothing
To make his soft and yielding; I have feigned
Before thy eyes base wickedness, and surely
Had it not been for his last blasphemies,
Which fill'd me suddenly with fear and anger,
I should have scarce triumphed o'r my self.

Alb.
You'l one day curse perhaps this victory,
Which savoureth of I know not what an action
Too black, unworthy Felix, and a Roman,
Shedding your blood thus by your proper hand.

Fel.
So sometime Brutus, and stout Manlius shed it,
Which added to their glory, far from lessening it;
Never have our old Hero's had ill blood,
But they have opened their proper bowels
To let it out.

Alb.
Your heat seduceth you;
But whatsoe'r it tell you, when you once
Shall find it cold, when you shall see Paulina,
And that her sad despair expressed by
Her crys and waylings shall come forth to move you.—

Fel.
Thou mak'st me to remember that she follow'd
That Traytor, This despair which she will shew,
May interrupt the effect of my command;
Go therefore, and giue order it be done,
See what he doth, break any obstacle
Her griefs may give unto it, and withdraw her
From that sad spectacle, if thou canst indeavour
To comfort her; go then, who holdeth thee?

Alb.
There is no need, Sir, she returns her self.