University of Virginia Library

Scena Quarta.

Felix, Albin, Paulina, Stratonica.
Felix.
Is it done, Albin?

Alb.
Yes Sir, and Nearchus
Hath paid for his fault.

Fel.
And Polyeuctes
Hath seen him?

Alb.
Yes, but with an envious eye;
He was on fire to follow him, far from
Retreating, and his heart was firmly fix'd,
In stead of being shaken.

Paul.
Oh! my Father,
I told you so; once more I do beseech you,
If ever my respects gave you content
If you esteem'd them, if you ever lov'd them.—

Fel.
Paulina, you love an unworthy husband
Too much.

Paul.
I had him from your hand, my love
Is without crime, he was your worthy choice,
And for him I have quench'd the fairest fires
That e're were kindled in a heart; I beg
In the name of that blind and quick obedience,
Which I have always rendred to my duty,
Since you had all power on me and my love,
That I at my turn now may prevail with you.
By this just power too much now to be fear'd,
By those fair sentiments which I must smother,
Take not your presents from me, they are dear
Unto mine eyes, and have cost me too much
Not to be precious to me.

Fel.
You are troublesome.

Paul.
Good gods! what do I hear!

Fel.
I love not pitty
But at the rate I would receive thereof,
To touch me with't whether I will or no
By so many vain trials, is to lose
Time and your tears, only to anger me:
You gave it me, but you must understand
I disavow it when you snatch it from me:
Prepare to see this miserable Christian,
And use your best endeavour to perswade him,
When I have used mine; go, and no more
Provoke a Father that doth love you tenderly:
See if you can by your perswasion gain
Your Husband to himself, presently
I'le cause him to come hither, in the mean time
Leave us, I'le try what my discourse can do.

Paul.
Suffer, I do beseech you.—

Fel.
Once again
Leave me alone your grief offendeth me
Asmuch as it afflicts me, all your industry
Must be apply'd to gain you Polyeuctes,
The less you do importune me, the more
You shall advance.