University of Virginia Library

Scœ. II.

The Country.
Otho, Poppea, Petronius, Piso.
Petr.
Why should such God-like forms inhabit here,
And bless th' ignoble sort?

Otho
Pr'ythee, no more:
She sha' not go to Court; ther's discord in't.

Pet.
Now by your Lady's lovely eyes I swear,
That Country sounds not half so well to me.
Is it more harmony to hear a Clown
Whistle his dull Tunes, which you construe solemn,
Than see a Lady softly touch her Lute,
And breath an Ayr to the melodious strings?
Her beauty and her voice so ravishing,
That each Spectators Soul is left in doubt
Where first to mount, into the eye or ear.
The Court!
Now, by my Honor, dearer than my life;
And, as I action love, I think the Court
May well be tearmed the Noble Rendesvous
Of Gallant Spirits: 'tis a Circle, Sir,

Oth.
More I'le allow, it is a golden Circle;
But, like the Carthaginian Hero's KING,
It carries poyson: 'tis a fatal Circle;
Upon whose Magick skirts, a thousand Devils,
In Chrystal forms, sit tempting innocence,
And becken early Virtue from its Center.

Piso.
Now, by my life, I think you councel ill.
I view thee, and oth' sudden, somthing calls
Thee Traytor.
Brother, I never lov'd this man; that's all.

Exit.
Ot.
Why should you lose me on a bare suspicion?
The Gods ram curses on me, thick as Hail,
If e're I harbour'd, in this brest, a thought
But what was Noble, of your spotly loves.
I must be bold to say, yo've done me wrong;
And, but I have by Oath inviolable
Sworn you a friendship firm as Destiny,
Protecting you and yours, I should not thus
Tamely put up your angry Brother's terms.

Oth.
Your pardon, generous friend, he was too blame;
Let my repentance set all right again:
Indeed I am asham'd for what was past.

Pet.
See, our contention has disturb'd your Lady,
And call'd the precious dew into her eyes.

Oth.
No more, my dear; nay, if thou lov'st me, cease.

Pet.
I wonder that the Emperor's so long!
I wrote to have him call Otho to Court,
Imploy him there, and come in person hither.

Exeunt.