 | Decius and Paulina |  |
SCENE V.
Marcellus, Decius.Marc.
Talks he of Love? and idly dreams,
Perhaps, of Joys Paulina may bestow?
Dec.
Ha!—
Did I not hear Paulina's Name?
But from a Rival's Tongue what Name can please!
9
Yes, Decius, I a favour'd Rival boast;
And thy Pretensions dare despise.
Dec.
Insult not on a Woman's Vows,
Whose Faith is short-liv'd as her Charms.
Marc.
Unequal'd Insolence! forbear
With thy licentious Breath to wound her Fame:
Or from my Rage a just Revenge expect.
Fly, e'er the Tempest shake me,
E'er Patience quite forsake me;
Fierce Resentment gives th'Alarm.
E'er Patience quite forsake me;
Fierce Resentment gives th'Alarm.
Love, that sooths to soft Desire,
If Disdain or Vengeance fire,
Can the Soul with Fury arm.
If Disdain or Vengeance fire,
Can the Soul with Fury arm.
Fly, e'er the Tempest shake me,
E'er Patience quite forsake me,
Fierce Resentment gives th'Alarm.
E'er Patience quite forsake me,
Fierce Resentment gives th'Alarm.
Dec.
I have not Leisure to dispute,
But can thy empty Threats contemn;
And know, I ev'ry Art will try
To make the stubborn Maid comply.
[Ex. Decius.
| Decius and Paulina | |