 | Decius and Paulina |  |
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SCENE VIII.
Decius, Simo.Dec.
Simo, what says the charming Maid?
Will she be kind, and yield to Love?
Simo.
'Tis hard a Woman's Will to find,
Or by her Words expound her Mind.
Dec.
Keep me not in Suspense,
But say, at once, what Hopes remain?
Simo.
Then longer not in Doubt to hold you,
Take This—and think my Story told you.
[Gives Decius the Bracelet.
Dec.
Does she my Presents and my Love despise?
Proud and disdainful Fair!
Thus to requite the Pains I've bore!
O Realms of Night! O gloomy Pow'rs!
Receive me to your peaceful Bow'rs:
Receive me to your peaceful Bow'rs:
A Wretch, whom cruel Fate has made
Unfit for Light and upper Day,
Grows sick of you resplendent Ray,
And, courting Death, invokes your Aid.
Unfit for Light and upper Day,
Grows sick of you resplendent Ray,
And, courting Death, invokes your Aid.
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O Realms of Night! O gloomy Pow'rs!
Receive me to your peaceful Bow'rs.
Receive me to your peaceful Bow'rs.
Simo.
My Lord, I grieve for your Distress;
Live, and in Hope, at least, possess.
Paulina, tho' of Love afraid,
Is still a superstitious Maid,
And by her Zeal may be betray'd.
Dec.
Say on;—thy mystick Words explain.
Sim.
Oft she to Isis' Temple goes,
And piously renews her Vows;
With Gold suborn th'attending Tribe
Of Priests, (for Priests will take a Bribe,)
And they, by some well-wrought Device,
Will Her to your Embrace entice.
Dec.
Thou kindest, best Assistant!
Receive this Earnest of my Love.
[Gives Simo a Purse with Gold.
Still serve my Flame, and Decius is thy Friend.
But to the sacred Dome I'll strait repair,
And execute the great Design.
Simo, this Signet quick to Fulvius bear,
And from him fifty Talents bring;
I at the Temple shall be found.
[Ex. Simo.
| Decius and Paulina | |