Aetius | ||
376
SCENE IX.
Valentinian, Fulvia, Maximus.Val.
Go then and take thy fate.
[aside.
Max.
My hopes are lost!
[aside.
Fulv.
Most generous prince! on thee may righteous Heaven
Return that happiness thou giv'st to Fulvia!
Thy goodness ever shall be treasur'd here;
Yet, ah! permit me on this sacred hand
To seal my grateful vows.
Val.
No, Fulvia—stay,
Be first my gift complete: thou know'st not yet
How far it leaves thy every vow behind,
How far exceeds thy hopes.
Max.
What dost thou, Cæsar?
This mercy now misleads thee.
Val.
Thou shalt see
That mercy not misleads, nor Cæsar errs;
All cares and fears shall end.
Max.
What peace can follow
If Ætius be releas'd?
Aetius | ||