SCENE III.
Rox.
Now Prince—how must this Obligation be
Receiv'd,—still as a Fatal Courtesie?
Where had you been but in the Shades below,
If I had not kept off that dreadful blow.
Cassander
was so resolute to give?
Remember, Sir, by whom it is you live.
Oroon.
I must confess, if I that life did prize,
Which you preserve but for new Cruelties;
The Obligation would be then so great,
That, Bankrupt-like, I could not pay the Debt.
Rox.
Yet Bankrupts, as in Justice they are bound,
Do first with their Chief Creditors Compound.
Oroon.
That Madam, I most willingly will do,
You shall have all I'm able to bestow.
I own Cassander did my Life pursue,
And I acknowledge 'twas preserv'd by you:
And now I would (witness y' Eternal Pow'rs,)
Give back that Life again to rescue yours.
Oroon.
And is this all?—this, Sir, does only prove
Th'effects of Generosity, not Love.
Oroon.
If Love y' expect, another's right y'invade:
Heav'n, and my vows have me Statira's made,
And could I now, swerve from those vows I've giv'n,
I should alike be false to Her, and Heav'n—