HERAC.Know then my heart's desire did thine fore-run,By her kept back: thy life had else been done. To Pho.MARTIANtaking himself for Heraclius.For Leontina could not then abide,That Martian should become a Parricide.HERAC:Consider cooly what she mov'd you to;To love Pulcheria, and kill Phocas too:Each Act, each Name in you would horrid prove,This a Parricide, that incestuous love.Could she then scruple at a crime of mine,That either way in you did one design?I was the object of her love and care,Which by her words most plainly doth appear.Why should you hazard? wherefore undertake,Since MARTIAN's danger shall you Emp'ror make.These were her Reasons, all she did or said,Was to preserve me for the Daughters bed,Yet stayd to see how your attempts would fall;If fit, she then me Emperor would call.PHO:How shall I know, which of these two is mine?I only finde, my ruine both design:My fate is sad, who now can counsel give?I have my Enemie, ye let him live;Out of my hands I know he cannot make;I see him, yet I know not which to take:Nature doth tremble, and astonisht grow,Uncertain which way to direct my blow;Th' Assassine seen, yet in my heart is hid,Nature, when I should kill him, does forbid.Martian— Both turn from him.Martian, none to that name will answer give,Will neither own me? one from me did live;What is it Nature then? what can this mean?Am I the only Actor in this Scene?0