Polyeuctes, or, The martyr a tragedy / by Sir William Lower.

Scena Quarta.

Polyeuctes, Paulina, Severus, Fabian,Guards.

Paulina.

BUt what design Severus brings you here? Is this done like a generous Cavaleer To come to brave here one in misery?

Pol.

Paulina, you treat ill so rare a merit, At my sole prayer he renders me this visit. I have committed incivility, Noble Severus, which I know you'l pardon, And impute to my want of liberty. Being possessor of a Treasure which I was not worthy of, before I die Suffer me to resign it unto you, And to leave the rar'st vertue that a Woman Could e're receive from heaven unto the hands Of the most valiant and accomplish'd man The earth hath honour'd, or Rome hath produc'd. Y'are worthy of her, she is worthy you: Refuse her not, Sir, from a Husbands hand; If he hath dis-united you, his death Will make amends, and joyn you both again: Let not a fire which sometimes was so fair, Become less now, give her your heart, and take Her faith to you, live happily together,

And dye like me, it is the glorious good Which Polyeuctes wisheth to you both: Guards, lead me to my death, I've nothing more To say; come, all is finish'd.