Niger. From Charinus,
From great Charinus, who with joy hath heard
Of your proceedings, and confirms your honours:
He, with his beauteous Sister, fair Aurelia,
Are come in person, like themselves attended
To gratulate your fortune. [Loud Musick.
Enter Charinus, Aurelia, Attendants.
Dio. For thy news,
Be thou in France Pro-consul: let us meet
The Emperour with all honour, and embrace him.
Dru. O Aunt, I fear this Princess doth eclipse
Th' opinion of my beauty, though I were
My self to be the judge.
Del. Rely on me.
Char. 'Tis vertue, and not birth that makes us noble:
Great actions speak great minds, and such should govern;
And you are grac't with both. Thus, as a Brother,
A fellow, and Co-partner in the Empire,
I do embrace you: may we live so far
From difference, or emulous Competition,
That all the world may say, Although two Bodies,
We have one Mind.
Aur. When I look on the Trunk
Of dear Numerianus, I should wash
His wounds with tears, and pay a Sisters sorrow
To his sad fate: but since he lives again
In your most brave Revenge, I bow to you,
As to a power that gave him second life,
And will make good my promise. If you find
That there is worth in me that may deserve you,
And that in being your wife, I shall not bring
Disquiet and dishonour to your Bed,
Although my youth and fortune should require
Both to be su'd and sought to, here I yield
My self at your devotion.
Dio. O you gods,
Teach me how to be thankful: you have pour'd
All blessings on me, that ambitious man
Could ever fancie: till this happy minute,
I ne're saw beauty, or believ'd there could be
Perfection in a woman. I shall live
To serve and honour you: upon my knees
I thus receive you; and, so you vouchsafe it,
This day I am doubly married; to the Empire,
And your best-self.
Del. False and perfidious villain.—
Dru. Let me fall headlong on him: O my stars!
This I foresaw and fear'd.