Max. Why, they take pay to die.
Por. Then spare Albinus only.
Max. I consent To leave his life to be his punishment. Discharged from trust, branded with infamy, Let him live on, till he ask leave to die.
Ber. Let me petition for him.
Max. I have said; And will not be intreated, but obeyed. But, empress, whence does your compassion grow?
Ber. You need not ask it, since my birth you know. The race of Antonines was named the good: I draw my pity from my royal blood.
Max. Still must I be upbraided with your line? I know you speak it in contempt of mine. But your late brother did not prize me less, Because I could not boast of images; And the Gods own me more, when they decreed, A Thracian shepherd should your line succeed.
Ber. The Gods! O do not name the powers divine, They never mingled their decrees with thine. My brother gave me to thee for a wife, And for my dowry thou didst take his life.
Max. The Gods by many victories have shewn, That they my merits and his death did own.
Ber. Yes, they have owned it; witness this just day, When they begin thy mischiefs to repay. See the reward of all thy wicked care Before thee; thy succession ended there. Yet, but in part my brother's ghost is pleased; Restless till all the groaning world be eased. For me, no other happiness I own, Than to have borne no issue to thy throne.