Max. How many Cleopatra's live in her!
[Aside.
Plac. When you condemned her, sir, she was a queen.
Max. No, slave! she only was a captive then.
S. Cath. My joyful sentence you defer too long.
Max. I never knew that life was such a wrong. But if you needs will die,—it shall be so. —Yet think it does from your perverseness flow. Men say, indeed, that I in blood delight; But you shall find—haste, take her from my sight! —For Maximin I have too much confest; And, for a lover, not enough exprest. Absent, I may her martyrdom decree; But one look more will make that martyr me. [Exit St Catharine, guarded.
Plac. What is it, sir, that shakes your mighty mind?
Max. Somewhat I am ashamed that thou shouldst find.
Plac. If it be love, which does your soul possess——
Max. Are you my rival, that so soon you guess?
Plac. Far, mighty prince, be such a crime from me; [Kneeling.