Max. Can any brighter than the Roman be? I find my proffered love has cheapen'd me: Since you neglect to answer my desires, Know, princess, you shall burn in other fires. ——Why should you urge me to so black a deed? Think all my anger did from love proceed.
S. Cath. Nor threats nor promises my mind can move; Your furious anger, nor your impious love.
Max. The love of you can never impious be; You are so pure—— That in the act 'twould change the impiety. Heaven would unmake it sin!——
S. Cath. I take myself from that detested sight: To my respect thou hast no longer right: Such power in bonds true piety can have, That I command, and thou art but a slave. [Exit St Cath.
Max. To what a height of arrogance she swells! Pride, or ill-nature, still with virtue dwells. Her death shall set me free this very hour; ——But is her death within a lover's power? Wild with my rage, more wild with my desire, Like meeting tides—but mine are tides of fire. What petty promise was't that caused this frown?
Plac. You heard: No less than the Egyptian crown.
Max. Throw Egypt's by, and offer, in the stead, Offer——the crown on Berenice's head. I am resolved to double till I win; About it straight, and send Porphyrius in. [Exit Plac.
We look like eagles towering in the sky; While her high flight still raises mine more high.
To him Porphyrius.
Por. I come, sir, to expect your great commands.