Por. All I deserve it will, not all I wish: But I will brave the tyrant's rage for this. If I refuse, my death must needs ensue; But you shall see that I dare die for you.
Ber. Would you, for me, A beauty, and an empire too deny? I love you now so well—that you shall die. Die mine! 'tis all I can, with honour, give: Nor should you die, if after, I would live. But when your marriage and your death I view, That, makes you false, but this will keep you true.
Por. Unbind thy brows, and look abroad to see, O mighty love, thy mightiest victory!
Ber. And yet——is there no other way to try? 'Tis hard to say I love, and let you die.
Por. Yes, there remains some help which you might give, If you, as I would die for love, would live.
Ber. If death for love be sweet, sure life is more: Teach me the means your safety to restore.
Por. Your tyrant the Egyptian princess loves; And to that height his swelling passion moves, That, fearing in your death the soldiers' force, He from your bed does study a divorce.
Ber. The Egyptian princess I disputing heard, And as a miracle her mind regard. But yet I wish that this divorce be true. [Gives her hand.
Por. 'Tis, madam, but it must be sought by you. By this he will all mutinies prevent; And this as well secures your own content.
Ber. I hate this tyrant, and his bed I loath; But, once submitting, I am tied to both: Tied to that honour, which all women owe, Though not their husband's person, yet their vow. Something so sacred in that bond there is, That none should think there could be aught amiss: And if there be, we should in silence hide Those faults, which blame our choice, when they are spied.