Dam. O pardon, pardon this accursed deed, And I no more on magic fumes will feed, Which drew me hither by their powerful steams.
Amar. Go expiate thy guilt in holy dreams. [Exit Dam.
But thou, sweet saint, henceforth disturb no more [To S. Cath.
With dreams not thine, thy thoughts to heaven restore. [The Angel ascends, and the scene shuts.
Nig. Some holy being does invade this place, And from their duty does my spirits chase. I dare no longer near it make abode: No charms prevail against the Christians' God. [Exit.
Plac. How doubtfully these spectres fate foretell! In double sense, and twilight truth they dwell: Like fawning courtiers for success they wait, And then come smiling, and declare for fate.
Enter Maximin and Porphyrius, attended by Valerius and guards.
But see, the tyrant and my rival come: I, like the fiends, will flatter in his doom: None but a fool distasteful truth will tell, So it be new and please, 'tis full as well. [Plac. whispers with the Emperor, who seems pleased.
Max. You charm me with your news, which I'll reward; By hopes we are for coming joys prepared: Possess her love, or from that love be free;— Heaven speaks me fair: If she as kind can prove, I shall possess, but never quit my love. Go, tell me when she wakes. [Exit Plac.
[Porphyrius seems to beg something of him.