—Porphyrius, no; She has refused, and I will keep my vow.
Por. For your own sake your cruel vow defer; The time's unsafe, your enemies are near, And to displease your men when they should fight—
Max. My looks alone my enemies will fright; And o'er my men I'll set my careful spies, To watch rebellion in their very eyes. To watch rebellion in their very eyes. No more, I cannot bear the least reply.
Por. Yet, tyrant, thou shalt perish ere she die. [Aside.
Enter Valeria.
Valeria here! how fortune treats me still With various harms, magnificently ill!
Max. Valeria, I was sending to your tent, [To Val.
But my commands your presence does prevent. This is the hour, wherein the priest shall join Your holy loves, and make Porphyrius mine.
Val. Now hold, my heart! and Venus I implore, Be judge if she he loves deserves him more. [Aside.
Por. Past hope! and all in vain I would preserve My life, not for myself, but her I serve. [Aside.