S. Cath. And I have heaven implored she may not die: As some to witness truth heaven's call obey, So some on earth must, to confirm it, stay.
Por. What faith, what witness, is it that you name?
Ber. Knowing what she believes, my faith's the same.
Por. How am I crossed, what way soe'er I go! To the unlucky every thing is so. Now, fortune, thou hast shown thy utmost spite; The soldiers will not for a Christian fight: And, madam, all that I can promise now, Is but to die, before death reaches you.
Ber. Now death draws near, a strange perplexity Creeps coldly on me, like a fear to die: Courage uncertain dangers may abate; But who can bear the approach of certain fate?
S. Cath. The wisest and the best some fear may show, And wish to stay, though they resolve to go.
Ber. As some faint pilgrim, standing on the shore, First views the torrent he would venture o'er; And then his inn upon the farther ground, Loth to wade through, and lother to go round; Then dipping in his staff, does trial make How deep it is, and, sighing, pulls it back; Sometimes resolved to fetch his leap, and then Runs to the bank, but there stops short again; So I at once Both heavenly faith and human fear obey, And feel before me in an unknown way. For this blest voyage I with joy prepare, Yet am ashamed to be a stranger there.
S. Cath. You are not yet enough prepared to die; Earth hangs too heavy for your soul to fly.
Por. One way (and heaven, I hope, inspires my mind) I for your safety in this strait can find; But this fair queen must further my intent.
S. Cath. Name any way your reason can invent.