Ber. So great a fear of death I have not shown, That I would shed his blood to save my own; My fear is but from human frailty brought, And never mingled with a wicked thought.
Por. 'Tis not a crime, since one of you must die, Or is excused by the necessity.
Ber. I cannot to a husband's death consent, But, by revealing, will your crime prevent. The horror of this deed Against the fear of death has armed my mind, And now less guilt in him than you I find. If I a tyrant did detest before, I hate a rebel, and a traitor more: Ungrateful man, Remember whose successor thou art made, And then thy benefactor's life invade. Guards, to your charge I give your prisoner back, And will from none but heaven my safety take. [Exit with Valerius and Guards.
Por. [Solus.] 'Tis true, what she has often urged before, He's both my father, and my emperor! O honour, how can'st thou invent a way To save my queen, and not my trust betray! Unhappy I, that e'er he trusted me! As well his guardian-angel may his murderer be. And yet——let honour, faith, and virtue fly, But let not love in Berenice die. She lives!—— That's put beyond dispute, as firm as fate; Honour and faith let argument debate.
Enter Maximin and Valerius talking, and Guards.
Max. 'Tis said, but I am loth to think it true, [To Por.
That my late orders were contemned by you: That Berenice from her guards you freed.
Por. I did it, and I glory in the deed.
Max. How, glory my commands to disobey!
Por. When those commands would your renown betray.