Max. What soul is this which empire cannot stir! Supine and tame as a philosopher! Know then, thou wert adopted to a throne, Not for thy sake so much as for my own. My thoughts were once about thy death at strife; And thy succession's thy reprieve for life.
Por. My life and death are still within your power; But your succession I renounce this hour. Upon a bloody throne I will not sit, Nor share the guilt of crimes which you commit.
Max. If you are not my Cæsar, you must die.
Por. I take it as the nobler destiny.
Max. I pity thee, and would thy faults forgive; But, thus presuming on, thou canst not live.
Por. Sir, with your throne your pity I restore; I am your foe, nor will I use it more. Now all my debts of gratitude are paid, I cannot trusted be, nor you betrayed. [Is going.
Max. Stay, stay! in threatening me to be my foe, You give me warning to conclude you so. Thou to succeed a monarch in his seat!
Enter Placidius.
No, fool, thou art too honest to be great! Placidius, on your life this prisoner keep: Our enmity shall end before I sleep.
Plac. I still am ready, sir, whene'er you please, [To Por.