Val. O stay! if no price else his life can buy, My love a ransom for his life I give: Let my Porphyrius for another live. [Holding her handkerchief before her face.
Por. You too much value the small merchandise: My life's o'er-rated, when your love's the price.
Enter Albinus.
Alb. I long have listened to your generous strife, As much concerned for brave Porphyrius' life. For mine I to his favour owed this day; Which with my future service I will pay.
Plac. Lest any your intended flight prevent, I'll lead you first the back-way to my tent; Thence, in disguise, you may the city gain, While some excuse for your escape I feign.
Val. Farewell! I must not see you when you part: [Turning her face away.
For that last look would break my tender heart. Yet—let it break—I must have one look more: [Looking on him.
Nay, now I'm less contented than before; For that last look draws on another too; Which sure I need not, to remember you. For ever—yet I must one glance repeat; But quick and short as starving people eat. So much humanity dwell in your breast, Sometimes to think on her who loves you best. [Going—he takes her hand and kisses it.
Por. My wandering steps wherever fortune bear, Your memory I in my breast will wear; Which, as a precious amulet, I still Will carry, my defence and guard from ill. Though to my former vows I must be true, I'll ever keep one love entire for you; That love, which brothers with chaste sisters make: And by this holy kiss, which now I take From your fair hand— This common sun, which absent both shall see, Shall ne'er behold a breach of faith in me.
Val. Go, go! my death will your short vows restore; You've said enough, and I can hear no more. [Exeunt Val. one way, and Por. and Alb. another.