Val. Great sir, your will was so.
Max. That was my will of half an hour ago. But now 'tis altered; I have changed her fate, She shall not die.
Val. Your pity comes too late. Betwixt her guards she seemed by bride-men led, Her checks with chearful blushes were o'erspread; When, smiling, to the axe she bowed her head, Just, at the stroke, Ætherial music did her death prepare, Like joyful sounds of spousals in the air; A radiant light did her crown'd temples gild, And all the place with fragrant scents was filled; The balmy mist came thickening to the ground, And sacred silence covered all around. But when (its work performed) the cloud withdrew, And day restored us to each other's view, I sought her head, to bring it on my spear; In vain I sought it, for it was not there; No part remained; but, from afar, our sight Discovered in the air long tracts of light; Of charming notes we heard the last rebounds, And music dying in remoter sounds.
Max. And dost thou think This lame account fit for a love-sick king? Go, from the other world a better bring. [Kills him, then sets his foot on him, and speaks on.
When in my breast two mighty passions strove, Thou had'st erred better in obeying love. 'Tis true, that way thy death had followed too, But I had then been less displeased than now. Now I must live unquiet for thy sake; And this poor recompence is all I take. [Spurns the body.
Here the Scene opens, and discovers Berenice on a scaffold, the guards by her, and amongst them Porphyrius and Albinus, like Moors, as all the guards are. Placidius enters, and whispers the Emperor whilst Porphyrius speaks.
Por. From Berenice I cannot go away, But, like a ghost, must near my treasure stay.
Alb. Night and this shape secure them from their eyes.
Por. Have courage then for our bold enterprize. Duty and faith no tie on me can have, Since I renounced those honours which he gave.
Max. The time is come we did so long attend, [To Ber.