Por. Barbarian, do not dare, her blood to shed, Who from my vengeance saved thy cursed head; A flight, no honour ever reached before, And which succeeding ages will adore.
Ber. Porphyrius, I must die! That common debt to nature paid must be; But I have left a debt unpaid to thee. To Maximin I have performed the duty of a wife; But, saving his, I cast away thy life. Ah, what ill stars upon our loves did shine, That I am more thy murd'rer, than he mine!
Max. Make haste.
Por. So hasty none in execution are, But they allow the dying time for prayer. Farewell, sweet saint! my prayer shall be to you: My love has been unhappy, but 'twas true. Remember me!—Alas, what have I said? You must die too! But yet remember me when you are dead.
Ber. If I die first, I will Stop short of heaven, and wait you in a cloud; For fear we lose each other in the crowd.
Por. Love is the only coin in heaven will go: Then take all with you, and leave none below.
Ber. 'Tis want of knowledge, not of love, I fear; Lest we mistake when bodies are not there. O, as a mark, that I could wear a scroll, With this inscription,—Berenice's soul.
Por. That needs not, sure, for none will be so bright, So pure, or with so small allays of light.
Max. From my full eyes fond tears begin to start:—— Dispatch,—they practise treason on my heart.
Por. Adieu: This farewell sigh I as my last bequeath; Catch it,—'tis love expiring in a breath.