Ber. This sigh of mine shall meet it half the way, As pledges given that each for other stay.
Enter Valeria and Cydon.
Val. What dismal scene of death is here prepar'd!
Max. Now strike.
Val. They shall not strike till I am heard.
Max. From whence does this new impudence proceed, That you dare alter that which I decreed?
Val. Ah, sir, to what strange courses do you fly, To make yourself abhorred for cruelty! The empire groans under your bloody reign, And its vast body bleeds in every vein. Gasping and pale, and fearing more, it lies; And now you stab it in the very eyes: Your Cæsar and the partner of your bed! Ah, who can wish to live when they are dead? If ever gentle pity touch'd your breast—— I cannot speak—my tears shall speak the rest. [Weeping and sobbing.
Por. She adds new grief to what I felt before, And fate has now no room to put in more.
Max. Away, thou shame and slander of my blood! [To Valeria.