Max. Thus I return the strokes which they have given; [Stabbing Placidius.
Thus, traitor, thus, and thus I would to heaven.
[Placidius falls, and the Emperor staggers after him, and sits down upon him; the Guards come to help the Emperor.
Max. Stand off, and let me, ere my strength be gone, Take my last pleasure of revenge, alone.
Enter a Centurion.
Cent. Arm, arm, the camp is in a mutiny: For Rome and liberty the soldiers cry. Porphyrius moved their pity, as he went To rescue Berenice from punishment; And now he heads their new attempted crime.
Max. Now I am down, the Gods have watch'd their time. You think To save your credit, feeble deities; But I will give myself the strength to rise. [He strives to get up, and, being up, staggers.
It wonnot be—— My body has not power my mind to bear.—— I must return again—and conquer here. [Sits down upon the body.
My coward body does my will controul; Farewell, thou base deserter of my soul! I'll shake this carcase off, and be obeyed; Reign an imperial ghost without its aid. Go, soldiers, take my ensigns with you; fight, And vanquish rebels in your sovereign's right: Before I die—— Bring me Porphyrius and my empress dead:— I would brave heaven, in my each hand a head.
Plac. Do not regard a dying tyrant's breath, He can but look revenge on you in death. [To the Soldiers.