Soliman.
Nay, die thou shalt for thy presumption,
For kissing her whom I do hold so dear.
[Then Soliman kills Basilisco.
Piston.
I will not kiss her, sir; but give me leave
To weep over her; for, while she liv'd,
She lov'd me dearly, and I loved her.
Soliman.
If thou didst love her, villain, as thou sayest,[430]
Then wait on her thorough eternal night.
[Then Soliman kills Piston.
Ah, Perseda! how shall I mourn for thee?
Fair-springing rose, ill-pluck'd before thy time!
Ah, heav'ns! that hitherto have smil'd on me,
Why do you unkindly low'r on Soliman?
The loss of half my realms, nay, crown's decay,
Could not have prick'd so near unto my heart,
As doth the loss of my Perseda's life.
And with her life I likewise lose my love;
And with her love my heart's felicity:
Ev'n for Erastus' death the heav'ns have plagued me;
Ah, no, the heav'ns did never more accurse me,
Than when they made me butcher of my love.
Yet justly how can I condemn myself,
When Brusor lives that was the cause of all?—
Come, Brusor, help to lift her body up:
Is she not fair?
Brusor.
Ev'n in the hour of death.
Soliman.