Why rend this bursting heart with cold disdain?
E’en the poor culprit, dragg’d before his judge,
May boldly plead his cause; but I, alas!
Most innocent and ignorant of fault,
Must bear the weight of judgment.
Enter Pascentius.
Fla. What news of fav’ring import, dearest brother,
Does this thine eager joy forebode?
Pas. Oh! I have tidings I would fain make known;
Yet are they of such wondrous magnitude,