394
THE MARTYR: A DRAMA.
SULPICIUS.
PORTIA.
The very man—a man—I mean to say,
There may be found amongst our Roman youth,
One, who in form and feelings may compare
With him whose lofty virtues these few lines
So well describe.
ORCERES.
PORTIA.
He hath, indeed, well burnish'd and well plumed,
But the poor soul, within, is pluck'd and bare,
Like any homely thing,
ORCERES.
PORTIA.
For if he hath no lack of courage, certes,
He hath much lack of grace. Sertorius Galba!
ORCERES.
Thy cheeks grow scarlet at the very name,
Indignant that I still should err so strangely.
PORTIA.
Nor do I blush, albeit thou think'st I do,
To say, there is not of our Romans one,