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A noble Roman, and a soldier too,
I dare not do. Let Nero have this answer.

PORTIA.

No, not this answer, Maro; not this answer!

Cast not life from thee, dear, most dear Cordenius!
Life, too, which I should spend my life in cheering,
Cast it not from thee like a worthless thing.

CORDENIUS.

Because it is not worthless but most precious,

And now, when dear to thee, more precious far
Than I have e'er esteem'd it, 't is an offering
More meet for God's acceptance;
Withheld from him, not even thyself, sweet maid,
Couldst cheer its course, nor yet couldst thou be happy.

PORTIA.

Nay, but I could!—to see thee still alive,

And by my side, mine own redeemed friend,
Should I not then be happy?

CORDENIUS.

I should be by thy side, dear love! but thou,

With all thy excellence, couldst have no happiness,
Mated with one, whose living form alone
Could move upon the earth, while far adrift
His mind would dwell by ceaseless meditation,
In other worlds of blessedness or woe;