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CONSTANTINE PALEOLOGUS;

I humbly bow, more lowly than ye all,
And do, on your behalf, devoutly beg
The blessing of our Master and our Sire.

(Kneeling and bowing his head very low to the ground, then rising afterwards with dignified solemnity.)

Now to those sacred rites of our blest faith,

In which the humble soul ennobled bows,
In mem'ry of the dearest brothership
That ever honour'd man, I lead you on,

My noble brothers. (Exeunt Constantine, &c. by another aisle, which may be supposed to lead to the altar of the church, whilst several priests are seen at a distance in their robes, as if waiting to receive them.)


SCENE III. A Hall, or Anti-room in the Imperial Palace.

Enter PETRONIUS and MARTHON disguised.

PETRONIUS.

So far hath this well-counterfeited signet,

And this disguise, befriended us: here stop;
Whilst Constantine and his mad band are absent
On their religious ceremony, here
We will remain conceal'd until that Ella,
Returning (for 'tis near her wonted time,
As they have told us) from Valeria's chamber,
Shall give us fair occasion.—Rouse thee, Marthon;