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For me he came, arm'd with a parent's right,
To bear me to the haughty sultan's camp,
To live in queenly state. But, Oh protect me!
Let me remain and die with those I love
In decent maiden pride. Retain me here,
But pardon him: no treason brought him hither.

CONSTANTINE.

Petronius, has thy daugter told me true?

Was this thine errand?

PETRONIUS (approaching Constantine).

Yes, most gracious prince.

CONSTANTINE.

Off then, disgrace to nature and to manhood!

Would'st thou to shameful and degrading slavery
Betray thy virtuous child? Say thou cam'st hither
To thrust i' the dark thy dagger thro' my heart,
And I will call thee sinless.

PETRONIUS.

Wherefore this stern and bitter execration?

I came to place her but a few hours sooner,

Sav'd from th' approaching storm, where your high dames,

Yea, with their royal mistress at their head,

Full shortly shall be placed.

CONSTANTINE.

Detested wretch! what fiend has whisper'd to thee

Such hideous thoughts? man durst not utter them.