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PETRONIUS.

Man might, at least, surveying the position

And aspect of these times, in his own mind
This plain and shrewd conjecture form. But not
On such loose bottom do I ground my words;
Mah'met himself hath sworn that your Valeria
Shall at the head of his most favour'd wives——

CONSTANTINE.

Hold thy detested tongue! for one word more

Is instant death. Tempt me not with these hands,
Which hath the symbols touch'd of blessed peace,
To do a horrible act.

PETRONIUS.

I but repeat that which the sultan hath

In public said.

CONSTANTINE.

Forbear! forbear! I tell thee.

(Wrenching his sword, scabbard and all, from his side, and tossing it from him)

There! there! Rodrigo: cast it from my reach:

Let not a weapon be within my grasp,

Or I shall be accursed. (After a violent struggle of passion.)

I dare speak to him now.—Ho! guards without!

ELLA.

Oh, mercy! mercy!