Page:Miscellaneous Plays 1.pdf/417

But turn not from me angrily. My mind,
Ere now, consider'd has the character,
The faith, the power of Mahomet.— Frown not.—
Valeria thou art fair.—Nay, do not frown!

VALERIA.

What dost thou say? hast thou until this moment

Reserv'd for me this base degrading——No:
Torn and defaced by every hated form
Of outward grace! it is our curse, our shame!
(Tearing her hair violently.)

CONSTANTINE.

O be not thus!—forgive a hasty thought!

Think how a doating husband is distracted,
Who knows too well a lawless victor's power.

VALERIA.

What is his power? it naught regardeth me.

CONSTANTINE.

Alas! the frowns of a detesting bride

Deter him not!

VALERIA (smiling contemptuously).

But will he wed the dead?