_Niger._ From _Charinus_, From great _Charinus_, who with joy hath heard Of your proceedings, and confirms your honours: He, with his beauteous Sister, fair _Aurelia_, Are come in person, like themselves attended To gratulate your fortune. [_Loud Musick._ _Enter_ Charinus, Aurelia, _Attendants_. _Dio._ For thy news, Be thou in _France_ Pro-consul: let us meet The Emperour with all honour, and embrace him. _Dru._ O Aunt, I fear this Princess doth eclipse Th' opinion of my beauty, though I were My self to be the judge. _Del._ Rely on me. _Char._ 'Tis vertue, and not birth that makes us noble: Great actions speak great minds, and such should govern; And you are grac't with both. Thus, as a Brother, A fellow, and Co-partner in the Empire, I do embrace you: may we live so far From difference, or emulous Competition, That all the world may say, Although two Bodies, We have one Mind. _Aur._ When I look on the Trunk Of dear _Numerianus_, I should wash His wounds with tears, and pay a Sisters sorrow To his sad fate: but since he lives again In your most brave Revenge, I bow to you, As to a power that gave him second life, And will make good my promise. If you find That there is worth in me that may deserve you, And that in being your wife, I shall not bring Disquiet and dishonour to your Bed, Although my youth and fortune should require Both to be su'd and sought to, here I yield My self at your devotion. _Dio._ O you gods, Teach me how to be thankful: you have pour'd All blessings on me, that ambitious man Could ever fancie: till this happy minute, I ne're saw beauty, or believ'd there could be Perfection in a woman. I shall live To serve and honour you: upon my knees I thus receive you; and, so you vouchsafe it, This day I am doubly married; to the Empire, And your best-self. _Del._ False and perfidious villain.-- _Dru._ Let me fall headlong on him: O my stars! This I foresaw and fear'd. _Cha._ Call forth a _Flamen_ This knot shall now be ti'd. _Del._ But I will loose it, If Art or Hell have any strength. _Enter a Flamen, Thunder, and Lightning._ _Cha._ Prodigious! _Max._ How soon the day's orecast! _Fla._ The Signs are fatal: _Juno_ smiles not upon this Match, and shews too She has her thunder. _Dio._ Can there be a stop In my full fortune? _Cha._ We are too violent, And I repent the haste: we first should pay Our latest duty to the dead, and then Proceed discreetly. Let's take up the body, And when we have plac'd his ashes in his Urn, We'll try the gods again, for wise men say, Marriage and Obsequies do not suit one day. [_Senate Exit._