_Evadne_--I have done nothing good to win belief, My life hath been so faithless. All the creatures Made for Heaven's honors have their ends, and good ones, All but the cozening crocodiles, false women: They reign here like those plagues, those killing sores, Men pray against; and when they die, like tales Ill told and unbelieved, they pass away, And go to dust forgotten. But, my lord, Those short days I shall number to my rest (As many must not see me) shall, though too late, Though in my evening, yet perceive a will, Since I can do no good, because a woman, Reach constantly at something that is near it; I will redeem one minute of my age, Or, like another Niobe, I'll weep, Till I am water. _Amintor_--I am now dissolved: My frozen soul melts. May each sin thou hast, Find a new mercy! Rise; I am at peace. [_Evadne rises_.] Hadst thou been thus, thus excellently good, Before that devil-king tempted thy frailty, Sure thou hadst made a star. Give me thy hand: From this time I will know thee; and as far As honor gives me leave, be thy Amintor. When we meet next, I will salute thee fairly, And pray the gods to give thee happy days: My charity shall go along with thee, Though my embraces must be far from thee. I should have killed thee, but this sweet repentance Locks up my vengeance: for which thus I kiss thee-- [_Kisses her_.] The last kiss we must take; and would to Heaven The holy priest that gave our hands together Had given us equal virtues! Go, Evadne; The gods thus part our bodies. Have a care My honor falls no farther: I am well, then. _Evadne_--All the dear joys here, and above hereafter, Crown thy fair soul! Thus I take leave, my lord; And never shall you see the foul Evadne, Till she have tried all honored means, that may Set her in rest and wash her stains away. FROM 'BONDUCA' THE DEATH OF THE BOY HENGO [_Scene: A field between the British and the Roman camps._] _Caratach_--How does my boy? _Hengo_--I would do well; my heart's well; I do not fear. _Caratach_--My good boy! _Hengo_--I know, uncle, We must all die: my little brother died; I saw him die, and he died smiling; sure, There's no great pain in't, uncle. But pray tell me, Whither must we go when we are dead? _Caratach [aside]_--Strange questions! Why, the blessed'st place, boy! ever sweetness And happiness dwell there. _Hengo_--Will you come to me? _Caratach_--Yes, my sweet boy. _Hengo_--Mine aunt too, and my cousins? _Caratach_--All, my good child. _Hengo_--No Romans, uncle? _Caratach_--No, boy. _Hengo_--I should be loath to meet them there.