POLY. Unworthy thee the thought, Pauline, for I Severus called, and he hath heard my cry. My importunity he will excuse, My prayer I know that he will not refuse. Severus--this--the treasure that was mine To thy most tender care I now resign: To thee, as noblest man that I have known;-- Since earthly ties and joys I must disown. The gift is worthy thee,--I know thy worth Is great, but she no equal hath on earth. My life, the bar,--my death the link shall be,-- Oh, grudge me not my dear brief ecstasy! Oh, ease the heart that once was hers,--and guide Her doubting footsteps to the Crucified! This my last benison! All else is poor! Await the promised light! Believe! Endure! But words are vain! (Polyeucte signs to Guards to conduct him back to prison. Exeunt Polyeucte and Guards.) SEV. Most vain! No word have I Such blindness must amaze! must stupefy! Nay, this is frenzy! I cannot conceive A mind so strange! Mine ears cannot believe That one who loved thee--yet, who would not love A face that must the great immortals move?-- Blessed by thy heart!--Thy sweetest lips to taste!-- Then leave, refuse, spurn--yield with clamorous haste, To yield a girl so dear--so pure--so fair! And of that gift to make thy rival heir-- This beggars madness! Or the Christian bliss Beyond man's soul to grasp! To spurn thy kiss!-- We treasure barter for a just exchange, But to buy pain for thee! Pauline, 'tis strange! Not thus, ye Gods! Severus had been blind To perfect bliss--had Fortune been more kind The only heaven for me is in thine eyes, These are my kings, these my divinities! To me--for thee--were death with torture dear; But to renounce thee!