_Mac._ Sir, you point at Your dotage on the scornful Dorothea: Is she, though fair, the same day to be named With best Artemia? In all their courses, Wise men purpose their ends: with sweet Artemia, There comes along pleasure, security, Usher'd by all that in this life is precious: With Dorothea (though her birth be noble, The daughter to a senator of Rome, By him left rich, yet with a private wealth, And far inferior to yours) arrives The emperor's frown, which, like a mortal plague, Speaks death is near; the princess' heavy scorn, Under which you will shrink; your father's fury, Which to resist even piety forbids:-- And but remember that she stands suspected A favourer of the Christian sect; she brings Not danger, but assured destruction with her. This truly weigh'd one smile of great Artemia Is to be cherish'd, and preferr'd before All joys in Dorothea: therefore leave her. _Anton._ In what thou think'st thou art most wise, thou art Grossly abused, Macrinus, and most foolish. For any man to match above his rank, Is but to sell his liberty. With Artemia I still must live a servant; but enjoying Divinest Dorothea, I shall rule, Rule as becomes a husband: for the _danger_, Or call it, if you will, _assured destruction_, I slight it thus.--If, then, thou art my friend, As I dare swear thou art, and wilt not take A governor's place upon thee[31], be my helper. _Mac._ You know I dare, and will do any thing; Put me unto the test. _Anton._ Go, then, Macrinus, To Dorothea; tell her I have worn, In all the battles I have fought, her figure, Her figure in my heart, which, like a deity, Hath still protected me. Thou canst speak well; And of thy choicest language spare a little, To make her understand how much I love her, And how I languish for her. Bear these jewels, Sent in the way of sacrifice, not service, As to my goddess: all lets[32] thrown behind me, Or fears that may deter me, say, this morning I mean to visit her by the name of friendship:-- No words to contradict this. _Mac._ I am yours: And, if my travail this way be ill spent, Judge not my readier will by the event. [_Exeunt._ FOOTNOTES: [19] Perséver.] So this word was anciently written and pronounced: thus the king, in _Hamlet_: ----_but to_ perséver _In obstinate condolement_. GIFFORD. [20] Sap. _Keep the_ ports _close._] This word, which is directly from the Latin, is so frequently used by Massinger and the writers of his time for the _gates of a town_, that it appears superfluous to produce any examples of it.--GIFFORD. [21] _Kings_ lackeying _by his triumphant chariot._] Running by the side of it like _lackeys_ or foot-boys.--GIFFORD.