_Theoph._ They, out of desperation, Or for vain glory of an after-name, Parted with life: this had not mutinous sons, As the rash Gracchi were; nor was this saint A doting mother, as Cornelia was. This lost no husband, in whose overthrow Her wealth and honour sunk; no fear of want Did make her being tedious; but, aiming At an immortal crown, and in His cause Who only can bestow it; who sent down Legions of ministering angels to bear up Her spotless soul to heaven, who entertain'd it With choice celestial music, equal to The motion of the spheres; she, uncompell'd, Changed this life for a better. My lord Sapritius, You were present at her death; did you e'er hear Such ravishing sounds? _Sap._ Yet you said then 'twas witchcraft, And devilish illusions. _Theoph._ I then heard it With sinful ears, and belch'd out blasphemous words Against his Deity, which then I knew not, Nor did believe in him. _Diocle._ Why, dost thou now? Or dar'st thou, in our hearing---- _Theoph._ Were my voice As loud as is His thunder, to be heard Through all the world, all potentates on earth Ready to burst with rage, should they but hear it; Though hell, to aid their malice, lent her furies, Yet I would speak, and speak again, and boldly: I am a Christian; and the Powers you worship, But dreams of fools and madmen. _Max._ Lay hands on him. _Diocle._ Thou twice a child! for doting age so makes thee, Thou couldst not else, thy pilgrimage of life Being almost past through, in this last moment Destroy whate'er thou hast done good or great-- Thy youth did promise much; and, grown a man, Thou mad'st it good, and, with increase of years, Thy actions still better'd: as the sun, Thou didst rise gloriously, kept'st a constant course In all thy journey; and now, in the evening, When thou shouldst pass with honour to thy rest, Wilt thou fall like a meteor? _Sap._ Yet confess That thou art mad, and that thy tongue and heart Had no agreement. _Max._ Do; no way is left, else, To save thy life, Theophilus. _Diocle._ But, refuse it, Destruction as horrid, and as sudden, Shall fall upon thee, as if hell stood open, And thou wert sinking thither. _Theoph._ Hear me, yet; Hear, for my service past. _Artem._ What will he say?