_S. Cath._ My hopes pursue a brighter diadem. _Max._ Can any brighter than the Roman be? I find my proffered love has cheapen'd me: Since you neglect to answer my desires, Know, princess, you shall burn in other fires. ----Why should you urge me to so black a deed? Think all my anger did from love proceed. _S. Cath._ Nor threats nor promises my mind can move; Your furious anger, nor your impious love. _Max._ The love of you can never impious be; You are so pure---- That in the act 'twould change the impiety. Heaven would unmake it sin!---- _S. Cath._ I take myself from that detested sight: To my respect thou hast no longer right: Such power in bonds true piety can have, That I command, and thou art but a slave. [_Exit St_ CATH. _Max._ To what a height of arrogance she swells! Pride, or ill-nature, still with virtue dwells. Her death shall set me free this very hour; ----But is her death within a lover's power? Wild with my rage, more wild with my desire, Like meeting tides--but mine are tides of fire. What petty promise was't that caused this frown? _Plac._ You heard: No less than the Egyptian crown. _Max._ Throw Egypt's by, and offer, in the stead, Offer----the crown on Berenice's head. I am resolved to double till I win; About it straight, and send Porphyrius in. [_Exit_ PLAC. We look like eagles towering in the sky; While her high flight still raises mine more high. _To him_ PORPHYRIUS. _Por._ I come, sir, to expect your great commands. _Max._ My happiness lies only in thy hands; And, since I have adopted thee my son, I'll keep no secret from thy breast unknown. Led by the interest of my rising fate, I did espouse this empress, whom I hate; And, therefore, with less shame I may declare, That I the fetters of thy captive wear. _Por._ Sir, you amaze me with so strange a love. _Max._ Pity, my son, those flames you disapprove. The cause of love can never be assigned; 'Tis in no face, but in the lover's mind. _Por._ Yet there are beauties which attract all hearts, And all mankind lies open to their darts; Whose sovereignty, without dispute, we grant; Such graces, sure, your empress does not want. _Max._ Beauty has bounds---- And can no more to every heart be so, Than any coin through every land can go. Some secret grace, which is but so to me, Though not so great, may yet more powerful be. All guard themselves when stronger foes invade; } Yet, by the weak, surprises may be made: } But you, my son, are not to judge, but aid. } _Por._ What is it, sir, you can require of me? _Max._ I would from Berenice's bonds be free; This yoke of marriage from us both remove, Where two are bound to draw, though neither love.