_Por._ Sir, I confess, before her suit be known; And by myself condemned, my crime I own. I have refused. _Val._ Peace, peace, while I confess I have refused thee for unworthiness. _Por._ I am amazed. _Max._ What riddles do you use? Dare either of you my commands refuse? _Val._ Yes, I dare own, howe'er 'twas wisely done To adopt so mean a person for your son, So low you should not for your daughter chuse; And, therefore, sir, this marriage I refuse. _Max._ You liked the choice when first I thought, it fit. _Val._ I had not then enough considered it. _Max._ And you have now considered it too much: Secrets of empire are not safe to touch. _Por._ Let not your mighty anger rise too high; 'Tis not Valeria merits it, but I: My own unworthiness so well I knew, That from her love I consciously withdrew. _Val._ Thus rather than endure the little shame To be refused, you blast a virgin's name. You to refuse, and I to be denied! Learn more discretion, or be taught less pride. _Por._ O heaven, in what a labyrinth am I led! I could get out, but she detains the thread. Now must I wander on, till I can see, Whether her pity or revenge it be. [_Aside._ _Max._ With what child's anger do you think you play? I'll punish both, if either disobey. _Val._ Since all the fault was mine, I am content, Porphyrius should not share the punishment. _Por._ Blind that I was till now, that could not see 'Twas all the effect of generosity! She loves me, even to suffer for my sake; And on herself would my refusal take. [_Aside._ _Max._ Children to serve their parents int'rest live; Take heed what doom against yourself you give. [_To_ VAL. _Por._ Since she must suffer, if I do not speak, 'Tis time the laws of decency to break. She told me, sir, that she your choice approved, And (though I blush to own it) said she loved; Loved me desertless, who, with shame, confest Another flame had seized upon my breast; Which when, too late, the generous princess knew, And feared your justice would my crime pursue, Upon herself she makes the tempest fall, And my refusal her contempt would call. _Val._ He raves, sir, and, to cover my disdain, Unhandsomely would his denial feign: And, all means failing him, at last would try To usurp the credit of a scorn, and die. But, let him live: His punishment shall be The grief his pride will bring for losing me. _Max._ You both obnoxious to my justice are; And, daughter, you have not deserved my care. 'Tis my command you strictly guarded be, Till your fantastic quarrel you agree. _Por._ Sir--