_Ber._ I cannot to a husband's death consent, But, by revealing, will your crime prevent. The horror of this deed Against the fear of death has armed my mind, And now less guilt in him than you I find. If I a tyrant did detest before, I hate a rebel, and a traitor more: Ungrateful man, Remember whose successor thou art made, And then thy benefactor's life invade. Guards, to your charge I give your prisoner back, And will from none but heaven my safety take. [_Exit with_ VALERIUS _and Guards_. _Por._ [_Solus._] 'Tis true, what she has often urged before, He's both my father, and my emperor! O honour, how can'st thou invent a way To save my queen, and not my trust betray! Unhappy I, that e'er he trusted me! As well his guardian-angel may his murderer be. And yet----let honour, faith, and virtue fly, But let not love in Berenice die. She lives!---- That's put beyond dispute, as firm as fate; Honour and faith let argument debate. _Enter_ MAXIMIN _and_ VALERIUS _talking, and Guards_. _Max._ 'Tis said, but I am loth to think it true, [_To_ POR. That my late orders were contemned by you: That Berenice from her guards you freed. _Por._ I did it, and I glory in the deed. _Max._ How, glory my commands to disobey! _Por._ When those commands would your renown betray. _Max._ Who should be judge of that renown you name, But I? _Por._ Yes, I, and all who love your fame. _Max._ Porphyrius, your replies are insolent. _Por._ Sir, they are just, and for your service meant. If for religion you our lives will take, You do not the offenders find, but make. All faiths are to their own believers just; For none believe, because they will, but must. Faith is a force from which there's no defence; Because the reason it does first convince: And reason conscience into fetters brings; And conscience is without the power of kings. _Max._ Then conscience is a greater prince than I, At whose each erring call a king may die! Who conscience leaves to its own free command, Puts the worst weapon in a rebel's hand. _Por._ Its empire, therefore, sir, should bounded be, And, but in acts of its religion, free: Those who ask civil power and conscience too, Their monarch to his own destruction woo. With needful arms let him secure his peace; Then, that wild beast he safely may release. _Max._ I can forgive these liberties you take, While but my counsellor yourself you make: But you first act your sense, and then advise; That is, at my expence you will be wise. My wife I for religion do not kill; But she shall die--because it is my will. _Por._ Sir, I acknowledge I too much have done, And therefore merit not to be your son: I render back the honours which you gave; My liberty's the only gift I crave.