ain--the man betrayed betrays;
Severus, and his gifts, alike I fear!
If Polyeucte still to reason close his ear,
Severus' love is hate--his peace is strife--
First law of nature this, 'Preserve thy life!'

ALBIN.
Ah, let Pauline at least thy grace obtain!

FELIX.
If Decius grace withhold, my pardon vain!
And--far from saving this rebellious son--
Behold us all alike entrapped, undone!

ALBIN.
Severus' promise----

FELIX.
He can never keep!
For Decius' rage and hatred never sleep:
If for that sect abhorred Severus plead,
He trebles loss--so are we lost indeed!
One only way is ours,--that way I try:
(To Guards)
Bring Polyeucte and if he still defy,
Self-doomed, insensate, this my proffered grace,
He shall the death he wooes forthwith embrace!

ALBIN.
Ah, this is stern!

FELIX.
'Tis stern, 'tis just--as fate;
When justice drags a halting foot, too late,
She is not justice--for the vengeful mob
(Whose hearts for Polyeucte ne'er cease to throb),
Usurps her place, and, spurning curb and rein,
The felon crowns, and all our work is vain.
My sceptre trembles, and all insecure
Totters my crown,--a prey for every boor.
Then, swift, Severus hears the welcome news,
The jaundiced mind of Decius to abuse.
Shall I, the rabble's lord, obey the rabble's will?

ALBIN.
Who ill in all around foresees,--but doubles ill.
Each prop thou hast is but a sword to pierce;
If Polyeucte hold their heart, the people fierce
Will gather fiercer courage from despair.

FELIX.
Death settles all; they'll find no helper there,
And if--without a head--the body should rebel,
Convulsive throes I mock, and nerveless fury quell.
Whate'er ensues the Emperor must approve,
I shall have done my part, and win his love.
Here comes the man

(Enter Polyeucte and Soldiers)

I still must try to save;
If he repent--'tis well! If not--the grave!
(To Polyeucte)
Is life still hateful? Doth death still allure?
Is earth still naught? Do heavenly joys endure?
Doth Christ still counsel thee to hate thy wife;--
To sheathe thy sword,--to cast away thy life?

POLY.
I never hated life, or wooed a grave,
To life I am a servant--not a slave.
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