GOVERNOR [aside]. I must go, her face unnerves me.--
With this living corse here lying
[Aside to his retinue.
Let us leave her for the present.
For the two being here confined,
It may alter their intentions,
Seeing that they are condemned
Both to die: if not, 'tis certain,
That unless they adore our gods
Frightful torments soon shall end them.
LELIUS [aside]. I remain 'twixt love and fear
Quite bewildered and suspended.
FLORUS [aside]. So affected have I been,
I scarce know what most affects me.
[Exeunt all, except JUSTINA.
* * * * *
SCENE XXIII.
JUSTINA; CYPRIAN, insensible on the ground.
JUSTINA. What! without a word you leave me?
When I come here, calm, contented,
Even to die. Ah! wishing death,
Am I then of death prevented?--
[She perceives CYPRIAN.
But my punishment is, doubtless,
Thus locked up to face the terrors
Of a slow and lingering death,
With the body of this wretch here
Left alone, my sole companion
Being a corse. O thou, re-entered
Into thy original earth,
Happy wert thou, if thy sentence
Was passed on thee for the faith
I adore!
CYPRIAN [recovering consciousness]. O proud avenger
Of your gods, why wait, the thread
Of my life to cut? . . .
[He perceives JUSTINA, and rises.
Heaven bless me!--
[Aside.
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