PAUL.
The gods----

FELIX.
Do all things well.

PAUL.
My dream fulfilled! But how? O father, tell!

FELIX.
Let Albin speak, who saw him face to face
With tribe of courtiers; all to him give place;
Unscathed in battle, all extol his fame,
Unstained, undimmed, his glory, life and name!

ALBIN.
You know the issue of that glorious fight:
The crowning glory his--who, in despite
Of danger sore to life and liberty,
Became a slave to set his Emperor free:
Rome gave her honours to Severus' shade,
Whilst he, her ransomer, in a dungeon stayed.
His death they mourned above ten thousand slain,
While Persia held him--yes, their tears were vain,
But not in vain his noble sacrifice!
The king released him: Rome grudged not the price;
No Persian bribe could tempt him from his home.
When Decius cried--'Fight once again for Rome!'
Again he fights--he leads--all others hope resign;