Herself--the crowning sacrifice--the victim shall prepare!




ACT II--SEVERUS. FABIAN

SEV.
Let Felix bow to Jove and incense pour,
I seek a dearer shrine, for I adore
Nor Jove, nor Mars, nor Fortune--but Pauline.
This fruit now ripening late my hand would glean:
You know, my friend, the god who wings my way,
You know the only goddess I obey:
What reck the gods on high our sacrifice and prayer?
An earthly worship mine, sole refuge from despair!

FABIAN.
Ah! You may see her----

SEV.
Blessed be thy tongue!
O magic word, that turns my grief to song!
Yet, if she now forget each fair, fond vow?
She loved me once,--but does she love me now?
On that sweet face shall I but trouble see
Who hope for love undimmed, for ecstasy?
Great Decius gives her hand, but if her heart
Be mine no more--than let vain hope depart!
This mandate binds her father only; she