POLYEUCTE, an Armenian noble, son-in-law to FELIX.
SEVERUS, a Roman Knight, favourite of the Emperor Decius.
NEARCHUS, an Armenian noble, friend to Polyeucte.
PAULINE, daughter to Felix, wife to Polyeucte.
STRATONICE, companion to Pauline.
ALBIN, friend to FELIX.
FABIAN, servant to Severus.
CLEON, friend to FELIX.
Three Guards.

The Scene is at Melitena, capital of Armenia. The action takes place in
the Palace of Felix.




ACT I--POLYEUCTE. NEARCHUS

NEARCHUS.
Shall woman's dream of terror hurl the dart?
Oh, feeble weapon 'gainst so great a heart!
Must courage proved a thousand times in arms
Bow to a peril forged by vain alarms?

POLY.
I know that dreams are born to fade away,
And melt in air before the light of day;
I know that misty vapours of the night
Dissolve and fly before the morning bright.
The dream is naught--but the dear dreamer--all!