Ah, no, he lives--yet every hope is fled;
That courage once so high, that noble name
Sunk in the mire of everlasting shame!
He lives,--who once was lovely in thy sight--
As monster foul--his every breath a blight;
The foe of Heaven, of Jove, of all our race,
His kisses poison, and his love--disgrace!
Wretch, coward, miscreant, steeped in infamy,
O worse than every name!--a Christian he!

PAUL.
Nay, that one word's enough! There needed not abuse.

STRAT.
My words fit well their guilt;--with evil make no truce.

PAUL.
If _he_ be _Nazarene_--he must an outcast be!
But insult to my lord is insult unto me!

STRAT.
Think only that he hails the Cross, the badge of shame.

PAUL.
My plighted faith, my troth, my duty still the same!

STRAT.
When twined about thy breast, the hideous serpent slay!
Who mocks the Gods on high will his own wife betray!