Where wrath and grief, revenge and pain, do strive for mastery!

(Enter Felix.)

FELIX.
O insolence undreamed!--Before my very eyes!--
Before the people's gaze! It is too much!--he dies!

PAUL.
O father!--on my knees!
(Kneels.)
Unsay that word!

FELIX.
Nearchus' doom I speak,--not his, thy lord.
Though all unworthy he to be my son,
Yet still he bears the name that he hath won;
Nor crime of his nor wrath of mine shall ever move
Thy father's heart to hate the man thou crown'st with love!

PAUL.
Ne'er vainly have I sued for pity from my sire!

FELIX.
And yet meet food were he for righteous ire!
To recount an act so fell my feeble words too weak,
But thou has heard the tale my lips refuse to speak
From her, thy maiden; she hath told thee all.

PAUL.