Go, seek the world! and yet I love thee ever!

PAUL.
Yes, I will go--if absence bring relief--

(Enter Severus, Fabian and Guards)

Who comes to invade, ah, not to cure my grief?
Severus! Who could guess that thou wouldst show
Revenge unworthy o'er a prostrate foe?

POLY.
Unworthy thee the thought, Pauline, for I
Severus called, and he hath heard my cry.
My importunity he will excuse,
My prayer I know that he will not refuse.
Severus--this--the treasure that was mine
To thy most tender care I now resign:
To thee, as noblest man that I have known;--
Since earthly ties and joys I must disown.
The gift is worthy thee,--I know thy worth
Is great, but she no equal hath on earth.
My life, the bar,--my death the link shall be,--
Oh, grudge me not my dear brief ecstasy!
Oh, ease the heart that once was hers,--and guide
Her doubting footsteps to the Crucified!
This my last benison! All else is poor!
Await the promised light! Believe! Endure!
But words are vain!