POLY.
I love thee more than self--than life--than fame
But----

PAUL.
There is something that thou dar'st not name.
Oh, on my knees I supplicate, I pray,
Remove my darkness!--turn my night to day!

POLY.
Oh, dreams are naught!

PAUL.
Yet, when they tell of thee,
I needs must listen, for I love! Ah, me!

POLY.
Take courage, dear one, 'tis but for an hour,
Thy love must draw me back, for love hath power
O'er all in earth and heaven. My soul's delight,
I can no more! My only safety--flight!

(Exeunt Polyeucte and Nearchus.)

PAUL.
Yes, go, despise my prayer--my agony;
Go, ruthless--meet thy fate--forewarned by me;
Chase thy pursuer, herald thine own doom;
Go, kiss the murderer's hand, and hail the tomb!