Page:Dramas 1.pdf/437

Rh

Re-enter and, breaking out upon him, and  catching hold of his robe as he is going off.

Ha! noble Maro, to a coward turn'd, Shunning a spot of danger!

Stay, Cordenius. The fellest foe thou shalt contend with here, Is her thou call'st so gentle. As for me, I do not offer thee this hand more freely Than I will grant all that may make thee happy, If Portia has that power.

And dost thou mean, in very earnest mean, That thou wilt give me Portia—thy dear Portia? My fancy catches wildly at thy words.

And truly too, Cordenius. She is thine, If thou wilt promise me to love her truly.

Thanks, thanks!—thanks from my swoln, o'er-flowing heart,