Page:Dramas 1.pdf/455

Rh

I charge thee cease!

Nay, Emperor! might I entreat for him?

Not for my life.

No; not for that, brave Maro! (To .) Let me entreat that he may freely speak. Fear'st thou he should convince thee by his words? That were a foul affront to thine own reason, Or to the high divinities of Rome.

Cease, Prince of Parthia! nor too far presume Upon a noble stranger's privilege.

Shall words so bold be to thine ear august So freely utter'd with impunity?

Pontiff; I much revere thy sacred office, But scorn thy paltry words. Not freely speak! Not with impunity! Is this a threat? Let Rome's great master, or his angry slaves, Shed one drop of my blood, and on our plains,