t wrought this mischief, ought to fall
A just and willing sacrifice for all.
Now, Zempoalla, be both just and kind,
And, in my fate, let me thy mercy find:
Be grateful, then, and grant me that esteem,
That as alive, so dead, I may redeem.

_Oraz_. O, do not for her cruel mercy move;
None should ask pity but from those they love.

[_Weeps_.

_Inca_. Fond girl! to let thy disobedient eyes
Show a concern for him, whom I despise.

_Oraz_. How love and nature may divide a breast,
At once by both their powers severely prest!
Yet, sir, since love seems less, you may forgive;
I would not have you die, nor have him live;
Yet if he dies, alas! what shall I do?
I cannot die with him, and live with you.

_Mont_. How vainly we pursue this generous strife,
Parting in death more cruel than in life!--
Weep not, we both shall have one destiny;
As in one flame we lived, in one we'll die.

_Trax_. Why do we waste in vain these precious hours?
Each minute of his life may hazard ours:
The nation does not live whilst he enjoys
His life, it is his safety that destroys.
He shall fall first, and teach the rest to die.

_Zemp_. Hold!--
Who is it that commands;--ha! you, or I?--
Your zeal grows saucy!--sure, you may allow
Your empress freedom first to pay her vow.

_Trax_. She may allow--a justice to be done
By him, that raised his empress to her throne.

_Zemp_. You are too bold,--

_Trax_. And you too passionate.

_Zemp_. Take heed, with his, you urge not your own fate.--
For all this pity is now due to me.

_Mont_. I hate thy offered mercy more than thee.

_Trax_. Why will not then the fair Orazia give
Life to herself, and let Traxalla live?

_Mont_. Orazia will not live, and let me die;
She taught me first this cruel jealousy.

_Oraz_. I joy that you have learned it!--
That flame not like immortal love appears.
Where death can cool its warmth, or kill its fears.

_Zemp_. What shall I do? am I so quite forlorn,
No help from my own pride, nor from his scorn!
My rival's death may more effectual prove;
He, that is robbed of hope, may cease to love:--
Here, lead these offerings to their deaths.

_Trax_. Let none
Obey but he, that will pull on his own!

_Zemp_. Tempt me not thus; false and ungrateful too!

_Trax_. Just as ungrateful, and as false, as you.

_Zemp_. 'Tis thy false love that fears her destiny.

_Trax_. And your false love that fears to have him die.

_Zemp_. Seize the bold traitor!

_Trax_. Wh