This is Otway'’s own invention, and we cannot but confess that these words in contrast to the preceding description of the high dignity of the emperor, given by Paulinus, make a deep and lasting impression on us and show the despair of Titus.

His relation to Antiochus is in general the same as in Racine. Titus is, according to Racine, not only very sorry for the speedy departure of Antiochus, but he also imagines to have caused it; yet Otway has laid much more stress upon the true and intimate friendship of Titus; for, as it were, he salutes his friend with the words:

„I more than ever do your Friendship want;“

and when Antiochus discloses the true reason for his departure, his love to Berenice, Titus is by no means jealous of him, nor will he hasten his rival's setting out, but even persuades him to remain and replies quietly:

„A braver Rival l'd not wish to find,

Than him that dares be just, and tell his Mind.

So far's Resentment from my Heart remov'd,

That Berenice is by my Friend belov'd,

That I, Antiochus, the king extol,

For she was made to be ador'’d by all:

And happy he that shall possess her.“

Let us pass over to Antiochus. He is king of Comagene, acquainted with Berenice from his youth. They were both born and educated in the same town. The intimate friendship of An- tiochus has turned into love which seemed to be returned by Berenice. When afterwards she entered into connexion with Titus and followed him to Rome, after the prosperous issue of the rebellion, Antiochus could not avoid going there too, hoping she would not yet be lost for him. There he very seldom sees her, and when, at last, he is told that she will be married next day, he is very much disappointed in his hopes, and resolves to leave Rome. In a last audience granted to him, he once more reminds her of their youth, passed in close friendship, describes his true and sincere love, for wich he has made so many sacrifices, and speaks at last of his departing, caused, as he says, by her intented marriage with Titus. But when Titus resolves to part from Berenice, and Arsaces, his confident, explains to him that Berenice, after a few days of mourning, would bear hatred against Titus and confer all her love on him, his hopes are raised again and joyfully he exclaims:

„Ahl je respire Arsace, et tu me rends la vie, J' accepte avec plaisir un presage si doux. Allons lui déclarer que Titus l'abandonne.“

He then considers how much pain and grief Berenice had to suffer, if he would deliver the commission of Titus; his love for Berenice is too great as to permit him to see her sad and sorrowful, and so he can only by being threatened with disgrace be induced to utter the fatal words which he has been ordered to deliver. And how much is he afflicted that Berenice has no confidence in his words, that she will nevermore see him and forbids him ever to appear be- fore her eyes. Thus his resolution to depart as soon as possible is still confirmed, yet he is very anxious for her; for he sends Arsaces to make inquiries about her doings, and When Berenice,

in utmost despair, wishes to die and no one but Titus can appease her, he hastens to the palace 2