loves her. Massimiano is overjoyed because the turn of events is very favourable to his plans to topple Constantine who is determined to exile the son. Crispo, in turn, blames Fausta for the curse the father has cast on him; she begins to see the early signs of the great tragedy she has unleashed. Act 2 Scenes 1, 2, 3 and 4: A grove close to the imperial palace It is night. Maximinian, who dreams to become Emperor before sunrise, has summoned his followers to murder both Crispo and Constantine. While Maximinian and his men prepare to leave, Crispo and Beroe arrive. The former captive princess explains that Licinia has confessed to Fausta's machinations. Massimiano suspects there are other people in the grove and, when he bumps into Crispo, both become very suspicious of each other and brandish their swords. Holding torches, Massimiano's followers, along with Constantine, appear. Seeing him with his greatest enemy, the Emperor declares that his son is plotting to get rid of him. Crispo kneels at his feet saying that he is ready to die. He professes his innocence on all accusations. The father responds that the judges and the Senate will decide his fate. Crispo is arrested and carried away by the pretorians. At dawn, Beroe and Licinia talk about the impending trial that will sentence Crispo to death. Scenes 5 and 6: The Senate Hall The senators have gathered and the Emperor arrives escorted by his guards. Constantine realizes he still has deep feelings for his son and warns Massimiano to give a factual deposition. However, during his narration he alleges that Crispo was planning to kill the Emperor. Crispo responds that this is a lie and asks Beroe to tell the facts. She explains that Crispo is innocent and that she is ready to be exiled with him, the truth being that Massimiano and his assassins were ready to kill both father and son. Crispo confirms this explanation, but the father tells the senators to remember what had just been said. Constantine wants to speak to Crispo and all are asked to leave, but although he professes love for the son, when he sees no tears coming from the eyes of Crispo he remains convinced that the son is guilty. Crispo responds that an innocent person has no tears. The senators are summoned back to the hall and deliver a guilty verdict. Constantine