sin so far, to stop it here.
Death in a lover's mouth would sound but ill:
But know, I either must enjoy, or kill.

_Alib_. Bestow, base man, thy idle threats elsewhere,
My mother's daughter knows not how to fear.
Since, Guyomar, I must not be thy bride,
Death shall enjoy what is to thee denied.

_Odm_. Then take thy wish--

_Guy_. Hold, Odmar, hold:
My right in Alibech I will resign;
Rather than see her die, I'll see her thine.

_Alib_. In vain thou wouldst resign, for I will be,
Even when thou leav'st me, constant still to thee:
That shall not save my life: Wilt thou appear
Fearful for her, who for herself wants fear?

_Odm_. Her love to him shows me a surer way:
I by her love her virtue must betray.--[_Aside_.
Since, Alibech, you are so true a wife, [_To her_.
'Tis in your power to save your husband's life:
The gods, by me, your love and virtue try;
For both will suffer, if you let him die.

_Alib_. I never can believe you will proceed
To such a black, and execrable deed.

_Odm_. I only threatened you; but could not prove
So much a fool, to murder what I love:
But in his death I some advantage see:
Worse than it is I'm sure it cannot be.
If you consent, you with that gentle breath
Preserve his life: If not, behold his death.
[_Holds his sword to his breast_.

_Alib_. What shall I do!

_Guy_. What, are your thoughts at strife
About a ransom to preserve my life?
Though to save yours I did my interest give,
Think not, when you were his, I meant to live.

_Alib_. O let him be preserved by any way:
But name not the foul price which I must pay.
[_To_ ODM.

_Odm_. You would, and would not,--I'll no longer stay.
[_Offers again to kill him_.

_Alib_. I yield, I yield; but yet, ere I am ill,
An innocent desire I would fulfil:
With Guyomar I one chaste kiss would leave,
The first and last he ever can receive.

_Odm_. Have what you ask: That minute you agree
To my desires, your husband shall be free.
[_They unbind her, she goes to her husband_.

_Guy_. No, Alibech, we never must embrace.
[_He turns from her_.
Your guilty kindness why do you misplace?
'Tis meant to him, he is your private choice;
I was made yours but by the public voice.
And now you leave me with a poor pretence,
That your ill act is for my life's defence.

_Alib_. Since there remains no other means to try,
Think I am false; I cannot see you die.

_Guy_. To give for me both life and honour too,
Is more, perhaps, than I co