[_Starting back._
For this last stroke I did no guard provide;
I could suspect no foe was near that side.
From winds and thickening clouds we thunder fear,
None dread it from that quarter which is clear;
And I would fain believe, 'tis but your art
To shew
You knew where deepest you could wound my heart.

_Almah._ So much respect is to your passion due,
That sure I could not practise arts on you.
But that you may not doubt what I have said,
This hour I have renounced my husband's bed:
Judge, then, how much my fame would injured be,
If, leaving him, I should a lover see.

_Almanz._ If his unkindness have deserved that curse,
Must I, for loving well, be punished worse?

_Almah._ Neither your love nor merits I compare,
But my unspotted name must be my care.

_Almanz._ I have this day established its renown.

_Almah._ Would you so soon, what you have raised, throw down?

_Almanz._ But, madam, is not yours a greater guilt,
To ruin him, who has that fabric built?

_Almah._ No lover should his mistress' prayers withstand,
Yet you contemn my absolute command.

_Almanz._ 'Tis not contempt,
When your command is issued out too late;
'Tis past my power, and all beyond is fate.
I scarce could leave you, when to exile sent,
Much less when now recalled from banishment;
For if that heat your glances cast were strong,
Your eyes, like glasses, fire, when held so long.

_Almah._ Then, since you needs will all my weakness know,
I love you; and so well, that you must go.
I am so much obliged, and have withal
A heart so boundless and so prodigal,
I dare not trust myself, or you, to stay,
But, like frank gamesters, must forswear the play.

_Almanz._ Fate, thou art kind to strike so hard a blow:
I am quite stunned, and past all feeling now.
Yet--can you tell me you have power and will
To save my life, and at that instant kill?

_Almah._ This, had you staid, you never must have known;
But, now you go, I may with honour own.

_Almanz._ But, madam, I am forced to disobey:
In your defence my honour bids me stay.
I promised to secure your life and throne,
And, heaven be thanked, that work is yet undone.

_Almah._ I here make void that promise which you made,
For now I have no farther need of aid.
That vow, which to my plighted lord was given,
I must not break, but may transfer to heaven:
I will with vestals live:
There needs no guard at a religious door;
Few will disturb the praying and the poor