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.

Almanz. Let me but near that happy temple stay,
And through the grates peep on you once a day;
To famished hope I would no banquet give: 
I cannot starve, and wish but just to live. 
Thus, as a drowning man
Sinks often, and does still more faintly rise,
With his last hold catching whate’er he spies;
So, fallen from those proud hopes I had before,
Your aid I for a dying wretch implore.

Almah. I cannot your hard destiny withstand,

  BOABDELIN, and Guards above.

But slip, like bending rushes, from your hand. 
Sink all at once, since you must sink at last.