152
and I not only do not hate you, but have a lively sensation of what your feelings must at this moment be. I suffer as much from your woes as from my own; Philamir regrets me; this cannot be denied: but it is you he loves, and, were he to attempt to break his engagement to you, I would oppose bis intentions. I am about to quit, and never see him more. The effort will cost me my life, but duty is far more sacred than love.
And is it possible, said Zeolidc, that a passion, which reason cannot approve, may become thus violent in a heart like your's?—Adieu, Philamir ! continued the princess: I restore you your freedom, and at length regain my own; but, in renouncing you, I renounce the married state.—Adieu! may you be happy!
Stop, Zeolie! cried Philamir, distracted.
Go, my lord, said Mirza, with a languishing voice; go, recover your mistress, and abandon the wretched Mirza! She no longer loves, I adore—O! that by sacrificing my heart I could restore you her's, since you cannot live without her.
