In magnanimity above thy sex,
And seal our separation. I have now
No heart, no love to give thee. Tear not then,
The bonds asunder that have linked my soul—
Dishonour not my children. At thy feet,
Low kneeling, I implore you to renounce
The right you claim: be kind, be merciful.
Hatred and gratitude are thine to choose.
Rosmunda, thou hast lived within my breast
Immaculate; change not thine image now.
Rosmunda.
I will not yield thee up thy plighted vows,
Consign my name to infamy and scorn,
Connive at thy adulterous intercourse,
And guard my rival's peace. I will appeal
To Heaven, to man. Too long the sport of fate,
I will not bend to thy barbarity,
Drag out my life in some obscure retreat,
But share the fortunes of my wedded lord.
