Canst thou slay thy bride by fire? He dies, Or she dies, bound against the stake. His death Were the easier. Follow him: save her: strike but once.

ALMACHILDES.

ALMACHILDES.

I cannot. God requite thee this! I will.

[Exit.

ROSAMUND.

ROSAMUND.

And I will see it. And, father, thou shalt see.

[Exit.

p. 76ACT V.

p. 76

The Banqueting-hall.

Enter Albovine and Rosamund.

Albovine

Rosamund

ALBOVINE.

ALBOVINE.

This June makes babes of men; last night I deemed When thou hadst wished me peace as I passed forth A footfall pressed behind me soft and fast, And turning toward it I beheld nought: thee I saw, and Almachildes hard at hand Turned back toward thee: nought stranger: yet my heart Sprang, and sank back. I laughed against myself, That manhood should be girlish, when the heat Burns life half out within us. Even thine eyes, Like stars before the wind that brings the cloud, Look fainter. Ere they fill the banquet full And bid the guests about us where we sit, Tell me if aught be worse 

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