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Rh

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.

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.