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655—679] . Now dost thou know what thou cravest?

. Yea.

. Declare, then, what thou meanest.

. That thou shouldest never use an unproved rumour to cast a dishonouring charge on the friend who has bound himself with a curse.

. Then be very sure that, when thou seekest this, for me thou art seeking destruction, or exile from this land.

. No, by him who stands m the front of all the heavenly host, no, by the Sun! Unblest, unfriended, may I die by the uttermost doom, if I have that thought! But my unhappy soul is worn by the withering of the land, and again by the thought that our old sorrows should be crowned by sorrows springing from you twain.

. Then let him go, though I am surely doomed to death, or to be thrust dishonoured from the land. Thy lips, not his, move my compassion by their plaint; but he, where'er he be, shall be hated.

. Sullen in yielding art thou seen, even as vehement in the excesses of thy wrath; but such natures are justly sorest for themselves to bear.

. Then wilt thou not leave me in peace, and get thee gone?

. I will go my way; I have found thee undiscerning, but in the sight of these I am just.

[Exit.

. Lady, why dost thou delay to take yon man into the house?