Have been as things 'twas meet I should accept,

70

Since this slave-life began,

Where deeds are done by violence and force,—

And I must needs suppress

[*]The bitter loathing of my inmost heart,

[*]And now beneath my cloak I weep and wail

[*]For all the frustrate fortunes of my lords,[[406]]

Chilled through with secret grief.

Elect. Ye handmaids, ye who deftly tend this house,