How came you by such store of frightful facts?
In deep repentance now I tear my hair!
My royal might seductive proved!
ALMA.
A jest,
You're clasping at your quickly beating heart,
The while your eyes still shadow forth their greed!
THE KING.
'Tis not a jest!
ALMA.
It is!
THE KING.
Nevertheless,
Spare me worse!
ALMA.