All that I do forgive. But answer, priest:

I, who wrought wisely through long weary years

To build a kingdom, where was turbulence,

And mould a civil state out of this strife,

Come at the last unto a shameful death;

While Fredegonde, who wrought for her own lust,

Died peacefully: has God been just to us?

Bow not thy head; bear with my bitterness:

Though God desert me in mine hour of need,

Yet shall I carry a firm heart to death;