Who keep their childish oaths!
Joseph (sounding Alexandra).
’Tis true indeed!
There was in olden days this Alexandra,
But whosoe’er will reach her goal, he must
Tread her whole journey with no half-way lapse.
Soon as she climbed the throne she reconciled
Herself with all her foes, and not a soul
Had need to fear her, only cause to hope.
No wonder that she sat fast till her death!