She knew that she could not their contract break,
Nor for her life a new engagement make; 330
But he was man, and guilty—death so near
Might not to his as to her mind appear;
And he might wish, to spare that forfeit life.
The maid he loved might be his brother’s wife,
Although that brother was his bitter foe,
And he must all the sweets of life forego.
This would she try—intent on this alone,
She could assume a calm and settled tone;