Palm. Then ask my father.
Leon. He detains my throne;
Who holds back mine, will hardly give his own.
Palm. What then remains?
Leon. That I must have recourse
To arms, and take my love and crown, by force.
Hermogenes is forming the design;
And with him all the brave and loyal join.
Palm. And is it thus you court Palmyra's bed?
Can she the murderer of her parent wed?
Desist from force: So much you well may give
To love, and me, to let my father live.
Leon. Each act of mine my love to you has shewn;
But you who tax my want of it, have none.
You bid me part with you, and let him live;
But they should nothing ask, who nothing give.
Palm. I give what virtue, and what duty can,
In vowing ne'er to wed another man.
Leon. You will be forced to be Argaleon's wife.
Palm. I'll keep my promise, though I lose my life.
Leon. Then you lose love, for which we both contend;
For life is but the means, but love's the end.