With laws unjust, but hard necessity:

Imperious need, which cannot be withstood,

Makes ill authentic, for a greater good.

Possess your soul with patience, and attend;

A more auspicious planet may ascend;[228]

Good fortune may present some happier time,

With means to cancel my unwilling crime;

(Unwilling, witness all ye powers above!)

To mend my errors, and redeem your love:

That little space you safely may allow;