And triumph o’er the sighing;

Can scorn the noblest mind oppress’d,

Can fill with thorns the feeling breast

Soft pity’s tear denying.

“Take me,” she cried, “but spare his age—

“Let me his ransom tender;

“I will the fatal deed atone,

“For crimes that never were my own,

“My breaking heart surrender.”

The marriage day was fix’d, the Tow’rs