I never served you: 't was myself I served—

Nay, served not—rather saved from punishment

Which, had I failed you then, would plague me now!

My life continues yours, and your life, mine.

But if, to take God's gift, I swerve no step—

Cleves! If I breathe no prayer for it—if she,

[Footsteps without.

Colombe, that comes now, freely gives herself—

Will Cleves require, that, turning thus to her,

I ...