More efficacious? Naught to him I grudge

"Who saves me. Only keep my head above

The cloud that 's creeping round it—I 'll divide

My empire with thee! No? What 's left but—love?

"Does love allure thee? Well then, take as bride

My only daughter, fair beyond belief!

Save me—to-morrow shall the knot be tied!"

"Father, you hear him! Respite ne'er so brief

Is all I beg: go now and come again

Next day, for aught I care: respect the grief