But can I hold in horror this ill deed,

And dress my brow in false approving smiles?

No: could I carry lightning in my eye,

Or roll a voice like thunder in your ears,

So should I suit my utterance to my thoughts,

And act as fits my sacred ministry.

Count. O father! did you know the conflict here;

How love and conscience are at war within me;

Most sure, you would not treat my grief thus harshly.