The unhappy King....

Absolve him! Roderick cried,

And in that strong emotion turn’d his face

Sternly toward Siverian, for the sense

Of shame and self-reproach drove from his min

All other thoughts. The good old man replied

Of human judgements humanly I speak.

Who knows not what Pelayo’s life hath been?

Not happier in all dear domestic ties,

Than worthy for his virtue of the bliss