I yet persisted, till at length to escape
The ceaseless importunity, she fled:
And verily I fear’d until this hour,
My rigour to some fearfuller resolve
Than flight, had driven my child. Chiefs, I appeal
To each and all, and Orpas to thyself
Especially, if, having thus essay’d
All means that law and nature have allow’d
To bend her will, I may not rightfully
Hold myself free, that promise being void