So now I hear in mine abyss these words

Which once I thought the prating of a fool,

When Hilary’s adviser uttered them.…

Maria:

Sire Felix tempers for himself the blade

That rids him of his danger; one who treads

The path thy soul takes needs another kind.

The sword Capesius doth fashion here,

And bravely wields in battle with his foes,

Would be for Strader but a shadow sword