My friend is gone, and I am desolate:—
Return him back, fair stars, or let me die.

Lucina.

Return him back, fair heav'ns, or let me die;
For what was he but comfort of my life?

Perseda.

For what was he but comfort of my life?
But why was I so careful of the chain?

Lucina.

But why was I so careless of the chain?
Had I not lost it, my friend had not been slain.

Perseda.

Had I not ask'd it, my friend had not departed;
His parting is my death.

Lucina.