never to consent to join myself with any in wedlock’s
bands, since my first love played me false and made me
the dupe of death—had I not been weary of bridal bed
and nuptial torch, perchance I might have stooped to
this one reproach. Anna—for I will own the truth—since 25
the fate of Sychæus, my poor husband—since the
sprinkling of the gods of my home with the blood my
brother shed, he and he only has touched my heart and
shaken my resolution till it totters. I recognize the
traces of the old flame. But first I would pray that earth 30