Was reft away, perchance I might have yielded now.

For sister, I confess it, since my husband’s fate,

Since that sad day when by his blood my father’s house

Was sprinkled, this of all men has my feelings moved.

Again I feel the force of passion’s sway. But no!

May I be gulfed within earth’s yawning depths; may Jove

Almighty hurl me with his thunders to the shades,

The pallid shades of Erebus and night profound,

Before, O constancy, I violate thy laws!

He took my heart who first engaged my maiden love.