Thou lofty seat, o'ertopping others all, Grant that we may no lower be than thou, And even unexalted by these steps We yet may hold just measure of the good. _Enter the _QUEEN. KING (_going toward her with outstretched hands_). I greet thee, Leonore! QUEEN. Be welcome, thou! KING. And not thy hand? QUEEN. I'm glad to see thee here. KING. And not thy hand? QUEEN (_bursting into tears_). O help me, gracious God! KING. This hand is not pest-stricken, Leonore, Go I to battle, as I ought and must, It will be smeared and drenched with hostile blood; Pure water will remove the noisome slime, And for thy "welcome" I shall bring it pure. Like water for the gross and earthly stain There is a cleanser for our sullied souls. Thou art, as Christian, strong enough in faith To know repentance hath a such-like might. We others, wont to live a life of deeds, Are not inclined to modest means like this, Which takes the guilt away, but not the harm-- Yes, half but is the fear of some new sin. If wishing better things, if glad resolve Are any hostage-bond for now and then, Take it--as I do give it--true and whole! QUEEN (_holding out both hands_). O God, how gladly! KING. No, not both thy hands! The right alone, though farther from the heart, Is giv'n as pledge of contract and of bond, Perhaps to indicate that not alone Emotion, which is rooted in our hearts, But reason, too, the person's whole intent, Must give endurance to the plighted word. Emotion's tide is swift of change as time; That which is pondered, has abiding strength. QUEEN (_offering him her right hand_). That too! Myself entire! KING. Trembleth thy hand! (_Dropping her hand._) O noble wife, I would not treat thee ill. Believe not that, because I speak less mild, I know less well how great has been my fault, Nor honor less the kindness of thy heart. QUEEN. 'Tis easy to forgive; to comprehend Is much more difficult. How it _could_ be, I understand it not!