_Odm_. With too much violence you crimes pursue, Which if I acted, 'twas for love of you. This, if it teach not love, may teach you fear: I brought not sin so far, to stop it here. Death in a lover's mouth would sound but ill: But know, I either must enjoy, or kill. _Alib_. Bestow, base man, thy idle threats elsewhere, My mother's daughter knows not how to fear. Since, Guyomar, I must not be thy bride, Death shall enjoy what is to thee denied. _Odm_. Then take thy wish-- _Guy_. Hold, Odmar, hold: My right in Alibech I will resign; Rather than see her die, I'll see her thine. _Alib_. In vain thou wouldst resign, for I will be, Even when thou leav'st me, constant still to thee: That shall not save my life: Wilt thou appear Fearful for her, who for herself wants fear? _Odm_. Her love to him shows me a surer way: I by her love her virtue must betray.--[_Aside_. Since, Alibech, you are so true a wife, [_To her_. 'Tis in your power to save your husband's life: The gods, by me, your love and virtue try; For both will suffer, if you let him die. _Alib_. I never can believe you will proceed To such a black, and execrable deed. _Odm_. I only threatened you; but could not prove So much a fool, to murder what I love: But in his death I some advantage see: Worse than it is I'm sure it cannot be. If you consent, you with that gentle breath Preserve his life: If not, behold his death. [_Holds his sword to his breast_. _Alib_. What shall I do! _Guy_. What, are your thoughts at strife About a ransom to preserve my life? Though to save yours I did my interest give, Think not, when you were his, I meant to live. _Alib_. O let him be preserved by any way: But name not the foul price which I must pay. [_To_ ODM. _Odm_. You would, and would not,--I'll no longer stay. [_Offers again to kill him_. _Alib_. I yield, I yield; but yet, ere I am ill, An innocent desire I would fulfil: With Guyomar I one chaste kiss would leave, The first and last he ever can receive. _Odm_. Have what you ask: That minute you agree To my desires, your husband shall be free. [_They unbind her, she goes to her husband_. _Guy_. No, Alibech, we never must embrace. [_He turns from her_. Your guilty kindness why do you misplace? 'Tis meant to him, he is your private choice; I was made yours but by the public voice. And now you leave me with a poor pretence, That your ill act is for my life's defence. _Alib_. Since there remains no other means to try, Think I am false; I cannot see you die. _Guy_. To give for me both life and honour too, Is more, perhaps, than I could give for you. You have done much to cure my jealousy, But cannot perfect it unless both die! For since both cannot live, who stays behind Must be thought fearful, or, what's worse, unkind. _Alib_. I never could propose that death you chuse; But am, like you, too jealous to refuse. [_Embracing him_. Together dying, we together show That both did pay that faith, which both did owe.