And things had happened that would fearfully Uplift the veil and show us that the gods Lean not upon the arm of man for vengeance, When such a guilt as never finds atonement, Being a thing of darkness, stains the world. But they are gracious, for this hell-deed has In vain enwrapped itself in utter blackness; ’Spite all, it blazes through. Water will seek No fiery transmutation when the mouth Of thirst is stretched to drink it, nor will fire Wane in extinction when the breath of hunger Blows o’er it on the hearthstone--nay, oh nay, The elements need not to tell the tidings That Nature to her wrathful depths is fevered Since in a woman she has suffered hurt. We know the thing that happed! GYGES. We know as well What is to happen still. Only forgive! [_Is about to go._ RHOD. Stop! That no more! GYGES. What other can I do? RHOD. You must now slay him. GYGES. Ha! RHOD. You must--and I---- I must thereafter be your wife. GYGES. O Queen! RHOD. Now go. GYGES. What, slay him? RHOD. When you say to me, “You are a widow now,” I answer you “You are my husband now.” GYGES. Have you not seen How he departed hence, not for himself Spoke any word, but gave the charge to me? And I--I am to----No! RHOD. You must do this As I must make demand. We both can make No question if the task be hard or light. GYGES. But if he were not husband he is friend, None stands his better there. And can I kill him For being friend in all too dear degree? RHOD. YOU struggle still, but all in vain. GYGES. What should Compel me if your charm could not compel? I love you; I am strange-subdued as though I came to earth seized with a stiffening cramp That bent to suppleness before your gaze. My senses, erewhile numb like drowséd watchmen, Had never seen nor heard; now they arouse Each other’s life, o’ermastered with their bliss And clambering upon you; round about you All forms are merged and melted, once so sharp And boldly-lined they almost tore the eye Like clouds before the radiant lines of morning, And like a dizzied man who sees the abysm And fears the sucking fall, I could outstretch My hand for yours, yea, cling around your neck Ere gulped into unbottomed nothingness. But with no drop, no smallest, of his blood Could I be won to buy that loftiest seat-- In rapture’s maddest height I’d not forget him! RHOD. ’Tis true you can refuse what I desire-- Then leave me! GYGES. Queen, what’s in your heart?