My light will sure discover those who talk.--
Who dares to interrupt my private walk?
_Almanz_. He, who dares love, and for that love must die.
And, knowing this, dares yet love on, am I.
_Almah_. That love which you can hope, and I can pay,
May be received and given in open day;
My praise and my esteem you had before;
And you have bound yourself to ask no more.
_Almanz_. Yes, I have bound myself; but will you take
The forfeit of that bond, which force did make?
_Almah_. You know you are from recompence debarred;
But purest love can live without reward.
_Almanz_. Pure love had need be to itself a feast;
For, like pure elements, 'twill nourish least.
_Almah_. It therefore yields the only pure content;
For it, like angels, needs no nourishment.
To eat and drink can no perfection be;
All appetite implies necessity.
_Almanz_. 'Twere well, if I could like a spirit live;
But, do not angels food to mortals give?
What if some demon should my death foreshow,
Or bid me change, and to the Christians go;
Will you not think I merit some reward,
When I my love above my life regard?
_Almah_. In such a case your change must be allowed:
I would myself dispense with what you vowed.
_Almanz_. Were I to die that hour when I possess,
This minute shall begin my happiness.
_Almah_. The thoughts of death your passion would remove;
Death is a cold encouragement to love.
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