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THE PRINCESS;
That surely she will tell you; if not, then I.
Did she? these monsters blazon'd what they were
According to the coarseness of their kind,
For thus I hear; and known at last (my work)
And full of cowardice and guilty shame,
I grant in her the merit of shame, she flies;
And I remain on whom to wreak your rage,
I, that have lent my life to build up yours,
I that have wasted here health wealth and time
And talents, I—you know it—I will not boast:
Dismiss me, and I prophesy your plan,
Divorced from my experience, will be chaff
For every gust of chance, and men will say
We did not know the real light, but chased
The wisp that flickers where no foot can tread.'

She ceased: the Princess answer'd coldly 'Good:
Your oath is brokon: we dismiss you: go.
For this lost lamb (she pointed to the child)
Our mind is changed: we assume it to ourselves.'