XLII.
“Then, thinking if such course I should pursue,
“That public shame would still the deed attend,
“(For men too well my obligations knew,
“And would be prompt my cruelty to shend,)
“Meseemed enough to drive him from my view,
“So that he should no more my eyes offend:
“Nor would I more address or see the peer,
“Nor letter would receive or message hear.
XLIII.
“This my ingratitude in him such pain
“At length produced, that mastered by his woe,
“After entreating mercy long in vain,
“He sickened sore and sank beneath the blow.
“For pain which fits my sin, dark fumes now stain[9]
“My cheek, and with salt rheum mine eyes o’erflow.
“Thus in eternal torment shall I dwell;
“For saving mercy helpeth not in hell.”
XLIV.
Since wretched Lydia spake no more, the peer
Would fain discern if more in torment lay;
But, those false ingrates’ curse, the darkness drear
So waxed before him, and obscured the way,
That not one inch advanced the cavalier;
Nay, back parforce returns that warrior; nay,
Himself from that increasing smoke to save,
Makes for the mouth of the disastrous cave.
