Who then, eternal gods, will doom
A guiltless maid to lasting gloom?
Oh! this thy rigour, heaven, shames
Hell's unrelenting flames!

1ST MAN.
Cruel will

2ND MAN.
Of gods severe!

THE TWO MEN.
Say why this hard decree,
To crush a heart so free
From guilt or stain?
Oh! fell edict unheard ere this!
Thou doomest a maid who showers bliss
Upon the mortal race.
She the sad earth would grace,
And would give life for pain!

WOMAN.
All tears are idle, all sighs.
Heaven wills it so--she dies!
Whene'er the gods their powers wield,
All man can do--is but to yield.

1ST MAN.
Alas! dire grief