severe, decree for you the fate we desire, and for which our sincere
friendship, in spite of you and of the oracle, still hopes!

PSY. Farewell. This hope, these vows, my sisters, none of the gods
will ever fulfil.



SCENE III.--PSYCHE (_alone_).

Alone, at last, I can look on this terrible change, which from the
summit of highest glory hurls me to the tomb. This glory was without
parallel. Its sheen spread from pole to pole; all kings seemed created
to love me; all their subjects, looking upon me as on a goddess, were
but now beginning to accustom me to the incense they never ceased to
offer; sighs followed me, for which I gave naught in return. My soul
remained fancy-free, while it captivated so many, and in the midst of
so much love was queen of all hearts, and yet mistress of my own. Oh!
heaven! hast thou counted a crime this want of feeling? All this
severity which thou dost exhibit, is it because in return for their
vows I have given nothing but esteem? If such be thy law, why didst
thou not create in me that which merit and love create in others,
and.... But what do I see here?



SCENE IV.--CLEOMENES, AGENOR, PSYCHE.

CLE. Behold in us two friends, two rivals, whose only wish is to
expose our life to save yours.