. . .Jup. O give it vent, Alcmena, give it vent; I merit your reproach, I would be cursed; Let your tongue curse me, while your heart forgives. Alcm. Can I forget such usage? Jup. Can you hate me? Alcm. I'll do my best; for sure I ought to hate you. Jup. That word was only hatched upon your tongue, It came not from your heart. But try again, And if, once more, you can but say,—I hate you, My sword shall do you justice. Alcm. Then—I hate you. Jup. Then you pronounce the sentence of my death. Alcm. I hate you much, but yet—I love you more. Jup. To prove that love, then say, that you forgive me; For there remains but this alternative,— Resolve to pardon, or to punish me. Alcm. Alas! what I resolve appears too plain; In saying that I cannot hate, I pardon. Jup. But what's a pardon worth without a seal? Permit me, in this transport of my joy—— [. . . Read More