Paul monologue — Polyeucte

Thy wife's true heart another treatment owes: O base reproach! For this I crushed for thee My former love: that I disdained might be? This my reward for dearest victory won,-- I did that love undo--to be myself undone! Resolve, faith, abnegation, all were vain, For thy return is outrage heaped on pain. Oh, sunk in tomb of shame, most vile, most mean, Come back to life--to honour--to Pauline! (Holds out her arms.) To learn from her that loyalty and faith Religion are:--and all beside but death! Once more Alcestis wrestles with the tomb, Arise, arise from thy enthralling doom! And if my invocation feeble be, Regard the tears--the sighs,--shed--breathed for thee! Love is too weak a word--I thee adore!