Paul monologue — Polyeucte

Yes, that debt I pay, Hard--wrung, acquitted,--his my love alway! Who has my hand, he holds--shall hold--my heart! Truth is my guide,--let sophistry depart! Had Fate been kind, then had Pauline been thine, Heart, faith and duty, linked with bliss divine. In vain had fickle Fortune barred the way, Want had been wealth with thee, my guide, my stay, And poverty had fallen from the wings Of soaring love, who mocks the wealth of kings! Not mine to choose, for he--my father's choice-- Must needs be mine; yes, when I heard his voice, Duty must echo be: if thou couldst cast Before my feet an emperor's crown,--a past By worth and glory lit--beloved, adored-- Yet at my father's word, 'Not this thy lord; Take one despised--nay, loathed--to share thy bed,'-- Him, and not thee, beloved, would I wed. Duty, obedience, must have been the part Of me, who own their sway, e'en with a broken heart!