Stern Destiny reminds thee of thine oath. The law's austerity expels thee forth The Order—takes perhaps thy liberty For ever from thee. Wilt thou, valiant Robert, Practise renunciation, self-surrender ?— ROIIERT. I will—(whilst he represses the springing tears). Forgive my manhood's last revolt ! I will observe mine oath ! MOLAY. To-morrow morn I go to France. Thou stayest in prison here— What wilt thou do ? ROBERT. I will obey, renounce ! MOLAY. The general Chapter yet may abrogate Thy life-imprisonment, give thee freedom back ; Yet even this will scarcely profit thee, For, as an outcast Templar-Knight, thou'lt bo A'by-word to all people, high and low !— And what, poor Robert, wilt thou turn to then ? ROBERT. Pfoud in my rectitude, in deserts wild I'll scorn the judgment of a foolish world! MOLAT. Should that be all thy brothers and mankind May hope from thee ?—Robert ! 'twas thy desire To garner joy for me ! — ROBERT. Can I do so ? MOLAT. Robert ! this day I tell thee once for all 136 THE TEMPLARS IX CYPRUS. [ACT IV.