I was to be your wife!

[_Covering her face with her hands, and bursting into tears_.]

_Julian_
(_speaking low and in pain_).
And so I did.

_Lilia_
(_hopefully, and looking up_).
Then you've had dispensation?

_Julian_.
God has absolved me, though the Church will not.
He knows it was in ignorance I did it.
Rather would he have men to do his will,
Than keep a weight of words upon their souls,
Which they laid there, not graven by his finger.
The vow was made to him--to him I break it.

_Lilia_
(_weeping bitterly_).
I would ... your words were true ... but I do know ...
It never can ... be right to break a vow;
If so, men might be liars every day;
You'd do the same by me, if we were married.

_Julian_
(_in anguish_).
'Tis ever so. Words are the living things!