Either sword or fire's flame.

Knowst thou not, I hate thee?

Knowst thou not, I scorn thee?

Another has my love,

And, loving, I can die!

ALEKO.

Cease, I pray, thy singing wearies,

Nor do I like such savage rhymes.

ZEMPHIRE.

My song offends? But what care I?

'Tis for myself alone I sing.

Burn, hack me with thy sword,

No word shalt hear from me;

Husband old, husband fierce,

His name I'll ne'er betray!

He's fresher than the spring,

He breathes warm summer's heat

With daring youth he glows,

And none but me he loves!

Softly I caressed him

In shadow of the night,

As merrily we laughed,

And mocked at thy gray hairs

ALEKO.

Cease, Zemphire, cease! It is enough!

ZEMPHIRE.

And hast thou understood my song?

ALEKO.

Zemphire!

ZEMPHIRE.

Be angry, if thou wilt:

It was to thee I sang my song.

(She goes away singing).