May Heaven forgive that bad woman, and bring her to repentance!
Notwithstanding his young age, Henrick was wise and calm. A terrible heartbreak, the loss of a lady he loved, and the betrayal left such a deep scar in his soul that he was too tired to even try to protect himself from false accusations. Henrick was “innocently accused” and imprisoned, but his heart and mind were at absolute peace. Being a member of the Holy Order, he prayed for Miranda’s soul. He begged Heaven to “forgive that bad woman, and bring her to repentance.”
Come to my arms, my trembling, longing arms: and curse the folly of thy bigotry, that has made thee so long lose a blessing, for which so many princes sigh in vain.
Miranda’s beauty is undeniable fact. Her face was a piece of art, a flawless creation. However, that beauty fails to bring her long-lasting happiness, for her vanity is even more astonishing than her famous beauty. Henrick’s explanations fall on deaf ears. Miranda begs him to “curse the folly of thy bigotry”, for her vanity doesn’t allow her to understand that Henrick is not going to change his mind, that his chastity has nothing to do with bigotry. “Many princes” that “sigh in vain” tricked her into believing that everyone would be more than just happy to be with her.
I am frail flesh and blood, but – yet – yet I can resist.
Unlike Miranda, Henrick knows the power and beauty of true love that is based on mutual longing, tenderness, mutual respect, and dreams about the common future. Unfortunately for him, Miranda knows only passion that destroys everything on her way. Regardless the fact that he doesn’t love Miranda, it is still difficult for him to refuse. He is “frail flesh and blood,” but manages to “resist,” for her knows that vows he gave once should not be broken. They don’t let succumb. He lets her lie and doesn’t even try to protect himself from false accusations, for he knows that it is Miranda’s soul is going to perish not his.
