He could not deny her that prayer.

If she would not mount his throne, she should not--he was King.

But that other bidding: Touch me not, she said.

He looked at her sleeping; her bosom filled and lifted his hand.

God have no mercy on him if he denied her that either.
'So take Thou, God, my heart's desire, if I give her not hers.' Then he stooped and kissed her forehead; she opened her eyes and smiled feebly, half awake.
He was not a man, I say it again, at the mercy of women's lure.