d with
numerous islands; and he knew that, however changeable or adverse the
winds might be, it would always prove an easy matter to make such
arrangements as to enable him to gain some port a few days previously to
the close of the month. Moreover, so strong, so intense was his love for
Nisida, that, even without the prospect afforded by this calculation, he
would have dared all perils, incurred all risks, exposed himself to all
hostile chances, rather than have remained inactive while he believed
her to be in the power of a desperate, ruthless bandit. For, oh! ever
present to his mind was the image of the lost fair one; by day, when the
sun lighted up with smiles the dancing waves over which his vessel
bounded merrily, merrily; and by night, when the moon shone like a
silver lamp amidst the curtains of heaven's pavilion.

His was not the love which knows only passionate impulse: it was a
constant, unvarying tender sentiment--far, far more pure, and therefore
more permanent, than the ardent and burning love which Nisida felt for
him. His was not the love which possession would satiate and enjoyment
cool down: it was a feeling that had gained a soft yet irresistible
empire over his heart.

And that love of his was nurtured and sustained by the most generous
thoughts. He pictured to himself the happiness he should experience in
becoming the constant companion of one whose loss of hearing and of
speech cut her off as it were from that communion with the world which
is so grateful to her sex: he imagined to himself, with all the fond
idolatry of sincere affection, how melodiously soft, how tremulously
clear would be her voice, were it restored to her, and were it first
used to articulate the delicious language of love. And then he thought
how enchanting, how fascinating, how fraught with witching charms, would
be the conversation of a being endowed with so glorious an intellect,
were she able to enjoy the faculty of speech. Thus did her very
imperfections constitute a ravishing theme for his meditation; and the
more he indulged in dreams like these, the more resolute did he become
never to rest until he had discovered and rescued her.

Seven days had elapsed since the ship sailed from Leghorn; and Sicily
had already been passed by, when the heavens grew overclouded, and
everything portended a storm. The captain, whom Wagner had placed in
charge of his vessel, adopted all the precautions necessary to encounter
the approa