H. You have not the will.--

S. I must go now.

H. Stay, and hear me a little. I shall soon be where I can no more
hear thy voice, far distant from her I love, to see what change of
climate and bright skies will do for a sad heart. I shall perhaps see
thee no more, but I shall still think of thee the same as ever--I shall
say to myself, "Where is she now?--what is she doing?" But I shall
hardly wish you to think of me, unless you could do so more favourably
than I am afraid you will. Ah! dearest creature, I shall be "far
distant from you," as you once said of another, but you will not think
of me as of him, "with the sincerest affection." The smallest share of
thy tenderness would make me blest; but couldst thou ever love me as
thou didst him, I should feel like a God! My face would change to a
different expression: my whole form would undergo alteration. I was
getting well, I was growing young in the sweet proofs of your
friendship: you see how I droop and wither under your displeasure! Thou
art divine, my love, and canst make me either more or less than mortal.
Indeed I am thy creature, thy slave--I only wish to live for your
sake--I would gladly die for you--

S. That would give me no pleasure. But indeed you greatly overrate my
power.

H. Your power over me is that of sovereign grace and beauty. When I am
near thee, nothing can harm me. Thou art an angel of light, shadowing
me with thy softness. But when I let go thy hand, I stagger on a
precipice: out of thy sight the world is dark to me and comfortless.
There is no breathing out of this house: the air of Italy will stifle
me. Go with me and lighten it. I can know no pleasure away from thee--

"But I will come again, my love, An' it were ten thousand mile!"

THE MESSAGE

S. Mrs. E---- has called for the book, Sir.

H. Oh! it is there. Let her wait a minute or two. I see this is a
busy-day with you. How beautiful your arms look in those short sleeves!

S. I do not like to wear them.

H. Then that is because you are merciful, and would spare frail mortals
who might die with gazing.

S. I have no power to kill.

H. You have, you have--Your charms are irresistible as your will is
inexorable. I wish I could see you always thus. But I would have no
one else see you so. I am jealous of all eyes but my own. I should
almost like you to wear a veil, and to be muffled up from head to foot;
but even if you were, and not a