Page:Artabanzanus (Ferrar, 1896).djvu/169

Rh vain. I have thought upon this until my brain became on fire, and I cannot devise any scheme, or hit upon any plan. If an opportunity should occur, we, like skilful generals, must take advantage of our adversary's stupidity or default, and if we catch him tripping, you may depend upon my very best and warmest assistance.'

'Enough, Ubertus,' he replied, pressing my band. 'Now I will show you round the room; but first would you like to hear a few simple verses which I wrote for Helen one evening, after I had vexed my darling with my cursed jealousy—yes, jealousy of a fiendish villain, the sight of whom she could hardly bear? I wrote but little then or since, either poetry or prose, never having had the ambition of becoming an author. But the sight of Helen always reminds me of my weakness and my cruelty, as much as it does of her sweetness and gentleness. How little do the jealous know what poisoned daggers they plunge into the hearts of those who have vowed to be faithful! Shall I repeat them ? Her angelic spirit may be here to listen.'

'Certainly, Doctor; I am very anxious to hear them.'

Then he recited the following stanzas in a loud and clear voice, whose echoes through the vaulted chamber penetrated my startled brain like wizards' bells: