Page:Blackwood's Magazine volume 050.djvu/354

320 What is't you fear?—You know I love but you,

And that his bolts and bars are all in vain.

. I know it—yet I scarcely dare to hope—

I see before me what appears a star,

And yet it may turn out a will-o'-the-wisp.

My heart is sore beset with anxious fear;

Yet perhaps, Laura, at this very moment

I'm nearer the fulfilment of my wishes

Than e'er I was before—

Bernardo, how?

. Yes! dearest maiden, what I say is true,

Unless my spirit is a false foreboder,

This is the last time I shall wear these trappings.

I feel that now or never is the time.

What is't you mean?

. Laura! I cannot now

Be more explicit—for my hopes are still.

Like a soap bubble, which a breath may mar. (A noise is heard at the door.)

Away! make haste! I hear my guardian coming—

Here, take your beard!

You have not got it all.

(looking suspiciously at Laura, who endeavours to conceal the piece of the beard) What have you there?

(striving to hide her embarrassment.) Merely a plaything; sir.

When I was left alone, a childish freak.

Urged me to pluck the beard of old Leonardo;

And, as it seems, I tweak'd his chin too roughly,

For this small portion came away.

. The beard.

Of old Leonardo, say you?—Let me see!

Why, no deficiency of beard is here!

'Twas from the other, then.

From Cimabue?

Ay! you are right; something is wanting here. Give me the hair, and I will fasten it.

I've torn the hair, not thinking what I did.

It cannot now be used.

(smiling upon her.) Is that the way

In which you treat grey hairs, you naughty gipsy?

It was quite unintentional, indeed.

I'm glad you say so, for I now may hope

That mine will meet with kindness at your hands,

And all due reverence, when I'm up in years.

Methinks, good sir, you have not long to wait.