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Enter attended, and  with her Female Attendant keep on the background, while, running eagerly to her, leads her nearer the front. My charming Beatrice! may I indeed Believe that thou art here? that thou vouchsafest To come with thoughts of favour for thy slave?

Perhaps I do but dream I am so bold. It is so strange,—my mind is so bewilder'd!

And why bewilder'd, Love? There's nought to fear.

I've heard sounds of alarm, and seen faint forms, That seem'd to follow me, and yet were nothing. I thought the very stones of the old walls Did call my name and know me as I pass'd.

Fear nothing, Love: this place is unfrequented: Swallows or bats may whisper of our meeting, But naught besides.—Oh! how I have desired To tell thee all my heart; on bended knee To plead my cause!—My fate is in thy hands; And since thou hast such pity of my pain As thus to listen to me, may I hope Thou wilt be better still?