Page:Georges Eekhoud - Escal Vigor, a novel.djvu/192

168 as by thy Gerard? Let us suspend, as far as we are concerned, prolific creation. Are not enough creatures born? Let us live for ourselves, for us two alone. Stephen, have pity; it is thyself I want, all to myself, thee alone! I know not what thou art, whether thou'rt a man like others, but to me thou'rt incomparable. Oh, why had she need to come between us? No, I am explaining myself ill; thy astonished eyes kill me! Listen, I suffer throughout my whole body, when I know thou'rt with her. Tormenting heat runs through all my blood. Your joined hands furrow softly within my bosom and lacerate my heart with your nails! Oh, my little Stephen, I die to think that she will kiss thee on the lips, that she will carry thee away far from here, and that I must give thee up for ever to this robber of my life.

"Stephen smiled, a little saddened withal, endeavouring his best to make him reasonable. "Big madman," said he "my feelings for thee will in no wise change. See, am I not always the same? We will meet as in the past. Thou shalt accompany me with her."

"But this reasoning had no effect on the poor shepherd.