Page:The Improvisatrice.pdf/99

Rh

!—No, I did not speak; My heart beat high, but could not break. I shrieked not, wept not; but stood there Motionless in my still despair; As I were forced by some strange thrall, To bear with and to look on all,— I heard the hymn, I heard the vow; (Mine ear throbs with them even now!) I saw the young bride's timid cheek Blushing beneath her silver veil. I saw kneel! Methought ('Twas but a thought!) he too was pale. But when it ended, and his lip Was prest to her’s—I saw no more! My heart grew cold,—my brain swam round,— I sank upon the cloister floor!