Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/110

 ful and true to her, as she is to thee? Be sincere, Carlos!"

These words were like a thunder-storm in mine cars. The joy at meeting again was so short, and so soon did it make its transition to the anxieties of jealousy, If the formidable Cabal had wrested her from me, she must also have heard of my infidelity, of my hellish phrenzy. This thought struck me quite dumb for some time, and I finally exclaimed,

—"Cursed, monstrous Cabal! Thou hast robbed me of my all."

—"What says my love?" continued Elmira, fondly pressing her pale countenance on my cheeks. "Be candid to thy wife."

—"Alas! Elmira, thou knowest my tender heart. In my arms, I saw thee expire; and before my eyes thou wast committed to the tomb. How could I even dream of such a shameful fraud? Long have I mourned thy loss, and only sought thy image in another fair. Thou never desiredst me not to love again?"