Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/37

 I had never experienced true resistance, and conscious of the impressions which I was able to make upon willing objects, my endeavours had savored of indifference, and my heart never opened to real tenderness, had thus far floated superficially on the level of short-lived desire. Thus the secure rose-bud, which frolicks wanton and wavering, for a while, in the caresses of kissing zephyrs, droops at last, an expanded flower, under the fading embraces of the sun.

Overwhelmed with sentiment, I bowed my head low to the ground: "Ah!" exclaimed I, Elmira, this is too much to bear!"

Her beauteous eyes dwelt on me for a moment: "be comforted," said the, I solemnly vow you friendship and esteem. Can you desire more?"

"Give me death," answered I, "I shall not live to see you in another's arms. Your pity or destruction!"

"Take courage, Sennor; your heart is noble. It cannot value friendship-less than love."