Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/38

 "I reject friendship; I abhor it; I scorn the remains of another's pity." Here I rose.—"One word more, Elmira, was the paper you dropt to day from Antonio?"

"No, Carlos, it was not.—Be a man; be my friend, I have offered you all I dare."

"That's too much, Elmira. What can life be to me deprived of all hope. Farewell, and live happy! I cannot think of persuading another to accept a heart, which to me alone would have been an eternity of bliss! Adieu, Elmira!" I kissed her hand, without being able to behold her face. Her heart beat audibly; her hand was in a violent tremor; I gently put it on her lap, and went to the door.

"How much am I mistaken in you, Don Carlos; but if you insist on going, come hither once more," I obeyed. "Kneel down." I fell in deep prostration at her feet. She clasped one of her hands about my neck, and, in roseate blushes, her angel's face inclined to mine. Her eyes swam in liquid fire. "One word more Carlos; pardon me! That Antonio is no other than thyself."—My senses