Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/387

 I started these remonstrances in hopes of embittering her against me. But the quite misconstrued my meaning, and thought to find in it some remains of love and jealousy. "How can Carlos thus upbraid me?" continued she, "Have I not sufficiently expiated my error? Have I not pined away in the fairest blossom of life, parted and absent from thee? and now returned repentant to thy feet, to offer thee the possession of my whole being, while every pulse beats for thee, while every thought of my mind bears thy image—O Carlos!—can't thou reject me?"

She fell to the ground in an agony of painful convulsions, and wrung her hands in despair. I lifted her to replace her on the feat, when the melted in tears. No man ever found himself in such a situation. I was watched, yet so very much alone, that I could expect no help but from my own powers.

—"Dearest countess," answered I, "you never was more mistaken than at this moment. I am unworthy of your love, and never me-