Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/39

 vanished, I felt nothing more than a stormy bosom pressed convulsive on mine, two ardent lips, and glowing tears which bathed my cheeks.

When I recovered, her love-beaming eyes were fondly fixed on me. "Enchantress!" cried I, "how sweetly you compensate the anguish you made me endure."

"Always think so Carlos; I have sold thee my heart, but I hope not too dearly."

"Elmira; my whole being is thine. Each sentiment bears thy image. But pardon my diffidence. Can you tell me what the paper contains which you keep so anxiously concealed?"

"I can tell you, but will it avail to give you uneasiness? You had better let it rest."

"Your wish is my law; but I must confess, that I felt some curiosity of seeing it."

"Just as you please Carlos; but don't be agitated; I have more faith in my eyes and thee, than in this wretched paper."—She now produced it. It was either written with red ink or blood. These were its contents, with three crosses in lieu of signature: