Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/56

 have I forgiven thee all my wrongs, and now I'll also bury them in everlasting oblivion."

—"You mistake me, Pedro, if you think me capable of abusing your bounty. No—take back your heart. You never can love a delinquent. 'Never can I give you happiness. I will not deceive you, Pedro; give me but your blessing."

My poor friend was quite distract at this nipping coldness of his confort. Those terrible words, uttered in the tone of a common conversation, caused a struggle in his heart between tenderness and pride, to exhaust which I judged would be death to him. I considered it as my duty to interpose in the business.

"You see, Madonna," began I, "the feeble and infirm fate of your husband. If you are come" hither to kill him with barbarity," it will require but little more to gain your end. But excuse me, Madonna, if I show myself anxious for the preservation of a life, which I have learn'd to value."

—"Dismiss me not," exclaimed she again, disdaining my remonstrances, "dismiss me