Page:Victor Hugo's Works (Guernsey Edition) v14.djvu/56

38

Dear father!

Would he were here that I might rest my head

Upon his breast, and have his arms about me;

For then I feel there's something I may love

And not be chidden for it. [Lute sounds.] Hark! again.

If I durst answer!

How sad he must be out there in the dark,

Not knowing if I mark his music.

No!

My father would be angry; sad enough,

To have one joy I may not share with him;

Yet there can be no harm in listening.

I thought to-night he would have spoken to me,

But then Brigitta came, and he fell back!

I'm glad he did not speak, and yet I'm sorry,

I should so like to hear his voice, just once.

He comes in my dreams, now, but he never speaks.

I'm sure 't is soft and sweet! [Listening.] His lute is hushed.

What if I touch mine, now that he is gone?

I must not look out of the casement! Yes,

I'm sure he's gone? [Takes her lute and strikes a chord, L.

She is worth ten Ginevras!

Not yet!

Unhand me, I will speak to her! [ appears at the door, R. 2 E.