Page:Victor Hugo's Works (Guernsey Edition) v14.djvu/72

50 To say, "I love you," nor to tell you how

For months your face has been my beacon star.

My passion never would have found a tongue;

It is too reverent; but your safety, lady,

I can be bold for that.

My safety!

Threatened

With desperate danger. Think you one so fair

Could even pray in safety in Faenza?

You have been seen: your beauty hath been buzzed

In the Court's amorous ear. There is a project

To scale your balcony to-night.

Oh, father!

He cannot save you. What were his sole strength

Against the bravos that the duke commands,

For any deed of ill? My arm and sword

Are stronger than your father's, and are yours

As absolutely. And yet what were these?

I could die for you, but I could not save you.

What shall I do?

Have you no friends, protectors,

To whom you might betake yourself?

Alas!

I am a stranger here.