as by thy Gerard? Let us suspend, as far as we are concerned, prolific creation. Are not enough creatures born? Let us live for ourselves, for us two alone. Stephen, have pity; it is thyself I want, all to myself, thee alone! I know not what thou art, whether thou'rt a man like others, but to me thou'rt incomparable. Oh, why had she need to come between us? No, I am explaining myself ill; thy astonished eyes kill me! Listen, I suffer throughout my whole body, when I know thou'rt with her. Tormenting heat runs through all my blood. Your joined hands furrow softly within my bosom and lacerate my heart with your nails! Oh, my little Stephen, I die to think that she will kiss thee on the lips, that she will carry thee away far from here, and that I must give thee up for ever to this robber of my life.
"Stephen smiled, a little saddened withal, endeavouring his best to make him reasonable. "Big madman," said he "my feelings for thee will in no wise change. See, am I not always the same? We will meet as in the past. Thou shalt accompany me with her."
"But this reasoning had no effect on the poor shepherd.
