Strength to my pride, and I could live and smile;
But part not from me with the cruel charge
That I am the one perjured."
The stern man
Was softened for a moment, and he took
Those clasped hands in his own, and pressed a kiss
Upon the cold, white brow, and laid her head
Again upon his bosom. But the touch
Recalled his iron will. "Nay, Eloise,
Why should I trust thee? Has not all the world
Learned this before I murmured, while I was
The dupe of my own blindness? Do not think
I stoop to breathe reproaches. Never waste
A thought upon my fortunes; for I give
My heart henceforward to ambition's race,
And worship fame alone. Beauty's wiles
Shall never stay my footsteps—men shall be
The instruments of greatness to myself,
And I'll forget that ever I did dream
This vain and broken fancy of first love."
As if an adder coiled about her form,
She started from his arms. "Alberto, hear!
You charge my soul with falsehood for no cause
Save the world's idle babble; cruelly
You break asunder every tie that binds
My very life to yours. I will not say
Again that I am innocent, but turn
Your charge upon yourself; for never love
Coldly and calmly thus relinquished love.
I know the bane that has distilled this ruin.
Go, give your manhood to it! and when age
Comes with its weary heart and feeble pulse,
Weigh then what you have gained against your loss;
I can divine the balance. Go; farewell!"
Alberto gazed upon that hueless face,
