That I was seeking in this moment. Ah,
How oft have I beheld that glorious form
In splendour, mid extatic worshippers;
Yet, still it mov'd me not! and now at once
Was my devotion cloudless as my love.
COUNTESS.
Forget the world around you. Meantime, friendship
Shall keep strict vigils for you, anxious, active.
Only be manageable when that friendship
Points you the road to full accomplishment.
How long may it be since you declared your passion?
MAX.
COUNTESS.
MAX.
And Nepomuck, where you had join'd us, and—
That was the last relay of the whole journey!
In a balcony we were standing mute,
And gazing out upon the dreary field:
Before us the dragoons were riding onward,
The safe-guard which the Duke had sent us—heavy
The inquietude of parting lay upon me,
And trembling ventur'd I at length these words:
This all reminds me, noble maiden, that
To-day I must take leave of my good fortune.
