Do I love you, Madonna-- ?" And there I paused.

The thought of what I did and what the consequences must be rushed suddenly upon me.

I shivered as a man shivers in awaking.
I dropped on my knees before her, bowing my head and flinging wide my arms.
"Forgive, Madonna," I cried entreatingly.

"Forgive and forget.

Never again will I offend." "Neither forgive nor forget will I," came her voice, charged with an ineffable sweetness, and her hands descended on my bowed bead, as if she would bless and soothe me.