I account you, Lazzaro, the noblest friend, the bravest gentleman and the truest lover that the world has known.

Need it surprise you, then, that I love you and that mine would be a happy life if I might spend it in growing worthy of this noble love of yours ?" There was a knot in my throat and tears in my eyes--a matter at which I take no shame.

Air seemed to fail me for a moment, and I almost thought that I should swoon, so overcome was I.Transport the blackest soul from among the damned of Hell, wash it white of its sins and seat it on one of the glorious thrones of Heaven, then ponder its emotions, and you may learn something of what I felt.

At last, when I had mastered the exquisite torture of my joy-- "Madonna mia," I cried, "bethink you of what you say.

You are the noble lady of Santafior, and I--" "No more of this," she interrupted me.