I listened entranced.
"'Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird! No hungry generations tread thee down; The voice I hear this passing night was heard In ancient days by emperor and clown,'" quoted Cellini in earnest tones.
"You admire Keats ?" I asked eagerly.
"More than any other poet that has lived," he replied.

"His was the most ethereal and delicate muse that ever consented to be tied down to earth.

But, mademoiselle, you do not wish to examine me as to my taste in poetry.

You have some other questions to put to me, have you not ?" For one instant I hesitated.

Then I spoke out frankly, and answered: "Yes, signor.