A fiercer desire than that of love burns in my veins,--the desire, not to resemble, but to surpass my kind; the desire to penetrate and to share the secret of your own existence; the desire of a preternatural knowledge and unearthly power.

Instruct me, school me, make me thine; and I surrender to thee at once, and without a murmur, the woman that, till I saw thee, I would have defied a world to obtain." "I ask not the sacrifice, Glyndon," replied Zicci, coldly, yet mildly, "yet--shall I own it to thee ?--I am touched by the devotion I have inspired.

I sicken for human companionship, sympathy, and friendship; yet I dread to share them, for bold must be the man who can partake my existence and enjoy my confidence.

Once more I say to thee, in compassion and in warning, the choice of life is in thy hands,--to-morrow it will be too late.

On the one hand, Isabel, a tranquil home, a happy and serene life; on the other hand all is darkness, darkness that even this eye cannot penetrate." "But thou hast told me that if I wed Isabel I must be contented to be obscure; and if I refuse, that knowledge and power may be mine." "Vain man! knowledge and power are not happiness." "But they are better than happiness.