All our virtues, all our laws, are drawn from books and maxims, which are sentiments, not from deeds.

Our opinions, young Englishman, are the angel part of us; our acts the earthly." "You have reflected deeply, for an Italian," said Glyndon.
"Who told you I was an Italian ?" "Are you not of Corsica ?" "Tush!" said Zicci, impatiently turning away.

Then, after a pause, he resumed, in a mild voice: "Glyndon, do you renounce Isabel di Pisani?
Will you take three days to consider of what I have said ?" "Renounce her,--never!" "Then you will marry her ?" "Impossible." "Be it so; she will then renounce you.

I tell you that you have rivals." "Yes, the Prince di--; but I do not fear him." "You have another, whom you will fear more." "And who is he ?" "Myself." Glyndon turned pale, and started from his seat.
"You, Signor Zicci, you,--and you dare to tell me so ?" "Dare! Alas! you know there is nothing on earth left me to fear!" These words were not uttered arrogantly, but in a tone of the most mournful dejection.

Glyndon was enraged, confounded, and yet awed.
However, he had a brave English heart within his breast, and he recovered himself quickly.
"Signor," said he, calmly, "I am not to be duped by these solemn phrases and these mystical sympathies.