I fear to speak, and yet silence would serve me ill.

I offer not the strength of my arms nor the fleetness of my feet, for they may fail me tomorrow; nor my courage, for that has never been tried; nor the renown of my fathers, for that is not mine to give; nor my life, for that belongs to my country; nor my fortune, for I should blush to offer what may be used to buy cattle.

I would give a thing greater and more lasting than all of these.

It is my love." The girl turned half away, blushing pink.

All had flung off the mask of comedy and now wore a look of surprise.
"By my faith!" said the poet, "this young knight meant his words." "A man of sincerity, upon my soul!" said the old philosopher.