He several times attempted to speak, but in vain; and his voice still faltered with tenderness, when, after a pause of several minutes, he thus addressed her: "My own dear Zoe, your love has been bestowed on one who, if he cannot merit, can at least appreciate and adore you.

Beings of similar loveliness, and similar devotedness of affection, mingled, in all my boyish dreams of greatness, with visions of curule chairs and ivory cars, marshalled legions and laurelled fasces.

Such I have endeavoured to find in the world; and, in their stead, I have met with selfishness, with vanity, with frivolity, with falsehood.

The life which you have preserved is a boon less valuable than the affection "-- "Oh! Caesar," interrupted the blushing Zoe, "think only on your own security at present.

If you feel as you speak,--but you are only mocking me,--or perhaps your compassion "-- "By Heaven!--by every oath that is binding "-- "Alas! alas! Caesar, were not all the same oaths sworn yesterday to Valeria?
But I will trust you, at least so far as to partake your present dangers.