My own heart tells me that I am not, cannot be, loved in return; yet would I rather cherish in its core my affection, slighted and unblessed, such as it is, than own another heart.

I ask for nothing, I hope for nothing; I merely entreat that, for my truth, I may meet belief, and for my heart's worship of her whom alone I can love, compassion.

I see that you at least pity me.

Nay, one word more; I have one favor more to ask,--it is my last, my only one.

Do not, when time and distance may have separated us, perhaps forever, think that the expressions I now use are prompted by a mere sudden ebullition of boyish feeling; do not attribute to the circumstance of my youth alone the warmth of the attachment I profess,--for I swear to you, by every hope that I have, that in my heart of hearts my love to you is the source and spring of every action in my life, of every aspiration in my heart; and when I cease to love you, I shall cease to feel." "And now, farewell,--farewell forever!" I pressed her hand to my lips, gave one long, last look, turned my horse rapidly away, and ere a minute was far out of sight of where I had left her..