I will watch, lest anyone should enter from above." "You may watch till the rising of the dead," thought Nino, and Hedwig stood aside on the narrow step, while Temistocle went up.

One instant more, and Nino was at her feet, kissing the hem of her dress, and speechless with happiness, for his tears of joy flowed fast.
Tenderly Hedwig bent to him, and laid her two hands on his bare head, pressing down the thick and curly hair with a trembling, passionate motion.
"Signor Cardegna, you must not kneel there,--nay, sir, I know you love me! Would I have come to you else?
Give me your hand--now--do not kiss it so hard--no--Oh, Nino, my own dear Nino--" What should have followed in her gentle speech is lacking, for many and most sweet reasons.

I need not tell you that the taper was extinguished, and they stood locked in each other's arms against the open door, with only the reflection of the moon from the houses opposite to illuminate their meeting.
There was and is to me something divinely perfect and godlike in these two virgin hearts, each so new to their love, and each so true and spotless of all other.

I am old to say sweet things of loving, but I cannot help it; for though I never was as they are, I have loved much in my time.

Like our own dear Leopardi, I loved not the woman, but the angel which is the type of all women, and whom not finding I perished miserably as to my heart.