"Thou hast read my heart; thou knowest that thou art become the lord of my destiny.

But to be bound beneath the weight of a cold obligation; to be the beggar on the eyes of indifference; to cast myself on one who loves me not,--THAT were indeed the vilest sin of my sex.

Ah, Zanoni, rather let me die!" She had thrown back her clustering hair from her face while she spoke; and as she now stood, with her arms drooping mournfully, and her hands clasped together with the proud bitterness of her wayward spirit, giving new zest and charm to her singular beauty, it was impossible to conceive a sight more irresistible to the eye and the heart.
"Tempt me not to thine own danger,--perhaps destruction!" exclaimed Zanoni, in faltering accents.

"Thou canst not dream of what thou wouldst demand,--come!" and, advancing, he wound his arm round her waist.

"Come, Viola; believe at least in my friendship, my honour, my protection--" "And not thy love," said the Italian, turning on him her reproachful eyes.