XLV.

Torture! the sorrow of affections eye,

Fixing its meekness on the spirit’s core,

Deeper, and teaching more of agony,

May pierce than many swords!—and this I bore

With a mute pang. Since I had vainly striven

From its free springs to pour the truth of heaven

Into thy trembling soul, my Leonor!

Silence rose up where hearts no hope could share:

Alas! for those that love, and may not blend in prayer!