Lighted the soul-consuming torch within:
Montoro sought my hand, his lips revealed
His love; I felt another life begin,—
To fervent love must self his empire yield,—
No, for that love itself was selfishness concealed!
What though Montoro’s highborn parents frowned
Upon his union with a lowly maid;
Though upon means already slender found,
A second burden thus would now be laid,—
Although with darkened sight, and strength decayed,