That he can love more true, more ardently.
Still can my heart accept this sacrifice,
Which duty forced her spirit to devise?
Should selfish feelings have sufficient weight
To wish two hearts betrothed to separate?
No, I would rather lonely, ling'ring, die,
Than thus my peace with so much suff'ring buy.'
A shiv'ring seized me, and I heard her rise;
Yet closely clenched I sealed my quiv'ring eyes;
While on my cheek I felt her warm, sweet breath—