He did! by all that’s sacred!
And I, who feigned his passionate words to hear
As the wind’s idle breath, treasured them deep,
Deep in my soul, which they have filled with gall.
Aye! and its bitterness shall be distilled
In drops upon his heart! Stay, Leonardo,
You’ve not heard all. You shall not see me creep
Like a scorned slave, aside, while others fill
The place that should be mine. I’ll hurl him thence
Or ere he gains that height!