Then Malletti uprose from his seat[655] and crossed
To the side of the Count, as I now do to you,—
Keep your seat—we’re alone—none can hear:—
Revenge is so sweet when the cost was so dear;—
He drew a stiletto[656]—in this manner,—see!
And plunged it with joy to the hilt—look at me!
Ha! you know me, vile caitiff! What, mercy! Forgive!
The seconds are numbered that you have to live:
This moment takes out of my life all the pain,
And wipes out the stain on my honor again.