“Indeed, I have felt afraid till this moment, but now I feel quite at my ease, since, you being here, St. Januarius will surely protect Naples.”
“Why?”
“Because I am sure he loves you; but you are laughing at me.”
“It is such a funny idea. I am afraid that if I had a lover like St. Januarius I should not grant him many favours.”
“Is he very ugly, then?”
“If his portrait is a good likeness, you can see for yourself by examining his statue.”
Gaiety leads to freedom, and freedom to friendship. Mental graces are superior to bodily charms.
Leonilda’s frankness inspired my confidence, and I led the conversation to love, on which she talked like a past mistress.
“Love,” said she, “unless it leads to the possession of the beloved object, is a mere torment; if bounds are placed to passion, love must die.”
“You are right; and the enjoyment of a beautiful object is not a true pleasure unless it be preceded by love.”