Breathed polish and politeness. All-imbued

With these, he sat absorbed in one profound

Excogitation, "Were it best to hint

Or boldly boast 'She loves me—Araminte'?"

XXXII

When suddenly flashed lightning, searing sight

Almost, so close to eyes; then, quick on flash,

Followed the thunder, splitting earth downright

Where René sat a-rhyming: with huge crash

Of marble into atoms infinite—