Slowly the gondola stole away with its watching secret.
“Sleep, sleep, poor youth, and good dreams wait on you. For me are naught but sleepless nights and bitter watching.” She stooped again to kiss him. He woke.
“Heavens! whom do I see?”
“I pray thee let me go!”
“Nay, nay, fair lady. On my faith—”
“Again I do implore thee, let me pass.”
“Nay, but a moment to admire thee, for I feel thou’rt beautiful. Oh! be not afraid, I will not harm thee.”
“Surely not, Gennaro.”
“What! thou knowest me?”
“And thou couldst love me!”