I felt an aching here. I did not speak

To any one that day.

Vic. Sweet Preciosa!

I lov’d thee even then, though I was silent!

Pre. I thought I ne’er should see thy face again.

Thy farewell had to me a sound of sorrow.

Vic. That was the first sound in the song of love!

Scarce more than silence is, and yet a sound.

Hands of invisible spirits touch the strings

Of that mysterious instrument, the soul,