He loved with an exceeding love, essayed,

With clumsy hint and far-fetched parable,

To break the truth to her. At length—at length,

By very slow degrees—light came to her!

Shall I go on?

Vav. (faintly). No need—I know the rest!

The maiden died—she pardoned him, and died!

(Vavir during the ensuing lines shows symptoms of fainting.)

Flor. (passionately). No, no—Vavir—she lived—the maiden lived!

He was not worth a tear—she loved him well,