As if all else had pass'd away, They only for each other breathe; Their very sighs are full of joy So deep, that did it not decay, That happy madness would destroy In that tumultuous tender dream? 35 40 Who that have felt that passion's power, With many a lingering look they leave The spot of guilty gladness past; And though they hope, and vow, they grieve, As if that parting were the last. The frequent sigh-the long embrace— While gleams on Parisina's face The Heaven she fears will not forgive her, 50 55 As if each calmly conscious star With all the deep and shuddering chill V. And Hugo is gone to his lonely bed, A husband's trusting heart beside. And mutters she in her unrest A name she dare not breathe by day, And, happy in the thought, mistakes For such as he was wont to bless; 60 65 70 75 And could in every fondness weep O'er her who loves him even in sleep. 80 VI. He clasp'd her sleeping to his heart, And listen'd to each broken word: He hears-Why doth Prince Azo start, As if the Archangel's voice he heard? And whose that name? that o'er his pillow Which rolls the plank upon the shore, And dashes on the pointed rock The wretch who sinks to rise no more,- 85 90 95 100 'Tis Hugo's,-he, the child of one 105 VII. He pluck'd his poniard in its sheath, He could not slay a thing so fair At least, not smiling-sleeping there— Nay, more: he did not wake her then, But gazed upon her with a glance Which, had she roused her from her trance, Had frozen her sense to sleep again— And o'er his brow the burning lamp Gleam'd on the dew-drops big and damp. While, in his thought, her days are number'd. VIII. And with the morn he sought, and found, ΠΙΟ 115 120 The proof of all he fear'd to know, To save themselves, and would transfer All circumstance which may compel IX. He was not one who brook'd delay: The chief of Este's ancient sway Upon his throne of judgment sate; Both young, and one how passing fair! 125 130 135 Oh, Christ! that thus a son should stand 140 Before a father's face! Yet thus must Hugo meet his sire, And hear the sentence of his ire, The tale of his disgrace! |