Jump to content

Page:Genlis - The Palace of Truth (1819).djvu/161

From Wikisource
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

147

upon my lips is useless; it cannot now conceal my weakness.—Yes, I adore you. Alas! you alone have taught me to know the most violent, the most imperious of all the passions; never shall I banish it my bosom. No, I feel it will follow, or rather precipitate me to the grave. Your's I cannot be, your faith is engaged, and I have only to die.

To die! Heavens! cried Philamir; and shall I be the cause of your death?—Rather let———O Mirza! conceive the horror of my situation—I am under a sacred engagement—I know it but too well, interrupted Mirza; and were you willing to break it, I never would consent. Zeolide is worthy to participate your happiness. Love shall never make me unjust. Often has Gelanor spoken to me of the princess, and interested me in her behalf; not daring to speak in your praise, I listened with pleasure to the eulogiums of a lady so dear to your heart. No, Zeolide, I cannot hate thee, for thou lovest Philamir.

What sentiments!—What! not hate your rival?