a thousand victims for one convert to our band? And you, Zanoni," continued Mejnour, after a pause — "you, even you, should this affection for a mortal beauty that you have dared, despite yourself, to cherish, be more than a passing fancy — should it, once admitted into your inmost nature, partake of its bright and enduring essence — even you may brave all things to raise the beloved one into your equal. Nay, interrupt me not. Can you see sickness menace her — danger hover around — years creep on — the eyes grow dim — the beauty fade — while the heart, youthful still, clings and fastens round your own — can you see this, and know it is yours to"
"Cease!" cried Zanoni, fiercely. "What is all other fate as compared to the death of terror? What, when the coldest sage — the most heated enthusiast — the hardiest warrior, with his nerves of iron — have been found dead in their beds, with straining eyeballs and horrent hair, at the first step of the Dread Progress — thinkest thou that this weak woman — from whose cheek a sound at the window, the screech of the night- owl, the sight of a drop of blood on a man's sword, would start the colour — could brave one glance ofAway! — the very thought of such sights for her makes even myself a coward!"
"When you told her you loved her — when you clasped her to your breast, you renounced all power to foresee her future lot, or protect her from harm. Henceforth to her you are human, and human only. How know you, then, to what you may be tempted! — how know you what her curiosity may learn and her courage
