human
Stay! said she, but I never heeded.
gpt
Martino! she called, but I never paused; and then, being come to the mouth of the cave, I heard the quick, light sound of her feet behind me and as I stepped into the moonlight felt two arms that swung me aside, saw Joanna leap before me as the night-silence was split by a ringing, deafening roar; and then I had her in my arms and she, smiling up at me with blood upon her lips, hid her face in my breast.
human
Here in thine arms do I lie for the third time--and last, Martino!
gpt
What! he gasped.
human
Oh, God! What--?
gpt
Some one has shot Joanna!
human
Aye, Martin, 'twas I! and I saw the pistol yet smoking in his hand--
gpt
I shot her thinking 'twas you--Oh, God!
human
Nay, Resolution, said Joanna, opening her eyes.
gpt
You did very right--'twas only that I--being a woman--changed my mind--at the last. 'Twas I bid him--kill you, Martino--if you came forth, but I--I dreamed you--you would not leave me. Nay, let be, Resolution, I'm a-dying--yes!
human
Ah, forbid it, God--Oh, God of Mercies, spare her!
gpt
Nay, grieve not, Resolution--dear friend! she murmured painfully.
human
For oh, 'tis--a good thing to die--by your hand and with--such reason! Martino, when--you shall wed your Joan--Damaris, say I--gave you to her with--my life because I loved you--better than life--and Death had--no fears. I go back to life--a better life--where I shall find you one day, Martino, and learn what--happiness is like--mayhap. Resolution, she whispered,
gpt
I promise!
human
Now kiss me--you were ever true and kind--kiss me? And you, Martino, wilt kiss me--not in gratitude--this last time?
gpt
Somewhere, she whispered,
human
And then in stronger voice,
gpt
Oh, Death! she cried.
human
Oh, welcome Death--I do not fear thee! Lift me, Martino--lift me--let me die--upon my feet!