human
If it be as you say, it is not for me to answer you; it is for my father.
gpt
Nay, replied Peschiera.
human
Pardon if I contradict you. Do you know so little of your father as to suppose that he will suffer his interest to dictate to his pride. He would refuse, perhaps, even to receive my visit--to hear my explanations; but certainly he would refuse to buy back his inheritance by the sacrifice of his daughter to one whom he has deemed his foe, and whom the mere disparity of years would incline the world to say he had made the barter of his personal ambition. But if I could go to him sanctioned by you--if I could say, Your daughter overlooks what the father might deem an obstacle--she has consented to accept my hand of her own free choice--she unites her happiness, and blends her prayers, with mine--then, indeed, I could not fail of success: and Italy would pardon my errors, and bless your name. Ah! Signorina, do not think of me save as an instrument toward the fulfillment of duties so high and sacred--think but of your ancestors, your father, your native land, and reject not the proud occasion to prove how you revere them all!