human
Theresa, in spite of your commands, your wishes, I could not resist the temptations of my heart again to visit you. I come to entreat you to withdraw your cruel prohibitions, which must reduce me to despair,
gpt
Rise, in mercy rise! she exclaimed, with a trembling voice.
human
Your Majesty must not thus kneel to a subject.
gpt
I will not rise till I know from those sweet lips that I am forgiven for my fault,
human
Your Majesty has committed no fault which I have power to forgive, returned the Marchioness;
gpt
Your words afford balm to my bruised heart,
human
Your Majesty mistakes my meaning, she said, with a vain attempt at firmness; for her lips quivered as she spoke.
gpt
Hear me, my liege: it is not on my own account I speak; for myself, I have no longer the power to retract. You know too well the secret of my heart; from henceforth my lot is one of sorrow and remorse: but it is for your Majesty's sake, I beseech you to come hither no more. There is a danger in it which I may not--I dare not reveal, so terrible that I tremble at the thought alone.
human
For your sake, sweet one, I would brave all danger, answered the King, with a gallant bow and a smile of incredulity; then suddenly changing his tone, he added,
gpt
Surely no one would venture to lift his arm against our person? Speak lady, does your husband meditate revenge, that we have more highly appreciated those matchless charms than himself?
human
Oh! do not ask me, my liege, exclaimed the unhappy lady.
gpt
My husband has always proved himself a loyal subject; and surely naught but the most aggravated offence would drive him to commit treason against your Majesty. I speak not of what I know, but my fears have raised up suspicions, perchance but phantoms of the brain, yet should I be far happier if I knew that you, my sovereign, would avoid the risk you run by pursuing one whose love may bring destruction on your head.
human
You hint to me that you have suspicions of danger to my person; but you neglect to tell me how to discover and defeat it,