XXXV.

Oh, marvellous variety of minds! Oh, Nature’s handiwork of subtile shades! From the same breast the stream to life that binds In foster-sisterhood drew both these maids. Yet one with gentlest bosom shrinks and fades Before the peril which doth rouse the other; One sickens, one rejoys at clashing blades. Ah, Blanca, Blanca, learn that joy to smother, For steel doth smite e’en now who loves thee like a mother!