, you make a
terrible confusion of metaphors; you are too apt to make the strength of your
lines consist more in the words than sense; some of the verses only seem
introduced in order to rhyme with others; and most of the best ideas are
borrowed from other poets, though possibly you are unconscious of the theft
yourself. These faults may occasionally be excused in a work of length; but a
short poem must be correct and perfect.«
    »All this is true, segnor; but you should consider that I only write for
pleasure.«
    »Your defects are the less excusable. Their incorrectness may be forgiven,
who work for money, who are obliged to complete a given task in a given time,
and are paid according to the bulk, not value of their productions. But in those
whom no necessity forces to turn author, who merely write for fame, and have
full leisure to polish their compositions, faults are unpardonable, and merit
the sharpest arrows of criticism.«
    The marquis rose from the sopha; the page looked discouraged and melancholy;
and this did not escape his master's observation.
    »However,« added he, smiling, »I think that these lines do you no discredit.
Your versification is tolerably easy, and your ear seems to be just. The perusal
of your little poem upon the whole gave me much pleasure; and if it is not
asking too great a favour, I shall be highly obliged to you for a copy.«
    The youth's countenance immediately cleared up. He perceived not the smile,
half approving, half ironical, which accompanied the request, and he promised
the copy with great readiness. The marquis withdrew to his chamber, much amused
by the instantaneous effect produced upon Theodore's vanity by the conclusion of
his criticism. He threw himself upon his couch, sleep soon stole over him, and
his dreams presented him with the most flattering pictures of happiness with
Agnes.
    On reaching the hotel de Medina, Lorenzo's first care was to enquire for
letters. He found several waiting for him; but that which he sought was not
amongst them. Leonella had found it impossible to write that evening. However,
her impatience to secure Don Christoval's heart, on which she flattered herself
with having made no slight impression, permitted her not to pass another day
without informing him where she was to be found. On her return from the
Capuchin-church, she had related to her sister, with exultation, how attentive
an handsome cavalier had been to her; as also how his companion had undertaken
to