_Marlow._ To guess at this distance, you can’t be much above forty. [_Approaching._] Yet nearer, I don’t think so much. [_Approaching._] By coming close to some women, they look younger still; but when we come very close indeed—[_Attempting to kiss her_.] _Miss Hardcastle._ Pray, sir, keep your distance. One would think you wanted to know one’s age as they do horses, by mark of mouth. _She Stoops to Conquer._ KNOWLES. There may you read in him how love would seem Most humble when most bold,—you question which Appears to kiss her hand,—his breath or lips! _Hunchback._ * * * * * _Modus._ You’ve questioned me, and now I’ll question you. _Helen._ What would you learn? _Mod._ The use of lips? _Hel._ To speak. _Mod._ Naught else? _Hel._ “How bold my modest cousin grows!” Why, other use know you? _Mod._ I do. _Hel._ Indeed! You’re wondrous wise! And, pray, what is it? _Mod._ This. [_Attempts to kiss her._] _Hel._ Soft! My hand thanks you, cousin; for my lips, I keep them for a husband! Nay, stand off! I’ll not be held in manacles again. _Hunchback._ SCHILLER. _Countess._ Doors creaked and clapped; I followed panting, but could not o’ertake thee; When on a sudden did I feel myself Grasped from behind,—the hand was cold that grasped me. ’Twas thou, and thou didst kiss me, and there seemed A crimson covering to envelop us. _Wallenstein._ That is the crimson tapestry of my chamber. _Wallenstein._ GOETHE. Oh, hear me, look upon me, how my heart After long desolation now unfolds Unto this new delight, to kiss thy head, Thou dearest, dearest one of all on earth, To clasp thee with my arms, which were but thrown On the void winds before. _Iphigenia._ ALFIERI. O children! O my children! to my soul Your innocent words and kisses are as darts That pierce it to the quick. _Alcestis._ LONGFELLOW. _Victorian._ Since yesterday I’ve been in Alcala. Ere long the time will come, sweet Preciosa, When that dull distance shall no more divide us, And I no more shall scale thy wall by night To steal a kiss from thee, as I do now. _Preciosa._ An honest thief, to steal but what thou givest. _Spanish Student._ BULWER-LYTTON.