The Monk: A Romance

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NVFL REStAftCH UBRAftlEa

THE MONK

ROMANCE.

By M. G. LEWIS, Efq. M. P.

IN THREE VOLUMES.—VOL. I.

l^otTMiia, tcrrores magicos, miracula, (i^^s,
No£lumo3 lemures, portentaque.

HORAT.

Dreams, magic terrors^ fpells of mighty power,
W itches j and ghofts who rove at midnight hour.

THE SECOND EDITION.

LONDON:
PRINTBD FOR J. BELL, OXFORD-STB££T«

ll.DCC.XCYI.

.1 ■ v*

281303U

'BB»fiN l>X)l5NDAIlQNa
B 1»M L-

/

>

( IS )

PREFACE.

1

V

Imitation of Horace,
£p. 2o.«-B. I.

1^

i^^J^ETHINKS, Oh ! vain iU-judging book,
1 fee thee caft a wiihful look,
' ^Where reputations won and loft arc
^s In famous row called P^temofter.
Incenfed to find your precious olip
Buried in unexplored port-folio.
You fcom the prudent lock and key^
And pant well bound and gilt to ice
Your volume in the window fet
Of Stockdalc, Hookham^ or Scbrett.

Az Go

( > )

Go then, and pafethat dangerous bourn*.
Whence never book can back return :
y\nd when you find, condemned, dtfpifed»
Ncgledcdy bluaiedy and crUicifcdp.
Abufe from all who read you fall,
(If haply you be read at all)
Sorely will you your folly figh at,
And wi(h for me, and home, and quiet*

Affuming now a conjuror's office, I
Thus OB your future fortune prophefy*:— *
Soon as your novelty is o'er,
And you are young and new no more.
In fome dark dirty corner thrown.
Mouldy with damps, with cobwebs ftrown^
Your leaves (hall be the book«worm's prey ;.
Or fent to chandler-ihop away^.
And doomed to fuffer public fcandal,
^hall line the trunk, or wrap the candle ^

Eut fhould you meet with approbation^.
And fome one find an inclination
To afk, by natural tranfition,
Refpedling me and my condition ;
That I am one, the enquirer teacb, '

Nor very poor, nor very rich ;
Of paffions ftrong, of hafty nature.
Of gracelefs form and dwarfiih ftature ;
By few approved, and few approTing ;
Extreme in hating and ut hnog %

Abhorring all whom I diflikc,
Adoriiig who my hney ilrike ;
In forming judgements never long,
And for the moft part judging wrong ^
in friend(hip firm, hut ftill believing
Others are treacherous and deceiving^
And thinking m the prefent aera
That frlendfh'p is a pure chimxra t
More paflionate no creature livings
Proud, obftiRate, and unforgiving^
But yet for thofe who kindnefs fhow^
Ready through fire and fmoke to go^

AgaiBi fhould it be aiked your page,
•*^ Pray, what n»y be the author's age V*^
Your faults, no doubt, will make it clear,
1 fcarce have fcen my twentieth year,
Wliich pafied, kind Reader, on my word,.
While England's throne held George the Thini

Now then your venturous courfe purfiic :
Go, my dchght I Dear book^ adieu !

Hagvs,.
Oa. 28, 1794. IL G. u

TABLE OF THE POETRY;

Page
Prifaci— Imiution of Horace Vot. !• ii£

The Gipfy^s Soog • • * 5^

iDlcription in sn Hennita^ • - 69

Durandarte and Belcnna • - - 133

Love and Age • Vot. II. »a8

The£x3e - - • - 165

Midnight Hymn • • s|8

TheWater-Ktog • VouIII. 17

Serenade - • • • 3«

Abnso tbe jkavc and Fair Imogine • (3

ADVERTISEMENT.

J. HE firft idea of this Romance wa$ fuggefted
by the ftory of the Santon Barfifa^ related in The "
Guardian. — The Bleeding Nun is a tradition ftill
credited i^ many parts of Germany ; and I have
l^en iold, that the ruins of thecafile pf X^iym-
^««, which (he is fuppofed to haunt, may yet be
fccn upon the borders of ThuringtO'^^lit Water^
King^ from the third to the twelfth ftanza, is the
fragment of an orig^ial I^anifli ballad~And Jf^.,
lerma and Durandarte' is tranflat^ed jfrom, fonici
ftanzas to be found in a colieflion of old Spanifh
poctty, which contains- alfo the popular fong of
Oa^eros and Mele/mdra^ mentioned in Don Qgix^
^te.-^ — 1 have now made a' full' avowal of- aH
the plagiarifms of which I am aware myfelf ; but
I doubt not) many more may be founds of which I
WL at prefent totally unconfcious.

THE MONK.

CHAP. I.

f , ■■■ ■ Lord Angcloisprecife;
. Stands at a guard with envy ; fcarce confcfTet
. That his blood flows* or that his appetite
Is more to bread than flone.

Measure FOR MEAsuiii.

Scarcely had the abbey-bell tolled
for -five minutes, and already was the
church of the Capuchins throftged with
auditors. 'Do not encourage the idea, that
the crowd was aflembled either from mo-
tives of piety oi" thirft of information. But
very few were influenced by thofe reafons;'
and in a city where fupetftition reigns with'

( 2 )

fuch defpotic fvvay as in Madrid, to feek for
true devotion would be a fruitlefs attempt..
The audience now affemWcd in the Ca-
puchin church was collefted by various
caufes, but all of them were foreign to
the oftenfible motive. The women came
to fhow themfelves, the men to fee the
women : fome were attrafted by curiofity
to hear an orator fo celebrated i fopic
came, becaufe they had no better means of
employing their time till the play began ;
fome, from being aflured tbat it would be
impoflible to find places in the church ;
and one half of Madrid was brought thi-
ther by expcfting to meet the other hal^
The only perfons truly anxious to hear the
preacher, were a few antiquated devotees,
and half a dozen rival orators, determined
to iind fault with and ridicule che dif-
courfe* As to the remainder <jf the au-
dience, the iermon might have been omtt^
ted altogether, certainly without their being
difappointed, and very probably without
t^ir perceivif^g the omii&on.

Wljatcvcr

( 3 )

Whatever was the occafion, it is at leaft
certain, that the Capuchin church had
never witnefled a more numerous affcm-
bly. Every corner was filled, every feat
was occupied. The very ftatucs which or*
nameotcd the long aifles were prcffed into
the fcrvice. Boys fufpended themfelvcs
upon the wings of cherubims ; St. Francis
and St. Mark bore each a fpeftator' on his
fliouldersi anvl Sc. Agatha found herfelf
under the neceflity of carrying double.
The confequence was, that, in fpite of all
iheir hurry and expedition, our two new
comers, on entering the church, looked
round in vain for places.

However, the old woman continued to
move forwards. In vain were exclama-
tions of difpleafure vented againft her
from all fides : in vain was fhe addrefl!ed
with — ^** I aflTure you, Segnora, there are
no places here.*' — ** I beg, Segnora, that
you will not crowd me fo intolerably !'*—
** Segnora, you cannot pafs this wa)^
BIcfs me 1 How can people be fo troublc-
B 2 fome !'*

( 4 )

fome !" — The old woman was obftlnatCj
and on (lie went. By dint of perfeverance
-and two brawny arms (he made a paflage
through the crowd, and managed to buftle
berfelf into the very body of the church, at
no great diftance from the pulpit-. Her
•companion had followed her with timidity
and in (ilence, profiting by the exertions of
her conduftrefs.

•** Holy Virgin!" exclaimed the old wo-
man in a tone of difappointaienr, while
(he threw a glance of enquiry round her ;
** Holy Virgin! what heat I what a crowd!
I wonder what can be the meaning of all
this. I believe we muft return : there is
DO fuch thing as a feat to be had, and no-
.body feems kind enough to accommodat-e
• us with theirs."

This broad hint attrafted the notice of
two cavaliers, who occupied ftools on the
right hand, and were leaning their backs
againft the feventh column from the pul-
pit. Both were young, and richly, habited.
Hearing this appeal to their politenefs pro-
nounced

( 5 )••

nounced in a female voice, they ititerfuptecl
their converfation to look at the fpeaker.
She had thrown up her veil in order to take
a clearer look round the cathedral. Her
bair was red, and die fquinted. The cava-
liers turned round, and renewed their con-
verfation.

^^ By all means/* replied the old woman's
companion ; ^* by all means, Leonella, let
us return home immediately; the heat is
excefllve, and I am terrified at fuch a
crowd.'*

Thefe words were pronounced in a tone
of unexampled fweetnefs. The cavaliers
again broke off their difcourfe, but for this
time they were not contented with looking,
up:, but ftarted involuntarily from their
feats, and turned themfelves towards the
fpeaker.

The voice came from a female, the deli-
cacy and elegance of whofe figure infpired
the youths with the mofl: lively curiofity
to view the face to which it belonged^
This fatisfadion was denied them. Hec
B 3 feature*.

( 6 )

features were hidden by a thrck veil ; but
ftruggling through the crowd had deranged
it fufficicntly to difcover a neck which for
fymmerry and beauty might have vied with
the Medicean Venus. Jt was of the mod
dazzling wbitenefs, and received additional
charms from being (haded by the treffes of
her long fair hair, which dcfccnded in
ringlets to her waift. Her figure was rather
below than above the middle fize : it was
light and airy as that of an Hamadryad. Her
bofom was carefully veiled. Her drefs was
white; it was fattened by a blue fa(h, and juft
permitted to peep out from under it a little
foot of -the moft delicate proportions. A
cbaplet of large grains hung upon her armb-
and her face was covered with a veil of
thick black gauze. Such was the female,
to whom the youngeft of thecavaliertnow
offered his feat, while the other thought it
neceflary to pay the fame attention to her
companion.

The old.lady with many exprefliohs of
gratitude, but without ntuch dJfficuky, ac-
cepted

C 7 >.

cepted the offer, and feated herfelf: the ^
young one followed her example, bin made *
no other compliment than a fimple ancl
graceful reverence* Don Lorenzo (fuch was* ,
the cavalier's name, whofefeat flic had. ac- '
cepted) placed himfelf near her; but firft*
he whifpered a few words in his frienid^s
ear,, who immediately took the hint, and. [
endeavoured to draw; off the old woman's>
aftentioQ from her lovely charge. ' ^

*' Yoa are doubtlefs lately arrived at
Madrid ?" faid Lorenzo to his fair n'eigh^
bour: ^' It is rmpoffible that fuch charmi^
^lould have long remained unpbferved;
an4 had not this been your firft public ap* "
pearance, the envy of the women and ado*'
ration of the men would have rendered yoii
already fufficiently remarkable."

Ue paufedi in expedation of an anfwer.
As his fpeech did not abfolutely require
one,, thelady did not open her lips : After
a few moments he rcfumcd his difcourfe:

** Am I wrong in fuppofing you to be a-
ftranger to Madrid ?"

B4 The

( 8 )

The lady hefitated ; and at laft, in fo low:
a voice as to be fcarcely intelligible, (he
made (hift to anfwer, — " No, Segnor."

** Do you intend making a flay of any
length ?'•

«' Yes, Scgnor/'

*^ I (hould efteem myfelf fortunate, were
it in my power to contribute to making
your abode agreeable, I am well known
at Madrid, and my family has fome intereft ■
at court. If I can be of any fervice, you
cannot honour or oblige me more than by
permitting me to be of ufetoyou." — " Sure^
ly,*' faid he to himfelf, ** Ihe cannot anfwer
that by a monofyllable i now (he muft fay
fomethidg to me."

Lorenzo was deceived, for the lady an-
fwered only by a bow.

By this time he had difcovered, that his
neighbour was not very converfible; but
whether her filence proceeded from pride,
difcretion, timidity, or idlotifm, he was ftill
unable to decide.

After a paufe of fome minutes*^^* Ic

is

f 9 >

is certainly from your being a ftranger„*r
faid he^ "and as yet unacquainted witli
our cuftqms, that you continue to wear
your veiL Permit me to remove it.**

At the fame time he advanced his hand
towards the gauze ; the lady raifed hers to
prevent him.
• '^ I never unveil in public, Segnor.'^

** And where is the harm^ I pray you ?'*
interrupted her companion fomewhat (harp-
ly. ^^ Do not you fee^ that the other ladies
have all laid their veils afide^ to do honour
no doubt ta the holy place in which wc
arc? I have taken ofi mine already ; and*
ftircly, if I expofe my features to general
obfervation, you have no caufe to put your—
fclf in fuch a wonderful alarm ! Bleffed
Maria 1 Here is a fufs and a buftle about:
a chit's face ! Come, come, child ! Unco^
ver it! I warrant you that nobody will rua^
away with it from you—*'

** Dear aunt, it is. not the cuftom in
Murcia — *'

*^. Murcia, indeed ! Holy St. Barbara,
B 5 what

< lo )

vhai docs that fignify ? Ydu are always jfut^
ting mc in mind of that villaiious prorince.
If it is the cuftom in Madrid, that is all
that we ought to mind; and therefore I de*
fire you to take off your veil immediately.
Obey me this moment, Antonia, for yoii
know that I cannot bear contradiftion/*

Her niece was filent, but made no fur-
ther oppofition to Don Lorcnzo'-s efforts,
'who, armed with the aunt's fanftron, haf-
TCncd to remove the gauze. What a
feraph's head prefented itfelf to his axt-
iniration! Yet it was rather tewitching
than beautiful ; it was not fo lovely fronfi
regularity of features, as from fweetneft
knd fenfibility of countenance. The feve>-
ral parts of her face confidered feparatdy,
many of them were far from handfome ;
but, when examined together, the whole
was adorable. Her fkin, though fair, Was not
entirely without freckles ; her eyes were
hot very large, nor their la(hes particularly
long. But then her lips were of the moft
jofy freftincfsj her fair and undulating hair,

confined

( " )

confined by a iimple ribband , poured iiic]ir
below ber waift in a profufion of ringl^s^
her neck was full and beautiful in the
extrenje; her hand ancj arm wer^ fornj^
cd with the moft perfcft fyrometry; her
mild blue eyes Teemed an heaven offweet--
nefs^ 34id.(he cryftaLin which they moved:
fparkled, with alt the. brilliance of dia*
mpnds^ She appeared to be fcarc^ly fif-
teen; an arch fmile> playing^ ipund -h«::
mouth, declared her to be po](£eflc4 <^<
liyeliaefs^^ which excefs of timidity at prc-
fent repreffed* . She looked round her witl^
a baftful glance ; and whenever her eyes ao-
C)i4enta% met Lorenzo's, (he. dropped fhi^q^
loftily, upon. her rofaryj her cheek Vf^
immediately fuffufed with blulhes, md .
.(he began to tell her be^ds; though hec~
O^nner: evidently (howed that (he knew*'
npt ^bat flie was about.
, J^vcnzo igazed upon hc^f with mipgl^ ■-
furpriif. ^nd admiration j . but : th^. a^uiu .
thou]^ U neceffary to apologize, for Anr
tonia's t^^^yaiji kon^e* ^

( I^ )

*^ 'Tis a young creature/' faid (lie, ^'who-
is totally ignorant of the world. She has
been brought up in an old caftle in Mur-
cia, with no other fociety th^n her mrfther'^^
who, God help her! has no more fenfe>
good foul, than is neceffary to carry her
foup to her month. Yet (he is my own
fifter, both by father and mother.'*

'' And has fo little fenfe ?" faid Don
Chriftoval with feigned aftonifhmcnt.
"'How very extraordinary I*^

*' Very true, Segnor. Is it not ftrange ?
However, fuch is the faft ; and yet only
to fee the luck of fome people ! A young
nobleman, of the very firft quality, took
it into his head' that Elvira had fomepre-
tenfions to beauty. — As to pretenfions, in
truth (he had always enough of tbem ; but
as to beauty! — If I had only taken half
the pains to fetmyfelf off which (he did i^^
But this is neither here nor there. As I
was faying, Segnor, a young nobleman
fell in- love with her, and married her un-
known tohis father, Their union remained

a fecret

( ^^ )

a fecret near three years; but at lafl: it came
to the ears of the old marquis, whx), as
you may well fuppofe, was not much
pleaftd with the 'intelligence. Away he
pofted in all hafte to Cordova, determined
to feize Elvira, and fend her away to fome
place or other, where Ilie would never be
heard of more. Holy St. Paul ! How he
ftormed on finding that fhe had efcaped
him, had jcfined her hufband, and that they
had embarked together for the Indies'!
He fwore at us all, as if the evil fpirit had
poffeffcd him ; he threw my father into
prifon — as honeft a pains-taking fhoe-maker
as any in Cordova; and when he went
away, he had the cruelty to take from us
my filler's little boy, then fcarcely two yearS
old, and whom in the abruptness of hel:
flijght (he had been obliged to leave behind
her. r fuppofe that tlife poor little wretch
met with bitter bad treatment from him,
fot in' '4 few months after We received itf'*
teiligence Of hi^' de^th.*^ ' ' *

t '-^ )

. "'Why,.. this was a moft terrible old fel-
fcw>.Segnora !**

•* Ohl: (hocking ! and a manfo totally-
devoid of tafte ! Why,, would you be-
lieve it^ Segnor ? when I attempted to pa-
cify him, he ciirfed me for a witch, and
wi(hed that, to punifli the count, my fitter
might become as ugly as myfclf ! Ugly ia?
deed ! I like him for that.*'

*^ Ridiculous]" cried Don Ghriftoval.
*• Doubtlefs. the count would have thought
himfelf fortunate, had he been permitted.
to exchange the one filler for the other.'*

** Oh ! Chrifti! Segoor, . you are really..
too pojite.. However,. I am heartily glad
,U?at t.he conde was of a. different way. pi
ihinking. A mighty pretty p.i:^ce of bujfi-.
nefs, to.be fure, jElvira has made of it ! Af-
ter broiling and ttewing in the I^^dies for.
thirteen long years, her hufband dies, gn,d '
£he returns tp Spaj.n, , without an houfe tp
hide her head, or money to procure fc<^ .
one ! This Antonia was the;n b»t.a,nin^t,

. and

. ( «5 >

and h^r only remaining child. Sh^ fbun<£
that her father-in-law-had married again^.
that he was irreconcileable to the conde,,
and that his fecond wife had produced him
a foD^ who- is; reported to be a very fine
young man. The old marquis refiifed to*
fee my lifter or her child; but fent her
word that, on condition of never hear*:
ing any more of her, he would affign^
her a fmali penfion,. and (he might live ia
an aid caftle which he poffeffed in Mur-
cia. This had been the favourite habita*
tion of his eldeft fon ; but, fince his flight
from Spain, the old marquis could not
bear the place, hut let it fall to ruin
and confufion. — My fifter accepted the
propofal I (he retired to Murcia, and has
remained there till within the laft month.'*

'* And what brings her now to Madrid ?*^
enquired Don Lorenzo, whom admiration
of the young Antoniii compeljed to take
a lively intereft in th^ talkative old wo*
tnan*s narration.

•'Alas! Segnor, her father-in-law being

r 16 )

fately dead, the fteward of his Murcian
eftates has refufed to pay her penfion any
longer. With the defign of ftipplicating
his fon to renew it, (he is now come to
Madrid; but I doubt that (he might
have faved herfelf the trouble. You young
noblemen have always enough to do with
your money, and are not very often dif-
pofed to throw it away upon old women.
I advifed my fifter to fend Antonia with
her petition j but (he would not hear of
fuch a thing. She is fo obftinatc ! Well !
flie will find herfelf the worfe for not fol-
lowing my counfels : the girl has a good
pretty face, and poflTibly might have done
much/'

*^ Ah, SegnoraT* interrupted Don Chrif-
toval, counterfeiting a pafiionatc air; " if
a pretty face will do the bufinefs, why has
not your fifter reGour(e to you J'*

" Oh! Jefus! my lord, I fwear you
quite overpower me with your gallantry I
But I promife you that I am too well aware
of the danger of fuch expeditions to truft

myfelf

r

( ^7 )
myfelf in a young nobleman's power! No,
no; I have as yet preferved my reputation
without blemifli or reproach, and I always
knew how to keep the men at a proper
difkance."

'^ Of that, Segnora, I have not the leaft
doubt. But permit me to afk you. Have
you then any averfion to matrimony ?'* -

** That is an home queftion. I cannot
but confefs, that if an amiable cavalier was

to prefcnt himfelf ''

. Here (he intended to throw a tender
and fignificant look upon Don Chriftoval;
but, as (he unluckily happened to fquint
moft abominably, the glance fell diredly
upon his companion, Lorenzo took the
compliment to himfelf, and anfwered it by
a profound bow.

" May I enquire,'* faid he, *' the name
of the marquis ?'*

*' The marquis de las Cifternas."

"I know him intimately well. He is
not at prefent in Madrid, but is expedted
here daily* He is one of the beft of men j

and

( i8 )

and if the lovely Antonia will permit mc
to be her advocate with hiQi, 1 doubt not
my being able to make a favourable report
of her caufe/'

Antonia raifed her blue eyes, and filently
thanked him for the offer by a fmile of
inexpreffible fweetnefs, Leonella's, fatif^.
faAion was much more loud and audible*
Indeed, as her niece was generally filent ia
her company, fhe thought it incumbejjil
upon her to talk enough for both : this
(he managed without difficulty ». for (lie. ver^
fcldom found herfelf deficicns in vyords^

*^ Oh^Segnor!'" flie cried j.^* you will lap
oar whole family under the mod: fignal ob«i>
ligations ! I accept your offer with all pof-*
fibfe gratitude^ and return you a thoufandb
thanks for the generofity of your propofaU.
Antonia, why do you not fpeak^ child ?-
While the cavalier fays all forts of civifc
things to you, you fit like a ftatue, and:
Bever utter a fy liable of tlianks^ either bad>.
good, or indifferent ! — *'

*^ My de^r ftunt^ 1 am very fenfiblci^

( 19 )

^* Fyc, niece ! How often have I told
you, that you never fliould interrupt a
perfon who is fpeaking ! When did you
ever know me do fuchathing? Are thcfe
your Murcian manners? Mercy on me! 1
(hail never be able to make this girl any
thing like a perfon of good breeding. But
pray, Segnor," ihc continued, addreffing
herfelf to Don Chriftoval, " inform me,,
why fuch a crowd is aflembled to-day ia
this cathedral."

f « Ctm you poflibly be ignorant, that
Ambrofio^ abbot of this monaftcry, pro*
nounites a fermon in this church every

■ Thurfday? All Madrid rings with his
praifes. As yet lie has preached but thrice;
but all who have heard him are fo delighted
with his eloquence, that it is as difficult to

[ obtain a place at church, as at the firft re-

■ prefentation of a new comedy. His fame
f certainly muft have reached your ears?**

^* Alas !. Segnor, till yefterday I never
had the good fortune to fee Madrid ; and
at Cordova we are fo little informed of

whac

( 2a )

what IS pafling in the reft of the world, that
the name of Ambrolio has never been?
mentioned in its precinfts.**

*' You will find it in every one's moutb
at Madrid, He feems tp have fafcinated
the inhabitants ; and, not having attended
his fermons myfelf, I am aftoniQied at the-
enthufiafm which he has excited. The
adoration paid him both by young and
old, by man and woman, is unexampled^
The grandees load him with prefents;.
their wives refufe to have any other con—
feflbr; and he is known through all the citjjr
by the name of The Man of Holinefs/* ■

*' Undoubtedly, Segnor, he is of nobld
origin?*^

^* That point ftill remains undecided*
The late fuperior of the Capuchins found
him while yet an infant at the abbey-door*
All attempts to difcover who had left hita
there were vain, and the child himfelf could
give no account of his parents. He was
educated in the monaftery, where he has
remained ever fmce. He eai ly (liowed a

ftrong

{ 21 )

flrong inclination for ftudy and retirement;
And as foon as he was of a proper age, be
pronounced his vows. No one has ever
appeared to claim him, or clear up the
xnyftery which conceals his birth; and the
monks, who find their account in the fa-
vour which is Ihown to their eftablifliment
from refped to him, have not hefitated to
publiQi, that he is a prefent to them from
v the Virgin. In truth, the Angular aufterity
■ef his hfc gives fon;ie countenance to the
I report. He is now thirty years old, every
hour of which period has been pafled in
ftudy, total feci u (ion from the world, and
mortification of the iiefli. Till thefe laft
three weeks, when he was chofen fupcrior
of the fociety to which he belongs, he had
ijcver been on the outfide of the abbey-
i walls. Even now he never quits tl>em except
I Qa. Thurfdays, when he delivers a difcourfe
\ in this cathedral, which all Madrid affent-
hles to hear, His'knowiedge is faid to be
the moft profound, his eloquence themoft
V perfuafivc- In the whole courfe erf his life
I he

C " )

he bns never been known to tranfgrcfs z
fingle rule of his order; the fmalleft (lain
is not to be difcovercd upon his charafler;
and he is reported to be fo ftricft an obfervcr
of chaftity, that he knows not in what con-
fifts the difference of man and woman. The
common people therefore eftcemhim to be
a faint."

** Does that make a laint ?" enquired
Antonia. " Blefs me ! then am I one/'

«^ Holy St. Barbara!** exclaimed Leo-
nella, '* what a queftion ! Fye, child, fye!
thefe are not fit fubjeds for young wo-
men to handle. You Ihould not feem to

.remember that there is fuch a thing as a
man in the world, and you ought to ima-

:gine every body to be of the fame fex wuh
yourfclf. r Qiould like to fee you give

.people to underJftand, that you know that

•^ man has no breafls, and no hips, and

410 *•

Luckily for Antonia's ignorance, which

l^r aunt's ledlure would foon have di&

pelkdj an univerfal murmur through the

3 church

( is )

cT^u'rch antiounced the preacher's arrival*
Donna Ltronella rofe from her feat to take
U better view of him, and Anconia followed
her Sample.

He was a man of noble port and com^
mandingprefencc. His ftature was loftf,
and his features uncommonly handfome.
Hh nofe wasaquHine, his eyes large, Wack
and fparkling, ahd his dark brows almoft
joined together, His-co(nplexion was of
a; deep but clear brown ; finely and watch-
itig had entirely deprived his cheek of
colour. Tranquillity reigned upon his
ihiooth unwrinkled forehead; and content,
€xpre(lred upon every feature, feeqied to
announce the man equally unacqiwinted
with cares and crimes. He bowed him-
' felf with humility to the audience. Still
"there was a certain feverity in his look and
ihantter that infpired univerfal awe, and
few could fuftain the glance of his eye, at
once fiery and'p^ftcfrratihg. Such was Am-
'brofio, sibbot of the Capuchins, and fur-
' nanicd' ^^ The Man <>f Holincfs,**

'\ Antonia,

( ^4 )

Antonia, while (he gazed upon him
eagerly, felt a pleafure fluttering in her bo-
fom which till then had been unknown to
her, and for which (he in vain endeavoured
to account. She waited with impatience
till the fermon fhould begin j and when
at length the friar fpoke, the found of his
voice feemed to penetrate into her very
foiil. Though no other of the'fpeftators
felt fuch violent fenfations ^s did the young
Antonia, yet every one liftened with in-
tereft and emotion. They who were infen^
fible to religion's merits, were ftili enchant-
ed with Ambrofio's oratory; All found
their attention irrefiflibly attradked while hci
fpoke, and the moft profound filence reign-
ed through the crowded aifl^s. Eyea
Lorenzo could not refift the charm: he
forggit that Antpnia Was f^ated.near biqa^
Japd liftened to the preacher With ondijirided
altejitiori.' .',.:',.

.:;In language nerirous, clcalr, and fimple,
the, monk expatiated on thebeautifes q{ roU^
gion. Heftxplainf^&meaWlrn&parttof*th(i *
, :: * V . facred

( H \

fecred wruings in a ftyle. that carried with
it uDiverfaJ coavj£t{ou« His voice, at once
diftind and deep, was fraught with all the
terrors of the tempeft, while he inveighed
againft the vices of humanity, and de-
fcribed the^^puniflarn^ents refervec^ for them
ia a future ftate. Every hearer looked
|;>ack upon his paft offences, and trembled:
;he, thunder feemed to roll, whofe bolt was
defti|ied to crulh him, and the abyfs of
eternal dc(li;iT(Stion to open before his feet!
But when Ambrofio, changing his theme,
fppke of the excell-encc of an unfullied
(jonfcience^ of the glorious profpeft which
eternity, prefented to the foul untainted
with reproach, and of the recompenfc
v(hich awaited .it in the regions of everlaft-
WS S'^Tj his auditors felt their fcattered
fpirits infenfibly return. They threw them-
felvcs .:wit]i confidence upon the mercy of
their jud^e ; they hung with delight up-
on the confoling words of the preacher;
and \yhile his full voice fwelled into me-
lody, they were tranfported to thofe happy
. Vol. !• C regions

wgions wliich he painted to their itnagi-
nations in colours fo brilliant and glow-
ing.

The difcourfe was of ccnfiderable length t
yet, when k concluded, the audience grieved
that it had not laded longer. Though tbt
monk had ceafed to fpeak, emhufiaftic
filence ftiU prevailed through the church.
At length the charm gradually diflblving,
the general admiration was cxpreifed m
audible terms. As Ambrofio defcended
from the pulpit, his auditors crowded round
liim, loaded him with bleflings, threw
themfelves at his feet, and kifled the hem
of his garment. He paffed on flowly, with
his hands croffed devoutly upon his bofom,
to the door opening into the abbey-chapel,
at which his monks waited to receive him.
He afcended the fteps, and then, turning
towards his followers, addreffed to them a
few words of gratitude and exhortation.
While he fpoke, his rofary, compofed of
large grains of amber, fdi from his hand,
and dropped among the forrounding muhi-
5 tude.

( «7 }

tudp. It was feized eagQrl^j and imme«
diatdy dividcd'amidft.the fpcdtators. Who-
ever became poffeflbr of a bead, preferved
ic as a.facredi^liquc; and had it been the
ri\»plet of thrice-blqffcd St. Francis hicn-
fclf, it could not have been difputed with
greater vivacity. The abbot, fmiling at
thm eageroefs^ pronounced his benedidion
and quitted the church, while humility
dwelt wpoa every feature. Dwelt (he alfo
ifx his t^art .?

Aatonig^'s eyes followed him with an*
^lety. As the dppr clofed after him, it
feemed to her as (he had loft fonie one
ciTf^ntial to lier happinefs. A tear ftole
in filence down her cheek.
, ,V. He is f^paratcd from, the world P' faid
i9bc tp herfelf 5 *^ perhaps, I (ball never
i^ him morel"

\ Af ihe wjptsd away the teof, Lorenzo
obfctrvedher adion.

^i£Lxti ,you jStttsfied with our orator?'*
(fudbe; v^ or: d<>. you think that Madrid
over^rates his ^nts ?^'

C z Antonia's

( ^8 )

Antonia's heart was fo filled with admira-
tion for the monk, that (he eagerly feized
I the opportunity of fpeaking of him : he-
fides, as (he now no longer confidered Lo-
jcnzo as an abfolute ftr anger, (he was.lefa
embarraffed by her exceflive. timidity* ■

*' Oh ! he far exceeds.all my expeda-
tions," anfwered (he -, *^ till this moment
I had no idea of the powers of eloquence.
But when he fpoke, his voice infpired me
with fuch intereft, fuch efteem, I might-
almoft fay fuch affe&ion for him, thit I
am myfelf aftoniftied at the acutenefs of
my feelings/'

Lorenzo fmiled at the ftrength of her
cxpreffions. : .. ,

^* You arc young, and juft entering into
life,'* faid he: ".yourjibart, hew to the
world, and full of warmth and (enfibility,*
receives its ftrft impreffions with eagernefs.
Artlefs yoyrfelf, you fufpeft not others of
deceit; and viewing tlic world through the
medium of your own truth and innocence,
you fancy all who futround .you to deferve

. '. J your

i ^9 1

y6m conSdence and efteem. What ptjr^
that thefe gay vifions muft foon be difli^
pated ! What pity^ that you muft foon dif-'
cover the bafenefs of mankind, and guard
againft your fellow-creatures as againft your
foesr

** Alas I Segnor/' replied Antonia^
'^ the misfortunes of my parents have aU
ready placed before me but too many fad
examples of the perfidy of the world ! Yet:
furely in the prefect inftancc the warmtli
' of fytnpathy cannot have deceived me."

** In the prefent inftance, I allow thatf
ir has nor. Ambrofio's charafter is per-
feftly without reproach y and a man whey
has pafled the whole of his life within ther^
walls of a convent, cannot have found the
Ofiportutiity to:; be guilty, even were he
poffeffed 'of the inclination,. .But nowyi
when, obliged by the duties of his £ltuation»
he muft enter occaffionally inta the worlds
and be thrown into the way. df^emptation^ •
it-is' i!ow that it behoves him to :fhow^thcr*»
brilliance of his virtue. The trial i^ dait-»*'
C 3 gerous i

( so y

^crous ; he is juft at that period of life
when the paffions are mod vigorous, un-
bridled, and defpotic ; his eftablUhed re*
putation will mark him out to feduftion as
an illuftrious viftim; novelty will give
additional charms to the allurements of
pleafure ; and even the talents with which
liature has endowed him will contribute
to his ruin, by facilitating the means of
obtaining bis objeft. Very few would re*
turn vidkorious from a conteft fo fevcrc/'

" Ah I furely Ambrofio will be one c^^
thofe few/^

" Of fhit I have myfelf no doubt : by^
all accounts h^e is an exception- to mankind.
is general, and envy would feek in vain
for a bbc upon his charadler.**

** Segnor, you dcHght me by this af*
furamce I It encourages me tx> indulge my
prepofieffion in bis favour ; and you know
B0t with whac pain I fhould have reprefied
tbc featimem ! Ah ! d'earcft .aunt, entreat ,
my mother ta choofe bidi for our ^onf-

"I entreat

C 3* >

. ** I entreat. her 5*' replied LconcUaF •* 1^
promife you that I (hall do no' fnch things
I do not. like this fame Artvbrafio in the
leaft > he has a look of feverky about
liim that made me tremble from head to?
foot. Were he my confeffor^ I (hould
never have the courage to avow one hal£
o£ okj peccadilloes, and then I (hould be in
a rare condition ! I never faw fuch a ftern-
looking morcalrand hope that I never (hadl
fee fuch another. His defcription of the;
deril^ God hlefs usi! alnsofl terrified me
out of my wits, and when he fpoke abouJt;i
fioaersriie feemed as if lie vrxs rcady^ to eat

" You are rigiir, Se^ora,** anfwitrecl
Diwi ChriftoraU ** Too great fevcrity isr
faid to be Ambrofio*s only fault. Ex-
empted himfelf from human feelings, hef i^;.
not fufficiently indulgent to thofc of others^,
and though ftridly juft and dHintercfted,
in bis decifions, his government of the«
monUs' has already fiiown feme proofs pf;
bis inflexibility. But the crowd is nearii)ir>
C 4 di(Gpated :

( 3^ )

diffipated: will you permit u$ to attend
you home ?"

I " O Chrift ! -Segnor," exclaimed Leo-
Della afFedting to blulh ; ** I would not
fuffcr fuch a thing for the univerfe ! If I
came home attended by fo gallant a ca*
valicr, my After is fo fcrupulous that Ihe
YFpuld read me an hour's Icdure, and I
Oiould never hear the laft of it. Befidcs,
I rather wifli you not to make your pro-
pofalsjuftat prefent.*'

" My propofals ? I aflure you, Seg*^.
Aora '•

'**Oh! Scgnor, ,1 believe that youraf-i
farances of impatience are all very true ; but:
really I niuft defire a little refpite. -It
\yiould not be quite, fo delicate in me to ac^r
cepcyour hand at firft. fight/* i

; **,Aqcept my hand ? As I h^pe to livCj
apd breathe '*

,".Oh.I dear Segnor, prefs me no fur-.,
ther if you love tne ! I (hall confider your
obedience as a proof of your affedion } . .
you fhall hear from me to morrow, and fo .

farewell

( 33 )

fercwell. -But prayj cavaliers^ 'n&y'Ir hot
enquire your names?" n i ..:••>•

• '«''My frieftd%*' tef>ifed IJ(>i«pKo,:i* ir
Ihe C<>hd6 d'Offoi^id; arid iiiiiic' tJbrenxd
de Medina/* :>-,'.c '. ■....' , ?

- *^ 'Tis fufficrent. Well, Don Lotcnzo^
I (hall acquaint my fifter with you^ oblige
ing :Of&r, and let you know the refult with
ail expedition, i. Where may I fend j ta

you?"" ,■..-■•:• . .-..:.,. : .■:

* ^* I ani always to be found at the Me*
din^ palace/' - •

- ." You may depend upon hearing from
nte. - ^ Fa^wellj. cavaliers. Segnor Conde,
li^C'tne witrcat you to moderate the excefr
five aniteur of your paflion. However, to
prove* rtiat I atp hot difpleafed with you,
a«d prevent your abandoning yourfelf to
dcfpair,'itceive ihi$ markxif my afFeftion,
aDdfome^&tiesbeftow a thought upon the
ibfem- LcopelUu'l , ... ^ . , ';,•

r lAs <he fai(J this, -(he extended a lean and

wrihfcicd ■ hand j which her fuppofed ad-

' ' ; - C 5 mirer

( 34^ )
mtct kJdfed wi&feich fony grace add cwm;
{{raint ib evident, that horentio wkh idif-^
ficutfx repreflM bk tncliiratton to laugh.
LeoRclU thea haftened to quit theehn^r^h i
the lovely Antonia followed hct in fitence ;
but vrtteh (he reached the porch, (he tura-
cd inVokintarily, and caft back her eyes to^
wards L/nref^o^ He bowed ta bes^. as
biddmg hec; farewell ; (he returned, the
compliment) and hadily withdrew.

^ Soj Lorenzo r fald Dob Chriloval
as foon as they were alone, ** you have
procured me an agreeable intrigue ! To fa-
vour fovr de(]gn« upon Antonia, I oblige
higty mike a few civil fpeecbes whidk
lideaB m^ching to the aunt, and at the end
of an hour f iind myfeif lipoa the brink, of
rtlitrknbhy f' How will you reward me £:»:
Ba^g fuifered fo grievoufly for ypu»
feke? What can repay me for having
kiifed the leathern paw of that confounded
cfld witch? Diavolo ! She has left fuch a
fcent' upon my lrps> that I (hall fmell ai
'- - ' ' garlick

( as )

giu?rK;ktibrth^ luoQch to cpm^I^iUI^^^^
alodtg the Pfudo, I (t^^ljoo tal^efii fpr^^j.
Wj^Uiiflg otml^ or iiKne largp oai^a rim<»>

*« i confcfij Dxy poor coun^" replied^
Lpreo^Q^ ,^^ iliaf your fervice hfts been 2U^;
tended wuh. duger i yet aai I fo far firorn,
fappofifig k to, be pad all endurance^ that
I (hall probably folicit yoa to carry o|>^
your amour ftill further***
' <^ Frx3im th^ti petition I conclude^ (bac
tire lictkAntonia: has nmde fome ioipref*.
fion upon you ?" ^ . ^

J^ 1 cannoit c^tprefs to you how much I^
r^cbanncd with her. Since my- ffitbec's,
de«th«.my» i^cle the duke de Medina bM,
fignificd to me his wi(he$ to fee me tnar*^
4^ It I have till now eluded hishintSj.and
neMed to underftand them ; but what I
Ijave feen this evening——"
.^f.f; Wel)»what have you feen this evea<*^
ing ? Why furely,. Don Lorenzo^ you
eaonot be mad enough to think of mak ^
ing a wife out of this graiid-daughter of
C 6 ? as

( 3^ y

*^s honcft a pains-taking flioemaker a^
ally ia Cordova' ?*' * * '

* ^^ You forget, that (be is alfo the grand-'
daughter of the late marquis dc las* Giftet*- *
rfas. But without difputirfg about btrth and
tftles, I muft affure you, that! -never beheld*
a woman fo in^ereftlng as Antonra:'* i^-'-^'*''^
- €c Very poffibly; but you cannot- m^art
ttJ marry her ?** . '•' *'

'* Why not, my deartond^ ? IfliMl have.
\v''ealth enough for both of ns, and you
know that my uncle thinks Hbrrally uport
thefubjeA. -From what I have feen of Ray^
xftdfi'd de 'lais Cifternas, I am certain that he
v^rh- Tei^dRy acknowledge Antonia fofhTrf-
iffccer ■ Her birth therefore wiH be noob-'
jeflion to toy offering her my hand. I
Qioiild be a villain, could I think of her
on any dther terms thati' marriage ; and in'
truth (he feems*^bfleffed of every quality
rclquifitdr tb make me happy in awifc'—
young',, lovely^gentle, ftnfible-— ^'' • •'. -
V***Senlible'^ VVhy, (he Taid nothing" but
Ve^, ami Nor' ■ •; ■■ •' ?

* ^s She

6 if y

" •' She ai^ Sot fay'mtich more,' I muft
confefs — but then (he alwstjrs fatd 'Yis-or
Nb'irfthe-ri^hrplaer.'*^' ' ' - •"-
• '" Diid iheTo ? oil ! yotrr ■'mbft bbedi-'
cntl That is-i:ifirTg Viright^Ibver's arg\*-*
mcntVatid -I dAri'^difiyute- no k>nger with'
fo profolind' a*'cafmft.-^-^-'Stippdfe we ad-i^
journ to the dorHedy ?^' ' - • ' ■

" It is out of my power. I only- ar^*
rived 4aft night at Madrid, and have not
/eti li'ad an opprort'Unity cff feeing my fiften^
You know that htr convent is in- this
ftreet, and I <vas ^ing thither when the
crowd which rfaW thronging ittto^this
cbiirch etcitetimy turiofity to know what
was the "Matter. *T (hall now piiriue my*
firfi imentidn^, '^nd 'prBoabljrp^afs the even-
ing with my fitter at the* parlour-grate.*'
''"^* Your fitter in *a convtftt, «fay you ?
dh { VcFjrthie rl-had forgotten. And Kbif
does' DAtaia' 'Agh'cs'? "I ini^ amazedy Ddit
LiorcnzbV how yoti could poffibly think of
inWrATrihg^^* ilhatming^ ia- girl within' the

walls of a cloiftcr r, .^ . . .-

-■■^'' ^ ^a think

« A >;

« J:AiaIt Q£Atp Hoa, Chriftof^J ?; fHoMr
can you fufpeft mc of fuoh barbarity 7. '
Yqu are confcious that (hf took tbe vsUt t
bf'hcr own deilrey. and that particular cir«
QV«]^ncas. made her wi(h. for a (eclufioa.
from the world- I u(ed every cneaos lA
my power to induce her to. change her
refolution ; the endeavour was fruitlefs^.
and I loft a fitter rv

. *f The luckier fellow you : I think, Lo*.
ren!Z9, you were a confide;rable gainer by,
that lofs^ if I remember right, Doom.
Agnes had a portion of ten tboufand pif-f ;
toles, half of which reverted to your lord^
ihip. By Sc«. Jago I I wi(h that I had
fifty IHlers in the £ime predicament » I.
fliould con&nt to lofing them every fouL
without much heartburning/*

<^ How, conde?" faid Lorenzo injan

angryr voice j, ^^ do you fuppofe me baiH

enorvgiwltQ. havf influenced my lifter's re^

tirement? 4x^ your Cuppoie that tbedefpi*^

cable wiih to. make mj'felf mafter of Jmec

fortune could— —•'•.

» *. # ....

•^Adrni-

Nkwthe miudis'iidt ki sukdau^r.^. God gnns:
tfad^AncoAift may foften^thttfiKryt^iap^/
or we fiull: c^rtaialjp cnit each otfaei^'s throat;
before tke nii:mih 15 over! However^ ^o;
fiev^M fach a tragical cataflxophe for the'^
pfdeat^^i I« ftiaU^ HUike a retreat^ and leave,
yw maflsen <i| the field. Farewell^ my
koighc of Mount ^tna !> Mcfderate tbatf
ioflaihrnabte 4ifpc^up% and remember
thiit/'wbeQever it is. oecefiary ta make^
Io<(r^ t^ yonder hanidao, you may reckon,
opoQ tny fervices.**
iHe faid,^d darted out of the catfaedraL
.**:Hour \vild4)rained!{" faid Lorenzo«^
^^i Wifib i fe^ 4Xi%lle»t ae he^t, what , pity
Utet he ^pafieflet fo litile folidity . of judgf .
ment!'*^

i'Thernigbt was no^ f^ft. f^ranciiig^;
TA18* l«apt iWe»eM»oi; :y!et jlig^tc^.. Tb^
fiust bebmsi of t^e ;46Bg t^posi fa^dy^^
€0uld pim'60 -thrQi^h tbe< gothic obfc^rity,
of '>tbe cfaurcb.' I^iorenso found bimfelf^
iroabie t». qiiic the fpot^ The ypid left in.

hia

a 4b(: ))

bi« ftofofhTby 'Aat^rtiaV'abfence, : rod Ms
ffftdlTs iacrifiee ^'hich Don Chriftoval had
juft' feehllad^'^to his imagiflattDBf, croatttll
that ftielaticKoiy^of -ftririiiyWftkJi^icbordctf*
Wilt «Yo(> 'weri Wh'the Tdigioas- gteorrt
farroundrngliim. - He wis' (till leaning
agairift the feventh tolunnfiif fr6W the pulpit;
A foftcknd ttiding air breathed aiong thtf
fblitirV aifle^; the moon- beams darting
into the' church- th/ckigh' painted windows^
tinned the fretted roofs Un&- ittafly piJlars
with* a thoufand Various* (hades , of light,
and colours. UniverfaP iilence prevailed
aforindj ^fy'in^lfc^upt^^ By tht.occalibhal
cro(ingyjf'db6ri5 i*n!t!he'«d)oihitig abbey."
^CTnhi^d2tln»'df'*'h€l^how'!aftd ficdiei&de of
tlic plaiie ; coAtribut*d^t0 3'nouri[(hi! Lp-*
renzo's difpofition to melanchory. He
tBrctir^i^el^^Hipdh>'fc feat -which > flood
Mtif hirfe, 'iWfl %tfarB*»i6d>Wrtifelf to-^lif
dfefifltoH^ 6fPlffi fiflcf. t«Hei|lidufght bfiiiiri
iWion >^4ft R^ i\*rf tdttlfc i',h«^-^ll>bagta: ;o£ i the
dbftaclcs which migbt'o|>po(bih(ir'Wi(he^j
diid''^ thoufand rfVan^iftg viifcrtB? flbitcd
^* before

( 41 )

before his fancy, fad 'lis true, but not vn^
pleafing. Sleep infenfibly ftole oyer hioat^
ahd' the tranquil folemnity of his. miod
wl^nawake, for a while continued to in-
fluence his flumbers. t*

He ftill fancied himfelf to be in the
church- of the Capuchins; but it was no
longer dark and folitary. Multitudes of
filver lamps, fixed fplendour from the vault-
ed -roofs- j accompanied by the captivating
dvapnt of diftant chorifters, the organ's
niclody fwciled through. the churchy the-.
aitak* feiemed decorated, as for fome diilin^
guifhcd feaft; it i .was furrounded by a
^rilliaDt company.; and near ic Rood Anto--
rfta arrayed in bridal white, ;and blufliing:
with; allthe charms of virgin modelty • . , . . i
-tHalf. .hoping^ half fearing,] LorcnZ-Oi
gazed: updrt the fcenp before hitn^- Sji^>,'
deniy the door leading, to the abbey Un-
cipfcd; and- be faw, attended by a long,
train of moi)k>, the. preacher, advance ta
whom he had juft liftened with fo m\icli:.
afiniiration;. He drcjv mJarAntpnia., . :,,

i "And

( 4^ }

*' And where is. the bridegroom ?*' faid
the imaginary friar*

A ntonia Teemed to look round the churqb
with anxiety. Involuntarily the youth ad*
vanced a few fteps from his concealments
She faw him ; the bluQi of pleafure glowed
upon her cheek ; with a graceful motion of
her hand (he beckoned to him to ad vance^
He difobeyed not the command ; he flew to*
wards her, and threw hirafelf at her feet. .

She retreated for a moment; thengaz-^
mg upon bim with unuttierable delight^;
*♦ Yes,'* fhc.ewdamcd, ^* my bridegrootn I;
my deftined bn^kgroom V.^
" She biAf and haftened ta thirow berf^Hi
into* his arms.; bM before he had' time to^i
receive* her,^ an unknown rufhed between,^,
t&etnr bis form was gigantic; his cotu*-
ptexibn was fwarthy, his eyes fierce and>
tcrribte; his mouth breached out voluoitsl?
of ftt«e, and on hia forehead was writtei> in^t
legible charadfeers — " Pride !• Luft ! Inhi^;.
manky !^' .

Amonliif (hdelcfd^ The.EionftercUrpiqd
' ' her

( 43 )

her in his arms, and, fpring^ng with her .
upon the altar, tortured her with bis odious,
carefles. She endeavoured in vain to efcape
from his embracew Lorenzo flew to her
fuccour; but ere he had time to reach her,
a loud burft of thunder was heard. In-
ftantly Ac cathedral fcemed crumbling in-
to- pieces; .the monks betook thenifelves^
to flight, ftirieking fearfully j the lamps. .
were extinguiflied, the altar funk down>
and- in its place appeared an abyfs vomiting
fortb doisds- of flame« U (tearing a loud/
aiid terrible cry the m^ofter pl^iiged incd
the g^lph, a^od in hiis &11 attempted u^*
drs^ Antoniji with bkn* He (Iffove ia
\mu Animated by fupernaturaX' pow-
ers;- the difeagaged hei^elf from his em««
braces; but lier white robe was left in his
poflfeffion. InftantJy a wing of brillians^
fpltndour fpread itfelf from either of Anto-
fliaVarmd. She daried upwards, and while(\
aifernding cried to Lorenzo, *« Frieadl
we fhall meet above f" :»

^ An the (kme i&omeiK; the loof.of the.ca-

thedral

( 44 )

fTiedrd opened; harmonious voices pealeJ
along die vaults; and the glory into which
Antonia was received, was compofed'of
rays of fuch dazzling brightnefs, that Lo-
renzo was unable to fuftain the gaze. His"
fight failed, and he funk upon the ground.

' When he awoke he found himfelf ex-
tended upon the pavement of the church: it
was illuminated, and the chaunt of hymns
founded from a diftance. For a while
Lorenzo could not perfuade himfelf that
what- he had juft witneffed had been a
dream, fo ftrong an impreflidA 'had it made*
ijpfon his fancy. • A little recollediidn" coft-'
viticed him'of its fallacy : the lamps had
been lighted during his fleep, and the muficr'
which he heard -was oecafidned by the
niofnfcs,who wet'e celebrating th'ti'r vefpd:**
ih-the abbey-chapel. " • - • '-^ '*'■ -I

" Lorenz6 rofe, and prepared to b^nd hii*
fteps towarrds bis fifter's con vem, his mfind?*
fully - occiTpied by the Angularity of-bi^-
dream. He already drew near the porch^'
wheilb his-actenl^dn wal^^ttratSi^d by perceiv*

Ul-lf ing

( 45 ;)

ing a (liadow moving upon the oppoGtj;
wall. He looked curioufly round, and fooft
defcried a man wrapped up in his cloak,
who feemed carefully examining wheihcr
Jhisadions were obferved. Very few peo-
ple are exempt from the influence of curl-
ofity. The unknown feemed anxious to
conceal his bufinefs in the cathedral ; and it
was this very circumftance v/hich made
LiQrqnZo \yi(h to difcover what he was

aboutff ,

;, Our hero was confcious.that he had uq
light to pry into the fecrets of this unknown
cavalier^ t

: ..'f I will go/' faid JLorenzp. And.Lo-
renzp ftayqd whjer.? he was.
;.,Thc (hadow.tljrown by the column ef-
fedually concealed hina /rom the ftranger,
who continued to advance with caution.
At length he drew a letter from beneath his
cloak, apd h?ifti}y placed it beneath a colof-
fal flatue of St.. Frat^cis. Then retiring
with precipitation, he concealed himfelf
isx a part of the church ^t a confiderable
•; ,; diflance

^ 4^ )

'<Kftance from that in which the image
flood.

" So !*^ faid Lorenzo to hlmfelf; *^this
is only fomc fooliih love affair. I believe,
1 may as well be gone, for I can do no
good in it."

In truth, till that moment it never came
into his head that he could do any good in
it; but he thought it ncceflary to make
fome little execufc to himfelf for having
indulged his curiofity* He now made a
(econd attempt to retire from the church.
For this time he gained- the porch without
meeting with any impediment ; but it was
declined that he fliould pay it another vifit
that night. As he defcended the itcpei
leading into the (Ireet, a cavalier ruChed
a^ainfl: him with fuch violence, that both
were nearly ove^rturned by the concuffiom
Lorenzo put his hand <o his fword.

**How now, Segnor?** faid he; "what
mean you by this rudenefs ?"

" Ha ! is it you, Medina ?" replied the
new comer, whom Lorenzo by his voice

now

( 47 >

now recognized for Doa ChriftovaU ^*.Yoa
are the luckieft fellow in the iiniverfe, not
to have left the church before my rcturn*
In, in ! my dear lad ! they will be here
immediately !'*

"Who will be here?'*

*^ The old hen and all her pretty little
fiuckens. In, I fays and taen you (hall
know the whole hiftory."
■- Lorenzo followed him into the cathe-
dral^and they concealed themfeives behind
^c ftatue of Sc. Francis.
• ^And row/* faid our hero, " may I
take the liberty of afkiog what is the mean-
hg of ail this hade and rapture ?''

** Oh ! Lx>renzo, wc Ihall fee fuch a glo-
nam figjht ! The priorefs of St. Clare and
h^r l?kolc train of nuns are coming hither*
Ybt! arc to know, that the pious father Am-
brofio {the Lord reward him for it !) will
tipoo ivo accoxmt move out of his own pre-
cinfts* It being abfoluoely neceffary for
cv^ry fafhionable convent lo have him for

its

fts confeffor, the nuns are in confeqnence
obiiged to vifit him at the abbey; fince;
when the moirntaih^will not come to Maho-
met, Mahomet miTift nteds go to the moun-
tain; Now the priorefs of St. Clare, the bet-^
ter to efcape the gaze of fuch impure eyes
as- belong royourfelf and your hilmble ftr-
vant, thinks proper to bring her holy flodB
to confeflfion in the du(k : (he is to be ad^i
mitted ihtd the abbey- chapel by yon private
door. The porterefs of St. Clare, who is*
a worthy old foul and a particular ffiefed 06
mine, has juft aflured me of their being
Iiere in a few moments. There is news for
you, you rogue ! We (hall fee feme of the
prettieft faces in Madrid !**

"In truth, Ohriftoval,' we (hail dofna
fijch thing. The nunsare always veiled.!* ??

" No ! no ! I know better. On entering
a p!ac^ of wor(hip, they ever take ofFtheit
veils, from refped: to the faint to whoqi/^s
dedicated. But hark, they are coming! Si-j
IciKe! filence! Obferve,and be convinced/*

"Good

(. 49 >

t.^'fioo^i*' fold Lorenzo to iimfelf i " t
may poflibly difcovcr to whom tlic.vows
arp^adfAreiftd Qfrth'fd niyftcriiaufc ftraoj^er/'
p^^l^rctly ka^i iD&a Chriftoyai ciaXe&'to
ijpqa^f wbien,^h^ld0mi9a of Sc. Ga,re appeir^
cd, followed by a long procefljpii of nuiiliP
E^ctejMpPd. ^ruering rbc church C06k bff
her veil. The ^rfercfe croflbd htr bands
Mp^f^^r/^b^To^ji^^d ifnadje f profound re*
M$jr!&il0e ftt^^^cd dbeliacub of 5tt. Frahw'
cis;, ihffi . patmnf.of • ibis • cathedral. Tfie'
wta&lfijW^wiedfifbfcf example^ artd fevferaf
n^y-^J Qiir^ijrdli Without having f^isBedOo^'
i»0izois btwuiftt^ J llt{e^a{mbft bbgan to^de-^
(liw(ife(faaiigitlifc%fterjr^^^^^ iip;iviiri¥,T
in paying her re£po(ft8 2f6 6« Francis, britf'
(if*be.huas Hkpptn'ieii <^ tffbp''ht^r' fofaVy.
4»;IK«. ftoorppd t<y pidc itltip rhili Jb^fliffi*.^
cd fuH.io?hriijfatei'» At ^rbe^f^fc -rfltjrniehtf'
ftw/dtjlturadaj^-^raqovc'd the F^eiei^^^roni
btoM^tbckhflnicni^ f^aoed^ it i^ b^ boft^hiV
and haftened to refi^me her raiik in the?

.•)f?i H*ffJu^idJai(Pi(tovj»l ifl a teW vbrce;
:VoiL I. D « K^xa

(•• 39 )
•f fccfc' we have' fomc little intrigue, he

•*' Agn«$, by heaven !" -cried Lx>renzo*
f 1** What, your 'fifter ? Diavbld! Thea
ibmebody, I fujppofe, will have to jpay ' for
<jur peeping/* -

- **.And (haM pay for 'it witliouti delay ,*•
ijpplied the iadenfod brother.
.•7he pious proceflion had A6w^nttef=ed'
the abbey; dae. dooar .was: already clofed
; tipon it. The unknown immediately ^uit-
ted jiis concealment, and haftbned 'to leAte'
the church : ere he could effiz&'his' intem*
tion^ he defcned Medina Aaitioiied in 1fA%^
paflage. The (]ti3tnger_^ha(tily i^trisatied^ and
drew his hat oyer hiscyes.

•^ Auempt net to^rmel'' eaodaimed

i^reasQ^ !^< I wifMnow; who ypti are, acid

what wtere4he.<:onteRte ofjthat . letter J' ^^ >

" Of that letter?*' repeated the unknown.-

^', And by wb^t title do yxM afti the qi^

tiop:?** . . .: '■': '■■■■" >

'^ By a title of which I am now^Khaoied ;,
but it becoo^e^ !oot yonito 4^^)^^^ '^

.1 EUher

( 5' )

Richer reply circumftantially to my dc*
mauds, or anfwer me with your fword.*'

" The latter method will be the ihortcft.'*
rejoined the other, drawing hi$ rapier;
*Vcame oii^ Segaoi* Bravo ! I atn ready^"

Biirning with rage, Loreazo haftened
tQ.the attack : the fintagonifts had already*
exchanged feveral paflcs, before Chriftoval,
who at tl^at moment; bad more fenfe than
eit;her of, them, coujd throw himfelf be-
tween their weapoos^

*^ Hold ! hold ! Medina !" he exclaimed;
** remember the <:onf€quences of (heddiag
J>Jiood on coij&cFatcd ground r*
, /f|bc ibranger immiediately dropped bis
(word*

** Medina ?•' he cried. " Great God, is
it poffible^ ! L^renso, have . you quite {oV"
gorlen Raymond de las Cifternas ?"

>J.«oreiizo's ailontQimient ' increafed with
eveiy .fucceediiig ;moment. Raymond ad-
vanced cowards him -, but with a look of
fuipidoii be drew back his hand^ wbicii the
otiier «was ^eparing to take.

•* You here, ''Marquis? Wkai vk vVv^
D2 tniwccvvtk^

. ( 5^ ^

meaning of all this ? You engaged in a
clandeftine correfpondence with my filler,
wbofc affedions — — "

• *• Have ever been, and ftill are, mine.
But this is nci fit place for an explanation.
Accompany trie to my hotel, and yoii fliall
know every thing. Who is that with
you?"

** One whorri I believe you to have fcen
before,**' replied Don ChriftovaJ, ^* though'
probably not at church."

• "Theconde'd'OflbVio?*^ ' '' '
. '* Exadly fo, marquis.-* -

" I have no^dbjedibn to ettiriifting ybu
with my. fecret, for I am fure that I'rday
depend upon your filence." • '^ -^

** Then your opinion of me- is*bet'ter
than my own, and' therefore ' T miuft beg
leave to decline your Confidence./ iDd y^
go your own way> and I -fliall ^o mihe.
Marquis, where are you to be found ?" ■•'^

•* As ufual, at the hoteldeJas Cifternas ;
but remember chat I am incognito, and
that, if you wilh to feejimc, you muft aide
^r^J/>boDfod*AIvanula;.*\'^ rl v { '

(: 5X >.

*^ -Good ! ;goQ4 ! Farewell, cavaliers!'^
faid.Doii Chriftoval^ a.Qd. inflanrly cle-,
parted. : , .. ..

■ *V Yoi>, niarqul^/' faid Lorenzo in the .
accent. of furprife ; /' you> Alphonfo d'AU^
varada !".,..;" . i

Vy;Even fo, Lorenzo v b\jt nnlefs.yoa^
have .already heard ^y ftory froca your .
fiftcr, I have: much tp relate that will aftc-,
nUh-: ypvv . Follow mp, thcreforei tx> my '-^
hotel without s^clay^^

h% il^i? ci9i2peiit;;he porte^^pfithe Capii-:S
cljins ^ritei'e4ithc;^€atbedral tp lock, up the -.

doors fbfjt^ip R^s'^f^^ .^Tl^e tvv^;pobIemen r
inftantly wUIidrew^ and liaftene;d with all ;
fpeed to the. palace de las Cillernas,

rf ■ Ivr 1 *■

'/*- Wdl, Atitopiai'? faid. the aiinr,,a| footJ 7
as fli/?.had quitted the cl>prQh^ '^what thipfc. [
y9U.of dyr gallantS;? . I)op JUoretize really,.,
feiyps ^ very plpligipg go^d; jfort.oit jrp.ur^. ,■
in^n ; fecpaidyou {bmeattenyoo,.andnptK)dy 1 r
D 3 knows

( 54 )
knows what may come of ic. But as to Don
Chriftoval, I proteft to you, he is the very
phoenix of politenefs ; lb gallant ! fo well-
btcd ! fo fenfible, and fo pathetic ! Well !
if ever man can prevail upon me to break
my vow never to marry, it will be that
Don ChriftovaK You fee,- niece, that every
thing turns out exadVly as I told you : the
vci-y moment that I produced myfelf in
Madrfd, I knew ihat lihould be furround*
cd by admirers. When I took off my vcif,
did you fee, Antonia, what an effeft the
aftion had upon the conde? And when I -
fvrefented bim my hand, did you ol')rervc
ibe ?.?r (f pnfnm v il) \\\ ich lu^ ! iHcc! it? •
If cvii 1 wiiijeiicd ical iovf, i t-uti;- l\\v it
iibprefftd upon Don Chriftovars counte-

.'Ndg^ Antonia had obferved the air with
whteh Don Ghriftovat Had kifled this fatbe
hftfid ; but as' (he drew condufions from ic-^
fcHpewhat different from: her aunt's, fliei
w« ^ife enough to hold her loogue* As *
thtj i^the oniy i«ftance known of a wd*'-

.*•':■ c ^'^ man's

C\S5 1
maa's ever having. done fo, it wat judgfil'
worthy IQ be recorded here.

The oid lady continued her difcoiirfe
to Antonia in the fame ftrain^ till they
gained the (lieei^lfi^ which was their lodg*
log. Here a xTOwd\collciSted before tbeif
door permitted cheoi "^BOt to approach it ;
and placing themrelve^ OO' the oppofitc
fide of the ftreet, theyfj, endeavoured to
make out what hac) drawn*^^ thefe peojple
rc^ther. After feme tnihutes the ciowd
formed itfelf into a circle j and now An*
toniarpercerVedinthe midft of it a woman
of extraordinary he'^ghr, vrha uh Wfd Ik ;-
ftlf repeatedly louad aucl round, .ufiog
all forts of extravagant geftures. Hei* drcfs
was compofed offliredsof varrous-colouredt
filks and linens fantaftically arranged^ yer
not entirely without tafte. Her head was
covered with a kind of turban ornamented
with vine-leaves and wild flowers. Sb6^
feemed much fun-burnt, and her com^
plexion was of a deep olive : her eyes look-
ed fiery and flrange; and. in, her hand (he
D 4 bore.

c 56 a

hOTt a iong black rod,, with which (lie at
intervals tiaced.a variety of fiagular iigures
tupon the grrtund> round about which Die
danced. in all the eccentric attitudes 'of foH]f
and delirium. Suddenly (he broke off her
dance, whirled herfcif round thrice with
rapidityi and .after* a mdmint's paiifc'-^fli-e
fung the following ballad^. '

^' \^ THE GIPSY'8 60NG.

COME» crofs my Land ! My art furpafles .

All that (lid tYcr mortal know :
Come, maidens, come ! My magic glaffci

Your future hufband's form can (how :

Tor *ti« to mc the power is given

yndofed the book of fate to fee ;
To r^ ad the fixed rcfolves of heaven, » -
• And dive into futurity.

3 > J g Wc the pale moon^s giver waggon ; i

. . , . The |vind| in magic bonds, I hold ;
, I chirm to fleep.the ciimfon dragon,
"Who lovet- to watch o*er buried gold.

Fenced round with fpells, unhurt I venture
Their fabhath ftrange wh^'C witches keep;
*' Fcarlefs the fordtrer's circle etiter,
: And wouudlcls tread on fnakcs afleepi

Lo»

5 « >

Lo t; jierc arc duMiB»bf migbty powev ! . : . ': i
This makes lecure an fciufband's truth ;
" "SbH tfiS, coijip6{e3 at inidnig1)t hour,

... -wflf ftfrce to ittvef the iioUeft yotttfi. * ^ ^

If any maid too* much has granted^

Her lofs this philtre will repair.
This blooms a cheek where rtii is wanted.

And this will make a brown girl fair. .

Then filent hear, whfle I difcoYcr/ .

What I in fortune's roinror view ; -, ^
And each, w^^ m^ny i y^ar fsove^ ,^

Shall own the* Gipfy^s fayingff true*.

^* D^ai^ aiiRl.Jr' -fafid^: A^nt^m? V^bciX the
flra,nger Ka4 .Eoifh^dj /* is (he ngt Olad ?"

** Mad? Not (he, child; (he is Only;
wicked*. Sfee isbflf gipf^^ ^ fort of yfjgabond,
whofe fole occiiparioni isrito run ahoijiti^he
couatFjLtellitigilyesj apd pilfering frqn>gtbo(e
who come b](: their money hon?fl;ly. . O^^
upon fuch vermin ! If I were king jpf Spaio^
CsVety one. of. them ihould be burnt aljye, .
irfip was fowdi.in.rny,domialansL, aftpr ^h^
next three weeks.'*. .
. Thefe-words were pronounced fo audU
bly, that they reached the gipfy'js ^^^s. She
:..::» D 5 \\xvm^-

i 5« )

immediately pierced through the crowd,
and made towards the ladies. She f^Uuted
them thrice in.the eadern fa(hioii> and thea
addrefled herfelf to Antonia^

THE GIPSY.

** Lady, gentle lady ! know»
I your future fate can (how ;
Give your hand, and do not fear y
I^7j gentle liady J hear?*

^^ Deareft aunt T faid Aritonia, " indulge
xne this ence ! let me have my fortune told-

•* Nonfenfe, child * She will tell you
iiothing but falfehoods.**

** Np ^Jiatter ; let me at lead hear what
flic has to fay. Do, my dear aunt, oblige
me, I beicech you T*

** Well, well ! Antonia, fiace you are fa
bent upon the thing-— -Here, good wo-
man, you (hall fee che hands of both of us*
There is money for you, and now let me
hear my fortune/'

As

( 59^ y

Ais (he feid this, (he drew off her giov^i
ind prefented her hand. The gipfy looked
at it for a moment, and then made this
reply :.

THE GIPSY.

*•• Y<Hir fortune ? You are now fo old^
Good dame, that 'tis already told :
Yety for your money, in a trice
I ^, will repay you in advice. .
Aftoniihed at your childifli vanity,
Your friends all tax you with infanity,
, ; i)jidgrieve to fee you ufe your art
To catch fome youthful lover's heart.
Believe me, dame, when all is done.
Your age will ftill be fifty-one ; }

And men will rarely take an hint . ^
Of love from two grey eyes that iquint.
Take then my counfels} lay afide '

Your paint and patches, lull and pridtft
And on the poor thofe fums beftow.
Which now are fpent on ufelefs (how.
Think on your Maker, not a fuitor j
. . Think onyourpaft faults, not on future}
And think Time's fcythe will^ quickly mow
• The few red hairs, which deck your brow.

The audience rang with latighter: duN
D 6 in^

ing the gij)fy's acldr?fs;. and'— '^ fifiy-
<)ne, — fquinling eyes,— red hair, — paint
and patches," — 8:c.' were bandied from
mouth to rfiouth. Leondla was almofl:
choked with paflion, and loaded her ma-
licious advifer wilb the bitterefl reproaches.
The fwarthy prophet-cfs for fome time lif-
tened to her with a contemptuous fmile :
at length (he made her a Qiort anfwcr,'and
then turned to Antonia.

, THE GIPSY.

" Peace, lady ! What I faid was trite.
And now, my lovely maid, to you r
Give me your hand, and let me fee
Your future doom, and heaven*8 decree."

In imitahon of Leonella, Antonia drew
off her glove, and prefented her white hand
to the gipfy, who, having gazed upon it
for fome time with a mingled expreffion
of pity and aftoniflimenr, pronounce^ her
oracle jn the following words :

THE GIPSY.

*' Jcfus ! what a palm is there !
Chafte, and gentk, youog and fair,

PerTca

(( <5» . >

/Ftifc6l mmd aad form pc^eillng^
You wpulcl be foro€ good man's blefilng ;•
But, alas! this line difcovcrs
That defhrttdlion o'tr you hovers 5? ...
^^ Luftful man and ctaftyl devil .
- Will combine to work your evil ;
And from eartfi by forrows driven,
Soon your foul mufb fpeed to heaven*.
Yet your fufferings to delay, ;

Well remember what I fay.
When you one more virtuous fee
. Than belongs tq man to be,.
One, whofe fclf no crimes aflailihg,
Pities not his neighbour's failing,
Gall the gipfy's words to mind :
Though he feem fo good and kind^
Fair exteriors oft will hidfe^
Hearts, that fwell with luft and pride.

Lovely maid, with tears I leave you*
Let not my predi£iion grieve. you :
Rather, with fubmiffion bending^
Calmly wait dillref* impending,.
And expe£l eternal blifs
In a better world than this.

Having fald this, the gipfy again whirt-
d herfelf round thrice, and then haftened
ut of the ftreet with frantic gefture. The

crowd

( ^ )

crowd followed her; and Elvira*s door-
being now unenabarrafled, Leonella entered
Ae houfe, out of humour with the gipfyt.
with her niece> and* with the people ;^ ia
fhort> with every body but herfelf and her
charming; cavalier*. The gipfy'^ predic-
tions had alfo confiderably a^Teded Anto-
nia; but the impreflion foon wore oiF, and
in a few hours (he had forgotten the ad*
venture, as totally as had it never.' taken
place.

(' %^ %

CHAP. IT.

1^$rfe fi tu giribftt una Rl volta-
hsL mSHHi^ parte delle gibje,
Ch£ gufta Ba cor amato riannandoK. '
I>irefti ripentUa fofpirando^
Ferduto e tutto.il tempo.
Chi in amar non fi fpinddeK

Hadft thou hvA taOed^ooce the thouiandth part
Of joys, which blefs the loved and loving heart.
Your words repentant and your fighs would provC|.
i^& is the time which is not pad in love.

Jt HE monks having attended their ab-
bot to the door of his cell, he difmiffed
them with an. air of confcious fuperiority,
ia which humility's femblance combated,
with the reality of pride.

He was no foonei^ alone, than he gave
free loofc to the indulgence of his vanitjr^

When

c % ):

When he remembered the enihufiafm which-
hisdifcourfe had excited, his heart fweHcd.
with rapture, aad his itpagiiution prefentj^
ed him with fplendid vifions of aggrandize-
ment. He looked round, him with.exuli.
lation; and pride told himjoudly, that he
was fuperior to the reft of his fellow-
creatures.

*'Who," thongfft he, ** wtiXJ-butmy.
felf has paflcd the ordeal" of youth, yet fees-
no fingle ftain upon his confcience ? Who-
clfe has fubdued the violcrioe of ftrong paf-
fionsand an: impetiious temperament, and
fifbmitted even, from the d^wri 'of Ijfe to
voluntary retirement? I feek' for fuch a,
man in vainr 1 f^i^-^fH^-on^ but myfeir
poflcfled of fuch refolution. Religion c^n.--
not boaft Ambrofio*s;^qual !' How power-
fhlah efFed did my difcburfe prodiice up-
on Its Auditors ! How they, crowded rounds
me -f 'How xhey loaded me wuh behedic*:
tions, and pronounced me the fele.uncor-
reptcd pillar' of the church ! What th^n
now is left foe mc to do ? : NpjhiDg;. but to-
. .'- 'f watch

( 6s )
watch as carefully over the conduft of my ;■
brethren, as I have hitherto watdied ovec
my own. Y'et hold ! May I not be tetrlpN .
ed from thofe paths,' which till now I have
purfiiedvvithout one moment's wandering? .
Arn I not a man, whofe nature is frail and
prone to error ? I miift now ab^^ndon tW
folitudebfmy retreat; the faireft and rfo-l
feleft'danies of Madrid continually prefent
thetnfelvcs at the abbey, and will'ufe nof i
other confeflbri I muft accdftom ^my eyes
to obje£l3 of teraptition, and ' cxpofe my-J ,
ifelf to the feduction of lukury anddefireJ
Should I meet, in that woJld which I am:
conflrained to enter, Tome lovely fcmkle-w
lovely as ycm Madona— *!*?. * ■ . >

■ As hefaid tjjis, he fixed his eyes uporij
a pi<5lurc of . the Vif gip> is^hicfej wa^ ; fuf^
p'endedr opppfit?: <0: him ; tbisr for. twO; ye^rsi
l^ad/jbeen the pbjeCt of his increafiog wqn-s.
der and a;doration, He paitfed, and gazed,
gponit^with delight. . ,

I *i. Wl)at bpauty in thAt .^ounte^apce.!'*'. ^
be QQininutd- after a filencc of fonic mi-.

nutes ;

( 66 ),
nwtes ; ^' hew graceful is the turn of that
head ! what fweetnefs, yet what roajefty
in her divine eyes ! how foftly hcv cheek
reclines upon her hand ! Can the rofe vie
wuh the blufl) of that check? can tha
lily rival the whitenefs of that hand ?
Oh ! if ftich a creature exifted, and exifted
but for me ! were I permitted to tw-ine*
round my fingers thofe golden ringlets, and
prcfs with my lips the treafures of that
&owy bofom! gracions God, (houl^-'v^L!
then refift the . temptation ? Should I nQti-~
barter for a fingic embrace t\\e rcvvardrbffi
my. fnffe rings for thirty. yeai s ? Should I;

iwc iilxiwdoi; -Fool liral, I am 1 Wai*

ther dp I fuffer my admiration of this
pidiire to hurry me ? Away, impure ideas !
LJet me retntember, that woman is for evec
Joft tome. Never was mortal formed fot
perfeft as this pidure. But even did facte
exift, the trial might be too mighty for a
common virtue : but Ambrofio's is pfoof
againft teinptatton. Temptation, did I
fay ? To me it would be none. What-

charms

( 6; )

charms me, when ideal and confidcrcd as
a fuperior being, would difgiA me, be*
come woman and tainted with all the faili*;
ings of mortaUty. It. is not the woman's-
beauty that fills me with fuch enthufiafm :
it i§ ibc painter*s fkill that I admire ; it is
tUe Drvioity that I iadore. Are not the paf*
lion* dejid iti my bofom ? have I not freed
njyfdf frQmithe fraihy of mankind ? Featf^.
not, Ambfofio! Take confidence, in the
ftreqgih .<)f your virtue. Enter boWly in-
to; jt be workl, to whofe failiftgl you are fu^r
pfinQi4r^t& that, yoti are opw exempietf
f^tn bui»5^nity'f^ >rlcfe<Sts, and dtfy all the*
aiis.^f ilie fy\u[% r,f dii.kne^s. 1 hey fiialh
tooiv. yoMiioc whiJL.ycu are 1^ ^

; HcrerrAb fieveric was iaterrupted by*
tbrc!0]£afl; knocks at the door of ivis cell J
With:difllcnhy did the abbot awake from j
his^ideliyium. The knocking was* repeated.*

. *^ IWhais there?'* faid Ambrofio at
length-

* «• It isrioniy RoCkrio/' replied a gentle
voicfe^- '- ^ • . —

.-.* « Enter!

( 63 )

; ** Enter ! enter, my fon !**

• Tbe door was iaimediately opened, and
Rofario appeared with a Hiiall baiket ift his*
band,

• Rofario was a young novice belonging
to the monaftery, who in three months in-
tended to make his profetiion. ; A fort of
riiyftery enveloped 'thi'S' ybvrih^'whfcli ren-
dered him it once iwi €bje^ <Jpihtfefeft and"
aWfofity. His hatred oirf(>ciety, his' pro-
founcj melancholy, his rigid obfervance of
the' duties of, his briber, and his vahih-'
tiryfeciufion'fronfi the world, ar'hrstagi'fe!
unijfuaJ, attra9:ed the notice of thfe' whole'
fraternity. He feemed fearful of being re-
cognifed, and'ao oncbad ever feen his face* .
I^iSs headjiwas con tinaaHjr muffled .ti{i 5n
hii cowl J yecfuclutf :hisieatiD»esiars^ scd-^
clentdtTcovcred, a^pcAefl Uie raoffi l)eajai]^^
fy\ ^nd oobJe. ' Rtfferio* waJsIlhecnlyihimc!
by which be was 'krnotvm in tli« momfterj^
No one knew from whence he came, ^jand:
vifben qiiefticf^ied on thte fubjpatke.prefijrvrd
a profound fileoce. A ftranger, whofe fich. i

- habit

( ^9 )
habit and magnificent equipage decUred
him to be of diftinguKhed r^k, had ^enr
gaged the nionks to receive a; oovicq^i '4ad
bad depoilxed the nep.e{rary.fua)s. .The pQXt
day he returned vflth^ ^^(fLrUy^; an4»fi'pnf
that time no mor^eihad^been Jieard of Ivi^^^
The ryputl) / had . c^^e^ully. ^avoided th^

^yijdcntly; flp^v^d it^uit;Ws;,in^|fnatjpp, 1^4
hyooi fp rQlit.u4e, /lrf?'tUis:geQ|^aLru)fit^9
(Mpcrjior.vvfis^jlie, prjly qx^eptipn. ; j Jp,j h>fi)
^? .^^J^«Ji: Wiwii^i ft r^fpeai.^pw^chiftg

mpft atientiy<j,^idriitj^ s^f^imgtA^^im^
evj?ry'trj^aHi$i ti> ingraijate :hiflftfe^f<|n-tiis
fevour.;:Jp the .ai)l?Oli> Jociety. h^iB:Jbwfl
Ceea^e^ jtQ bp .at;eii^i:,#riA aji^ir- «rifig^i«y::

A<iii>«oiiQ M[ bist 6d^{j^ tiQtv fwJi Jictsi a(^i
ura<%^iiitQmrddch;^ypinhj; (!wah£biix)c}Jxintt
djii. be; lx]r..afid^obis. faabi(ual fimriityu
When he fpokc to him, he infcrffiWy^i^
•^nriW ** fumed

Vo ) .

fumed a tone irtlraer thaa was iffuftl to
liim ; and no voice founded fo fweet to him
as did Rofarid's. He repaid the youth?i
Attentions by inflrufting him in varbus
rdeiices r the novice received his Icflbns
vriih docility ; Ambrofio was every day
inore charmed with ^ the vivacity of his
genitid, the fimplicity of his manners, and
the reftitudi 6f his heart : in ftort, he Ibved
htm witih'ai! the afFeftfon'of irtacfr. Hd
feoiildi hot help fometimes indulging a de-^
fire ffccretly to fee the face of his pupil ;
btit his rule of felf-dcnial extended eveii to
coriofity, aiid pre'i^ented him from cdmmu-
seating hii tiHlhes to the youth.
^ ^ Pardon my intrufion^ feither," faid
Rofario^ ' while he placed hiii ba&et upon
the table i **i come to you « fuppiiant.
Hearing thiit a dear- fdend is MdHnger^ufly
iU» I entreat your prayers Whis recovery.
I£:fiipp)fcations x:an prevtuL upon tiearven
torTparc- him, furely yours mirft be effi-

cacious.^*

What-

( 71 )

-^ Whatever depends upon me, my fon,
fOu know that you may command. Whatf
IS' your friendi^s name ?^ - ■ • - '

«' Vincenrio dettaRonda/* ■» «*> >

* ^VTid fufficieht. T wlirn« foiget Wm
in-my 'prayer&> and tn«y our tht^icehtAeffwt
Sc. Francis deign to liften to tny intercef -^
fiah !-^ What have you in y^ur bafidety
Rofario?** .' /:

V /** A few of thofe flew^rs, itev^CHid 'fa-
ther, which I have obferved to be-moft"
^c^abte ft> yoa. WiHyoii permit my
.arranging them in yoiir cliamber^' ^

** Your actctotionscharm tne^ my fon."

' W-hile^Kofariodifperfed theconc^c^of
ills baikec in fcnallvafes, placed fi:^-that
purpole ia various parts of the room, the
abbot thus continued the converfation .

* ^l ftw yoii not in Hie church- this eveii'^
ing, Rofario/' ' *

** Yet I wai prefenti iatheh l-^iti tbo
^atclbl for your protedlion to lofeah op*
portunity of witnefling your triumph.** ' ■

* -^«; AU» l-Rolkrioi rhave b^ Uttle cauft

( 1\ >

':^^riupi[>h ; the faint. fpoke. by rHiy ii)oulh;
tp.him .belongs all. the merif. ]( f^ems
then you were contented .with oiy .^f-:
courfc?" " ,'. ; . .., . ^

...^^, Gont'cntcd;.ra)'lyop?. 01).i: ypu for-
pf^ed yourf^Ifr Never did I hear fuch
'elpg4vence~-fHvc once !'* :...:-

.vJHsre thie /npMicfi hcav^ an . .i/i Yoluxit^ryi

figh. .... .^.i

• . V(Wli«a>as,tl)atK>ngB.?"'dl?W^d<jdthe

!tbbtt>^» •)..* . • .: ' . -.t- \ ■ L-l i *• . 1 . C.

V •* \y}iep.y9ppi;eapbed ypoatli^.Ai4dei^.i
indifpofitipn iQ^rpurJ^te rupei;ip/^7 ..:.:... .:

y»ri jnpe at. ibfiJi j<ipi9<. Roferi*.": j .;/:.; a. ti d
j*?5 /Tis m»Pj f^tli^fiij and,:¥i<)ul4im CJfMJi
I bad..;«BS^.,qfijL.bel)g^fl5iJiat f^ajfi.j
W.^*t MefWgSj-}yha?i fofxo)^^ .jfepijld I
haveefcapedr 'W::::o>i /, i

.q:- AyP,c[ fitfJ?fiC:f.fuffering?., w{ijflj,;.^i^
known ta yovi^ .jWpuld^?<jua% jraiJ^j,j{pur.

oi form

( 73 )

ifbrm at l)nctf'thc torrtieht and plcafiirccf
my cxiftence! Yet in this retreat my bff*
fom wpiM feel tranquH, were it not for
the tortures of apprehenfion ! Oh God f
oh God! how cruel is a life df f<jar!-,-'
Father! I have given up all; I have
abandoned the world and its delights for
^^r ; nothing now remains, nbthffig now
has charms for me, but your fricndihip;
butymir atFeftion. If I lofe that, father I
oh ! if I lofe that, tremble at the effefts of
mydrfparrr

'^ You apprehend the lofs of rtiy friend*
flrip? ' H6w has my cohduft juttlfied this
feir •> Know me better, Roforio, and think:
me worthy of your confidence* What are
your ftiflfertngs ? Reveal them tb me,
and believe, that if \is in my power to re*
litve them— -'^

** Ah ! 'tis in no one's power but yours»
Yet 1 mnft not let you know them. You
wduldtette me for my av6Wal 1 you would
drf^ie ike* from your prefencc with fcofn
ahd ignotofey.

Vol, I. E « M^

( ?4 )

-r,*/*^ My fovki. I conjui'e you ! I entreat
y»a-*^— — ''

- " For pity's fakc^ cnqvjire no fuitlier !
I muft noi—I dare not— Hark ! the bell
rings for vefpers 1 Father, your benedic-
tion, and I leave you.'*
. As he faid this, he threw hioifclf upon
bis knees, and received the blefling which
he demanded. Then prefTing the abbot's
hand to his lips, he darted from the ground,
and haHily quitted the apartment* , Soon
after Ambrofio defcended to vefpers (which
were celebrated in a fmall chapel belong-
ing to the abbey), filled with furprife ac
the Angularity of xhe youth's behavioun*

Vefpers being over, the monks rjetired
to llieir reljpeaive cells- The abbot alone
remained in ihe chapel to receive the nuns
of St. Qare. He had not been long (eated
10 the confefiional chair, before ilie priorefs
made her appearance. Each of the nuns
was heard in her turn, while the others
waited with the domina in the adjoining
vcftry. Ambrofio liftened to the confcl-

fions

^ is )

fioWS vi4fe*atte'«Tiort^ Hiacfc many whofta-
tions, enjoined penance pTOport'i<3tted*:'M
eacfaT ofieffCeV and for -tocrte time tvtff
thing flpTi^t on ai Ufua*: till at laft^«tee'4^
tbe'jftuM, corirpicuotts from the ridblcneft
of hermir iind elegance 'of her figure, cawi
lefdy permitted - a letttr to fall from her
bofom. She was 're^rin^iaMicorrici^s'of
her lofs. Ambrofio fuppofcd it to have
b€«m:A^mcn-;by'fcmie'0iic!6f her relations,
indtpickied ic upv intending to reftore itM
licr:-''-, '^^ . ; • •'■«

;f:/i*»«Stay; d4ught«r/' faid he| **' you have
ttetikU^^-^":. •. . ■•:- ' '•.•^. !•: .:j

' AitAhhn\6thcTity ♦he paper being already
opeitv hii ' eye involuntarily* read the firft
wi^rtis^ He ftarted back ^wkh furprife.
The nun' had turned rounds? on hearing his
AToii^e t"ift* perceived her fetter in his hand^
atfidj^Uttermg alhrlek of terror^ flew haftily
to regain it; '

-i-Piio\dV* faid the friar in a tone rf
fevcrity:; •<* daughter, 1 muft read this let^
ict.^i\\ - - -■ ?^ "■ ■ ■^- • . ^

• ri\jr ;:: " E 2 <« Then

( 7^ >

, , «^ Then 1 am loft r* flie cxc^itncd,
cbrpiog her hands togcihcr wildly, .

All colour inftantly fad^4 frQmhfS (kc;
the tsembled wkln agitation, and was
pbligcd u> fold her arms round ^ pillar of
the chapel to (kve herfelf from fmking upon
the floor. In the mean while the abfaiet
read the following liaes>:

•« All is ready for yow cfcape^ my dcar-
t& Agnes 1 At twelve to-morrow night I
ihall expeft <o find you at the garden-
tloor : I have obtained, the key^ and a *few
hours will fuSke to place you ia a fecure
afylum. l^t no miftaken fcruple$ induce
you to rcj.ed •the certain means of preferv-
ing yourfelf and the innocent vc^eatuee
whom you nouriih in your bofom. Kq-
mcmber that you had promifed to b^ mine,
long ere you engaged yinirfetf to the
•chi.rch; that yow fituarion will foon be
evident lo the prying eyes df your com-
panions^; and thai flight is the only meani
ot avoiding the eficdls of tlieir malevolea(

relentment.

f it r

jefehthSeftr.- FareWelh my Agnds4 'my
dear ^AdxkRrtWa Wife ! • Fkil ht>t to be-^
the%4rdfen*d(K)r » it weWi^ ! ^^

^ A«^foof> m he had finiflied^ ftmbrtifid
betit anfJ^ye ftern; and- angry upoh the- ittil
^iidenttijun, ' ^

•^ This letter rtuuft ta the pi-iofcft/''Vtiid
be, and pa^ed her..

-ii-iiisi:M)itSs'l^nd6d tike thunder to her
«UE;in^iiwbke fr<}m her torpidity biily
iK)»i»e^iifible of die dangers of her fitoei^
tibi>« ^^e ftrilowed ' hlm^ 'h^ftily, and ^^
SaikeAii'imby Us ^imtvit. • '< "»< '
>^ul>.|fittiy k«h^l ' (lay P' flle »^i4ed :^in the
«K»ttiirf defpair, while ihc Jthfrfet\r-lierfeif
*t?'^fcht^ friai^sfeet, attd bathed th<irh wkh
her team. ^'^* iFather,con[^paffionare my
jrouttpv iLxjcjito with itidqlgence ^ohMa wo-
niati% weaknefs, ai^ deign to conceal my
iraiicyi .'The: remaixider of my life (haJi
'beseonpioyed in ej^piating this fingle»foult^
tmkrymr : \en\iy i^iU bring back u fouLto
.'hwvehl'^^ ....•.:...•■ '».v..i^.. . ; .. ...... ...

.;-»f<;.:i. ' :.^. E 3 " Amazing.

( ?8 )

. ^* Amazing confidence? What! fhaH
Sr. Clare's conYent become the retreat of
proftitiues? Shall I fufFer ihe. chufch of
Cbrifl. to cherifli in its bofom debauchery
^d Qiame ? Unworthy wretch I fuch le-
nity would make me your accoqi^ipUce,
Mercy would here be criminal. You have
idbaodoned yourfelfjtp a feducer's luft ;
you have defiled the faqred babUi by.ypur
impurity) and &0X dare you think yqur-
fclf deferving my compafiiod ? Hence, nor
detain me longer. Where is. the lady
priorefs?" he addedjlraifinghisYoite.. •
" Hold! father, bplcH Hear mc but
fpr one moment ! Tax . nic ' not wiih im-
purity, nor think that I have erred from
the warmth of temperament. Long before
I took the veil, Raymond was mafter of
my heart : he infpired.me with the piueft,
the moft irreproachaible paflSon, and was
on the point o£ becoming my lawful huf-
band. An horrible adventure, and the
treachery of a relation, feparated us from
each other. I believed him for evenloft'to

me.

( 79 r

rac, and threw myfelf into a convent fix^mf
•mocives of dcfpair. Accident again united*
its; I could not refufe myfelf the melan-'
choly pleafure of mingling my tears with hfsr.
We met nightly in the gardens of St. Clare,
and in an unguarded moment I violatfed
my vows of chaftity. 1 (hall fooni become
a mother. Reverend Ambr^fio, take ieom-
p<a(Eoti on me ; take com paffion on the in-
nocent being whofe exiftence is attached
to mine. ' If you difcover my imprudence
4fe the domina, both of us are loft. Th^
puni(hmcnt which the laws of St. Clare
affigfi- to unfortunates like myfelf, is
rt6ft fevere " and cruel. Worthy, worthy
^fother ! let not your own untainted cori-
iciencc render you unfeeling tow'ards thbfe
lefs able to withftand temptation ! Let not
mercy be the only virtue of which your
heart is unfufceptible ! Pity me, moft re-
verend ! Reftore my letter, nor doom me
to inevitable deftru6lion !'*

*' Your boldnefs confounds me. Shalf

^ / cdnccil your crime—/ whom you have-

E 4 deceived

( 8o )

deceived by your feigned coufcflion ? — No,
daughter^ no. I will render you a more
eflential fervicc. 1 will refcue you from
perdition, in fpite of yourfclf. Penance and
mortification (hall expiate your offence^ and
ilbverity force you back to the paths of ho-
lioefs. What, ho ! Mother St. Agailu !''
. " Father ! by all that is facred, by all
tliart is mod dear to you^ I fupplicace^ I

entreat- '*

" Releafe me. I will not hear you.
Where is the domina ? Mother St. Agatha^
where are you ?'*

The door of the veftry opened, and the
priorefs entered the chapel, followed by
her nuns.

*^ Cruel, cruel !" exclaimed Agnes, re-
linquifl^ing her hold.

Wild and defperate, (he threw herfelf
tipon the ground, beating her bofom, and
rending her veil in all the delirium of de-
fpair. The nuns gazed with aftonifliment
upon the fcene before them. The friar now
pr^fented the fatal paper to the priorefs,

informed

ioformedtlier of the ipanneF in which hb
i)ftd foiKi4i^ and acjded, that it was her
bufi^efs (o decido what penance the ^c^.
linqu€fit merited* '..:..•''

Vy^hilc iht pcrufed the Iciiter, thcxjomina's' ^
coumef^nce grew infbtned widi > p^ifion. .
Wiiat ! fuch a crime, committed id her coni-
venti and rpade known to Ambrofio, lo the
idol of Madrid, . to the nwij, w^m. flie wav ^
mofl toxious Id irriprefs^witl^ tbe.ppinion of
43be ftrifftneTs abd: reguUm^ <i£:ker houfeJ
Wbids wcte. inadequare to cx^refs bcr
fiiry. She. was-filcntj and dant^ upon the'
profirate hnii looks of ajemacr wd 'malig- <
43jiirj%i * :=^/ * ■ ; !. :; ,« r- - :. ,; -.

" Away with! her iW the co&vcfit !*' faid i
(he ai length to fome of her attendants. ,

Two of lin old^f^ : nuns npw approach- -
"ii^g 'Agnes,. raifed her. fprdbly fron^. the:
^xnindy aad prdpaoed ix> ^(m3^a£t Jher fbom ^
:tbe qhapel^;'. nl\ i- '•.. ^ jv .

/f WhfttJ^'ihecxcfeimedfuddctily, fhak^^:^

iaj^ off chewr^iold with diftrtaacd geftures^^

«* » aiUrhiipe tfejgn loftf. Alrieadjr do you >

: - E5 drag>^

idrag mc to punifliment ? Where arc you,
Raymond ? Oh ! fave me ! fave me !"
"Then -cafting upori die abbot a frantic look,
•• Hear me !*' (he continued, ** man of
' an hard heart ! Hear me, proud, ftefn, and
cruel ! You could have Taved me; yoa
TOuld have reft dred me to happinefs and
virtue, bur* would not; you are the de-
Tlroy^r of my foul ; you arc my murderer,
%lid o» yba'faH the curfc of *ny death and
ifiy trnb&rn'infont*^ I Infolene in your yet>
^(haken virtiie, '^u difdainod the prayers
^f apenhcnt; but God will (hew mercy,
■though J ^jfliew none. And where is the
merit of your boafted virtue ? What temp-
tations have' yoii' vanc)«i(hed ? Cbvvard !
you- have fled from it, not oppofed fe-
xluftion,' ■ But the day of trial will arrive,
dh f 'Iheri ♦when you yield - to impetqciw
^f»ffidn^ ; when ydu iecLthat man is weak,
and born to errj when, (huddfering,: you
lookback upip yoifi* 'Critties,' and folicit,
with' ten6f/ thft'^taiercydf yotarGod,' ob !
in' that i^tdiV moment 'thihk ^upon me !
•■: ' [/'I think

C 83 )

think upon your cruelty! think upon
Agnes, and defpair of pardon.*'
- As (he uttered ^hefe laft words, het
ftrenath was exbaufted ; and (he funk inani-
mate upon the bofom of a nun who ftood,
oear her. She was immediately conveyed
from the chapel, and her companions fol-
lowed her.

Ambroflo had not liflened to her re-
proaches without emotion-., A fecret pang
at bis heart made hinx feel that he bad
^treated this un£prtuoate with too great fe»
verity. He therefore detained the priorcfs,
and ventured to pronounce fome words in
favour of> the delinquent.

''^Thc violence of her defpair,'* faid he,
**' proves that at leaft vice is not become
fiimiliar to her. Perhaps, by treating her
with fomewhat lefs rigour than is generalljr
pradifed, and mitigating in fome degree,
the accuftomed penance ■ * ^ . - '»
, U Mitigate it, father ?•■ interrupted tte
ijady priorcfs : ." Not I, believe* me. The
Iaws< of our oider are ftrid and feverei
£6 they

( H )

^f hgve &llen into difufe of kte ; but
the crime of Agnes (bews me the neceflity
.^their revival. 1 go to fignify my intcn-
.lippto ihe convent^ and Agoes (hall be
tjl&firft to fe^^I the rigour o/ tbofe law3>
•iichicb.0iall be obeyed to the very letter^
Father, farewell!"

Thus faying, (he baflened quc of th^
c^pe].

, «* I have done my duty,** (aid Ambroiip-
(0 hitnfelf.

Still did he not feel perfe&ly fatis&ed by
this refleflion. To difiipate the unplealant
ideas which this fcepe bad excited in hin:k>
upon quitting the chapel be dcfccndcd
into the abbey- garden. In all Madrid
there was no fpot cnore beainiful, of bettei;
regulated. It was laid out with the moll:
cxquifite tafte ^ the choiceft flowers adorned
it in the height of luxuriance, a;nd, though
jtftfuUy arranged^ feemed only planted by
^ hand of ^^ature. Fountains, fpring-^
ing from bafoos of white marble, cooled
the air with, perpetual (hower^; and the
3 walls

( «5 .)
watts were eotrrely covered > by jtSkmtfit^
vtnesy and boncy-fucklcs. The hocnr no^
added to tiie beamy of thc^ fcei>e. Tb€
foli taoon, ranging throogh a bJ^ie and
dcmdlefsL iky, ihx?d upon the trees a tremi'
bHftg iuftco^ aavd the waters of tlie foonuhSf
fparkled in the iilver beam ; a gentle bree»^
breathed ;the fragrance of orange- bloiTomi
along the alleys, and the nightingale pOiireH
fislb her melodious murmur from the (heU
ter of an artificial wildernefs^ Thither the-'
abbot Bent his fteps*

in the bofom of this little grove ftobd a
ruftic grottoi formed in imitation of an
kermitage. The walk were conftrufted of
rootS'Of trees, and the interftices filled up.
with mofs and ivy. Seats of turf were
placed 00 either fide, and a natural cafcadc
fell from the rock above. Buried in him^ '
felf, tfatf hkoiUc approached tlie fpoc. The
univerifal calm had communicated itfelftd'
his.bofdm, and a voluptuous tranquillity'
fprcad langmr through, his (buL

He reached the hermitage^ and was en^

tering

X *86 )

ttdng to repofc himfclf, when he (topped
on perceiving it to be aheady occupied^
Extended upon one of the banks lay a man
ifi a melancholy pofture. His head was
fopported upon his arm^ and he feemed
loft in meditation. The monk drew nearer,
and recognifed Rofario : he watched him
in filcnce,. and entered not the hermitage.
After fome minuies the youth raifed his
eyes, and fixed tbeqi mournfully upon the
oppofite wall..

** Yes,*' faid he, with a deep and plaint-
ive figh, •^ I feel all' the happinefs of thy
(ituation, all the mifery of my own. Happy
were I, could I think like thee ! Could I
look like thee with difguft upon mankind,
could bury myfelf for ever in fome impe-
netrable folitude, and forget that the world
holds beings deferving to be loved 1 O
God ! what a bleffing would nufanthropy
be to me !*'

^* That is a fingular thought, Rofario,'^
faid the abbot, entering the grotto.

*' You

X «? )

*^ You here, reverend father ?'* cried the
novfcei^- *^ -' .t --.. / - ^. , .

At t^ foine ikne darting from:hi& pkce
in confiifiofl,* ^ he dre^ his cowl hSftrly over
his face. . Atjlbrpf^o feated himfelf opon
the bank, .^q4 obliged the^ youth to .plqce
himfel£:by him.; .

" You muft not indulge this difpofitiiBn

to melancholy,** feid he ; " What can pgf-

-fibly , have njade you view in fo defirable

a light, mifanthrQpy, pfall fen^ic^eot^.^e

moft hateful?**

'« The perufal of thefe verfes, father,

^which till now had efcapcd my obFervatign,

The brightg^^safth^ moon-beam? permitted

my reading them. I and, oh ! how I envy

ihe feelings of the writer !*' v

As he feid this, he pointed to a marble
tablet fixed againfl: the opppfite wall ;,. on
. it were engraved the following linfs i . ^

:.?•. INSCRIB.

INSCRIPTION IN AN HERMITAGE*

. Whoe'er thou art thejtelrai^now> reading,
Tluok ooty. though from the world receding,
i Joy xvj lonely days to lead m.

This dcfcrt drear,
iliat whh remcirfea cofifcieuce hle^^^

Hath led me here*
r^ No thought of guilt my bolbm (burs s
Free-willed I fif d from oourtly bowers }
For well I faw in halls and towers,
*' ' That Luft and Pride,

- The Afch*fieBtl'^deattft;dai:lteA powerr, t
In Aate prefide*.
I few mankind with vice incrufted ; .
1 faw that Honour's fword was rufted ; ,
That few for- aught hirt folly lulled ;
That he was ftill deceived ivho tnifted'

In ldv« of friend I
And hither came, with mendifgufted.

My life to end,.
in this lone cave, in garments lowly,
Alike a foe to noify folly
And brow-bent gloomy inelancholy,
I wear away
My life, and in ray office holy

Confume the day.
This rock my (hidd when ftorms arc blowing ;
The limpid ftreamlet yonder flowing

Supplying

( 89 )

Supplying drink 5 tlie earth beflowing

" • 'j^y fimpkfbodj
But few enjoy the calm I know in

This defcrt rude.
Content and comfort blefa mc more in
Tliis ifrol, thqn c*er I fefcfc before in
A palace ; and with thoughts ftill foaring

To God on high.
Each night and morn with voice imploring

This wifti I figh s

** Let me, O Lord 1 from life retire,
Unknown each guilty worldly fire,
Remorfe&l throb, or loofe defire ;

And when I die«.
. Let me in this belief expire.

To God I fly !**

jStranger, if, full of youth and riot.
As yet no grief has marred thy quiet.
Thou haply throw'ft a fcornful eye at

The Hermit's prajr^ i
f uit if thou haft a caufe to figh at

Thy lault, or earc ;
If thou haft known falfe lovers vexatipjD|L ... ^
Or haft been exiled from thy nation.
Or guilt affrights thy contempUtion,

And makes thee pine i
Ok ! how imift:tIioa laneiit ^ ibatioa,

^*NS^\^

( 90 )
•* Were it poffible," faid the friar, '' for
man lo be fo totally wrapped up iu hitn-
felf as to live in abfoliuc feclufion from
human nature, and could yet feel the con-
tcnlcd tranquillity which thcfe lines ex-
prefs, I allow that the firuation vvowld be
more defirable, than to live in a worhi fo
pregnant with every vice and every folly*
But this never can be the cafe* This in-
fcription was merely placed here for the
ornament of the grotto, and the fentiments
and the hermit are equally imaginary.
Man was born for fociety. However little
be may beiattachcd to the worlds he never
can wholly forget it, or bear to be wholly
forgotten by it. Difgufted at the guilt or
abfurdity of mankind, the mifanthrope flies
from iti he refolvcs to become an hermit,
and buries himfelf in the cavern of fome
gloomy rock. While hate inflames his
bofom, poflibly hertiay feel contented with
his fituatiun : but when his paflions begin
t? cool; when Time has mellowed his for-
rows, afcd healed tbofe wounds which he
bore with him to his folitude, think you
.->;'// * that

t 9t .)

tbiar ©oaieat 'becomes^. bis cotnpanwn ?
Ah ! ao^ Rx)faribw No longer fuftained by
tlVe -violeace of bis paffions, he feels all the
man6t<iriyi;of, his way of living, and his
hc^i bcconics the preyof ^conui and wea*
tihefs* He looks round> and finds hitnfclf
alone in ^hcr univerfe : the love of fociety
TevivcsiD:bis>±K}fom, and he pams tore-
24}m to tliqt^orid which he has abandoneill
-Natuft fofes all her charms in his eyes : no
^ne is near him to point out her beauties,
-orihafre Iti his admiration of her excellence
•ifiSd- V^triety. ^ Propped upon the fragment
/ttffonitf-rtkfc/hc" gazes upon thfcitumbUn^
-vater-^&U with' a vacant eye; he 'views
2wa:))jOQjt>>enliotion the glory' of the fetting
'ftin: Slowly he returfls to his cell at even*-
ing, fot no one there is anxious for his ar*
rival : hfe has no comfort in his folitary,
i^ravaul7 meal ; he throws himfelf wport
his .couch of mofs dcfpondent and diflSi-
tisfied, and wakes only to pafsa dayai
joy left, aSi monotonous as the. former.'*
•: :^* You artiaze me, fatiier I Suppofe that
circumlbuices condemned you tofoIitudcA

( 9? )

woul4 notcbc duties of jeligion^ and the
confcioufnefs of a life well fpenti oommu-
nicaie to your heart that cialm which— — ^"^
" I (hould deceive myfelf, did I fancy
that they could. I am conYinced of .the
contrary, and that all my fortitude jvquW
liot prevent me from yielding to melan-
choly and di{gufl:^ After confummg the
(day in ftudy, if youlcnew my pkafuiie at
^ne^ting my brethren in the ev^aiog I A£*
ter paffing many a long hour in folitudct.
if I could exprefs to you the joy which 1
feel at once more b^olding a £eUPw>c^vear
4ure! 'Tis in this particular that I place
&e principal meint of a mQQa(tiG;ind:iii>
«ioa. It feqludes man from the teaiptations
£)£ vice; k procures that leifgrejneceflary
for tfye proper fee vic< of the.Suppeipe ; k
Spares him the mortification .of witneffiqg
the crimes of the worldly^ and yet permits
Km" to. enjoy the bleffings of fociety. And
do you, Rofario, do you envy an hermit^
life ? Can you be thus blind to the happii-
jiefs of your fitiiation? RefleA upon it for
fLO^mcuis This abbey is become . your

afYlum:

( 03 )
afyliim: your rcgukfity, yourgCDtlenefs,
yodr talencs' have rcflderecT yon th6 object
ofuniverialcfleehi': you ar^ (ecluded front
l^e i¥(>rld wbicifi yoii prdfirTs to hate; yet
you rtmain in pofleffion of the benefits of
ibciety, and that' afociery cocnpofed of thb
moft eftiteable tif mankiod*^ ' . '

^« Fathetl father ! ^tis th^ which^ caufe^
fay^cerment. 'Happy had it beea fot mc,
tmi mylH^ beeii pafled among the vicious
«nd abandoned ; had I never heard pro«
nounc^ed the name of virtue. 'Tis my
tinbouoded otdorationof religion; 'tis my
foufs clquifitc fenrfibtHty of the beauty of
fair and good» that loads m^ with (hame— 4
that hurries me to perdition. Oh) that I
had never feen thefc abbey -waits T

** H0W9 Roiario ? When wc la(t con#
frerfed, you fpcike tor a differenb tone. Ii
my friendfhrp then become o£ fuckKMk
confequence ? Had you never feen thefe
abbey-wdlk, you never had feen me. Cai{
€hat really be your' wiih ?'*

^^ Had never feen you ?" repeated the
novicey ftar ting from the bank^aoBtfi^St^^A

( 9+ )
ing the friar's hand with a frtrntic air-*
" You I jau I: Would to God tharii^hi-/
ning [had bla(l<d ^thcm-bcforc you. ever
jncc my eyes ! :W4Bu|d to Godxhar 1 <vti^
ncvrr to fee yoli: mdne^ and couid forget
th'at I bad ever fecn yob !'*■ ^-^ * •- •^'
With thefe Voidi he flew • fcaffiTy- frdm
tb&:groitd/ Anibcbfidrcrfialned-ittbisfbr-
xner actitudcj refledingoh Ihe youthVtwii
accountable behaviour. He Waslinclibed
to fufpca.thc derangement of his ftnfes :
jet iht general lenour of his cbndud, the
conoexioQ of his 'ideas-v and* hilmne^iof
his demeanour Wl the momem of his qitJti
tkig :thc grotto, febmed to dilcountenanei^
ihJs conjcftiirc: After a few minuws'R6(lirio
returned. He again feated'himfclf upon the
bank rhic reclined his cheek upbaone hand,
fthd 4^iiht the (Other wiped ^^vaythC' tears
filhith: trickled fi^oai iis eyies at iaytieryais; r
•*' The 'monk looked upon htm with com^
pafla^n,'&Qd forbore 'to interrupt 'his mcdi'*
tations. Both obferved. for iamc time ia
prbfbond^lfrlertcej'^/T-hcS aigbcingalc had
Mpka^kttn bfoiiatidn: upon; ah !ofange*tree

( 9i )

fronting the hermitage, and poured forth
a ftrain the mod melancholy and melo-
dious. Rofario raifed his head, and li{le;ned
to her with attention,

•' It wa^ thus," faid he, with a deep-
drawn figh, '* it was thus that, during the
laft month^of her unhappy life, my fifter
ufed to fit lillening to the nightingale. Poor
Matilda ! .flie ile^ps in the grave, and her,
broken heartthrobs no more with paffion."

M You had a fitter?''
, •* Yoy fey right, tliat I had. Alas ! I
liayc one no longer. She funk beneath the
w^eighf of her forrows in the very fpring of

. . '! W^hat w^re thole forrows ?'' .

, *^Tbey will not excite your pity, Tqu
l^QOw not the powf.r of thofe irrcfiftible,^
thofc faul fentiments to which her heart,
was a prey. Feather, flie loved unfortu-
niately. A paflion for one endowed with
every virtue, for a man — oh J rather let tpc
iay.for a divinity — proved the: bane of her
cxiftrace. His noble form^ his fpoilefs chai-^

( 9« )

f a&et J fiis various talents^ his wif^om folicl,
wonderful, and glorious^ might have warmed
the bofbm of the moft iiifenfiblc. My fiflcr
faw him, and dared to love, though (he
never dared to hope/'

*^ If herlove was fo well bcftowed, what tor^
tad her to hope the obtaining of its objeft ?"
*• Father, before he knew her, Julian
had already plighted his vows to a briae
inoft fair, moft heavenly ! Yet ftill my
f^ft^r loved, and for the hufband's fake (he
doted upon the wife. One morning (he
found means to efcape from our father^is
houfe : arrayed in humble weeds (he of-
fered herfelf as a domeftic to the confbrt of
her beloved, and. was accepted. She was
now continually in his prefeAce : fc'eftrovc
tb ingratiate herfelf into his favour : flie
fucceeded. Her attentions attrafted Ju-
lian'* notice : the virtuous are ever grate-
ful, and he diftingui(hed Matilda above the
reft of her companions."

" And did not your parents feek fot
her ? Did they fubmic tamely to their lofs,

nor

DOT fittewpt, JO, rgpovfc^^^cir wandering

•* j^rc thqr coui4 fii^hcr^ (he difcpvcr*
«d hcjcfelt . He^ love grew rtoo violent for
concealment; yet .flic wilhcd not for Ju-
li^a*s perfon^ (he ambitioned but a (hare of
hi^ i^^aru ]Ln an unguarded nioment flie
confefled her ^Lffedtion. What was the re-,
turn ? Doting upoii his .wife, and believing
that a look jpf pity beftowed.upoQ another
Was a.th^fj ffoin xvliax he owed to her, he
drove Matilda from his prefence: he for-
l?4d t^r ever again appearing . before him*
His feverity broke, her heart :. (he returned
to her fathcr'% and in a few months aficc
was carried to her grave.**
^ **: jpnhappy girl \ Surely her fate was too
feverej.^nd Jgllan was too cruel.'*

«f Do ypUr think (p, father?" cried the
npVice with vivacity ; *^ Do you think that
he was cruel ?"■ ;

** Doubtlefs I do, and pity her raoft

Vol., I. F «You

( 9« )

■ •^Toa pity'Iier*? ytRt pity lier? OhT
&ther! father 1 dien prty me—**'
• Tfac frikr ftferretl ;' mitn, aft«r a mo-
•hierrt'« tiaufe;'Ko(5wFid added with a falter-
ing vok:^, " for my fiifierlngs are flilf
greater. My fiffer kid' a friend^ a real
friend, who|)ificd fheaCuCeneft of hei*feel-
ihgs, rror reproached bcrr ^ith tier inability

» reprcfs them. I-^ ^! Thave no friend !

The whole wide world cannot furnifli an
heart that is willing to participate in the
farrows of mine.*'

- As he uttered tli^e Vords, he fobbed
audibly. The friar was affected. " He took
Rofario's hand, and preflcd it with ten-
dernefs.

*^ You have no friehd, fay you ? What
then am 1? Why will yo\J hot confide in
me, and what can y<Ju fear ?' My fe verity ?
Havel ever ufed it with you? The dig-
nity of my habit ? Rofarip, I lay afide the
monk, and bid you confider me as np other
than your friend, your father. Well may

laffume

( 99 )

I ailutiie that title, for never did paten;
watch over a child more fondly than I have
watched over you. From the moment [A
tvhich I firft beheld you, I perceived fen-
iations in my bofbm till then unknown tQ
nie; I found a delight in your fociety which
no one's elfe could afford; and when I witi
neffed the extent of your genius and inform
mation, I rejoiced as does a father in the
perfedions of his fon. Then lay afide your
fears i fpeak to me with opennefs : fpeak to
me, Rofarlo, and fay that you will confide
in me. If my aid or my pity can allevi-
ate yoiir diftrefs— — — "

*« Yours can ; yours only can. Ah ! fa-
ther^ how willingly would 1 unveil to you
my heart 1 how wiUingly would I declare
the fecret which bows me down with its

weight ! But oh ! I fear, 1 fear -**

" What, my fon^"
^* That you (hould abhor me for my
wcaknefs ; that the reward of my confi-
dence (hould be the lofs of your^ftcem.'*
■ '«*^^H6\v lliall I reaffure )X)u? Refledk
F z upon

( loo )

tipon the whole of my paft condud, upon
ftie paternal tendcrnefs which I have ever
ftown you. Abhor you, Ilofario ? It is
ho longer in my power. To give up your
rpciety would be lo deprive myfelf of the
j^reaceft plcafure of my iife. Then reveal
jLo me what afflifls you, and believe me
ivhile I folemnly fwear— — '*

*' Hold ! " interrupted the novice.
** Swear that, whatever be my fecr^t, you
will not oblige me to quit the monatl'ery
fill my noviciate fliall expire.** " ' '

•* I promife it faithfully ; and as T Keep
my vows to you, may Chrift keep his to
mankind ! Now then explain this myfterv,
ancl rely upon my indulgence."

/« I obey you. Know then — Oh! how I
tremble to name the virord ! Lifteri to me
with pity, revered Ambrofio ! Call up every
latent fpark of human weaknefs that may
teach you compaffion for mine ! Father !**
continued he, throwing himfelf at 'the
friar's feet, and prefling his hand t6%h
' lips with cagernefs, while agitation "for' a
' • ' moment

{ ioi )

moment cboKed' his voice; *^ father!^
continued he* in faltering accents,. " I am
a woman !'"

, The abbot darted at this unexpedeji'
avowal. Proftrate on the ground lay the
feigned Rofaria, as if waiting in filence the
dmfibn of his judge^ AftoniQimcnt on the
one, pan, apprehenfion on the other, for
ibme minutes chained them in the fame
^attitudes, as they had been touched by the
rod of fonne magician. At length reco^
vcring from his confufion, the monk quit-
ted the grotto, and fped with precipitation
towards the abbey. His adioa did not
^fcape the fuppliaou She fprang from
the grogjid ^ (he haftened to follow him,
overtook him, threw herfelf in his paffagc^
and embraced his knees. Ambrofioftrove
in vain to difengage himfelf from her grafp*
" Do not fly me P* flie cried* ** Leav^
^ me not; abandoned to the impulfe of dc*
fpaif !. Li(len» whUe I excwfe my jmpru-
4ci9C^» while 1 acknowledge my (ifter'^
F 3 ftory

( ica ) ,

ftory to be my awn ! I am Matilda ; you
aire her beloved?'

If Ambrofib*s furprife was great at her
fiill avowal, upon hearing her fccond it ex»
ceeded all bounds. Amazed, embarraffed>
a"nd irrefolute, he found himfclfincapstblc
of pronouncing a fyllable, and remained in
filence gazing upon Matilda. This gave
her Dpporttrnky to continue her exp1aha«
tion as follows: * ■ '

** Think not, Atnbrolip,that I come to
rob your bride of your affedions. No,.
fcdieve me : Religion a^one deferves you j
tind far is it from Matilda's with to draw
70U from the paths of Tirtue.^ What 1 feel
fcr 70U is love, not licentioufnefs. I figl^
to be pofTeffbr of your heart, not juft for
the cnjoymeiH of your perfon. • Deign to
jiifteA to my -vindicatioo ;■ a few moments
"Vif'Al 'Convince you that this holy retreat, is
Tiot poiteoed by my prefrnce, and that yoa
may grant me your compaffion without'
*ne(paffing againft your vows.''~5hc feate'd

herfclf^

hcrklL ri^i^obrofio^ -fcarccly coiifcious o£
5¥hac h^^i^i foUo.wed i»r example^ and llffcr
j>racec(icdiUher>difcoirrfe:— ' '. j

. :.f*:I:fpf4ngfi*om a diftiiJguHhcd femHy5
lUy jf^irfiefiws: icbicf of tht noble boijrfecf
iViIlAnegaft;.bc;dicd 'while Iwai ftlll an in*^
jfirot; sndlfifc inciole beircfi of hisimmenfe
pofleffions. Young and wcalchy, I wa:^
foiigiit in ifaafriag^ by the«ioblcft youths of
rMadirid ; b^it no one fucceeded in gaming
«iy affcdi0ni^ I had bewi broi*ghc up titi^
idcr thecareof. :in unde poflcffed of the
llioft ibiid; judgment and exteniive erudi^
•ttoo : iit took pl^dire in comtnunicating to
JDC&mc|>ortion of bis knowledge. Under
hh inftru(5tion$ my underfbndiDg acquired
xndns ftrcngth and juftnefs than generally
falls to tfeelot of rriy fcx: the ability of
-4»y:.pTeieptar being aided by natural curib«
Atff^ f not Mly made a confiderabie progrdTs
Sn'ltienceiiYiixverraUy (ludicd; bot in otben
Hrev>ealt'd brit to fow^ and lying under <eri-
luri; from dvr Jbliadnefs of fuperftitioo. But
F 4 while

( .^^4 )
wbilc; my^gtt^diao laboured co enlarge tli^
(phere of myknowledgey he carefuHjr t»
culcated every moral precept ; be relieved
p)€ from the il^ackJes of vulgar -prcjud tee :|
he- pointed out the beauty -of religion-: ^he
taught me to look wiib<a(;loiation i^on.:the
pure and virtuous -, aody wo is me-l-I have
ojijcycd him but toowdl. ^ .... . ;

., ** With fucb .difpofuions, judge. wlvMhcr
L. could obferv.c :with . aDy:Othec fdntimdoc
than dif^uft, the vicCi diflipatton^ andigno»-
ranee which difgrace our Spanifbyauihvv^JI
rejeaed every offer wicb difdain. : . my iietfrt
riei;![iained witliout amafter, till chance cam-
4ufted me to thccatbedralofitheCapiKhirtA
.Qh ! furcly onthat day ,my:5guardianiangei
numbered, neglcftful of his charge! Tfa^n
•yvasit that I. firft beheld you : lyoufupplied
-the fuperior.'s plaice^ abfent Ivonii iibefs/44»-
ypu cannot but remembcrihcHvelyesHbiiV
;6<ifm which y wr difcourfe creaiedi Qhi
^how i drank your wofdd ! ^hawwj(our..xkv
;jqciencc feemed to ileal mefixraii mjrfelf 1 I
t.ii' f . ; icarc^ly

( ^OS )

ftardeTjT'darfccl ro breathe^ fearing td Ibfe a
lyilabieV^iind- while you rpdke, methougbt
a Tadiaht glory beamed round your head,
and your countenance (hone with the ala«
jefty of a god. I retired from the churcH^
glowing with admiration. From that md«i
went^you became the idol of my heart ; tht -
iicver*changing objcdt of my meditations^
I enqtrircd refpeAing you. The reports
^hich were made me of your mode of hfc,
•of i}tCurlLDdwledge^ pi^^Y? ^^^ felf-denial^
Mv^fted the chains iniipofed on me by your
ick>quence. I was confcious that there wai
oo longer a void in my heart ; that I {iad
&iqnd tfie man whom I had fought till then
iliL:Vain«: In expe&ation of heaving yoh
figam, every day I vifited your cathedral^:
lyott remained fecluded within the abbey
-walls; and I always withdrew, wretched ana
diikppointed. The night was more propi-
kidUs to me, for then you flood before rafe
ia iny> dreams ; you vowed to me eternal
jfdeili^ip*. you led me through the patbs
^ivririue, and afTided me to fupport the
F 5 vexations

X lois )

rexations of life. The morning diipeHcd
thefe pleafing vifions : I awoke, and found
myfclf feparatcd from you by barriers
Which appeared infurmountable. Tim*
feemed only to increafe the ftrength of my
J)aflion : I grew melancholy and dcfpond^
fcnt ; 1 fled from fociety, and my health
declined daily. At length, no longer able
to exifl in ihisflate of torture, I refolvcd t6
aiTume the difguife in which you fee me.
My artifice was fonunacc ; I was received
into the monaftery, and fuccecdfed in'gaift-
liig your efteem.

•* N )w, then, I fliould have felt com-
■pletely happy, had not my quiet been difi.
tprbed bv the fear of deteftion. Ttie pka-
lure which I leceived from your fociety was
jpmbittered by the idea, that perhaps I
fliould foon be deprived of it : and my
heart throbbed fo rapturoufly at obtaining
the marks of your friend (hip, as toconviricfe
me that I never (hould furvive itslofs. i fe-
folved, therefore, not to leave thedifcbveVy
of my fex to chance — to confefs ih€ whole to
a you.

( J^7 )

you/.andthi^vv my feif; entirely on youf
cnercy apd iadulg^acc Ahi Ambronp,
can I have bepn deCjeived i Can you be lefi^
gcner6i)9 cJb4P I thojipgbt you ? I will not
ijjfpc^ il. Toy wili not drive a ^yretch to
defpair ^ I (hall (till be permitted to fee you^
to copverfe with you, to adore you ! Your
virtues (ball be my ej^ample through lifei
ai>d^ wlven v^oe ^Jicp.ire^ Qur bodies (b^U rell ii^
tbc fjw»$.grav/5p" ,

d^.&ei,c«afed#-rrWlvle (he fpoke, a tbovi-^
j^jcl^ppApg:-(entjitnent$ combated in Am^
brofio's bofom. Surprifeat the lingularity
Qttjb^i^idveQiure^ confufion at her abrupt
4fs^\^fS^(Xfi ; r^f^ntment at her boUitiefs in
^ntfifpn% the mqjf\2L&^rY i and confciQufnel^
j^f jthe aufterky with which it behoved hirfli
fojfiff^yi; fuch wcr-e thefendments of whic|^
he was aware : but tlicre were others alfa
ipflMHdid nat.pbtaln his notice*. He per«
fp'tv/^d iaot .t^a{ his Vfinity was flaltered jbV
l^iPr^^s lx{low:ed upon bis eloquence and
ykjipp 3 Jhat he felt a fecret plcaturc.in re.^
J^^&ifig that j^.jfoung an4 feemingly lovely,
^yy^ .) F 6 ' worn an

< »08 )

^Iroiftan hid f6r*'hTa' fake tbttftdoned the
world, and facrificed every other ptaflioci lo
that v.hich he had infpired : ftill tefs did
he perrtive, that his hciift throbbed- wtth
dcfire, while his hand was prefled gentiy
jby Matilda's ivory fingeril' • •-'-

/ By degrees he recovered from his confu-
fion : his ideas became Icfs bewildered : he
was immediately fcnfihic of the extreme
' impropriety, (hould Matilda be' permitted
to remain' in the abbey after this '^trowait of

• her fcx. He afltimed ah air t>f feveAiy,
J ind drew away his hand. ' yrd'-r
^ '« How;i3dy !"*fard he, " cah y«u vwHy

iiope'for my jiermiffioh to liclmaiir an[U>n'gft

]^r?*Evcn wer6 I to grinr youi' rcquttft,

! trhat g lod could you derive from-'^t J

Think yo'ii, that 1 ca er can reply to ah t^T-

iedtion, which **

** No, father, no ! I expefl: not to itifpire

you with a love like mine : I only wifh-lbr

the liberty to be near you ; to paft 'foNoc

hours of the day in your fociety ; to olitlKn

^ your conq>a£Bon, your friendftii|^> ' tiid<4tf-

* • i teem.

i ^99 )

: .:*f;8.uv reflet, lady ! refl/eft only for a m^

j«M[pt,9!a fi)^;itnprppriety of my harbouring

AVii9|aiftoip^.jche,abbey^^ tjbat too a,w/pp

man Who confeflre3. that (he, loves, qjc. It

4Pi^^: nw fee- ^ T))e jcifk pf your being, dUt

. covered f is top great ; and I will not expofe

^myfelf. tp ifo dangerous a lemptatipn.'' ,

ij^.jfj, T^mpftacion, fay you ? Fprget that I

>JUi(|A.wpQ)aQ9 9nd tt.no longer exi(ts ; ^opr

^^d(^/9)e'pnljrfis a friend ; asan unfprtuna^

whofc bappinefs, wJbofe life, depends uppp

XiyoWtfijouBjftion-K; Fc^r npt left I fhould

ii§V/?K^Qi^Ui to ypu^^ remembrance, that loyj

^ Ab^mo^^rifqipfxqoUSy the moft unbounded,

^ )ia^4/imlf]cedin;^ codifguife my fex» or tiki:,

•^ftig^Kd by dc^res pffenfive to y ur vpWs

and my own honour, J (hould end<;avovir to

:v|ef)i|Co.yQU frop the path of rectitude. No,

i,;|kf|)bcofipJ. learn tp know me better: I lov^

3;|f0|i fix fwt yirfueszlofe them^ and wkh

ikj|^<qi9ypuloXe:myafre<5tions. I look upon you

Jjts/»;j^f jgjroYC to tne that you are inp

:*«>^» more

nnm than^aiftB) and j^c you with difguft^
Is ic then from mc that you fear temptation #
from me, in w4iom tbe world*s dazzling
ffle^ures created oo other femiment tbaA
^oneempt 9 frommcj wboie attacbmem is
grounded on your exemption from humaa
fraUty ? <3)h \ difmifs fach~injuriov>s appr^
iienii<yns!'ihirik4>&bterofmei think nobler
of yoorfcif. . 1 tm incapable of fediiciDg
^e*»td^rrori and furcly your virtue is cfta*
-bUfhtd'bfli abafis 'Coo*f)rm to beiliaken hf
tHHrarranfed defires. Anvbrofio ! deareft
Ambrofiot drive me >not from yourpre-;
fence -; remember your promifei aqd au*
ttofife my flay.** • i . ,

•r *'lmpo(lible^ Matilda ! jtf?irintereft com^
itiands me to ref ufc your -^paye^^> iince I.
trttnblc for yoti, not for myfelf. After
Vanquifbing the impetuous 'ebullitions at
youth ; afiter paffing thirty years in mortifi*
tatton iand penancCj I might ^fely permit
yoor ilay, nor fear your infpirir^ mc wii^
iMfMer feniimems than picy : buc^o your;*!
fJrif^TemaindDgiiktlieabbeycanf^Qdociej^^
i but

finie itiy rvery word and aflioti ; you iritt
i^Txc every circumftancc with avidity whicli
tfil^urages you to hope theTetunn of your
tSt&ioti ; ififenfibly^ your paflions will' gam
dfitperiovity over your reafon ; and, fair
frbW'bdng repreffed by my prcfebce, every
momenC which we pafs together will only
lerve to irritate and excite diem. Believe
tAty unhappy woman ! you poffefe my /fi*
-^tte compafiion. I axn convinced that yoti
hwehithertoaacdiiponihe pureft moti»e«;
btrtthou^ you are blind to the improdence
of your conduft, in me it would becutpabib
' not to open your eyes. • I feel 'tba# duty
6bliges my treating you nwith harfhficTs j 1
uniift'itjcft your prayeH, and removcifevwy
fhadow of hope uhich may aid to.nmmfb
4entiments»tb pernicious to yourrepofe. Ma^
filda, you muft from 4lcnceto-^K>r^ow.♦^ •
r ** To-<nocra^, Ambtofio? to-morrow?
©h ! furely you cannot mean it ! you oaa-
•fide refolve on driving me to defpair<^^oa
-^•ftoot liaveithecruejty-.— -'* ' .;,:;.<?*}:
. - . « You

;^..^ You liaTc hcard\my,4^cifiQn, apd/it
xnuft be obeyed : the laws of our order for-
bid your (lay : it would be perjury to con-
ceal that a woman is within thefe walls^^c}
my.vbws will oblige me to dec! axe. your
ilory to the community. You mud frpn^
hence. I pity you, bpt can do no more."
He pronounced thefe words in a faint
mid trembling voice ; then, rifing from his
featj he would have, haftened towards the
jnonaftery. Uttering a loud (hriek, Ma^
.tilda followed, and detained him. w. .

- ** Stay yet one moment, Ambrpfio!
hear me yet fpeak one word i"

•■ ^^ I dare not liftcn. Releafe me: you
Jcpow my refolution/*
'^ .^ But one wocd I but one lad word, and
I hjive doncP*

- ^' Leave me. Your entreaties are ia
yain : you muil from hence to*morrow/*i

: ^ Go then, barbarian 1 But this refource

is ftiU left me." , _,,,

As the faid this, (be fuddenly dr^W|A

|)piuafd. Sh^ feat opea ber QkVfWfnu :«n4

tn:; P'aced

( J13 )

jiketa 'the weapons 'point' 't^gamft her

bijifbrti.- ■■> .-•>., ..., ■■' ■:;M

'^*' FAthe/v I w^iU never;quii tkefc walls
M\vt^' ■ ■•■ ■ .■ .:;':;■: •>

^ «» ^ Hold t holdv -Matilda ! what would
you do?**- ,• ■ • -.;.-.....

** Yoa are delcrmbed, fq atn I r the mofc
ment tha(t yon leave me, I plunge this ftcd
in- ttj heart.'*

:: f*' Holy St. Francis I Matilda, have yjoti

:ytkit fdnfes? Do you know the c6nfei»

.quences of your aftion ? that foicideis the

^ftateft'of crimes ? that yoadcftroy your

foul ? that you lofe your claim to faira^

tiort ? that you prepare for j^ouffelf cvef-

lafting torments ?•' ' '■ ■ " ■ - ■ ' ^

'^''^»F'cate not, I care nbt/' Ihe l^pKed

paOioaatety : " either your hand f liides mfe

to p^radife, or my own dooms me to pen-

dirioQ !' Speak to'me, AtribhDfio! Tellme

-ihnt you will <:ohceal my ftory ; that- 1 flfiall

'-remain your friend and your compahibilf,

*Ftbik'pdrtiard drinks my blood/' . '^

■ *^ fts^lhi^^tterta thefei^ft wtfrds, lii^fHtea

( tM )

•her artn, and made a motion as if to flab
herfelf. . The friar*s eyes followed with
dread- the couffe of ^rtie dagger*- -'She liad
torn open her habit^ and her boforawas
half cxpofcd. 11a« .M^apon's poim" reffted
upon her left bread : and, oh ! that was
-fudi a breafti The moon-beams-dartiRg Full
lupon it 'enjibk4 ttys :monk to bl/erve its
dazzling whitenefs : his eye dwdc with ify-
iktiable avidity upon xhe beauteous orb*: a
ienfatioD till dytii unknown filled his liearc
ivkh a xoixture of anxiety and ddigb»»
ngrng fire (hot through every Iknb ; il^
hklai boiled in Jots vein^, ^and a tboiifand
mid vriihes bewildered liis tcnagiisatioQi.. .

"Hold !" he cried, in an hurried, fair
Itcring.voice J "I can refift no longer!
^cay.thon^, enchanir)efs ! ftay for my dijefliae-
imV'_ . . ,' _^ri.: •]

He faicj y an4* wQling.from the pli|f<?>

Jiaftenedip wards tb^ monafttry : he r^gaia*

ed.liis. cell, land .threw bimfelf upon hU.

couclv diftra.aQd^,«r<fQluce.andxonfuft4« <

i H^fbMBd:Ui03f^c>fl^^i/w ^^

7 : . arrange

arrange bb ideas.' The fcrne irt wTiich 'h<J
had been engaged, had excited fuch'a va-*
riety of fenttments in his bofom, that lie
^'as iiKapablc of deciding which was pre'-
dominant; ' Hewas* rrrefoline what condnft
he 'blight to hold withthe difturber of hh
rtpbfk; he was-confcioiis that prudence^ re^
ligion, and propriety; neceflStated his oblig-
ing her to quk the abbey : but, on the othef
hand, fuch powerftil reafons authorifed h^i
(lay- that he was but too much inclined to
ccnfent ta herrematnitig. He could not
avoid being flattered by Matilda's dedara*
tton, and at reflefting that he had uncon*
fcioufly vanqaifhed an heart whichbad re^
fiftcd the attacksof Spain's nobleft cavaliers.
The manner in which he had gained her
afFeftions was alfo the moft fatlisfaftory to his
vanity : he remembered the •many happy
hours which he had pafled in Rofarie*s ft-
cfety ; arid dreaded that void in his heart
wnlch partirtg with him would occafiorif
Beiid'cs/' atl this, he Confidereflj thtit as Ma^
■''':'"■ tilda

( ii6 )

tilda was wealthy, her favour might be of
cflential benefit to the abbey. ,

** And what do I riik,^ faid he to hipifelf,
** by authorizing her ftay ? May I not fafely
credit her affertions ? Will it not be eafy for
tnc to forget her fex, and ftill confjder her as
my friend. and my diCciple? Surely her love
is as pure as flie defcribes i had it been the
offspring of mere licentioufnefs, would fhe
fo long have concealed it in her own bofom?
Would (he not have employed fome means
to procure its gratification ? She has done
quite the contrary : (he fl:rove to keep tne in
ignorance of her fex ; and nothing but the
fear of detcdion, and my inftances, would
have compelled her to reveahhe fccret ; (he
lias obfcrved the duties of religion not lefs
ftridly than myfelf: (hehas made noattempt
toroufe myilumbering paflions, nor has (he
ever converfed with tpe till this night on
|he fubjcft of love. Had (he been defirous
to gain my affeftions, not my efteem, (he
would not have concealed from me her

charms

C *>7 )

charts fo carefully : at this very moment I
have ncv:crfcen her face; yet certainly thaf
face miift bclovdy^and her perfon beautiful^
to Judge fay hcr-^by what I have feen."

As this lad idea pafTed through his ima-
gination, a bUifti fpread itfelf oyer hU
ch€;ek. Alarmed at the fentiments which
he was indulging, he betook himfelf to
pwycr : hcftarted from his couch, knelt be-
fore the bcautifiil Madona, and entreated
her affiftaace in ftifling fuch culpable emo-
tioiis : he then returned to his bed, and re-
iigned himfeif to (lumber,

Heawoke heated and unrefreQied. During
his fleep^ his inflamed imagination had pre^
fented him with none but the mod voluptu*
pm objeds. Matilda ftood before him in hit
dreams^ and his eyes again dwelt upon he*"
naked breaft ; (he repeated her proteftations of
eternal love, threw her arms round his neck,
an(j! Joaded him with kifles: he returned
tjbsm } he.ciafpcd her paflTionately to his bo^
iom. and — -the vifion was diflblved. Some-
limes his dreams prcfcnted the image of hi5

favourite

( n8 )

^i'^odrife MadoM» and he fackcied that He
^as^ kneeling before her : as he offered up
bis vow^to her, tkc eyes cf the figure fcemed
to beam on Wm with kicxpreffibtefwcctnefei
he preflcd his lips to bei*s» and found them
warm : theanimaxed form ftartcd from the
canvas, embraced him afie^bionately, an4
hfs fenfes were unable to ftipport delight (o
cxquifite. Such were the fcen€:s on whicUr
his^ thoughts were employed while fleepingl
bis unfatisfied dcfires placed before him the
moft luftftal and provoking images, and. he
rioted in jo)^ till then "unknown to him;-
. He ftaned from his couch, filled with
eonfufion at the remembranceof hisdreamsi
Scarcely wrs he kfs afliamed when lie re-
fleded on his reafons of the former nigbc>
«which induced him to authorife Matilda*s
ftay. The cloud was now diiEpatod which.
bad obfcurod bis judgment ; he (huddered
when he beheld bis arguments blazoned in
their proper cdlour«, and found that he had
t)een a flave to flattery, to avarice^ and felf*
love, if in one hour's converfacion M^4
• tilda

ulda^ba<l ]>rodac;ed a change fo reiitiirkabto
11^ h^ fytMioa^iKs,, wbfii: badJiesioi ta:dre4(fc
ff09^:ii?i;:rf:f»ia?HiiDg tinjtbt abbey f 'Be-'
ccH^ei f^aflbk of h'b dangeii,^ awakened franii
hi*: d*:eani> of confidence, be refolred to in^
lift jOn l>^r de.(>ai:iing witkout delay :• he be*.
gaji^ to feel dvu h€ .was not proof againft*
tOTprptadoa; and .tliat^ bowe.vtr Matrldat
nxigUt xeftwR hcrfetf >^'ithin the bounds oP
modefty, he was, unable to. contend with
thofe paflion^ from which he fa.lfdy thought*
' liimfclf excm.pted^ .

** Agnes! AgncsV he exclaimed, white/
rpflQAipg- on 'his embarraffnients^ "I al-
ready fcej. thy curfeT' J
He quitted his cell, dctermi-^ed lipon dif-
inifling the feigned Rofario. He appeared'
at madtis; b^t hi$. thoughts were abfcnf,"
afidi^ paid thew but little attention: his;
beartand brain were both of tHem filled-
•with wi)r4dly ^^bjecfts, and he prayed with- •
ootr-dcvotion. The fervice over, he de-'
fcended inta the garden ; he bene his fteps
twkrds ih« fotp^ fpot. where . on th« ptc-

( I2<3^ )

ceding night h^ had made this eclibarraffing
d(fcovery : he doubted noi that Matildlsi^
would feek him there. He was iiot deceive :
(he foon entered the hermitage, and ap-
proached the monk with a tiaiid air. After
a few minutes, durirrg which both were
filent, (he appeared as if on the point of
fpeaking; but the abbot, who during tWs
time had been fiimmoning up all his re(o-
lution, haftily interrupted her. Though flrll
unconfcious howextcnfive was its influence,
he dreaded ibe melodious fedu<9:ion bf her
voice* *

- ♦« Seat yourfetf bymy fide, Miitilda,'^ftld
he, aflTuming a look of firmnefj, though care*
ftiHy avoiding 'the lead mixture of feverity ;
4 ** Hllen to me patiently, and believe that, in
^hat 1 Ihall fay, I am not more i^iiluehced
hy my own inteneft than by yours ;;bdiew •
that I feel for 7011 the warmeft -friendfhip,
the trueft compaffion :; ami that you <:annoc'
feel more grieved than I do, when I declanre
to you that we muft never meet again.**
-f* Ambrofioi*'tflic' eried, In a v6ke a<*
l once

( "I )

''^trcje €?f:preffiv,e both of furprife and ofTc^*
^o\y^ . , ' * '

M Be calm, my friend ! my Rofario f *ftill
fct pie call you by that name fo dear to nie:
mir feparation is unavoidable ; I blufli fo
,-pwn how fenfibly it aflefts me. — But yet it
.fpuft be fo; I feel myfelf incapable of treat-
ing, yovi with indifference; and that very
r'Caflyictioft obliges me to hifift upon your
. jleparture* Matilda, you muft ftay here no
Jor^ger.'' ,

" Oh ! where {hall I now fcek for probity?
/Di%ufted wkh a perfidious world, in what
;happy region does, Truth conceal herfelf ?
Father,- I hbped that (he refided here;, I
bought that your bofom had been her fa-
vourite flirine. And you too prove falfe ?
.Oh God! and you too can betray me?'*
: . -^^ MatUda ?"

, «* Yes, father, yes ; 'tis with juftice that

J^jfeproechl you. Oh ! where are your pro-

mife* ? My noviciate is not expired, and

^et will you compel me to quit the mo-

jiaftery ? Can you have the heart to drive rhc

Vol. I. G tto\sv

( 12Z )

from you ? and have I not received yoiir
folemn oath to the contrary ?'*

** I will not compel you to^uit the mo-
naftery; you have received my folemn oath
to the contrary^ but yet, when I throw my-
felf upon yourgenerofity ; when I declare to
you the embarraflments in which your pre-
fence involves me, will you not releafe me
. from that oath ? Refleft upon ihc danger
of a difcovery; upon the opprobrium in
which fuch an event would plunge me : r<:-
fled, that my honour and reputation ar^ at
flake ; and that my peace of mind depends
OB your compliance.' As yet, my heart i$
free s I fiiall feparate ftom you wiUi^egret,
but not with defpair. Stay here, and a few
weeks will facrifice my happinefs on zht al-
tar of your charms ; you are but too intcr-
cfting^ too amiable ! I fhould love you, I
(hould'dote on youl my bofom would be-
come the prey of defires, which honour and
my proftffion forbid me to gratify. If I re-
filled them, the impetuofity of my wiflies
unfatisfied would drive me to madnefs : if I

yielded

< ^23 )

yielded to the temptation, 1 (hould facrifice
to one moment of guiky pkafure, my repu-
tation in this world, my falvation In the
next. To you, then, I fly for deftncc
againft myfel£ Preferve me from lofing the
•reward of thirty years of fufJTerings ! pre-
ferve me from becoming the vi(9:im of re-
morfe! 7^our heart has already fek the
anguifli of hopelefs love: oh! then, if you
really value me, fpare mine that anguifli 1
give me back my promifej fly from thefe

^ walls. Go, and you bear wkh you my warqi-

^ pft prayers for your happinefs, my friend*
fliip, my efteem,.and adrpiration : ftay, and
you [>ecome to me the fource of danger,

. ^qf fqfferings, of defpair. Anfvver me, Ma-

■tilda, what is your refolve?'* She was fi-

lent. — *VWill you not fpeak, Matilda?

Will you not name your choice?'*

J ** Cruel! cruel T* (he excldimed, wripg*

. ing her haijds in agony ; " you know too
w^ll that you offer me no choice: you know
too well that I can have no will but yoursl'*

** I was not then deceived. Matilda's
generofity equals my cxpcftations."

G 2 ^^ X^v^

• ( i24- )

*^ Yes ; T will prove the truth of my
affeftion by fubmitting to a decree which
cuts me to the very heart. Take back
your promife, I will quit the monaftery
this very day. I have a relation, abbefs of
a convent in Eftramadura: to her will f
bend my fteps, and (hut myfelf from the
world for ever. Yet tell me, father, fhall T
bear your good wiflies with me to my fo-
iitude ? Will you fometimes abftraft your
attention from heavenly objec9;s to beftow
a thought upon me ?'',

*« Ah ! Matilda, I fear that I fhall think
on you but too often for my repofel"

" Then I have nothing more to wifh for,
fave that we may meet in heaven. Fare*
well, my friend ! my Ambrofio! And yet,
methinks, I would fain bear with me fome
token of your regard/'

*^ What (hall I give you ?"

** Something — any thing — one ofthofe
flowers will be fufEcient." [Here (he pointed
to a bu(h 6{ rofes, planted at the door of
the grotto.] " I will hide it in my bofom,

and.

C 125 )

anJ, when I am dead, the nuns (liall find it
withered upon my heart."

The friar was unable tp reply : with flow
fteps, and a foul heavy with affliclion, he
quitted the hermitage. He approached the
Ipufli,, and (looped to pluck one of the
rpfes.. Suddenly he uttered a piercing cry,
ftarted back haflily, and let the flower,^
which he already held, fall froni his hand^
Matilda heard the Iliriek^and flew anxioufly
towards him*

' ** What is the matter?*' (he cried. " An-
fwer me. for God's fake ! What has hap*
pcned ?^' ^

^^. I have received my death/' he repliec(
in a faint voice : " concealed among the
rofcs — a ferpent — "

Here the pain of his wound became fo-
exquifite, that nature was unable to bear
it : his fenfes abandoned him,, and he funk
inanimate into Matilda'is ar;r.s.

Her diftrefs was beyond the power of

defcription. She rent her hair, beat her

bofom, and, not daring to quit Ambrbfio,.

G 3 cndea-

( "6 )

y

* endeavoured by loud cries to fummon tlic
monks to her afliftance. She at length fuc-^
ceeded* Alarmed by her (hrieks, feveral
of the brothers haftened to the fpor, and
the fuperior was conveyed back to the ab-
bey. He was immediately put to bed, and
the monk who officiated as furgeon to the
fraternity prepared to examine the wound.
By this time Ambrofio's hand had fwcUcd
to an extraordinary fize: the remedies whicb
bad been adminiilered to him, 'tis cruc>^
yeftored kirn to life, but not ta his fenCes i
be raved in all the horrors of delirlum»
foamed at the mouth, and four of the
ftrongeff monks were fcarcely able to hold
bifn m his bed.

Father Pablos (fuch was the furgeon^s
name) haftened to examine the wounded
hand. The monks furrounded the bed,,
anxioufly waiting for the decifion i among
thefe the feigned Rofario appeared not the
inoft infenfible to the friar*s calamity : he
gazed upon the fufferer with incxprefiibfe
AHguifti ; and his groaas, which every mo-

meat

itrent efcaped from his bofom, {LifKcjently
Betrayed the violence of his a;ffli3:ion.

Father Pablds'probt^d the- wound. As lie
drew out his inftrument, its pomt was tinged
with a greenifh- hue. He (hook his head
mournfully, and quitted the bed-fide.

" 'Tis as I feared^** faid he ; " there is
no hope.'^

** No hopcl^ exclaimed the monks witb
one voice ; *' fay you, no hope ?**

<* From the fudden cffefts, I fufpefted
tliat'the abbot was ftung by a cientipedo-
ro ** : the venom^ whieh you fee upon my
Jnilrumcnt confirms my idea. He cannot
ilivc three days."

" And can no poffible remedy be found ?*^
cncjuired' Refario*.

' ** Without extrafting the poifon, he
cannot recover ; and how to eictraft it is-
to me ftill afeeret. All that t can do is to
apply fuch' herbs to the wound as will re-

♦".The cientipedoro i» fuppofcd to be a native o£
Cuba, and to have been brought iato Spain from that
ifland in the Vtffcl of Columbus.

G 4 lie^

( X28 )

lieve the anguifh i the patient vviJf be re--
ftored to his fcnfes; but the venom will
corrupt the whole mafs of his blood, and
in three days he will exift no longer.*^

Exceflive was the univcrfal grief at hear-
ing this decifion,. Pablos, as he had pra-
xpifcd, drefled the wound, and then retired^
followed by his companions. Rofario alone
Fcmained in the cell, the abbot, at his ur-^
gent entreaty,, having been committed to
bis care^ Ambroiio's ftrength worn oiit
by the violence of bis exertions^ be bad by
this time fallen into a profound ikep. So
totally was he overcome by wcarinefs, that
he fcarcely gave any figns of life. He was
ftill in this fituation, when the monks re-
turned to enquire whether any change had
taken place., Pablos loofencd the bandage
which concealed the wound,, more from a
principle of curiofity, thx^n from indulging
thehopeofdifcoveringanyfavonrabiefynip.
toms. What was his aftonifhmenr at find-
ing that the inflammation had torally fiib-
iided ! He probed the liand ; his inftrument

camje-

C f^9 )

cam^ out pure and unfullied ; no traces of
the venom were perceptible ; and had not
the orifice ftill been vifiblc, Pablos migl]t
have doubted that there had ever been a
wound.

He communicated this intelhgence to hij

brethren :• their delight was only equalled

by their furprife. From the latter fenti-

ment, however, they were foon releafed, by

explaining the circumftance according to

their own ideas. They were perfectly con-

vioced that their fuperior was a faint, and

thought that nothing could be more natu^

ral than for St. Francis to have operated a

miracle in his favour. This opinion was

adopted unanimoufly. They declared it fo

loudly, and vociferated ** A miracle ! a

niracle !" with fuch fervour, that they fooa^

iterrupted Ambrofio's flumbers.

The monks immediately crowded round-

» bed, and exprefled their fatisfaftion at

wpnderful recovery. He was perfeftly

bis fenfcs, and free from every com-^

nt, except feeling weak and langiiid*

G 5 ^^:J^^^

Pablbs gave him a ftVengtHening medi-
cine, and advifed his keeping hisbedfop
the two fucceeding days : he then retired',
having defired his patient not to exhauft
himfelf by convcrfation, but rather to eh^
deavour at taking feme repofe. The other
monks followed his example, and the abbot
and Rofario were left without obfervers.

For fbme minutes Ambrofio regarded
his attendant with a look of mingled plea-
fure and apprchenfion^ She was feared
upon the fide of the bed, her head' bend-
ing down, and, as ufual,. enveloped in the
cowl of her habit,

• ** And- you are ft'ili bere^ Matilda ?**
faid the friar at Ibngth ; " are you not fa-
'tisJS^dwith having fonearly effected my de-
ftri^on, that nothing but a miracle could
have faved* me from the grave ? Ah ! furely
heaven fent that ferpent to punifli "

Matilda interrupted him by putting her
hand before his lips with an air of gaiety.

" Hulh ! father, hufti r yoti muff not
tall^/! /

« He

*«^ He who itnpofed that order, knew nor
Kow iiiiterefting are die ftibjedls-on^ which
I wifti to fpeak/'

** But I know ir, and yet iffue the fame
pofitivc command, i am appointed your
nurfe, and you muft not difobey my ordersi'^'

** You arc in fpirits, Matilda}"

*' Weir may I be fo; I have juft received
apleafurc unexampled through my wholes
life.''

" What was that pleafure?'*

" What I muft conceal from all, but
moft from you/'

" But moft from me? Nay then^ F en--
^eat you, Matilda •'

" Hufty! father,, bufti !. you muft not
talk. But as you donot feem inclined to
fleep, (hall I endeavour to amufe you with
my harp ?'*

"How !. I knew not that you underftood
mufic/'

** Oh ! lam a forry performer f Yet as-

filcjQce is prefcribed you for eight-and-forty

G 6 hours^

C 1^2 >

hours, t may. poffibly entertain- yoa, vUiert
.wearied of your own. reflcdions. I go to
fetch my harp."

She foon rcrurned with it,
^' Now, father, what (hall I fing ? Will
you hear the ballad which treats of the gal-
lant Durandartc,. who died in the faiiious-
battle of Roncevalles ?"
• « What you pleafe, Matilda.'*

<^ Oh ! call me not Matilda ! Gall me
Rofario, call me your friend. Thofe are
the names which I love to hear from your
lips.. Now liften/' *

She then tuned her harp, and afterwards
preluded for fome moments with fuch ex*
•quifite tafte as to prove her a perfeft mif-
trefs of the inftrument. The air which (he
played was foft and plaintive. Ambrofio,,
while he liftened, felt his uneafinefs fubfide,
and a pleafing melancholy fpread itfelf into
his bofom. Suddenly Matilda changed the
drain : with an hand bold and rapid, Ihe
itruck a few loud martial chords, and thea

chanted

( ^33 )

chanted the foUovviag-biilHd to an air at
once fimple and melodious^-

DURANDARTE and BELERMA-

S AD and fearful is the ftory
Of the Roncevalles fight ;
On thofe fatal plains of glory
Perifhed many a gallant knight.

There fell Durandarte : never
Vcrfe a nobler chieftain named ;.
He, before his lips for ever
Glofed in filence, thu8-exclaimed :

" Oh ! Btlermai Oh ! my dear one.
For my pam and pleafurc born,
Seven long years I ferv'd thee, fair ont^.
Seven long years my fee was fcorn.

** And when now thy heart, replying
To my wifhes, burns like mine,
Cruel fate, my blifs denying.
Bids me every hope.refign.
" Ah I though young I fall, believe me^
Death would never claim a figh ;
'Tis to lofe th«e, 'lis to kave thee.
Makes me think it hard to die !

** Oh ! my coufin Montefinos,
By that friendfhip firm and dear,
Which from youth has lived between us,
Kow my laft petition hear ;

^'Whctt my (mil, Itiefe l!nabs forfikiiigf .
Eaget fefk»-ft purtr lir.
From my breaft the coldheavt takings
Give it to Bderma's care.

" Say, I of my lands poffcffor "

Named her with my dying*breath:i
Say, my lips I op^ed to blefs her,
Ere they clofed foraye in death :

•* Twice a week, too, how finccrcly
I adored her, coufih, fay :
Twice a week, for one who deaily
Loved her, coufio, bid her pray.

** Montefmos, now the hour
Marked by fate is near at band^
Lo! my arm has loft its power!-
Lo ! I drop my trufty biand.

** Eyes, which forth beheld me going,.
Homewards ne'er fhall fee me hie :
Coufin, ^op thofe tears o'erflowlngr-
Let me on thy bofom die*
"Thy kind hand my eyc4ids cloiing«^>
Yet one favour I implore :•
Pray thou for my foul*^ repoiing^
When my beart ihall throb no more« * ^

** So (ball Jefus, ftiU attending, . .

Gracious to a Chriftian V vow,

Pleafed accept' my ghoft afcendingi .

And a iieat w hewrcB allow/'

Thua-

t m y

Soan his brave hent bnoke tn iwato^
Greatly, joy«d the MooriHi party »
That the gallant knight was (lain..
Bitter weepingy. Monttilnos
Took from htm his helm and glaive^:
Bitter weeping, Montefinos
IDug his gallant coufin's grave*

To perform his promife made, he
Cut the heart from out the bread,.
That Belerma, wretched lady !
Might recdve the lafl Bequcft,

Sad was Montefinos' heart, he
Felt diflrefs his bofom rend,
** Oh ! my coufin Durandarte,.
Woe IS mc to view thy end I

"jSwect in manners, fair in favour,.
Mild in temper> £erce in fight,
Warrior nobler, gentler, braver,.
Never fhall behold the light.

** Coofin, lo f my tears bedew thee j.
How (hall I thy lofs furvive ?
Durandarte, he who flew thee,
Wherefore left he me alive ?"

While (he fung, Ambrofio liftencd with
delight : never had he heard a voice more
haroioniovis j and he wondered how Caclv

C '36 )

heavenly founds could be produced by atiy
but angtis. But though he indu'g.d the
•fenfe of hearing, a fingle look convinced
him, that he mufl not trufl: to that of fights
The fong^ftrcfs fit at a little diftance from
his bed. The attitude in which (he bent
over her harp was cafy and graceful : her
cov;l had fallen backvvarder than ufual :
two coral I'ps were vilible, ripe, fvefli, and
melting, and a chin, in vvhofe dimples-
feenied to lurk a thoufand Cupids. Her
ht*bit*s long fleeve would have fwept along
the chords of the inftrument : to prevent
this inconvenience (he had drawn it above
her elbow ; and by this means an arm was-
difcovered, formed in the moft perfed fym •
metry, the dehcacy of whofe ikin might
have contended with fnow in whitenefs.
Ambrofio dared to look on her but once :
that glance fufficed to convince hioi, hovsr-
dangerous was the prefence ofithis. fedu-
cing objeft. He clofed his eyes, but ftrove
in vain to banifh. her from his thoughts.
There flie ftill moved before him, adorned

with

( m >

wiili all thole charms which his heated im^
gi nation could fupply. E very. beagty which
he had feen appeared embelliQied ; s«i.dj
thofe flill concealed fancy reprefented to
him in glowing colours. Stilly however, his.
vows> and the neceflity of keeping to them,
were pr^fent to his memory* He ftruggled
with defire^and fliuddered when he beheld
how deep was the precipice before hitf).

Matilda ci^fcd to fing* Dreading the
influence of her charms^ An>brofio reosaln^
ed with hit eyes clofirdi ar>d dflfered up
his prayers to St. Fr^tici^ to aflTift him ini
this dangerous trial ! Matilda believed tha^
he was fleeping : (h^ rofc from her feat, ap-»
proached the bed foftly^ and for fome mi*
Butes gazed upon him attentively^

" He fleeps !" faid fheat length in a low
voice,^ but whofe accents the abbot diftin*
guiflied perfe<Sly ; '^ now then I may gaz.e
upon him without offence;^ I may mix my
breaih with his; 1 may doie upon his fea*
cures, and he cannot fufped me of impurity
at\d deceit:. He fcnrs my Ccducing him to

tha

the Violation of his vows. Oh ! the unjuftr
Were it roy wifh to excite delire, fliould I
conceal my features from him fo carefully ?
— thofc features, of which 1 daily hear him"--

She ftoppedy and was loft in her reflec-
lions-.

**^ It was but yefterday/' (he continued t
^ but a few (hort hours have palied fince I
was dear to him ; he eftcemed me, and my^
heart was fatisfied : now, oh I now,' how
cruelly is my fituation changed ! Helooks^
on me with fufpicion ; he bids mc leave
him, leave him for ever. Oli! you, my
faint, my idol ! You 1 holding the ne:;;ct
place to God in my breaft, yet two.da^f,
and my heart will be unveiled to you. Cp]ulcf
you know my feelings,, when 1 beheld your
agony ! Could you know how much your
fufFering^ have endeared you ta met Bur
the time will come, when you will be con^
vinced that my paflSon is pure and difini^-
reftcd. Then you will pity me, arid fe^k
riie whole weight of chefe forrows,***

As (he laid this,, her voice was choked by

w^eging^.

C '39 )

weeping. Whik fl>e bent wer Ambrofia,
a rear fell irpon his check, '^^ '

*^ Ah f I have difttirhed him,'* critd
Matilda, and retreated haftil3\

Her alarm was ungrounded. None deep
fo profoundly as thofe wha are determined
Bot to wake.. The friar was in this predi*
Gament : he ftiU feemcd buried in a repofe,
which every fucceedmg minute rendered
Bim lefs capable of enjoying. The burn-
ing itear had communicated its warmdi' to^
his heart.

«* What affeaiOij I what purity I" faid
he mternally, ** Ah ! fince my bofom is
thus fenfible of pity, what would it be if
agitated by love ?'*

Matilda again quitted her feat, and re-
tired to fome diftance from the bed. Am^
brofio ventured to open his eyes,^ and to
caft them upon her fearfully.. Her face
was turned from him.. She refted her head
in a melancholy poflure upon hep harp^
and gazed oa the pifture wLich hung op-
pofice to the bedj,.

( MO )

" Happy, happy image !'* Thus did (lie
addrefs ^tJKe beautiful Madona y 'tis to
foil diat he offers his pra)crs^ 'tis on you
that he gazes with admiration. I tliought
you would have lightened my forrows ; you
have only ferved ta increafe their weight ;.
you have made me fe^l, that, had I known
him er^ his vows were pronounced, Am-
brofipand happinefs migKt have been mine,.
With what pkafure he viewts this pifture t
With what fcrvour he addr^iTw his prayers
to the infenfible image ! Ah I may not hi$
fcntitBf nls be infpired by fome tiii'd ^rid
fecrct genius, friend to my affedlion > May
it not be man's natural inftinft whigh in-
forms him ? Be filent ! iJle hopes !

let me not encourage an idea, which takes
from the brilliance of Ambrofio'i' virtue,
*Tis religion, not beauty, which attrafts hja
admiration ; 'tis not to the woman, but
ihe divinity, that he kneels. Would he but
addrefs to me the leaft tender exprefllon
which he pours forth to tfiis Madona }•
Would be bur fiy, that, were he not already

affianced

( HI )

affianced to the church, he w^ouM|i|R>t havei
defpifed Matilda 4 Oh! let me^mrifli tha^
fond idea.- Perhaps he. may yet acknowr
ledge that he' feels for me more than pity^
and that afFeftion like mine might well
have deferved a return. Perhaps he may
own thus much when I lie on my death-bed.
He then need not fear tp infringe his vovvs>
and the confeffion of his regard will foften
the pangs of dying. Would I were furc of
this I Oh I how earneftly fliould 1 figh foy
»the moment of diflblutioqi !*'

Of this difcourfe the ^bbot loft not a
fy liable.; and the tone in, which (he prof
flounced thcfe laft ,woixis pierced ;,to hij
heart. . Inyoluntsrily he raifed hiinfelf from
his pillow. , . . : .

•* Matilda.!-* he faidinatroubted voices
^*Qh! my Matilda !*'

She Jfta^rted it the foundb and turned tQf
wards hita baftily. The fuddennefs of her
rjapyemenf made her cowl fall ba^ik from
her .head; lier. features became v.ifibleitp
the motiVs enqpidng^eyeii.. WdiaS^^yas^ hi^

{ H^ )

mmazeiAftb at beholding the exad refem*-
Glance ofros adaiired Madona ! The fame
exqutfice proportion of features, the fame
|)rofiifion of golden hair, the fatne rofy iips,
heavenly eyes, and majefty of countenance
adorned Matilda! .•Utterittg an exclama-
tion of furprife, Ambrofio funk back upoa
his pillow, and doubted whedier the objed:
before him was mortal or divine.

Matilda feemed penetrated wicb confu-
fionJ Sheremaiwed motionlefe in her place,
and fupported herfelf upon herinftfuoaeot,
Her eyes -were bent upon the 'earth,, and
her fahr checks overlpread with ,'bkifiies»
On recovering harfdf, her iirft adioo was
to conceal her features. She then, in an
iinfteady and troubled voice, veottifed te
addrefs thefe words to the friar :
. " Accident has made you mafter of a
fccret, which I never would hare revealed
but on the bed of death: yes, Acnbiofio, in
Matilda de Villanegas you (ee the^gtoai
of your beloved Madona. Soon after I
Conceived my uaforiunate {faffion^^^lforixicd

the

< 143 )

file projtdlxrf" conveying to joiail^Kmdcwc^
Crowds of admirers had perfaacsRi roc thaec
I pofiefied fome beauty^ and I was anxious
to know what cfkdi k would produce upon
yo«j I caufed my portrait to be drawn by
Martin Galuppi, a celebrated Venetian dH
that time refidentin Madrid. The refem-
blance was ftriking : I fcnt it to the Capu-
-chin-abbey as if for fale ; and the-J-ew from
-whom you bought it was one of my eraif-
^ries. You purchafed it. Judge of my
rapture, when informed that you had gazed
t>pon k with delight, or rather with adora-
tion;' that you had fufpended it in your
-cell, and that you addrefled your fupplica-
tions to Ro other faint i Will this difcovery
make me ftill more regarded as an objeft
of fufpicion > Rather (hould it convince
yoii how pure is my affection, and engage
you to fuffer me in your fociety and efteeni.
I heard you daily extol the praifes of my
portrait. 1 was an eye witnefs of the tranT-
pbtts which its beauty exx:ited in you : yet
rferboJr« to ufc againft your virtue thofe

mnnsLwiljMtohidi yourfcif hod furnifli^d tnidL
1 conatmd tbofe, features frpnii yoiir^ghr,
which you loved unconicioufly. 1 ftrovc not
CO ts}((x(e dcfire by dilplaying my charms^
or to make aayfelfi miftrcfs of yoiir heajgt
through die medium of your fcafes, nX^
uttrad your aoiice by ftudioufly attending
to religious duties, to endear myfelf %q you
by convincing you that my mind was vir-
tiious and my attachment finc£re> fuch was
my only aim. 1 fucceeded ; I became yowT
icompanion and your friend. I conceded
xny-fex from your knowledge; aiid had
you not prefled me to reveal my fe^creti had
I not been tormented by the fear of a difr
CO very, never had you kpown me for any
other than Rofario* And ftill are you j^f
folved to drive me fron> you? Xhe few
hours of life which yet remain for m^, may
I not pafs them in your prefence,? Qtil
fpeak, Ambrofio, and tell me that I. may
ftay."

.. This fpeech gave the abbot an.oppor*
tmiity of recoUeQing himfelf. He; was
, . 6 confcious

t 145 )
cenfcicHJS that, m the prefent xiif[^ofition of
bis mind, avoiditig her fociety was bis only
refuge from the pow^r of this eachaotwjg
woman.

*• Your declaration lias fo much aftonifti-
od me/* faid he, ^ that I am at prefent inca-
pable of anfwering you. Do not infill upon
a 'reply, Matilda; leave me to myfelf, I
have need to be alone."

^* I obey you ; but, before I gOj promife
not to infift upon *ny ^quitting tl>e abbey
immediately/*

*^ Matilda, refled upon your fituation }
refleft upon the confequcnces of your flay :
our reparation is indifpenfable, and we mud;
part***

•• But not to-day, father ! Oh ! in pity,
not to- day'!'*

** You prefs mc too hard; but I cannot
refift that tone of fupplication* Since you
infift upon it, I yield to your prayer; £
confcnt to your remaining here a fufEcient
time to prepare, in fome meafure, the bre*
thicn for your departure: ftay yet two days;

Vat, I. H but

C h6 )
but on the third"— (He fighed invohitt-
tarily) — ** remember, that on the third we
muft part for ever !"

She caught his hand eagerly, and preffed
it to her lips.

" On the third !** (he exclaimed with an
air of wild folcmniiy : " You are right, fa*
iher, you are right ! On the third we muft
part for ever 1"

There was a dreadful expreflion in her
eye as fhe uttered thefe words, which pene-
trated the friar's foul with horror* Again
(he kiffed his hand, and then fled with ra-
pidity from the chamber.

Anxious to authorife the prefence of his
dangerous gueft, yet confcious that her (lay,
was infringing the laws of his order, Am-
brofio's bofom became the theatre of a
thoufand contending paffions. At length
his attachment to the feigned Rofario, aided
by the natural warmth of his temperatiienr,
feemed likely to obtafn the vidtory : th^
fuccefs was alTurcd, when that prefumption.
which formed the ground-work of his cha-

• rafter

( r47 )

racter cariie to MatildaV affiftance. The
monk reflefled, that t6 variquiQi tempta-
tion was an infinitely greater merit than to
kvDid it; he thought that he 'ought rather
to rejoice in the opportunity given him of
proving the firmnefs of his virtue. St. An-
thony had'withftood all feduftions to luft,
then why Ihould not he ? Befides, St. An-
thony was tempted by the devil, who put
every art into praftice to excite his paffions j
wliereas Ambrofia*s danger proceededTroni
a there mortal woman, fearful and modeft,
whofe apprehenfions of his yielding were
not leis violent than his own.

^^ Yes/ faid he, " the unfortunate (hall
flay ; I have nothing to fear from her pre-
fence: even (hould my own prove too weak
to refifi: the temptation, I am fecurcd from
danger by the innocence of Matilda."

Arabrofio was yet to learn, that, to an
heart unacquainted with her, vice is ever
moft dangerous when lurking behind the
malk of virtue.

He found himfelf fo perfeftly recovered,
H 2 \V\^\^

< i48 )

' that, v;hen faiher Pablos viCted him again at
nighty he entreated peraiiffion to quit his
chamber on the day foJIowing. His requefi;
was granted, Matilda appeared no more
that evening, except in company with ihe
monks when ibey came in a body to en-
quire after the abbot's heakh. She feemed
fearful of converfing with him in private^
and ftaid but a few minutes in his room.
The friar ilept well ; but the dreams of tlie
former night were repeated, and iiis fenfa-
tions of voluptuoufnefs were yet more keen
and exquifite; the fame luft-exciVinjg Vi-
iions floated before his eyesj Matild^a, in
all the pomp of beauty, warm, tender and
luxurious, clafped him to her bofom, and
iaviftied upon him ili^e moft ardent carefles.
He returned them as eagerly ; and already
was on xhe point of fatisfying his deiires,
when tlie faitlilefs form difappeaT.edj and
left him to all the horrors of (hamc ind dif-
appointment.

The morning dawned. Fatigued, lia-
rafled, and exhaufted by his provoking

, - ; dreams.

cfreamsj he was not difpofe J to quit His brdi
he excufed himfelf from appearing at ma*,
tins : it was the firft morning in his life that
he had ever mifled them. He rofe late :
during the whole of the day he had no op-
pormairy of fpeaking to Matilda without
vvitneffcs; his cell was thronged by the
monks, anxious to exprefs their concern at
his illnefs ; and he was ftill occupied in re-
ceivipg their compliments on his recovery,
^lien the bell fummoned them to the rc-
fedorjr.

• After dinner the monks feparated, and
difpeffed themfelves in various parts of the
garden, where the fhade of trees, or retire^
meht of foxne grotto, preferited the mod
agreeable means of enjoying thefieffa. The
abbot bent his fteps towards the'hermitage ;
a glance of his eye invited Matilda to ac-
company him : fhe obeyed, and followed
him thither in filence : they entered the
grotto, and feated themfelves : both feenied
unwilling to begin the converfation, and to
labour under the influence of mutual em-
H 3 batrafft^^^t..

( i50 )
barraffment. At length the abbot fppke :
he converfed only on indifferent topics, and
Matilda anfwered him in the fame tone -,
Ihe feemed anxious to make him forget
that the perfon who fat by him was any
other than Rofario. Neither of them dared,
or indeed wiflied, to make an aliuiion to the
fubject which was mod at the heart of,
both.

Matilda's efforts to appear gay^wcrc evi-
dently forced ; her fpirits wcreoppreflfed hp*.
the weight of anxiety ; and when (he.ipokei^
her voice was low and fceblo : Q^ (^ftfxtd
deiirous of finifbing a converiktipD lybfcll^
embarraffed her ; and, complaining %)sMa)4^
was nnvvell, flic requeftcd AmbrpfiQ** pct^i
miffion to return t^ th^ abbey. H€'a5€om^.
paniecl her to the door of her c«U jjand^;
when arrived there, he flopped h^r |o de-n
clare his confent to . her coni;inuing U>a»
partner of his folitude, fo, long a^ fliopld,
be agreeable to berfelf. .

She difcoverc^. nojnarHs pfplcafuTQ/At/
receiving this intelligcijcc, .thoiigh 04^, thpi

} i preceding

( 151 )

preceding day Ihc had been fo anxioxis to
obtain the permiflion.
. *^ Alas,« father," Ihe faid, waving ber
head mournfully, *^ your kindnefs comes
loo late ; ray doom is fixed ; we muft fepa*
rate for ever : yet believe that I am grace*
fulfor your gcnerofity, for your compaffioa
of an unfortunate who is but too little de^
fcrving of it."

She put her handkerchief to her e5'es ;
Jipor iaowi wai^ only half drawn over her f ice.
Ambipiioobferved that (he wa^ pal^y and
ber eyes funk and heavy.
. :.^;Good God !** he cried, " you arc very
2U> Matilda; I fhail fend father Pablos to
you inftantly/'

*^ No, do not : I am ill, 'tis true, but he
cannot cure my malady. Farewell^ fatbei' f
Remember me in your prayers to-morrow,
while I (hall remember you in heaven.'*

She entered jier cell and clofed the door.

The abbot difpatchcd to her the pbyfi*

cian without lofing a moment, and waited

bis report V impatiently; but father Pablos

H 4 fc^^

( 152 )

ibcrn returned, and declared that his errand
"bad been friiitlefs. Rofario refufed to ad*-
mil him, and had pofitively rejedted his of-
fers of affiftance. The uneafmefs which
this account gave Ambrofio was not trifling 5
yet he determined that Matilda Qiould have
her own way for that night ; but that, if
her fituation did not mend by the mornings
he would infift upon her taking the advice
of father Pablos.

He did not find himfelf inclined to ilcep^
he opened his cafement, and gazed upon the
moon-beams as they played upon the (mail
fiream whofe waters bathed the walb of the
monaftery. Thecoolncfsofthenightbrecze,
and tranquillity qf the hour, infpircd the
liiar*s mind with fadnefs : he thought upon.
Matilda's. beauty and aifedlion; upon the
pleafures vvhich he might have Ihared witU.
her, had he not been rcftrained by monadic
fetter?/ He reflecSled that, unfuHaincd by
hofje^ her love for hifn could not longexift >
that doubtlefs (he would fuccecd in, extiD-
guifliing her paflion, and fcek far happiiKfs

in

( 153 )

in the amis of one more fortunate. He
(hiiddered at the void which her abfence
would leave in his bofom; he looked with
difgufl: on the monotony of a convent, and
breathed a figh rovvards that world from
which he was for ever feparaied. Such
were the refleftions which a loud knocking
at his door interrupted. The bell of the
church had already ftruck tv/o. The abbot
haftened to enquire the caufe of this dif-
turbaticc. He opened the door of his cell,
and-^ by^DfTOiher entered, whofe looks de-
etered his horry and confxifion.

'" -Haftbn, reverend father!" faid he,
^ haftea to the young Rofario : he earneftly
requefts to fee you.;, he lies at thC point of
death/'

^^ Gracious God ! where is father Pa-
Wos ? -Why is he not with him ? Oh! I
fear, I fearr- "

" Father PiWos has fcen him, but his
art cah do nothing. He fays that he fuf-
pedts the yoWh to be poifoned/*

i«^ Poiforwd ? Oh ! the unfortunate ! It k
H 5 <!^^

then as I fufpeded ! But let me aot lofc a
moment ; perhaps it may yet be lime to
iave her."

He {kid, and flew towards the cell of the

novice; Several monks were already in the

chamber J father Pablos was one x^f them>

and held a medicine in his hand, which

he was endeavouring to perfuade Rofario

to fwallow. The others were employed

in admiring the patient's divine eountCf

nance, which they now fawi forjirhc^vftrft

time. She looked lovcher than ©vcujfhe

was no longer pale or languid ;• d bri^t:

glow had fpreaditfelf over her cheeky 9- her

J, eyes fparkled with a fcrene dtlight, ati4 her

countenance was expreffive o(t <x>fi64en9

and refignation. ' . '..v.::

** Oh! torment, me no more V- was (he

faying to Pablos, when the terrified ftbJbot

ruflied haftily into the cellj ^.' pay difeaf^

is far beyond the reach ofjo^r ikiH,Mnd'I

with not to be ctin^d of it/* • Xbw^ pjM^

ceiving Ambrofio-*-" Ah, *tis bei" Q»i ahsd^

^1 fee him aaceiigaiii befb£tiWe.f»tt»for

i/ . • i . ever !

ever I Leave me, my brethren ; much have
1 to cell this holy man in private."

The monks retired immediately, and
Mucildaand ihe abbot remained:together.

^VWhat have you done, imprudent: wo^
man ?" exclaimed the latter, as foon as they
were left alone : **tellme^ arc my fufpif
cions juft? Am 1 indeed to lofe you?
Has your own hand been the inftrument of
your deftrudion ?"
tvSheiiniied, and grafped his hand.-

** In what have I been imprudent, father ?
Ih^ve (acxificed a pebble, and faved a dia-
mond.' My death preferves a life valua-
ble to the world, and more de^r to mf ihan
my i>vvn.-r«-Yes, father, I am poifoned ; but
know, that the poifon once circulated in
ypur veins.*'
.- MMatUda!** .

. *♦ What I tell you I refolved never tp
difcover.to you but on the bed of dejth j
that moment is now arrived. You car^pot
^vc,(prgojtteA the day already, when your j
jife was cndaji^ered by the bite pf a cienti^
H 6 ^^^Ci\^:^

pcijoro. The phyfician gave yoa ovfer, de-
claring hlriifelf Ignorant how to extnMfl the
venom. ' I'knew but of one means, and he-
litated not a monient to employ it. I was
left alone with yoii ; yon flept ; I looferted
the bandage from your hand ; I krfled the
wound, and drew out the poifon with my
lips. The cffed has been more fudden than
1 expedted. I feel derith at my heart ; yet
an hour, and I Qiall be in a better world/*
*^ Almighty God !*' exclaimed the tibbot,
,and funk almoft lifclefi upon the bed.

After a few minutes he again raifed him-
felf up fuddenly, and gazed upon Matilda
. with all the wildnefs of defpair. '
^/^ •'^ And you ha\e ficrlficed ybiirfctf for
rnt \ You die, and die to preferve Ambro-
iio ! And is there indeed no remedy, Ma-
tilda ? And is there indeed no hope ?
Speak to me, oh! fpeaktomef Tell me
. . that you have ftill the mein^ of life V*
;^ «* Be comforted, my only friend T- Yes, I
. . have ftill th6 means of life in my' power;
but it is a mdans wtiich I d^en'ot employ;
^ ' •' it

( '57 )
ic is dangerous ; it is dreadful ! Life wonhl
be purchafed at too dear a rate, — unlefs k
were permitted me to live for you.'*

** Then live for me, Matilda ; for me
and gratitude V* — (Hecaught licrhand^and
prefled it rapturoufly to bis lips.)— ^^ Re^

- member our late converf^tions ; I nov/ con*
jfent to everything. Remember in what
lively colours you defcribed tlie union 'of
fouls ; be it ours to realize thofe ideas. Let

x^ focgsjt the diftiovflions of fex, defpile the

world's prejudices, and only confider each

other as brother and frtend. Live then,.

Matrldav ohl live for me !*' » '

*^ Ambrofio, k muft not be. When I

; tbqughr thus, I deceived both you and myi-

,,fclf:. either I muft die at prefent, or expire
by the lingering torments of un(atisfied*de-
'|ire. Oh ! fince we laft converfed togethto^
a dreadful veil has: been rent from before
my eyes* I love you no longer with the de^
yotion which is paid to a faiiit ; I prize yoA
nomore for the virtues of your.foul; I kilit
for the enjoyment of your perfon. ' TlJe- wo-
man

( I5« )

hiao feigniin my bofom, and I am become
i phey to-the wildcft of paffions. Away wich
friendfhip !/cisacold unfeeling word : my
ixifom burhs with love, with unutterable
lovc^ andilove muft be its return.- Tremble
then, Ambrofio, tremble to fucceed in your
prayers. If I live, your truth, your reputa-
tion, your reward of a life paflcdinfuffcrings,
all chat you value, is irretrievably loft. I
(hall no longer be able to combat my paf*
fions, fljiall feize every opportunity to excite
your defircs, and labour to efTeft your dif-
lionbur and my own. No, no, Anabrofio,
I muft not live; I am convinced with every
moment that I have but one alternative ; I
fed ♦'ith every heait-throb, that I muft ^a^
joy you or die.*'

'**^ Amazement ! Matilda ! Can it be you
who fpeak to me?*'

He made a movement as if to.^uit hi$
ieat. She uttered a loud flirick, and, raifing
herfetf* half out of the bed, threw her arm^
xound die friar to detain him.
' ♦* Oh ! dof not leave me ! Liften tp mj
. ":i- I errors

:( TIS9 D

errors .wkU. compaffion : in ^a. .few hours |
fliaU b^ jQO more : yet a little, and. I ana £ree
from this dHgraccful paflion.'*

*^ Writch<d wqaiaa, wbat.Mn I %tO
you ? I cannot — I muft not — Bw. Aiyft
Mmildal ohi.livej'* • -.; ^ .

"f^ You do not refleft oA \vhgt y.QMtaft*
iWbAti liVQ t.9 plunge m.yfelf in;infaq[>y.?
IP becopi^ tbe; agent of hell ? to wov)(ii\\f
dqftrudtion both of you and o£;myf(jif;f
Feel this hjBai:t, father/' : , . . . f * y,;^
' ,SllQjc(ook. his hand, Confufed^.emb^r*
raffed t' and fafcinatcd, he withdrew k not^
and ^U J^er 'heart thioti|fu>d^ it. . ., .,

** Fee|,thiiS: heart, father! It is yet the.feax
of hpnour, truth, and challity : if it ^eats;
to-morrow, it muft fall a prey to thebjacke^
crim«3,, Ohi let me. then die to-day 1 Let
mc di? while I y^t dfferve the tears of thp
[ virtu.o\3i% . Thus yi\\\ I expireL7--^(Shere.
ciuiejjlh^ri bea4.3ypo{)* his Ihoulder; Lkef
goWfin )iair:poured;it£elf over^his cbeft.}r*^
** Folcjtd in yovift jirins, I (hall fink «o flcep*
your ^aA4»ftMiU ^pCs ^Ys^Y^^. ^K. ^^^f> ^^^

( J^ )

yottT Up* teccrvc my dying breath. And
will you not fometimcs tbink of me? Will
you not fometimes (hed a tear upon my
tomb ? Oh, yes, yes, yes ! that kifs is my
affurance/'

The hour was night. All was filence
arou«d. The faint beams of a folitary lamp:
darted upon Matilda's figure, and (hcd
through the chamber a dim, myfterious
light. No prying eye or curious ear was
near the lovers : nothing was heard but Ma-
titda^s melodious accents. Ambrofio was
in the full vigour of manhood j he faw be-
fore him a young and beautiful woman, the
preferver of his life, the adorer of his per-
fbn \ and whom affeftion for him had re--
duced to the brink of the grave. Hefat
upon her bed; his hand retted upon her
"bofom 5 her head recKned voluptuoufiy
ATpon his breaft.. Who then can wonder if
Ite yielded to the temptation ^ Drunk with
defire, he prclFed his lips to thofc which
fought them ; his kiffes vied with Matilda'i
in warmth andpaflionrheclafpedherr^
• turoull|r

( I^I )

tiircaifly In his arm?; he forgot his .voV9S^'
his fandlicy, and his £icn«; he remembensd
nothing but the pleafure and opporuinity. ■

" AmbroGQ! Oh, my Ambrofioi*' iighed'
Matilda,

" Thine, ever thine,*' murmured ihc
friar^ and funk upon her bofoiiu

".*; o.iO-

CHA.V,

( »38 )

CHAP. HI.

Thcfe are ihe villains

Whom all the travellers do fear fo much*

Some of them are gentlemen,
Such as the fury of ungovemM youth
Tbruft from the company of awful men.

Two GfiNTLSM£K OF VxaONAn

X HE marquis and Lorenzo proceeded to' *
the hotel in filence. The former employ-
ed himfclfin calling every circumftance to -
his mind, which related might give Lorea- -
zo*s the moft favourable idea of his con* -
jneftion with Agnes. The latter, juftly
alarmed for the honour of his family, felt
embarraffed by the prcfenceof the marquis:
the adventure which he had juft witneffed
forbad his treating him as a friend ; and
Antonia's interefls being entrufted to his -
mediation, he faw the impolicy of treating
him as a foe. He concluded from thefc
• I ^^ * reflexions.

( 163 )

refledions, that profound filence would be
the wifeft.plan, and waited with impatience
for Don Raymond's explanation.

They arrived at the hotel de las Cifternas,
The marquis immediately conduced him
to his apartment, and began to exprefs his
fatisfadion at finding him at Madrid. Lo-
ren zo in terrupted him.

** Excufe n>ej nay lord,** faid he with a
diftant air, "if I reply fomewhat coldly to
your exprefljons of regard. A fiftcr's honour
i^'^py^^ed in ibia a^air,: till thapisiefta*
b}ii]b^^ ;|pd ):he purj>ort of your correrppOr^
dence with Agnes cleared up, I cahtioccoA?
$4er^]^ii HI my.friendf i a[ixaii%ii)U6»to-
bear the n^aaiog of ; ypur condu<ft ; r^gt|
bopjd fh^ yiou will^noc delay thp promiffiA
e3?pl^p»tiQn/Vv : ;./

: * • i*lirft &^9mc your wprd, that ypu will
liftea. with patience and iudqlgence/'
. /fj IpYe-oiyififler tpo>v«U jo judge hert
U^Sfb\$ i ;^,J><ili till jhisrmoment, i poffeOeA
no friend fo dear to me as yourfelf* lm]k
alfo :{^o»fer5i.ltei|vy^ur having it in your.

( »t4 )
power to oblige me in a bufinefs which T
have mtich at hijarr, makes me very anxious
to find you dill deftrving my efteem.'^

•• Lorenzo, you tranfport me f No-
greater pleafure can be given me, than an
opportunity of ferving the brother of
Agnes."

•' Convince me that I can accept your
favours without diftionour^ and there is no
man in the world to whom .1 am morf
willing to be obliged.'*

^ Probably you have already heard yoiwr
fiftcr mention the name of Alphonfo d'Al-
Tanida?*^

•• Never. Though I feel for Agrics an
affedion truly fraternal, circumftanccs b^v^
prevented us from being much together.
While yet a child, (he was configned to the
care of her aunt, who had married a Ger-
man nobleman. At his caftfe fhe remained
till two yeara fince, when Ihe returned to
Spain, determined upon fecluding herfelf
jfrom the wo rid Z*^

^ Good God ! Lorenzo, you knew of her

intention.

< i«5 )

ratention, and yei drove not to inalcc her
change it ?'* * ^ •

** Marquis, you wrong me : the intelli-
gence, which I received at Naples, (hocked
me extremely, and I haftentrd my return to
Madrid for the exprefs purpofe of prevent-
ing the facrifice. The moment that I ar-
rived, I flew to the convent of St. Clare, in
which Agnes had chofen to perform her
noviciate. I requefted to fee my fifter.
Conceive my furprife, when' (lie fent me a
refufal : (he declared pofitively that, appre-
hending my influence over her mind, (he
would not truft herfelf in my fqciety tfll
the day before that on which (he was to re-
ceive ihe veil. I fupplicated the nuns: I
infifted upcn feeing Agnes ; and hefitated
not to avow my fufpicions, that her being
kept from me was againft her own inclina*
lions. To free herfelf from the imputation
of violence, the priorefs brought me a few
hricS:^, written in tny filier*s well-known
' hand, repeating the meflkge already deliver-
ed . All future attempts lo obtain a m6-
" / " ' ^ ' 'ment'$

^•/n^.;*.:

( i66 )

naent's converfation with her were as frait-
lefs as the firft. She was inflexible, and I
was not permitted to fee her till the day
preceding ihar on which (lie entered thd
doifter, never to quit it more. This inter-
view took place in the prefence of car prin-
cipal relations. It was for the firft time fincc
her childhood that I faw her, and the fcene
was moft afFecling : (he threw hcrfelf tiport
my bofom, kiflTed me, and wept bitterly.
By every poflible argument, by tears, by
prayers, by kneeling, I ftrove to make her.
abandon her intention. I reprefented to
her ail the hardfhips of a religious life; I
painted to her imagination all the pleafurcs
which (l)e was going to quit ;* and befought
her to difclofe to me what occa(ioned her
difguft to the world* At this laft queftion
(lie turned pale, and her tears flowed yfC
fafler. She entreated me not to prefs her on'
that fubjed j that it fufficed me to know
that her refolution was taken, and that a
convent was the only place where (he could
now hope for tranquillity. She perfevercd in

her

( i6; )

her defign, and made her profeffion. I vi*
filed her frequently at the grate; and everjl'
moment that I pafTed with her made cnc feeF
more affliction at her lofs. I was ftiortly
after obhged to quit Madrid ; I returned
but yefterday evening, and, fincc then, have
not had time to call at St. Clare's convent/*

** Then, till I mentioned it, you never
heard the name of Alphonfo d'Alvarada?**'

*' Pardon me : my aunt wrote me word,
that an adventurer fo called had found
means to get introduced into the caftle of
Lindenberg 5 that he had infinuated him-^
felf into my lifter's good graces; and that
(he had even confented to elope with him.
However, before the plan could be execi**'
ted, the cavalier difcovered, that the eftates'
which he believed Agnes to poflefsin Hif*'
paniola, in reality belonged to me. Thii
intelligence made him change his intention;*
he difappeared on the day that the elope-
ment was to have taken place; and Agnes,-'
in defpair at his perfidy and meannefs, had
refolved upon feclufion in a convent. She

added,

( 165 )

added, that as this adveDturer had giv^n
himfclf out to be a friend of mine, (he vviQi*
ed to know whether I had any knowledge
of him* I replied in the negative. I had
then very little idea, that Alphoalb d'Alva-
rada and the marquis de las Cifternas were
one and the fame perfon : the defcriptioa
given me of the firft by no means tallied
with what I knew of the latter^*'

** In this I eafily recognize Donna Ro-
dopha*s perfidious cbaradter. Every word
of this account is ftamped with marks of her
malice, of her falfehood, of her talents for
mifreprefenting thofe whom (he wi(hes to
injure. Forgive me, Medina, forfpeaking
fo freely of your relation. The mifchief
which (he has done me authorifes my refent-
ment ; and when yau have heard my ftory,
you will be convinced that my exprcffions
have not been too fevere."

He then began his narrative in the fol-
lowing manner :—

HISTORY

( «69 )

« ■

HISTORY OF DON RAYMOND,

MARQUIS DE LAS CISTERNAS.

LONG experience^ my dear Lorenzo,
lus convinced me how generous is your
nature : I waited not for your declaration
of ignorance refpedting your lifter's adven^
tures, to fuppofe that they had been pur-
pofely concealed from you. Had they
reached your knowledge, from what miC-
fortunes fliould both Agnes and myfelf
have efcaped ! Fate had ordained it other-
wife- You were on your travels when I firfl
became acquainted with your fifter.; and as
our enemies took care to conceal from her
your diredion, it was impoflible for her to
implore by letter your protcAion and ad-
vice.

On leaving Salamanca, at which uni-

verfity, as I have fince heard, you remained

a year after I quitted ir, I imriiediately {et

Vol, L I out

( ^7o )

out' upon my travels. My father Tupplied
me liberally with money ; but he infifted
upon my concealing my rank, and prefent-
ing myfelf as no more than a private gentle-
man. This command was ilTued by the
counfels of his friend tbe duke of VHIa
Hermofa, a nobleman for whofe abilities
and knowledge of the world 1 have ever
entertained the mod profound veneration.
" Believe me," faid he, '^ my dear Ray-
mond, you will hereafter feel the benefits of
tliis temporary degradation. *ris true,
that as the condc de las Ciflernas you
would have been received with open arms,
and your youthful vanity might have fck
gratified by the attentions Ihowered upon
you from all fides. At prefent, much will
(depend upon yourfelf i you have excellent
recommendations, but it mud be your own
bufincfs to make them of ufe to you : you
ipuft lay yourfelf out to pleafe ; you mufl:
labour to gain t!ie approbation of thofe to
whom you are prefented : they who woi:ild
9 have

( m )

have courted ilip. friendihip of the pphd^
de las Ciftcrn^is will, have, no intereft iii.
finding out tlic Qicrits, or bearing patiently,
with the faults, of Alphonfo d'Alvarada r-
Confequemly, when you. find yourfelf really
liked, you may fafely afcribe it to your good
qualities, not your rank ; and the diftinc.^
tion ftiewn you will be infinitely more flat-
tering. Befidcs, your exalted birth would
not permit your mixing with the lower
clafles of fociety, which will, ivovv be in
your power, and from which, in my opi-
nion, you will derive confiderable benefit.
Do not confine yourfelf to the illuftrious
of thofe countries through which you pafs^
Examine the manners and cuftoms of the
multitude: enter into, the cottages; and, by
obferving lipw^the vaffals of foreigners are
treated, learn to diminiih the burthens,
and augment the comforts, pf^ypur own*,
According to my ideas of thofe advantages
\yhich a youth deftined to the poffeffionpf
power and wealth may reap from traveJij
he fhould not cppfider as the leafteflTential,
I 2 the

the'bpportunitytjf mixing with tlic claflcs'
below him, and becoming an eye-witnefs
of the fuflTerings of the people.'* '

Forgive me, Lorenzo, if I feem tedious
in my narration: the clofe connexion which
now exifts between us, makes mc anxious
that you (hould know every particular re*
fpedling me-, and in. my fear of omitting
the lead circumftance which may induce
you to think fevourably of your fifter and
myfelf, I nbay poffibly relate many which
you may think uninterefting.

I followed the duke's advice ; I was
foon convinced of its wifdom. I quitted
Spain, calling myfelf by the affumed title
of Don Alphonfo d'Alvarada, and attended
by a fingle domeftic of approved fidelity.
Paris Was my firft ftation. For fome time
I was enchanted with it, as indeed muft be
every man wiio is young, rich, and fond of
pleafure. Yet, among all its gaieties, I fek
that fomething was wanting to my heart : I
grew fick of diffipation : I difcovcred that
the people among whom I lived, and whofe

- exterior

( 1/3 )

exterior was fp poliflied and feducing, were
at bottom frivolous, unfeeling, and infincerej.
I turned from the inbabitantsof Paris with
difgufl, and quitted that theatre of luxury
without heaving one figh of regret,

I nov/ bent my courfe towards Germany,
intending to vifit moft of the principal
courts,. Prior to this expedition, i meant
to make fome little (lay at Strafbourg. Oa
quitting my chaife at Lunevilie, to take
fome refrefl^ment, I obferved a fplendid
equipage, attended by four domeftics in
xich liveries, waiting at the door of the Sil-
ver Lion. Soon after, as I looked out 0/
the window, I faw a lady of noble prefence^
followed by two female attendants, ftep iht^
the carriage, wljich drov^pff immediately*

I enquired of the hoft who tile lady was
that had jull .departed.

*^ A German baronefs, monf\eur, of great
rank a,nd fortune ; Ihe has been upon a yifi^
to the ducljefis of Longueville,, as h^r feF-
vants infor^i^od jne. She is going to Stras-
bourg, wheieftievrill find her hufband, and
I 3 then

( . »74 )

then both return to their cafile in Gerr
many.**

I refumed my journey, intending to
leach Strafbourg that night. My hopes,
however, were fruftrated by the breaking
down of my chaife : the accident happened
in the middle of a thick forefl, and I was
not a little embarrafled as to the means of
proceeding. It was the depth of winter; the
night was already cloflng round us; and
Strafbourg, which was the near eft town,
"was tiill diftani from us feveral leagues* It
Teemed to me that my only alternative to
paffing the night in the foreft, was to take
my fervant*s* horfe and ride on to Straf-
bourg ; an undertaking at that feafon very
far hom agreeable. However, feeing no
other refourcc, I was obliged to make up my
mind to it : accordingly, I communicated
my defign to the poftillion, telling him
that I would fend people to affift him as
^Ibon as I reached Stra(bourg.' I had not mucH
confidence in hishonefty; but Stephj^no
being well armed, and the driver, to all ap.

pearance,

( 17^ )

pearance, confiderably advanced in years, I
believed I ran no rifk of lofing my baggage. ^

Luckily, as I then thoughc, an opportii-
nity prefented itfelf of paffing the night
more agreeably than 1 expeded. On men-
tioning my defign of jproceeding by nryfclf
to Strafbourg, the poftillion fhook his head
in difapprobation.

*' It is a long way," faid he ; '* you will
find it a difEciilt matter to arrive there
without a guide : befides,. monfieur fcems
unaccuflomed to the feafon's feverity j and
*tis poflible that, unable to fuftain the ex-
ceflTive cold '* » •

•^ What ufc is there to prefent me with
all thefe objeftions ?'' faid I, impatiently in-
terrupting him : ^* I have no other refourctf;
I run ftill greater rifk of perilhing with cold
by paliing the night in the foreft."

*« Faffing the night in the foreft ?'* he re*
plied. ^^ Oh, by St. Denis ! we are not ill
quite fo bad a plight as that comes <o yet. If
I am not miftaken, we are fcarcely five mi-
nutes walk from the cottage of my old friend
I 4 Eaptillei:

( 176 )

Baptifte : he is a wood-cutter, and a verf
honeft fellow. I doubt not but he willfhel-
ter you for the night with pleafore. In the
mean time, I can take the faddle-horfe,
ride to Stralbourg, and be back with pro-
per people to mend your carriage by break
of day/'

" Andy in the name of God," faid I,
•* how could you leave me fa long in fuf-
pcnfe ? Why did you not tell me of this cot-
tage fooncr ? What exceflive ftupidity !**"

*^ I thought, that perhaps monfieur
would not deign to accept "

" Abfurd ! Come, come ; fay no more,
but condud us without delay to the wood-
man's cottage."

He obeyed, and we moved onwards : the
horfes contrived, with fome difficulty, todrag
the (hattered vehicle after us. My fervant
was become almoft fpeechlefs, and I began
to feel the effefts of the cold myfelf before
we reached the wifhed-for cottage. It was
a fmall but neat building : as we drew near
k, I rejoiced at obferving through ihe win-
dow

( m ^

dow the blaze of a comfDrtaBleifift. Out
eondudor knocked at the dodr ; 'it was
fomc time before any one anfwi^red '; the
people within feemed in doubt:whether wi
fhould be admitted. : . ". '\ .'

" Come, come, friend Bapiifte !'!• cried
the driver with impatience, *^.wh^tare yoa
about ? Arc you alleep ? Or w'ill you re-
•fufe a night's lodging to a genilemab, whofe
chaifc has juft broken dowi) in the foreft ?'*

'^ Ah ! is it yon, honeft Claude ?" replied
a man's voice from wiihin : *^ wait Ii mo*
^'ment, and the door (hall be opened.'*

'* Soon after the bolts were drawn back^;

the door was unclofed, and a man prefentcd

himfelf to us with a lamp in his hand : he

gave the guide an hearty reception, and

then addreffed himfelf to me :

, " W^lk in, monfieu.rj walk in, and wel-

:come. Excgfe me^for not admitting-yqu

at firft J but there are To many rogues about

this place that; faving your prefence, I ful-

pedled you to be. one."

* Thus- frying, he ufliered me inpo the

' • I 5 lO^XSW

C 178 )

room where I had obferved the fire. I was
immediately placed in an eafy chair, which
ftood clofeto the hearth. A female, whom
I fuppofed to be the wife of my hoft, rofe
from her feat upon my ehtrance, and receiv-
ed me with a flight and diftant reverence.
She made no anfwer tomy compliment, bur,
immediately re-feating herfelf, continued
the work on which (he had been ernployed.
l^er hufband!s manners were as friendly as
hers were liarfli' and repulfive.

«* I sVifli I could lodge you more conv^-
niently^monfieur/' faid he, *' but we cannot
boaftof much fpare room in this hovel; How-
'cver| a'chamber for yourfelf and anotherf6r
yoiirlTe'rvant, 1 think, we can make (hift to
fupply. You muft content yourfelf with
forry fare ; but to what we have, believe
me, you are Heartily welcome."— —Then,
turning to his wife— ^* Why, how you fit
there, Marguerite, with as much tranquillity
;is if you had nothing better to do ! Stir
. a^bout, ^dame 1 ftir about ! Get feme fup-
'per 5 lookom fome ftieets. Hercahcre ! throw

fomc

( n^ y

forne logs upon the fire^ for tlie gentleman
feems perKhed with cold/*

The wife threw her work haftily upon
the table, and proceeded to execute his
commands with every mark of unwilling-
nefs. Her countenance bad difpleafed me
on the firfl moment of my examining it :,
y^t, upon the whole, her features were hand'
fome unqyeftionably ; but her ikin was faU
low, and her perfon thin and meagre : , %
louring gloom overfpread her countenance,
apd it bore fuch vifible marks of rancQur
and ill. will,, as could not efcape being no-
ticed by the moft inattentive obferver : her
every look and aftion expreffed difcontent
and impatience ; and the anfwers which me
gave Baptifte, when he reproached hep
good- humouFedly^ for her diflUtisfied air^.
were tarr, Qiort, and cutting. In fine, I'
con-ceived at firft fight equal difgiift for hei',
and prepoffeffion in favour of her hufbandj^.
whofe appearance was calculated to ihfpire
efteem and confidence. His countenancb

was open, fincete, and friendly ; hismail-
16 ' j^jijij

C <8o )

ncrs had all the peafant's honefl:j% nnac-
companied by his rudenefsi his cheeks
were broad, full, and ruddy ; and in the
folidity of his perfon he feemed to offer an
ample apology for the leannefs of his wife's,
From the wrinkles on his brow, I judged
him to be turned of fixty ; but he bore hi^
years well^ and feemed ftill hearty and
ftrong. The wife could not be more than
thirty, but in fpirits and vivacity fl:ie was
infinitely older than the hulbaild.

However, in fpite of her unwillingnefs,
Marguerite began to prejpare the fupper,
while the woodman eonverfed gaily on dif-
ferent fubjefts^ The poftillioh, who had
been furnifhed with a bottle of fpirits, was
now ready to fet out for Stralbourg^ and en*
quired whether I had any further com-
^^mands.

\, *' For Straftourg?*' interrupted Baptifte;.
•' you are not going thither to-night V*

** I beg your pardon * if I do not fetch
workmen to mend the chaife, how is mon-
fieur to proceed to-morrow ?''

5 tl That

** That is true,, as you fay, I had forgpt-j
ten the chaifc. Well, but, Claude, yp^
may at Jeaft eat .your fupper here ? That
can make you lofe very little time ; ap4
monfieur looks too kind-hearted to fend
you out with an empty ftomach on fuch ^
bitter cold night a^ this is."

To this I readily.aiTentdd, tellingthe pof-
tillion that: my reaching Stfalbourg the
next day an hour or two later would beper^
feftly immaterial. He thanked me, and
then, leaving the cottage with Stephano,
put up his horfes in the woodman's ftable,
Baptifte followed them to the door,.ai^d
looked out with anxiety*

^« 'Tis a (harp, biting wlnd^*' faid he :
** I wonder what detains my boys fo long !^
Monfieur, I (hall (hew you two of the fineft
lads that ever ftepped in (hoe of leather: the
eldeft is three- and-twehty, thefecond a year
younger : their equals for fenfe, courage,
and aftivity, are not to be found within fif-
ty miles of Strafbourg. Would they were

back

Mck as^ain f I begin to feel iineaf/ abeut
them."

Marguerite was at this titne= employed in-
laying the cloth;

** And are you equally anxious- for tli^e.
Tcturn of your fons ?" faid I to her. .

•* Not I/' (be replied peeviftily j ^* they»
are no children of mine."

** Come/ come. Marguerite!*' feid the
hufband, *^ do not be out of humour witfc
the gentleman for afking a fimplerqueftion :
bad yon not looked fo crofe^ he ,wouJI4.
never have thought you old enough to hayo;
afon of tbree-and-t wenty ; but you fee iiow
many years ill-temper adds to. you !— Ex^'
cufe my wife's rudenefs,.monficur ;. a little
thing puts her out; and (lie is fomewhat '
difpleafed at your nor thinking her to be
under thirty. — That is the truth, is- it nor^
Marguerite ? You know, mon(ieur, thai
age is always a ticklt(h fubjeft with a,wo*,
man. — ^Come, com^, MargoeritcJ dear up
a little. If you haVe not fons as otd, you wjH
"' ' * fome

( 183 )

feme twenty years hence ; and I hope that
we (hall live to fee them jufl: fuch lads as
Jacques land Robert." -

Marguerite clafped her hands to^ethei:
paflTionatelyw

•* God forbid !'* (aid (he, « God forbid I
If I thought it, I would ftrangle them with
my own hands/'

5he quitted the room haftily, aa4 went
up ftairs.

J could not help expreffing to the wood-
man how much I pitied him for being chainr
cd for life to a partner of fuch ill-humour.
. ** Ah» Lord !monfieur> every one has his
(hare of grievances, and Marguerite h^s
fallen to mine. Befides, after all, (he is only
crofs, and not malicious : the worft is^ thap
her afFedion for two children by a forpier.
hn(band makes her play the fte.p-mother
with my twofonsj (he cannot bear thefight
of them ; and, by her good will, they w.puld
never fet a foot within my door. But on
this point I always (land lirm, and r^ever
will confeni to abandpn the poor lads to the

■" world*^

< »84 )

^'Orld^s mercy, as (lie has often folicited itld
to do. In every thing clfe I let her have
her own way j and trniy (he manages a fa-
ftiily rarely, that I'muft fay for her."

We were conver(ing in this manner,
^hen our difcourfe was interrupted ' by a
loud halloo/ which' rang through the
foreft.. ^ '

'■ «^ My fons, I 'hope!'* exclaitted' the
V^oodman, and ran to open the dd6ri

The halloo was repeated. We nO\tr dif-
tingui(hed the trampling of horfes,- and,
foon after, a carriage attended by feveral
cavaliers flopped at the cottage door. One
of the horfemen enquired hotv far they were
fiill from StrafbbOrg. As he addrefJcd
himfelf to me, I anfvvered in the number of
miles which Claude had told me ; upon
which a volley of curfes was vented agaiiift
ihe drivers for having loft theirwa3% The
perfons in the coach were now informed of
the diftance of Strafbourg ; and alfo that
the horfes were fp fatigued as to be incapa-
ble of proceeding further, A lady, x^'htf^Ji-

geared

C tS5 ')

pearcd to be the principal, expreffed much
chagrin at this intelHgcncc; but as there
was no remedy, one of the attendants afk-
ed the woodman whether he could furnifli
them with lodging for the night.

He feemed much embarraffed, and re-
plied in the negative ; adding, that a Spa-
iii(h gentleman and his fervant were already
in poffeffion of the only fpare apartments
in his houfe. On hearing this, the gal-
lantry of my nation would not permit me
to retain thofe accommodations of which a
female was in want. I inftantly fignified to
the woodman, that I transferred my right
to the lady : he madefome objeftions, but
• I over-ruled thcm^^ and, haftening to the
carriage, opened the door, and aflSftcd the
lady to defcend. I immediately recognized
her for the fame perfon whom 1 had feen at
the inn at Luneville. I took an opportu-
nity cf afking one of her attendants what
was her name ?

*' The baronefs Lindenbcrg/* was the
anfwcr^

I could

( i86 )

I could not but remark how difTerent a
reception our hofl: had given thefe new-
comers and myfelf. His reludlance to admit
them was vifibly exprefled on his counte-
nance ; and he prevailed on himfelf with
difficulty to tell the lady that (he was wel-
come. I conduced her into the houfe^ and
placed her in the arm-chair which I had
jufl: quitted. She thanked me very gra-
cioufly, and made a thoufand apologies for
putting me to an inconvenience. Suddenly
the woodman's countenance cleared up.

" At laft I have arranged it 1" faid be,
. interrupting her cxcufes. *' I can lodge you
and your fuite, madam, and you will not be
vnder the ncceffity of making this gentlc-
npan fufFer for his politenels. We have two
fpare chambers, one for the lady, the other,
monfieur, for you : my wife fliall give up
hers to the two waiting-women : as for the
men fervants, they muft content themfelves
with pafling the night in a large barn, which
{lands at afew yardsdiftance from the houfe;
there they (hall have a blazing fire, and as

good

( 187 )

good a fupper as we can make (hift to give
them/*

Afccr feveral 'expreflSons of gratitude on
the lady's part, and oppofition on mine to
Marguerite's giving up her bed, this ar-
rangement was agreed to. As the room was
fmall, the barohefs immediately difmifled
her male domeftics. Bapiiftc was on the
point of conducing them to the barn which
he had mentioned, when two young men
appeared at the door of the cottage.
. '* Hell ind furies !" cxcUirned the firft,
ftarting back, *^ Robert, the houfc is filled
with ftrangers 1"

*« Ha ! there are my fons !'* cried our
hoft. •* Why, Jacques ! Robert ! whither
4re you running, boys ? There is rooni
enough ftill for you.*'

Upon this affurance the yiouths return-
ed. The father prefented them to the ba-
ronefs and myfelf ; after which he withdrew
with our domfeftics, while, atthe requeft of
the two waiting-women. Marguerite con-
duced

( i88 )
dufted them to the room defigned for tbcij:
miflrefs.

The two new-comers were .tall, (lout,
well-made young men, hard-featured, and
very much fun-burnt* They paid their
compliments to us in few vycrds, and ac*
knowledgcd Claude, who now entered the
room, as an old acquaintance. They then
threw a(ide their cloaks in which th^y were
wrapped up, took off a leathern belt to
which a large cutlafs was fufpended, aod
cacR drawing a brace of piftols from his
girdle laid them. xy[ion a flieif*

** You travel well armefl/* f?iid I. .;; /
^' True, monfieur,'* replied Robert.—
«* We left Strafbourg late this evenrfig, nM
!tis neGcflaryto take pre^aMf row ?atpaffiPg
through this foreft after dark ; irt.- <l<3[e& npt
beara.good repiite, I promife:you.^*
. *' How ?'' faid the baronefs, ** are there
robbers hereabout ?" ^
. *^ So h is' faid, madame : for iny own
part, 1 have travelled through the vs^cod at

all

( 1^9 )
all hours, and* never met with ohe of
them.'*

Here Margucrice returned. Her ftep-.
fons drew her to the other end of the
room, and whifpered her forfome minutes.
By the looks which they caft towards us at
intervals, I conjedtured them to be cnw
quiring our bufinefs in the cottiige.

In the mean while, the baronefs cx-
prefled her apprehenfions that her hufband
would be fuffering much anxiety upon her
account. She had intended to fend on one
of her fervants to inform the baron of h6r
delay j but the account which the young
men gave of the foreft rendered this plan
impraAicable. Claude relieved her from
her embarraflment : he informed her, that
he was under the neceffity of reaching Straf-
bourg that night ; and that, would (he
truft him with a letter, (he might depend
upon its being fafely delivered.

** And how comes it," faid I, " that yoii
are under no apprehenfion of meeting thefe
robbers ?"

{ ^90 )

** Alas ! monfieur, a poor man wich a
large family muft not lofe certain profit bc-
caufc *tis attended with a little danger ; and
perhaps my lord the baron may give roc a
trifle for nay pains : befides, I have nothing
to lofe except my life, and that >vill not be
worth the .robbers' taking."

I thought his arguments bad, and ad-
vifed his waiting till the morning ; but,
as the baronefs did not fecond me, I was
obliged to give up the point. The baronefs
Lindenberg, as I found afterwards, had
long been accuftomed to facrifice the in-
icrefts of others to her own, and her wifh to
fend Claude to Straftourg blinded her to,
the danger of the undertaking. According,.
ly, it was refolved that, he Ihould fet out
without delay. The baronefs wrote her let-^
ter to her hufband; and I fent a few hnes to
my banker, apprifing him that I Ihould not
be at Strafbourg till the next day. Glaudc
took our letters, and left the cottage.

The lady declared herfelf much fa*

tigued by her journey : befides havipg

I come

( «9t )

come from fome diftance, the drivers bad
contrived to lofe their way in the foreft."
She now addrefled herfelf to Marguerite,
defiring to be (hewn to her chamber, and
permitted to take half an hour's repofe.
One of the waiting-women was immediately
. fummoned ; ilie appeared with a light, and
the baronefs followed her up ftairs. The
cloth was fpreading in the chamber where
I was, and Marguerite foon gave me to un-
derftand that I was in her way. Her hints
w^re too broad to be eafily miftakitn; I
therefore defired one of the young men to
conduct me to the chamber where I was to
fleep, and where I could remain till fupper
was ready.

" Which chamber is it, mother ?" faid
Robert.

*' The one with green hangings," (he.
replied. " 1 have juft been at the trouble
of getting it ready, and have put frefli
flieets upon the bed : if the gentleman
choofes to lollop and lounge upon it, he
may make it again himfelf, for me.'*

C 19^ )

*•' You arc out of humour, mother J
but that is no novelty. Have the goodneft
to follow me, monfieur/*
< He opened the door, and advanced to-
wards a narrow ftair-cafe.

. ** You have got no light," laid Margue-
rite ; *^ is it your own neck or the gentle-
man's that you have a mind to break ?''

She croffed by me, and put a candle into
Robert's hand ; having received which,
he began to afcend the flair- cafe. Jacques
was employed in laying the cloth, and his
back was tiirned towards me. Marguerite
fcized the moment when we were unob-
ferved : ,(he caught my hand, and preffed
it ftrongly.

** Look at the (heets !** faid (he as (he
paflTed me, and immediately refumed her
former occupation.

Startled by the abruptnefs of her adVion,
I remained as if petrified. Robert's voice
defiring me to follow him recalled me to
myfelf. I afcended the ftair-cafe. My con-
dudlor ufhered me into a chamber where

( ^93 )

aft excellent wood fire was blazing upon tb^
hearth. He placed the light upon the cablc^
enquired whether I had any further co«x-
mands, and, on my replying in the negative,
left me to myfelf. You may be certain,
that the moment when I found myfeif alone
was that on which i complied with Nfar-
giTtrite's injunftion. I took the caiidJe
haftily, approached the bed, and turned
down the coverture. What was my aftonith*
ment, my horror, at finding the flieets crim*
foned with blood !

At that moment a thoufand confufed
ideas paflcd before my imagination. The
robbers who infeftcd the wood, Marguerite's
exclamation refpeifting her children, the
arms and appearance of the two young men,
and the various anecdotes which I had
heard related refpeding the fecret corre-
fpondence which frequently exifts between
banditd and poftillions ; all the(e circum-
dances flaChed upon my mind, apd infpired
me with doubt and apprehenfion. I rumi-
nated on the moft probable means of afcer-

VoL. I. K taialtv^

( 194 )

taimng il>e truth of my coBJ enures. Sud*
denly I was aware of fomc one below pacing
baftily backwards and forwards. Every
tiling now appeared to me an objed of fufi*
picion. With precaution I drew near the
window, which, as the room had been long
(hut up, was left open in fpite of the cold
I ventured to look out. The beams of the
moon permitted me to diftinguiQi a man^
whom I had no difficulty to recognize foif
jny hoft. I watched bis movements. He
walked fwiftly,ihen flopped andfccmcdtp
liften ; he (tamped upon the ground^ and
beat bisHomach with hisarm^ asifto guard
himfelf from tlie inclemency of the (eafbn:
at the leaft noiCe, if a voice was beard, in the
lower part of the houfc, if a bat flitted pad
him, oar the wind rattled amidft thekaflefs
boughs, ihe darted, and looked round with
anxiety^

*' Plague <ake him V* feid he at length
with extreme impatience; ** wha^ can be
be about ?**

He fpoke in a low voice ; but as Tic

was

( J95 > *

was juft below my window, I badnci diffi-
culty to (liftinguiQ) his words.

Inow heard the fteps of one approach-
ing. Baptiilc went Towards ihc found ; he
joined a man, whom his low ftature and the
horn fufpended from his neclc declared to
be no other than my faithful Claude, whom
I had fuppofed to be already on liis way td
Strafbourg. Expeditig their difcoitrft to
throw fome light upon my fituation, I'haf-
tcned to put myfelf in a condition to hear it
with fafety. For this purpofe I extinguiflied
the cancjie, which ftood upon a table near
the bed : the flame of the fire was not ftrons
cnoifgh to betray me, fend t immediately re*
fumed my p?ace at the window.

The objcds of my ciiriofity had fta-
tlontd thetttfefve* difeftly ririderit. I fiip.
pdft'thvitv dtlring' mf. mdihentary abfende;
the woodrnatthiafd feteii blaming Chiid^f6F^
tardihefs, teteWhfeh^^ljitiin)'6d'to /life w'irti.'^
ciow 1hc^1aftcr^\^^ii'^endavdiirifl^ t;6' 'HcStc '

^)' .Iw K 2 at

C 196 )

at prcfent fliall make up for my pad de«
lay/*

. ** On that condition/' anfwcrcd Baptifte,
^' I (hall readily forgive you : but in truih^
as you (hare equally with us in our prizes^
your own intcr^ft will make you ufe all
poffible diligence. *Twould be a flbame to
l^t fuch a noble booty efcape us. You iky
(hat this Spaniard is rich ?'*

•* His Icfvant boafted at she in n» that the
cffedls in his cbaife were worth above two
thpufand pillolcs.*' ' .-.

Oh I how I curfed Sn^phano^s in)prudent'
vanity. . . .i

" And I have been told,'* conti/^uc^xUc
poftillion, " that this baronefs carri«$ aboiH.
her a calkct of jewels of immenfe valuCt**

^^ May be :fo, but 1 liad rather Ijie hed^
ftayed away. The Spaniard w^s a £^urOr
prey.; the boys and fpyfctf couljl.qifijjf.havft:
xn^ftered hun apd his fqrvant, and thcntb(^)
two thoiif^d piftolcs. ^uld h^vc ^h^c^
fliarcd between us four^ Now we i^iuftlq^^

-. [ whole

( 1^97 )

whole covey may efcapc us. 'Should bur
friends have betaken themfelves to their dit
fercnt pofts before youi reach tiie cavern, all
will be loft. The lady*s attendants are too
numerous for us ro overpower them* Unlefs
our aflbciates arrive in time, we muft needs
let thefe travellers fet out tO-morrow with-
out damage or hurt/*

*' •'Tis plaguy unlucky thit my comrades
who drove the coach ftiould be thofe unac-
quainted with our confederacy ! But never
fear, friend Baptiftc: an hour will bring me
to the cavern ; it is now but ten o'clock,
and by twelve you may expecft the arrival
of the band.. By the bye^ take care of your
wife : you know how ftrong is her repug-
nance to our mode of life, and (he may find
means to give information to the lady's fer-
vants of our defign.'*'

^« Oh ! I am fecure of her (ilence; (he is.
too much afraid of me,, and fond of her
children, to dare to betray my fecret. Be-
fides, Jacques and Robert keep a.ftrifteye
over her, and (he is not permitted to fet a
K3. foot

( »9« )

foot out of the cottage. The fervants art
fafely lodged in the barn. I Iball endeavour
to keep all quiet till the arrival of our
friends. Were I aflured of your finding
ihem, the fl rangers fhould be difpatchcd
this inftant ; but as it is poffiblc for you to
mifs the banditti^ I am fearful of being furm
moned by their domeftics to produce them
in the morning."

** And fuppofe either of the travellers
(hould difcover your defign^'*

^* Then we muft poniard thofe in our
power, and take our chance about mafter-
ing the reft. However, to avoid running
fuch a rifk, haften to the cavern; the ban*
ditti never leave it before eleven, and if you
ufe diligence you may reach ic in time to
ftop them.*'

" Tell Robert that I have taken his horfe;
my own has broken his bridle, and efcaped
into the wood. What is the waich-word ?'*
. " The reward of courage/*

*' 'Tis fufficient. 1 haften to the cavern/'

" And I to rejoin my guefts, left, my ab-

fence

( 199 )
fcrnce (liouid create fufpicion. Farewell)'
and be diligent.*' . t

Thefe worthy aflTociates now feparatedj
ihe one bent his courfe towards the ftable^
while the other returned to the hoiifc.

You may judge what tnuft have been my
feelings during this converfation, of which
I loft not a fingle fyllable. I dared not truft
myfelf to my refledions, nor did any means
prefent itfelf to efcape the dangers which
threatened me. Refiftance I knew to be
Tain; I was unarmed, and a fingle man
againil three. However, I refolvcd at leaft-
to fell my life as dearly as I could. Dreads-
ing left Baptifte ftiould perceive myabfence,
and fufped: me to have overheard t e mef-
fage with which Claude was difpatched, I
haftily re-lighted my candle and quitted the
chamber. On defcending, I found the table
fpread for fix perfons. The baronefs fat by,
the fire- fide ; Marguerite was employed in
dreffingafallad,and her ftep-fonswere whif.
pering together at the further end of the
room. Baptifte, having the round of the gar^
K 4 den

( 200 )

den to make ere he could reach the cottage
door, was not yet arrived. I feated myfelf
quietly oppofite to the baronefs.

A glaoce upon Marguerite told her that
her bint had not been thrown away upon
«ie. How different did flic now appear to
Mie ! What before feemed gloom and ful-
Icnnefs, I now found to be difguft at heraf-
fociates and compaffion for my danger. I
looked up to her as to my only refourccj
yet knowing her to be watched by her huf-
band with a fufpicious eye, I could place
but little reliance on the exertions of her
good will.

In fpite of all my endeavours to conceal
it, my agitation was but too vifibly exprefled .^
upon my countenance. I was pale, and
both my words and adtions weredifordered
and embarraffed. The young men obferved
this, and enquired the caufe. I attributed it
to excefs of fatigue, and the vidlertt effedt
produced on me by the feverity of thefeafon.
Whether they believed me or not, I will not
pretend to fay i they at lead ceafed to em-

barrafs

( ^pj )

barrafs me with their queftions. I ftrpvc to
divert my attention from the perils which
furroundcd me, by converfing on different
fubjefts with the baronefs* I talked of Ger-
miny^ declaring my intention of vrfiting ic:
immediately : God knows^ that I little
thought at that moment of ever feeing it !
She replied to me with great eafe and polite-
nefs, profeffcd that the pleafure of making
my acquaintance amply compenlkted for the.
delay in her journey, and gave me a preffing
invitation to make fomc ftay at the caftle of
Lindenberg* A3 (he fpoke thus, the youths
exchanged amaliciousfmile^ which declared
that (he would be fortunate if (he ever
reached that caftle herfelf. This acftion did ^
not efcape me ; but I concealed the emotion ;
which it excited in my bread* I continued •
to converfe with the lady ; but my difcourfe :
was fo frequently incoherent that, as (he has »
fined Informed, me, fhe beg^n. to doubt:
whether 1 was in my right fenfeSr The faft ^
was, that while my conver(ation tumf^d upon ,
one lufcjeft, my thoughts were entirely oc-^
K5. cupicdi

( 202 )

cupted by another. I meditated upon the
means of quitting the cottage, finding my
way to the barn, and giving the dorneftics
information of our hoft's defigns. I wai
foon convinced how impradicable was iht
attempt. Jacques and Robert watched my
every movement with an attentive eye, and
I was obliged to abandon the idea^ All my
hopes now refled upon Claude's not finding
the banditti. In that cafe, according to
what I had overheard, we Qiould be peT»
mitted to depart unhurt.

I (huddered involuntarily as Baptifte en-
tered the room. He made many apologies^
for his long abferice, but '* he had beeft
detained by affairs impoflible to be dt^
layed.*' Ho then entreated permiflSon for
his family to fup at the fame table witb
u?, without which, refpeft would not autho*
rize his taking fuch a liberty. Oh ! how
in my heart 1 curfed the hypocrite ! how
I loathed his prefence, who was on the-
point of deprivmg me of an exiftence, at
that time infinitely dear ! 1 had every rea-

fon

( 203 )
fon ta be fatisfied with Jife; I had ypiut,
wealth, rank, and education, and the faireQ:
profpc&s prefented thetnfelves before mc;-
Ifaw thofe profpedtson the point otclofing
in the moft horrible manner; yet wa&X
obliged to diffimulate, and to receive with
a femblance of gratitude tlie falfe civilities «
of bim who held the dagger to, my bofom.

The permiflion which our hoft demanded
was eafily obtained.. We. feated ourfelves
at the table., Tbe baroncfs and myfelf oc*
cupied one fide ; the fons were oppofite to
us,, with their, backs to the door. Baptifte
took his feat by the baronefs, at the upper
end ; and: the place next to him was left
for his wife.. She foon entered the room,
^nd placed before us a plain but comforta-
ble pealant's repaft. Our hoft thought it
neceflary to apologize for. the poornefs o£
the fupper : ** he had not been ^prized o£
our coming J he could only offer us fuch^
fare as had been intended, foi? his own fa--
mily-*'

*^ But,"' added he, ** (hould any accident :
K. 6 , detaiaA

( 204 )

detain my noble guefts longer than they at
prefent intend, I hope to give them a bet-

ter treatment.**

The villain ! I well knew the accident
to which he alluded. I fliuddered at the
treatment which he taught us to expeft.

My companion in danger feemed entirety
to have got rid of her chagrin at being de-
layed. She laughed, and converfed with
the family with infinite gaiety. I ftrove,
but in vain, to follow her example. My
fpirits were evidently forced, and the cons
ftraint which I put upon myfelf efcaped not
Baptifte's obfervation.

^ Come, come, monfieur, cheer up !**
Ikid he ; ** you feem not quite recovered
from your fatigue. To raife your fpirits,
what fay you to a glafs of excellent old
wine which was left me by my father ? God
reft his foul, he is in a better world I I fet-
dom produce this wine ; but as I am not
honoured with fuch guefts every day, this
is an occafion which deferves a bottle."

He then gave his wife a key, and in-
3 ftrufted

( ac5^ )

ftruftedfeer wlicrc to find the wrneof tvfifch^
he fpokc She feemcd by no means pleftfed:
with the cortimrffion ; (Tie took the key whh
an embarpafied air, and hefitated to quit the-
(able«.

** Did you bear me ?^' faid Baptifte in art
angry tone^ •

Marguerite darted upon bifti a look of
mingled anger and fear, and left the chanl-
ber. His eyes followed her fufpicioufly
till (he had clofed the door.

Slie foon returned with a bottle fealed*
with yellow wax. She placed it upon the
table,and gave the key back td her hufband^
I fufpectcd that this liquor was not pre-
fented to us without defign, and I watched
Marguerite's movements with inquietudei.
She was employed in rinfing fome fmall
horn goblets. As (he placed them before
Bapiifte^ftie faw that my eye was fixed upon
her ; and at the moment when (he thought
herfelf unobferved by the banditti, the mo*
tioned to me- with her head not to tafte the
liquor. She then rcfumed her place.

In

( 206 )

. Id the mean while our hoft kad drawn
the cork, and filling two of the gqblcss^ ofr
fered them to the lady and myfelf. She at
firft made fome objedions ; but the inftances
of Baptiftc were fo urgent, that (he wa$;
obliged to comply. Fearing; to excite fyC*
picion, I hefuated not to take the gobktu
pirefcntcd to me. By its fmell and colour^;
I. guefled it to be champagne , but fome
grains of powder floating upon the top con-*^
vinced me that it was not unadulterated..
However, I dared not to exprefs my re*
pugnance to drinking ir; I lifted it to my,
lips, a,nd feemed to be fwallowing it : fud-
denly ftarting from my chair, I made the
heft of my way towards a^vafe of. water at
fome diftance, in which Marguerite had
been rinfing the goblets. I pretended to-
fpit out the wine with difguft, and took an.
opportunity, unperceived, of emptying the,-
liquor into the vafe..

The. banditti feemed alarmed . at my.j
aftion. Jacques half rofe from his chair,;
put his. hfind. into his bofomj and I d]fcp-

vered.

( 207 >

rtred xht baft of a dagger. I returned to
nify feat with traaqoiUitjs and afFefted not
txyha,Ve obferved their confufion.

-♦V You have not faired my tafte, honeft
friend,'* faid I, addreflTing myfclf to Bap-
tifte : ** I never can drink champagne
without its producing a violent ilJnefs. t
fwallowed' a few mottthfals ere I was aware
of its quality, and fear that I Iliall foffcr for
my in>prudence."

B^ptifte and Jacques exchanged looks of
drftruft.

<* Perhaps/* faid Robert, " the fmcl^
may be difagreeable to you?**"

He quitted his chair, and removed the
goblet. 1 obferved, that he examined whe•^
ther it was neariy empty.

.** Hemuft havedrank fufEcicnt,'^' faid*
he to his brother in a low voice, while he
r«-feated himfel£

Marguerite looked apprehenfive that I'
had tafted the liquor, A glance from my
eye re-affured her.

I waited witb anxiety for the cflfe<fts

which

( «o8 )

which the beverage would produce Upon
^e lady. I doubted nor but the graios
which I had oblierved^ were poifonous,,.
and lamented that it had been impoffi*
ble for me to warn her of the danger. But
a few minutes had elapfed, before I per-
ceived her ejes grow heavy; her head fant
upon her (houlder, and (lie fell into a deep,
fleep. I afFefted not to attend, to this cir-
cumftance, and continued my converfation
with Baptifte, with all the outward gaiety,
in my power to affume. But he no longer,
anfwcred me without conftraint. He eyed:
me with diftruft. and aftonifliment, and I.
iaw that the banditti were frequently whif-
pering among themielves. My fituatioa.
became every moment more painful: Ifut
rained the charader of confidence with a >
worfe grace than ever. Equally afraid of
the arrival of their accomplices, and of •
their fufpedting my knowledge of' their
defigns, I knew not how to diflSpate the-
diftruft which the banditti evidently' enter-
tained for me. In this new dilemma the

friendly .

( ^o9 )

friendly Marguerite again aflifted me. She
pafTed behind the chairs of her ftep-fons^
flopped for a moment oppofite to me, clofed
her eyes, and reclined her head upon her
fhoulder. This hint immediately difpelled
my incertitude. It told me, that I ought to
imitate the baronefs, and pretend that the
liquor had taken its full efFed upon me. I
did foy and in a few minutes feemed per-'
feftly overcome with flumber.

" So V cried Baptifte, as I fell back in
my chair, *^ at laft he fleeps ! I began to
think that be bad fcented our de(ign, and
that we ftiould have beea forced to dif-
patch him at all events/'

*^ And why not difpatch him at all
events ?'* enquired the ferocious Jacques •
" why leave him tl>c pofiibility of betray-
ing our fecret f Marguerite, give me one
of my piftols : a finglc touch of the trigger
will finilh him at once."

*^ And fuppofing,** rejoined the father,,
^^ fuppofing that our friends fliould not ar-
rive to-nighr, a prettj figure we tliould make-

whea

( «io )
when the fcrvants enquire for him in the
morning! No, no, Jacques; we mufl: wait
for our aflbciates. If they join us, we are
ftrong enough to difpatch the domeftics as
well as their mafters, and the booty is our
own. If Claude docs not find the troop,,
we muft take patience, and fufFer the prey-
to flip through our fingers. Ah .*' boys,
boys, had you arrived but five minutesr
fooner, the Spaniard would have been done
for, and two thoufand piftoles our own*
But you are always out of th6 way when
you are mofl wantedv You are the mod
unlucky rogues——***

" Well, well, father!'* anfwercd Jacques^
^* had yoii been of my mind, all would have
bee« over by this time. You, Robert,
Claude, and myfclf — why the ftraDgcn.
were but double the number, and I warrant
you we might have maftered them. How-
ever, Claude is gone ; 'tis too late to think
of it now. We muft wait patiently for i^^
arrival of the gangi and if the travellers

efcapc

( an )

efcape us ta- night, we muft lake care to
way-lay ijiem to-morraw.*'
: *-^ True ! true !'* faid Baptifte ; '' Mar-
guerite, have you given the fleeping^
draught to the waiting-women ?*'
, .She replied in the affirmative.

" All then is fafe. Come, come, boys;
lyhat^ver falls out, we have no reafon to
complain of this adventure. We run na.
cjanger, may gain much, and can lofe no*
thing.'' ' '

At this moment I heard a trampling o£
borfes.: Oh ! how dreadful was the found
to my cars ! A cold fweat flowed down
my forehead, and I felt all the terrors of
impending death. ^ I was by no means re-
afliired by hearing the comipaffionate Mar-
guerite ejcclaim, in the accents of defpair,
./^ Al'uighty God T thty are loa.*'

Luckily the woodman and his fon»»were:
tbd much occupied by the arrival of their
aflfociates to attend to me, or the violenco.
of my agitation would have convijiccd
them that my fleep was teignecj.

( 212 )

•. '^ Open ! open !" exclaimed fcvera
voices on the ontfide of the cottage.

** Yes! yes!" cried Baptifte joyfully j
*■* they are our friends, fure enough. Now
then our booty is certain. Away ! lads,
away ! Lead them to the barn j you know
what is to be done there/*

Robert haftened to open the door of ihft
cottage^

•* But firft/* faid Jacques, taking up his.
arms, " firft let me difpatch thefc flcep^

crs.'^

«* No, no, no t" replied hts father t '•Go.
you to the barn,, where your prcfencc w
i»anted» Leave me to take care of thele^
nd the womeft above.'*

Jacques ol^eyed, and followed his bro-
ther. They feemed to converfe with the;
neW'Comers for a few minutes ; after which
I heard the robbefs difmount^ and, as I:
conjeflured, bend their courfe towards the
bam.

"So! that is wifely done!** muttered
Baptifte I ** they have quitted their horfcs,

that.

( a'3 )

that they may fall upon the ftrangers by
furprife. Good 1 good I and now to bu«
fmefs/'

I heard hirn approach a fmaU cupboard
yfhich was fixed up in a didam part of the
^pop, and unlock it. At this momeoc i
felt myfelf (hakcn gently.

" N iW ! now !'' iwhifpered Marguerite*
1 opened my eyes. Baptifte flood wkh
his back towards me. No one elfe was in
tbq room fave Marguerite Mid the fleeping
lady. The villain had taken a dagger from
the CLipJx^ard, and Teemed Examining whe«
tber' it m2i$» fufHciently (harp. I had ne^
gkdlcd to fiirniifh myfelf with arms ; butr B
perceived this to be my only chance of
rfcaping, and fefolved not to lofe the ^p*
-^OrtAAnayi I fprang from my fear, daited
fuddenly updil Baprilte, and^ clafpiiig my
UandsH round hfs tltroat, preffed* it fo forci-^
fely Its te prevent feis -utteriin^ a^ ffhglr cfjHr
You may remember, that I wa» remarkaW*
at Salaaiancti^r thepowei^cf riAy*Arm. -If

prifed.

( ai4 )
prifed, terrified^, and brcaihlcfs, tlic vDlai
was by no means an equal antsgonift.
threw him upon the ground ; I grafped
him (lill tighter; and while I fixed bioi
withoi:t motion upon the floor, MargUeritrfi
wiefting the dagger from his hand, plnnged
it repeatedly in his heart till he expired. •

No fooncr was this horrible but nccef-
fary ad perpetrated, than Marguerite caUed
on me to follow her.

" Flight is our only refuge,** faid (he,
" quick ! quick ! away !"

I hcfitaced not to obey her ; but unwilling
to leave the baronefs a vidlim to the ven-
geance of the robbers, 1 ntifed her in my
arms (lill fleeping, and haftened after Mar^^
guerite. 1 he horfes of the banditti were
fattened near the door. My cQnduftfcfs
fprang upon one of them. I followed her
example, placed the baronefs befprc .me,
a^d fpurred on my, J)orfe. Our only .hope
was to reach Strafhourg, which was nVfiricb
aparer.ihaft the perfidious. Cljiudc had •>(•.

i.*i;, with

( »«J )

with the road, and galloped on before me*
Wc were obliged to pafs by the barn,
^ where the robbers were flaughtering our
domeftics. The door was open : we dillia-
guilhed the (hrieks of the dying, and im-
precations of the murderers. What I felt
at that moment language is unable to de«
fcribc^

Jacques heard the trampling of our
horfes, as wc ruftied by the barn. He flew
to the ^oor with a burning torch in his
- hand, and eaCIy recognifed the fugitives.

** Betrayed ! betrayed !'* he (houted to
hi^ companions.

, Inftantly they left their bloody workjft
and iiaftcned to regain their horfes. Wci
heard no more. I buried my fpurs in the
iides of my courfer, and Marguerite goaded
on hers with .the poniard which had al-
ready rendered jus fuch good fervicc. We
flew like lightning, and gained. the open
plains. Already was Stralbourg'3 fteeplc lA
fight, when we heard the robbers purfu-.
ing us. Marguerite looked b^ck^ and di^K

tin^uiflx^d

tinguilhed our followers defcending a fmall
hill at no great dif^ance. It was in vain
that we urged on our horfes : the noife ap--
proaclud nearer with every moment.
• c< We are loft !'' (he exclaimed ; «^ the
villains gain upon us I"

*< On ! on !" replied I ; '* I hear the
trampling of horfes coming from the
town/'

We redoubled our exertions, and were
foon aware of a numerous band of cava-
liers, who came towards us at full fpeed.
Thev were on the point of paffing us.

*^ Stay ! ftay r* (bricked Marguerife ;
• fave us ! for God's fake, fave usP*

The" foremoft, who feemed to aft as
guide, immediately reined-in his deed.

" 'Tis (he ! 'tis (he !" exclaimed he^
fpringing upon the ground : " Stop, my
lord, ftop I they arefafel 'tis my mother!'*
' At the fame moment Marguerite threw
herielf from her horfe, clafped him in hec
arms, and covered him with kiflTes. The
otfter cavaliers topped at the exclamation.

( fi'7 )

^* Thebaron^fs Lindcnberg!*' cried ano*
tb^r of the ftrangers eagerly : *^ Where is
ihe? Is (he not with you r**

He (lopped on beholding her lying fenfc-
lefs in my arms* Haftily he caught her
from tne. The profound fleep in which (he
was plunged, made him at fird tremble for
her Jife ; but the beating of her heart foon
r^-affured 'him.

[' God be thanked V faid he, « (he has
•cfcaped urvhurt.''*

I iqt?ci:rupted his joy by pointing out the
tu-igands, who continued to approacli^ Nq
fooncr had I mentioned them, than the
^reateft part of tlie company, which ap*
peared to be chiefly compofed of foldiers,
haftened forward to meet them. The vil- -
lains (laid not to receive their attack. Per-
ceiving their danger, they turned the heads
of their horfes^ and fled into the wood,
whither they were followed by our preferv-
ers. In the mean while the (Iranger, whom
I gueflTed to be the baron Lindenberg, afier
thanking me for my care of his lady, pro-
pofed our returning wkh ^W ^^^^\x.^^^^^

( ^i8 )

ttcwvn. The baronefs, on whom the effciai
/of the opiate bad not ceafed to opcratei
'Was placed before him ; Marguerite and
her fon remounted their horfes ; the baron's
domeflics followed, and wefoon arrived att
the inn, where he had taken his apait*
ments. •

This wa« at the Auftrian Eagle, wlierd
my banker, whom before my quitting Pari*
I had apprifed of my intention to vifit Stra&
boiirg, had prepared lodgings for me. I"
rejoiced at this x:ircumftance. It gave me
an opportunity of cultivating the baron's
acquaintance, which I forclliw would be
of ufe to me in Germany. Immediately
upon our arrival, the lady was conveyed to
bed. A phyfician was Tent for, who pre-
fcribed a medicine likely to counteraft the
effedtsof the fleepy potion; and after it had
been'poured down her throat, Qie was com-
mitted to the care of the hoftefs. The baron
then addreffed himfelf to me, and entreated '
me to recount the particiilars of this advent-
ture. I complied with hrs requefl: ifcftart-
lancoufly ; foi-, in pain rcipcAing StepWrto-4
V fate,

{ ki9 )

fate,, whom I had been compelled to aban-
don to the cruelty of ihe banditti, I found
it impoffible for me to repofe till I had fomc
news of him^. I received but too foon the
intelligence that my ttufty fervant had
periflied. The foldiers who had puffued
the bri^nds, returned while I was employed
Tn relating my adventure to the baron. By
their account, I found that the robbers had
been overtaken. Guilt and trxie courage arc
i^icompatible : they had thrown themfelves
at the feet of their purfuers^ had furrendered
themfel vcs without ftriking a blow^ had dif-
<:overed their fecrcc retreat, made knowti
their fignals by which the reft of the gang
might be feised, and, in (hort, had betrayed
evety mark of cowardice and bafenefs. By
this means the whole of the band^ confifting
of near fixty pcrfons> had been made pri-
foners, bound, and conducledtoStrafbourg.
$ome of the foldiers haftened to the cottage,
f)ne^of the banditti fcrving them as guide.
Xbeirfirfl: vifu was to the fatal barn, where
they wer^ fortijnate enough to find two of
ll^.bdroq'svfervto^ ftill alive> though fiff-

C 210 )

pcrately wounded The rdl had expired
beneath the fwords of the robbers, and of
thcfe. my unhappy Stephano was one.

Alarmed at our efcape, the robbers, in
their haftc to overtake us, had riegledcd to
vifit the cottage ; in confequence, the foF-
diers found the two waiting-women unhung
and buried in the fame death-like flurnber
which had overpowered their miftrcfs. Thcffc
%vas nobody elfe found in the cottage, cx-
<rept j8i child. not above four years old, wliiA'
<he foldiers brought away with them.* '- W8
.were bufying ourfelves with conjedurcsre*
'^fpcfting the birch of this little unfortunate^^
yfhtn Marguerite rufhed into .the room witK
the baby ijn her arms. She. fell at the-feet"^^
the officer who was making us this rep(>rti'
and blefled him a thoufand times for Jthc
■prefervation of her child.

When the firft burft of maternal teri^r-
'.nefs was over, I befought her to declare rhy
'What means Qie had been united to a maw^
^whofe principles feemed fo totally difconlatif'
with her own. She bent her eyes down^.
w«ds^ and wiped a few tears from her cheek.-

^^VGentle-

( 221 ).

, ^^ Gentlemen/' faid (he, aft^r a filfenqe of
fo,me minutes, ** I vvould requeft a favour
of you. You have a right to know oa
whom you confer an obligation i I will nor,
therefore^ ftifle a confeffion which covers me
with fliaraci but permit me to comprifeic
in as few words as poffible.

<* I was born in Stra{bourg, ofTefpedtablc
piuems ; their names I muft at prefent con*
ceaj. My father ftill lives, and deferves not
to^bc involved in my infamy. If you grant
^ly requeft, you (hall be informed of my
jfcmily name. A villain made himfelf maf^
tcr of my afFedions, and' to fotlow him t
quitted my father's houfe. Yet, though my
paffious overpowered my virtue, I funk not
into that degeneracy of vice but too coia-.
raonly the lot of women who make the fjrft
falfe ftep. I loved my feducer, deafly loved
hiaii I was true to his bed : this baby,
and the youth who warned jon, my Ibtd
YmQl^i of your lady's danger, are the pledges
ef c<Hir affeftion. Even at this moment I
lament his lofs, though *tis to him that I owe
alUhe miferiesof royejtiftencc. ^ -

•* He was of noble blnh, bm he
had fquandered away his paternal inherit-
apce. His relations confixlered him as
a difgrace to their name, and utterly dif-
carded him. His exccffcs drtw upon
him the indignation of the police. He was
obliged to fly from Strafbourg; and faw no
otht r refource from beggary than an union
with the bandiiii who infefted the neigh-
bouring fortft, and wbofc troop was chiefly
compofed of young men of family in the
fame predicament with himfelf. I was dc^
tcrmined not to forfake him, I followed
him to the cavern of the brigand^^ and
Ihared with him the mifery infeparable from
a life of pillage. But though I was aware
that our exiftence was fu^ported by plunder,
I knew not all the horrible circumftanccs
attached to my lover's profcflion : thcfe he
concealed from me with the utmoft care*
He was confcious that my fentiments were
sot fufEciently depraved to look without
horror upon aflaflination. He fuppofcd, artd
with juftice, that I (hould fly with dcteftk-
tion from the embraces of a murderer. Eight

( 223 5
-years of pnflenTion haJ t\ot abated bis k>vc^
fi^r me ; and he caurioufly removed ivqax
*jiy knowledge every circumftance which
might lead me to fufpecl the crimes in
which he bm too often panicipated. I|e
fucccedcd perfciflly. It was nor till after
.piy feducer's de^xh that 1 difcovered hjs
|)ands to have been ftained with the blood
pf innocence^

, "One fa.tal night he was brought back to
tlie cavern, covered with wounds : he re-
^ctived jhem in attacking an E.ngli(lv tra^
veller, whom his companions immediately
(aerificed to their refentment. He had
only time to entreat my pardon for all the
sforrows which he had caufed me: he prcfled
my hand to his lips, and expired. .My
.grief was inexpreflible. As foou as its
violence abated, I rcfolved to re|urD to*
Strafbourg, to throw myfelf, with my two
^children, at my father^s feet, andimplore his*
;|orgiveqefs, though I little hoped to obtaia
lis^f What was my conftcrnation when iq--
ibrmed, that no one entrufted with i the
iccret of their retreat was ever pejpmittfd jjq •

( ^214 )
quit the troop of the bandmr; that I mull
give up all hope? of cvrr rejoining fociety*,
and confcnc inftanily to accept orte rf
I heir band for my hufband ? My prayeri
and remonftrarKcs were vain^ They caft
lots to decide to whofc pofleffion JF ihotrld
fall. I became the property of the infamoui
Bapride. A robber, who had once been a
monk, pronounced over us a burlcfque r»i
ihcr than a religious ceremony : I and tny
children were delivered imo the hands of '
my new huiband, and he conveyed us im*
mediately to his home.

•* He aflured me that he had tong enter-
tained for me the moft ardent regard ; but
that frierKl(hip for my deceafed luverhacl
obliged him to ftiifle his dcfires. He en«
deaf ouFed to reconcile me to my fate, and
for feme time treated me wixh refped and
gentknefs. At length, finding that my aver-
fion rather increafed than diminifhed, he
obtained thofe favours by violence s^hicb
I pcrfifted to refivfe hioi. No rcfource re*;
maineU for me but to bear my forrows with
patieocc; I was coofcious that I deferved
\ them.

( ^25 )t
IttetnlbtKitTOO \yell.. i Flight was :forbkh.fc|r.
My c&iWrett were in ihc power 6f Baptifte;;
iand he had fwarn^ that if I atrempced to ef-
cape, tbcir lives fliottld pay fork. I had had
too marty apporumities of wLtneffing'the
barbsiriCy of his^namr^, todoubt his flilftl Bng
his oarfi to th« very letter. Sad experiehefe
had convinced me of the horrors of my
iknacKHi.': My firft lover had careftrfly
concealed them from me ; Baptifte rather
tejoic«d m opening my .eyes to the cruel-*-
lies o£ his profeffion, and ftrove to fami-
liarife me with blood and flaughter. •

■^ My nature was licentious and Svarm>
but not cruel : my condud had been im*
prudent, but my hearr was notun principled;
Judge, then^ what I muft have fclr at being
a continual witnefs of crimes the raoft hoN
ribk and revolting ! Judge how I muft fiave
grieved at being united to a toan^ wb^ re^
ceived the unfufpefting giieft witban airof
apennc& and horpitality,aMhe very moment?
that he meditated his deftrudiori ! Chkgrlnl
and dircontcnt preyed upon my coaftitu-J
tion } xliefew charnos beftowed oft^H*. b^
nature withered away, and the dejedionof

( "6 )

my countenance denoted the fuffctings of
my heart. I was tempted a thoufand times
to put an end to my exiftence ; byjt the le-
mcnibrancecf my children held my hand,
I trembled to leave my dear l>oys in my
t\ rant's power, and trrmbled yet more for
their virtue than their lives. The fccond
was ftilJ too young to benefit by my inftruc-
tions ; but in the heart of my eldeft I la-
boured unceafingly to plant ihofe principles
which might enable him to avoid the crimen
of his parents. He liftened to me with
docility, or rather with eagernefs. Even
at his early age,, he (hewed that he was not
calculated for the fociety of villains j andf
the only comfort which I enjoyed among
my forrows, was to witnefs the dawning
virtues of my Theodore.

•* Such was my fituation when the peiv-
fidy of Don Alphonfo's poftillion condud*
ed him to the cottage. His youth, air,
and manners interefted me moft forcibly
in his behalf.. The abfencc of my hiif-
baod^s fons gave me an opportunity which
I had long wi(hcd to findv and Ircfolved to
I'lfque every thiog to prefervc th^ ftrangc*.

( ^^7 )
The vfgilance of Baptifte prevented me
from warning Don Aljphonfo of his dan-
ger. I knew that my betraying the fccret
would be immediately punifhed with death ;
and however embittered was my life by ca-
lamities, I wanted courage to facrifice it
for the fake of preferving that of another
perfon. My only hope reded upon pro-
curing fuccour from Strafbourg. At this
I riefolved to try; and (hould an opportu-
nity offer of warning Don Alphonfo of his
danger unobferved, I was determined to
fcize it with avidity. By feaptifte^s orders
I went up ftairs to make the ftranger's bed :
i fpread upon k (heets in which a traveller
:b4d been murdered but a few nights before,
'ind which ftill were-ftained with blood.
I hoped that thcfe marks would not
efcape the vigilance of our gueft, and that
he would colled from them the defigns of
.my perfidious hu/band. Neither was this
the only ftep which I took to prefcrve the
-ftranger. Theodore was confined to his
rbed by illnefs, I ftole into his, room tmob-
fervedby my tyrant^ communicated tahim
tny projed^ and be entered into it witl^^eek

( «J )

gcrnefs. He rofe in fpiie.of hisaT)al«dr)V
and dreflcd himfclf with all tpced. I fafteucd-
one of the (heets round his armsr and low*
cred him from the window. He flew to
the ftable, took Claude''s horfe, and hat
tened to Stralbourg. Had he been ac-
cofted by the banditti^ he was to have de-
clared himfclf fent upon a meffagc by Bap-
tifte, but fortunately he reached the towii
without meeting any obftacle. Imfnedi-^
ately upon his arrival at Strafbourg, hk ei^>
treated affiflance from the magiJilrate r bis'
ftory pafled from mouth to mouth, and ac
length came to the knowledge of my lord
the baron. Anxious for the fafeiy of his.
lady, who he knew would be upon the:
road that evening, it ftruck him that ihei
might have fallen into the power of the
robbers. He accompanied Theodore, who
guided the foldiers towards the cottage, and
arrived juft in rime to fave us from falling- .
once more into die hands of our enemies/!-
Here I interrupted Marguerite to eo-i.'.
quire why the fleepy poticm had been pre-" r
fented tp me. She faid, that Baptiftc fup-
pofe^ me to have arn?s about: fne, and

< i^9 )

wifhed to ixicapacitate me from inakihg iifcii
Clldnce^ it was. a precaution which hciaU
ways took, fince, as, the travellers had no?
hopes of efcaping, defpair would have in-
cited them to fell iheif lives dearly. . .:

The baron then defi red Marguerite to in-
form him what wepe her prefent plans. •' I*
joia^d him in declaring my readinefs to?
fliew my gratitude to her for the preferva*-
tion.of. .my life. .

A* Uifgufted :with a world," Qic replied,
*^ja which I have met with nothing but mif-
fortunes, my only wifli is to retire into a
jGbnv^nt.. But .firft I muft provide for my
children, I find that my mother is no
more — probably driven to an untimely"
grave by my defertion. My father is ftill ■
living. He is not an hard man. I'erhaps, '
gentlemen, infpiceofmy ingratitude and
imprud<^nce^ your interceilions may induce-
him to forgive me, and to take charge of
bis- unfortunate grandfons. If you obtain '
this boon for me, you will repay my fer-
vices a thoufand-fold/*

Both the baron and myftif aflbrcd Mar*
goerite^ that wc would fparc no ipaink'ta-:

( ^30 )

-obtain her patdon ; and that^ tvcn (liould
her father be inflexible, fti^ need be under
no apprehenfions refpedting the fate of hef
children. I engaged myfeff to provide for
Theodore, an<l the baron promifed to take
the youngeft under his proredion. The
grateful •mother thanked ns with tears for
what (he called generofity, but which in fad
was no more than a proper fenfe of our ob«.
ligations to her. Slie then left the room to
put her little boy to bed, whom fatigue and
ileep had completely overpowered.

The baronefs/on recovering, and being
informed from what dangers I had refcued
her, fet no bounds to the expreflions of
licr gratitude. She was joined io warmly
by her hufband in prelling me to accom*
pany thein to their callle in Bavaria^ that
I found it impoflibfc to refill their entrea*»
ties. During a week which we paiTed at
Strafbourg, the intercfts of Margueritis
\vere not forgotten. In our application tq
Irtrr father we fuc^eeded as amply as wc
could wiih. The good old man had loft
Ins wife. He had no children but this linn
tOitwatc datJightcri of whom he had re?-:

( a3« )

<^civcJ no bcws for almoft. fourteen years*
He was furrounded by diftant relations,
who waited wich impatience forhisdeceafe,
in order to get pofleflion of his money.
When therefore Marguerite appeared again
fo uiaexpeaedly, heconfidered her as a gift
from Heaven. He received her and her
children with open arms, and infifted upon
their cftablilliing themfelves in his houfe
without delay. The difappointed coufins
were obliged to give plate, The old man
would not hear of his daughter's retiring into
a convent. He faid, th^it flie was toonecef-
lary to his happinefs, and (he was eafily
perfuaded to relincfuifh her dcfigns. But
no perfuafions could induce Theodore to
give up the plan which I had at firft marked
out for him. He had attached himfelf
to me moft finccrely during my ftay ac
Strafbourg ; and when I was on the point
of leaving it, he befought me with tears to
take him into my fervice. He fet forth
all his little talents in the moft favourable,
colours, and tried to convince me that I
fliould find him of infinite ufe to me upon
the road* I was unwiUirvg to clki\^ t^^-

( 232 )

felf ^'ith a lad fcarcely turned of thirteen,
who 1 knew could only be a burthen id
me : however, I could not refill the enirea-
ties of this affedlionate youth, who in fact
poffeffed a ihoufand eftimablc qualities.
Wiih fome diificulty he perfuadcd his rela-
tions to let him foHow me ; and that pcr-
mifliion once obtained, he was dubbed wirh
the title of my page. Having pafled a week;
at Strafbourg, Theodoreand myfdf fet one >
for Bavaria, in company with the baroH -.
and his lady. Thefe latier, as well as my-
felf, had forced Marguecitc to accept fe- /
vera! prefents of value, both for heifelf and
her youngell fon* On leaving her, I pro-
uiifed his mother faiihfuUy, that 1 would >
peftore Tlieodore lo her wiihin the year.

I have related this acWenture at length,
Lorenzo, that you might uuderfland the
means by which " the adventurer AI-
phonfo d'Alvarada got introduced into the
caftle of Lindenberg:'* Judge from this y
fpeeimcn, how much faith »ftiould be given
to yxjur auiit^s afl'ertions,

J&ND OF THE nFIRST VOLUMI* , -;/ ci^

WV 1 5 1966

I