Imogen: A Pastoral Romance By William Godwin Imogen: A Pastoral Romance BOOK THE FIRST CHARACTER OF THE SHEPHERDESS AND HER LOVER.—FEAST OF RUTHYN.—SONGS OF THE BARDS. Listen, O man! to the voice of wisdom. The world thou inhabitest was not intended for a theatre of fruition, nor destined for a scene of repose. False and treacherous is that happiness, which has been preceded by no trial, and is connected with no desert. It is like the gilded poison that undermines the human frame. It is like the hoarse murmur of the winds that announces the brewing tempest. Virtue, for such is the decree of the Most High, is evermore obliged to pass through the ordeal of temptation, and the thorny paths of adversity. If, in this day of her trial, no foul blot obscure her lustre, no irresolution and instability tarnish the clearness of her spirit, then may she rejoice in the view of her approaching reward, and receive with an open heart the crown that shall be bestowed upon her. The extensive valley of Clwyd once boasted a considerable number of inhabitants, distinguished for primeval innocence and pastoral simplicity. Nature seemed to have prepared it for their reception with all that luxuriant bounty, which characterises her most favoured spots. The inclosure by which
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Imogen:APastoralRomance
ByWilliamGodwin
Imogen:APastoralRomanceBOOKTHEFIRST
CHARACTER OF THE SHEPHERDESS AND HER LOVER.—FEASTOFRUTHYN.—SONGSOFTHEBARDS.
Listen,Oman! to thevoiceofwisdom.Theworldthouinhabitestwasnotintendedforatheatreoffruition,nordestinedforasceneofrepose.Falseandtreacherous is that happiness, which has been preceded by no trial, and isconnected with no desert. It is like the gilded poison that undermines thehuman frame. It is like the hoarsemurmur of thewinds that announces thebrewingtempest.Virtue,forsuchisthedecreeoftheMostHigh,isevermoreobliged to pass through the ordeal of temptation, and the thorny paths ofadversity. If, in this day of her trial, no foul blot obscure her lustre, noirresolution and instability tarnish the clearness of her spirit, then may sherejoiceintheviewofherapproachingreward,andreceivewithanopenheartthecrownthatshallbebestoweduponher.
The extensive valley of Clwyd once boasted a considerable number ofinhabitants, distinguished for primeval innocence and pastoral simplicity.Nature seemed to have prepared it for their receptionwith all that luxuriantbounty,whichcharacteriseshermostfavouredspots.Theinclosurebywhich
itwasbounded,ofraggedrocksandsnow-toptmountains,servedbutforafoiltotherichnessandfertilityofthishappyplain.ItwasseatedinthebosomofNorthWales, thewhole face ofwhich,with this one exception,was ruggedandhilly.Asfarastheeyecouldreach,youmightseepromontoryriseabovepromontory.ThecragsofPenmaenmawrwerevisibletothenorthwest,andtheunequalled steep of Snowden terminated the prospect to the south. In itsfarthest extent the valley reached almost to the sea, and it was intersected,fromoneendtotheother,bythebeautifulandtranslucentwatersoftheriverfromwhichitreceivesitsname.
Inthisvalleyallwasrectitudeandguilelesstruth.Thehoarsedinofwarhadnever reached its happybosom; its riverhadneverbeen impurpledwith thestain of human blood. Its willows had not wept over the crimes of itsinhabitants,norhadtheironhandoftyrannytaughtcareandapprehensiontoseatthemselvesuponthebrowofitsshepherds.Theywerestrangerstoriches,andtoambition,fortheyalllivedinahappyequality.Hewastherichestmanamong them, that could boast of the greatest store of yellow apples andmellowpears.Andtheironlyobjectsofrivalshipweretheskillofthepipeandthefavourofbeauty.Frommorntoevetheytendedtheirfleecypossessions.Theirrewardwastheblazinghearth, thenut-brownbeer,andthemerrytale.Butastheysoughtonlytheenjoymentofahumblestation,andthepleasuresofsociety, their labourswereoftenrelaxed.Oftendidthesettingsunseetheyoung men and the maidens of contiguous villages, assembled round thevenerable oak, or the wide-spreading beech. The bells rung in the uplandhamlets; the rebecssoundedwith rudeharmony; theydancedwith twinklingfeetuponthelevelgreenorlistenedtothevoiceofthesong,whichwasnowgayandexhilarating,andnowsoothedthemintopleasingmelancholy.
Ofall thesonsof theplain, thebravest,and themostcomely,wasEdwin.Hisforeheadwasopenandingenuous,hishairwasauburn,andflowedabouthis shoulders inwavy ringlets. His personwas not less athletic than it wasbeautiful. With a firm hand he grasped the boar-spear, and in pursuit heoutstrippedtheflyingfawn.Hisvoicewasstrongandmelodious,andwhetheruponthepipeorinthesong,therewasnoshepherddaringenoughtoenterthelists with Edwin. But though he excelled all his competitors, in strength ofbody, and the accomplishments of skill, yet was not his mind rough andboisterous. Success had not taught him a despotic and untractable temper,applausehadnotmadehiminsolentandvain.Hewasgentleasthedove.Helistenedwith eager docility to the voice of hoarywisdom.He had always atearreadytodropover thesimplenarrativeofpastoraldistress.Victorashecontinuallywasinwrestling,intherace,andinthesong,theshoutoftriumphneverescapedhislips,theexultationofinsulthewasneverheardtoutter.Onthe contrary, withmild and unfictitious friendship, he soothed the breast of
disappointment,andcheeredthespiritsofhisadversarywithhonestpraise.
ButEdwinwasnotmoredistinguished amonghis brother shepherds, thanwasImogenamongthefair.Herskinwasclearandpellucid.Thefallofhershoulderswas graceful beyond expression.Her eye-browswere arched, andfrom her eyes shot forth the grateful rays of the rising sun. Her waist wasslender; and as she ran, she outstripped the winds, and her footsteps wereprintless on the tender herb. Her mind, though soft, was firm; and thoughyieldingaswaxtothepreceptsofwisdom,andthepersuasionofinnocence,itwasresoluteandinflexibletotheblandishmentsoffolly,andthesternnessofdespotism.Her ruling passionwas the love of virtue. Chastitywas the firstfeature in her character. It gave substance to her accents, and dignity to hergestures. Conscious innocence ennobled all her reflexions, and gave to hersentimentsandmannerofthinking,Iknownotwhatofcelestialanddivine.
Edwin and Imogenhadbeenunited in the sports of earliest infancy.Theyhad been mutual witnesses to the opening blossoms of understanding andbenevolenceineachothersbreasts.Whileyetaboy,Edwinhadoftenrescuedhismistressfromtherudevivacityofhisplaymates,andhadbestoweduponhermanyofthoselittledistinctionswhichwerecalculatedtoexcitetheflameof envy among the infant daughters of the plain. For her he gathered thevermeil-tincturedpearmain,andthewalnutwithanunsavouryrind;forherhehoardedthebrownfilberd,andthemuchprizedearth-nut.Whenshewasnear,thequoit flew fromhis armwith a strongerwhirl, andhis steps approachedmoreswiftlytothedestinedgoal.Withherhedelightedtoretirefromtheheatof thesun to thecentreof theglade,and tosoothherearwith thegaietyofinnocence, longbeforehe taughther tohearken to the languageof love.Forher sake he listened with greater eagerness to the mirthful relation, to themoralfiction,andtothesongofthebards.Hisstoreoflittlenarrativeswasinamanner inexhaustible.With them he beguiled the hour of retirement, andwiththemhehastenedthesuntosinkbehindthewesternhill.
Butashegrewtomanlystature,andthedownofyearshadbeguntoclothehis blushing cheek, he felt a new sensation in his breast hithertounexperienced. He could not now behold his favourite companion withoutemotion;hiseyesparkledwhenheapproachedher;hewatchedhergestures;hehunguponheraccents;hewasinterestedinallhermotions.Sometimeshewouldcatchtheeyeofprudentageorofsharp-sightedrivalryobservinghim,andheinstantlybecameembarrassedandconfused,andblushedheknewnotwhy.He repaired to theneighbouringwake, inorder to exchangehisyounglambs and his hoard of cheeses. Imogenwas not there, and in themidst oftraffic,andinthemidstoffrolicmerrimenthewasconscioustoavacancyandalistlessnessforwhichhecouldnotaccount.Whenhetendedhisflocks,and
playeduponhisslenderpipe,hewouldsinkinreverie,andformtohimselfathousandschemesofimaginaryhappiness.Erewhiletheyhadbeenvagueandgeneral.Hisspiritwastoogentleforhimnottorepresenttohimselfafanciedassociate;hisheartwasnotnarrowenoughtoknowsomuchasthemeaningofa solitary happiness. But Imogen now formed the principal figure in thesewakingdreams. ItwasImogenwithwhomhewanderedbeside thebrawlingrill.ItwasImogenwithwhomhesatbeneaththestraw-builtshed,andlistenedtothepealingrain,andthehollowroaringofthenorthernblast.Ifamomentofforlornnessanddespairfelltohislot,hewanderedupontheheathwithouthis Imogen, and he climbed the upright precipice without her harmoniousvoicetocheerandtoanimatehim.Inaword,passionhadtakenupherabodeinhisguilelessheartbeforehewasawareofherapproach.Imogenwasfair;andtheeyeofEdwinwasenchanted.Imogenwasgentle;andEdwinloved.
Simpleaswasthecharacteroftheinhabitantsofthishappyvalley,itisnotto be supposed that Edwin found many obstacles to the enjoyment of thesociety of hismistress.Though strait as the pine, and beautiful as the gold-skirtedcloudsofasummermorning,theparentsofImogenhadnotlearnedtomakeatrafficofthefuturehappinessoftheircare.Theysoughtnottodecidewhoshouldbe thefortunateshepherd thatshouldcarryher fromthesonsoftheplain.Theyleftthechoicetoherpenetratingwit,andhertrieddiscretion.Theyerectednoramparttodefendherchastity;theyplantednospiestowatchoverherreputation.Theyentrustedherhonourtoherownkeeping.Theywereconvinced,thatthespotlessdictatesofconsciousinnocence,andthatdivinitythatdwellsinvirtueandawestheshaggysatyrintomuteadmiration,werehersufficient defence. They left to her the direction of her conduct. Theshepherdess, unsuspicious by nature, and untaught to viewmankind with awary and a jealous eye,was a stranger to severity and caprice. Shewas allgentlenessandhumanity.Thesweetnessofhertemperledhertoregardwithaneyeofcandour,andherbenevolencetogratifyall theinnocentwishes,ofthose about her. The character of awoman undistinguishing in her favours,andwhosedarlingemploymentistoincreasethenumberofheradmirers,isinthehighestdegreeunnatural.SuchwasnotthecharacterofImogen.Shewasartless and sincere. Her tongue evermore expressed the sentiments of herheart. She drew the attention of no swain from a rival; she employed nostratagemstoinveigletheaffections;shemockednottherespectofthesimpleshepherd with delusive encouragement. No man charged her with brokenvows;nomancouldjustlyaccuseherofbeingcruelandunkind.
Itmay therefore readilybesupposed, that thesubjectof loveratherglidedintotheconversationofEdwinandImogen,thanwasregularlyanddesignedlyintroduced.Theywereunknowingintheartofdisguisingtheirfeelings.Whenthetalespokeofperilandbravery,theeyesofEdwinsparkledwithcongenial
sentiments, and hewas evermore ready to start from the grassy hilloc uponwhichtheysat.Whenthelittlenarrativetoldoftheloverspangs,andthetragiccatastrophe of two gentle hearts whom nature seemed to have formed formildness and tranquility, Imogen was melted into the softest distress. ThebreastofherEdwinwouldheavewithasympatheticsigh,andhewouldevensometimesventure,frommingledpityandapprobation,tokissawaythetearthat impearled her cheek. Intrepid and adventurouswith the hero, he beganalsototakeanewinterestinthemisfortunesoflove.Hecouldnotdescribethepassionatecomplaints,theingenuoustendernessofanother,withoutinsensiblymaking the case his own. "Had the lover knownmy Imogen, he would nolongerhavesighedforone,whocouldnothavebeensofair,sogentle,andsolovely." Such were the thoughts of Edwin; and till now Edwin had alwaysexpressedhisthoughts.Butnowthewordsfellhalf-formedfromhistremblinglips, and the sounds died away before theywere uttered. "Were I to speak,Imogen, who has always beheld me with an aspect of benignity, might beoffended.Ishouldsaynomorethanthetruth;butImogenismodest.Shedoesnotsuspectthatshepossesseshalfthesuperiorityoversuchasarecalledfair,which I see inher.Andwhocouldbear to incur the resentmentof Imogen?Whowouldirritateatempersoamiableandmild?Ishouldsaynomorethanthe truth; but Imogenwould think it flattery.LetEdwinbe chargedwith allother follies, but let that vice never find a harbour in his bosom; let theimputationofthatdetestedcrimeneverblothisuntarnishedname."
Edwinhadreceivedfromnaturethegiftofanhonestandartlesseloquence.Hiswordswere like the snow that falls beneath the beams of the sun; theymelted as they fell. Had it been his business to have pleaded the cause ofinjuredinnocenceorunmeriteddistress,hisgeneroussympathyandhismanlypersuasionmusthavewonallhearts.Hadhesolicitedthepursuitofrectitudeandhappiness,hisingenuousimportunitycouldnothavefailedofsuccess.Butwherethemindistoodeeplyinterested,thereitisthatthefacultiesaremosttreacherous. Ardent were the sighs of Edwin, but his voice refused itsassistance, andhis tongue faulteredunder the attempts that hemade.Fluentandvolubleuponallothersubjects,uponthishehesitated.Forthefirsttimehewasdissatisfiedwiththeexpressionsthatnaturedictated.Forthefirsttimehedreadedtoutterthehonestwishesofhisheart,apprehensivethathemightdoviolencetothenativedelicacyofImogen.
Butheneedednothave feared. Imogenwasnotblind to thoseperfectionswhich every mouth conspired to praise. Her heart was not cold andunimpassioned; she could not see these perfections, united with youth andpersonalbeauty,withoutbeingattracted.TheaccentsofEdwinweremusictoher ear. The tale that Edwin told, interested her twice asmuch aswhat sheheardfromvulgarlips.TowanderwithEdwinalongtheflowerymead,tosit
withEdwininthecoolalcove,hadcharmsforherforwhichsheknewnothowtoaccount, andwhich shewasat firstunwilling toacknowledge toherownheart.Whensheheardof thefeatsof thegenerous lover,hisgallantry in theruralsports,andhisreverenceforthefair,itwasundertheamiablefigureofEdwinthathecamepaintedtohertreacherousimagination.Shewasastrangertoartificeanddisguise,andtherenownofEdwinwastoher thefeastof thesoul,andwithvisiblesatisfactionshedweltuponhispraise.Eveninsleepherdreamswereofthedeservingshepherd.Thedelusivepleasuresthatfollowinthetrainofdark-browednight,alltoldofEdwin.Theunrealmockeryofthatcapricious being,who cheats uswith scenes of fictitiouswretchedness,wasfulloftheunmeritedcalamities,theheartbreakingwoe,ortheuntimelydeathofEdwin.FromEdwinthereforethelanguageoflovewouldhavecreatednodisgust.Imogenwasnotheedlessandindiscreet;shewouldnothavesacrificedthedignityofinnocence.Imogenwasnotcoy;shewouldnothavetreatedheradmirerwithaffecteddisdain.Shehadnoguardbutvirginmodestyandthatconsciousworth,thatwouldbewooed,andnotunsoughtbewon.
Such was the yet immature attachment of our two lovers, when ananniversaryofreligiousmirthsummonedthem,togetherwiththeirneighbourshepherdsoftheadjacenthamlet,tothespotwhichhadlongbeenconsecratedtoruralsportsandguiltlessfestivity,nearthevillageofRuthyn.Thesunshonewith unusual splendour; the Druidical temples, composed of immense andshapeless stones, heaped upon each other by a power stupendous andincomprehensible, reflected back his radiant beams. The glade, the place ofdestination to the frolic shepherds, was shrouded beneath two venerablegrovesthatencircleditoneitherside.Theeyecouldnotpiercebeyondthem,andtheimaginationwasinamannerembosomedinthevale.Therewerethequivering alder, the upright fir, and the venerable oak crownedwith sacredmistletoe. They grew upon a natural declivity that descended every waytowardstheplain.Thedeepgreenofthelargertreeswasfringedtowardsthebottomwith the pleasing paleness of thewillow. From one of the groves alittle rivulet glided across the plain, and was intersected on one side by astreamthatflowedintoitfromapointequallydistantfromeitherextremityofitscourse.Boththesestreamswereborderedwithwillows.Inaword,uponthefaceofthisbeautifulspotallappearedtranquilityandpeace.Itwaswithoutapath, and youwould imagine that no human footsteps had ever invaded thecalmnessofitssolitude.Itwastheeternalretreatofthevenerableanchorite;itwastheuninhabitedparadiseinthemidstofthetracklessocean.
Suchwasthespotwheretheshepherdsandshepherdessesofahundredcotswere now assembled. In the larger compartiments of the vale, the moremuscular and vigorous swains pursued the flying ball, or contended in theswift-footedrace.Thebards,venerablefortheirageandthesnowywhiteness
oftheirhair,satuponalittleeminenceasumpiresofthesports.Inthesmallercompartiments, the swains, mingled with the fair, danced along the levelgreen, or flew, with a velocity that beguiled the eager sight, beneath theextended arms of their fellows. Here a few shepherds, apart from the rest,flungtheponderousquoitthatsungalongtheair.Theretwoyouths,strongerand more athletic than the throng, grasped each others arms with an eagerhand,andstruggledforthevictory.Nowwithmanlyvigourtheoneshookthesinewyframeoftheother;nowtheybendedtogetheralmosttotheearth,andnowwith double force they reared again their gigantic stature.At one timetheyheld eachother at thegreatest possible distance; and again, their arms,theirlegsandtheirwholebodiesentwined,theyseemedasiftheyhadgrowntogether.Whentheweakeror lessskilfulwasoverthrown,he tumbled likeavastandmountainoak,thatforageshadresistedthetumultofthewinds;andthewholeplainresoundedathisfall.Suchaswereunengagedformedacircleround thewrestlers, andby their shouts and applause animatedby turns theflaggingcourageofeither.
Andnowthesunhadgainedhismeridianheight,and,fatiguedwithlabourandheat, theyseatedthemselvesuponthegrass topartakeof theirplainandrural feast. The parchedwheatwas set out in baskets, and the new cheeseswereheapedtogether.Theblushingapple,thegoldenpear,theshiningplum,andtherough-coatedchesnutwerescatteredinattractiveconfusion.Herewerethepolishedcherryandthedownypeach;andheretheeagergooseberry,andtherichandplenteousclustersofthepurplegrape.Theneighbouringfountainafforded themacool and sparklingbeverage, and the lowingherds suppliedthecopiousbowlwithwhiteandfoamingdraughtsofmilk.Themeanerbardsaccompaniedtheartlessluxuryofthefeastwiththesymphonyoftheirharps.
The repast being finished, the company now engaged in those less activesports,thatexercisethesubtilityofthewit,morethantheagilityorstrengthofthebody.Theiruntutoredmindsdelightedthemselvesintheslyenigma,andthe quaint conundrum. Much was their laughter at the wild guesses of thethoughtlessandthegiddy;andgreatthetriumphoftheswainwhopenetratedthemystery,andsuccessfullyremovedtheabstrusenessoftheproblem.Manywerethefeatsofskillexhibitedbythedextrousshepherd,andinfinitewerethewonderandadmirationofthegazingspectators.Thewholesceneindeedwascalculated to display the triumph of stratagem and invention. A thousanddeceitswerepractiseduponthesimpleandunsuspecting,andwhilehelookedroundtodiscovertheobjectofthegeneralmirth,itwasincreasedintoburstsof merriment, and convulsive gaiety. At length they rose from the verdantgreen, and chased each other in mock pursuit. Many flew towards theadjoining grove; the pursued concealed himself behind the dark andimperviousthicket,orthebroadtrunkoftheoak,whilethepursuersranthis
wayandthat,andcasttheirwaryeyesoneveryside.Carefullytheyexploredthe bushes, and surveyed each clump of tufted trees. And now theneighbouringechoesrepeatedtheuniversalshout,andproclaimedtotheplainbelow,thattheobjectoftheirsearchwasfound.Fatiguehowever,inspiteofthegaietyofspiritwithwhich their sportswerepursued,began toasserthisempire,andtheylongedforthattranquilityandreposewhichweredestinedtosucceed.
Atthisinstanttheunitedsoundoftheloftyharp,themelodiousrebec,andthe chearful pipe, summoned themonce again to theplain.Fromevery sidethey hastened to the lawn, and surrounded, with ardent eyes, and pantingexpectation,thehonouredtroopofthebards,crownedwithlaurelandsacredmistletoe.Andnowtheyseatedthemselvesuponthetenderherb;andnowallwasstilnessandsolemnsilence.Notonewhisperfloatedonthebreeze;notamurmurwas heard. The tumultuouswindswere hushed, and all was placidcomposure,savewhere thegentlezephyrfannedthe leaves.The tinklingrillbabbled at their feet; the feathered choristerswarbled in the grove; and thedeeplowingsofthedistantherdsdiedawayupontheear.Thesolemnpreludebeganfromafullconcertofthevariousinstruments.Itawakenedattentioninthe thoughtless, and composed the frolic and the gay into unbrokenheedfulness. The air was oppressed with symphonious sounds, and the earfilledwithatumultofharmony.
On a sudden the chorus ceased:Those instrumentswhichhadunited theirforcetofilltheechoesofeverygrove,andofeveryhill,weresilent.Andnowa bard, of youthful appearance, but who was treated with every mark ofhonouranddistinction,andseatedonthelefthandofthehoaryLlewelyn,theprinceofsong,struckthelyrewithaloftyanddaringhand.Hiseyesparkledwith poetic rapture, and his countenance beamedwith the sublime smile ofluxuriantfancyandheaven-borninspiration.Hesungofthewantonshepherd,thatfollowed,withungenerousperseverance,thechasteandvirgindaughterofCadwallo. The Gods took pity upon her distress, the Gods sent down theirswift and winged messenger to shield her virtue, and deliver her from thepersecution of Modred. With strong and eager steps the ravisher pursued:timidapprehension,andunviolatedhonour,urgedherrapidflight.ButModredwas in the pride of youth;muscular and sinewywas the frame ofModred.Beauteousandsnowywas thepersonof the fair:her formwasdelicate,andherlimbsweretender.Ifheavenhadnotinterposed,iftheGodshadnotbeenonherside,shemusthavefallenavictimtosavagefuryandbrutallust.But,inthecrisisofherfate,shegraduallysunkawaybeforetheastonishedeyesofModred.Thatbeauteousframewasnownomore,andshestartedfrombeforehim, swifter than thewinds, a timid and listeninghare.Still, still thehunterpursued; he suspended not the velocity of his course.The speed ofModred
was like the roe upon the mountains; every moment he gained upon thedaughter of Cadwallo. But now the object of his pursuit vanished from hissight, and eluded his eager search. In vain he explored every thicket, andsurveyedallthepathsoftheforest.Whilehewasthusemployed,onasuddenthere burst from a cave a hungry and savage wolf; it was the daughter ofCadwallo.Modredstartedwithhorror,andinhisturnfledawayswifterthanthewinds.Thefierceandravenousanimalpursued;fireflashedfromtheeye,and rage and fury sat upon the crest.Mild and gentle was the daughter ofCadwallo;herheartrelented;hersoftandtenderspiritbeliedthesavageform.TheyapproachedthefarfamedstreamofConway.Modredcastbehindhimatimidanduncertaineye;thevirginpassedalong,nolongerterrible,afairandmilkwhitehind.Modredinflamedwithdisappointment,rearedhisponderousboar spear, and hurled it from his hand. Too well, ah, cruel and untutoredswain!thoulevelestthyaim.Hertendersideisgored;herspotlessandsnowycoatisdeformedwithblood.Agitatedwithpain,superiortofear,sheplungesintheflood.Whenlo!awonder;ontheoppositeshoresherises,radiantandunhurt, in her native form. Modred contemplates the prodigy withastonishment;hislustandhisbrutalityinflamehimmorethanever.Eagerlyhegazes on her charms; in thought he devours her inexpressive beauties. Andnowhecannolongerrestrainhimself;withsuddenstartheleapsintotheriver.Thewavesarewroughtintoasuddentempest;theyhurryhimtoandfro.Hebuffets themwith lusty arms; he rides upon the billows.But vain is humanstrength; theunseenmessengerof theGods laughsat the impotenteffortsofModred.Atlengththewatersgapewithafrightfulvoid;thebottom,strewedwithshells,andovergrownwithsea-weed, isdisclosed to thesight.Modred,unhappyModred,sinkstorisenomore.Hisbeautyistarnishedliketheflowerofthefield;hisbloomingcheek,hiscrimsonlip,ispaleandcolourless.Learnhence, ye swains, to fear theGods, and to reverence the divinity of virtue.Modred never melted for another's woe; the tear of sympathy had notmoistened his cheek. The heart of Modred was haughty, insolent anduntractable;heturnedadeafeartothesupplicationofthehelpless,helistenednot to the thunderof theGods.Let thefateofModredberememberedforacautiontotheprecipitate;letthechildrenofthevalleylearnwisdom.Heavennever deserts the cause of virtue; chastity wherever she wanders (be it notdoneinprideorinpresumption)issacredandinvulnerable.
Suchwasthesongoftheyouthfulbard.Everyeyewasfixeduponhisvisagewhilehestruck the lyre; themultitudeof theshepherdsappeared tohavenofaculty but the ear. And now the murmur of applause began; and thewonderingswainsseemedtoaskeachother,whethertheGodofsongwerenotdescended among them. "Oh glorious youth," cried they, "how early is thyexcellence!Eremanhoodhasgivennerveandvigourtothylimbs,ereyettheflowingbeardadornsthygallantbreast,naturehasunlockedtotheeherhidden
treasures,theGodshaveenrichedtheewithallthecharmsofpoetry.Greatartthouamongthebards;illustriousinwisdom,wheretheyallarewise.Shouldgraciousheavenspare thy life,wewillcease toweep thedeathofHoel;wewilllamentnolongerthegrowinginfirmitiesofLlewelyn."
While they yet spoke, a bard, who sat upon the right hand of the prince,prepared to sweep the string.Hewas in theprimeofmanhood.His shininglocks flowed in rich abundance upon his strong and graceful shoulders.Hiseye expressed more of flame than gaiety, more of enthusiasm thanimagination.Hisbrow,thoughmanly,and,asitshouldseem,bynatureerect,bore an appearance of solemn and contemplative. He had ever beendistinguished by an attachment to solitude, and a love for those grand andtremendousobjectsofuncultivatednaturewithwhichhiscountryabounded.Hiswerethehangingprecipice,andthefoamingcataract.Hiseardrankinthevoiceofthetempest;hewasraptinattentiontotheroaringthunder.Whenthecontentionoftheelementsseemedtothreatenthedestructionoftheuniverse,whenSnowdonbowedtoitsdeepestbase,itwasthenthathismindwasmostfilledwith sublimemeditation.His lofty soul soared above the littlewar ofterrestrialobjects, and rodeexpandedupon thewingsof thewinds.Yetwasthebardfullofgentlenessandsensibility;nobreastwasmoresusceptible tothe emotionsofpity, no tonguewasbetter skilled in the soft andpassionatetouches of the melting and pathetic. He possessed a key to unlock all theavenuesoftheheart.
Suchwasthebard,andthiswasthesubjectofhissong.Hetoldofadreadfulfamine, that laid waste the shores of theMenai. Heaven, not to punish theshepherds, for, alas, what had these innocent shepherds done? but in themysterious wisdom of its ways, had denied the refreshing shower, and thesoft-descendingdew.Fromthe topofPenmaenmawr,asfaras theeyecouldreach, all was uniform and waste. The trees were leafless, not one floweradornedtheground,notonetuftofverdureappearedtorelievethewearyeye.Thebrooksweredriedup;theirbedsonlyremainedtotellthemelancholytale,Hereoncewaswater;thetenderlambshastenedtotheaccustomedbrink,andlifteduptheirinnocenteyeswithanguishanddisappointment.Themeadowsnolongeraffordedpastureofthecattle;thetreesdeniedtheirfruitstoman.Inthis hour of calamity the Druids came forth from their secret cells, andassembledupon theheightsofMona.Thisconventionof theservantsof theGods,thoughintendedtorelievethegeneraldistress,foramomentincreasedit.Theshepherdsanticipatedthefataldecree;theyknewthatattimeslikethisthe blood of a human victimwas accustomed to be shed upon the altars ofheaven.Everyswaintrembledforhimselforhisfriend;everyparentfearedtobebereavedofthestaffofhisage.Andnowtheholypriesthadcastthelotsinthe mysterious urn; and the lot fell upon the generous Arthur. Arthur was
belovedbyalltheshepherdsthatdweltuponthemarginofthemain;thepraiseofArthursatuponthelipsofallthatknewhim.Butwhatservedprincipallytoenhance the distress,was the attachment there existed between him and thebeauteousEvelina.Mildwas the breast ofEvelina, unused to encounter theharshness of opposition, or the chilly hand and forbidding countenance ofadversity.FromtwentyshepherdsshehadchosenthegallantArthur,torewardhispure andconstant love.Longhad theybeendecreed tomakeeachotherhappy. No parent opposed himself to their virtuous desires; the blessing ofheaven awaited them from the hand of the sacredDruid.But in the generalcalamity of their country they had no heart to rejoice; they could not insultover the misery of all around them. "Soon, oh soon," cried the impatientshepherd,"maythewrathofheavenbeoverpast!Extend,all-mercifuldivinity,thybenign influence to theshoresofArvon!Oncemoremay the rustlingoftheshower refreshour longingears!Oncemoremayoureyesbegladdenedwiththepearly,orientdew!Maythefieldsbeclothedafreshincheerfulgreen!Maytheflowersenameltheverdantmead!Maythebrooksagainbrawlalongtheirpebblybed!Andmaymanandbeastrejoicetogether!"Ah,short-sighted,unapprehensiveshepherd!thoudostnotknowthemisfortunethatisreservedforthyself;thoudostnotknow,thatthoushaltnotlivetobeholdthosesmilingscenes which thy imagination forestallest; thou dost not see the dart ofimmatureandrelentlessdeaththatissuspendedoverthee.Think,Oyeswains,whatwas the universal astonishment and pity, when the awful voice of theDruid proclaimed the decree of heaven! Terror sat upon every othercountenance, tears started into every other eye; but themien ofArthurwasplacidandserene.Hecameforwardfromthethrong;hiseyesglistenedwiththe fire of patriotism. "Hear me, my countrymen," cried he, "for you I amwilling to die. What is my insignificant life, when weighed against thehappinessofArvon?BegratefultotheGods,that,forsopooraboon,theyarewillingtospreadwidethehandofbounty,andtoexhaustuponyourfavouredheadsthehornofplenty."Whilehespokeheturnedhisheadtothespotfromwhich he had advanced, and beheld, a melting object, Evelina, pale andbreathless,supportedinthearmsofthemaidens.Foramomentheforgothiselevatedsentimentsandhisheroism,andflewtoraiseher."Evelina,mistressofmyheart,awake.LiftupthineeyesandblessthyArthur.Benottoomuchsubduedbymycatastrophe.Livetocomfortthegreyhairs,andtosuccourtheinfirmitiesofyouragedparent."WhilethebreastofArthurwasanimatedwithsuchsentiments,anddictatedaconductlikethis,thepriestswereemployedinthe mournful preparations. The altar was made ready; the lambent fireascendedfromitssurface;theairwasperfumedwiththesmokeoftheincense;thefilletswerebroughtforth;andthesacredknifeglitteredinthehandofthechiefof theDruids.Thebardshadstrungtheirharps,andbegan thesongofdeath. The sounds were lofty and animating, they were fitted to inspire
gallantryandenterpriseintothetremblingcoward;theywerefittedtobreathea soul into the clay-cold corse. The spirit of Arthur was roused; his eyegleamedwithimmortalfire.Theagedoak,thatstrikesitsrootbeneaththesoil,sodefiestheblast,andsorearsitsheadinthemidstofthewhirlwind.Butoh,who can paint the distress of Evelina?Now she dropped her head, like thetender lilywhose stalk, by somevulgar and careless handhas beenbroken;and now she was wild and ungovernable, like the wild beast that has beenrobbedof itsyoung.Foran instant thevenerablenameof religionawedherintomutesubmission.Butwhenthefatalmomentapproached,nottheGods,iftheGodshaddescended inall their radiantbrightness,couldhaverestrainedherany longer.Theairwas rentwithherpiercingcries.Shespokenot.Hereyes,insilenceturnedtowardsheaven,distilledaplenteousshower.Atlength,swifterthanthewingedhawk,sheflewtowardsthespot,andseizedthesacredand inviolablearmof theholyDruid,whichwas liftedup tostrike the finalblow."Barbarousandinhumanpriest,"shecried,"ceaseyourvileandimpiousmummery!NolongerinsultuswiththenameofGods.IftherebeGods,theyaremerciful;butthouartasavageandunrelentingmonster.Orifsomevictimmust expire, strike here, and I will thank thee. Strike, andmy bosom shallheavetomeetthewelcomeblow.Doanything.Butoh,sparemethekilling,killingspectacle!"Duringthisactionthemaidensapproachedandhurriedherfromtheplain."Go,"criedArthur,"andletnottheheartofEvelinabesad.MyDeath has nothing in it that deserves to be deplored. It is glorious andenviable.Itshallberememberedwhenthisframeiscrumbledintodust.Thesongofthebardsshallpreserveittoneverdyingfame."Theinconsolablefaironehadnowbeenforcedaway.Theintrepidshepherdbaredhisbreasttothesacredknife.Hisnervestremblednot.Hisbosompantednot.Andnowbeholdthe lovelyyouth,worthy tohave lived through revolvingyears, sunkon theground,andwelteringinhisblood.Yes,gallantArthur,thoushaltpossessthatimmortalitywhichwasthefirstwishofthyheart!Mysongshallembalmthypreciousmemory,thygenerous,spotlessfame!But,ah,itisnotinthesongofthebardstosooththerootedsorrowofEvelina.Everymorningservesonlytorenewit.Everynightshebatheshercouchintears.Thoseobjects,whichcarrypleasuretothesenseofeveryotherfair,serveonlytorenewthyunexhaustedgrief. The rustling shower, the pearly dew, the brawling brook, the cheerfulgreen,theflower-enameledmead,alljointotellofthebarbarousanduntimelyfateofArthur.Smilenomore,Oyemeads;mocknotthegriefofEvelina.Letthetreesagainbeleafless;lettheriversflownolongerintheiremptybeds.AscenelikethissuitsbestthesettledtemperofEvelina.
He ceased. And his pathetic strain had awakened the sympathy of theuniversalthrong.Everyshepherdhunghismournfulhead,whentheuntimelyfate of Arthur was related; every maiden dropped a generous tear over thesorrowsofEvelina.Theylistenedtothesong,andforgotthepoet.Theirsouls
wereraptwithalternatepassions,andtheyperceivednotthematchlessskillbywhichtheywereexcited.Theloftybardhurriedthemalongwiththerapidityofhisconceptions,andleftthemnotimeforhesitation,andleftthemnotimeforreflection.Heceased,andthemelodioussoundsstillhungupontheirear,and theystillsat in thepostureofeagerattention.At length theyrecollectedthemselves;anditwasnolongerthelowandincreasingmurmurofapplause:it was the exclamation of rapture; it was the unpremeditated shout ofastonishment.
In themean time, the reverendLlewelyn, uponwhose sacred head ninetywinters had scattered their snow, grasped the lyre, which had so oftenconfessed themaster'shand.Thoughfaradvancedin thevaleofyears, therewasastrengthandvigourinhisage,ofwhichthedegeneracyofmoderntimescanhavelittleconception.Thefirewasnotextinguishedinhisflamingeye;ithadonlyattainedthatdegreeofchastenessandsolemnity,whichhadinitbysomuchthemore,allthatismajestic,andallthatiscelestial.Hislooksheldcommercewith his native skies.No vulgar passion ever visited his heaven-bornmind. No vulgar emotion ever deformed the godlike tranquility of hissoul.Hehadbutonepassion; itwastheloveofharmony.Hewasconsciousonlytooneemotion;itwasreverencefortheimmortalGods.HesatliketheanchoriteuponthesummitofSnowdon.Thetempestsraisethefoamingoceanintoone sceneofhorror,buthebeholds itunmoved.The rainsdescend, thethunderroars,andthelightningsplaybeneathhisfeet.
Llewelynstruckthelyre,andtheinnumerablecroudwasnoiselessandsilentas the chambers of death. They did not nowwait for the pleasing tale of aluxuriantimagination,orthepatheticandmeltingstrainofthemourner.Theycomposedtheirspiritsintotheserenityofdevotion.Theycalledtogethertheirinnocent thoughts for the worship of heaven. By anticipation their bosomsswelledwithgratitude,andtheirheartsdilatedintopraise.
ThepiousLlewelynbeganhissongfromtherudeandshapelesschaos.Hemagnifiedthealmightywordthatspokeitintoform.Hesungofthelooseandfennysoilwhichgraduallyacquiredfirmnessanddensity.Theimmeasurable,eternalcavernsoftheoceanwerescooped.Thewatersrushedalong,andfellwithresounding,foamyviolencetothedepthbelow.Thesunshoneforthfromhis chamber in the east, and the earth wondered at the object, and smiledbeneathhisbeams.Suddenlythewholefaceofitwasadornedwithaverdant,undulating robe. The purple violet and the yellow crocus bestrewed theground.Thestatelyoakreareditsbranchyhead,andthetreesandshrubsburstfrom the surface of the earth. Impregnated by power divine, the soil wasprolific inother fruits than these.Theclods appeared tobe informedwith aconscious spirit, and gradually assumed a thousand various forms. The
animated earth seemed to paw the verdantmead, and to despise themouldfromwhichitcame.Adisdainfulhorse,itshookitsflowingmane,andsnuffedtheenliveningbreeze,andstretchedalongtheplain.Thered-eyedwolfandtheunwieldyoxburstlikethemoletheconcealingcontinent,andthrewtheearthinhillocs.Thestaguprearedhisbranchinghead.Thethinlyscatteredanimalswandered among the unfrequented hills, and cropped the untasted herb.Meantime the birds, with many coloured plumage, skimmed along theunploughedair,andtaughtthesilentwoodsandhillstoechowiththeirsong.
Creatures,hymnthepraisesofyourcreator!Thousun,prolificparentofathousand various productions, by whose genial heat they are nurtured, andwhoseradiantbeamsgivechearfulnessandbeautytothefaceofnature,firstofall theexistencesof thismaterialuniverseacknowledgehim thysuperior,andwhilethoudispensestathousandbenefitstotheinferiorcreation,ascribethine excellencies solely to the great source of beauty and perfection! Andwhen the sun has ceased hiswondrous course, do thou,Omoon, inmilderlustre show topeopleof a thousandnames thehonoursof thymaker!Thouloudandwinterynorthwind,inmajesticandtremendoustonedeclarehisloftypraise!Yegentlezephyrs,whisperthemtothemodest,andsoftlybreathethemin the ears of the lowly!Ye toweringpines, andhumble shrubs, ye fragrantflowers,and,more thanall,yebroadandstatelyoaks,bindyourheads,andwave your branches, and adore! Ye warbling fountains, warbling tune hispraise!Praisehim,yebeasts,indifferentstrains!Andletthebirds,thatsoaronloftywings, and scale thepathof heaven, bear, in their variousmelody, thenotesofadorationtotheskies!Mortals,yefavouredsonsoftheeternalfather,be it yours in articulate expressions of gratitude to interpret for the mutecreation,andtospeakasublimerandmorerationalhomage.
Heardyenotthemusicofthespheres?Knowyenotthemelodyofcelestialvoices?Onyonder silver-skirtedcloud I see themcome. It turns itsbrilliantliningonthesettingday.Andthesearetheaccentsoftheirworship."Yesonsofwomen,suchasyearenow,suchoncewerewe.Throughmanyscenesoftrial,throughheroicconstancy,andever-duringpatience,haveweattainedtothisbrighteminence.Largeandmysteriousare thepathsofheaven, justandimmaculate hisways. If ye listen to the siren voice of pleasure, if upon theneck of heedless youth you throw the reins, that base and earth-born claywhichnowyouwear, shall assumedespotic empire.Andwhenyouquit thepresentnarrowscene,yeshallwearaformcongenialtoyourvices.Thefierceandlawlessshallassumethefigureoftheunrelentingwolf.Theunreflectingtyrant, thatraisedamistakenfamefromscenesofdevastationandwar,shallspurntheground,ahaughtyandindignanthorse;andinthatform,shalllearn,by dear experience, what were the sufferings and what the scourge that heinflictedonmankind.Thesensualshallweartheshaggyvestureofthegoat,or
foamandwhethishorridtusks,awildanduntame'dboar.Butvirtuepreparesits possessor for the skies.Upon the upright and the good, attendant angelswait.Withheavenlyspirits theyconverse.Onthemthedarkmachinationsofwitchcraft,andthesullenspiritsofdarknesshavenopower.Eventheoutwardformisimpressedwithabeamofcelestiallustre.Byslow,butneverceasingsteps, they tread the path of immortality and honour. Then, mortals, love,support, and cherish each other. Fear the Gods, and reverence their holy,white-robedservants.Let thesacredoakbeyourcare.Worship theholyandeverlastingmistletoe.Andwhenall theobjectsthatyounowbeholdshallbeinvolved inuniversalconflagration,and timeshallbenomore;yeshallmixwith Gods, ye shall partake their thrones, and be crowned like them withnever-fadinglaurel."
BOOKTHESECOND
THUNDERSTORM.—THERAPEOFIMOGEN.—EDWINARRIVESATTHE GROTTO OF ELWY.—CHARACTER OF THE MAGICIAN.—THEENDOFTHEFIRSTDAY.
ThesongofLlewelynwasheardbytheshepherdswithreverenceandmuteattention.Theirblamelessheartswereliftedtotheskieswiththesentimentofgratitude;theirhonestbosomsoverflowedwiththefervourofdevotion.Theyprovedtheirsympathywiththefeelingsof thebard,notbylicentiousshoutsandwild huzzas, but by the composure of their spirits, the serenity of theircountenances, and the deep and unutterable silence which universallyprevailed.Andnowthehoaryminstrelrosefromthelittleeminence,beneaththeagedoak,fromwhosebranchesdependedtheivyandthehoneysuckle,onwhichthevenerationofthemultitudehadplacedhim.Hecameintothemidstof the plain, and the sons and the daughters of the fertile Clwyd pressedaroundhim.Ferventlytheykissedthehemofhisgarment;eagerlywiththeireyes they sought to encounter the benign rays of his countenance.With thedignityofamagistrate,andthetendernessofafather,heliftedhisagedarms,and poured upon them his mild benediction. "Children, I have met yourfathers, and your fathers fathers, beneath the hills of Ruthyn. Such as theywere,suchareye,andsuchevermayyeremain.Thelilyisnotmorespotless,theroseandthevioletdonotboastamorefragrantodour,thantheincenseofyour prayers when it ascends to the footstool of the Gods. Guileless andundesigningareyouastheyearlinglamb;gentleandaffectionateasthecooingdove.QualitieslikethesetheGodsbeholdwithapprobation;toqualitieslike
these theGodsassign theirchoicestblessings.Mysons, there isasplendourthat dazzles, rather than enlightens; there is a heat that burns rather thanfructifies. Let not characters like these excite your ambition. Be yours theunfrequented sylvan scene. Be yours the shadowy and unnoticed vale ofobscurity.Here are themild andunruffled affections.Here arevirtue, peaceandhappiness.HerealsoareGODS."
Havingthussaid,hedismissedtheassembly,andtheshepherdspreparedtoreturntotheirrespectivehomes.EdwinandImogen,astheyhadcome,sotheyreturned together.Theparentsof themaidenhadconfidedher to thecareofthe gallant shepherds. "She is our only child," said they, "our only treasure,andourlifeiswraptupinhersafety.Watchoverherlikeherguardiangenius.Bringheragain toourarmsadornedwith thecheerfulnessof tranquilityandinnocence."ThebreastofEdwinwasdilatedwiththecharge;hefeltagentleundulationof pride and conscious importance about his heart, at thehonourconferreduponhim.
Thesettingsunnowgilded thewesternhills.Hisbeamsplayedupon theirsummits,andwerereflectedinanirregularsemi-circleofsplendour,spotlessand radiant as the robes of the fairies. The heat of the day was over, theatmosphere was mild, and all the objects round them quiet and serene. Agentle zephyr fanned the leaves; and the shadowsof the trees, projecting totheirutmostlength,gaveanadditionalcoolnessandasoberertinttothefieldsthroughwhichtheypassed.
Theconversationof these innocentandguileless loverswas,as itwere, inunisonwiththeplacidnessoftheevening.Thesports,inwhichtheyhadbeenengaged, had inspired themwith gaiety, and the songs they had heard, hadraisedtheirthoughtstoasublimerpitchthanwasusualtothem.Theypraisedthemiracles of the tale ofModred; they sympathised with the affliction ofEvelina;and theyspokewith themostunfeignedreverenceof thepiousandvenerableLlewelyn.
But the harmless chearfulness of their conversation did not last long.Theserenity thatwas around themwas soon interrupted, and their attentionwasdivertedtoexternalobjects.Suddenlyyoumighthaveperceivedacloud,smallanddark, that rose from thebosomof the sea.By swift advances itbecamethickerandbroader,tillthewholeheavenswereenvelopedinitsdismalshade.Thegentlezephyr,thatanonplayedamongthetrees,waschangedintoawindhollowandtumultuous.Itscoursewasirregular.Nowallwasstillandsilentasthecavernsofdeath;andagainitburstforthinmomentaryblasts,orwhirledthestrawsandfallenleavesincirclingeddies.Thelightofdaywasshroudedand invisible. The slow and sober progress of eveningwas forestalled. Thewoods and the hills were embosomed in darkness. Their summits were no
longergilded.Onebyone thebeamsof the sunwerewithdrawn fromeach;andatlengthSnowdonitselfcouldnotbeperceived.
Ourshepherdandhischargehadatthismomentreachedthemostextensiveandunprotectedpartoftheplain.Nofriendlycotwasneartoshieldthemfromthe coming storm.And now a solemn peal of thunder seemed to roll alongovertheirheads.Theyhadbeguntofly,butthetenderImogenwasterrifiedattheunexpectedcrash,andsunk,almostbreathless,intothearmsofEdwin.Inthemean time, the lightnings seemed to fill the heavens with their shiningflame.Theclapsofthundergrewlouderandmorefrequent.Theyreverberatedfromrocktorock,andfromhilltohill.Ifatanytime,foratransitoryinterval,the tremendousechoesdiedawayupontheear, itwasfilledwith thehollowroaring of the winds, and the boisterous dashing of the distant waves. Atlength the pealing rain descended. It seemed as if all the waters of heavenwereexhaustedupontheirnakedheads.TheanxiousandafflictedEdwintookhisbeauteousandinsensiblecompanioninhisarms,andflewacrosstheplain.
Butatthisinstant,amoreextraordinaryandterrifyingobjectengrossedhisattention.Anoak, themonarchoftheplain, towardswhichhebenthisrapidcourse,wassuddenlystruckwiththeboltofheaven,andblastedinhissight.Its large and spreading branches were withered; its leaves shrunk up andfaded. In thevery trunkagapingand tremendousriftappeared.At thesamemomenttwohugeandcraggycliffsburstfromthesurroundingrocks,towhichtheyhadgrown forages, and tumblingwithahideousnoise, trundledalongtheplain.
Atlengthathirdspectacle,morehorriblethantherest,presenteditselftotheaffrightedeyesofEdwin.Hesawafigure,largerthanthehuman,thatwalkedamongtheclouds,andpilotedthestorm.Itsappearancewasdreadful,anditsshape,looseandundistinguishable,seemedtobeblendedwiththeencirclingdarkness. From its coutenance gleamed a barbarous smile, ten times moreterrific than the frown of any other being. Triumph, inhuman triumph,glistened in its eye, and,with relentless delight, it brewed the tempest, andhurledthedestructivelightning.Edwingazeduponthisastonishingapparition,andknew it for a goblin of darkness.Theheart ofEdwin,whichnohumanterrorcouldappal,sunkwithinhim;hisnervestrembled,andtheobjectsthatsurroundedhim,swaminconfusionbeforehiseyes.Butitisnotforvirtuetotremble; it is not for conscious innocence to fear the power of elves andgoblins.Edwinpresentlyrecollectedhimself,andagloomykindoftranquilityassumed the empire of his heart. He was more watchful than ever for hisbelovedImogen;hegazedwiththreefoldearnestnessuponthefearfulspectre.
A soundnow invadedhis ear, from the shapeless rocks behind him.Theyrepeateditwithall theirechoes.Itwashollowastheragingwind;andyetit
wasnottheragingwind.Itwasloudastheroaringthunder;andyetitwasnotthevoiceofthunder.Buthedidnotremainlonginsuspense,fromwhencethevoiceproceeded.Awolf,whomhungerhadmadesuperiortofear,leapedfromthe rock, upon the plain below. Edwin turned his eyes upon the horridmonster;hegraspedhisboarspearinhishand.TheunconsciousImogenglidedfromhisarms,andheadvancedbeforeher.Hemetthesavageinhisfury,andplungedhisweaponinhisside.Heoverturnedthemonster;hedrewforthhislancereekingwithhisblood;hisenemylayconvulsedintheagoniesofdeath.Buterehecouldreturn,heheard thesoundofacar rattlingalong theplain.The reinswereof silk,and thechariot shonewithburnishedgold.Upon thetop of it sat a man, tall, lusty, and youthful. His hair flowed about hisshoulders, his eyes sparkled with untamed fierceness, and his brow wasmarkedwiththehaughtyinsolenceofpride.ItwasRoderic,lordofahundredhills;butEdwinknewhimnot.Thegoblindescendedfromitseminence,anddirected the course of Roderic. In a moment, he seized the breathless andinsensibleImogen,andliftedhertohiscar.Edwinbeheldthescenewithgriefand astonishment; his senseswere in amanner overwhelmedwith somanysuccessive prodigies. But he did not long remain inactive; grief andastonishmentsoongavewaytorevenge.Hetookhisjavelin,stillredwiththebloodofthemountainwolf,andwhirleditfromhishand.Edwinwasskilledto toss the dart; from his hand it flew unerring to its aim. Forceful it sungalong theair;but thegoblinadvancedwithhasty stepsamong theclouds. Ittouched it with its hand, and it fell harmless and pointless to the ground.During this action the car of Roderic disappeared. The goblin immediatelyvanished;andEdwinwasleftinsolitude.
The storm however had not yet ceased. The rain descended with all itsformer fury. The thunder roared with a strong and deafening sound. Thelightningsflamedfrompoletopole.Butthelightningsflamed,andthethunderroared unregarded. The storm beat in vain upon the unsheltered head ofEdwin. "Where," cried he, with the voice of anguish and despair, "is myImogen, my mistress, my wife, the charmer of my soul, the solace of myheart?"Sayingthis,hesprungawayliketheroeuponthemountains.Hispacewasswifterthanthatofthezephyrwhenitsweepsalongovertheunbendingcorn.Hesoonreachedtheavenuebywhichthechariothaddisappearedfromhissight.Heleapedfromrocktorock;heascendedtothesummitofthecliff.His eye glanced the swift-flying car ofRoderic; he knewhimby his gildedcarriage,andhisspangledvest.Buthesawhimonlyforamoment.Hisachingeyepursuedthetriumphantflightinvain."Stay,stay,baseravisher,ingloriouscoward!" he exclaimed. "If thou art a man, return and meet me. I willencountertheehandtohand.Iwillnotfearthestrengthofthyshoulders,andthehaughtinessofthycrest.Ifinsuchacause,withtheprideofvirtueonmyside,withalltheGodstocombatforme,Iamyetvanquished,thenbeImogen
thine: then letherbe submitted to thydespoticpower, to thybrutaloutrage,andIwillnotmurmur."
Buthiswordsweregiventothewindsofheaven.Rodericfledfar,faraway.TheheartofEdwinwaswrungwith anguish. "YekindandmercifulGods!"exclaimedhe,"grantbutthisoneprayer,andthevoiceofEdwinshallnomoreimportune you with presumptuous vows. Blot from the book of fate thetediousinterval.Givemetofindthepotentvillain.Thoughhebehemmedinwithguardsbehindguards;thoughhisimpiousmansionstrikeitsfoundationsdeeptothecentre,andrearitsheadabovetheclouds;thoughallthepowersofhellcombineonhisside,Iwillsearchhimout,Iwillpenetrateintohismosthiddenrecess.Icanbutdie.Oh,ifIamtobedeprivedofImogen,howsweet,howsolacingisthethoughtofdeath!Letmedieinhercause.Thatweresomecomfortyet.Letmedieinherpresence,lethereyeswitnessthefervourofmyattachment,andIwilldiewithoutagroan."
Havingthuspouredforththeanguishofhisbosom,heresumedthepursuit.ButhowcouldEdwin,alone,onfoot,andweariedwiththejourneyoftheday,hope to overtake the winged steeds of Roderic? And indeed had his speedbeen tenfold greater than it was, it had been exerted to no purpose. As theravisher arrived at the edge of the mountain, he struck into a narrow anddeviouspath that leddirectly tohismansion.ButEdwin,whohad for sometimelostsightofthechariot,tooknonoticeofaway,coveredwithmossandovergrown with bushes; and pursued the more beaten road. Swift was hiscourse;buttheswifterheflew,thefartherstillhewanderedfromtheobjectofhissearch.Arapidbrookflowedacrosshispath,whichthedescendingrainshadswelledintoariver.Withoutamoment'shesitation,accouteredashewas,he plunged in. Instantly he gained the opposite bank, and divided the airbeforehim,likeanarrowinitsflight.
In themean time, the storm had ceased, the darkness was dispersed, andonlya fewthinandfleecycloudswerescatteredover theblueexpanse.Thesunhadforsometimesunkbeneaththewesternhills.Theheavens,clearandserene, had assumed a deeper tint, and were spangled over with stars. Themoon, incalmandsilver lustre, lentherfriendlylight to thewearytraveller.Edwinwasfatiguedandfaint.Hetriedtogiveventtohiscomplaints;buthistonguecleavedtotheroofofhismouth:hisspiritssunkwithinhim.Nosoundnow reached his ears but the baying of the shepherds dogs, and thedrowsytinklings of the distant folds. The owl, the solemn bird of night, sat buriedamongthebranchesoftheagedoak,andwithhermelancholyhootingsgaveanadditionalserenitytothescene.Atasmalldistance,onhisrighthand,heperceivedacontiguousobjectthatreflectedtheraysofthemoon,throughthewillowsandthehazels,andchequeredtheviewwithaclearandsettledlustre.
Heapproachedit.ItwasthelakeofElwy;andnearithediscoveredthathugepileofstones,sowellknowntohim,whichhadbeenrearedagessince,bytheholyDruids.ItwasuponthisspotthattheyworshippedtheGods.Buttheyhadnohabitationnearit.TheyrepairedthitheratstatedintervalsfromthewoodsofMona,andtheshoresofArvon.OneonlyDruidlivedbythebanksofthesilverflood,andwatchedthetempledayandnight,thatnorudehandmightdoviolencetothesanctityoftheplace,andnoprofanermortal,withsacrilegiousfootmightenterthemysteriousedifice.Itwassurroundedwithawallofoaks.Thehumblershrubsfilleduptheirinterstices,andtherewasnoavenuetothesacredshade,exceptbytwonarrowpathsoneithersidethelake.
ThesolemnstilnessofthesceneforamomenthushedthesorrowsofEdwinintooblivion.Ah,shortoblivion!scarcelyhadhegazedaroundhim,anddrankofthequietnessandpeaceofthescene,erethoserecentsorrowsimpressedhisbosomwithmoreanguishthanbefore.Recollectinghimselfhowever,hetrodthemeadwithnimblefeet,andapproached,tremblingandwithhesitation,totheeasternavenue."Hearme,sageandgenerousMadoc,"criedtheshepherd,withavoicethatglidedalongthepeacefullake,"hearthesorrowsofthemostforlornofallthesonsofClwyd!"Thehermit,whosatatthedoorofhisgrotto,perceived the sound, and approached to the place fromwhich it proceeded.Theaccentwasgentle;andhefearednoboisterousintrusion.Theaccentwastender and pathetic; and never was the breast ofMadoc steeled against thevoiceof anguish. "Approach,my son,"he cried. "Whatdisastrous eventhasbroughttheehither,sofarfromthypeacefulhome,andatthisstillandsilenthourofnight?Hasanylambwanderedfromthyfold,andartthoucomehitherinpursuitof it?"Edwinwassilent.Hisheartseemedfullalmost tobursting,andhecouldnotutteraword."Hastthouwanderedfromthycompanionsandmissedthepaththatledtothewell-knownhamlet?""Alas,"saidEdwin,"Ihadacompaniononce!"andhelifteduphiseyestoheaveninspeechlessdespair."Has thymistress deserted thee, or have her parents bestowed her on somehappier swain?""Yes," saidEdwin, "Ihave losther,whowasdear tomeasthe ruddy drops that visit my sad heart. But she was constant. Her parentsapprovedofmypassion,andconsignedhertomyarms.""Hassicknessthenovertakenher,orhasuntimelydeathputaperiodtothyprospects,justastheybegan to bloom?" "Oh, no," said the disconsolate shepherd, "I haveencountered adisastermore comfortless andwasteful than sickness. I had athousand times rather have received her last sigh, and closed her eyes indarkness!"
Duringthisconversation,theyadvancedalongthebanksofElwy,anddrewtowards the grotto of the hermit.The hospitableMadoc brought somedriedfruitsandafewrootsfromhiscell,andspreadthembeforehisguest.Hetooka bowl of seasoned wood, and hastening to the fountain, that fell with a
murmuring noise down the neighing [sic] rock, he presented the limpidbeverage. "Such," said he, "is my humble fare; partake it with a contentedheart,anditshallbemoregratefultothytaste,thanthehighflavouredviandsofamonarch."Inthemeantime,Madoc,pleasedwiththebenevolentpursuit,gatheredsomebitsofdrywood,andsettingthemonfire,besoughttheswaintorefreshhimselffromthewearinessofhistravel,andtheinclemencyofthestorm.ButtheheartofEdwinwastoofulltopartakeoftheprovisionsthathisattentive host had prepared.The chearfulness however of the blazing hearthand the generous officiousness of the hermit, seemed by degrees to recoverhimfromthe insensibilityand lethargy, that fora timehadswallowedupallhisfaculties.
Madochadhithertocontemplatedhisguestinsilence.Hepermittedhimtorefreshhisweariedframeandtoresumehisdissipatedspiritsuninterrupted;hesuppressed the curiosity bywhichhewas actuated, to learn the story of thewoesofEdwin.Inthemidstofhisdejection,heperceivedthesymptomsofanobilityof spirit that interestedhim;and theanguishof theshepherd'smindhad not totally destroyed the traces of that mild affability, and that manlyfranknessforwhichhewasesteemed.
Edwinhadnosoonerappearedtoshakeoffasmallpartofhismelancholy,his eye no sooner sparkled with returning fire, than Madoc embraced thefavourable omen. "My son," said he, "you seem to be full of dejection andgrief.Griefisnotaninmateoftheplain;thehoursoftheshepherdarespedingaietyandmirth.Suspicionanddesignarestrangertohisbosom.Withhimthevoice of discord is not heard. The scourge ofwar never blasted his smilingfields; the terrorof invasionneverbanishedhim from thepeaceful cot.Youtoo are young and uninured even to the misfortunes of the shepherd. Nocontagionhas destroyedyour flock; nowolf has broken its slender barriers:youhave felt theanguishofnowound,andbeenwitness to thedeathofnofriend.Saythen,myson,whyartthouthusdejectedandforlorn?"
"Alas," replied Edwin, "our equal lot undoubtedly removes us from thestrokeofmanymisfortunes;but even tous adversity extends its rod. I havebeenexposed to the ravagesofan invader,more fearful than thewolf,moredetested than theconqueror.Fromanaffliction likemine,nooccupation,norank,noagecanexempt.Sawestthounotthedescendingstorm?Didnottherain beat upon thy cavern, and the thunder roar among the hills?" "It did,"criedMadoc,"andIwasstruckwithreverence,andworshippedtheGodwhograsps the thunder in his mighty hand. Wast thou, my son, exposed to itsfury?" "I was upon the bleak and wide extended heath. With Imogen, thefairestandmostconstantofthedaughtersofClwyd,Ireturnedfromthefeastof Ruthyn. But alas," added the shepherd, "the storm had no terrors, when
comparedwith the scenes that accompanied it. I beheld,Madoc,nor are thewordsIutterthewordsofshamelessimposition,orcowardcredulity;Ibehelda phantom, that glided along the air, and rode among the clouds. At hiscommand, awolf from the forest, with horrid tusks, and eyes of fire, burstuponme.Iadvancedtowardsit,thatImightdefendthefairestofhersexfromitsfury,andplungedmyjavelininitsheart.But,oh!whileIwasthusengaged,achariotadvancedontheoppositeside!Itscoursewasdirectedbythespectre.The rider descended on the plain, and seized the spotless, helpless Imogen;andnever,nevershalltheseeyesbeholdhermore!Such,OthouservantoftheGods,hasbeenmyadversity.Thepowersofdarknesshavearrayedthemselvesagainstme.Formethestormhasbeenbrewed;allthearrowsofheavenhavebeendirectedagainstmyweak,defencelesshead.Forme theelementshavemixed in tremendous confusion; portents and prodigies have beenaccumulated for my destruction. Oh, then, generous and hospitable Druid,whatpath is there, that is left formydeliverance?What chance remains forme, now that a host of invisible beings combats againstme?Teachme,myfriend,myfather,whatitisthatImustdo.Tellme,isthereanyhappinessinstore for Edwin, or must I sink, unresisting, into the arms of comfortlessdespair?"
"My son," cried the venerable hermit, "hope is at all times our duty, anddespairourcrime.Itisnotinthepowerofeventstounderminethefelicityofthevirtuous.Goblins,andspiritsofdarkness,arepermittedacertainscopeinthis terrestrial scene; but their power is bounded; beyond a certain line theycannotwander. Invaindo they threaten innocence and truth. Innocence is awallofbrassuponwhichtheycanmakenoimpression.Virtueisanadamantthatissacredandsecurefromalltheirefforts.Hewhosethoughtsarefullofrectitude and heaven, who knows no guile, may wander in safety throughuncultivated forests, or sandy plains, that have never known the trace ofhuman feet. Before him the robber is just, and the satyr tame; for him themonstersofthedesertaredisarmedoftheirterrors,andheshallleadthewildboarandthewolfinhishand.Suchisthesanctitythatheavenhasbestowedonunblemishedtruth."
"Alas, my father," cried Edwin, "this is the lesson that was firstcommunicatedtomychildhood;andmyinfantheartboundedwiththesacredconfidenceitinspired.Butexcusethepresumptionofadistractedheart.Thislesson, to which at another time I could have listened with rapture andenthusiasm, seems now too loose and general for a medicine to my woes.Innocence theGods havemade superior and invulnerable.And, oh, inwhathaveItransgressed?Yet,myfather,Iamwoundedinthetenderestpart.ShallIever recovermy Imogen? Is shenot torn fromme irreversibly?Howshall Iengage with powers invisible, and supernatural? How shall I discover my
unknown,humanenemy?No,Madoc,Iamlostinimpenetrabledarkness.Formethereisnohope,noshadowofapproachingease."
"Be calm, my son," rejoined the anchorite. "Arrogance and impatiencebecomenottheweakanduninformedchildrenoftheearth.Becalm,andIwilladministera remedymoreappropriate toyourwrongs.But remember this isyour hour of trial. If now you forget the principles of your youth, and theinstructionsofthesacredDruids,youshallfallfromhappiness,nevertoregainitmore.But if you come forth pure and unblemished from the fierce assay,your Imogen shall be yours, the Gods shall take you into their resistlessprotection, and in all future ages, when men would cite an example ofdistinguishedfelicity,theyshallsay,asfortunateasEdwinofthevale."Edwinbendedhiskneeinmutesubmission.
"Listen,myson,"continuedtheDruid."Iknowyourenemy,andcanpointout to you his obscure retreat." The shepherd lifted up his eyes, lately solanguid, that now flashedwith fire.He eagerly grasped the handofMadoc."Alas,"continuedthehermit,"toknowhimwouldlittleanswerthepurposeofthy bold and enterprising spirit. They adversary, as thou mayest haveconjectured,isinleaguewiththepowersofdarkness.Againstthemwhatcancourage,whatcanadventureavail?Theycanunthreadthyjoints,andcrumbleallthysinews.Theycanchainupthylimbsinmarble.Forhowmanyperils,howmanyunforseendisastersoughthetobeprepared,whodarestoencounterthem?"
"Thenameof himwhohas ravished from thee the dearest treasure of thyheart,isRoderic.Hismother—attend,ohEdwin,forwhatevertheincredulousmaypretend,thetalesrelatedbythebardsintheirimmortalsongs,ofghosts,andfairies,anddireenchantment,arenotvainandfabulous.—Youhaveheardof the inauspicious fameand thebad eminenceofRodogune.ShewithdrewfromthefieldsofClwydwithinthememoryoftheelderofshepherds.Variouswere the conjectures occasioned by her disappearance. Some imagined, thatfor the haughtiness of her humour, and the malignity of her disposition,characters that were wholly unexampled in the pastoral life, she had beencarriedawaybeforetheperiodlimitedbynaturetotheplaceoftormentbythegoblinsoftheabyss.Othersbelievedthatsheconcealedherself inthetopofthehighestmountain thatwasnear them,andbyacommercewith invisible,malignantbeings,stillexercisedthesamegloomytemperinmorepotent,andthereforemore inauspicious harm. The blight that overspread themeadows,the destructive contagion that diffused itself among the flocks, the ragingtempestthatrooteduptheoak,whenthethunderroaredamongthehills,andthelightningflashedfrompoletopole,theyascribedtothemachinationsandthe sorcery of Rodogune. Their conjectures indeed were blind, but their
notionswerenotwhollymistaken.
"RodogunewasthemotherofRoderic.Shewasdeeplyskilledinthosedarkand flagitious arts, which have cast a gloom upon this mortal scene. Theintellectualpowersbestoweduponherby theGodsweregreat andeminent,andweregivenforafardifferentpurposethantobeemployedinthesesinisterpursuits.Butallconspicuoustalentsareliable,myson,tobaseperversion;andsuchwasthefateofthoseofRodogune.Shedelightedintheactionswhichherdarkandcriminalalliancewithinvisiblepowersenabledhertoperform.Itwasher'stomisleadthebenightedshepherd.ItwasSher'stopartthehappylovers.For this purpose she would swell the waves, and toss the feeble bark. Shedispensed, according to the dictates of her caprice, the mildew among thetender herb, and the pestilence among the folds of the shepherds. By thestupendous powers of enchantment, she raised from the bosom of a hill awondrous edifice. The apartments were magnificent and stately; unlike theshepherd'scot,andnottobeconceivedbytheimaginationoftherustic.Hereshe accumulated a thousand various gratifications; here shewantoned in allthesecretandlicentiousdesiresofherheart.Buthercastlewasnotmerelyasceneofthoughtlesspleasure.Withinitscirclesheheldcroudsofdegenerateshepherds, groveling through the omnipotence of her incantations in everybrutalform.Eventhespectresandtheelvesthatdisobeyedherauthority,sheheld in the severest durance. She compressed their tender forms in thenarrowest prison, or gave them to the stormy winds, to be whirled, withrestless violence, roundabout the ampleglobe. In aword, hermansionwasone uninterrupted scene of ingenious cruelty and miserable despair. To besurroundedwith the faceofdisappointmentandagonywas thehappinessofRodogune.
"Whenfirstbyherartsheraisedthatedificewhichisnowinhabitedbyherson,shehadbeendesiroustoconcealitfromthepryingeyesofthewanderer.Inordertothis,thoughitstooduponaneminence,shechoseaneminencethatwassurroundedbyhigherhills,andhillswhich,accordingtotheneighbouringshepherds,wereimpassable.Noadventurousstephadeversincethedaytheywere created pierced beyond them. It was imagined that the space theysurroundedwasthehauntofelves,andtheresortofthosewhoheldcommercewithevilspirits.Thecurlingsmoke,whichoflatehasfrequentlybeenseentoascendfromtheirbosom,hasconfirmedthistradition.Andinordertorenderher habitation still more impervious, Rodogune surrounded it with a deepgroveofoaks,whosethickbranchesentwinedtogether,permittednopassagesomuchastothelightofday.
"Rodericwasheronlychild,thedarlingofherage,andthecentralobjectofallhercares.Athisbirth theelvesand the fairieswere summoned together.
Theybestoweduponhimeverybeautyofpersonandeverysubtletyofwit.Toeveryweapontheymadehiminvulnerable.And,withoutdemandingfromhimthat care and persevering study, that had planted wrinkles on his mother'sbrow,theygavehimtoenjoyhiswishesinstantlyanduncontroled.Oneonlygoblin was daring enough to pronounce a curse upon him. 'WHENRODERIC,' cried he, 'SHALLBEOVERREACHED INALLHISSPELLSBY A SIMPLE SWAIN, UNVERSED IN THE VARIOUS ARTS OFSORCERYANDMAGIC:WHENRODERICSHALLSUETOASIMPLEMAID, WHO BY HIS CHARMS SHALL BE MADE TO HATE THESWAINTHATONCESHELOVED,ANDWHOYETSHALLRESISTALLHISPERSONALATTRACTIONSANDALLHISPOWER;THENSHALLHIS POWERBEATAN END.HIS PALACES SHALLBEDISSOLVED,HIS RICHES SCATTERED, AND HE HIMSELF SHALL BECOME ANUNFITTED, NECESSITOUS, MISERABLE VAGABOND.' Such was themysterious threat;anddearlydid the threatnerabide it. In themeantime,anelfmoregenerous,moreattachedtoRodogune,andmorepotentthantherest,bestowedupontheinfantamysteriousring.Bymeansofthisheisempoweredtoassumewhatformhepleases.Bymeansofthisitwashopedhewouldbeable to subdue the most prepossessed, and melt the most obdurate femaleheart. By means of this it was hoped, he might evade not only the simpleswain,butallthewilesofthemostexperiencedandsubtleadversary.
"Roderic now increased in age, and began to exhibit the promises of thatmanlyandgracefulbeautythatwasdestinedforhim.Heinheritedhismother'shaughtiness, and his wishes and his passions were never subjected tocontradiction.Afewyearssincethatmotherdied,andtheyouthhasbeentoomuch engaged in voluptuousness and luxury to embark in the maliciouspursuitsofRodogune,Sensualityhasbeenhisaim,andpleasurehasbeenhisGod.Togratifyhispassionshasbeenthesoleobjectofhisattentions;andhehasremittednoexertionthatcouldenhancetohimthejoysofthefeastandthefruition of beauty. One low-minded gratification has succeeded to another;pleasuresofanelevatedandintellectualkindhavebeenstrangerstohisheart;and were it not that the subtlety of wit was a gift bestowed upon him bysupernatural existencies, he must long ere this have sunk his mind to thelowestsavagenessandthemostcontemptibleimbecility."
Edwin heard the tale of the Druid with the deepest attention. He wasinterested in the information it contained; he was astonished at theunfathomable witcheries of Rodogune; and he could not avoid the beingapprehensive of the unexpanded powers of Roderic. But the daring andadventurousspiritofyouth,andtheanxietythathefeltforthecriticalsituationof Imogen, soon overpowered and obliterated these impressions. TheDruidfinished;andhestartedfromhisseat."Pointme,kindandgenerousMadoc,to
theharbouroftheusurper.Iwillinvadehispalace.Iwillenterfearlesslythelime-twigsofhisspells.Iwilltrustintheomnipotencyofinnocence.Thoughthemagicianshouldbeencircledwithallthehorridformsthatingeniousfearevercreated,thoughallthegrizlylegionsoftheinfernalrealmshouldhemin,Iwillfindhimout,andforcehimtorelinquishhisprize,ordraghimbyhisshininghairtoadeath,ignominiousandaccursed,ashasbeentheconductofhislife."
TheDruid assumed a sterner and a severer aspect. "How long, son of thevalley,"criedhe,"wiltthoubedeaftothevoiceofinstruction?Whenwiltthoutemper thyheedless and inconsiderate couragewith the coolness ofwisdomand the moderation of docility? But go," added he, "I am to blame toendeavourtogovernthyheadlongspirit,orstemthetorrentofyouthfulfolly.Go,andendurethepunishmentofthyrashness.Encounterthemagicianinthemidst of his spells. Expose thy naked and unprotected head to glut hisvengeance. Over thy life indeed, he has no power. Deliberate guilt, notunreflectingfolly,candeprivetheeofthyrighttothat.But,oh,shepherd,whatavails it to live in hopeless misery? With ease he shall shut thee up forrevolving years in darkness tangible; he shall plunge thee deep beneath thesurfaceofthemantledpool,theviscousspumeshalldrawoverthymiserableheaditsdankanddismalshroud;orperhaps,more ingenious inmischief,heshall chain thee up in inactivity, a conscious statue, the silent and passivewitnessoftheusurpedjoysthatoncethoufondlyfanciedstthyown."
"Oh,pardonme,sageandvenerableMadoc,"repliedtheshepherd."Edwindid not come from the hands of nature obstinate and untractable. But griefagitates my spirits; anxiety and apprehension conjure up a thousand horridphantomsbeforemydistractedimagination,andIamnolongermyself.Iwillhowever subduemy impatient resentments. Iwill listenwithcoolness to thevoiceofnativesagacityandhoaryexperience.Tellmethen,myfather,andIwillhearkenwithmuteattention,northinkthelessonlong,—instructmehowIshallescapethosetremendousdangersthouhastdescribed.Say,isthereanyremedy, canst thou communicate any potent and unconquerable amulet, thatshallshieldmefromtheartsofsorcery?Teachme,andmyhonestheartshallthank thee. Communicate it, and the benefit shall be consecrated in mymemorytoeverlastinggratitude."
"My son," replied Madoc, "I am indeed interested for thee. Thy heart isingenuousandsincere;thymisfortuneispoignantandaffecting.Listenthentomy directions. Receive and treasure up this small and sordid root. In itsexternalappearance, it isworthlessanddespicable;but,Edwin,wemustnotjudge by appearances; that which is most valuable often delights to shrouditselfunderacoarseandunattractiveoutside.Inaricherclimate,andundera
more genial sun, it bears a beauteous flower, whose broad leaves expandthemselvestotheday,andareclothedwithadeepandsplendidpurple,glossyasvelvet,andbedroppedwithgold.Thisroot isasovereignantidoteagainstall blasts, enchantments, witchcrafts, andmagic.With this about thee, thoumayest safelyenter thehauntsofRoderic; thoumayesthearhis incantationsunappalled;thoumayestboldlydashfromhishandhismagicglass,andshedtheenvenomedbeverageon theground.Then,whenhe standsastonishedattheunexpectedphenomenon,wrestfromhimhispotentwand.Invokenottheunhallowedspiritsoftheabyss;invokethespotlesssynodoftheGods.Strikewith his rod thewalls of his palace, and they shall turn to viewless air; themonstershallbedeprivedofallhisriches,andallhisaccumulatedpleasures;andthouandthyImogen,deliveredfromthepowersofenchantment,shallbe,foronelong,uninterruptedday,happyintheenjoymentofeachother.
"Attend, my son, yet attend, to one more advice, upon which all thyadvantageandallthysuccessinthismomentofcrisishang.Engagenotinsoarduousandimportantanenterpriseimmaturely.Thouhastyetnoreasonfordespair. Thou art yet beheld with favour by propitious heaven. But thoumayesthavereasonfordespair.Onefalsestepmayruinthee.Onemomentofheedlessinconsiderationmayplungetheeinyearsofcalamity.Onemomentofcomplyingguiltmayshutupontheethedoorofenjoymentandhappinessforever."
Such was the sorrow, and such were the consolations of Edwin. But fardifferentwasthesituation,andfarothersceneswerepreparedforhisfaithfulshepherdess. For some time after she had been seized by Roderic, she hadremained unconscious and supine. The terrors that had preceded the fatalcapture, hadoverpoweredher delicate frame, and sunkher into an alarmingandobstinatefitof insensibility.Theyhadnowalmostreachedthepalaceofthemagician,when shediscovered the first symptomsof returning life.Thecolourgraduallyremountedintoherbloodlesscheeks;herhandswereraisedwithafeebleandinvoluntarymotion,andatlengthsheliftedupherhead,andopened her languid, unobserving eyes. "Edwin," she cried, "my friend, mycompanion,whereartthou?Wherehavewebeen?Oh,itisalongandtediousevening!"Saying this, she lookedupon theobjectsaroundher.The skywasnow become clear and smiling; the lowring cloudswere dissipated, and theblueexpansewasstretchedwithoutlimitsovertheirhead.Thesourcesofherformerterrorwereindeedremoved,buttheobjectsthatpresentedthemselveswere equally alarming. All was unexpected and all was unaccountable.Imogenhad remainedwithout consciousness from theverybeginningof thestorm,anditwasduringherinsensibilitythatthegoblinhadbeenvisible,andthemagiciandescendedtotheplains.Shefoundherselfmounteduponacar,and hurried along by rapid steeds. She saw beside her a man whose face,
whosegarb,andwhosewholeappearancewereperfectlyunknowntoher.
"Ah,"exclaimedthemaiden,inavoiceofamazementapprehension,"whereamI?WhatisbecomeofmyEdwin?Andwhatartthou?Whatmeansallthis?Thesearenotthewell-knownfields;thisisnotthebrookofTowey,northesehills ofClwyd.Oh,whither,whither dowe fly? This track leads not to thecottageofmyparents,andthegrovesofRhyddlan.""Benotuneasy,myfairone,"answeredRoderic."Wego,thoughnotbytheusualpath,towhereyourfriendsreside.Iamnotyourenemy,butaswainwhoesteemsithishappinesstohavecomebetweenyouandyourdistress,andtohaverescuedyoufromthepelting of the storm.Suspend,my love, for a fewmoments your suspicionsandyouranxiety,andweshallarrivewhereallyourdoubtswillberemoved,and all I hope will be pleasure and felicitation." While he thus spoke thechariothastenedtotheconclusionoftheirjourney,andenteredtheareainthefrontofthemansionofRoderic.
ThesuspicionsofImogenwereindeedremoved,butinamannertoocruelforhertenderframe.Theterrorandfatigueshehadpreviouslyundergonehadwastedherspirits,and thesurpriseshenowexperienced,wasmore thanshecouldsustain.As thechariotentered thecourt, shecriedoutwithavoiceofhorrorandanguish,andsunkbreathlessintothearmsofherravisher.Thoughthe passion he had already conceived for her, made this a circumstance ofaffliction,heyetinanotherviewrejoiced,thathewasable,byitsintervention,toconducthisprizeinamannerbystealthintohispalace,andthustopreventthat struggle and those painful sensations, which she must otherwise haveknown.For could shehaveborne,without emotion, to seeherself conveyedintoawretchedimprisonment?Couldshehavesubmitted,withoutopposition,tobeshutup,asitwere,fromthehopeofrevisitingthosescenes,whereoncehercarelesschildhoodplayed,andthosefriendswhomshevaluedmorethanlife?
TheleadingpursuitofRoderic,asithadbeenstatedbytheDruidofElwy,wastheloveofpleasure,anattachmenttosensuality,luxuryandlust.Heoftenspentwholedays in thebosomofvoluptuousness, reposinguponcouchesofdown,underceilingsofgold.His senseswereat intervalsawakened,by themostexquisitemusic,toavarietyofdelight.Heoftenrecreatedhisviewwithbeholding,fromapostureofsupinenessandindolence,thefrolicgames,andthemazydance.Sometimes,inordertodiversifythescene,hewouldmixinthesports,and,bythegracefulactivityofhislimbs,andthesubtlekeennessofhiswit,wouldcommunicaterelishandnoveltytothatwhichbeforehadpalledupon the performers. When he moved, every eye was fixed in admiration.Whenhespokeallwastranquilityofattention,andeverymouthwasopentoapplaud. Then were set forth the luxuries of the feast. Every artifice was
employed to provoke the appetite. The viands were savoury, and the fruitswere blushing; the decorationswere sumptuous, and the halls shonewith aprofusionoftapers,whoserayswerereflectedinathousanddirectionsbyaninnumerable multitude of mirrors and lustres. And now the intoxicatingbeveragewentswiftlyroundtheboard.Theconversationbecamemoreopenandunrestrained.Quickwerethereparteesandloudthemirth.Loose,meaningglanceswere interchanged between themaster of the feast and themingledbeautiesthatadornedhisboard.Withartfulinadvertencethegauzeseemedtowithdraw from their panting bosoms, and new and still newer charmsdiscoveredthemselvestoenchant theeyesandinflametheheart.Thebedofenjoyment succeeded to theboardof intemperance.Suchwas thehistoryofthelifeofRoderic.
Butmanwasnotborn for the indolenceofpleasureand theuniformityoffruition. No gratifications, but especially not those that address themselvesonlytothesenses,andpamperthisbrittle,worthlessmansionoftheimmortalmind,arecalculatedtoentertainusforanylongduration.Weneedsomethingto awaken our attention, to whet our appetite, and to contrast our joys.Happiness in this sublunary state can scarcely be felt, but by a comparisonwithmisery.Itisheonlythathasescapedfromsickness,thatisconsciousofhealth; it is he only that has shaken off the chains ofmisfortune, that trulyrejoices.ThewisdomofthesemaximswasfeltbyRoderic.Fullofpleasures,surroundedwithobjectsofdelight,hewasnothappy.Theiruniformitycloyedhim. He had received, by supernatural endowment, an activity and aventurousness of spirit, thatwere little formed for such scenes as these.Hewasdevouredwithspleen.Hesighedheknewnotwhy;hewaspeevishandill-humoured in the midst of the most assiduous attention and the mostwakefulservice.Andthecommandhepossessedovertheelementsofnaturewasnoremedyforsensationslikethese.
Oppressedwiththesefeelings,Rodericwasaccustomedtowithdrawhimselffrom the pomps and luxuries that surrounded him, to fly from the gildedpalaceandthefrettedroofs,andtomixinthesimpleandundebauchedscenesofartlessinnocencethatdescendedoneverysidefromthehillsheinhabited.ThenameofRodericwasunknowntoalltheshepherdsofthevallies,andhewasreceivedbythemwiththatofficiousnessandhospitalitywhichtheywereaccustomedtoexercisetothestranger.Itwashisdelighttogivescopetohisimagination by inventing a thousand artful tales ofmisfortune, bywhich heawakenedthecompassion,andengagedtheattachmentofthesimplehinds.Inorderthemoreeffectuallytoevadethatcuriositywhichwouldhavebeenfatalto his ease, he assumed every different time that he came among them adifferentform.Bythiscontrivance,hepassedunobserved,hepartookfreelyoftheir pastimes, he made his observations unmolested, and was perfectly at
leisure for the reflections, not always of themost pleasant description, thatthese scenes, of simple virtue andhonest poverty,were calculated to excite."Oh,impotenceofpower,"exclaimedhe,wraptupandsecureinthedisguiseheassumed, "towhatpurposeart thoudesired?Ambition is surely themostfoolish and misjudging of all terrestrial passions. My condition appearsattractive.Iamsurroundedwithrichesandsplendour;nomanapproachesmebut with homage and flattery; every object of gratification solicits myacceptance.IamnotonlyendowedwithacapacityofobtainingallthatIcanwish,andthatbysupernaturalmeans,butIamalmostconstantlyforestalledinmy wishes. Who would not say, that I am blessed? Who that heard but adescription ofmy state,would not envyme?O ye shepherds, happy, thricehappy, in the confinedness of your prospects, ye would then envy me!InstructedasIam,instructedbytoofatalexperience,withreasonIenvyyou.Hark to that swainwho isnow leadinghis flock from thedurance inwhichtheywereheldtillthemorningpeepedovertheeasternhills!Thelittlelambsfriskabouthim, thankful for the liberty theyhaveregained,andhestretchesouthishandforthemtolick.Nowhedrivesthemalongtheextendedgreen,andinawildandthoughtlessnotecarolsalivelylay.Hesingsperhapsofthekind, but bashful shepherdess. His hat is bound about with ribbon; thememorial of her coy compliance and much-prized favour. How light is hisheart,howchearfulhisgait,andhowgayhiscountenance!Heleadsinastringalittlefrolicgoatwithcurvinghorns:Isuppose theprize thatheboreoff insinging,whichisnotyettamedtohishand,andfamiliarisedtohisflock.Whatthoughhiscoatbefrieze?What thoughhis labourconstantlyreturnwith thereturningday?Iweartheattireofkings;farfromlabouringmyself,thousandslabour formyconvenience.Andyethe ishappier than I.Envied simplicity;venerable ignorance; plenteous poverty! How gladly would I quit mysumptuouspalace,andmymagicarts, for thecareless,airy,andunreflectingjoysofruralsimplicity!"
It was in a late excursion of this kind that he had beheld the beauteousImogen. His eye was struck with the charms of her person, and theamiablenessofhermanners.Neverhadheseenacomplexionsotransparent,oraneyesoexpressive.Hervermeil-tincturedlipswerenew-blownrosesthatengrossedthesight,andseemedtosolicittobeplucked.Hisheartwascaughtin the tangles of her hair. Such an unaffected bashfulness, and somodest ablush; suchanharmoniousandmeaning toneofvoice, that expressed in thesoftestaccents,themostdelicatesenseandthemostwinningsimplicity,couldnotbutengagetheattentionofaswainsoversedinthescienceofthefairasRoderic. From that distinguishedmoment, though he still felt uneasiness, itwas no longer vacuity, it was no longer an uneasiness irrational andunaccountable.Hehadnowanobjecttopursue.Hewasnotnowsubjectedtothefatigueofformingwishesforthesakeofhavingtheminstantlygratified.
When he reflected upon the present object of his desires, new obstaclescontinuallystarted inhismind.Unused toencounterdifficulty,hefora timeimagined them insurmountable. Had his desires been less pressing, had hispassionbeen lessardent,hewouldhavegivenup thepursuit indespair.Buturged alongby anunintermitted impulse, he could thinkof nothing else, hecould not abstract his attention to a foreign subject. He determined at leastonce again to behold the peerless maiden. He descended to the feast ofRuthyn;andthoughtheintervalhadbeenbutshort,fromthetimeinwhichhehad firstobservedher, in theeyeof lovesheseemed improved.Thecharmsthatersthadbudded,werenowfullblown.Herbeautieswereripened,andherattractionsspread themselves in the faceofday.Norwas thisall.HebeheldwithawatchfulglanceherslightandsilentintercoursewiththegallantEdwin;anintercoursewhichnoeyebutthatofalovercouldhavepenetrated.Hencehismind became pregnantwith all the hateful brood of dark suspicions; hewasagitatedwith thefuryof jealousy.Jealousyevermoreblows theflame itseems formed to extinguish. The passion of Rodericwasmore violent thanever. His impatient spirit could not now brook the absence of a moment.Luxurycharmednolonger;thecouchofdownwastohimabedoftorture,andthe solicitations of beauty, the taunts and sarcasms of infernal furies. Heinvokedthespiritofhismother;hebroughttogetheranassemblyofelvesandgoblins. By their direction he formed his plan; by their instrumentality thetempestwasimmediatelyraised;andundertheguidanceofthechiefofallthethrong he descended uponhis prey, like the eagle fromhis eminence in thesky.
Thesuccessofhisexploithasalreadybeenrelated.Theschemehadindeedbeentoodeeplylaid,andtooartfullydigested,toadmitalmostthepossibilityof a miscarriage. Who but would have stood appalled, when the stormdescendeduponourloversinthemidstoftheplain,andthethundersseemedtorockthewholecircleoftheneighbouringhills?Whocouldhaveconductedhimself at once with greater prudence and gallantry than the youthfulshepherd?Didhenotdisplaythehighestdegreeofheroismandaddress,whenhe laid the gaunt and haughtywolf prostrate at his feet?But itwas not forhuman skill to cope with the opposition of infernal spirits. AccordinglyRoderichadbeenvictorious.Hehadbornethetendermaidenunresistedfromthefield;hehadoutstrippedtheardentpursuitofEdwinwithaspeedswifterthan the winds. In fine, he had conducted his lovely prize in safety to hisenchantedcastle,andhadintroducedherwithinthosewalls,whereeverythinghumanandsupernaturalobeyedhisnod,inastateofunresistingpassivity.
Roderic, immediatelyuponhisentrance into thecastle,hadcommitted thefair Imogen to thecareof theattendantdamsels.Hecharged thembyeverymeanstoendeavourtorestorehertosenseandtranquility,andnottoutterany
thinginherhearing,whichshouldhavethesmallesttendencytodiscomposeherspirits.Inobediencetoorders,whichtheyhadneverknownwhatitwastodispute, theywere so unwearied in their assiduities to their amiable charge,that it was not long before she began once again to exhibit the tokens ofrenewedperception.Sheraisedbydegreesa leadenand inexpressiveeye, tothe objects that were about her, without having as yet spirit andrecollectedness enough to distinguish them. "My mother," cried she, "myvenerableEdith,Iamnotwell.Myheadisquiteconfusedandgiddy.Dopressitwith your friendly hand."A female attendant, as she uttered thesewords,drewneartoobeythem."Go,go,"exclaimedImogen,withafeebletone,andatthesametimeputtingbytheofficioushand,"younaughtygirl.Youarenotmymother.Donotthinktomakemebelieveyouare."
Whileshespoke this shebegangradually togainamoreentiresedatenessandself-command.Sheseemedtoexamine,withaneagerandinquisitiveeye,first one object, and then another by turns. The novelty of thewhole sceneappearedforaninstanttoengrossherattention.Everypartofthefurniturewasunlikethatofashepherd'scot;andcompletelysingularandunprecedentedbyany thing that her memory could suggest. But this self-deception, thisabstraction from her feelings and her situation was of a continuance theshortestthatcanbeconceived.Allseemedchangedwithherinamoment.Hereye,which,fromastateoflanguorandunexpressiveness,hadassumedanairof intent and restless curiosity, was now full of comfortless sorrow andunprotected distress. "Powers that defend the innocent, support, guard me!Wheream I?Whathave Ibeendoing?What isbecomeofme?Oh,Edwin,Edwin!"andshereclinedherheadupontheshoulderofthefemalewhowasnearesther.
Recoveringhowever,inamoment,thedignitythatwascongenialtoher,sheraised herself from this remiss and inactive posture, and seemed to beimmersedinreflectionandthought."Yes,yes,"exclaimedshe,"Iknowwellenoughhow it is.Youcannot imaginewhata furious storm itwas:andso Isunkuponthegroundterrifiedtodeath:andsoEdwinleftme,andransomewhere,Icannottellwhere,forshelter.Butsureitcouldnotbesoneither.Hecouldnotbesobarbarous.Wellbuthoweversomebodycameandtookmeup,andsoIamhere.ButwhatamIherefor,andwhatplaceisthis?Tellme,yekindshepherdesses,(ifshepherdessesyouare)forindeedIamsickatheart."
Thebroken interrogatoriesof Imogenwereheardwithaprofound silence."What,"said the lovelyandapprehensivemaiden,"willyounotanswerme?No,notoneword.Ah, then itmustbebad indeed.But Ihavedonenothingthat shouldmakemebeafraid. I amasharmlessandaschearlyas the littlered-breastthatpecksoutofmyhand?Soyouwillnothurtme,willyou?No,I
dareswear.Youdonotfrownuponme.Yourlooksarequitesweetandgood-natured.Butthenitwasnotkindnottoanswerme,andtellmewhatIaskedyou.""Fair stranger," repliedoneof the throng, "wewouldwillinglydoanything to oblige you. But you areweak and ill; and it is necessary that youshouldnotexertyourself,buttrytosleep."
"Sleep,"repliedtheshepherdess,"whathereinthisstrangeplace?No,thatIshall not, I can tell you. I never slept from under the thatch ofmy father'scottageinmylife,butonce,andthatwasattheweddingofmydear,obligingRovena. But perhaps," added she, "my father and mother will come to mehere. So I will even try and be compilable, for I never was obstinate. Butindeedmyheadisstrangelyconfused;youmustexcuseme."
Suchwasthelanguage,andsuchtheaffectingsimplicityoftheinnocentanduncultivated Imogen. She, who had been used to one narrow round ofchearful, rustic scenes, was too much perplexed to be able to judge of hersituation. Her repeated faintings had weakened her spirits, and for a timedisorderedherunderstanding.Shehadalwayslivedamongthesimple;shehadscarcelyeverbeenwitnesstoanythingbutsincerityandinnocence.Suspicionthereforewas the farthest in theworld from being an inmate of her breast.Suspicion is the latestandmostdifficult lessonof thehonestanduncrookedmind. Imogen therefore willingly retired to rest, in compliance with thesoliciation of her attendants. She beheld no longer her ravisher, whose eyebeamedwithungovernabledesires,andwhosecrestswelledwithpride.Everycountenance wasmarked with apparent carefulness and sympathy. She wasevenpleasedwiththeirofficiousandfriendly-seemingdemeanour.
Tell me, ye vain cavillers, ye haughty adversaries of the omnipotence ofvirtue,wherecouldartfulvice,wherecouldinvisibleandhell-bornseduction,havefounda fitterobject for their triumph?Imogenwasnotarmedwith thelessons of experience: Imogen was not accoutered with the cautiousness ofcultivationandrefinement.Shewasallopentoeveryonethatapproachedher.Shecarriedherheartinherhand.Ye,Idoubtnot,havealreadyreckoneduponthe triumph, and counted the advantages.But, if I do notmuchmistake thedivine lessons I am commissioned to deliver, the muse shall tell a verydifferentstory.
BOOKTHETHIRD
PURPOSES OF RODERIC.—THE CARRIAGE OF IMOGEN.—HER
CONTEMPTOFRICHES.
ThefatiguewhichImogenhadundergoneintheprecedingday,preparedhertorestduringthenightwithmoretranquilitythancouldotherwisehavebeenexpected. The scenes to which she had successively been witness, and theobjects that now surrounded her, were too novel and extraordinary in theircharacter,toallowmuchroomfortheseverityofreflection,andthecoolnessofmeditation.Herframewastiredwiththevariousexercisesinwhichshehadengaged;hermindwashurriedandperplexedwithoutknowinguponwhattofix, or in what manner to account for the events that had befallen her: shetherefore sunk presently into a sweet and profound sleep; and while everything seemed preparing for her destruction, while a thousand enchantmentswereessayed,andathousandschemesrevolvedinthebusymindofRoderic,she remained composed and unapprehensive. Innocence was the sevenfoldshield thatprotectedherfromharm;hereyeswereclosedindarkness,andasmileofplacidbenignityplayeduponthelovelyfeaturesofhercountenance.
Roderic in themean timehad retired tohischamber.Hismindwas turbidandunquiet.Sorestlessarethewavesoftheoceanbeforethecomingtempest.Theyassumeadarkerhue,and reflect amorecloudyheaven.They roll thiswayandthatinacontinualmotion,andyetwithoutanydirection,tilltheloudand hoarse-echoing wind determines their course and carries them inmountains to the sounding shore. Themind of the victimwas all quiet andunruffled; such is the kindly influence of conscious truth. The mind of theravisher exhibitednothingbutuneasiness andconfusion; suchare theboonswhichvicebestowsuponhermisjudgingvotaries.
The conqueror, doubly misled by fierce and unruly passions and by hisinauspiciouscommercewiththegoblinsoftheabyss,retirednotimmediatelyto his couch, but walked up and down his apartments, with a hasty andirregular step. "Thanks to my favourable stars," exclaimed he, "I amtriumphant!Whatpowercanresistme?Whereis thebeingthatshalldaretosay,thatonewishofmyheartshallgounfulfilled?Wellthen,Ihavegotthefair the charming she intomypower. She is shut up in a palace, unseen byevery human eye, to which no human foot ever found its way but at mybidding. She is closed roundwith spells and enchantment. I can by aworddeprivehereverylimbofmotion.IfIbutwavethiswand,theleadenGodofsleepshallsinkherinamomentinthearmsofforgetfulness,whateverwerebeforeheranxietiesandherwakefulterrors.InwhatmannerthenshallI,thusabsoluteanduncontroledinallIbidexist,proceed?ShallIpresstheunwillingbeauty tomy bosom, and riot in her hoard of charms,withoutwaiting likemeanermortalstosuefortheconsentofherwill?Thereissomethingnoble,royal,and independent, in the thought.Beautyneverappearssoattractiveas
frombehindaveiloftears.Oh,howIenjoyinfancy[sic]theangerthatshallflush her lovely cheek!Perhaps shewill even kneel tome to deprecate thatwhich an education of prejudices has taught her to consider as theworst ofevils. Yes, my lovely maid, I will raise thee. Do not turn from me thosescornfulindignanteyes.Iwillbethybestfriend.Iwillnothurtahairofthyhead.Oh,whenherspotlessbosompantswithdisdain,howsweettobeatthelittle chiders, and by a friendly violence, which true and comprehensivewisdomcannotstigmatize, to teachherwhat is the truevalueofbeauty,andforwhatpurposesuchenchantingformsasher'sweresenttodwellbelow!"
Thus spoke the ravisher, and as he spoke he assumed, although alone, afirmerstrideandamorehaughtycrest.Upontheinstanthoweverhisearsweresalutedwithalowandcontinualsound,thatbecame,byjustdegrees,strongerandmore strong. Thewalls of his palace shook; a sudden and supernaturallight gleamed along his apartment, and a spectre stood before him.Rodericlifteduphiseyes,andimmediatelyrecognisedthefeaturesofthatgoblin,whofrom the hour of his birth, haddeclaredhimself his adversary.Hehadbeenrepeatedlyusedtothevisitsofthismaliciousspirit,whodelightedtosubvertall his schemes, and to baffle his deepest projects. This was the onlymisfortune, the sovereign of the hills had ever known; this was the onlyinstanceinwhichhehadatanytimebeentaughtwhatitwastohavehispowercontroled and his nod unobeyed. He had often sought, by means of theconfederacyheheldwithother spirits of the infernal regions, to restrainhisenemy,orbypunishmentand suffering tomakehim ruehisopposition.Butthegoblinhehadtoencounter,thoughnotthemostpotent,wasofalltherestthemost crafty inhiswiles, and themost abundant in expedients.AsmanytimesashisfellowshadbytheinstigationofRodericundertakentoencounterhim,sooftenhadtheyintheendbeeneludedanddefeated.Thecontestwasnowgivenup,andthegoblinwasatlibertytohauntandthreatenhisimpotantadversaryasmuchashepleased.
"Roderic," cried he, with a harsh and unpleasant accent, "I am come tohumble the haughtiness of thy triumph, and to pull down thy aspiringthoughts. Impotent and rancorousmortal!Know, that innocence is defendedwithtoostrongashieldfortheetopierce!Boastnotthyselfoftheimmensityofthywalls,andputnoconfidenceinthesubtletyofthyenchantments.Beforethemightiness that waits on innocence, they are not less impotent than theliquidwax,orthecrumblingruin.Learn,ohpresumptuousmortal,thatsacredandunyieldingchastityisinvulnerabletoalltheviolenceofmen,andallthestratagems of goblins. Iwould not name to thee so salutary an advice as todismissthyinnocentandunsuspiciousprize,didnotIknowtheetooobstinateandheadstrongtolistentothevoiceofwisdom.Essaythenthybaseandlow-minded temptations, thy corrupt and sophistical reasonings, to tarnish the
unsulliedpurityofhermind,anditiswell.Ifbysuchawretchastheeshecanbeseducedfromtheobedienceofvirtueand theGods, then lether fall.Shewerethenavictimworthyofthee.Butifthouessayestthemeansoftyrannyand force, the attempt will be fatal to thee. I will in that case enjoy myvengeance; I will triumph in thy desolation. In the hour then of action andenterprise,rememberme!"
Withthesewordsthespectrevanishedfromhissight.Rodericwasinflamedwithangeranddisgust;buthehadnone,uponwhomtowreakhisrevenge.Hisheart boiled with the impotence of malice. "What," cried he, "am I to beboundedandhedgedin,inallmyexploits?AmItobecurbedandthwartedineverywishofmyheart?This,thiswasnearesttome.Thiswasthefirstpursuitofmy life inwhichmywholeheartwasengaged; thefirst timeIever feltapassionthatdeservedthenameoflove.Butbeitso:Iwasbornwithwildandimpetuous passions only to have them frustrated; I was endowed withsupernaturalpowers,andinheritedallmymother'sskill,onlytobethemoresignallydisappointed.StillhoweverIwillnotshrink,Iwillnotyieldaninchtomyadversary.Iambid, itseems, totempther,andendeavourtostainthepurity of her mind. Yes, I will tempt her. It is not for an artless anduninstructed shepherdess todefeatmywilesandbaffleallmy incitements. Iwill dazzle her senseswith all the attractions that the globe of earth has toboast.Iwillwindmeintohersecretheart.Thoudamned,unpropitiousgoblin,who seekest to oppose thyself tomy happiness, Iwill but, by thywarning,gainacompletertriumph!Iwillsubdueherwill.Sheshallcrownmywisheswithripe,consentingbeauty.Longshallsheremaintheempressofmyheart,and partner ofmy bed. In her Iwill hope to find those simple, artless, andengagingcharms,which invain Ihaveoften sought in thebandof females,thatresidebeneathmyroof,andwaituponmynod."
Imogen, though considerably indisposed by the fatigue and terrors of theprecedingday,shookoffhoweverthatplacidandrefreshingsleepwhichhadweigheddownhereyelids,longbeforeRodericdesertedthecouchofluxury.Two of the female attendants belonging to the castle had slept in the sameapartmentwithher,andsoon,perceivingherinmotion,followedherexample,andofficiouslypressedaroundher.Oneofthemtookupapartofthegarbofthe fair shepherdess, and offered to assist her in adjusting it. "I thank you,"cried Imogen, with the utmost simplicity, "for your good-nature; but I ampretty well now; and every body dresses herself that is not sick." Theinartificial decorations of her person were quickly adjusted. The delicateproportionofherlimbswashidbeneatharussetmantle;herfairandflowingtressesweredisposedinabraidroundherhead,andshetookherstrawhatinherhand."Well,"saidshe,"Iamobligedtoyouforyourfavours.Idaresayitwasbest forme, thoughat the timeI thoughtotherwise.Formyheadached
verymuch, and Iwas soweak—Itwaswrong forme to thinkofgoinganyfarther.—Ah, but then, what have my poor father and mother done all thewhile?HavenottheymissedtheirImogen,andwonderedwhatwasbecomeofher, and been quite sad and forlorn for fear she should have come to anyharm?Well,IdonotknowwhetherIwasnotrighttoo.Fortheireasewasofmoreconsequencethanmine.Icannottell.HoweverIwillnotnowkeeptheminpain.Sogoodmorningtoyou,mydearkindfriends!"Andsayingthisshewastrippingaway.
Butasshedrewtowardsthedoor,oneoftheattendants,withagentleforce,tookholdofherhand."Donotgoyet,sweetImogen,"criedshe."Wewantalittlemoreofyourcompany.Wehavedoneyoualltheserviceinourpower,and you have not paid us for it. We will not ask any thing hard andunreasonableofyou.Onlycomplywithusinthisonething,tostaywithusafewhours,andletusknowalittlebettertheworthofthatamiablefemalewehave endeavoured to oblige." "Indeed, indeed," replied Imogen, "I cannot. Iamnotusedtobeobstinate;andyouaresokindandfairspoken,thatitgoestomy heart to refuse you. But Iwould not for theworld keepmy dear, goodEdith in a moment's suspense. But since you are so desirous of beingacquaintedwithme, repairassoonandasoftenasyouplease tomyfather'scot,thatliesontherighthandsideofthevalley,aboutamilefromthesea,andjustbesidetheprettybrawlingbrookofTowey.ThereIwilltreatyouwiththenicest apples and the richest cream.And I would treat youwith better, if Iknewofanythingbetter,thatImightthankyouforyourgoodness.Farewel!"added she, and affectionately pressed the hand that was still untwinedwithher's.
"No,Imogen,no,youmustnotleaveusthus.Thoughwewouldhavedoneathousandtimesmorethanwehaveforyourownsake,whoaresosimpleandsogood,itisyetfitthatyoushouldknow,thatwearenotmistresseshere,andthatallwehavedonehasbeenbytheordersofthelordofthisrichmansion.Hewillnotthereforeforgiveus,ifwesufferyoutodepartbeforehehasseenyou,andexpressedforyouthatkindnesswhichinducedhimtotakeyouunderhisprotection.""Heavens!"repliedtheshepherdess"this isallceremonyandfolly, and therefore cannot be of somuch consequence as the peace ofmyfather,andtheconsolationofmymother.Tellhim,thatIthankhim,andthatmyfathershall thankhimtoo,ifhewillcometoourhut.TellhimthatIamsorryformyfoolishweakness,thatgavehimsomuchtrouble,andmademebesoneedlesslyfrightened,whenwecametoaplacewhereIhavemetwithnothingbutkindness;butIcouldnothelpit.Andsothatisenough;forifmyEdwin had been in his place, and had seen a stranger shepherdess in thedistressthatIwas,hewouldsurelyhavedoneasmuch.
"Saysotoyourlord,asyoucallhim,forIwouldnotseemungrateful.ButyetIwillthankyouagreatdealmorethanIdohim.Forwhatdidhedoforme?Hetookme,andhurriedmeaway,andpaidnoattentiontomytearsandexpostulations.Well,butIneednothavebeenalarmed.Soitseems.ButIdidnot like his looks; they were not kind and good-natured, but fierce andfrightful.Andsoassoonashehadbroughtmehere,muchagainstmywill,hewentawayandleftme.Somuchthebetter.Andthenyoucameandtookcareofme, and he desired you to do so. Thatwaswell enough.But I ammoreobliged to you for your kindness and assiduity, than I am to him only forthinkingofit.Andthentotellyouthetruth,butIoughtnottosaysotoyouwhoarehisfriends,thereissomethingabouthim,Icannottellwhat,thatdoesnotpleasemeatall.Helooksdiscontented,andfierce,asiftherewasnosuchthingassoothingandmanaginghim.ButwhydoIsayallthis?Praynowletmego,letmegotomydear,dearmother."
"Sweet Imogen," replied theattendant,whoseemed to take the lead in thecircle, "howlovelyandamiableareyoueven inyour resentments!Theyarenot with you a morose and gloomy sullenness brooding over imaginarywrongs, andcollectingvenomandmalice fromeverycorner to theheart. Inyourbreastangeritselftakesamilderform,andisgentle,generousandgay.Yetwhy,myImogen,shouldyouharbouranyangeragainstyourprotector?"
Suchwas thehonestandartlessdialogueof Imogen.Theattendants ratherendeavoured to beguile the time, by dexterously starting new topics ofconversation,uponwhich Imogendeliveredherplainandnatural sentimentswith theutmost sincerity, than todetainherbyopen force.At lengthoneofthemslippedout,andhastenedtoacquaintRodericwiththeimpatienceofhisprize,andtocommunicatetohimthesubstanceofthoseartlesshints,which,in the hands of so skilful and potent an impostor, might be of the greatestservice. Roderic immediately rose. But as he was desirous to decorate hispersonwiththenicestskill,inordertomakethemostfavourableimpressionuponhismistress,heorderedtheattendant,withsomeofhercompanions,towaituponImogen.Hecommissionedthem,ifitwerenecessary,toinformheroftheabsoluteimpossibilityofherquittingthecastle,andtopersuadehertowalk in the meadows adjoining, that she might observe the riches of theirpossessor;howfertilewerethesoil,andhowfairandnumeroustheflocks.
The patience of Imogen, in the mean time, was nearly exhausted. Hersimplicitycouldnolongerbeduped.Thoughunusedtoart,itwasimpossiblefor her not at length to perceive the art by which the conversation waslengthened, and her ardent desire to set out for the cottage of her father,eluded.Shewasjustbeginningtoexpostulateuponthisungenerousstratagem,whenthreeorfourofthosefemales,whomRoderichaddispatchedenteredthe
apartment. "Well," cried Imogen, "you have borne my message to mydeliverer,nowthenletmego.""Ourlord,"repliedtheattendant,"isjustrisen.Hewillbutadjusthisapparel,andwillimmediatelypayyouthoserespectsinpersonwhichhecanbynomeans thinkofomitting." "Alas, alas," cried theshepherdess,halfdistressed,"whatisthemeaningofallthis?Whatisintendedby a language so foreign to the homeliness of the shepherd's cot, and theadmirable simplicity of pastoral life? I know not what title I have, a poor,unpretendingvirgin,totherespectsofthislord;butsurelyiftheymeanedmewell, theywouldbe lesshollowandabsurd.Would therenotbemuchmorerespect,muchmorecivility, inpermittingmetofollowmyowninclinations,without this arbitrary and ungrateful restraint?" "Shepherdess," replied theattendant, "we are not used to dispute the orders of our master.We wouldoblige you if it were in our power. Impute not therefore to us any thingunfriendly;andasforRoderic,heistoogood,andtooamiable,nottobeabletosatisfyyouabouthisconduct themomentheappears.""Yourmaster!andyourlord!"repliedImogen,withatoneofdispleasure,"Iunderstandnotthesewords. The Gods havemade all their rational creatures equal. If they havemadeonestrongandanotherweak,itisforthepurposeofmutualbenevolenceand assistance, and not for that of despotism and oppression. Of all theshepherdsof thevalley, there isnotone thatclaimsdominionandcommandoveranother.Thereisindeedanobedienceduefromchildrentotheirparents,andfromawifetoherhusband.Butyecannotbehischildren;forheisyoungandblooming.Andbutoneofyoucanbehiswife;sothatthatcannotbethesourceofhisauthority.WhatanumerousfamilyhasthisRoderic?DoesthatIwonder,makehimhappierthanhisfellows?"
"Imogen,"saidoneofthetrain,"willyouwalkwithusalongthemeadow,bythesideofthathazelcopse?Themorningisdelightful,thesunshineswithamildandcheeringheat,thelambsfriskalongthelevelgreen,andthebirds,with their little throats,warble eachadifferent strain."Themindof Imogenwashighlysusceptibletotheimpressionofruralbeauties.Shehadthatplacidinnocence,thatsweetserenityofheart,whichbestpreparesustorelishthem.Seeing therefore, that shewasaprisoner, and that itwas invain to struggleand beat her wings against the wiry inclosure, she submitted. "Ah! unjust,unkind associates!" exclaimed Imogen, "ye can obey the dictates of aman,whohasnorighttoyourobedience,andyecanturnadeafeartothevoiceofbenevolenceand justice!Setmeat liberty.Thismanhasno right toseeme,andIwillnotseehim.I,thathavebeenusedtowanderasfreeastheinmatesofthewood,orthewingedinhabitantsofair,shallIbecoopedupinapettycage,haveallmymotionsdictated,andallmywalkscircumscribed?Indeed,indeed,Iwillnot.Imogencanneversubmittosoignominiousarestraint.Shewillsoonerdie."
"Why,my lovelymaiden," replied theother, "willyou think soharshlyofour lord? He does not deserve these uncandid constructions; he is allgentlenessandgoodness.Suspendthereforeyourimpatienceforamoment.Byandbyyoumayrepresenttohimyouruneasiness,andhewillgrantyouallthewishesofyourheart.Tillthen,amiablegirl,composeyourspirits,andgiveuscausetobelieve,thatyouplacethatconfidenceinus,whichfortheworldwewouldnotdeservetoforfeit."
Duringthisconversation,theypassedalongagallery,and,descendingbyaflight of stairs, proceeded through one corner of a spacious garden into themeadow.Themansion,aswehavealreadysaid,stooduponarisingground,whichwasinclosedoneverysidebyacircleofhills,whosesummitsseemedto touch the clouds, andwere coveredwith eternal snow.Within thiswidercircumferencewasasecondformedbyan imperviousgroveofoaks,which,though of no long standing, yet, having been produced bymagical art, hadappeared from the first in fullmaturity. Their vast trunks,which threemenhand inhand could scarcely span,weremarkedwithmany a scar, and theirbroadbranches,wavingtothewinds,inspiredintothepiousandthevirtuousthat religious awe, which is one of the principal lessons of the Druidicalreligion.
At no great distance, and close on one side to the majestic grove, was aterrace, raisedby thehandofart, soelevated,as tooverlook the topsof thetreesaswellastheturretsofthecastle,andtoaffordacompleteprospectofallthe grounds on this side the precipices. To this terrace the attendants ofImogen led their charge, and from it she surveyed the farmsandgrangesoftheir lord. The viewwas diversified by a number of little rills, that floweddown from the mountains, and gave fertility and cheerfulness to the fieldsthroughwhichtheypassed.Theinclosuresweresomeofthemcoveredwithafine and rich herbage, whose appearance was bright and verdant, and itssurface besprinkled with cowslips, king-cups, and daisies. Others of themwere interspersed with sheep that exhibited the face of sleekness and ease,their fleeces large and ponderous, and their wool of the finest and mostadmirabletexture.Elsewhereyoumightseethecattlegrazing.Theoxdappledwithathousandspots,whichnatureseemedtohaveappliedwithawantonandplayfulhand;thecow,whoseuddersweredistendedwithmilk,thatappearedtocallfortheinterpositionofthemaidenstolightenthemoftheirstore;andthe lordly andmajestic bull.With themwas intermingled the horse, whoselimbsseemedtobeformedforspeedandbeauty.Atasmalldistancewerethestag with branching horns, the timid deer, and the sportive, frisking fawn.Evenfromtheruggedprecipices,thatseemedintendedbynaturetoliewasteand useless, depended the shaggy goat and the tender kid. Beside all this,Roderic had had communicated to him, by a supernatural afflatus, that
wondrousart,asyetunknownin theplainsofAlbion,of turningup thesoilwith a share of iron, and scattering it with a small quantity of those grainswhich are most useful to man, to expect to gather, after a short interval, aforty-foldincrease.
Everythingconspiredtocommunicatetotheprospectlustreandattraction.Thebirds,withtheirvarioussong,gaveanairofpopulousnessandanimationtothegrove.Bythesideoftherivuletswerescatteredhereandtherethehutsoftheshepherdandhusbandman.Andthoughtheseswainswerenot,likethehappydwellersinthevalley,enlivenedwithfreedom,andmadecarelessandgay by conscious innocence; yet were they skilful to give clearness andmelody to the slender reed; and the ploughmanwhistled as he drove afield.But that in the landscapewhichmost engrossed the attention and awakenedthecuriosityofthetenderImogen,wastheappearanceofthefieldsofcorn.Itwasinhereyenovel,agreeable,andinteresting.Theharvestwasnear,andtheeffect of the object was at its greatest height. The tall and unbending stalkovertoppedbyfar thenativeherbageof themeadow,andseemedtoemulatethehawthornandthehazel,which,plantedinevenrows,securedthepreciouscrop from the invasion of the cattle. The ears were embrowned with thecontinual beams of the sun, and, oppressed with the weight of their grain,bendedfromthestalk.Inaword,thewholepresentedtotheastonishedviewarichsceneofvegetablegold.Uponthisdelightfulobjecttheshepherdessgazedwithanunweariedregard.Respectingitsheaskedinnumerablequestions,andmade a thousand enquiries; and it almost seemed as if her curiosity wouldnever be satisfied. Such is the power of novelty over the young andinexperienced, and such the influence of the beautiful and transcendentbeautiesofnatureupon the ingenuousanduncorruptedmind.But itwasnotpossiblefortheshepherdess,interestedasshewasintheuneasiness,towhichsheknew thatherparentsmustbeaprey, long tobanish fromhermind theaffecting consideration, or to divert her attention to another object, howeveragreeable,orhoweverfascinating.
She had just begun to renew her representations upon this head, whenRodericapproached.Whilehewasyetatadistance,heappearedgracefulandgay, as themessenger of theGod that grasps the lightning in his hand.Hisstature was above the common size. His limbs were formed with perfectsymmetry;thefallofhisshoulderswasgraceful,andthewholecontourofhisbodywasregularandpleasing.Suchwasthegeneraleffectofhisshape,thatthough his advance was hesitating and respectful, it was impossible tocontemplate his person without the ideas being suggested of velocity andswiftness. His presence and air had the appearance of frankness,ingenuousness,andmanlyconfidence.Thenaturalfireandhaughtinessofhiseyewerecarefullysubdued,andheseemed,atleasttoasuperficialview,the
very model of good-nature and disinterested complaisance. His bright andflowinghairpartedonhisbrow,andformedintoathousandringlets,wavedtothe zephyrs as he passed along. There was something so delicate andenchantinginhiswholefigure,astotemptyoutocompareittotheunspottedbeautyof thehyacinth; at the same time that you rejoiced, that itwasnot abeauty, frailandtransient,as the tenderflower,butwhichpromisedamanlyripenessandaprotractedduration.
Observingthattheattentionofthosearoundherwassuddenlydivertedfromthe intreaties sheemployed, Imogen turnedhereye, inorder todiscover theobject that now engaged them. Itwas immediatelymet by the graceful andamiablefigurewehavedescribed.ButtoImogenthatfigurepresentednosuchcomelinessandbeauty.Foramomentindeed,natureprevailed,andshecouldnotavoidgazing,withadegreeofcomplacence,uponanobject,towhichtheGoddess seemed to have lavished all her treasures. But this sensationvanished,almostbeforeitwasformed.Themindoftheshepherdesswastoodeeplyreadinthelessonsofvirtue,toacknowledgeanybeautyinthatform,which was not animated with truth, and in those features, which were notilluminated with integrity and innocence. Notwithstanding her nativesimplicity, and the unsuspecting confidence she was inclined to repose ineveryindividualofthehumanrace,yethadtheconductofRoderic,asshehadalready confessed, displeased her too deeply for her immediately to assumetowardshimanunembarrassedandsoothingcarriage.Hehadseizeduponherbyviolenceinamomentofinsensibility.Hehadcarriedherawaywithoutherconsent. When she recovered strength enough to expostulate upon this, heendeavoured,byambiguousexpressions, todeceiveher intoanopinion, thathewasconductinghertothecottageofherfather.Supposingthat,forreasonsgoodandwise,hehad introducedher intoa strangeplace, shecouldnotbepersuaded that those reasons subsisted for detaining her contrary to herinclination. And independently of any individual circumstances, there is anative and inexplicable antipathy between virtue and vice. It is not in thenature of things, it is not within the range of possibility, that they shouldcoalesce and unite where both of them exist in a decided manner, or aneminentdegree. Itwasnot thebabbleof ignorance, itwasbyanunalterablelawofhernature,thatImogenhadbeendispleasedwiththelooksofhim,whomeanedherdestruction.Theanimationthatdwellsinthefeaturesofvirtue,ismild and friendly and lambent; but the sparkles that flash from the eye ofenterprisingguilt,aremomentary,andunrelenting,andimpetuous.Thegentleand the inoffensive instantly feel how uncongenial they are to theirdispositions,andstartbackfromthemwithaversionandhorror.Suchwereinsome measure the sensations of Imogen, upon the re-appearance of herbetrayer.Sheturnedfromhimwithunfeigneddislike,andwasreluctantlykeptinthesamesituationtillheascendedtheterrace.Ashedrewnearer,Roderic
seized the hand of the lovely captive. In a tone of blandishment heexpostulatedwithheruponherunkindbehaviourandunreasonableaversion.Withall thatsophistry,thatingeniousviceknowssowellhowtoemploy,heendeavoured to evince that his conduct had been regulated by kindness,rectitude and humanity. In the mean time the retinue withdrew to a smalldistance.Imogeninsisteduponnotbeingleftwhollyalonewithherravisher.
Able to perplexbut not to subvert theunderstandingof his prize,Rodericaddressedherwith the languageof love.Naturallyeloquent,all thathenowsaidwasaccompaniedwiththatineffablesweetness,andthatsoftinsinuation,that must have shaken the integrity of Imogen, had her heart been lessconstant, and her bosom less glowed with the enthusiasm of virtue. Herbetrayer was conscious to a real, though a degenerate flame, and was notreduced to feign an ardour he did not feel. Recollecting however the puremanners,andthedelicateandingenuouslanguagetowhichImogenhadbeeninuredamongtheinhabitantsofClwyd,thesubtlesorcererdidnotpermitanexpressiontoescapehim,thatcouldoffendthechastestear,oralarmthemostsuspiciousvirtue.Hislove,ardentasitappeared,seemedtobeentirelyunderthegovernmentofthestrictestpropriety,andthemostunfeignedrectitude.Heknewthattheinspirationsofintegrityandthelessonsofeducationwerenottobe eradicated at once; and he attempted not to gain the acquiescence of hiscaptivebygrossandunsuitableallurements,unconcealedwith thegildingofdexterityandspeciousness.
Buthiseloquenceandhisaddresswereequallyvain.Inspiteofthebeautyof his person and the urbanity of hismanners, the shepherdess received hisdeclarationswithcoldnessandaversion.Sheassuredhimoftheimpossibilityof his success, that she felt for him emotions very different from those ofpartiality,andthatherheartwasprepossessedforamoreamiableswain.Withthat sweet simplicity, that accompanied all she did, she endeavoured todissuade him from the pursuit of a hopeless and unreasonable passion; sheenumerated to him all the sources of enjoyment with which he wassurrounded;sheintreatedhimnotinthewantonnessofopulencetodisturbherhumble and narrow felicity; and she besought him in themost pathetic andearnestlanguagetodismisshertofreedom,contentmentandherparents.
Themoresheexertedherselftobendhisresolution,andthemorescopeshegave to the unstudied expression of her artless sentiments, the moreinextricablywas themagiciancaught,and themorefirmandinexorablewashis purpose. Perceiving however that he had little to hope from the mostskilfuldetailofthepleasofpassion,heturnedtheattentionoftheshepherdesstoadifferenttopic."BeholdImogen,"criedhe,"therichnessofthelandscapeonourrighthand!Thespotinmyeyeisfarthestfromthecastle,anddivided
fromtherestoftheprospectwithatallhedgeofpoplarsandalders.Itisfullofthefinestgrass,anditssoilisrichandluxuriant.Itisscatteredwithfleckeredcowsanddappledfawns.Inthehitherpartofitisafieldofthechoicestwheat,whosestalksaresorankandpregnant,thatthetimidhareandtheuntamedfoxcanscarcelyforcethemselvesapathamongthem.Besideitisaninclosureofbarley with strong and pointed spikes; and another of oats, whose grain,uneared, spreadsbroader to theeye.Howbeautiful the scene! Iwillnotaskyou,fairestofyoursex,togiveyourconfidencetounauthorisedwords.Iwillafford the most unquestionable demonstration of the veracity of mydeclarations.Allthese,lovelyImogen,shallbeyours:yoursexclusively,tobedisposedofatyourpleasure,withouttheinterferenceorcontrolofany.Allmyotherpossessionsshallnotbelongtomyselfmorethantoyou.Youshallbethemistressofmyheart,andtheassociateofmycounsels.Allmybusinessshallbe your gratification, all my pleasure your happiness. Forget then, dearestmaiden,thepovertyofyourformercondition,andtheconnectionsyouformedin anhour of ignorance andobscurity.From thismoment let a newera andbetterprospectscommence.Enjoythatwealth,whichcannowheresowellbebestowed;andthosegratifications,whichsoobviouslybelongtothatdelicateandenchantingform."
The proposal of Roderic called forth more than ever the spirit and theresentmentofImogen.Shedidnotfeelherselfintheslightestdegreeattractedbythemagnificenceofhisoffers.Sheknewofnouseforsuperfluousriches.Shefeltnowantsunsupplied,andnowishesungratified.Whatmotiveisthereinthewholeregionofhumanperceptions,thatcanexcitethecontentedmindto the pursuit of affluence? "And dost thou think," said the fair one,with agestureofdisdainthatmadeherlooktentimesmoreamiable,"toseducemewithbaitslikethese?Know,mistakenman,thatIamhappy.Ispinthefinestwoolofourflocks,anddrainthedistendeduddersofourcows.Isuperintendthedairies;thebutterandthecheesearetheproduceofmyindustry.Intheseemploymentsmytimeisspentinchearfulnessandpleasure.Surroundedwithour little possessions, I am conscious to no deficiency; in the midst of myparents and friends, I desire not to look beyond the narrow circle of theneighbouring hills. If you feel those wants, which I do not so much asunderstand, enjoy your fondmistake. Possess those riches which I will notenvyyou.Wanderfromluxurytoluxuryunquestioned;Ishallbesufficientlyhappyinthenarrowgratificationsthatnaturehasplacedwithinmyreach.Thegiftsyouoffermehavenosplendourinmyeye,andIcouldnotthankyouforthemthoughofferedwitheversomuchdisinterestedness.Theonlygiftitisinyour power to make is liberty. Allow me to partake of that bounty, whichnaturehasbestoweduponthechoristersofthegrove,towanderwhereIwill.Under a thousand of those privations that would render the child of luxuryinconsolable,Iwouldsupportmyself;freedomandindependencearetheonly
boonswhichthewholecourseofmylifehastaughtmetocherish."
"Your ignorance," rejoined Roderic, "is amiable, though unfortunate. Butyourmeritistoogreatnottodeservetobeinformed.Knowledge,mylovelymaiden, isalways regardedasadesirableacquisitionby theprudentand thejudicious.Towhatpurposewasamindsocapacious,competenttothegreatestimprovements, and formed to comprehend subjects of the most extensivecompass,or thesublimest reach,bestoweduponus, if itbenotemployed inthepursuitsofscienceandexperience?Yourabilities,myImogen,appear tobeof theveryfirstdescription.Howmuchthenwillyoubetobeblamed, ifyoudonotembracethisopportunityofimprovementandinstruction?Beauty,thoughunseen,isnotlessexcellent;andprudence,thoughunpossessed,isofvalueinestimable.Thepoormanmaybecontented,becauseheknowsnottheuse of riches; but, in spite of this contentment, it werewise to enlarge oursphereofsensation,andtoextendthesourcesofhappiness.
"Ifhoweveryoustillmaintainthatlovelyperverseness,decideifyoupleaseuponyourownfate,butletfilialpietyhinderyoufromdeterminingtoohastilyrespecting that of your parents and your friends. Consider what a new andunboundedscopewillbeaffordedyou,bytheparticipationofmyriches,forthe exercise of benevolent and generous propensities.Your parents are nowdecliningfastunder theweightofyearsand infirmity. It is inyourpower tomaketheirbedofdown,and toenliven thegroundtheyhaveyet to traversewith flowers. It isyours towrest thesheers from thehandof thewearyandover-laboured ancient, and to remove the distaff from the knees of yourvenerablemother.Think,gentleshepherdess,beforeitbetoolate,oftheheart-feltpleasuresthatawaitthepowertodogood,whenattendedwithavirtuousinclination.When youwipe away the tear from the cheek of distress,whenyoulightupasmileintheeyeofmisery,thinkyou,thatnoneofthecomfortyouadministerwillflowbackingenerousandrefreshingstreamstoyourownheart? Are these exertions that Imogen ought to contemplate withindifference?IsthisapowerthatImogencanrejectwithoutdeliberation?"
Imogenstoodforamomentinasweetandingenuousstateofsuspense.Shehadanativeandindefeasiblereverenceforeverythingthathadtheremotestanalogy to virtue, and she could not answer a proposal that camerecommendedtoherbythatnamewithunhesitatingpromptitude.Shewastoogoodandmodest toassumeanairofdecisionwhereshedidnot feel it; shewas too simple and unaffected, to disguise that hesitation towhich shewasreally conscious. "How false and treacherous," exclaimed she, "are yourreasonings!Among the virtuous inhabitants of the plain, every one seeks toinfluenceanotherbymotiveswhichareofweightwithhimself,anduttersthesentiments of his own heart.Where have you learned the disingenuous and
faithless arts you employ? To what purpose have you cultivated them, andwhose goodopinion do you flatter yourself theywill obtain for you?False,perfidiousRoderic!themoreIseeofyou,themoreIfearanddespiseyou.
"You would recommend to me your temptations under the colour ofknowlege.Hasknowlegeanycharms for thedebauchedand luxurious?Youtellmeweoughttoenlargeoursphereofsensation,andtoextendthesourcesofhappiness.Wisdomindeed,andmentalimprovementsaredesirable.ButthesageDruidshavealwaystaughtme,thatthemindisthenoblerpart, thatthebody is to be kept in subjection, and that it is not our business to seek itsgratification beyond the bounds of necessity and temperance. If I allowedmyself to think that Iwantedmore than Ihave,mightnot thepossessionofthat more extend my desires, till, from humble and bounded, they becameinsatiable?WereItodismissthoseindustriouspursuitsbymeansofwhichmytime now glides so pleasantly, how am I sure that indolence and vacancywouldmakemehappier?
"To succour indeed the necessitous, and particularly my parents andrelations,isaconsiderationofmorevalue.Butah,Roderic!thoughyoutalkitso well, I am afraid it is a consideration foreign to your character. Formyparents,theyareasyethealthfulandactive;andwhiletheycontinueso,theywish, no more than myself for repose and indolence. If ever they becomeincapable of industry, their little flock will still contribute to their support.They are toomuch respected, for the neighbouring shepherds not to watchoveritinturnoutofpurelove.And,Ihope,asIwillthenexertmyselfwithdoublevigour, that theGodswillblessus, andweshalldoverywell.As togeneraldistress,heavenistoopropitioustous,topermittheinhabitantsofthevalleytobeoverwhelmedbyit.AndIshallalwayshavemilkfrommyflocks,andacheesefrommystore,tosetbeforethehungryandnecessitous.
"Butweretheseadvantagesmorevaluablethantheyare,itwouldnotbemydutytopurchasethemsodear.What,shallIdesertall theconnectionsithasbeenthebusinessofmylifetoform,andthathappystateofsimplicityIlovesomuch?ShallIshakeoffthemutualvowsIhaveexchangedwiththemostamiableandgenerousof theswains,and joinmyself toone,whosepersonIcannot love, andwhosecharacter I cannot approve?No,Roderic, enjoy thathappiness, if it deserve the name of happiness, that is congenial to yourinclination. Forget the worthless and unreasonable passion, you pretend tohaveconceived, in themultitudeofgratifications thatarewithinyour reach.Envy not me my straw-defended roof, my little flock, and my faithfulshepherd.Iwillneverexchangethemforallthetemptationsthattheworldcanfurnish."
BOOKTHEFOURTH
SONG IN HONOUR OF THE FAIR SEX.—HYPOCRISY OF THEMAGICIAN.—THE TRIUMPH OF IMOGEN.—DESPAIR ANDCONSOLATIONOFRODERIC.
Somuchwas Roderic discouraged by the apparent spirit and firmness ofthese declarations, that at the conclusion of them he abruptly quitted hiscaptive,andreleasedherforamomentfromhisunjustpersecutions.Hispridehowever was too strongly piqued, and his passions too much alarmed topermit her a real respite. "Where ever," cried he, as he trodwith hasty andirregularstepsthelevelgreen,—"whereeverwerefoundsuchsimplicity,andsomuchstrengthofjudgment,andgaietyofwitinunion?Isitpossiblefortheextremeof simplicityand theperfectionof intellect tomeet together?Thesesurelyareparadoxes,thatnotallthegoblinsoftheabysscansolve,andwhich,had they been related instead of seen, must have appeared to constitute anabsurdandimpossiblefiction.
"Wellthenitisinvaintoattacktheinexorablefaironewithallurementsthataddressthemselvesonlytotheunderstanding.Sheistoowellfortifiedwiththeprejudices of education, and the principles of an imaginary virtue, to bereducedby an assault like this.Thepride of her virtue is alarmed, the littletrain of her sophistries are awakened, and with that artless rhetoric, of thevalueofwhichsheisdoubtlesssensible,sheset[s]allherenemiesatdefiance.Myfutureenticementsshallthereforeaddressthemselvestohersenses.Thusapproaching her, it is impossible that success should not follow myundertaking.Eventhemostwary,circumspect,andsuspicious,mightthusbeovercome.Butsheisinnocenceitself.Sheapprehendsnodanger,shesuspectsno ambuscade. Young and unexperienced, and the little experience she hasattained, derived only from scenes of pastoral simplicity, she knows not themeaning of insincerity and treachery; she dreads not the serpent that lurksbeneaththeflower."
Having determined the plan of hismachinations, and given the necessaryorders, he privately signified to the attendants, that they should propose totheirlovelychargetodirecthercourseonceagaintothemansion;andassheperceivedthatRodericstillcontinueduponadistantpartofthelawn;andasshesawnomeansofpresentescapefromherconfinement,sheconsented todoastheydesired.
They now entered the mansion, and passing through several splendid
apartments,atlengthreachedalargeandmagnificentsaloon.Itwashungwithtapestry, upon which were represented the figures of Sappho sweeping thelyre;oftheSpartanmotherbendingoverthebody,andcountingthewoundsofher son; of Penelope in themidst of hermaidens, carefully unravelling thefuneralwebofherhusband;ofLucretiainflictinguponherselfagloriousandvoluntarydeath;andofArriateachingherhusbandinwhatmanneraRomanshouldexpire.ThesestorieshadbeenmiraculouslycommunicatedtoRoderic,andwerenowexplainedby the attendants to thewondering Imogen.At thesametimeabandofmusic,thatwasplacedatthelowerendofthehall,struckat once their various instruments, and, without any previous preparation,begantheloftychorus.Attheupperendofthesaloonstoodathroneofivory,hung round with trappings of gold, and placed upon a floor of marble, ofwhich anumerous flightof steps, alsoofmarble, composed the ascent.Thehangingswereofcrimsonvelvet,and thecanopyof the richestpurple.Withthemusicianswere intermingled a number of supernatural beings under thecommand of Roderic. Their voices were melodious beyond all example ofhumanpower;theywerebyturnsloftyandmajestic,andbyturnstenderandmelting;andthestrainwasdivine.
"Sucharethehonoursofthetendersex;andwhocanspeaktheirpraise?Thelilyisnotsofair,theroseisnotsoattractive,thevioletandthejessaminehavenotsoelegantasimplicity.Bytheircharms,bytheireloquence,andbytheirmerit,theyhaveassumedanempireovertheboldersex.Howauspiciousistheempire!Theyholdtheminsilkenchains.Theygovern,notbyharshdecrees,and rigorous penalties; but by smiles and soft compliances, and winning,irresistiblepersuasion.Therewardstheybestowaresweet,andravishing,andindescribable.
"Whatweremanwithout the fair?Awildbeastof the forest; a roughanduntamedsavage;ahungrylionburstingfromhisden.Withoutthem,theyaregloomy, morose, unfeeling, and unsociable. To them they owe everycivilization, and every improvement. Did Amphion, from the rude andshapeless stones, raise by his power a regular edifice, houses, palaces, andcities? Did Orpheus by his lay humanize the rugged beasts and teach theforests to listen? No, these are wild, unmeaning fables. It was woman,charmingwoman,thatledunpolishedmanforthfromtheforestsandthedens,and taught him to bend before thy shrine, humanity! See how the face ofnaturechanges!Where late thesloughmantled,or theserpenthissedamongthe briars and the reeds, all is pasture and fertility. The cottages arise. Theshepherds assume the guise of gentleness and simplicity. They attirethemselves with care, they braid the garland, and they tune the pipe.Wherefore do they braid the garland? Why are their manners soft andblandishing?Andwhydothehillsre-echothenotesoftheslenderreed?Itis
towinthygraces,woman,charmingwoman!
"Whennatureformedaman,sheformedacreaturerational,anderect; tentimesmorenoblethanthebirdsoftheair,andthebeastsofthefield.Butwhensheformedawoman—itwasthenfirst,thatsheoutdidherself,andimprovedher own design. What are the broad and nervous shoulders, what thecompactedfigure,andthevigorousstep,whencontrastedwiththewell-turnedlimbs, the slender waist, the graceful shoulders, and the soft and pantingbosom?Whatarethemanlyfront,thestern,commandingeye,andthedown-cladcheek,ifwecomparethemwiththesmooth,transparentcomplexion,thesoft,faintblushes,andthepretty,dimpledmouth?Whatarethestrong,slowreason, the deep, unfathomed science, and the grave and solemnwisdom, iftheyarebroughtintocompetitionwiththesprightlysense,thepenetratingwit,andtheinexhaustibleinvention?Doesthestrongersexboastofitslearning,itsdeep researches, its sagaciousdiscoveries? andhave they a coolness, a self-command,aneverbaffledprudencelikethatwhichwomanhasexhibited?Dotheypiquethemselvesupontheircourage,theirgallantry,andtheiradventure?Where shall we find among them a patience, a mildness, a fortitude, aheroism,equaltothatofthefair?
"Virtuehasdweltbeneath the sun.Themishas lefther throneon the righthandofJove,anddescendedtotheglobeofearth.Wehaveseenexamplesofdisinterested rectitude, of inviolable truth, of sublime and heaven-bornbenevolence.Theyarewrittenintherolloffame;theyarehandeddownfromage to age. They are the song of the poet, and the favourite theme of theservantsof theGods.Bywhomwere theyexhibited,orwithwhomdid theyoriginate?With woman, charming woman?Well have justice and rectitudebeenrepresentedunderafemaleform,forwithoutthesoftersex,allhadbeenanarchyandconfusion;everymanhadpreyeduponhisneighbour;men,likebeasts,haddevouredeachother,andvirtuefledaffrightedtohernativeskies.This is the source of all that is good and all that is excellent; of all that isbeautifulandallthatissublime:woman,charmingwoman!"
Atthisplacethechorusceasedforamoment,andtheattendantsobserving,thatImogenwasstanding,intreatedhertoseatherself.Shewasrenderedweakandlanguidbytheunexperiencedanxietiesandterrorsshehadundergone,andshedidnotrefusetheirrequest.Therewasnoseatinthecentreofthehall,ornearer than the sumptuous throne thatwas placed at the upper end. Thitherthereforetheyledher.Imogenhadbeenunusedtothedistinctionsofrankandprecedence.Among the shepherdsof thevalley, everyone, except thebardsand thepriests, seatedhimselfpromiscuously;nonesought to take theupperhand of his neighbour; age was not distinguished by priority of place; andyouth thought not of ceding the pas. The shepherdess, as she advanced
towards the chair, paused for an instant, impressed with that blaze ofmagnificencewhichisequallyformedtostrikeeveryhumaneye.Shelookedround her with an air of timidity and suspense, and then going forward,ascended the steps and placed herself in the throne. At this action, as at asignal,thesongrecommenced.
"Simplicity,childofnature,daughteroftheplains,withtheealonethequeenof beauty dwells! What is it that adorns and enhances all the wild anduncultivatedscenesofnature?Itisplainnessandartlesssimplicity.Whatisitthatrenders lovelyandamiablehermostfavouriteproductionsintheanimalcreation: the tender lamb, the cooing dove, and the vocal nightingale? It issimplicity; it is, thatall theirgestureswear theguise,and theirvoicespeaksthe artless, and unaffected language of nature. What is is that rendersvenerablethecharactersofmankind;thatennoblesthesongofthebards;thatgives lustre and attraction to immortal, never-fading virtue? It is simplicity,unaffected simplicity.Of the last and crowningwork of nature,woman, theform is grace; the visage is beauty; the eye sparkles with intelligence, andsmileswithsoftandwinninggraces;thetongueisclothedwithpersuasionandeloquence.Butwhatarethese?Abodywithoutasoul,acombinationofsoftand harmonious names without a meaning; a multitude of rich inestimablegifts,heapedtogetherinrudeandinartificialconfusionwithoutthepowersofenchantmentandattraction.Whatisitthatcananimatethemass,thatcangiveforceandvaluetothewhole,andreducetheshapelesschaosintoform?Itissimplicity,unaffectedsimplicity.Withoutthee,childofnature,daughteroftheplains,beautywerenomore.Withtheeshedwells,andinthymansioncansheonly dwell. Then be the palm reserved for thee, and given to thee alone,simplicity,unaffectedsimplicity!"
Atthesewords,twosupernaturalfiguresappearedbelowthecanopyofthethrone. They had the form of children; their figures appeared so soft andwaxen,thatyouwouldimaginetheymightbeindentedbythesmallesttouch;upontheircountenancessatthelivelyandunexpressivesmile,thesports,andthe graces; and their shoulders were furnished with wings of the softestplumage,variegatedwithallthecoloursofthebowofheaven.Intheirhandstheyboreacoronet,atoncerichwithjewels,andlightandinconsiderableinits weight. The circle was of gold, and studded with diamonds. With thediamonds were intermingled every precious gem, the topaz, the jasper, theemerald, the chrysolite, and the sapphire.TheheadwasofPersian silk, anddyedwithTyrianpurple.Thiscoronet theyplacedupontheheadofImogen,andthendescendingtothefootstoolofthethrone,boweduponherfeet.Thesongimmediatelyrecommenced.
"Imogenisundertheguardianshipofsimplicity,herfavouritepupil.Pollute
nottheearofImogenwiththepraisesofbeauty.Whatthoughhereyebefullofamiablenessandeloquence;whatthoughhercheeksrivalthepeach,andherlipsthecoral;whatthoughherbosombesoftaswaxandfairerthanthefaceofhonour;whatthoughhertressesarebrighterthantheshootingstar?Thesearethebountiesofnature; theseare thegiftsofheaven, inwhichsheclaimsnomerit;thesearenotthepraisesofImogen.Butthisisherpraise,thatthegracesdwell upon her lips; that her words are attired with the garb of sense andfancy; and that all her conduct is governed by the largest prudence and thenicestdiscretion.Heardyouthesoundofmerrimentandapplause?Theywerethe gay and unlaboured sallies of thewit of Imogen that called them forth.Sawyou the look ofwonder and astonishment, and the gaze of involuntaryapprobation and reverence? They were excited by the modesty, thecircumspection, and the virtue of Imogen. And yet Imogen is artless,unaffected and innocent; herwit is unconscious of itself, and her virtue theunstudieddictateofnature.Imogenisundertheguardianshipofsimplicity,herfavourite pupil. Be hers then the crown that simplicity alone can deserve.Simplicity descends not in person to the surface of the earth; her abode isamong theGods.But Imogen isher representative, herperfect resemblance.Should simplicity descend upon the earth, shewould not know herself; shewould be astonished to behold another divinity, equally beautiful, equallyexcellent. The divinity is Imogen. Be hers then the crown, that simplicityalonecandeserve."
This was a trying moment to the lovely and generous Imogen. Praise iscongenialtoeveryhumansense;thevoiceofpraiseisevergratefultotheearofvirtue.Thegloryoftheshepherdindeedlieswithinanarrowcompass.Butlet immortality be named, and the heart of man is naturally attracted: it isimpossiblethatthegoodandgenerousbosomshouldnotlongforsuchaprize.Nor was this all. Imogen, though loved and honoured by the borderers ofTowey,hadbeenlittleusedtostudiedcommendationandlabouredapplause.Pastoral simplicity does not deal in these; and though it seek to oblige, itsendeavoursareunostentatiousandsilent.Beside,herreverenceforsongwasradicalanddeep.Ithadbeeninstilledintoherfromherearliestinfancy;fromearliestinfancyshehadconsideredpoetryasthevehicleofdivineandeternaltruth.Howstrangeandtremendousanadvantagemusthegainovertheearofsimplicity,whocanpresenthisfascinationsunderthegarbofallthatissacredandallthatishonourable?
The song had begun with celebrating a theme, that must for ever becongenial to every female breast. The heart of the shepherdess hadinstinctively vibrated to the praises of simplicity. Even the commendationsbestowed upon herself were not improper, or indiscriminate; they haddistinguished between the inanity of personal charms, and the value of
prudence, thebeautyof innocenceand themeritofvirtue.Even thehonoursshehadreceivedwereattributedtothese,andnottotheother.Weretheynotthereforesuchasvirtuewouldaspireto,anddiscretionaccept?
Alas, Imogen, be not deceivedwith airy shadows! The reasoningmay beplausible, but it is no better than sophistry. Thou must be taught, fair andunsuspecting virgin, under a beautiful outside to apprehend deceit; and toguard against the thornwhich closely environs the flower.Thoumust learn,loveliestofthysex,todreadthepoisonofflattery.Itismorevenemousthanthe adder, it is more destructive than hebenon or madragora. It annihilateseveryrespectablequalityintheveryactofextollingit;itunderminesallthatadorns and elevates the human character.Evennow that thou listenest to it,anddrinkest in,withoutapprehension, itsopiatesounds, thouart toonear tothesacrificeofthoseveryexcellenciesitpretendstoadmire.FortheheadofImogenwasmadegiddyby theapplausessheheard;drunkwithadmiration,shewasnolongerconsciousofthethingsaroundher,orofherself;shesunkvanquishedandsupine,andwassupportedbyoneoftheattendants.
AtthismomentRodericcameforthfromanadjoiningapartment,andcaughtin his arms the vanquished beauty. In the mean time the attendants, themusicians, and the supernatural beings disappeared, and she was left alonewithherbetrayer.
Rodericsurveyedhisvictimwithaneyeofavidityand triumph.Hiseagercuriosity wandered over her hoard of charms; and his brutal passion wassoothedwiththecontemplationofherdisorder.Alreadyinimagination,hehadpossessedhimselfofadecisiveadvantageover soapparentaweakness;andhisbreastwassteeledagainsttheemotionsofpity.
Imogencastaroundheralanguidandpassiveregard,andwasinamomentrousedfromhersupinenessbythesightofRoderic.Hersubtleadversarydidnothoweverallowhertimeforcompleterecollection,beforehediscoveredanapparentrevolutioninhissentimentsandlanguage.Hehadheard,hesaid,thesupernaturalandcelestialchorus,andbeencaughtintheextremestdegreebythepraisesofinnocenceandthetriumphofvirtue.Henowfeltthevanityandfolly of those pursuits in which he had been so deeply immersed, andwasdetermined to abjure the littleness of pride, and the emptiness of sensualgratification. He did not now address his destined prize with thecommendationsofbeauty.Hebestoweduponherwithprofusiontheepithetsof discretion, integrity, and heroism; and poured into her ear the insidiousflattery, thatwasmost soothing to her temper. Full, as he pretended, of theinfant purposes of virtue, he besought his captive in the most importunatemanner, toremainwithhimfora time, toconfirmhiswaveringrectitude, toinstruct him in duty, and thus to gain one human being to the standard of
integrity,andtorendersoextensivepossessionssubservient tothehappinessofmankind.Allthisheexpressedwiththatardour,whichiscongenialtothesimplicity of truth; and with that enthusiasm, which in all instancesaccompaniesrecentconviction.
Imogen was totally uninured to the contemplation of hypocrisy, andimmediatelyyieldedthemostunreservedcredit to theseprofessions.HerjoywasextremeatthechangeinthedispositionsofRoderic,andheradmirationof the irresistible charms of rectitude pious and profound. The praisesbestoweduponherseemeddistinguishingandsincere,andshedranktheminwith the most visible complacency. She expressed however an ingenuousdiffidenceofhercapacityforthetaskofaninstructor,andsheintreatedatanyrate to be permitted towithdraw for a short time to dry up the tears of herdisconsolateparents.
These difficulties were too obvious to create any embarrassment to soconsummate a deceiver.He described the danger of that viciousmistrust ofourpowers,thatistheenemyofallgenerousandheroicaction.Heremindedhiscaptivehowrecentwerehispurposes,andhowmanyunforeseenincidentsmight be crowded into so eventful amoment. Therewere goblins, he said,everreadytoseducethewandererfromhiswishedreturn;andhehadbeentoomuch their prey not to have every thing to dread from the subtlety of theirmachinations.Ontheotherhand,nocharacterwassuspendedonthelongerorshorter duration of the uneasiness of the parents of Imogen; and the joyfulsurprisetheywoulderelongexperience,mightabundantlycompensateforanytemporary anxiety and solicitude.He told her of theworship and reverencethatwereduetotheimmortalGods.Couldsheimaginethatthescenethathadjustpassedwasproducedfor themerehonourandgratificationofavirtuouscharacter, than for the instruction of the ignorant, and the restoration of thewandering?Shallshebethushonoured,andshallthisbehergratitude?
Though the web of the sophistry woven by her betrayer might seeminextricable, though Imogen had no sentiments more predominant than theloveofvirtue,andthefearoftheGods,yetherheartinvoluntarilyresistedhispersuasions, and she felt theyearningsof affection still active inherbosomtowardsthose,towhomsheowedherexistence.
"Andcannotyou,"criedthelovelymaiden,"attendmeintheshortabsenseIdemand?Thatwould prevent every danger, and supersede every objection.""Ah, shepherdess," replied the magician, "this reluctance, these studiedexpedients imply diffidence and disobedience. But diffidence is muchunworthyoftheheartofImogen.Yourlifehasbeenmarkedwithonetenourofpiety.Donotthenbegintodisobey.Donotsullytheunspottedwhitenessofyourcharacter."
"This," rejoined Imogen, "is toomuch.This ismere savageness of virtue.Why in the act of persuading me do you bestow upon me those labouredcommendations,whichtheverypersuasionsyouemployareintendedtoprovethatI littledeserve?Is itnecessary,Roderic, thatyourmannersshouldbesostrange and unaccountable, as to supply food for eternal jealousy andsuspicion?Andwhatmustbethatconduct,thatinspiresjealousyintoaheartunguardedasmine?Italkofsuspicion,butIscarcelyknowthemeaningoftheterm. And yet there is in your carriage something precise, plausible andcomposed,thatIhaveseldomobservedinanyotherman.Oh,shepherd!youknownotwhatyoudo,whenyouawakeall theseideasinamaiden'sbreast,whenyouthusconfoundthingsthatheavenandearthputasunder."
"Ungenerous Imogen," replied the magician, "wherefore this? Do I claimany thing more of you than rectitude demands, and your own bosom willanother day approve?Am I not your better genius to guard you against theerrorsthatmightbepromptedbytootenderaheart?Beside,doestheconductofbeingsofahigherorderdependuponmynod?CanIcontrol thespheres,andcall downcelestial essences from their bright abodes?Andwill theyberenderedsubservienttothepurposesoftreacheryandguilt?"
"Rodericherebreakweoffourconference.SureIamthatyourconduct isnotdictatedbya regard formyeaseormywelfare.Howunworthy then,aswellashowunjust is thepretence?Withrespect to thesupernaturalscenesIhave beheld, the question is more difficult. Of such I have heard from themouth of the consecrated priests, but never till this day did I see them. Atpresenthowevermymindistoomuchdistracted,tobeabletodecide.Ihavealreadygonefarenough;asfarasmyheartwillpermitme.Imustnowretire.'
"OnethinghoweverIwilladd.Fromtheresolutionsyouatfirstprofessed,andtheimpressionsyouappearedtofeel,Ihadconceivedthemostsanguinehopes,andthesincerestpleasure.Theseareallnowvanished.Icannotaccountfor this.But your conduct is nowasmysterious tomycomprehension, as itwas before disgusting to my judgment. I am bewildered in a maze ofuncertainty. I am lost in unwelcome obscurity. May your resolutions anddesignsbebetterthanmyhopes!Butah,Roderic,forhowmuchhaveyoutoanswer,howdeepmustbeyourguilt, ifall thisbemummery,dissimulation,andhypocrisy!"
Themagicianperceivedthatitwasinvaintourgethestratagemanyfurther,andheretiredfromthepresenceoftheshepherdessinsilence.Ifhehadbeenable to distract her ingenuous mind between contending duties, he had nothoweversucceededinhisprincipalobject,thatofundermininghervirtue,andlessening her attachment to her parents and her lover. If Imogen wereperplexedandconfounded,Rodericwasscarcelymorehappy.Helookedback
uponthescenewithmortificationandastonishment.Itwasdifficultforhimtodeterminewhere it had digressed from the auspicious appearances it had atfirst exhibited, and yet he found himself in the conclusion of it wide, verywideindeed,ofthesuccessofwhichhehadaimed.
"Towhatpurpose,"exclaimedhe,withavoiceofanguishandrage,"haveIinherited the most inexhaustible riches? To what purpose is the commandwhich I boast over the goblins of the abyss, if one weak, simple, anduninstructedwomanshallthusdefymyarts?Icallthehillsmyown.Imountupon the turrets ofmycastle, and as far asmyeye can survey, thebendingcornand thegrazingherdsbelong tome.Mypalace isadornedwithall thatcan sooth the wearied frame, or gratify the luxurious desire. Couches ofpurple,andservicesofgold,themostexquisiteviands,andtheblandishmentsofenticingbeauty,charmsofwhichtheruggednessofpastorallifehasnotsomuch as the idea, all these are circled within my walls. Beyond all this, Icommand myriads of spirits, invisible, and reputedly omnipotent. If I butstampmy foot, if I but wave this wand, they fly swifter than thewings ofthoughttomypresence.Onelookoffavourinspiresthemwithtranquilityandexultation;onefrownofdispleasureterrifiesthemintodespair.Idispatchthemfar as the corners of the moon. At my bidding they engage in the mosttoilsome enterprises, and undertake the labour of revolving years. Ohimpotenceofpower!ohmockeryofstate!whatendcanyenowservebuttoteachmetobemiserable?Power,thehandsofwhicharechainedandfetteredinlinksofiron;state,whichisbestowedonlylikeapapercrowntoadornthebrowsofababy,arethemostcruelaggravationsofdisappointment,themostfearful insults upon the weak. But shall I always obey the imperiousmandate?"
"Yes,Roderic, thoushaltobey,"exclaimedtheinimicalgoblin,whoat thismomentburstthroughacondensedcloud,thathadarisenunperceivedinonecorneroftheapartment,andappearedbeforehim."Invaindostthoustrugglewith the links of destiny. In vain dost thou exert thyself to escape from thefilletsthatoneverysidesurroundthee.Thegreaterandthemoreobstinatearethy efforts, the more closely art thou bound, and the more inextricablyengaged. This is the situation inwhich I wished to see thee. Every pang itwringsfromthyheart,everyexclamationitforcesfromthytongue,issolacetomythoughts,andmusictomyears.Andwertthouvainandweakenoughtoimagine, that riches would purchase thee every pleasure, that riches wouldfurnishaninexhaustiblesourceofenjoyment?Ofallmortalpossessionstheyarethemostuseless,mischievous,andbaleful.TheGods,whentheGodsarewilling to perfect a character of depravity, in order to make viceconsummately detestable, or to administer an exemplary punishment todistinguishedwickedness,bestowuponthatman,asthelastofcurses,andthe
mostrefinedoftortures,extensivepossessionsandunboundedriches.Indulgetothemistakenpridewhichtheseinspire,andwrapthyselfupinthelittlenessof thy heart.—But no, rise above them. Suffer thy desires towander into alarger andmoredangerous field.Runwithopeneyes into themouthof thatdestructionthatgapestodevourthee!Whyshouldstthouattendtothevoiceofdestiny, to the immutable lawsof theGods, and the curse that is suspendedover thee?Beaman.Bravelydefyall that ismostvenerable, andall that ismostunchangeable.OhhowI longfor thyruin!Howmyheartpantsfor theillustrioushourinwhichthypalacesshallbecrumbleddowntothedustofthebalance, thy riches scattered, and thyself become an unpitied, necessitous,miserablevagabond! In themean time, remember, that riches like thine arenotbestowedwithu[n]reservinghand,thatcommerceisnotpermittedwiththeshadowsofdarkness,withoutsome triflingfall to illamid this immensityofuniform happiness. For this end I am commissioned from time to time toappear before thee in the midst of thy triumph, and to mingle with thyexultationsthebodingvoiceofpropheticwoe."
Rodericdidnotlistentothesebittersarcasmswithoutexhibitingeverymarkoffuryandimpatience.Atlengthhecommandedthespectretodepart,withavoice so fierce and stern as to terrify him into submission. For though theauthorityofthemagicianwasnotformidableenoughtomakehimdesistfrompersecuting him, yet the penalties he had frequently been able to inflict,inspiredthegoblininspiteofhimself,withthefearofsopotentanadversary.Stillchoakedhoweverwithagonyandresentment,Rodericwavedhiswand,and summoned his favourite instrument and the prime minister of hispleasures, thegoblinMedoro, tohis presence.Themomenthe appeared themagicianwasrelievedfromthatviolentgustofpassion,whichhadheldhimmotionless,astatueofhorror,andthrowinghimselfuponhiscouch,heburstintoafloodoftears.
Medorowas thegoblin that had appeared toEdwin inhis return from thefeastofthebards,andhadbrewedthefatalstormthathadprecededtherapeofImogen.Thefigureofthespectrewasuncouth,andhiscountenancewasfullofsavageandshapelessdeformity.Nordidhisappearancebelyhischaracter.Toallotherbeings,whetheroftheterrestrialortheinvisibleworld,histemperwashard,impracticableandremorseless.ToRodogunealone,asimilitudeofminds,andacongenialferocityofhearthadattachedhim;andtheattachmenthaddescendedtoherson;thoughnotequallydestituteofeveryagreeableandevery plausible quality. He therefore beheld the affliction of Roderic withsympathyandcompassion.
"Wherefore,"criedMedoro,modulatingavoice,thatnaturehadmadeupofdissonance and horror, into themost gentle and soothing accent ofwhich it
wascapable,andhangingoverhiscouch,"whereforethissorrow?Whatisitthat has seemed to mar a happiness so enviable? Art thou notpossessed"—"Talknottomeofpossessions,"exclaimedRoderic,withatoneof frenzy, and starting fromhisposture, "I give them to thewinds. I banishthemfrommy thoughts forever.Oh that theearthwouldopenandswallowthemup!Ohthatunburdenedfromthemall,Iwerefreeasthechildrenofthevallies,andcarelessastheshepherdthatcarolstotherisingday.Ihadnotthenbeen thus entangled in misfortune, thus every way closed in to remedilessdespair. I had not then been a monument of impotence and misery for theworldtogazeat.Yeareallcombinedagainstme!Underaspecious,smilingcountenance you all conceal a heart of gall. But your hypocrisy and yourmummeryshallserveyoutolittlepurpose.Pointme,thisinstantpointme,toapathforthegratificationofmywishes,ordearlyshallyouruetheshallownessofyourinventionandthetreacheryofyourprofessions."
MedorowasastonishedatthevehemenceofthepassionofRoderic,unusualeveninayouthwhohadneverbeenrefuseddemandsthemostunreasonable,andwhohadbeeninuredtoseeallthepowersofnaturebendtohiswill."Isthis," cried he, "a return for services so unwearied and sincere as mine?Foolishandungratefulyouth!RutIwillpointyoutoaremedy.Hadyounotbeen blinded with fury and impatience, you would have seen that yoursituation was not yet irremediable, by means the most obviously in yourpower.DidInotatyourbirthbestowuponyouaring,thatcommunicatestothewearerthepowerofassumingwhatformheplease?Igaveit,inordertoeludethecurseofthemalignantgoblin,tosubduethemostobduratefemale,andtoevadethemostsubtleadversary.Theusesinwhichthouhasthithertoemployedithavebeenidleandcapricious,governedbywhim,anddictatedbythesalliesofasportivefancy.Itisnowfirstthatanopportunityisofferedtoturn it to those purposes forwhich itwasmore immediately destined.Dostthou not now address an obdurate maid? Is she not full of constancy andattachmentforanother?Whatavailsitthentoaheart,simpleandunvitiatedashers, to offer the bribe of riches, and to lavish the incense of flattery andadulation.Attackherinherlove.Appeartoherintheformofhimtowhomsheismostardentlyattached.IfImogenisvulnerable,thisisthequarterfromwhichshemustbeapproached.ThusfarRodericthoumayesttrythypower;but if by this avenue thou canst not surprise her heart and overpower hervirtue, be then wise. Recollect thy courage, strengthen thy resolution, andshakeoffforeveracapriciousinclination,whichinterruptsthetenourofalifethatmightotherwiseweartheuniformcolourofhappiness."
Theinformationofanewmeasureforthefurtheringhisdarlingpursuit,wasacommunicationofthemostrevivingkindtotheheartofRoderic.Thegloomand petulance that had collected upon his countenancewere dissipated in a
moment. His cheek caught anew the flush of expectation; his eye sparkledanewwiththeinsolenceofvictory.HisgratitudetothepropitiousMedorowasnow as immoderate as his displeasure had lately been unreasonable. Hewalked along the apartments with the stride of exultation and triumph. Heforgot thepatheticexclamationshehad latelyutteredupon the impotenceofpower,andhewasfullofcongratulationinthepossessionofthatwhichhehadtreated with contempt. The moral lessons which it was his destiny to havefrom time to time poured into an unwilling ear were erased for ever. Heexclaimeduponhisownstupidityandwantofinvention,andherememberednot that vehemence of passion,which had distracted his understanding, anddrawnacloudoverallhis ideas. Itwasnot instantly thathecouldassumeasufficient degree of collectedness and composure to put into execution theschemewithwhichhewassohighlydelighted.Presentlyhowevertheebrietyofunexpectedhopedissipated,andhepreparedforthatscenewhichwastoberegardedasthesummitofhispower,andtheirrevocablecrisisofhisfate.
BOOKTHEFIFTH
THE GARDEN OF RODOGUNE DESCRIBED.—THE HOPES ANDDANGEROFIMOGEN.—HERINCONSOLABLEDISTRESS.
Imogen, immediately after the interview that had sodeeplyperplexedher,returning to her apartment, had shut herself up in solitude. Her reflectionsweregloomyandunpleasing;thenewobscuritythathungaboutthemhadnotcontributed to lighten their pressure. But though she was melancholy, hermelancholywasofadifferenthuefromthatofherravisher.Ifvirtuecaneverbe deprived of those glorious distinctions that exclusively belong to her, itmustbewhensheisprecludedfromtheilluminationsofduty,andisnolongerable to discern the path inwhich she ought to tread. But even here, wheredistinction seems most annihilated, it yet remains. The cruel sensations ofImogen were not aggravated by despair, but heightened by hope. Throughthem all she was sustained by the consciousness of her rectitude. Thechearfulnessofinnocencesupportedherundereverycalamity.
Shehadnot long remained alonebefore shewas summoned to partakeofthat plainer repast, which in the economy of Roderic usually occupied themiddleoftheday,andprecededthesumptuousandsplendidentertainmentoftheevening,bywhichthesoulwasinstigatedtoprolongtheindulgenceofthetable,andtothrowthereinsupontheneckofenjoyment.ButImogen,whose
thoughtsweredark,andwhosemindbroodedoverathousandsadideas,wasdesirous of that solitude, which in the simplicity of pastoral life is ever athand.Shecouldnotawaywiththefreedomofsociety,andthelevityofmirth.It was painful to her to have anywitnesses of her new sensations, and shewishedtoremoveherselfforeverfromtheinspectionoftheofficiousandtheinquisitive.Incompliancewithherhumourafewviandswereservedtoherinherownapartment.Shewasinducedbytheentreatiesofherattendant,tocallupamomentarysmileuponhercountenance,andtoendeavourtopartakeofthe refreshment that was offered her. But the effort was vain. It was thesunshineofanAprilday;her repast in spiteofherwasbedewedwith tears,andsheatethebreadofsorrow.
As soon as it was concluded, shewas invited to a short excursion in thegardenofthemansion.Unusedtorefusal,thenaturalmildnessofhertemperinclinedtocomply.Shesawthenecessityofnotyieldingherselfuptopassiveand unresisting melancholy. The natural serenity of innocence did not yetpermither tobe insensible to theattractionsofenjoyment; and the transientviewshehadhadofthegarden,asshepassedtotheterrace,ledhertoexpectfromit,somethingthatmightsoothherpensivethoughts,andsomethingthatmightdivertheraffliction.
ThegardenofRodogunewasaninclosureinabottomglade,attheentranceofwhich,thoughnightothecastle,anduponalowerground,youwhollylostsight of the mansion, and every external object. But though these wereexcluded,thesorceressbyherarthadalsoexcludedtheappearanceoflimitsandboundaries.Thescenewasnotterminatedbywallsandespaliers,butbytheentranceoneithersideofawild,meandringwood.Thesidebywhichyouwere introducedwas protected by trees of the thickest foliage; and the gatewasmasquedwith a clump of hazels and alders,which permitted only twonarrowpassagesoneitherside.Theeyewasshutin,buttheimaginationwaspermitted to range in perfect freedom. Nor was this seeming confinementcalculatedtodisgust;onthecontraryyouwillinglybelievedthateverycharmandeverygracewasshutupinthecircle,andyoutrembledlest thesmallestoutlet should take off from the richness of the scene. In entering youwerestruck with a sensation of coolness, that impervious shades, a bright andanimatedverdure, flowers scatteredhereand there inagreeabledisorder, theprattlingofthestream,andthesongofathousandbirds,impressedasstronglyuponthe imagination,as thesenses.But thisdidnotappear theresultofart.Everythinghadthefaceofuncultivatedluxuriance,andimpenetrablesolitude.Youcouldnotbelievethatyouwerenotthefirstmortalthathadeverfoundhiswayintotheenchantingdesert.
The scene however had been solely produced by the skill of Rodogune.
Erewhilethegrasshadappeareddryandparched;afewsolitaryandleaflesstreeshadbeenscatteredupanddown;therewasnogaietyofcolourstorelievetheeye;andnotonedropofwatertogivefreshnesstotheprospect.ButwiththeoperationsofmagicRodogunehaddelighted tosupersede theparsimonyof nature. She caused the tree and the shrub to spring forth in the richestabundance; the sturdinessofwhose trunks,or thedeepnessof theirverdure,cheatedtheeyewiththesemblanceoftheripeninghandoftime.Shesprinkledtheturf,short,fine,andvivid,withflowersbothnativeandexotic.Shecalledforthathousandfountainstoenrichthescene.Sometimestheycreptbeneaththeturfinalmostimperceptiblethreads;sometimestheyranbesidethealleys,orcrossedtheminsportivewantonness;andsometimesyoumightseetheminbroaderandmorelimpidcurrentsrollingoverasmoothandspottedbed.Nowtheyrosefromthesoilinfoamyviolence,andfelluponthechalkandpebblygroundbeneath;andanontheyformedthemselvesintothedeeperbason[sic],whose calm and even surface reflected back the reeds and shrubs thatwereplantedround.Therewasnothingstraitandnothinglevel;theruleandthelinehad never entered the delicious spot; the irregularities of the soil, and thefantastic,gradualwindingsofthealleys,werecalculatedtogivelengthtothepassage,andimmensitytothescene.
From time to timeyouencountered tuftsof trees closelyplanted, and thatcastasbrowna shadeas the thickest forest.Thesewerepartlycomposedofwoodofthemostplianttexture,theextremitiesofwhosebranches,bendingtotheearth,tookrootasecondtimeinherbosom.Elsewheretherasberry[sic],the rose, the lilac, and a thousand flowering shrubs, appeared in thicketswithouteitherregularityorsymmetry,andcontributedatoncetoadorn,andtogiveanairof rudenessandwildness to theprospect.Round thebodyof thetrees, planted some at their root, and some upon the different parts of thetrunk,creptthewithy, thesnakeweed,theivy,andthehop,andintermingledwith them the jessamine and the honeysuckle, in the most unboundedprofusion.Theirtendrilshungfromthebranches,andwavedtothewind;andsuggestedtoyoutheappearanceofgarlandsscatteredfromtreetotreebythenymphs of the grove. All was inexpressible luxuriance, and a thousanddifferent shades of verdure were placed, one upon another, in regularconfusion,andattractivedisorder.Anexuberanceofthissortwascalculatedinavulgarscenetohavecheckedthefertilityoftheplants,andtohavegivenasicklyandwitheredappearance to theirproductions;but itwasnotso in thegardenofRodogune.Therethecherryandthegrape,thedownypeachandthepurpleplumwerehalfdiscoveredamidthefoliageofthehop,andtheclustersof the woodbine. Beneath the delicious shade you wandered over beds ofmoss,undeformedwithbarrensandsandintrusiveweeds,andsmoothas thelevelfaceofoceanwhenallthewindsofheavensleep.
Norwas this all. Inanimate andvegetablenature (and theobservationhadnot escaped the penetration ofRodogune) adorn and arrange it as youwill,infalliblysuggestsanideaofsolitude,thatcommunicatessadnesstothemind.Accordingly your path was here beguiled with the warbling of a thousandbirds,thefull-tonedblackbird,themellowthrush,andthepensivenightingale.Thesorceresshadinvitedthemtoherretreat,byinnumerableassiduitiesandinnumerable conveniences of food and residence, and had suffered no rudeintrusiontodisturbthesacrednessoftheirhaunts.Unusedtomolestationinalltheir pursuits, theynowshowedno terrorofhumanapproach,but flew, andhopped, and sung, andplayed among thebranches and along theground, inthoughtlesssecurityandwantondefiance.
For a few moments Imogen was immersed in the contemplation of thebeautiesof theplace,anditsdelightfulcoolnessandmingledfragrancewerebalmandsoftnesstoherwoundedsoul.Thedomesticwhoaccompaniedher,perceivedherpropensity to reflection and fell back to a small distance.Theshepherdess,assoonasshefoundherselfdisengagedandalone,revolvedwiththeutmostdispleasureherpresentsituation."Howhappy,"criedshe,"arethevirgins of the vale! To them every hour is winged with tranquility andpleasure.Theylaughatsorrow;theytrill thewild,unfetteredlay,orwander,chearfulandhappy,withthefaithfulswainbeneaththewoodlandshade.Theyfear no coming mischief; they know not the very meaning of an enemy.Innocent themselves, theyapprehendnotguiltand treachery in thosearoundthem. Nor have they reason. Simplicity and frankness are the unvariedcharacterofthenativesoftheplain.Liberty,immortal,unvaluedliberty,isthedaughter of themountains.We suspected not that deceit, insidiousness, andslaveryweretobefoundbeneaththesun.Ah,whywasIselectedfromtherestto learn the fatal lesson!Unwished, unfortunate distinction!Was I,who amsimpleandundisguisedasthelightofday,whoknownothowtoconcealonesentiment of my heart, or arm myself with the shield of vigilance andincredulity,wasIfittedbynatureforascenelikethis?Inthemeantimehavenot theGodsencouragedmeby themostsplendidappearance,and themostanimatingpraises?Iwouldnotimpeachtheirvenerablecounsels.Butwasthisatimeforapplausessoseducing?Howgreatlyhavetheyperplexed,andhowdeeplydistressedme!Inwhatmanner,alas!aretheytobeobeyed,andwhatamItothinkoftheprofessionsofmyravisher?But,no;Idarenotpermitmypurpose to be thus suspended. My danger here is too imminent. Thedeliveranceofmyownhonourandthefelicityofmyparentsaremotivestoosacred, not to annihilate every ambiguity and every doubt.Oh, that I couldescapeatonce!Oh,thatlikethetenderbird,thathopsbeforemeinmypath,Icould flitawayalong the tracklessair!Whyshould the littlebirds thatcarolamongthetreesbetheonlybeingsinthedomainsofRoderic,thatknowthesweets of liberty? But it will not be. Still, still I am under the eye and
guardianship of heaven.Wise are theways of heaven, and I submitmyselfwith reverence. Only do ye, propitious Gods, support, sustain, deliver me!Never was frail and trembling mortal less prepared to encounter withmachination, and tobraveunheardofdangers.Howfearful are those Ihavealreadyencountered;andhowmuchhaveI toapprehendfromwhatmayyetremain!ButifIamweak,theomnipotentsupporttowhichIlookisstrong.Iwill not giveway to impious despondence. It has delivered, and itmay yetdeliverme."
Bysuchvirtuousandingenuousreflectionstheshepherdessendeavouredtosolaceherdistress,andtofortifyhercourage.Nowbyrevolvingherdangersshe sought to prepare for their encounter; and now she dismissed therecollection as too depressing and toomelancholy. The confinedness of theprospect,thoughrichinfinitelybeyondanythingshehadyetseen,andthoughnotnaturallycalculatedtofatigueanddisgust,wasdestructiveofallitsbeautyin theeyesofImogen.Itpresentedtoher toojustanimageof the thraldom,which was the subject of all her complaints. She desired to fling her eyethroughawiderprospect;andthoughunableevenfromtheloftiestgroundtodiscover thehappyvalley, shecoveted the slendergratificationofbeholdingtheutmostboundariesofthemagiccircle,andextendingherviewasnearaspossible toher belovedhome.She therefore advanced farther in thegarden,andpresentlyarrivedataclearandopenbrow,whereabeautifulalcovewaserected to catch the point of view, from which the surrounding objectsappearedinthegreatestvariety,andwiththehappiesteffect.Sheentered;andthedomesticthatattendedherremainedinadistantpartofthegarden.
Scarcely had Imogen seated herself, before she discovered, by a casualglance over the prospect, and at some distance, a youth, who seemed toadvancewithhastystepstowardsthecastle.Atfirstshewastemptedtoturnawayhereyewithcarelessnessandinattention.Therewashoweversomethingin his figure, that led her, by a kind of fascination forwhich she could notaccount, to cast upon him a second glance and a third.He drew nearer.Heleapedwithanactiveboundoverthefencethatseparatedhimfromthegarden.Itwas the formofEdwin.Hishairhungcarelessly abouthis shoulders.Hisshepherd'spipewasslunginhisbelt.Hisclearandmanlycheeksglowedwiththewarmthoftheday,andtheanxietyoflove.Heenteredthealcove.
Had a ghost risen before Imogen, surrounded with all the horrors of theabyss, she could not have been struck with greater astonishment. As headvanced, shegazed in silence.Shecouldnotutter aword.Herverybreathseemed suppressed. At length he entered, and for a moment she had voiceenough to utter her surprise. "Gracious powers!" exclaimed she—"is itpossible?—what is it that I see?—Edwin, beloved Edwin!"—and she sunk
breathlessuponherseat.Thefictitiousshepherdapproachedher,foldedherinhis arms, and with repeated, burning kisses, which he had never beforeventured to ravish from his disdainful captive, restored her to life andperception.TheconfusionofImogendidnotallowhertoanimadvertuponhisfreedoms.Shehadtheutmostconfidenceinthepersonwhoseformhewore,and the guileless simplicity of pastoral life is accustomed to permit manyundesigning liberties, and is slow to take the alarm, or to suspect a sinisterpurpose.
Roderic, anxious and timid respecting the success of his adventure, wasbackwardtoenterintoconversation.Imogen,ontheotherhand,charmedwithso unexpected an appearance, and presaging from it the most auspiciousconsequences, full of her situation and sufferings, and having a thousandthingsthatpressedatoncetobetold,waseagerandimpatienttocommunicatethem to her faithful shepherd. She was also desirous of learning by whatundiscoverablemeans,bywhathappyfortune,hehadbeenconductedtothisimperviousretreat,andatsocriticalajuncture."Edwin,—mygallantEdwin,—howcameyouhither?—Sureitwassomepropitiouspower,—someunseenangel,—that conducted you.—Oh, my friend,—I have been miserable,—perplexed—tortured—butitisnownomore—Iwillnotthinkofit—ThankstotheimmortalGods,Ihavenooccasion—noroom—butforgratitude.—Edwin—whathaveyoudone—andhowdidyouescapethetempest?—Wasitnotafearfulstorm?—ButIaskyouathousandquestions—andyoudonotanswerme.—Youseemabashed—uncertain—whatisthemeaningofthis?—Didyounotcome tosuccourmydistress?—Was itnotpity foryourpoor—forlorn—desolateImogen—thatdirectedyoursteps?"
"Yes, loveliestof thy sex," repliedherbetrayer. "I flewupon thewingsoflove.Iwasbroughtalongbyacelestial,impulsiveguidance,whichIfollowedI knew not why. Oh how gracious the condescension, how happy theobedience, howgrateful the interview!Yes, Imogen, Iwas indespair. Iwasterrifiedattheconcurringprodigiesbywhichwewereseparated,andIfearednever,nevertobeholdthatbeauteousformagain.Comethenandletmeclaspthee tomybosom.Oh, thouartsweeter than the incense-breathingrose,andbrighterthanthelilyofthevale!"
For amoment, the affectionate and unsuspicious shepherdess received hiscaresses with complacence and pleasure. Suddenly however she recollectedherself;instinctivelyandwithoutreflectionsherepulsedtheunduewarmthofhisattentions."This,"criedshe,"isnotimeforfondindulgence,andcarelessdalliance—Fateisonthewing.—Oursituationisarduous—andweareinthemidst of enemies.—Every thing that surrounds us is full of danger—all isdeceitandtreachery—appearancesareinsidious—allisfrightfulsuspenseand
headlongprecipice.—Theplotterofmyruinisaspotentasheis—Ah!everyhourisbigwithcalamityanddestruction—everymomentthatwestayhereisin the last degree hazardous and decisive.—My keepers may be alarmed—Those eyes that never close may be summoned to attention—we may behemmed in—prevented—Oh, Edwin, how fearful is this place—and howunhoped—how joyful tome—must be an escape.—I thought this hated seathadbeenimperviousandimpassable—Hark!—Didyounothearthesoundoffeet?—No—every thing is still—Letusgo thisway—Say,bywhatpathdidyoucome—Letushastenourflight—letusmakenodelay—notlookbehind."
"Yes, Imogen," replied Roderic, detaining her, "wewill escape—But this,my lovelymaiden, isnot the time—Iamnotyetprepared—Wemay remainhereinsecurity—alreadytheshadesofeveningbegintodraw.Everythingisnowbusyandactive.Wecannotpassfromhencewithoutobservation.Inthesilenceofthenighttheattemptwillbemorepracticable.Andyou,Imogen,areaheroine.TheGodswillwatchoverus.Silenceanddarknesshavenothinginthem at which innocence should be terrified. Till then let us reconcileourselves to our situation. Let us endeavour, by secrecy and stilness, not toattracttoustheattentionoftheenemieswithwhichwearesurrounded.Letusbanish from them curiosity and suspicion. And let us trust in the Gods,propitious to rectitude, that theywill look downwith favour upon a designpromptedbyvirtueandurgedbyoppression."
"Alas, Edwin," replied the shepherdess "it iswith regret that I consent toremain one moment longer in this fatal spot. But I will submit to yourdirection,Iwillconfideinyourprudence;Iwilltrustinyourfidelity,andyourzeal, for the deliverance I so ardently desire.Here howeverwe cannot longremain undiscovered.—My absence will be suspicious.—I will return onceagain to the hatedmansion.—You, my swain, must conceal yourself in themazesofthisfriendlywilderness.ItshallnotbelongereIcometoyouagain.—Withmotives like mine to inspire ingenuity, I shall easily find a way toelude the strictest guard, and escape from the closest thraldom.—Say, myEdwin!—thisstratagemshallsuffice,—andyoushallleadmeinsafetyunderthefriendlycoverofthenighttolibertyandinnocence!"
"Yes," exclaimed Roderic, suddenly recollecting himself, "you may beassuredthatbymenothingshallbeomitted,thatcanfurtheryourescapefromthisdetestedprison.TheperilsIhavealreadyincurredmaywellconvinceyouofthis.Ithasbeenthroughthemostfearfuldangers,readyeverymomenttobeoverwhelmed with omnipotent mischief, that I have reached you. I haveapproachedbythemostdeviousandundiscoveredpaths.Thoughthegreatesthazards are to be encountered in the cause of innocence and honour, theconductweshouldpursueisthereforeambiguous,andoursuccessinvolvedin
uncertaintyanddarkness.OhImogen,Imaynowbeholdtheeforthelasttime.Themomentwe sally from this retreat, Imay be discovered by that enemyfromwhomwehavesomuchtofear.Imaybeconfinedtoallthewantonnessofinventivetorture,andthatbeauteousform,andthesmilesofthatbewitchingcountenance may be torn from these longing eyes for ever. But here, myshepherdess, we are safe. We may here secure ourselves from suddenintrusion,anda thousandmeansofconcealmentarehere inourpower.ThisImogenisthemomentofourascendancy,thislittleperiodisallourown.Inashort time theprecioushourswillbeelapsed, the invaluable instantswillberunout.Oh,mylove,fairest,mostangelicofthysex,whiletheyareyetours,let us improve them."—He ceased; and his countenance glistened with theanticipationsofenjoyment,andhiseyesemittedthesparklesoflust.
But the imagination of Imogen was not sullied with the impressions ofindecency, and the baseness of looser desires. She understood not theinnuendosofRoderic,andsheremarkednotwithaneagerandinquisitiveeyethedistractionofhisvisage.She replied thereforeonly to themoreobvioustendencyofwhathesaid."And is this,Edwin,all theconsolationyoubringme?Ah how poor, how heartless, and how cold! Ifwe accomplish not thatflightuponwhichmyhopesandwishesaresuspended,whatutilityandwhatpleasure can we derive from this interview? It will then only be a bitteraggravationofallmytrials,andallmymiseries.Ifaprospectsounexpectedand desirable terminate in no advantage, for what purpose was it openedbeforeme? Itwill but rendermy sensationsmore poignant, andgive a newrefinementtotheexquisitenessofdespair.
"But no, my Edwin, let us not give way to despondence. The Gods, mygenerousswain, thesameGodsthatgiveluxurianceandfelicitytotheplain,and thathaveguidedyou througheveryhazard to this impervious spot,willassuredly deliver us. Remember the lessons of the heaven-taught Druids.Thereisaninnatedignityandomnipotenceinvirtue.Shemaybesurroundedwith variety of woes, but none of them shall approach her. The darts ofcalamity may assail her on every side, but she is invulnerable to them all.Beforehermajesty,thefiercenessofall thetenantsofthewoodisdisarmed,andthemoreuntamedbrutalityofsavagemanisawedintomuteobedience.Shemaynot indeedputon the insolenceofpride, and the fool-hardinessofpresumption. But wherever her duty calls, she may proceed fearless andunhurt. She may be attacked, but she cannot be wounded: she may besurprised,butshecannotbeenslaved:shemaybeobscuredforamoment,butitshallonlybetoburstforthagainmoreillustriousthanever.
"But you,Edwin, aremuch better acquaintedwith these things, andmoreabletoinstructthanI.Theywereeverthefavouritesubjectofyourattention.I
haveseenyouwith rootedeye fixed forhours in listeningadmirationof thesublimedictatesofthehoaryLlewelyn.—Itislittletolearn,tounderstand,andtoadmire.Abarrenand ineffectual enthusiasm for the speculationsof truth,was never respectable and was never venerable. Now, my swain, is themoment in which these sacred lessons are to be called into action, and inwhich, beyond all others, reputation is to be asserted and character fixed.Leavenotthentomethebusinessofincitingandanimatingyou.Beyoumyleaderandprotector."
"Alas,mycharmingmistress,"repliedheradmirer,"IwouldtoGoditwereinmypowertoinspireyouwithhopeandfillyouwithcourage.Iconfessthatwhileperilwasatadistance,andIsatsecureinthetranquilvale,Ireceivedwithout distinction the doctrines of the Druids, and bowed assent to theirsacred lessons. But practice, my Imogen, and the scenes of danger differbeyondconceptionfromtheideasweformoftheminthecalmnessofrepose.Somethingmustbeallowedtotheunruffledsolitudeofthesesacredmen,andsomething to the sublime of poetry. Surely it is no part of comprehensiveprudencetobanishtheideaofthosehazardsthatmustbeencountered,andtorefuse to survey the snares and the difficulties with which our path issurrounded. Remember, my fair one, the malignant suspiciousness of yourjailer,andthecomfortlessdarknessofthenight."—
"OhEdwin,andisthisthestraininwhichyouwerewonttotalk?Whyareyou thus altered, and what means this inauspicious quick-sightedness andalarm?Weshouldindeedsurveyandpreparefordanger,butweshouldneversufferittooverwhelmus.Thecauseofintegrityshouldneverbedespairedof.Whatavailsthesuspicionsofmykeeper?Theeverwakefuleyeofheavencanmake them slumber. Why should we reck the gloom and loneliness of thenight?Virtueistheever-burninglampofthesacredgroves.Nodarknesscancastashadowonherbeams.Thoughthesunandmoonwerehurledbelowthebosom of the circling ocean, virtue could see to perform her purposes, andexecutehergreatdesigns.Alas,myswain,myvoiceisweak,andbroken,andpowerless.ButwillinglywouldIbreatheasoultoanimateyourtimidity.OhEdwin," and she folded him in her alabaster arms to her heaving, anxiousbosom,"letmenotexhortyouinvain!Itisbutforalittlewhile,itisbutforoneshorteffort,andifthepowersabovesmilepropitiousonourpurpose,weare happy for ever! Think how great and beautiful is our adventure.Comfortless and desponding as I am now, ready to sink without life andanimationatyourfeet,Imaybeinafewhourshappierthanever.—OhEdwin,leadon!—Canyouhesitate?—WoulditwereinmypowertorewardthevirtueIwouldexciteas itdeserves tobe rewarded.But theGodswill rewardyou,Edwin."—
As she uttered these words, her action was unspeakably graceful, hercountenancewasfullofpersuasion,andhervoicewassoft,andeloquent,andfascinating. Roderic gazed upon her with insatiate curiosity, and drank heraccentswith a greedy ear. For amoment, charmedwith the loftiness of herdiscourse and the heroism of her soul, hewas half persuaded to relent, andabjurehisdiabolicalpurpose.Itwasonlybysummoningupallthefiercenessof his temper, all the impatience of his passions, and all the mistakenhaughtiness and inflexibility of his purpose, that he could resist the artlessenchantment. During the internal struggle, his countenance by no meansansweredtothesimplicityofpastoralsentiments.Itwasnowfierce,andnowunprotected and despairing. Anon it was pale with envy, and anon it wasflushed with the triumph of brutal passion. Transitions like these could notpass unobserved. Imogen beheld them with anxiety and astonishment, butsuspicionwastooforeigninherbreast,tobethusexcited.
"Imogen,"criedthetraitor,"itisinyourpowertorewardthenoblestactsofheroism that human courage can perform. Who in the midst of all theexultationandapplausethattriumphantrectitudecaninspire,couldlooktoanobler prize than the condescension of your smiles and the heaven of yourembraces?No, too amiable shepherdess, it is not formyself I fear;witnessevery action of my life; witness all those dangers that I have this momentunhesitatinglyencountered,thatImightflytoyourarms.But,oh,whenyoursafety isbrought tohazard, I feel that Iamindeedacoward.Think,myfairone, of the dangers that surround us. Let us calmly revolve, before weimmediatelymeetthem.Nosoonershallwesetourfootbeyondthisthreshold,thantheywillcommence.Tyrannyiseverfullofapprehensionsandenvironedwithguards.Along thegallery,and through theprotractedhall,centinelsareplaced with every setting sun. Could you escape their observations, anhundredbolts,andanhundredmassivechainssecurethehingesoftheimpiousmansion.Beyonditallwillbedark,andthesolitudeinviolate.Butsupposewemeetagain,—bywhatpathtocrossthewideextendedglade,andtoreachtheonlyavenuethatcanleadussafely throughthishorridcincture,will thenbeundiscoverable. Amid the untamed forest and untrod precipices that liebeyond,allthebeastsmostinimicaltomanreside.Therethehillsre-echothetremendousroaringsoftheboar;theserpentshissamongthethickets;andthegauntandhungrywolfroamsforprey.Oh,Imogen,howfearfulisthepicture!Andcanyourtenderframe,andyourtimidspiritssupportthereality?"
Imogen had now preserved the character of heroism and fortitude for aconsiderabletime.Alltheenergiesofhersoulhadbeenexertedtoencounterthetrialsandsurmountthedifficultieswhichshefelttobeunavoidable.Whenthe beloved form of Edwin had appeared before her, she relaxed in somedegreefromthecautionandvigilanceshehadhithertopreserved.Itisthevery
natureof joyfulsurprizetounbendasitwerethestringsof themind,andtothrowwide the doors of unguarded confidence. Before, she had felt herselfalone;shesawnoresourcebutinherownvirtue,andcouldleanuponnopillarbutherownresolution.Nowshehadtrustedtomeetwithanexternalsupport;shehadpouredoutherheartintothebosomofhiminwhomsheconfided,andshe looked tohim forprudence, for suggestion and courage.But, insteadofsupport,shehadfounddebility,andinsteadofassistancetheresourcesofherown mind were dried up, and her native fortitude was overwhelmed anddepressed.She turnedpaleat the recitalofRoderic,herknees trembled,hereyesforgot theirwontedlustre,andshewasimmersedin thesupinenessandimbecilityofdespair.
"Edwin!"—she cried,with a tone of perturbation; but her utterance failedher. Her voice was low, hoarse, and inaudible. The fictitious shepherdsupportedherinhisarms.Herdistresswasanewgratificationandstimulustoherbetrayer."Edwin,ah,whereforethisfearfulrecital?Didyoucomehereforno other purpose than to sink me ten times deeper in despair? Alas, I hadconceivedfarotherexpectations,andfarotherhopesflutteredinmyanxiousbosom,whenIfirstbeheldyourwellknownform.IsaidIhavebeenhithertoconstantanddetermined,thoughunsupportedandmelancholy.Ishallnowbetriumphant. I shall experience that heaven-descended favour, which everattends the upright. Edwin, my firm, heroic Edwin, will perform what Iwished,andfinishwhatIbegan.And,oh,generousandamiableshepherd,isitthus that my presages are fulfilled? No, I cannot, will not bear it. If thecourageofEdwinfail, Iwillshowhimwhatheought tobe. Ifyoudarenotlead, thinkwhether you dare followwhither I guide.You shall seewhat aninjuredandoppressedwomancando.Feebleandtenderasweareformedbynature,youshallseethatwearecapableofsomefortitudeandsomeexertion."As she said this she had risen, and was advancing towards the door. Butrecollectingherselfwithasuddenpang,"Alas,"criedshe,"whitherdoIgo?—What am I doing?—What shall I do?—Oh,Edwin!" and, falling at his feet,she embraced his knees, "do not, do no [sic] not desert me in this sad,tremendousmoment!"
"I will not, my Imogen, I will never desert you. One fate shall attend usboth.Andifyouarecalledtocalamity,totorture,andtodeath,Edwinwillnotbe supine and inactive." "Oh, now," cried she, her eyes moistened withrapture,"Irecognizemynobleandgallantswain.Comethen,andletusfly.Ifwemustencounterperilanddisaster,whatavailsit tosuspendthetrialforafewniggardhours?This,myfriend,myguardian,—thisisthetime—Nowthemaster dragon sleeps—Roderic is now unconscious and distant—and I fearhimtoomuchtoapprehendanythingfromameaneradversary—Letusfly—letusescape—letourspeedoutstriptherapidwinds!"
During their conversation, theheavenshadbeen coveredwith clouds, andthe rain descended with violence. But the change had not been noticed byImogen. "Well then, my fair one, we will depart. What though the windwhistlesalong theheath,and the rainpattersamong theelms?Wewilldefytheir fury. Let us go!But, ah,my Imogen, look there! The hinds are flyingacross the plain for shelter; and see! two of them approach to the clumpoftreesdirectlybeforeusontheoutsideofthegarden.No,shepherdess,itisinvainthatweresolve,andinvainthatwestruggle:wecannotescape."
Themind of Imogen was nowwrought up to the extremest distress. Herheartwaswrungwith anguish. Shewas ready to charge the immortalswithconspiringagainsther,hadnotherpietyforbadit.ShesawtherealityofwhatRoderic stated, and yet she was ready to charge him with raising eternalobstacles.Shecastuponhimalookofdespairandagony.Butshedidnotreadin the countenance of the imaginary shepherd congenial sentiments."Methinks," said she, with a voice full of reproachful blandishment, andinimitablesweetness,"methinksitisnotwiththetendernessofsympathy,thatyou tellmewemustdesist.Sure it isonly themistof tears throughwhichIbehold you, thatmakesme see the suppressed emotion of pleasure in yourcountenance.No,itisnotintheheartofEdwintoharbourforamomentthesentiments of barbarity and insult—But if we cannot now escape—if thedangers to which we must submit may be diminished by delay—indeed,Edwin,somethingmustbeattempted—atleastletusnowfixuponaplan,anddeterminewhattodo.Letnotdelayrelaxthespiritofenterprise,orshakethefirmnessofourpurpose."
"And what plan," cried the pretended shepherd, "can we form? I havealreadytrodtheintricateanddangerousroad,andthereisnothingbetterforusthantotreadmyfootstepsbackagain.Thedayisparticularlyunfavourable,asit isaccompaniedwithactivityandbusiness.Wemust thereforewait for thenight. Then we must watch our opportunities, and embrace the favourableinterval.Imogen,Ifeelnotformyself.Idonotthrowawayathoughtuponmyownsafety,andIamreadytosubmittoeveryevilforyourserviceandyourdefence.Butyet,mygentle,noble-mindedshepherdess,Icannotpromiseanyveryflatteringprobabilityofsuccess.Indeedmyhopesarenotsanguine.Thedifficulties that are before us appear to me insurmountable. One mountainpeeps through the breaches of another, and they are like awall built by thehand of nature, and reaching to the skies. Penmaenmawr is heaped uponSnowdon,andPlinlimmonnodsuponthesummitofPenmaenmawr.Itisonlyby the intervention of amiracle thatwe can ever revisit the dear, lamentedfieldsofClwyd.Letusthen,myImogen,composeourselvestothesedatenessofdespair.Letussurrenderthesuccessofourfutureeffortstofate.Andletusendeavortosolacetheshortandonlycertainintervalthatweyetcancallour
own,bytherecollectionofourvirtuousloves."
"Alas," cried Imogen, "I understand not inwhat the sedateness of despairconsists.Intheprospectofeveryhorridmischief,mischiefthat threatensnotmerely my personal happiness or mortal existence, but which bears amalignant aspect upon the dignity of honour and the peace of integrity, Icannot calmly recollect our virtuous loves, or derive from that recollectionsedateness and composure. Edwin, your language is dissonant, and thethoughtsyouseektoinspire,jarringandincompatible.Ifyoumusttellmetodespair, at least point me to some nobler source of consolation, than thecoldness ofmemory; at least let us prepare for the fate that awaits us in amannerdecent,manly,andheroic."
"Yes, too amiable shepherdess, if I were worthy to advise, I wouldrecommendamoregeneroussourceofconsolation,andteachyoutoprepareforfuturityinamannerworthyofthesimplicityofyourheart;andworthyofthatdisinterestedaffectionwehaveeverborne toeachother.Thinkof thosesacred ties that have united us. Think of the soft and gentle commerce ofmutualglances; thechasteandinnocentcommunicationwithwhichwehaveso often beguiled the noontide hour; the intercourse of pleasures, ofsentiments, of feelings thatwe have held; themingling of the soul.Did notheavendesignusforeachother?Isnot,byalongprobationofsimplicityandinnocence, the possession of each other become a mutual purchase? Animpiousandarbitrarytyranthastornusasunder.ButdotheGodssmileuponhishatedpurpose?Doeshenotratheractinoppositiontotheirdecrees,andindefianceoftheirauthority?"
Themagicianpaused."Alas,"repliedtheshepherdess,"whatisityoumean?Whitherwouldyouleadme?Iunderstandyounot.Theseindeedweremotivesfor fortitude and exertion, but what consolation can they impart to thedespondingheart?" "Iwill tellyou," repliedher seducer, foldingher slenderwaistwithoneofhisarmsashespoke."SincetheGodsareonourside,sinceheavenandearthapproveourhonestattachment, letussithereand laughatthetyrant.Whilehedoubleshisguards,andemploysallhisvigilance, letusmockhisimpotentefforts."
"Ah,"repliedtheshepherdess,hereyemoistenedwithdespair,andbeamingwith unapprehensiveness, "how strange and impracticable an advice do yousuggest!Fullofterror,fullofdespair,youbidmelaughatfear.Threatenedbyatyrantwhosepowerisirresistible,andwhoseartsyouyourselfassuremearenot to be evaded, youwould havememock at those arts, and this dreadedpower. Is not his power triumphant? Is not all his vigilance crownedwith afatal success?Arewenothismiserable, trembling,death-expectingvictims?Canweleavethisapartment,canwealmostmoveourhand,orutterourvoice,
forsolicitudeandterror?OhEdwin,inwhatmouldmustthathearthavebeencast,whatmustbeitshardandunsusceptibletexture,thatcanlaughatsorrow,andbefullofthesensationsofjoy,thoughsurroundedwithalltheenginesofwretchedness?"
"Imogen,yourfearsaretoogreat,youranxietiesexaggeratetheindigenceofourcondition.Thoughweareprisoners,yeteventhemisfortunesofaprisonhavetheircompensations.Theactivityoftheimmaterialmind,willnotindeedsubmitlongwithoutreluctancetoconfinementandrestraint.Butwehavenotyetexperiencedlassitudeanddisgust.""Alas,Edwin,howstrangeandforeignare thoughts like these!Whither do they tend?Whatwould you infer fromthem?"
"This my love I would infer. That within one little cincture we are yetabsolute. No prying eye can penetrate here. Of our words, of our actions,duringafewremaininghours,wecandisposewithoutcontroul."
"Ah," exclaimed the shepherdess, struck with a sudden suspicion of thetreacherous purpose, and starting from her betrayer, "ah, Edwin, yet, yetexplainyourself!Athousandhorridthoughts—athousanddireandshapelessphantoms—But Edwin,—sure—is plain, and artless, and innocent.—Whatbootsitthatwecandisposeofourwordsandactionswithinthiscincture?—Willthatenableustoescape?—No,no,no,no.—Escapeyousayishopeless—Whatisityoumean?—Say—explainyourself—Oh,Edwin!"—
"Be not alarmed," cried the remorseless villain. "Listen, yet listen withcalmness to the suggestions of my deliberate mind. Imogen, you are toobeautiful—Ihavebeheldyoutoolong—Ihaveadmiredyouwithtoofierceanardour. TheGods—theGods have joined us. It is guilt andmalignity alonethatopposetheirpurpose.—Letusbeatthemdown—tramplethemunderourfeet—employworthilythemomentthatyetremains."—
Asthemagicianpronouncedthesewords,headvancedtowardshiscaptive,andendeavouredtoseizeherinhisarms.Butshethrusthimfromherwiththewarmest indignation; andcontemplatinghimwith an eyeof infinitedisdain,"Baseunworthyswain!"—shecried—"Insidioustraitor!—abhorreddestroyer!—Andisitthusthatyouwouldapproachme?—Isitthusthatyouwouldcreepinto the weakness of my heart?—But fly—I know you not—One mark ofcompassion I will yet exhibit, which you little deserve—Fly—I will notdeliveryouintothehandsofyourrival,whomyetmysouldoesnotsomuchloathandabhor—Fly—Livetobepointedatasanexampleofdegeneracy—Live to blush for and repent of that crime, which, Edwin!—cannot beexpiated."
Roderichadadvancedtoofartobethusdeterred.Hedidnotwishtomanagethecharacterunderwhichheappeared.Hispassionsby this interview,moreprivate, and in which his captive had beheld him with an eye of greatercomplacencythanever,wereinflamedtotheextremestdegree.ThecharmsofImogen had been in turn heightened with joy, and mellowed with distress.Even the conscious dignity, and haughty air she now assumed, gave newattractions toher form, andnewgrace tohermanner.Hermuscles trembledwithhorror anddisdain.Her eloquentbloodwroughtdistinctly inherveins,andspokeinatone,notmoredignifiedthanenchanting.Herwholefigurehadalife,anexpression,aloveliness,thatitisimpossibletoconceive.
Rodericrushedforwardunappalled,andunsubdued.Hehadalreadyseizedhis unwilling victim. In vain she resisted his violence; in vain she strove toescapefromherbetrayer."Forpity'ssake—formercy'ssake—forthesakeofall our past endearments—spareme!—relent—and spareme—spareme!—"For a time she struggled; but her tender frame was soon overcome by thestrengthofherdestroyer.Shebecamecoldandinsensibleinhisarms.
At thismoment a floodof splendid lightning filled the apartment.The airwasrentwiththehoarseanddeafeningroarofthethunder,thedoorflewopen,andtheformofthatspectrethathemostabhorredstoodbeforeRoderic."Goon,"cried thephantom,"complete thyheroicpurpose.Scorn the tremendoussoundsthatnowappal thee.Theyarebut thepreludeof thatscenethatshallshortly feast my eyes. Perceivest thou not the earth to tremble beneath thyfeet?Hearest thounot thewallsof thyhatedmansioncrackingto theirruin?Confusionisathand.Chaosiscomeagain.Goonthen,Roderic.Completethyheroicpurpose."Thespectrevanished,andallwasuninterruptedsilence.
The whole mind of Roderic was transformed from what it was. For theimpotenceoflust,andthecrueltyofinexorabletriumph,hefelttheterrorsofannihilation,andall thecold,damptremblingsofdespair.But thevictoryofinnocencewasnotyetcomplete.
Imogenhadsunkforamomentunderthehorrorsthatthreatenedher,butshehadnotbeensofarimpercipientasnottohearthemurmuringofthethunder,andtoseethegleamofthelightning.TheformhoweverthatterrifiedRoderic,andthevoicethataddressedhim,wereperceivedbyhimalone.
Theshepherdessopenedhereyes,andbeheldthedegenerateravisherpale,aghast,andtrembling."Itiswell,Edwin.TheGodshavedeclaredthemselves.TheGodshavesuspendedtheirthunderovertheheadoftheapostate.Rut,ohEdwin,couldIhaveimaginedit!DesolateandoppressedasIhavebeen,couldI have supposed, that that form was destined to fill up the measure of mywoes!Ioncebehelditastheharbingerofhappiness,asthetempleofintegrity
andinnocence.Oh,howwretchedyouhavemademe!Howyouhaveshakenallmymostrootedopinionsoftheresidenceofvirtueamongmankind!AmIalone, andunsupported inher cause?Howforlornand solitarydo I seem tomyself!Isuffered—onceIsufferedthethoughtofEdwintomixwiththeloveofrectitude,andtheobedienceofheaven.Theyalltogetherconfirmedmeinthe path I had chalked out formyself.Mistake not these reproaches for theweaknessofreturningpassion.Andyet,Edwin,thoughIloath,Ipityyou!Go,and repent! Go, and blot from the records of your memory the coldinsinuation,theaggravatedguiltthatyouhavethisdaypractised!Go,andletmenever,neverseeyoumore!"
As she uttered these words, congratulation, reproach, wretchedness,abhorrenceandpitysucceededeachother inhercountenance.Rut theywereallaccompaniedwithan ineffabledignity,andanangelicpurity.Thesavageandthesatyrmighthavebeheld,andbeenawedintoreverence.Rodericslunkaway, guilty, mortified, and confounded. And such was the success of thisotherattemptuponthevirtueofImogen.
BOOKTHESIXTH
IMOGEN ENDEAVOURS TO SUBDUE THE ATTENDANTS OFRODERIC.—THESUPPEROFTHEHALL.—JOURNEYANDARRIVALOF EDWIN.—SUBTLETYOF THEMAGICIAN.—HE IS DEFEATED.—ENDOFTHESECONDDAY.
The magician, overwhelmed and confounded with uninterrupteddisappointment, was now ready to give himself up to despair. "I haveapproachedtheinflexiblefairone,"criedhe,"byeveryavenuethatleadstothefemale heart. And what is the amount of the advantages I have gained? Itempted her with riches. But riches she considered with disdain; they hadnothinganalogoustothetemperofhermind,andheruncultivatedsimplicityregarded them as superfluous and cumbersome. I taught her to listen to thevoiceofflattery;Iclotheditinallthatisplausibleandinsinuating;buttonopurpose.Shewasstilluponherguard;allhersuspicionswereawake;andherintegrityandherinnocencewereasvigilantasever.Incapableofeffectinganything under that form she had learned to detest, I laid it aside. I assumed aformmost prepossessing andmost amiable in her eyes. Surely if her breasthadnotbeenascoldasthesnowthatclothesthesummitofSnowdon;ifhervirtue had not been impregnable as the groves of Mona, a stratagem,
omnipotent and impenetrable as this, must have succeeded. She beheld thefigure of him she loved, and thiswas calculated in amoment of distress todraw forth all her softness. She beheld the person of him inwhom she hadbeenwont tofindall integrity,andplaceallconfidence,andthismighthaveinducedhertoapprehendnodanger.Andyetwithhowmuchtenderpassion,with how distressful an indignation, with what tumultuous sorrow did shewitnesshissupposedcrime?WhatthenmustIdo?Whatyetremains?Iloveherwithamorefranticandirresistiblepassionthanever.Icannotabstainfromher.—Icannotdismissher.—Icannot forgether.Oh Imogen, too lovely, all-attractiveImogen,foryouIstandupontheverybrinkoffate!Noristhisall.Soon should I leap the gulph, soon should forget every prudent and colderprospectinthetumultofmysoul,didnotthatcursedspectreevershootacrossmypathtodashmytransports,andtomarmyenjoyments.WhichwayshallIturn?Toleaveher,thatisimpossible.Topossessherbyopenforceandmanlyviolence, that my fate forbids. My understanding is bewildered, and myinventionislost.—Medoro!"—
Medoro received the well known signal, and stood before Roderic. Hewaitednottobeaddressed,hereadthepurposesoftheheartofthemagician."Roderic,"criedhe,"thismomentisthecrisisofyou[r]destiny.Theoccasion,towhich the curse pronounced upon you by the inimical spectre refers, hasalreadyinparttakenplace.YOUHAVESUEDTOASIMPLEMAID,WHOBYYOURCHARMSHASBEENTAUGHTTOHATETHESWAINTHATONCE SHE LOVED. It only remains that she should persevere in theresistance she has hithertomade, and that A SIMPLE SWAIN, perhaps herfavouredEdwin,shoulddefyyourenchantments.Thinkthenoftheprecipiceonwhich you stand.Yet, yet return,while it is in your power.One step inadvance beyond those you have already taken may be irretrievable. Alas,Roderic,itisthusthatIadvise!butIforeseethatmyadvicewillbeneglected.TheGodspermittotheinvisibleinhabitantsofair,whenstronglyinvokedbyamortal voice, to assist their vices and teach adroitness to their passions; buttheydonotpermitaninvocationlikethistoreceiveforitsrewardthelessonofmoderation,andtheattainmentofhappiness.
"Goonthen,Roderic,inthepathuponwhichyouareinflexiblydetermined.You succeeded not in the stratagemof flattery; but it served to take off thekeenness of the aversion of Imogen. She contemplates you now withsomewhat less of horror, and with a virtuous and ingenuous fear ofuncandidnessandinjusticeuponyouraccount.Neitherhaveyousucceededinthatdeeperstratagemandlesspenetrabledeceit,theassumptionoftheformofhimsheloved.Ithashoweverservedtoweakenherprepossessions,andrelaxthechainsofherattachment.Sheisnowthebetterpreparedtoreceiveopenlyandimpartiallytheaddressesofastrangerswain.Thusevenyourmiscarriages
havefurtheredyourdesign.Thusmayawisegeneralconverthisdefeatsintothemeansofvictory.Thinknothoweveragaintoapproachherinthecoolnessof reason, and the sobriety of the judgment. Hope not by temptation, byflattery,byprejudice,toshaketheimmutablecharacterofhermind.Thereisyet oneway unessayed.Youmust advance, if youwould form the slightestexpectations of victory, by secret and invisible steps. Her virtue must besurrounded,entangledandenmeshed,oreverhersuspicionsbeawakened,orher integrity alarmed. This can be effected only by the instrumentality ofpleasure.Pleasurehasrisentriumphantovermanyaheartthatrichescouldnotconquer, and that ambition could not subdue.What though she has resistedtemptation under themost alluring form, when her thoughts were collectedand all around was silence?—Let the board of luxury be spread. Let thechoicest dainties be heaped together in unbounded profusion. Let the mostskilfulmusicians awake the softest instruments. Let neatness, and elegance,andbeautyexhibittheirproudestcharms.Leteverypaththatleadstodelight,leteverygratificationthatinebriatesthesoulbediscovered.Ifatthatmomenttemptation approach, even a meaner and less potent temptation may thensucceed.Thenightadvanceswithhastyfeet.Nightistheseasonofdissipationandluxury.Bethisthehourofexperiment,andlettheapprehensivemindofImogenbefirstassiduouslylulledtorepose.Here,Roderic,youmustrestyourremaininghopes.Thereisnotanotherinstrumentcanbediscovered,todisarmandvanquish the humanmind. If here you fail, theGods have decreed it—theywillbeobeyed—ImogenmustbedismissedfromtheenchantedhallsofRodogune."
Withthesewordsthegoblindisappeared.Thewarninghehadutteredpassedunheeded, but the magician immediately prepared to employ this last ofstratagems.Summoningthetrainofattendantsofeithersexthatresidedinthecastle,hedirected themsometomakereadythe intendedfeast,andsometorepair to the apartment of Imogen.The preparations of the enchanted castlewerenotlikethoseofavulgarentertainment.Everythingwasacceleratedbyinvisible agents. The intervention of the retinue of Roderic was scarcelyadmitted.Themostsavouryviands,themosthighflavouredragouts,andthemost delicious wines presented themselves spontaneously to the expectingattendant.Thehallwasilluminatedwithathousandlustresthatdependedlikestars from the concave roof, and were multiplied by the reflection ofinnumerablemirrors.Thewholewasarrangedwithinconceivableexpedition.
Inthemeantimeafewofthemoredistinguishedattendantsofherownsexrepaired to the presence of Imogen. They found her feeble, spiritless anddisconsolate. "Come," exclaimed their leader, in an accent of persuasion;"comply, my lovely girl, let not us alone have reason to complain of yourunfriendlinessandinflexibility."
Imogenwasfatiguedandshewishednotforrepose.Griefandpersecutionhadinaformerinstanceinspiredherwiththeloveofsolitude.Butherfeelingswere now of another kind. The disgrace and ingratitude of Edwin hadwounded her in the tenderest point, and she could not think of it but withinexpressibleanguish.Shewasforthefirsttimeafraidofherownreflections,anddesiroustoflyfromherself."Yes,"exclaimedshe,"andIwouldgo,ifyouwillpromisemethatitshallnotbetothepresenceofRoderic.Thecastleandthe fields, the freshnessof themorningairand thegloomofadungeon,areequal to me, provided I must be kept back from the arms of my belovedparents,andtheiranxiousandtenderspiritsmuststillbeheldinsuspence.ButindeedImustnot,Iwillnot,becontinuallydraggedtothepresenceofthemanIhate.Itisungenerous,unreasonable,andindecent.Whatisthemeaningofallthis compulsion?Why am I kept here somuch againstmywill?Why am Idraggedfromplacetoplace,andfromobjecttoobject?Surelyallthiscannotbe mere caprice and tyranny. There must be in it some dark and guiltymeaning that I cannot comprehend. Oh shepherdesses! if ye had anyfriendship,ifanypitydweltwithinyourbosoms,yewouldsurelyassistmetoescape this hated confinement.Point but theway, showmebut the smallesthole,bywhichImightgetawaytoeaseandliberty,andIwouldthankyouathousand times. You, who appear the leader of the throng, your brow issmooth,youreyesaregentleandserene,andthebloomofyouthstilldwellsuponyour face.Oh,"added theapprehensive Imogen, and she threwherselfupon her knees—"do not bely the stamp of benevolence and clemency thatnaturehasplantedthere.ThinkifyouhadparentsasIhave,whosehappiness,whose existence, are suspended uponmine, if you abbhorred, and detested,andfearedyourjailorasIdo,whatwouldbeyourfeelingsthen,andhowyouwouldwishtobetreatedbyapersoninyoursituation.Grantmeonlythepoorand scanty boon, that you would then conceive your right. Dismiss me, Iintreat you. I cannot bear my situation. My former days have all beensunshine, my former companions have all been kindness. I have not beeneducated to encounter persecution, and misfortunes, and horrors. I cannotencounterthem.Icannotsurviveit."
As shepronounced thesewords, she sunk, feeble, languid, andbreathless,uponthekneesoftheattendant.Theyhastenedtoraiseher.Theysoothedheringenuousaffliction,andassuredherthatsheshouldnotbeintrudeduponbyhimofwhomshehadformedsogroundlessapprehensions.Sincethenshewasinvitedtopartakeofaslightrefreshmentaccompaniedonlybypersonsofherownsex,shedidnotlonghesitate,andwaseasilypersuadedtoacquiesce.Theunostentatiouskindnessoftheinvitation,andthemodestyoftheentertainmentsheexpected,dissipatedherfears.Itwasfromsolitudethatshenowwishedtoescape; and it was to that simple and temperate relaxation that she hadexperienced among the inhabitants of Clwyd, towhich shewas desirous to
repair.
Shewasconductedtowardsasaloon,whichhadlessindeedofasumptuousandroyalappearance,butwasmorebeautiful,moregay,morevoluptuous,andmore extatic than that which had been the scene of the temptation of themorning. The profuseness of the illuminations outdid the brightness of themeridiansun.Thetablewasspreadinamannertoengagetheeyeandalluretheappetite.Everyvesselthatwasplaceduponitwasofmassivesilver.Andindifferentcornersoftheapartmentheapsofthemostfragrantincensewereburninginurnsofgold.Theviandswereofanaturethemoststimulatinganddelicious; and the wines were bright and sparkling and gay. As Imogenapproached,astreamofmusicburstuponherearofakindwhichhithertoshehadneverwitnessed.Itwasnot thesonorousandswellingnotesofpraise; itwasnottheenthusiasticraptureoftheyoungerbards;itwasnottheelevatedandcelestialsoundsthatshehadbeenusedtohearfromthelyreofLlewelyn.But if it was not so swelling and sublime, it was soft, andmelodious, andinsinuating,andoverpoweringbeyondallconception.Youcouldnotlistentoitwithoutfeelingallthestringsofyourframerelaxed,andthenoblerpowersofyour soul lulled intoapleasing slumber. Itwasmadnessall.Theear thathearditcouldnotceasetoattend.Themindthatlistenedtoitwasnolongermasterofitself.
Imogen entered the hall, andwas received by a train of nymphs, someofthem more beautiful than any she had yet seen, and all attired with everyrefinementofeleganceandgrace.Theirhairwas inpartbraided round theirbrightandpolishedforeheads,andinpartithunginwavyandcarelessringletsabout their slender necks, and heaving bosoms. Their forms were veiled inlooseandflowingfoldsofsilkofthefinesttexture,andwhiterthanthedrivensnow. The robeswere not embroideredwith gold and silver; theywere notstuddedwith emeralds and diamonds; butwere adorned on every sidewithchaplets of the fairest and freshest flowers. Their headswere crownedwithgarlands of amaranth and roses. Though their conduct were tainted withlasciviousness,andtheirmindswerefulloflooserthoughts,yet,awedbythevirtuous dignity of Imogen, they suppressed the air of dissolute frolic, andtaught by the guileful lessons of their lord, endeavoured to assume themannersofchasteandharmlessjoy.
The shepherdess, struckwith the objectswhich so unexpectedly presentedthemselves to her eyes and her ears, started back with involuntaryastonishment."Isthis,"criedshe,"theartlessfeast,andthisthesimplefareofwhichyouinvitedmetopartake?""Imogen,"repliedtheprincipalnymph,"wewerewilling to do you honour, and the preparationwe havemade is slightcomparedwiththatwhichtheroofcanafford.Weconsideredyourfatigueand
your extraordinary abstinence, andwewerewilling to compensate them bypleasantfood,andagratefulrefreshment."
"And is such thegrateful refreshment, and such the simpleandunaffectedrelaxationthatyourmindssuggested?Alas,wereI toapproachthisboard, itwouldbetomeabusinessandnotanamusement,anexertionandnotarelief.Afeastlikethisisanobjectforeignandunpleasingtomyeyes.Thefeastsofthevalleyarechesnuts,andcheeses,andapples.Ourdrinkisthewaterofthelimpidbrook,orthefairandfoamingbeveragethatourflocksafford.Sucharetheenjoymentsofsobriety;sucharethegratificationsofinnocence.Virgins,Iamnotwearyofthesimplicityofthepastorallife.Ihugittomybosomcloser,morefondlythanever."
"Amiable, spotless maiden! we admire your opinions, and we love yourperson. But virtue is not allied to rigour and austerity. Its boundaries areunconstrained, and graceful, and sweeping. It is a robewhich sits easily onthosewhoareformedtowearit.Itgivesnoawkwardnesstotheirmanner,andputs no force upon their actions. Partake then, my Imogen, in thoserefreshmentswehavepreparedforyourgratification.Ifthisbenotduty,itisnotcrime.Itisavenialandaharmlessindulgence.Donotthenmortifyfriendsthathavesoughttopleaseyou,andrefuseyourattentiontotheassiduitieswehavedemonstrated."
"No, my gentle shepherdess, it is in vain you plead. I would willinglyqualifymyrefusal;butImustwithdraw.Themoreyoupressme,thefartheritisnecessaryformetorecede.Inthemorningof thisveryday,Iwassimple,and incautious, and complying.But now I have experienced somanywilesand escaped so many snares, that this heart, formerly so gentle andsusceptible,iscasedintriplesteel.Icanshutmyeyesuponthemostsplendidattractions.Icanturnadeafeartoenticementsthemostalluring,andsoundsthemostinsinuating.Thisisthelesson—Ithankhimforit—thatyourlordhastaughtme.Youmustnot thendetainme.Imustbepermittedtoretire."Andsayingthisshewithdrewwith tremblingspeed. Invain they insisted, invaintheypursued.Imogenescapedlikeabirdfromthefowler,norlookedbehind.Imogenwasdeaftotheirexpostulations,andindurateandcallousasadamanttotheirpersuasions.
ThedisappointmentofRoderic,whenhe learnedof thismiscarriageofhisgreatandfinalattemptwasextreme.Hecoursedupanddownthesaloonwithalltheimpatienceofawildboarpiercedbythespearofthehunter,orawolffromwhomtheyhave tornawayheryoung.Heventedhis furyupon thingsinanimate.He tore his hair, and beat his breast,with tumultuous agony.Heimprecated with a hoarse and furious voice a thousand curses upon thoseattendantswhohadpermittedhiscaptivetoescape.Throughthespacioushall,
whereeverythingamomentbeforehadwornthefaceoflabouredgaietyandstudiedsmiles,allwasnowdesolation,anddisquiet,anduproar.Andurgedasthemagicianhadbeenbysuccessiveprovocations,hewasready tooverstepevery limit hemight once have respected, and to proceed to themost fatalextremities.
Inthissituation,andasRodericwashasteningwithadeterminedresolutionto follow to the apartment of Imogen, informationwas suddenly brought tohim, that ayoung stranger, tall andgraceful inhis form, andof a frankandnoble countenance, had by some unknown means penetrated beyond theprecipiceswithwhichtheenchantedcastlewassurrounded,andinspiteoftheresistanceof the retinueof themagicianhad entered themansion.ThedarkandguiltyheartofRodericimmediatelywhisperedhim—"ItisEdwin.—Itiswell.—IthanktheGodsthattheydonotholdthisaspiringsoulinalonganddrearysuspence!Letthedestiniesovertakeme.Iampreparedtoreceivethem.Death,oranyofthethousandillsthatfortunestoresforthemshehates,couldnot come in a more welcome hour.—Oh Imogen, lovely, adorable Imogen,howvainhasbeenmyauthority,howvainthespaceofmycommand!Letthenmypalacestumbleintoruin—LetthatwandwhichonceIboasted,shiveredina thousand fragments, be cast to all the winds of heaven! I will glory indesolationandforlornness. Iwillwrapmyself inmypoverty. Iwill retire tosomehorridcaveinthemidstoftheuntameddesart,andshaggedwithhorridshades, that outgloom the blackness of the infernal regions. There I willruminate upon my past felicity. There I will tell over enjoyments never toreturn. I will make myself a little universe, and a new and unheard ofsatisfactioninthedarknessofmyreflections,andthedepthofmydespair.
"Andyetsurely,surelytheGodshavetreatedmeseverely,andmeasuredouttomeahardandmercilessfate.WhatareallthefelicitiesItalkof,andhaveprizedsomuch?Oh,theywereseasoned,eachofthem,withabitterinfusion!Little, little indeed have I tasted of a pure and unmixed happiness. In mychoicest delights, I have felt a vacancy. They have become irksome andtedious. I have fled frommyself; I have fled from themagnificence ofmyretinue,tofindvariety.AndyethowdearlyamItopayforafewgratificationswhich were in fact no better than specious allurements to destruction, andflowersthatslightlycoveredthepitofruin!Inthebloomofmanhood,inthefull career of youth to be cast forth an UNPITIED, NECESSITOUS,MISERABLEVAGABOND!Allbut this Icouldhavebornewithoutasigh.WereIthreatenedwithdeath,inthisopeningsceneoflife,Icouldsubmitwithcheerfulness.Buttodragalongaprotractedmisery,tobeshutoutfromhope,andyeteverawaketoeverycruelreflectionandeverybitterremorse—Thisistoomuch!"
From this dream of unmanly lamentations Roderic was with difficultyrecovered by the assiduities of the attendants. At length incited by theirexpostulationstothecollectednessofreflectionandthefortitudeofexertion,he determined, with that quickness of invention with which he had beenendowed at his birth, upon a plan to elude, if possible, the perseverance ofEdwin, and the menaces of his fate. Recollecting that his person was notunknown to the swain,he communicatedhis instructions to thosewhowereabouthim,andwithdrewhimselfintoaprivateapartment.
ItwasEdwin.TheinstructionsoftheDruidofElwyhadrelievedhimfromthe insupportable burden that had begun to oppress hismind. Persuaded byhimhehadsubmittedtoseektherefreshmentofsleep.Butsleepshednotherpoppiesuponhisbusy,anxioushead.Hismindwascroudedwithathousandfearfulphantoms.Achildof thevalley,hewasa stranger tomisfortuneandmisery. Upon the favoured sons of nature calamity makes her deepestimpression,andan impression leastcapableofbeingerased.AndyetEdwinwas full of courage and adventure; he asked no larger boon than to bepermitted to facehis rival.Buthis inquietudewas theoffspringof love;andhiswarinessandcautionoriginatedinthedocilityofhismind,andhisanxiousattachmenttoinnocenceandspotlessrectitude.
Having passed the watches of the night in uneasy and inexhaustiblereflections, he sprung from his couch as soon as the first dawn of dayproclaimed the approaching sun, and took a hasty leave of the hospitablehermit.Issuingfromthegrotto,hebenthissteps,inobediencetothedirectionofMadoc,tothatsecretpath,whichhadneverbeforebeendiscoveredbyanymortalunassistedbythegoblinsoftheabyss.Beforehereacheditthegoldensun had begun to decline from his meridian height. He passed along thewinding way beneath the impending precipices, which formed a dark andsullenvaultoverhishead.Everandanonlargepiecesofstone,brokenfromtheir native mass, and tumbling among the craggy caverns, saluted his ear.Now and then he heard a bubbling fountain bursting from the rock, whichpresentlyfellwithaloudanddashingnoisealongthedeclivity,andwaslostinthe pebbles below.The only light bywhich his stepswere guided,was thatwhichfellinpartialandscantystreamsthroughthefissuresofthemountain,andservedtodiscoverlittlemorethantheshapelessnessoftherocks,andtheuncultivatedhorrorsofthescene.
Through theseEdwinpassedunappalled.Hisheartwasnaturally firmandintrepid, and he now cased himself round with the armour of untaintedinnocenceandunsulliedtruth.ItwasnotlongbeforehecameforthfromthissceneofdesolationtothatbeautifulandcultivatedprospectwhichhadalreadyenchantedtheheartofImogen.Tohimithadadvantageswhichintheformer
case it could not boast.He could contrast its gaiety and brightnesswith theobscureanddismalscenefromwhichhehadescaped.Norwashestruckonlybytheverdureoftheprospect,andthevividnessofitscolours,healsobeheldtheinclosure,not,ashisamiablemistresshaddone,fromaterraceadjoiningtothemansion;butfromthelastpointoftherockfromwhichhewasreadytodescend. The mansion therefore was his principal point of view from thissituation. It stood upon a bold and upright brow that beetled over the plainbelow. The ascent was by a large and spacious flight of marble steps. Itsarchitecture was grand, and simple, and commanding. It was supported bypillars of the Ionic order. Theywere constructed of ivory and jet, and theircapitalswereoverlaidwiththepurestgold.Anobjectlikethistoonewhohadneverbeforeseenanynobleredificethanashepherd'scot,orthethroneofturfuponwhichthebardswereelevatedat thefeastof theGods,wassurprising,andadmirable,andsublimeinthehighestdegree.
"And this," exclaimed the gallant shepherd, "is the residence prepared forinfamy and lust. The sun pours upon it his light with as large a hand, theherbage, the flowers and the fruits as fullypartakeof thebounteous careofnature,asthevalesofsimplicityandthefieldsofinnocence.HowvenerableandalluringistheedificeIbehold!Doesnotpeacedwellwithin,andarenotthehoursof itspossessorwingedwithhappiness?Hadmyyouthbeenspentamong the beasts of the forests, had not my ears drank in the sacredinstructionsofthegodlikeDruids,Imighthavethoughtso.But,no.Invainintheextensiveempirethattheartsofsorceryandmagicafford,shallfelicitybesought. What avails all this splendour? and to what purpose this mightyprofusion?AllthepossessionsthatIcanboast,aremylittleflock,mywattledcottage,andmyslenderpipe.AndyetIcarolasjocoundalay,myheartisaslightandfrolic,andthetranquilityofself-acquittalspreadsherwingsaswideovermybosom,astheycouldwereIlordofahundredhills,andcalledallthestreamlets of the valley my own. The magician possesses a large hoard ofbeauty,andhecanwanderfromfairtofairwithunlimitedandfearlesslicence.Allmercifulandbenignbeings,whodwellabovethisazureconcave,givememyImogen!Restorehersafeandunhurt to these longing, faithfularms!Letnotthisarbitraryandimperioustyrant,whograspswidethefairestproductionsofthycreationwithahundredhands,—lethimnotwrestfrommemysolitarylamb,—let him not seize for ever upon that companion, in whom themostexpansiveandromanticwishesofmyhearthadlearnedtobesatisfied."
SuchwerethebeautifulandvirtuoussentimentsofEdwin,ashebeheldtheempireofhisrivalfromtheheadoftherock,andashecrossedthegladethatstilldividedhimfromtheobjectofallhisexertions.Fromtheeminenceuponwhich he had paused for a few contemplative moments, the distance hadappearednarrowandtrifling.Buttheequalheightofthegrounduponwhich
hestood,andofthatwhichaffordedasituationforthepalacesofRoderic,haddeceived him. When he looked towards the scene that was to form theterminationofhisjourney,thegladebelowescapedfromhissight.Butwhenhedescendedtotheplain,itwasotherwise.Oneswellofthesurfacehehadtotraverse succeeded another; and the irregularity of the ground caused himsometimestobelost,inamanner,inthelengthoftheway,andtookfromhimthe consolation of being able so much as to perceive the object of hisdestination. As he passed the hills, and climbed each successive ascent, amurmurroseinhisbosom;hisimpatiencegrewmoreandmoreungovernable,and the eagerness of his pursuit taught him to imagine, that his little labourwouldneverbedone.
Every performance however of human exertion has its period; andEdwinhadat length surmounted thegreaterpart of thedistance, andnowgainedalargerandmoredistinctviewofthecastle.Butbythistimethesunwasreadytohidehimselfintheocean,andhislastraysnowgleamedalongthevalley,andplayedintheparty-colouredclouds.Meanwhileadarkspot,whichhadforsome time blotted the brightness of the surrounding azure, expanded itself.The shades gathered, the light of the sunwas hid, and the blackness of thenight forestaled.Thewind roaredamong themountains,and its terrorswereincreasedbythehollowbellowingsofthebeaststheyharboured.Theshowerbegan; it descended with fury, and Edwin had scarcely time to gain theprotectionofanimperviousthicketthatcrownedthelawn.Herehestoodandruminated. The solemnity of the scene accordedwith the importance of hisundertaking. The pause was friendly. He composed his understanding, andrecollected the lessons of the hospitable hermit. He fortified himself in thehabitsofvirtue;and,withamanlyandconscioushumility,recommendedthiscrisisofhisinnocencetotheprotectionofheaven.
The shower ceased, but the darkness continued. He had too well markedhoweverthebentofhis journeyduringthecontinuanceoftheday, topermitthistobeanyconsiderableobstacle.Inthemeantimeitdoubledandrenderedmoreaffectingthestilnessofthenight.Nothingwastobeheardbutthelowwhispersofthefallingbreeze,andthemurmursoftheprowlingwolfthatnowlanguishedanddiedawayupontheear.Thiswasthemomentinwhichmagiclordsitsupreme,inwhichthegoblinbreaksforthfromhisconfinement,andrangesunlimited in thenetherglobe;and inwhichall that is regularandallthat is beautiful give place to the hunger of the savage brute, and thewitcheriesofthesorcerer.ButRodericwasotherwiseengaged.Hisheartwasemployedininventingguile,andwaslulledintounapprehensivesecurity.ButEdwinwasheroic.Hisbosomswelledwiththemostgenerouspurposes;andhetrustedunwaveringlyinthatguardianshipthatiseverywherepresent,andthateyethatneverslumbers.
Heenteredthewallsoftheenchantedcastle.Thenoveltyoftheappearanceofastrangerwithinthecircleofthosemountains,whichnovulgarmortalhadyetpenetrated,thedignityofhisappearance,andtheboldnessofhismanner,at first distracted the attendants from the performance of that, whichmighthaveseemedmostnaturalintheirsituation,andawedthemintopassiveness.Hestillwore that flowingandgracefulgarb,whichwasappropriatedby theinhabitantsofClwyd to thecelebrationofpublicsolemnities.Hehadpassedthrough themidstof the shower, andyetone threadofhisgarmentwasnotmoistened with the impetuousness of its descent. His face wore a morebeautifulandroseatglowthanwasnativetoitscomplexion.Hiseyewasfullof animation and expressiveness. Expectation, and hope, and dignity, andresolution had their entire effect in his appearance. "It is a celestial spirit!"criedthey."Itisamessengerfromtheunseenregions!"andtheysoughtinhispersonfortheinsigniathatmightconfirmandestablishtheirconjecture.
ButsuchwasnottheimaginationofRoderic.Themaster-guilttowhichhewasconscious,waseverreadytotakethealarmuponanyunexpectedevent;andhehadimmediatelyconjectured,byakindofinstinctiveimpression,whowasthisnewandunwelcomeguest.Howeverunguardedandunpreparedhadbeenhisretinue,theyhadrecollectedthemselvessufficientlytodetainEdwinin the avenueof themansion, till theyhad received theordersof their lord.Thesewere immediately communicated; and themagicianwithdrewhimselftilltheproperperiodshouldarriveforhisappearancetotheswain.
Edwin,whenhehadenteredthepalaceofRoderic,hadbeendesirous,ifitwere possible, to push forward to the presence of his rival,withoutmakingany previous enquiries, or admitting of a moment's pause. The frequencyhoweverofthedomesticshaddisappointedhispurpose,andhewasdetainedbytheminspiteofhisefforts."Whatmeans,"criedhe,"thisviolence?Imustenterhere.Iwillnotbedelayed.Mypurposeadmitsnotoftriflingandparley.To me every moment is big with fate." He said. For Edwin disdained theemploymentof falsehoodanddisguise.He lifted the javelin inhishand,buthis heart was too full of gentleness and humanity rashly to employ theinstrument of death. His tone however was resolute, and his gesturecommanding,andtheastonishedattendantswereuncertaininwhatmannertoconductthemselves.
At this instant a domestic, who had received the instructions of his lord,enteredthecourt.Hehadtheappearanceofsuperiordignity;andremovingtheattendantswhopressedwithrudenessupontheshepherd,heenquiredofhimthe cause of his intrusion. "Lead me," cried Edwin, "to the lord of yourmansion.Mybusinessisimportantandpressing,andwillnotadmitofbeingcommunicated to any other ear.Whence this difficulty? Innocence does not
withdrawfromtheobservationofthosewhoaredesiroustoapproachit;andamanlycourageisnotapprehensiveofanenemy."
"Youngstranger,"repliedthedomestic,"youaremisinformed.Thismansionknows not a lord. It belongs solely to proprietors of the softer sex, whomfortunehasindulgedasyouperceivewitheverythingthatiscalculatedtogivenewrelish to thepursuitsof life, andbeguile the lazy footof time. It isourboastandourhonourtoservethesedamsels.Andcouldmyreportaddoneraytotheirlustre,Iwouldtellyou,thattheyarefairasthepeepofthemorning,andmore fragrant than beds of violets and roses. It is their command, thathumanityshouldbeextendedbyallaroundthem,notonlytoman,buttothehumblest andweakest animals. Though you have entered their residence bymistake, we shall but fulfil the service they expect in furnishing you withevery assistance and every accommodation inourpower. If you arehungry,come inandpartakeof the liberalplenty thecastleaffords. Ifyou thirst,wewillcheerfullyofferyouthecapaciousgobletandtherichestwines.Ifyouarefatiguedwiththetraveloftheday,orhavewanderedfromyourpathandarebenightedinyourjourney,entertheirmansion.Theaccommodationsarelarge,and theyareall free for theuseof thepoor, thenecessitous, theunfortunateandthemiserable."
Edwin listenedwithastonishment to thenarration.Hewasnotused to theaddress of falshood; and strongly warned as he had previously been of theiniquity of the train, the ingenuousness of his mind induced him at firstwithoutreflectiontoyieldaneasycredittothestorythatwastoldhim.Itwasrelatedwithfluency,plausibility,andgravity;anditwasaccompaniedwithamannerseeminglyartlessandhumane,whichitwasscarcelypossibleforoneunhackneyedinthestratagemsofdeceittodistrustandcontradict.
"Surely,"repliedEdwin,"Icannotbewhollymistaken.Atleasthastherenota young shepherdess just arrived here, tall, tender and beautiful, andwhoseflaxentressesaremorebrightthangold,andmoreabundantthantheblossomsinthespring?"
Before the officious domestic could reply to his enquiries, two of thenymphs,who had been attired for the feast of Imogen, came into the outerapartment inwhich theshepherdwas,andadvanced towardhim."Thesearemymistresses,"criedtheattendant.Edwinapproachedthemwithrespect,andrepeated his former enquiries. Theywere themost beautiful of the train ofRoderic.Theywerecladingarmentsofthewhitestsilk,andprofuselyadornedwith chaplets of flowers. Their appearance thereforewas calculated to givethem, in a shepherd's eye, an air of sweetness and simplicity that could noteasilyberesisted.
Oneof themwas tall andmajestic, and theother low, andof a shape andfigure themost alluring.This appeared to be like a blossom inMay,whosecoloursdiscoveredtotheattentiveobserveralltheirattractions,withoutbeingexpanded to the careless eye: And that might be supposed to be a fewsummersfartheradvancedtoadeliciousmaturity.Themajestyoftheonehadnothinginitofthegross,theindelicate,andtheforbidding;andthesoftnessoftheotherwasattemperedwithinexpressibleproprietyandgrace.Bothofthemwere gentle and affable. But the affability of the former took the name ofbenignity and condescension, and the affability of the latter was full ofharmlessgaiety,andacheerfulandunpretendingspiritofsociety.
"Wecannot,"repliedtheelder,"attendtoyourenquirieshere.Theapartmentis comfortless and inhospitable. You appear fatigued. And we pretend not,young stranger, merely to contribute what is in our power to relieve theuneasinessofyourmind,wewouldalsorefreshyourweariedframe.Comeinthen,andwewillaffordyoueverysatisfactionweareable.Enterthemansion,and partake of the plenty the Gods have bestowed upon us, and which wedesire not to engross to ourselves."During thesewordsEdwin surveyedhisfair entertainers with wonder and admiration. But enchanting as they were,theyfoundnottheavenuetohisheart.ThereImogenreignedalone,andcouldnot admit of a rival. Even though upon a slighter occasion, and at lessimportant moment, the purity of his mind, that virtue so much esteemedamong the swains, could have been tainted, yet now that his undertakingwhisperedhim,"Imogenaloneisfair!"nowthathefearedforhersafety,andhopedeverymoment toarriveat thedreaded,pleasingperiodofhisanxiety,hecouldbutbeconstantandbefaithful.Herecollectedthesageinstructionsofthe Druid of Elwy: and his resolutions were unshaken as the roots ofSnowdon.
He accepted their invitation. Immediately, as upon a signal, an hundredflambeauxlightedtheareaandlinedthepassagetothesaloonofpleasure.Thenymphsplaced themselvesoneach sideof the shepherd, and in thismannerthey passed along. If Imogen had been struck with the profuseness of theillumination,therichnessoftheplate,thesumptuousnessoftheviandsandthewines,andthefragrantcloudsofincensethatfilledtheapartment,howmuchmore were they calculated to astonish the soul of Edwin! He hadcomparativelypassedthroughnopreviousscenes;hehadnotbeenledonstepbystep;andthevoluptuousnessoftheobjectsthatnowpresentedthemselvesbeforehimhadbeenunknownandunexpected.The trainof the subordinateattendants of themagician filled the apartmentwith beauty andwith grace,andseemedtopaythemostunreservedobediencetothenymphsthatatfirstaddressedhim.
But before the shepherd had time to examine the objects that surroundedhim, the musicians awaked their instruments, and all his faculties wereengrossed with soft melody and enchanting sounds. The instrumentalperformance was illustrated and completed with a multitude of harmoniousvoices,andthosewhosangwereeachofthemofthesoftersex.
"Whatarethepossessionsmosteagerlycourtedamongmankind?Whicharethedivinitiesbymortalsmostassiduouslyadored?Thisgoodlyuniversewasintendedfortheseatofpleasure,unmixedpleasure.Butasportive,maliciousdivinity sentamongmenagaudyphantom,anemptybubble,andcalled theshadowHonour.Inpursuitofafancieddistinctionandasoundingname,thechildrenof the earthhavedeserted all that is bland andall that is delicious.Labour,naked,deformed,andoffensive, theywillinglyembrace.Theybravehardshipandseverity.Theylaughatdanger.Fromhencetheyderivethevirtueofresolution,themeritofself-denial,andtheexcellenceofmortification.
"Butheavendidnotopenwide itshand,and scatterdelight througheverycorner of the universe, without intending that they should be enjoyed.Enjoyment, indulgence, and felicity are not crimes. Abstinence, self-denialandmortification have only a specious mien and a fictitious merit. Did allmankindobeytheirfallaciousdictates,theunlimitedbountiesofnaturewouldbecomeaburden to the earth, and fill itwithpestilence and contagion.Thesoilwouldbeoppressedwithherownfertility;theherdswouldovermultitudetheir lords; and the crouded air would be darkened with the plumes of itsnumerousinhabitants.Theverygemsthatnowlieburiedinthebosomoftheocean,would thenbespangle itssurface,and thedumbtenantsof thewaterytracts, inured to their blaze,would learn to leave the cavernsof the sea andgazeuponthesun.
"Mortals,openyourheartstothedivinityofpleasure!Whyshouldhebeinlove with labour, who has a capacious hoard of choice delights within hisreach?Whyshouldweflyfromapresentgoodthatwepossess,toafuturethatwedonotcomprehend? Is this thepraiseweowe thebounteousGods?Canneglect and indifference to their gifts begratitude?Thiswere to serve themlike a timorous and trembling slave beneath the eye of an austere andcapricious tyrant; and not with that generosity, that enthusiasm, that liberalself-confidence,whichareworthyofafather,apatronandafriend.
"Yethatarewise,ye thatarefavouredofpropitiousheaven,drinkdeepofthecupofpleasure.Thesunhasnowwithdrawnhissplendid lustre,andhisflaringbeams.Theperiodofexerciseispast,andthelidsofpryingcuriosityis[are]closed.Nightistheseasonoffeastandtheseasonofgaiety.Inthegraverhours of activity and industry, sobrietymaybeproper. Itmay thenbe fit tolistentothedictatesofprudence,andpaysomeattentiontotheprejudicesof
mankind. The sternness of age and the austerity of censoriousness are nowsilent. Now pleasurewears a freer garb; and themanners of enjoyment aremorefrankandunrestrained.Thethinnessofindiscretionandtheairyformsofinadvertencearelostandannihilatedamidtheshadowsofthenight.
"Now the numerous inhabitants of thewaters come forth from their oozybedsandplayandflounceinthebeamsofthemoon.Roundtheluminaryofthe night the stars lead up themystic dance, and compose themusic of thespheres.Thedeitiesofthewoodsandthedeitiesoftheriverscomeoutfromtheir secret haunts, and keep their pastimes unapprehensive of humanintrusion. The elves and the fairies repair to their sports, and trip along thevelvet greenwithmany-twinkling feet. Let us imitate their amiable alacrityandtheircheerfulamusements.
"What has sleep to dowith the secrecy and silence of the night? It is thehourofpleasureunrestrainedand free. It is thehour inwhich theempireofbeautyiscomplete,andthosemysteriesaredisclosedwhichtheprofanereyeofdaymustneverbehold.Yethatarewise,yethatarefavouredofpropitiousheaven,drinkdeepofthecupofpleasure!Thefestiveboardisspreadbeforeyou;theflowingbowlisprofferedforyouracceptance.Beauty,thecrownofenjoyment, the last perfection of society, iswithin your reach.Bewise andtaste.PartakeofthemunificencetheGodsvouchsafe."
As thesongproceeded the twonymphs,whohad firstappeared toEdwin,and since attended him with the extremest officiousness, endeavoured byeveryartfulblandishmenttoengagehisattention,andrivethispartiality.Theyexerted themselves to suppress the grossness, inelegance and sensuality towhichtheyhadcommonlybeenhabituated,andtocovertheloosenessofthepassions with the veil of simplicity, delicacy, and softness. As the musicceased,themasterofthespectaclecameforthfromhisretreat.Buthisfigurewasnolongerthatwhichbespokethemagician,andwhichEdwinhadalreadyseen. He appeared in the form of a youth of that age in which the frolicinsignificanceofchildhoodgivesplace to theeagerness, theenthusiasmandthe engaging manners of blooming manhood. His habit was that of acupbearer.His robeswere of azure silk, and floated in graceful folds as hepassedalong.ThebeautyofhispersonwasworthyofthesynodoftheGods.Hisfeatureshadallthesoftnessofwomanwithouteffeminacy;andinhiseyethere sat a lambent fire which bespoke the man, without roughness, andwithout ferocity. In one hand he bore a crystal goblet full of every potentenchantment,andwhichrenderedhimwhodrankforeveraslavetothemostmenialofficesandthemostwantoncapricesofhisseducer.Intheotherhandheheldloosely,andasifithadbeenintendedmerelytogiveacompletenesstohis figure andagracefulness tohis step, that irresistiblewandbywhich the
majesty of man had often been degraded, and the reluctant spirit had beenconjuredupfromthecavernsoftheabyss.Thegoblethedeliveredtotheeldernymph, who presented it, with inimitable grace and a bewitchingcondescension,tothegallantshepherd.
Edwinhadthefortitudeofahero,buthehadalsothefeelingsofaman.Hecouldnot but be struckwith thebeautyof thenymphs, he couldnot but besurprisedwith the profuseness of the entertainment, and the richness of thepreparations.ThesoulofEdwinwasfullofharmony.Ithadbeenoneofhisearliestandmostrulingpassions.Noshepherdexcelledhimintheskillofthepipe,noshepherdwithasweeterormoresonorousvoicecouldcaroltherusticlay.Even the figure assumedbyRoderic, his garb, his step, his gesture hadsomething in themofangelicandcelestialwithout theblazeofdivinity,andwithout theawfulness that surrounds thegodlikeexistencies, that sometimescondescendtovisitthissublunaryscene.Theshepherdtookintohishandthefatalbowl.
In themidsthoweverof all thatwasattractive, andall thatwasunknown,Edwin had not forgotten the business that had brought him hither and thelessonsofMadoc.ThevisageofImogen,everpresent tohissoul,suggestedthesesalutaryreflections.Byherassistancehestrengthenedallhisresolutions,andgavevigourtotheheroismofhismind.ThroughthememoryofImogenhe derived a body, and communicated a visible form to the precepts ofrectitude; and virtue wore all those charms that had the most uncontroledempire in his bosom. Half way to his lips he raised the cup of vice, andinexorable fate sat smiling on the brim. He paused; he hesitated. By anirresistible impulse of goodness hewithdrew the fatal draught.He shed thenoxiouscompositionupontheground,andhurledfromhimwithindignationthevesselinwhichithadbeencontained.
Rodericbeheldthescenewithdeepemotion,andwasagitatedbyturnswithathousandpassions.Hesawtheissuewithconfusion,despondenceandfury.The roseat smiles of the cupbearer vanished; and, without the notice andconsent of hismind, his limbs resumed theirwonted form, and his featuresconfirmedthesuspicionsoftheshepherd,thathewasnowconfrontedwithhismortalenemy.Thricethemagicianinvokedthespiritofhismother,andthriceheconjuredthegoblins,themostpotentthatevermixinthemortalscene.Helifted the wand in his hand. It was the fiery ordeal that summons humancharactertotheseveresttrial.ItwasthejudgmentofGodinwhichthelotsaredevoutly committed to the disposal of heaven, and the enthroned Divinity,guidedbyhisomniscienceof the innocenceof thebrave,or theguiltof thepresumptuous,points thebarbedspear,andgivesa tripleedgeto theshiningsteel.Iftheshepherdhadonebaseandearth-bornparticleinhisframe,ifhis
soulconfessedonesordidandsensualdesire,nowwasthetimeinwhichforhisprospectstobeannihilatedandhisreputationblottedforever,andthestateandempireofhisrivaltobefixedbeyondthepowerofhumanmachinationstoshakeorsubvert it."Presumptuousswain!"criedthesorcerer,"whatfolly,what unmeaning rashness has brought you within the circle of myincantations?Knowthatfromthemnomortalhasescaped;thatbythemeveryswain,whomadventurousness,ignorance,orstratagemhasintroducedwithinthese limits,hasbeen impelled toassume thesavage form,and toherdwiththemostdetestableofbrutes.Letthenthyfoolhardinesspaythepenaltywhichmyvoicehaseverannexedtoit.Hencetothyfellows!Go,andlettheirhatedformbely the reason thou shalt still retain, and thyownvoice affright thee,whenthoushaltgroanunderirremediablemisery!"
The incantation that had never yet failed of its hated purpose waspronounced in vain. Edwin had heard it unappalled.Hewore the amulet ofMadoc.Heopposedtoittheunconqueredshieldofspotlessinnocence.Eveninthemidstofthelordlydespotismandtheimperioushaughtinessofhisrival,he had been conscious to the triumph which nothing but the calmness offortitudeandtheserenityofvirtuecaninspire.Hewasmindfulofthepreceptsof the Druid. While Roderic was overwhelmed with disappointment anddespair, he seized the wand of the magician, and with irresistible vigourwrencheditfromhishand.Hestruckitwithviolenceupontheground,anditburstintoathousandshivers.Thecastlerockedoverhishead.Thosecaverns,which for revolvingyears had served tohide the iniquity and the crueltyoftheir possessor, disclosed their secret horrors. The whole stupendous pileseemedrushingtotheground.Afloodoflightningstreamedacrossthescene.A peal of thunder, deafening and tremendous, followed it. All now wasvacancy.Nota traceof thosecostlyscenesand thatmagnificentarchitectureremained. The heaven over-canopied the head of Edwin. The clouds weredissipated.Thelightofinnumerablestarsgavegrandeurtothescene.Andthesilvermooncommunicatedamilderlustre,andcreatedasoftershade.Rodericandhistrain,fullofpusillanimityandconsternation,hadfledfromthedirefulscene,andvanishedlikeshadowsattherisingofthesun.
Nomortal,butourlovers,hadeverenteredtheenchantedmansionwithouthaving their characters disgraced, and their hearts thronged with all thosehateful anddissolute passions,whichdistinguished thebandofRoderic.Nomortal was there, but our lovers, of the numerous inhabitants of this badedifice, who had not shrunk from the earthquake and the solemnities thataccompanieditssub-version.EdwinandImogenwerealone.Theshepherdesshadlistenedtoallthehorrorsofthescenewithagloomykindofsatisfaction."Whatnewwonders,"criedshe,"arenowtobedisclosed?Whatpurposearetheyintendedtoanswer!Theamendment,orthedestructionofmybetrayer?
Butitiswell.Thoughtheelementsmixininextricableconfusion,thoughtheearthbedestroyed,yethasinnocencenocausetofear.Alas,thoughImyselfshouldbeburiedintheruin,whyshouldIapprehend,orwhylamentit?Iwashappy;untaintedly,uninterruptedlyhappy.ButIammiserable.Iamconfinedhere in a loathsome, detested prison. Even my conduct is shut up withdifficulties, and my bosom disquieted with the conflict of seeming duties.Even Edwin, the swain to whom my heart was united, and from whosememorymy integrity derived new strength is corrupted, depraved and base.Letthendestructioncome.Iwillnotlamentthebeingcutoffinthebloomofyouth.Iwillnotshedonetear,orfeelonefondregret,butforthecalamityanddisappointmentofmyparents."
But however the despair of Imogen armed her courage against theconcussions of nature, she yet felt that delicacy of constitution whichcharacterisesthemostlovelyofhersex,andthatamiabletimiditywhichoftenaccompanies themost invincible fortitude.When the thunder roaredwith sofearful violence,when themansion burst in ruins over her head, she stood,trembling and breathless, at the tumult around her. Her safety was the firstobjectoftheattentionofEdwin;andwhensherecoveredherrecollectionshefound herself in the arms of her lover. "My fair one,my Imogen," cried he,"have I recovered you through so many obstacles, and in the midst of sonumerousdangers?Oh,howmustouraffection,thepurest,brightest,thateverlighted a humanbreast, be endearedbyourmutual calamities!But virtue isever triumphant,virtue isneverdesertedof thewatchfulcareofheaven.Mytrials,mylovelyshepherdess,havebeenfeeble indeed,whencomparedwithyours.Yourintegrity isunrivalled,andyourinnocencehassurpassedall thatthebardshavesungintheirimmortallays.Comethen,oh,dearer,fardearerthanevertothisconstantheart,cometomyarms!Letdelaybebanished.Lettheveilofvirginbashfulnessbe laidaside.And letus repair together to thepresenceofyourparentstoaskanunitedblessing."
While Edwin thus poured forth the raptures of his heart, Imogen turnedtowardshima languideye, fullof softandsilent reproach.She retired fromhimwith involuntaryhorror. "No, shepherd,"criedshe,andwavedherhandwithgraceful indignation."LikeyouIapprovethe justiceof theGodsin thebanishment of Roderic. But I think that justice would have been morecomplete, had it included in itsvindictive appearance thepunishmentof thebase, degenerate Edwin. Unworthy Edwin, to how vile and earth bornsentimentshasyourheartbeenconscious!Butgo.Hencefrommysight!Thevery spectacle of that form which I had learned to love is mildew andcontagiontomyeyes.Oh,Edwin,foryoursakeIwilldistrusteveryattractiveformandeveryingenuousappearance.Theseparation,myswain,ishard.Thearts of Roderic came not near my soul, but your baseness has fixed an
indeliblewound.Butthinknot—cherishnotthefondmistake—thatIwilleverforget your ungenerousness in the hour of my distress and forlornness, orreceivethatserpenttomyheartagain."
As she pronounced these words, she hastened to fly from her imaginaryenemy. Edwin detained her by a gentle violence.Withmuch intreaty and athousandsoftblandishments,hewrungfromherthestoryofherindignation.HerelatedtoherthetaleofMadoc,andtoldherofthemagicartsofhisrival.HefullyexplainedthesceneofthepretendedrepentanceofRoderic,andtheseduction he had attempted to practise under the form of Edwin. As shelistenedtothewondrousstory,Imogentrembledattheunknowndangerswithwhichshehadbeenenvironed,andadmiredmorethanevertheomnipotenceofthatvirtuewhichhadbeenabletoleadhersafelythroughthemall.
The conviction she received of the rectitude and fidelity ofEdwinwas toher,likethecalmbreathofzephyr,whichsucceedsthetremendousstormuponthesurfaceoftheocean;andlikethatsovereignbalm,whichthesageDruidspourintothewoundsoftheshepherd,andrestorehimatoncetosalubrityandvigour.
Theamiablepairrepairedwithspeed,andarrivedwiththedawnofthesuntothecottageofImogen.
At the sight of them the venerableEdith reared her drooping, despondinghead, and the cheeks of the hoary father were bedewed with the tears oftransport.Suchwerethetrialsofourlovers,andofcorrespondentworthwastherewardtheyreceived.
LongdidtheydwelltogetherinthevaleofClwyd,withthatsimplicityandattachmentwhichnoscenesbutthoseofpastorallifecanknow.
Theirhappinesswasmoresensible than thatof the swainsaround them inthattheyhadknownareverseoffortune.
And their virtuewas the purer and themore benevolent, in that they hadpassed through the fields of trial; and that only through the ordeal oftemptation,andanapprovedfortitude,theyhadarrivedtotheunmixedfelicity,andtheuninterruptedenjoymenttheyatlengthpossessed.
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