Yes, my lovely maid, I
will raise thee. Do not turn from me those scornful indignant eyes. I
will be thy best friend. I will not hurt a hair of thy head. Oh, when
her spotless bosom pants with disdain, how sweet to beat the little
chiders, and by a friendly violence, which true and comprehensive wisdom
cannot stigmatize, to teach her what is the true value of beauty, and
for what purpose such enchanting forms as her's were sent to dwell
below!"
Thus spoke the ravisher, and as he spoke he assumed, although alone, a
firmer stride and a more haughty crest. Upon the instant however his
ears were saluted with a low and continual sound, that became, by just
degrees, stronger and more strong. The walls of his palace shook; a
sudden and supernatural light gleamed along his apartment, and a spectre
stood before him. Roderic lifted up his eyes, and immediately recognised
the features of that goblin, who from the hour of his birth, had
declared himself his adversary. He had been repeatedly used to the
visits of this malicious spirit, who delighted to subvert all his
schemes, and to baffle his deepest projects. This was the only
misfortune, the sovereign of the hills had ever known; this was the only
instance in which he had at any time been taught what it was to have his
power controled and his nod unobeyed.
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