He told her of the worship and reverence that
were due to the immortal Gods. Could she imagine that the scene that had
just passed was produced for the mere honour and gratification of a
virtuous character, than for the instruction of the ignorant, and the
restoration of the wandering? Shall she be thus honoured, and shall this
be her gratitude?
Though the web of the sophistry woven by her betrayer might seem
inextricable, though Imogen had no sentiments more predominant than the
love of virtue, and the fear of the Gods, yet her heart involuntarily
resisted his persuasions, and she felt the yearnings of affection still
active in her bosom towards those, to whom she owed her existence.
"And cannot you," cried the lovely maiden, "attend me in the short
absense I demand? That would prevent every danger, and supersede every
objection." "Ah, shepherdess," replied the magician, "this reluctance,
these studied expedients imply diffidence and disobedience. But
diffidence is much unworthy of the heart of Imogen. Your life has been
marked with one tenour of piety. Do not then begin to disobey. Do not
sully the unspotted whiteness of your character."
"This," rejoined Imogen, "is too much. This is mere savageness of
virtue.
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