But the imagination of Imogen was not sullied with the impressions of
indecency, and the baseness of looser desires. She understood not the
innuendos of Roderic, and she remarked not with an eager and inquisitive
eye the distraction of his visage. She replied therefore only to the
more obvious tendency of what he said. "And is this, Edwin, all the
consolation you bring me? Ah how poor, how heartless, and how cold! If
we accomplish not that flight upon which my hopes and wishes are
suspended, what utility and what pleasure can we derive from this
interview? It will then only be a bitter aggravation of all my trials,
and all my miseries. If a prospect so unexpected and desirable terminate
in no advantage, for what purpose was it opened before me? It will but
render my sensations more poignant, and give a new refinement to the
exquisiteness of despair.
"But no, my Edwin, let us not give way to despondence. The Gods, my
generous swain, the same Gods that give luxuriance and felicity to the
plain, and that have guided you through every hazard to this impervious
spot, will assuredly deliver us. Remember the lessons of the
heaven-taught Druids. There is an innate dignity and omnipotence in
virtue. She may be surrounded with variety of woes, but none of them
shall approach her.
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