Why should we reck the gloom and
loneliness of the night? Virtue is the ever-burning lamp of the sacred
groves. No darkness can cast a shadow on her beams. Though the sun and
moon were hurled below the bosom of the circling ocean, virtue could see
to perform her purposes, and execute her great designs. Alas, my swain,
my voice is weak, and broken, and powerless. But willingly would I
breathe a soul to animate your timidity. Oh Edwin," and she folded him
in her alabaster arms to her heaving, anxious bosom, "let me not exhort
you in vain! It is but for a little while, it is but for one short
effort, and if the powers above smile propitious on our purpose, we are
happy for ever! Think how great and beautiful is our adventure.
Comfortless and desponding as I am now, ready to sink without life and
animation at your feet, I may be in a few hours happier than ever.--Oh
Edwin, lead on!--Can you hesitate?--Would it were in my power to reward
the virtue I would excite as it deserves to be rewarded. But the Gods
will reward you, Edwin."--
As she uttered these words, her action was unspeakably graceful, her
countenance was full of persuasion, and her voice was soft, and
eloquent, and fascinating. Roderic gazed upon her with insatiate
curiosity, and drank her accents with a greedy ear.
Pages:
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167