But, oh, when your safety is brought to hazard, I feel
that I am indeed a coward. Think, my fair one, of the dangers that
surround us. Let us calmly revolve, before we immediately meet them. No
sooner shall we set our foot beyond this threshold, than they will
commence. Tyranny is ever full of apprehensions and environed with
guards. Along the gallery, and through the protracted hall, centinels
are placed with every setting sun. Could you escape their observations,
an hundred bolts, and an hundred massive chains secure the hinges of the
impious mansion. Beyond it all will be dark, and the solitude inviolate.
But suppose we meet again,--by what path to cross the wide extended
glade, and to reach the only avenue that can lead us safely through this
horrid cincture, will then be undiscoverable. Amid the untamed forest
and untrod precipices that lie beyond, all the beasts most inimical to
man reside. There the hills re-echo the tremendous roarings of the boar;
the serpents hiss among the thickets; and the gaunt and hungry wolf
roams for prey. Oh, Imogen, how fearful is the picture! And can your
tender frame, and your timid spirits support the reality?"
Imogen had now preserved the character of heroism and fortitude for a
considerable time.
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