Her distress was a new gratification
and stimulus to her betrayer. "Edwin, ah, wherefore this fearful
recital? Did you come here for no other purpose than to sink me ten
times deeper in despair? Alas, I had conceived far other expectations,
and far other hopes fluttered in my anxious bosom, when I first beheld
your well known form. I said I have been hitherto constant and
determined, though unsupported and melancholy. I shall now be
triumphant. I shall experience that heaven-descended favour, which ever
attends the upright. Edwin, my firm, heroic Edwin, will perform what I
wished, and finish what I began. And, oh, generous and amiable shepherd,
is it thus that my presages are fulfilled? No, I cannot, will not bear
it. If the courage of Edwin fail, I will show him what he ought to be.
If you dare not lead, think whether you dare follow whither I guide. You
shall see what an injured and oppressed woman can do. Feeble and tender
as we are formed by nature, you shall see that we are capable of some
fortitude and some exertion." As she said this she had risen, and was
advancing towards the door. But recollecting herself with a sudden pang,
"Alas," cried she, "whither do I go?--What am I doing?--What shall I
do?--Oh, Edwin!" and, falling at his feet, she embraced his knees, "do
not, do no [sic] not desert me in this sad, tremendous moment!"
"I will not, my Imogen, I will never desert you.
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