In the prospect of every horrid mischief, mischief
that threatens not merely my personal happiness or mortal existence, but
which bears a malignant aspect upon the dignity of honour and the peace
of integrity, I cannot calmly recollect our virtuous loves, or derive
from that recollection sedateness and composure. Edwin, your language is
dissonant, and the thoughts you seek to inspire, jarring and
incompatible. If you must tell me to despair, at least point me to some
nobler source of consolation, than the coldness of memory; at least let
us prepare for the fate that awaits us in a manner decent, manly, and
heroic."
"Yes, too amiable shepherdess, if I were worthy to advise, I would
recommend a more generous source of consolation, and teach you to
prepare for futurity in a manner worthy of the simplicity of your heart;
and worthy of that disinterested affection we have ever borne to each
other. Think of those sacred ties that have united us. Think of the soft
and gentle commerce of mutual glances; the chaste and innocent
communication with which we have so often beguiled the noontide hour;
the intercourse of pleasures, of sentiments, of feelings that we have
held; the mingling of the soul. Did not heaven design us for each other?
Is not, by a long probation of simplicity and innocence, the possession
of each other become a mutual purchase? An impious and arbitrary tyrant
has torn us asunder.
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