"What means," cried he,
"this violence? I must enter here. I will not be delayed. My purpose
admits not of trifling and parley. To me every moment is big with fate."
He said. For Edwin disdained the employment of falsehood and disguise.
He lifted the javelin in his hand, but his heart was too full of
gentleness and humanity rashly to employ the instrument of death. His
tone however was resolute, and his gesture commanding, and the
astonished attendants were uncertain in what manner to conduct
themselves.
At this instant a domestic, who had received the instructions of his
lord, entered the court. He had the appearance of superior dignity; and
removing the attendants who pressed with rudeness upon the shepherd, he
enquired of him the cause of his intrusion. "Lead me," cried Edwin, "to
the lord of your mansion. My business is important and pressing, and
will not admit of being communicated to any other ear. Whence this
difficulty? Innocence does not withdraw from the observation of those
who are desirous to approach it; and a manly courage is not apprehensive
of an enemy."
"Young stranger," replied the domestic, "you are misinformed. This
mansion knows not a lord. It belongs solely to proprietors of the softer
sex, whom fortune has indulged as you perceive with every thing that is
calculated to give new relish to the pursuits of life, and beguile the
lazy foot of time.
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