He recollected the sage
instructions of the Druid of Elwy: and his resolutions were unshaken as
the roots of Snowdon.
He accepted their invitation. Immediately, as upon a signal, an hundred
flambeaux lighted the area and lined the passage to the saloon of
pleasure. The nymphs placed themselves on each side of the shepherd, and
in this manner they passed along. If Imogen had been struck with the
profuseness of the illumination, the richness of the plate, the
sumptuousness of the viands and the wines, and the fragrant clouds of
incense that filled the apartment, how much more were they calculated to
astonish the soul of Edwin! He had comparatively passed through no
previous scenes; he had not been led on step by step; and the
voluptuousness of the objects that now presented themselves before him
had been unknown and unexpected. The train of the subordinate attendants
of the magician filled the apartment with beauty and with grace, and
seemed to pay the most unreserved obedience to the nymphs that at first
addressed him.
But before the shepherd had time to examine the objects that surrounded
him, the musicians awaked their instruments, and all his faculties were
engrossed with soft melody and enchanting sounds. The instrumental
performance was illustrated and completed with a multitude of harmonious
voices, and those who sang were each of them of the softer sex.
Pages:
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209