My trials, my
lovely shepherdess, have been feeble indeed, when compared with yours.
Your integrity is unrivalled, and your innocence has surpassed all that
the bards have sung in their immortal lays. Come then, oh, dearer, far
dearer than ever to this constant heart, come to my arms! Let delay be
banished. Let the veil of virgin bashfulness be laid aside. And let us
repair together to the presence of your parents to ask an united
blessing."
While Edwin thus poured forth the raptures of his heart, Imogen turned
towards him a languid eye, full of soft and silent reproach. She retired
from him with involuntary horror. "No, shepherd," cried she, and waved
her hand with graceful indignation. "Like you I approve the justice of
the Gods in the banishment of Roderic. But I think that justice would
have been more complete, had it included in its vindictive appearance
the punishment of the base, degenerate Edwin. Unworthy Edwin, to how
vile and earth born sentiments has your heart been conscious! But go.
Hence from my sight! The very spectacle of that form which I had learned
to love is mildew and contagion to my eyes. Oh, Edwin, for your sake I
will distrust every attractive form and every ingenuous appearance. The
separation, my swain, is hard.
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