Matthew Gregory Lewis
The Monk
A Romance
Somnia terrores magicos miracula sagas
Nocturnos lemures portentaque
Horat
Dreams magic terrors spells of mighty power
Witches and ghosts who rove at midnight hour
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The first idea of this Romance was suggested by the story of the Santon Barsisa
related in The Guardian The Bleeding Nun is a tradition still credited in
many parts of Germany and I have been told that the ruins of the castle of
Lauenstein which she is supposed to haunt may yet be seen upon the borders of
Thuringia The WaterKing from the third to the twelfth stanza is the
fragment of an original Danish ballad And Belerma and Durandarte is translated
from some stanzas to be found in a collection of old Spanish poetry which
contains also the popular song of Gayferos and Melesindra mentioned in Don
Quixote I have now made a full avowal of all the plagiarisms of which I am
aware myself but I doubt not many more may be found of which I am at present
totally unconscious
Preface
Imitation of Horace
Ep 20 B 1
Methinks Oh vain illjudging book
I see thee cast a wishful look
Where reputations won and lost are
In famous row called Paternoster
Incensed to find your precious olio
Buried in unexplored portfolio
You scorn the prudent lock and key
And pant well bound and gilt to see
Your volume in the window set
Of Stockdale Hookham or Debrett
Go then and pass that dangerous bourne
Whence never book can back return
And when you find condemned despised
Neglected blamed and criticised
Abuse from all who read you fall
If haply you be read at all
Sorely will you your folly sigh at
And wish for me and home and quiet
Assuming now a conjurors office I
Thus on your future fortune prophesy
Soon as your novelty is oer
And you are young and new no more
In some dark dirty corner thrown
Mouldy with damps with cobwebs strown
Your leaves shall be the bookworms prey
Or sent to chandlershop away
And doomed to suffer public scandal
Shall line the trunk or wrap the candle
But should you meet with approbation
And some one find an inclination
To ask by natural transition
Respecting me and my condition
That I am one the enquirer teach
Not very poor nor very rich
Of passion strong of hasty nature
Of graceless form and dwarfish stature
By few approved and few approving
Extreme in hating and in loving
Abhorring all whom I dislike
Adoring who my fancy strike
In forming judgments never long
And for the most part judging wrong
In friendship firm but still believing
Others are treacherous and deceiving
And thinking in the present æra
That friendship is a pure chimæra
More passionate no creature living
Proud obstinate and unforgiving
But yet for those who kindness show
Ready through fire and smoke to go
Again should it be asked your page
»Pray what may be the authors age«
Your faults no doubt will make it clear
I scarce have seen my twentieth year
Which passed Kind Reader on my word
While Englands throne held George the Third
Now then you venturous course pursue
Go my delight dear book adieu MGL
HAGUE Oct 28th 1794
Chapter I
Lord Angelo is precise
Stands at a guard with envy scarce confesses
That his blood flows or that his appetite
Is more to bread than stone
Measure for Measure
Scarcely had the abbeybell tolled for five minutes and already was the church
of the Capuchins thronged with auditors Do not encourage the idea that the
crowd was assembled either from motives of piety or thirst of information But
very few were influenced by those reasons and in a city where superstition
reigns with such despotic sway as in Madrid to seek for true devotion would be
a fruitless attempt The audience now assembled in the Capuchin church was
collected by various causes but all of them were foreign to the ostensible
motive The women came to show themselves the men to see the women some were
attracted by curiosity to hear an orator so celebrated some came because they
had no better means of employing their time till the play began some from
being assured that it would be impossible to find places in the church and one
half of Madrid was brought thither by expecting to meet the other half The only
persons truly anxious to hear the preacher were a few antiquated devotees and
half a dozen rival orators determined to find fault with and ridicule the
discourse As to the remainder of the audience the sermon might have been
omitted altogether certainly without their being disappointed and very
probably without their perceiving the omission
Whatever was the occasion it is at least certain that the Capuchin church
had never witnessed a more numerous assembly Every corner was filled every
seat was occupied The very statues which ornamented the long aisles were
pressed into the service Boys suspended themselves upon the wings of cherubims
St Francis and St Mark bore each a spectator on his shoulders and St Agatha
found herself under the necessity of carrying double The consequence was that
in spite of all their hurry and expedition our two newcomers on entering the
church looked round in vain for places
However the old woman continued to move forwards In vain were exclamations
of displeasure vented against her from all sides in vain was she addressed with
»I assure you Segnora there are no places here« »I beg Segnora that you
will not crowd me so intolerably« »Segnora you cannot pass this way Bless
me How can people be so troublesome« The old woman was obstinate and on she
went By dint of perseverance and two brawny arms she made a passage through the
crowd and managed to bustle herself into the very body of the church at no
great distance from the pulpit Her companion had followed her with timidity and
in silence profiting by the exertions of her conductress
»Holy Virgin« exclaimed the old woman in a tone of disappointment while
she threw a glance of enquiry round her »Holy Virgin what heat what a crowd
I wonder what can be the meaning of all this I believe we must return there is
no such thing as a seat to be had and nobody seems kind enough to accommodate
us with theirs«
This broad hint attracted the notice of two cavaliers who occupied stools
on the right hand and were leaning their backs against the seventh column from
the pulpit Both were young and richly habited Hearing this appeal to their
politeness pronounced in a female voice they interrupted their conversation to
look at the speaker She had thrown up her veil in order to take a clearer look
round the cathedral Her hair was red and she squinted The cavaliers turned
round and renewed their conversation
»By all means« replied the old womans companion »by all means Leonella
let us return home immediately the heat is excessive and I am terrified at
such a crowd«
These words were pronounced in a tone of unexampled sweetness The cavaliers
again broke off their discourse but for this time they were not contented with
looking up both started involuntarily from their seats and turned themselves
towards the speaker
The voice came from a female the delicacy and elegance of whose figure
inspired the youths with the most lively curiosity to view the face to which it
belonged This satisfaction was denied them Her features were hidden by a thick
veil but struggling through the crowd had deranged it sufficiently to discover
a neck which for symmetry and beauty might have vied with the Medicean Venus It
was of the most dazzling whiteness and received additional charms from being
shaded by the tresses of her long fair hair which descended in ringlets to her
waist Her figure was rather below than above the middle size it was light and
airy as that of an Hamadryad Her bosom was carefully veiled Her dress was
white it was fastened by a blue sash and just permitted to peep out from under
it a little foot of the most delicate proportions A chaplet of large grains
hung upon her arm and her face was covered with a veil of thick black gauze
Such was the female to whom the youngest of the cavaliers now offered his seat
while the other thought it necessary to pay the same attention to her companion
The old lady with many expressions of gratitude but without much
difficulty accepted the offer and seated herself the young one followed her
example but made no other compliment than a simple and graceful reverence Don
Lorenzo such was the cavaliers name whose seat she had accepted placed
himself near her but first he whispered a few words in his friends ear who
immediately took the hint and endeavoured to draw off the old womans attention
from her lovely charge
»You are doubtless lately arrived at Madrid« said Lorenzo to his fair
neighbour »it is impossible that such charms should have long remained
unobserved and had not this been your first public appearance the envy of the
women and adoration of the men would have rendered you already sufficiently
remarkable«
He paused in expectation of an answer As his speech did not absolutely
require one the lady did not open her lips After a few moments he resumed his
discourse
»Am I wrong in supposing you to be a stranger to Madrid«
The lady hesitated and at last in so low a voice as to be scarcely
intelligible she made shift to answer »No Segnor«
»Do you intend making a stay of any length«
»Yes Segnor«
»I should esteem myself fortunate were it in my power to contribute to
making your abode agreeable I am well known at Madrid and my family has some
interest at court If I can be of any service you cannot honour or oblige me
more than by permitting me to be of use to you« »Surely« said he to himself
»she cannot answer that by a monosyllable now she must say something to me«
Lorenzo was deceived for the lady answered only by a bow
By this time he had discovered that his neighbour was not very conversible
but whether her silence proceeded from pride discretion timidity or idiotism
he was still unable to decide
After a pause of some minutes »It is certainly from your being a
stranger« said he »and as yet unacquainted with our customs that you continue
to wear your veil Permit me to remove it«
At the same time he advanced his hand towards the gauze the lady raised
hers to prevent him
»I never unveil in public Segnor«
»And where is the harm I pray you« interrupted her companion somewhat
sharply »Do not you see that the other ladies have all laid their veils aside
to do honour no doubt to the holy place in which we are I have taken off mine
already and surely if I expose my features to general observation you have no
cause to put yourself in such a wonderful alarm Blessed Maria Here is a fuss
and a bustle about a chits face Come come child Uncover it I warrant you
that nobody will run away with it from you «
»Dear aunt it is not the custom in Murcia «
»Murcia indeed Holy St Barbara what does that signify You are always
putting me in mind of that villanous province If it is the custom in Madrid
that is all that we ought to mind and therefore I desire you to take off your
veil immediately Obey me this moment Antonia for you know that I cannot bear
contradiction«
Her niece was silent but made no further opposition to Don Lorenzos
efforts who armed with the aunts sanction hastened to remove the gauze What
a seraphs head presented itself to his admiration Yet it was rather bewitching
than beautiful it was not so lovely from regularity of features as from
sweetness and sensibility of countenance The several parts of her face
considered separately many of them were far from handsome but when examined
together the whole was adorable Her skin though fair was not entirely
without freckles her eyes were not very large nor their lashes particularly
long But then her lips were of the most rosy freshness her fair and undulating
hair confined by a simple ribband poured itself below her waist in a profusion
of ringlets her neck was full and beautiful in the extreme her hand and arm
were formed with the most perfect symmetry her mild blue eyes seemed an heaven
of sweetness and the crystal in which they moved sparkled with all the
brilliance of diamonds She appeared to be scarcely fifteen an arch smile
playing round her mouth declared her to be possessed of liveliness which
excess of timidity at present repressed She looked round her with a bashful
glance and whenever her eyes accidentally met Lorenzos she dropped them
hastily upon her rosary her cheek was immediately suffused with blushes and
she began to tell her beads though her manner evidently showed that she knew
not what she was about
Lorenzo gazed upon her with mingled surprise and admiration but the aunt
thought it necessary to apologize for Antonias mauvaise honte
»Tis a young creature« said she »who is totally ignorant of the world
She has been brought up in an old castle in Murcia with no other society than
her mothers who God help her has no more sense good soul than is necessary
to carry her soup to her mouth Yet she is my own sister both by father and
mother«
»And has so little sense« said Don Christoval with feigned astonishment
»How very extraordinary«
»Very true Segnor Is it not strange However such is the fact and yet
only to see the luck of some people A young nobleman of the very first
quality took it into his head that Elvira had some pretensions to beauty As
to pretensions in truth she had always enough of them but as to beauty If I
had only taken half the pains to set myself off which she did But this is
neither here nor there As I was saying Segnor a young nobleman fell in love
with her and married her unknown to his father Their union remained a secret
near three years but at last it came to the ears of the old marquis who as
you may well suppose was not much pleased with the intelligence Away he posted
in all haste to Cordova determined to seize Elvira and send her away to some
place or other where she would never be heard of more Holy St Paul How he
stormed on finding that she had escaped him had joined her husband and that
they had embarked together for the Indies He swore at us all as if the evil
spirit had possessed him he threw my father into prison as honest a
painstaking shoemaker as any in Cordova and when he went away he had the
cruelty to take from us my sisters little boy then scarcely two years old and
whom in the abruptness of her flight she had been obliged to leave behind her I
suppose that the poor little wretch met with bitter bad treatment from him for
in a few months after we received intelligence of his death«
»Why this was a most terrible old fellow Segnora«
»Oh shocking and a man so totally devoid of taste Why would you believe
it Segnor when I attempted to pacify him he cursed me for a witch and wished
that to punish the count my sister might become as ugly as myself Ugly
indeed I like him for that«
»Ridiculous« cried Don Christoval »Doubtless the count would have thought
himself fortunate had he been permitted to exchange the one sister for the
other«
»Oh Christ Segnor you are really too polite However I am heartily glad
that the condé was of a different way of thinking A mighty pretty piece of
business to be sure Elvira has made of it After broiling and stewing in the
Indies for thirteen long years her husband dies and she returns to Spain
without an house to hide her head or money to procure her one This Antonia was
then but an infant and her only remaining child She found that her
fatherinlaw had married again that he was irreconcilable to the condé and
that his second wife had produced him a son who is reported to be a very fine
young man The old marquis refused to see my sister or her child but sent her
word that on condition of never hearing any more of her he would assign her a
small pension and she might live in an old castle which he possessed in Murcia
This had been the favourite habitation of his eldest son but since his flight
from Spain the old marquis could not bear the place but let it fall to ruin
and confusion My sister accepted the proposal she retired to Murcia and has
remained there till within the last month«
»And what brings her now to Madrid« enquired Don Lorenzo whom admiration
of the young Antonia compelled to take a lively interest in the talkative old
womans narration
»Alas Segnor her fatherinlaw being lately dead the steward of his
Murcian estates has refused to pay her pension any longer With the design of
supplicating his son to renew it she is now come to Madrid but I doubt that
she might have saved herself the trouble You young noblemen have always enough
to do with your money and are not very often disposed to throw it away upon old
women I advised my sister to send Antonia with her petition but she would not
hear of such a thing She is so obstinate Well she will find herself the worse
for not following my counsels the girl has a good pretty face and possibly
might have done much«
»Ah Segnora« interrupted Don Christoval counterfeiting a passionate air
»if a pretty face will do the business why has not your sister recourse to
you«
»Oh Jesus my lord I swear you quite overpower me with your gallantry But
I promise you that I am too well aware of the danger of such expeditions to
trust myself in a young noblemans power No no I have as yet preserved my
reputation without blemish or reproach and I always knew how to keep the men at
a proper distance«
»Of that Segnora I have not the least doubt But permit me to ask you
Have you then any aversion to matrimony«
»That is an home question I cannot but confess that if an amiable cavalier
was to present himself «
Here she intended to throw a tender and significant look upon Don
Christoval but as she unluckily happened to squint most abominably the glance
fell directly upon his companion Lorenzo took the compliment to himself and
answered it by a profound bow
»May I enquire« said he »the name of the marquis«
»The marquis de las Cisternas«
»I know him intimately well He is not at present in Madrid but is expected
here daily He is one of the best of men and if the lovely Antonia will permit
me to be her advocate with him I doubt not my being able to make a favourable
report of her cause«
Antonia raised her blue eyes and silently thanked him for the offer by a
smile of inexpressible sweetness Leonellas satisfaction was much more loud and
audible Indeed as her niece was generally silent in her company she thought
it incumbent upon her to talk enough for both this she managed without
difficulty for she very seldom found herself deficient in words
»Oh Segnor« she cried »you will lay our whole family under the most
signal obligations I accept your offer with all possible gratitude and return
you a thousand thanks for the generosity of your proposal Antonia why do not
you speak child While the cavalier says all sorts of civil things to you you
sit like a statue and never utter a syllable of thanks either bad good or
indifferent «
»My dear aunt I am very sensible that «
»Fye niece How often have I told you that you never should interrupt a
person who is speaking When did you ever know me do such a thing Are these
your Murcian manners Mercy on me I shall never be able to make this girl any
thing like a person of good breeding But pray Segnor« she continued
addressing herself to Don Christoval »inform me why such a crowd is assembled
today in this cathedral«
»Can you possibly be ignorant that Ambrosio abbot of this monastery
pronounces a sermon in this church every Thursday All Madrid rings with his
praises As yet he has preached but thrice but all who have heard him are so
delighted with his eloquence that it is as difficult to obtain a place at
church as at the first representation of a new comedy His fame certainly must
have reached your ears«
»Alas Segnor till yesterday I never had the good fortune to see Madrid
and at Cordova we are so little informed of what is passing in the rest of the
world that the name of Ambrosio has never been mentioned in its precincts«
»You will find it in every ones mouth at Madrid He seems to have
fascinated the inhabitants and not having attended his sermons myself I am
astonished at the enthusiasm which he has excited The adoration paid him both
by young and old by man and woman is unexampled The grandees load him with
presents their wives refuse to have any other confessor and he is known
through all the city by the name of The Man of Holiness«
»Undoubtedly Segnor he is of noble origin«
»That point still remains undecided The late superior of the Capuchins
found him while yet an infant at the abbeydoor All attempts to discover who
had left him there were vain and the child himself could give no account of his
parents He was educated in the monastery where he has remained ever since He
early showed a strong inclination for study and retirement and as soon as he
was or a proper age he pronounced his vows No one has ever appeared to claim
him or clear up the mystery which conceals his birth and the monks who find
their account in the favour which is shewn to their establishment from respect
to him have not hesitated to publish that he is a present to them from the
Virgin In truth the singular austerity of his life gives some countenance to
the report He is now thirty years old every hour of which period has been
passed in study total seclusion from the world and mortification of the flesh
Till these last three weeks when he was chosen superior of the society to which
he belongs he had never been on the outside of the abbeywalls Even now he
never quits them except on Thursdays when he delivers a discourse in this
cathedral which all Madrid assembles to hear His knowledge is said to be the
most profound his eloquence the most persuasive In the whole course of his
life he has never been known to transgress a single rule of his order the
smallest stain is not to be discovered upon his character and he is reported to
be so strict an observer of chastity that he knows not in what consists the
difference of man and woman The common people therefore esteem him to be a
saint«
»Does that make a saint« enquired Antonia »Bless me then am I one«
»Holy St Barbara« exclaimed Leonella »what a question Fye child fye
these are not fit subjects for young women to handle You should not seem to
remember that there is such a thing as a man in the world and you ought to
imagine every body to be of the same sex with yourself I should like to see you
give people to understand that you know that a man has no breasts and no hips
and no «
Luckily for Antonias ignorance which her aunts lecture would soon have
dispelled an universal murmur through the church announced the preachers
arrival Donna Leonella rose from her seat to take a better view of him and
Antonia followed her example
He was a man of noble port and commanding presence His stature was lofty
and his features uncommonly handsome His nose was aquiline his eyes large
black and sparkling and his dark brows almost joined together His complexion
was of a deep but clear brown study and watching had entirely deprived his
cheek of colour Tranquillity reigned upon his smooth unwrinkled forehead and
content expressed upon every feature seemed to announce the man equally
unacquainted with cares and crimes He bowed himself with humility to the
audience Still there was a certain severity in his look and manner that
inspired universal awe and few could sustain the glance of his eye at once
fiery and penetrating Such was Ambrosio abbot of the Capuchins and surnamed
The Man of Holiness
Antonia while she gazed upon him eagerly felt a pleasure fluttering in her
bosom which till then had been unknown to her and for which she in vain
endeavoured to account She waited with impatience till the sermon should begin
and when at length the friar spoke the sound of his voice seemed to penetrate
into her very soul Though no other of the spectators felt such violent
sensations as did the young Antonia yet every one listened with interest and
emotion They who were insensible to religions merits were still enchanted
with Ambrosios oratory All found their attention irresistibly attracted while
he spoke and the most profound silence reigned through the crowded aisles Even
Lorenzo could not resist the charm he forgot that Antonia was seated near him
and listened to the preacher with undivided attention
In language nervous clear and simple the monk expatiated on the beauties
of religion He explained some abstruse parts of the sacred writings in a style
that carried with it universal conviction His voice at once distinct and deep
was fraught with all the terrors of the tempest while he inveighed against the
vices of humanity and described the punishments reserved for them in a future
state Every hearer looked back upon his past offences and trembled the
thunder seemed to roll whose bolt was destined to crush him and the abyss of
eternal destruction to open before his feet But when Ambrosio changing his
theme spoke of the excellence of an unsullied conscience of the glorious
prospect which eternity presented to the soul untainted with reproach and of
the recompense which awaited it in the regions of everlasting glory his
auditors felt their scattered spirits insensibly return They threw themselves
with confidence upon the mercy of their judge they hung with delight upon the
consoling words of the preacher and while his full voice swelled into melody
they were transported to those happy regions which he painted to their
imaginations in colours so brilliant and glowing
The discourse was of considerable length yet when it concluded the
audience grieved that it had not lasted longer Though the monk had ceased to
speak enthusiastic silence still prevailed through the church At length the
charm gradually dissolving the general admiration was expressed in audible
terms As Ambrosio descended from the pulpit his auditors crowded round him
loaded him with blessings threw themselves at his feet and kissed the hem of
his garment He passed on slowly with his hands crossed devoutly upon his
bosom to the door opening into the abbeychapel at which his monks waited to
receive him He ascended the steps and then turning towards his followers
addressed to them a few words of gratitude and exhortation While he spoke his
rosary composed of large grains of amber fell from his hand and dropped among
the surrounding multitude It was seized eagerly and immediately divided amidst
the spectators Whoever became possessor of a bead preserved it as a sacred
relique and had it been the chaplet of thriceblessed St Francis himself it
could not have been disputed with greater vivacity The abbot smiling at their
eagerness pronounced his benediction and quitted the church while humility
dwelt upon every feature Dwelt she also in his heart
Antonias eyes followed him with anxiety As the door closed after him it
seemed to her as she had lost some one essential to her happiness A tear stole
in silence down her cheek
»He is separated from the world« said she to herself »perhaps I shall
never see him more«
As she wiped away the tear Lorenzo observed her action
»Are you satisfied with our orator« said he »or do you think that Madrid
overrates his talents«
Antonias heart was so filled with admiration for the monk that she eagerly
seized the opportunity of speaking of him besides as she now no longer
considered Lorenzo as an absolute stranger she was less embarrassed by her
excessive timidity
»Oh he far exceeds all my expectations« answered she »till this moment I
had no idea of the powers of eloquence But when he spoke his voice inspired me
with such interest such esteem I might almost say such affection for him that
I am myself astonished at the acuteness of my feelings«
Lorenzo smiled at the strength of her expressions
»You are young and just entering into life« said he »your heart new to
the world and full of warmth and sensibility receives its first impressions
with eagerness Artless yourself you suspect not others of deceit and viewing
the world through the medium of your own truth and innocence you fancy all who
surround you to deserve your confidence and esteem What pity that these gay
visions must soon be dissipated What pity that you must soon discover the
baseness of mankind and guard against your fellowcreatures as against your
foes«
»Alas Segnor« replied Antonia »the misfortunes of my parents have already
placed before me but too many sad examples of the perfidy of the world Yet
surely in the present instance the warmth of sympathy cannot have deceived me«
»In the present instance I allow that it has not Ambrosios character is
perfectly without reproach and a man who has passed the whole of his life
within the walls of a convent cannot have found the opportunity to be guilty
even were he possessed of the inclination But now when obliged by the duties
of his situation he must enter occasionally into the world and be thrown into
the way of temptation it is now that it behoves him to show the brilliance of
his virtue The trial is dangerous he is just at that period of life when the
passions are most vigorous unbridled and despotic his established reputation
will mark him out to seduction as an illustrious victim novelty will give
additional charms to the allurements of pleasure and even the talents with
which nature has endowed him will contribute to his ruin by facilitating the
means of obtaining his object Very few would return victorious from a contest
so severe«
»Ah surely Ambrosio will be one of those few«
»Of that I have myself no doubt by all accounts he is an exception to
mankind in general and envy would seek in vain for a blot upon his character«
»Segnor you delight me by this assurance It encourages me to indulge my
prepossession in his favour and you know not with what pain I should have
repressed the sentiment Ah dearest aunt entreat my mother to choose him for
our confessor«
»I entreat her« replied Leonella »I promise you that I shall do no such
thing I do not like this same Ambrosio in the least he has a look of severity
about him that made me tremble from head to foot Were he my confessor I should
never have the courage to avow one half of my peccadilloes and then I should be
in a rare condition I never saw such a sternlooking mortal and hope that I
never shall see such another His description of the devil God bless us almost
terrified me out of my wits and when he spoke about sinners he seemed as if he
was ready to eat them«
»You are right Segnora« answered Don Christoval »Too great severity is
said to be Ambrosios only fault Exempted himself from human failings he is
not sufficiently indulgent to those of others and though strictly just and
disinterested in his decisions his government of the monks has already shown
some proofs of his inflexibility But the crowd is nearly dissipated will you
permit us to attend you home«
»O Christ Segnor« exclaimed Leonella affecting to blush »I would not
suffer such a thing for the universe If I came home attended by so gallant a
cavalier my sister is so scrupulous that she would read me an hours lecture
and I should never hear the last of it Besides I rather wish you not to make
your proposals just at present «
»My proposals I assure you Segnora«
»Oh Segnor I believe that your assurances of impatience are all very true
but really I must desire a little respite It would not be quite so delicate in
me to accept your hand at first sight«
»Accept my hand As I hope to live and breathe «
»Oh dear Segnor press me no further if you love me I shall consider your
obedience as a proof of your affection you shall hear from me tomorrow and so
farewell But pray cavaliers may I not enquire your names«
»My friends« replied Lorenzo »is the Condé dOssorio and mine Lorenzo de
Medina«
»Tis sufficient Well Don Lorenzo I shall acquaint my sister with your
obliging offer and let you know the result with all expedition Where may I
send to you«
»I am always to be found at the Medina palace«
»You may depend upon hearing from me Farewell cavaliers Segnor Condé let
me entreat you to moderate the excessive ardour of your passion However to
prove that I am not displeased with you and prevent your abandoning yourself to
despair receive this mark of my affection and sometimes bestow a thought upon
the absent Leonella«
As she said this she extended a lean and wrinkled hand which her supposed
admirer kissed with such sorry grace and constraint so evident that Lorenzo
with difficulty repressed his inclination to laugh Leonella then hastened to
quit the church the lovely Antonia followed her in silence but when she
reached the porch she turned involuntarily and cast back her eyes towards
Lorenzo He bowed to her as bidding her farewell she returned the compliment
and hastily withdrew
»So Lorenzo« said Don Christoval as soon as they were alone »you have
procured me an agreeable intrigue To favour your designs upon Antonia I
obligingly make a few civil speeches which mean nothing to the aunt and at the
end of an hour I find myself upon the brink of matrimony How will you reward me
for having suffered so grievously for your sake What can repay me for having
kissed the leathern paw of that confounded old witch Diavolo She has left such
a scent upon my lips that I shall smell of garlick for this month to come As I
pass along the Prado I shall be taken for a walking omelet or some large onion
running to seed«
»I confess my poor count« replied Lorenzo »that your service has been
attended with danger yet am I so far from supposing it to be past all
endurance that I shall probably solicit you to carry on your amours still
further«
»From that petition I conclude that the little Antonia has made some
impression upon you«
»I cannot express to you how much I am charmed with her Since my fathers
death my uncle the duke de Medina has signified to me his wishes to see me
married I have till now eluded his hints and refused to understand them but
what I have seen this evening «
»Well what have you seen this evening Why surely Don Lorenzo you cannot
be mad enough to think of making a wife out of this granddaughter of as honest
a painstaking shoemaker as any in Cordova«
»You forget that she is also the granddaughter of the late marquis de las
Cisternas but without disputing about birth and titles I must assure you that
I never beheld a woman so interesting as Antonia«
»Very possibly but you cannot mean to marry her«
»Why not my dear condé I shall have wealth enough for both of us and you
know that my uncle thinks liberally upon the subject From what I have seen of
Raymond de las Cisternas I am certain that he will readily acknowledge Antonia
for his niece Her birth therefore will be no objection to my offering her my
hand I should be a villain could I think of her on any other terms than
marriage and in truth she seems possessed of every quality requisite to make me
happy in a wife young lovely gentle sensible «
»Sensible Why she said nothing but Yes and No«
»She did not say much more I must confess but then she always said Yes or
No in the right place«
»Did she so Oh your most obedient That is using a right lovers argument
and I dare dispute no longer with so profound a casuist Suppose we adjourn to
the comedy«
»It is out of my power I only arrived last night at Madrid and have not
yet had an opportunity of seeing my sister You know that her convent is in this
street and I was going thither when the crowd which I saw thronging into this
church excited my curiosity to know what was the matter I shall now pursue my
first intention and probably pass the evening with my sister at the
parlourgrate«
»Your sister in a convent say you Oh very true I had forgotten And how
does Donna Agnes I am amazed Don Lorenzo how you could possibly think of
immuring so charming a girl within the walls of a cloister«
»I think of it Don Christoval How can you suspect me of such barbarity
You are conscious that she took the veil by her own desire and that particular
circumstances made her wish for a seclusion from the world I used every means
in my power to induce her to change her resolution the endeavour was fruitless
and I lost a sister«
»The luckier fellow you I think Lorenzo you were a considerable gainer by
that loss if I remember right Donna Agnes had a portion of ten thousand
pistoles half of which reverted to your lordship By St Jago I wish that I
had fifty sisters in the same predicament I should consent to losing them every
soul without much heartburning«
»How condé« said Lorenzo in an angry voice »do you suppose me base enough
to have influenced my sisters retirement do you suppose that the despicable
wish to make myself master of her fortune could «
»Admirable Courage Don Lorenzo Now the man is all in a blaze God grant
that Antonia may soften that fiery temper or we shall certainly cut each
others throat before the month is over However to prevent such a tragical
catastrophe for the present I shall make a retreat and leave you master of the
field Farewell my knight of Mount Ætna Moderate that inflammable disposition
and remember that whenever it is necessary to make love to yonder harridan you
may reckon upon my services«
He said and darted out of the cathedral
»How wildbrained« said Lorenzo »With so excellent an heart what pity
that he possesses so little solidity of judgment«
The night was now fast advancing The lamps were not yet lighted The faint
beams of the rising moon scarcely could pierce through the gothic obscurity of
the church Lorenzo found himself unable to quit the spot The void left in his
bosom by Antonias absence and his sisters sacrifice which Don Christoval had
just recalled to his imagination created that melancholy of mind which
accorded but too well with the religious gloom surrounding him He was still
leaning against the seventh column from the pulpit A soft and cooling air
breathed along the solitary aisles the moonbeams darting into the church
through painted windows tinged the fretted roofs and massy pillars with a
thousand various shades of light and colours Universal silence prevailed
around only interrupted by the occasional closing of doors in the adjoining
abbey
The calm of the hour and solitude of the place contributed to nourish
Lorenzos disposition to melancholy He threw himself upon a seat which stood
near him and abandoned himself to the delusions of his fancy He thought of his
union with Antonia he thought of the obstacles which might oppose his wishes
and a thousand changing visions floated before his fancy sad tis true but not
unpleasing Sleep insensibly stole over him and the tranquil solemnity of his
mind when awake for a while continued to influence his slumbers
He still fancied himself to be in the church of the Capuchins but it was no
longer dark and solitary Multitudes of silver lamps shed splendour from the
vaulted roofs accompanied by the captivating chaunt of distant choristers the
organs melody swelled through the church the altar seemed decorated as for
some distinguished feast it was surrounded by a brilliant company and near it
stood Antonia arrayed in bridal white and blushing with all the charms of
virgin modesty
Half hoping half fearing Lorenzo gazed upon the scene before him Suddenly
the door leading to the abbey unclosed and he saw attended by a long train of
monks the preacher advance to whom he had just listened with so much
admiration He drew near Antonia
»And where is the bridegroom« said the imaginary friar
Antonia seemed to look round the church with anxiety Involuntarily the
youth advanced a few steps from his concealment She saw him the blush of
pleasure glowed upon her cheek with a graceful motion of her hand she beckoned
to him to advance He disobeyed not the command he flew towards her and threw
himself at her feet
She retreated for a moment then gazing upon him with unutterable delight
»Yes« she exclaimed »my bridegroom my destined bridegroom«
She said and hastened to throw herself into his arms but before he had
time to receive her an unknown rushed between them his form was gigantic his
complexion was swarthy his eyes fierce and terrible his mouth breathed out
volumes of fire and on his forehead was written in legible characters »Pride
Lust Inhumanity«
Antonia shrieked The monster clasped her in his arms and springing with
her upon the altar tortured her with his odious caresses She endeavoured in
vain to escape from his embrace Lorenzo flew to her succour but ere he had
time to reach her a loud burst of thunder was heard Instantly the cathedral
seemed crumbling into pieces the monks betook themselves to flight shrieking
fearfully the lamps were extinguished the altar sunk down and in its place
appeared an abyss vomiting forth clouds of flame Uttering a loud and terrible
cry the monster plunged into the gulph and in his fall attempted to drag
Antonia with him He strove in vain Animated by supernatural powers she
disengaged herself from his embrace but her white robe was left in his
possession Instantly a wing of brilliant splendour spread itself from either of
Antonias arms She darted upwards and while ascending cried to Lorenzo
»Friend we shall meet above«
At the same moment the roof of the cathedral opened harmonious voices
pealed along the vaults and the glory into which Antonia was received was
composed of rays of such dazzling brightness that Lorenzo was unable to sustain
the gaze His sight failed and he sunk upon the ground
When he awoke he found himself extended upon the pavement of the church it
was illuminated and the chaunt of hymns sounded from a distance For a while
Lorenzo could not persuade himself that what he had just witnessed had been a
dream so strong an impression had it made upon his fancy A little recollection
convinced him of its fallacy the lamps had been lighted during his sleep and
the music which he heard was occasioned by the monks who were celebrating their
vespers in the abbeychapel
Lorenzo rose and prepared to bend his steps towards his sisters convent
his mind fully occupied by the singularity of his dream He already drew near
the porch when his attention was attracted by perceiving a shadow moving upon
the opposite wall He looked curiously round and soon descried a man wrapped up
in his cloak who seemed carefully examining whether his actions were observed
Very few people are exempt from the influence of curiosity The unknown seemed
anxious to conceal his business in the cathedral and it was this very
circumstance which made Lorenzo wish to discover what he was about
Our hero was conscious that he had no right to pry into the secrets of this
unknown cavalier
»I will go« said Lorenzo And Lorenzo stayed where he was
The shadow thrown by the column effectually concealed him from the stranger
who continued to advance with caution At length he drew a letter from beneath
his cloak and hastily placed it beneath a colossal statue of St Francis Then
retiring with precipitation he concealed himself in a part of the church at a
considerable distance from that in which the image stood
»So« said Lorenzo to himself »this is only some foolish love affair I
believe I may as well be gone for I can do no good in it«
In truth till that moment it never came into his head that he could do any
good in it but he thought it necessary to make some little excuse to himself
for having indulged his curiosity He now made a second attempt to retire from
the church For this time he gained the porch without meeting with any
impediment but it was destined that he should pay it another visit that night
As he descended the steps leading into the street a cavalier rushed against him
with such violence that both were nearly overturned by the concussion Lorenzo
put his hand to his sword
»How now Segnor« said he »what mean you by this rudeness«
»Ha is it you Medina« replied the new comer whom Lorenzo by his voice
now recognized for Don Christoval »You are the luckiest fellow in the universe
not to have left the church before my return In in my dear lad they will be
here immediately«
»Who will be here«
»The old hen and all her pretty little chickens In I say and then you
shall know the whole history«
Lorenzo followed him into the cathedral and they concealed themselves
behind the statue of St Francis
»And now« said our hero »may I take the liberty of asking what is the
meaning of all this haste and rapture«
»Oh Lorenzo we shall see such a glorious sight The prioress of St Clare
and her whole train of nuns are coming hither You are to know that the pious
father Ambrosio the Lord reward him for it will upon no account move out of
his own precincts It being absolutely necessary for every fashionable convent
to have him for its confessor the nuns are in consequence obliged to visit him
at the abbey since when the mountain will not come to Mahomet Mahomet must
needs go to the mountain Now the prioress of St Clare the better to escape
the gaze of such impure eyes as belong to yourself and your humble servant
thinks proper to bring her holy flock to confession in the dusk she is to be
admitted into the abbeychapel by yon private door The porteress of St Clare
who is a worthy old soul and a particular friend of mine has just assured me of
their being here in a few moments There is news for you you rogue We shall
see some of the prettiest faces in Madrid«
»In truth Christoval we shall do no such thing The nuns are always
veiled«
»No no I know better On entering a place of worship they ever take off
their veils from respect to the saint to whom tis dedicated But hark they
are coming Silence silence Observe and be convinced«
»Good« said Lorenzo to himself »I may possibly discover to whom the vows
are addressed of this mysterious stranger«
Scarcely had Don Christoval ceased to speak when the domina of St Clare
appeared followed by a long procession of nuns Each upon entering the church
took off her veil The prioress crossed her hands upon her bosom and made a
profound reverence as she passed the statue of St Francis the patron of this
cathedral The nuns followed her example and several moved onwards without
having satisfied Lorenzos curiosity He almost began to despair of seeing the
mystery cleared up when in paying her respects to St Francis one of the nuns
happened to drop her rosary As she stooped to pick it up the light flashed full
in her face At the same moment she dexterously removed the letter from beneath
the image placed it in her bosom and hastened to resume her rank in the
procession
»Ha« said Christoval in a low voice »here we have some little intrigue no
doubt«
»Agnes by heaven« cried Lorenzo
»What your sister Diavolo Then somebody I suppose will have to pay for
our peeping«
»And shall pay for it without delay« replied the incensed brother
The pious procession had now entered the abbey the door was already closed
upon it The unknown immediately quitted his concealment and hastened to leave
the church ere he could effect his intention he descried Medina stationed in
his passage The stranger hastily retreated and drew his hat over his eyes
»Attempt not to fly me« exclaimed Lorenzo »I will know who you are and
what were the contents of that letter«
»Of that letter« repeated the unknown »And by what title do you ask the
question«
»By a title of which I am now ashamed but it becomes not you to question
me Either reply circumstantially to my demands or answer me with your sword«
»The latter method will be the shortest« rejoined the other drawing his
rapier »come on Segnor Bravo I am ready«
Burning with rage Lorenzo hastened to the attack the antagonists had
already exchanged several passes before Christoval who at that moment had more
sense than either of them could throw himself between their weapons
»Hold hold Medina« he exclaimed »remember the consequences of shedding
blood on consecrated ground«
The stranger immediately dropped his sword
»Medina« he cried »Great God is it possible Lorenzo have you quite
forgotten Raymond de las Cisternas«
Lorenzos astonishment increased with every succeeding moment Raymond
advanced towards him but with a look of suspicion he drew back his hand which
the other was preparing to take
»You here Marquis What is the meaning of all this You engaged in a
clandestine correspondence with my sister whose affections «
»Have ever been and still are mine But this is no fit place for an
explanation Accompany me to my hotel and you shall know every thing Who is
that with you«
»One whom I believe you to have seen before« replied Don Christoval
»though probably not at church«
»The condé dOssorio«
»Exactly so marquis«
»I have no objection to entrusting you with my secret for I am sure that I
may depend upon your silence«
»Then your opinion of me is better than my own and therefore I must beg
leave to decline your confidence Do you go your own way and I shall go mine
Marquis where are you to be found«
»As usual at the hotel de las Cisternas but remember that I am incognito
and that if you wish to see me you must ask for Alphonso dAlvarada«
»Good good Farewell cavaliers« said Don Christoval and instantly
departed
»You marquis« said Lorenzo in the accent of surprise »you Alphonso
dAlvarada«
»Even so Lorenzo but unless you have already heard my story from your
sister I have much to relate that will astonish you Follow me therefore to
my hotel without delay«
At this moment the porter of the Capuchins entered the cathedral to lock up
the doors for the night The two noblemen instantly withdrew and hastened with
all speed to the palace de las Cisternas
»Well Antonia« said the aunt as soon as she had quitted the church »what
think you of our gallants Don Lorenzo really seems a very obliging good sort of
young man he paid you some attention and nobody knows what may come of it But
as to Don Christoval I protest to you he is the very phoenix of politeness so
gallant so wellbred so sensible and so pathetic Well if ever man can
prevail upon me to break my vow never to marry it will be that Don Christoval
You see niece that every thing turns out exactly as I told you the very
moment that I produced myself in Madrid I knew that I should be surrounded by
admirers When I took off my veil did you see Antonia what an effect the
action had upon the condé And when I presented him my hand did you observe the
air of passion with which he kissed it If ever I witnessed real love I then
saw it impressed upon Don Christovals countenance«
Now Antonia had observed the air with which Don Christoval had kissed this
same hand but as she drew conclusions from it somewhat different from her
aunts she was wise enough to hold her tongue As this is the only instance
known of a womans ever having done so it was judged worthy to be recorded
here
The old lady continued her discourse to Antonia in the same strain till
they gained the street in which was their lodging Here a crowd collected before
their door permitted them not to approach it and placing themselves on the
opposite side of the street they endeavoured to make out what had drawn all
these people together After some minutes the crowd formed itself into a circle
and now Antonia perceived in the midst of it a woman of extraordinary height
who whirled herself repeatedly round and round using all sorts of extravagant
gestures Her dress was composed of shreds of variouscoloured silks and linens
fantastically arranged yet not entirely without taste Her head was covered
with a kind of turban ornamented with vineleaves and wild flowers She seemed
much sunburnt and her complexion was of a deep olive her eyes looked fiery
and strange and in her hand she bore a long black rod with which she at
intervals traced a variety of singular figures upon the ground round about
which she danced in all the eccentric attitudes of folly and delirium Suddenly
she broke off her dance whirled herself round thrice with rapidity and after a
moments pause she sung the following ballad
The Gipsys Song
Come cross my hand My art surpasses
All that did ever mortal know
Come maidens come My magic glasses
Your future husbands form can show
For tis to me the power is given
Unclosed the book of fate to see
To read the fixed resolves of heaven
And dive into futurity
I guide the pale moons silver waggon
The winds in magic bonds I hold
I charm to sleep the crimson dragon
Who loves to watch oer buried gold
Fenced round with spells unhurt I venture
Their sabbath strange where witches keep
Fearless the sorcerers circle enter
And woundless tread on snakes asleep
Lo here are charms of mighty power
This makes secure an husbands truth
And this composed at midnight hour
Will force to love the coldest youth
If any maid too much has granted
Her loss this philtre will repair
This blooms a cheek where red is wanted
And this will make a brown girl fair
Then silent hear while I discover
What I in fortunes mirror view
And each when many a year is over
Shall own the Gipsys sayings true
»Dear aunt« said Antonia when the stranger had finished »is she not mad«
»Mad Not she child she is only wicked She is a gipsy a sort of
vagabond whose sole occupation is to run about the country telling lyes and
pilfering from those who come by their money honestly Out upon such vermin If
I were king of Spain every one of them should be burnt alive who was found in
my dominions after the next three weeks«
These words were pronounced so audibly that they reached the gipsys ears
She immediately pierced through the crowd and made towards the ladies She
saluted them thrice in the eastern fashion and then addressed herself to
Antonia
The Gipsy
»Lady gentle lady know
I your future fate can show
Give your hand and do not fear
Lady gentle lady hear«
»Dearest aunt« said Antonia »indulge me this once let me have my fortune told
me«
»Nonsense child She will tell you nothing but falsehoods«
»No matter let me at least hear what she has to say Do my dear aunt
oblige me I beseech you«
»Well well Antonia since you are so bent upon the thing Here good
woman you shall see the hands of both of us There is money for you and now
let me hear my fortune«
As she said this she drew off her glove and presented her hand The gipsy
looked at it for a moment and then made this reply
The Gipsy
»Your fortune You are now so old
Good dame that tis already told
Yet for your money in a trice
I will repay you in advice
Astonished at your childish vanity
Your friends all tax you with insanity
And grieve to see you use your art
To catch some youthful lovers heart
Believe me dame when all is done
Your age will still be fiftyone
And men will rarely take an hint
Of love from two grey eyes that squint
Take then my counsels lay aside
Your paint and patches lust and pride
And on the poor those sums bestow
Which now are spent on useless show
Think on your Maker not a suitor
Think on your past faults not on future
And think Times scythe will quickly mow
The few red hairs which deck your brow«
The audience rang with laughter during the gipsys address and »fiftyone
squinting eyes red hair paint and patches« ampc were bandied from
mouth to mouth Leonella was almost choaked with passion and loaded her
malicious adviser with the bitterest reproaches The swarthy prophetess for some
time listened to her with a contemptuous smile at length she made her a short
answer and then turned to Antonia
The Gipsy
»Peace lady What I said was true
And now my lovely maid to you
Give me your hand and let me see
Your future doom and heavens decree«
In imitation of Leonella Antonia drew off her glove and presented her white
hand to the gipsy who having gazed upon it for some time with a mingled
expression of pity and astonishment pronounced her oracle in the following
words
The Gipsy
»Jesus what a palm is there
Chaste and gentle young and fair
Perfect mind and form possessing
You would be some good mans blessing
But alas this line discovers
That destruction oer you hovers
Lustful man and crafty devil
Will combine to work your evil
And from earth by sorrows driven
Soon your soul must speed to heaven
Yet your sufferings to delay
Well remember what I say
When you one more virtuous see
Than belongs to man to be
One whose self no crimes assailing
Pities not his neighbours failing
Call the gipsys words to mind
Though he seem so good and kind
Fair exteriors oft will hide
Hearts that swell with lust and pride
Lovely maid with tears I leave you
Let not my prediction grieve you
Rather with submission bending
Calmly wait distress impending
And expect eternal bliss
In a better world than this«
Having said this the gipsy again whirled herself round thrice and then
hastened out of the street with frantic gesture The crowd followed her and
Elviras door being now unembarrassed Leonella entered the house out of humour
with the gipsy with her niece and with the people in short with every body
but herself and her charming cavalier The gipsys predictions had also
considerably affected Antonia but the impression soon wore off and in a few
hours she had forgotten the adventure as totally as had it never taken place
Chapter II
Fòrse sé tu gustassi una sòl volta
La millésima parte délle giòje
Ché gusta un còr amato riamando
Diresti ripentita sospirando
Perduto è tutto il tempo
Ché in amar non si spènde
Tasso
Hadst thou but tasted once the thousandth part
Of joys which bless the loved and loving heart
Your words repentant and your sighs would prove
Lost is the time which is not past in love
The monks having attended their abbot to the door of his cell he dismissed them
with an air of conscious superiority in which humilitys semblance combated
with the reality of pride
He was no sooner alone than he gave free loose to the indulgence of his
vanity When he remembered the enthusiasm which his discourse had excited his
heart swelled with rapture and his imagination presented him with splendid
visions of aggrandizement He looked round him with exultation and pride told
him loudly that he was superior to the rest of his fellow
»Who« thought he »who but myself has passed the ordeal of youth yet sees
no single stain upon his conscience Who else has subdued the violence of strong
passions and an impetuous temperament and submitted even from the dawn of life
to voluntary retirement I seek for such a man in vain I see no one but myself
possessed of such resolution Religion cannot boast Ambrosios equal How
powerful an effect did my discourse produce upon its auditors How they crowded
round me How they loaded me with benedictions and pronounced me the sole
uncorrupted pillar of the church What then now is left for me to do Nothing
but to watch as carefully over the conduct of my brethren as I have hitherto
watched over my own Yet hold May I not be tempted from those paths which till
now I have pursued without one moments wandering Am I not a man whose nature
is frail and prone to error I must now abandon the solitude of my retreat the
fairest and noblest dames of Madrid continually present themselves at the abbey
and will use no other confessor I must accustom my eyes to objects of
temptation and expose myself to the seduction of luxury and desire Should I
meet in that world which I am constrained to enter some lovely female lovely
as you Madona «
As he said this he fixed his eyes upon a picture of the Virgin which was
suspended opposite to him this for two years had been the object of his
increasing wonder and adoration He paused and gazed upon it with delight
»What beauty in that countenance« he continued after a silence of some
minutes »how graceful is the turn of that head what sweetness yet what
majesty in her divine eyes how softly her cheek reclines upon her hand Can the
rose vie with the blush of that cheek can the lily rival the whiteness of that
hand Oh if such a creature existed and existed but for me were I permitted
to twine round my fingers those golden ringlets and press with my lips the
treasures of that snowy bosom gracious God should I then resist the
temptation Should I not barter for a single embrace the reward of my sufferings
for thirty years Should I not abandon Fool that I am Whither do I suffer my
admiration of this picture to hurry me Away impure ideas Let me remember
that woman is for ever lost to me Never was mortal formed so perfect as this
picture But even did such exist the trial might be too mighty for a common
virtue but Ambrosios is proof against temptation Temptation did I say To me
it would be none What charms me when ideal and considered as a superior being
would disgust me become woman and tainted with all the failings of mortality
It is not the womans beauty that fills me with such enthusiasm it is the
painters skill that I admire it is the Divinity that I adore Are not the
passions dead in my bosom have I not freed myself from the frailty of mankind
Fear not Ambrosio Take confidence in the strength of your virtue Enter boldly
into the world to whose failings you are superior reflect that you are now
exempted from humanitys defects and defy all the arts of the spirits of
darkness They shall know you for what you are«
Here his reverie was interrupted by three soft knocks at the door of his
cell With difficulty did the abbot awake from his delirium The knocking was
repeated
»Who is there« said Ambrosio at length
»It is only Rosario« replied a gentle voice
»Enter enter my son«
The door was immediately opened and Rosario appeared with a small basket in
his hand
Rosario was a young novice belonging to the monastery who in three months
intended to make his profession A sort of mystery enveloped this youth which
rendered him at once an object of interest and curiosity His hatred of society
his profound melancholy his rigid observation of the duties of his order and
his voluntary seclusion from the world at his age so unusual attracted the
notice of the whole fraternity He seemed fearful of being recognised and no
one had ever seen his face His head was continually muffled up in his cowl yet
such of his features as accident discovered appeared the most beautiful and
noble Rosario was the only name by which he was known in the monastery No one
knew from whence he came and when questioned on the subject he preserved a
profound silence A stranger whose rich habit and magnificent equipage declared
him to be of distinguished rank had engaged the monks to receive a novice and
had deposited the necessary sums The next day he returned with Rosario and
from that time no more had been heard of him
The youth had carefully avoided the company of the monks he answered their
civilities with sweetness but reserve and evidently showed that his
inclination led him to solitude To this general rule the superior was the only
exception To him he looked up with a respect approaching idolatry he sought
his company with the most attentive assiduity and eagerly seized every means to
ingratiate himself in his favour In the abbots society his heart seemed to be
at ease and an air of gaiety pervaded his whole manners and discourse Ambrosio
on his side did not feel less attracted towards the youth with him alone did he
lay aside his habitual severity When he spoke to him he insensibly assumed a
tone milder than was usual to him and no voice sounded so sweet to him as did
Rosarios He repaid the youths attentions by instructing him in various
sciences the novice received his lessons with docility Ambrosio was every day
more charmed with the vivacity of his genius the simplicity of his manners and
the rectitude of his heart in short he loved him with all the affection of a
father He could not help sometimes indulging a desire secretly to see the face
of his pupil but his rule of self-denial extended even to curiosity and
prevented him from communicating his wishes to the youth
»Pardon my intrusion father« said Rosario while he placed his basket upon
the table »I come to you a suppliant Hearing that a dear friend is dangerously
ill I entreat your prayers for his recovery If supplications can prevail upon
heaven to spare him surely yours must be efficacious«
»Whatever depends upon me my son you know that you may command What is
your friends name«
»Vincentio della Ronda«
»Tis sufficient I will not forget him in my prayers and may our
thriceblessed St Francis deign to listen to my intercession What have you
in your basket Rosario«
»A few of those flowers reverend father which I have observed to be most
acceptable to you Will you permit my arranging them in your chamber«
»Your attentions charm me my son«
While Rosario dispersed the contents of his basket in small vases placed
for that purpose in various parts of the room the abbot thus continued the
conversation
»I saw you not in the church this evening Rosario«
»Yet I was present father I am too grateful for your protection to lose an
opportunity of witnessing your triumph«
»Alas Rosario I have but little cause to triumph the saint spoke by my
mouth to him belongs all the merit It seems then you were contented with my
discourse«
»Contented say you Oh you surpassed yourself Never did I hear such
eloquence save once«
Here the novice heaved an involuntary sigh
»When was that once« demanded the abbot
»When you preached upon the sudden indisposition of our late superior«
»I remember it that is more than two years ago And were you present I
knew you not at that time Rosario«
»Tis true father and would to God I had expired ere I beheld that day
What sufferings what sorrows should I have escaped«
»Sufferings at your age Rosario«
»Aye father sufferings which if known to you would equally raise your
anger and compassion Sufferings which form at once the torment and pleasure of
my existence Yet in this retreat my bosom would feel tranquil were it not for
the tortures of apprehension Oh God oh God how cruel is a life of fear
Father I have given up all I have abandoned the world and its delights for
ever nothing now remains nothing now has charms for me but your friendship
but your affection If I lose that father oh if I lose that tremble at the
effects of my despair«
»You apprehend the loss of my friendship How has my conduct justified this
fear Know me better Rosario and think me worthy of your confidence What are
your sufferings Reveal them to me and believe that if tis in my power to
relieve them «
»Ah tis in no ones power but yours Yet I must not let you know them You
would hate me for my avowal you would drive me from your presence with scorn
and ignominy«
»My son I conjure you I entreat you «
»For pitys sake enquire no further I must not I dare not Hark the
bell rings for vespers Father your benediction and I leave you«
As he said this he threw himself upon his knees and received the blessing
which he demanded Then pressing the abbots hand to his lips he started from
the ground and hastily quitted the apartment Soon after Ambrosio descended to
vespers which were celebrated in a small chapel belonging to the abbey filled
with surprise at the singularity of the youths behaviour
Vespers being over the monks retired to their respective cells The abbot
alone remained in the chapel to receive the nuns of St Clare He had not been
long seated in the confessional chair before the prioress made her appearance
Each of the nuns was heard in her turn while the others waited with the domina
in the adjoining vestry Ambrosio listened to the confessions with attention
made many exhortations enjoined penance proportioned to each offence and for
some time every thing went on as usual till at last one of the nuns
conspicuous from the nobleness of her air and elegance of her figure carelessly
permitted a letter to fall from her bosom She was retiring unconscious of her
loss Ambrosio supposed it to have been written by some one of her relations
and picked it up intending to restore it to her
»Stay daughter« said he »you have let fall «
At this moment the paper being already open his eye involuntarily read the
first words He started back with surprise The nun had turned round on hearing
his voice she perceived her letter in his hand and uttering a shriek of
terror flew hastily to regain it
»Hold« said the friar in a tone of severity »daughter I must read this
letter«
»Then I am lost« she exclaimed clasping her hands together wildly
All colour instantly faded from her face she trembled with agitation and
was obliged to fold her arms round a pillar of the chapel to save herself from
sinking upon the floor In the mean while the abbot read the following lines
»All is ready for your escape my dearest Agnes At twelve tomorrow night I
shall expect to find you at the gardendoor I have obtained the key and a few
hours will suffice to place you in a secure asylum Let no mistaken scruples
induce you to reject the certain means of preserving yourself and the innocent
creature whom you nourish in your bosom Remember that you had promised to be
mine long ere you engaged yourself to the church that your situation will soon
be evident to the prying eyes of your companions and that flight is the only
means of avoiding the effects of their malevolent resentment Farewell my
Agnes my dear and destined wife Fail not to be at the gardendoor at twelve«
As soon as he had finished Ambrosio bent an eye stern and angry upon the
imprudent nun
»This letter must to the prioress« said he and passed her
His words sounded like thunder to her ears she awoke from her torpidity
only to be sensible of the dangers of her situation She followed him hastily
and detained him by his garment
»Stay oh stay« she cried in the accents of despair while she threw
herself at the friars feet and bathed them with her tears »Father
compassionate my youth Look with indulgence on a womans weakness and deign to
conceal my frailty The remainder of my life shall be employed in expiating this
single fault and your lenity will bring back a soul to heaven«
»Amazing confidence What shall St Clares convent become the retreat of
prostitutes Shall I suffer the church of Christ to cherish in its bosom
debauchery and shame Unworthy wretch such lenity would make me your
accomplice Mercy would here be criminal You have abandoned yourself to a
seducers lust you have defiled the sacred habit by your impurity and still
dare you think yourself deserving my compassion Hence nor detain me longer
Where is the lady prioress« he added raising his voice
»Hold father hold Hear me but for one moment Tax me not with impurity
nor think that I have erred from the warmth of temperament Long before I took
the veil Raymond was master of my heart he inspired me with the purest the
most irreproachable passion and was on the point of becoming my lawful husband
An horrible adventure and the treachery of a relation separated us from each
other I believed him for ever lost to me and threw myself into a convent from
motives of despair Accident again united us I could not refuse myself the
melancholy pleasure of mingling my tears with his We met nightly in the gardens
of St Clare and in an unguarded moment I violated my vows of chastity I shall
soon become a mother Reverend Ambrosio take compassion on me take compassion
on the innocent being whose existence is attached to mine If you discover my
imprudence to the domina both of us are lost The punishment which the laws of
St Clare assign to unfortunates like myself is most severe and cruel Worthy
worthy father let not your own untainted conscience render you unfeeling
towards those less able to withstand temptation Let not mercy be the only
virtue of which your heart is unsusceptible Pity me most reverend Restore my
letter nor doom me to inevitable destruction«
»Your boldness confounds me Shall I conceal your crime I whom you have
deceived by your feigned confession No daughter no I will render you a
more essential service I will rescue you from perdition in spite of yourself
Penance and mortification shall expiate your offence and severity force you
back to the paths of holiness What ho Mother St Agatha«
»Father by all that is sacred by all that is most dear to you I
supplicate I entreat «
»Release me I will not hear you Where is the domina Mother St Agatha
where are you«
The door of the vestry opened and the prioress entered the chapel followed
by her nuns
»Cruel cruel« exclaimed Agnes relinquishing her hold
Wild and desperate she threw herself upon the ground beating her bosom
and rending her veil in all the delirium of despair The nuns gazed with
astonishment upon the scene before them The friar now presented the fatal paper
to the prioress informed her of the manner in which he had found it and added
that it was her business to decide what penance the delinquent merited
While she perused the letter the dominas countenance grew inflamed with
passion What such a crime committed in her convent and made known to
Ambrosio to the idol of Madrid to the man whom she was most anxious to impress
with the opinion of the strictness and regularity of her house Words were
inadequate to express her fury She was silent and darted upon the prostrate
nun looks of menace and malignity
»Away with her to the convent« said she at length to some of her
attendants
Two of the oldest nuns now approaching Agnes raised her forcibly from the
ground and prepared to conduct her from the chapel
»What« she exclaimed suddenly shaking off their hold with distracted
gestures »is all hope then lost Already do you drag me to punishment Where
are you Raymond Oh save me save me« Then casting upon the abbot a frantic
look »Hear me« she continued »man of an hard heart Hear me proud stern
and cruel You could have saved me you could have restored me to happiness and
virtue but would not you are the destroyer of my soul you are my murderer
and on you fall the curse of my death and my unborn infants Insolent in your
yetunshaken virtue you disdained the prayers of a penitent but God will shew
mercy though you shew none And where is the merit of your boasted virtue What
temptations have you vanquished Coward you have fled from it not opposed
seduction But the day of trial will arrive Oh then when you yield to
impetuous passions when you feel that man is weak and born to err when
shuddering you look back upon your crimes and solicit with terror the mercy
of your God oh in that fearful moment think upon me think upon your cruelty
think upon Agnes and despair of pardon«
As she uttered these last words her strength was exhausted and she sunk
inanimate upon the bosom of a nun who stood near her She was immediately
conveyed from the chapel and her companions followed her
Ambrosio had not listened to her reproaches without emotion A secret pang
at his heart made him feel that he had treated this unfortunate with too great
severity He therefore detained the prioress and ventured to pronounce some
words in favour of the delinquent
»The violence of her despair« said he »proves that at least vice is not
become familiar to her Perhaps by treating her with somewhat less rigour than
is generally practised and mitigating in some degree the accustomed penance «
»Mitigate it father« interrupted the lady prioress »Not I believe me
The laws of our order are strict and severe they have fallen into disuse of
late but the crime of Agnes shews me the necessity of their revival I go to
signify my intention to the convent and Agnes shall be the first to feel the
rigour of those laws, which shall be obeyed to the very letter Father
farewell«
Thus saying she hastened out of the chapel
»I have done my duty« said Ambrosio to himself
Still did he not feel perfectly satisfied by this reflection To dissipate
the unpleasant ideas which this scene had excited in him upon quitting the
chapel he descended into the abbeygarden In all Madrid there was no spot more
beautiful or better regulated It was laid out with the most exquisite taste
the choicest flowers adorned it in the height of luxuriance and though
artfully arranged seemed only planted by the hand of Nature. Fountains
springing from basons of white marble cooled the air with perpetual showers
and the walls were entirely covered by jessamine vines and honeysuckles The
hour now added to the beauty of the scene The full moon ranging through a blue
and cloudless sky shed upon the trees a trembling lustre and the waters of the
fountains sparkled in the silver beam a gentle breeze breathed the fragrance of
orangeblossoms along the alleys and the nightingale poured forth her melodious
murmur from the shelter of an artificial wilderness Thither the abbot bent his
steps
In the bosom of this little grove stood a rustic grotto formed in imitation
of an hermitage The walls were constructed of roots of trees and the
interstices filled up with moss and ivy Seats of turf were placed on either
side and a natural cascade fell from the rock above Buried in himself the
monk approached the spot The universal calm had communicated itself to his
bosom and a voluptuous tranquillity spread languor through his soul
He reached the hermitage and was entering to repose himself when he
stopped on perceiving it to be already occupied Extended upon one of the banks
lay a man in a melancholy posture His head was supported upon his arm and he
seemed lost in meditation The monk drew nearer and recognised Rosario he
watched him in silence and entered not the hermitage After some minutes the
youth raised his eyes and fixed them mournfully upon the opposite wall
»Yes« said he with a deep and plaintive sigh »I feel all the happiness of
thy situation all the misery of my own Happy were I could I think like thee
Could I look like thee with disgust upon mankind could bury myself for ever in
some impenetrable solitude and forget that the world holds beings deserving to
be loved O God what a blessing would misanthropy be to me«
»That is a singular thought Rosario« said the abbot entering the grotto
»You here reverend father« cried the novice
At the same time starting from his place in confusion he drew his cowl
hastily over his face Ambrosio seated himself upon the bank and obliged the
youth to place himself by him
»You must not indulge this disposition to melancholy« said he »What can
possibly have made you view in so desirable a light misanthropy of all
sentiments the most hateful«
»The perusal of these verses father which till now had escaped my
observation The brightness of the moonbeams permitted my reading them and
oh how I envy the feelings of the writer«
As he said this he pointed to a marble tablet fixed against the opposite
wall on it were engraved the following lines
Inscription in an Hermitage
Whoeer thou art these lines now reading
Think not though from the world receding
I joy my lonely days to lead in
This desert drear
That with remorse a conscience bleeding
Hath led me here
No thought of guilt my bosom sours
Freewilled I fled from courtly bowers
For well I saw in halls and towers
That Lust and Pride
The Archfiends dearest darkest powers
In state preside
I saw mankind with vice incrusted
I saw that Honours sword was rusted
That few for aught but folly lusted
That he was still deceivd who trusted
In love or friend
And hither came with men disgusted
My life to end
In this lone cave in garments lowly
Alike a foe to noisy folly
And browbent gloomy melancholy
I wear away
My life and in my office holy
Consume the day
Content and comfort bless me more in
This grot than eer I felt before in
A palace and with thoughts still soaring
To God on high
Each night and morn with voice imploring
This wish I sigh
»Let me O Lord from life retire
Unknown each guilty worldly fire
Remorseful throb or loose desire
And when I die
Let me in this belief expire
To God I fly«
Stranger if full of youth and riot
As yet no grief has marred thy quiet
Thou haply throwst a scornful eye at
The Hermits prayer
But if thou hast a cause to sigh at
Thy fault or care
If thou hast known false loves vexation
Or hast been exild from thy nation
Or guilt affrights thy contemplation
And makes thee pine
Oh how must thou lament thy station
And envy mine
»Were it possible« said the friar »for man to be so totally wrapped up in
himself as to live in absolute seclusion from human nature and could yet feel
the contented tranquillity which these lines express I allow that the situation
would be more desirable than to live in a world so pregnant with every vice and
every folly But this never can be the case This inscription was merely placed
here for the ornament of the grotto and the sentiments and the hermit are
equally imaginary Man was born for society However little he may be attached
to the world he never can wholly forget it or bear to be wholly forgotten by
it Disgusted at the guilt or absurdity of mankind the misanthrope flies from
it he resolves to become an hermit and buries himself in the cavern of some
gloomy rock While hate inflames his bosom possibly he may feel contented with
his situation but when his passions begin to cool when Time has mellowed his
sorrows and healed those wounds which he bore with him to his solitude think
you that Content becomes his companion Ah no Rosario No longer sustained by
the violence of his passions he feels all the monotony of his way of living
and his heart becomes the prey of ennui and weariness He looks round and finds
himself alone in the universe the love of society revives in his bosom and he
pants to return to that world which he has abandoned Nature loses all her
charms in his eyes no one is near him to point out her beauties or share in
his admiration of her excellence and variety Propped upon the fragment of some
rock he gazes upon the tumbling waterfall with a vacant eye he views without
emotion the glory of the setting sun Slowly he returns to his cell at evening
for no one there is anxious for his arrival he has no comfort in his solitary
unsavoury meal he throws himself upon his couch of moss despondent and
dissatisfied and wakes only to pass a day as joyless as monotonous as the
former.«
»You amaze me father Suppose that circumstances condemned you to solitude
would not the duties of religion and the consciousness of a life well spent
communicate to your heart that calm which «
»I should deceive myself did I fancy that they could I am convinced of the
contrary and that all my fortitude would not prevent me from yielding to
melancholy and disgust After consuming the day in study if you knew my
pleasure at meeting my brethren in the evening After passing many a long hour
in solitude if I could express to you the joy which I feel at once more
beholding a fellowcreature Tis in this particular that I place the principal
merit of a monastic institution It secludes man from the temptations of vice
it procures that leisure necessary for the proper service of the Supreme it
spares him the mortification of witnessing the crimes of the worldly and yet
permits him to enjoy the blessings of society And do you Rosario do you envy
an hermits life Can you be thus blind to the happiness of your situation
Reflect upon it for a moment This abbey is become your asylum your regularity
your gentleness your talents have rendered you the object of universal esteem
you are secluded from the world which you profess to hate yet you remain in
possession of the benefits of society and that a society composed of the most
estimable of mankind«
»Father father tis that which causes my torment Happy had it been for
me had my life been passed among the vicious and abandoned had I never heard
pronounced the name of virtue Tis my unbounded adoration of religion tis my
souls exquisite sensibility of the beauty of fair and good that loads me with
shame that hurries me to perdition Oh that I had never seen these
abbeywalls«
»How Rosario When we last conversed you spoke in a different tone Is my
friendship then become of such little consequence Had you never seen these
abbeywalls you never had seen me Can that really be your wish«
»Had never seen you« repeated the novice starting from the bank and
grasping the friars hand with a frantic air »You you Would to God that
lightning had blasted them before you ever met my eyes Would to God that I were
never to see you more and could forget that I had ever seen you«
With these words he flew hastily from the grotto Ambrosio remained in his
former attitude reflecting on the youths unaccountable behaviour He was
inclined to suspect the derangement of his senses yet the general tenor of his
conduct the connexion of his ideas, and calmness of his demeanour till the
moment of his quitting the grotto seemed to discountenance this conjecture
After a few minutes Rosario returned He again seated himself upon the bank he
reclined his cheek upon one hand and with the other wiped away the tears which
trickled from his eyes at intervals
The monk looked upon him with compassion and forbore to interrupt his
meditations Both observed for some time a profound silence The nightingale had
now taken her station upon an orangetree fronting the hermitage and poured
forth a strain the most melancholy and melodious Rosario raised his head and
listened to her with attention
»It was thus« said he with a deepdrawn sigh »it was thus that during
the last month of her unhappy life my sister used to sit listening to the
nightingale Poor Matilda she sleeps in the grave and her broken heart throbs
no more with passion«
»You had a sister«
»You say right that I had Alas I have one no longer She sunk beneath the
weight of her sorrows in the very spring of life«
»What were those sorrows«
»They will not excite your pity You know not the power of those
irresistible those fatal sentiments to which her heart was a prey Father she
loved unfortunately A passion for one endowed with every virtue for a man
oh rather let me say for a divinity proved the bane of her existence His
noble form his spotless character his various talents his wisdom solid
wonderful and glorious might have warmed the bosom of the most insensible My
sister saw him and dared to love though she never dared to hope«
»If her love was so well bestowed what forbad her to hope the obtaining of
its object?«
»Father before he knew her Julian had already plighted his vows to a bride
most fair most heavenly Yet still my sister loved and for the husbands sake
she doted upon the wife One morning she found means to escape from our fathers
house arrayed in humble weeds she offered herself as a domestic to the consort
of her beloved and was accepted She was now continually in his presence she
strove to ingratiate herself into his favour she succeeded Her attentions
attracted Julians notice the virtuous are ever grateful and he distinguished
Matilda above the rest of her companions«
»And did not your parents seek for her Did they submit tamely to their
loss nor attempt to recover their wandering daughter«
»Ere they could find her she discovered herself Her love grew too violent
for concealment yet she wished not for Julians person she ambitioned but a
share of his heart In an unguarded moment she confessed her affection What was
the return Doting upon his wife and believing that a look of pity bestowed
upon another was a theft from what he owed to her he drove Matilda from his
presence he forbad her ever again appearing before him His severity broke her
heart she returned to her fathers and in a few months after was carried to
her grave«
»Unhappy girl Surely her fate was too severe and Julian was too cruel«
»Do you think so father« cried the novice with vivacity »Do you think
that he was cruel«
»Doubtless I do and pity her most sincerely«
»You pity her you pity her Oh father father then pity me «
The friar started when after a moments pause Rosario added with a
faltering voice »for my sufferings are still greater My sister had a friend a
real friend who pitied the acuteness of her feelings nor reproached her with
her inability to repress them I I have no friend The whole wide world
cannot furnish an heart that is willing to participate in the sorrows of mine«
As he uttered these words he sobbed audibly The friar was affected He
took Rosarios hand and pressed it with tenderness
»You have no friend say you What then am I Why will you not confide in
me and what can you fear My severity Have I ever used it with you The
dignity of my habit Rosario I lay aside the monk and bid you consider me as
no other than your friend your father Well may I assume that title for never
did parent watch over a child more fondly than I have watched over you From the
moment in which I first beheld you I perceived sensations in my bosom till then
unknown to me I found a delight in your society which no ones else could
afford and when I witnessed the extent of your genius and information I
rejoiced as does a father in the perfections of his son Then lay aside your
fears speak to me with openness speak to me Rosario and say that you will
confide in me If my aid or my pity can alleviate your distress «
»Yours can yours only can Ah father how willingly would I unveil to you
my heart how willingly would I declare the secret which bows me down with its
weight But oh I fear I fear «
»What my son«
»That you should abhor me for my weakness that the reward of my confidence
should be the loss of your esteem«
»How shall I reassure you Reflect upon the whole of my past conduct upon
the paternal tenderness which I have ever shown you Abhor you Rosario It is
no longer in my power To give up your society would be to deprive myself of the
greatest pleasure of my life Then reveal to me what afflicts you and believe
me while I solemnly swear «
»Hold« interrupted the novice »Swear that whatever be my secret you will
not oblige me to quit the monastery till my noviciate shall expire«
»I promise it faithfully and as I keep my vows to you may Christ keep his
to mankind Now then explain this mystery and rely upon my indulgence«
»I obey you Know then Oh how I tremble to name the word Listen to me
with pity revered Ambrosio Call up every latent spark of human weakness that
may teach you compassion for mine Father« continued he throwing himself at
the friars feet and pressing his hand to his lips with eagerness while
agitation for a moment choaked his voice »father« continued he in faltering
accents »I am a woman«
The abbot started at this unexpected avowal Prostrate on the ground lay the
feigned Rosario as if waiting in silence the decision of his judge
Astonishment on the one part apprehension on the other for some minutes
chained them in the same attitudes as they had been touched by the rod of some
magician At length recovering from his confusion the monk quitted the grotto
and sped with precipitation towards the abbey His action did not escape the
suppliant She sprang from the ground she hastened to follow him overtook him
threw herself in his passage and embraced his knees Ambrosio strove in vain to
disengage himself from her grasp
»Do not fly me« she cried »Leave me not abandoned to the impulse of
despair Listen while I excuse my imprudence while I acknowledge my sisters
story to be my own I am Matilda you are her beloved«
If Ambrosios surprise was great at her first avowal upon hearing her
second it exceeded all bounds Amazed embarrassed and irresolute he found
himself incapable of pronouncing a syllable and remained in silence gazing upon
Matilda This gave her opportunity to continue her explanation as follows
»Think not Ambrosio that I come to rob your bride of your affections No
believe me Religion alone deserves you and far is it from Matildas wish to
draw you from the paths of virtue What I feel for you is love not
licentiousness I sigh to be possessor of your heart not lust for the enjoyment
of your person Deign to listen to my vindication a few moments will convince
you that this holy retreat is not polluted by my presence and that you may
grant me your compassion without trespassing against your vows« She seated
herself Ambrosio scarcely conscious of what he did followed her example and
she proceeded in her discourse
»I spring from a distinguished family my father was chief of the noble
house of Villanegas he died while I was still an infant and left me sole
heiress of his immense possessions Young and wealthy I was sought in marriage
by the noblest youths of Madrid but no one succeeded in gaining my affections
I had been brought up under the care of an uncle possessed of the most solid
judgment and extensive erudition he took pleasure in communicating to me some
portion of his knowledge Under his instructions my understanding acquired more
strength and justness than generally falls to the lot of my sex the ability of
my preceptor being aided by natural curiosity I not only made a considerable
progress in sciences universally studied but in others revealed but to few and
lying under censure from the blindness of superstition But while my guardian
laboured to enlarge the sphere of my knowledge he carefully inculcated every
moral precept he relieved me from the shackles of vulgar prejudice he pointed
out the beauty of religion he taught me to look with adoration upon the pure
and virtuous and wo is me I have obeyed him but too well
With such dispositions judge whether I could observe with any other
sentiment than disgust the vice dissipation and ignorance which disgrace our
Spanish youth I rejected every offer with disdain my heart remained without a
master till chance conducted me to the cathedral of the Capuchins Oh surely
on that day my guardian angel slumbered neglectful of his charge Then was it
that I first beheld you you supplied the superiors place absent from illness
You cannot but remember the lively enthusiasm which your discourse created
Oh how I drank your words how your eloquence seemed to steal me from myself I
scarcely dared to breathe fearing to lose a syllable and while you spoke
methought a radiant glory beamed round your head and your countenance shone
with the majesty of a god I retired from the church glowing with admiration
From that moment you became the idol of my heart the neverchanging object of
my meditations I enquired respecting you The reports which were made me of
your mode of life of your knowledge piety and selfdenial riveted the chains
imposed on me by your eloquence I was conscious that there was no longer a void
in my heart that I had found the man whom I had sought till then in vain In
expectation of hearing you again every day I visited your cathedral you
remained secluded within the abbey walls and I always withdrew wretched and
disappointed The night was more propitious to me for then you stood before me
in my dreams you vowed to me eternal friendship you led me through the paths
of virtue and assisted me to support the vexations of life The morning
dispelled these pleasing visions I awoke and found myself separated from you
by barriers which appeared insurmountable Time seemed only to increase the
strength of my passion I grew melancholy and despondent I fled from society
and my health declined daily At length no longer able to exist in this state
of torture I resolved to assume the disguise in which you see me My artifice
was fortunate I was received into the monastery and succeeded in gaining your
esteem
Now then I should have felt completely happy had not my quiet been
disturbed by the fear of detection The pleasure which I received from your
society was embittered by the idea that perhaps I should soon be deprived of
it and my heart throbbed so rapturously at obtaining the marks of your
friendship as to convince me that I never should survive its loss I resolved
therefore not to leave the discovery of my sex to chance to confess the whole
to you and throw myself entirely on your mercy and indulgence Ah Ambrosio
can I have been deceived Can you be less generous than I thought you I will
not suspect it You will not drive a wretch to despair I shall still be
permitted to see you to converse with you to adore you Your virtues shall be
my example through life and when we expire our bodies shall rest in the same
grave«
She ceased While she spoke a thousand opposing sentiments combated in
Ambrosios bosom Surprise at the singularity of this adventure confusion at
her abrupt declaration resentment at her boldness in entering the monastery
and consciousness of the austerity with which it behoved him to reply such were
the sentiments of which he was aware but there were others also which did not
obtain his notice He perceived not that his vanity was flattered by the praises
bestowed upon his eloquence and virtue that he felt a secret pleasure in
reflecting that a young and seemingly lovely woman had for his sake abandoned
the world and sacrificed every other passion to that which he had inspired
still less did he perceive that his heart throbbed with desire while his hand
was pressed gently by Matildas ivory fingers
By degrees he recovered from his confusion his ideas became less
bewildered he was immediately sensible of the extreme impropriety should
Matilda be permitted to remain in the abbey after this avowal of her sex He
assumed an air of severity and drew away his hand
»How lady« said he »can you really hope for my permission to remain
amongst us Even were I to grant your request what good could you derive from
it Think you that I ever can reply to an affection which «
»No father no I expect not to inspire you with a love like mine I only
wish for the liberty to be near you to pass some hours of the day in your
society to obtain your compassion your friendship and esteem Surely my
request is not unreasonable«
»But reflect lady reflect only for a moment on the impropriety of my
harbouring a woman in the abbey and that too a woman who confesses that she
loves me It must not be The risk of your being discovered is too great and I
will not expose myself to so dangerous a temptation«
»Temptation say you Forget that I am a woman and it no longer exists
consider me only as a friend as an unfortunate whose happiness whose life
depends upon your protection Fear not lest I should ever call to your
remembrance that love the most impetuous the most unbounded has induced me to
disguise my sex or that instigated by desires offensive to your vows and my
own honour I should endeavour to seduce you from the path of rectitude No
Ambrosio learn to know me better I love you for your virtues lose them and
with them you lose my affections I look upon you as a saint prove to me that
you are no more than man and I quit you with disgust Is it then from me that
you fear temptation from me in whom the worlds dazzling pleasures created no
other sentiment than contempt from me whose attachment is grounded on your
exemption from human frailty Oh dismiss such injurious apprehensions think
nobler of me think nobler of yourself I am incapable of seducing you to error
and surely your virtue is established on a basis too firm to be shaken by
unwarranted desires Ambrosio dearest Ambrosio drive me not from your
presence remember your promise and authorise my stay«
»Impossible Matilda your interest commands me to refuse your prayer since
I tremble for you not for myself After vanquishing the impetuous ebullitions
of youth after passing thirty years in mortification and penance I might
safely permit your stay nor fear your inspiring me with warmer sentiments than
pity but to yourself remaining in the abbey can produce none but fatal
consequences You will misconstrue my every word and action you will seize
every circumstance with avidity which encourages you to hope the return of your
affection insensibly your passions will gain a superiority over your reason
and far from being repressed by my presence every moment which we pass
together will only serve to irritate and excite them Believe me unhappy woman
you possess my sincere compassion I am convinced that you have hitherto acted
upon the purest motives but though you are blind to the imprudence of your
conduct in me it would be culpable not to open your eyes I feel that duty
obliges my treating you with harshness I must reject your prayer and remove
every shadow of hope which may aid to nourish sentiments so pernicious to your
repose Matilda you must from hence tomorrow«
»Tomorrow Ambrosio tomorrow Oh surely you cannot mean it you cannot
resolve on driving me to despair you cannot have the cruelty «
»You have heard my decision and it must be obeyed the laws of our order
forbid your stay it would be perjury to conceal that a woman is within these
walls and my vows will oblige me to declare your story to the community You
must from hence I pity you but can do no more«
He pronounced these words in a faint and trembling voice then rising from
his seat he would have hastened towards the monastery Uttering a loud shriek
Matilda followed and detained him
»Stay yet one moment Ambrosio hear me yet speak one word«
»I dare not listen Release me you know my resolution«
»But one word but one last word and I have done«
»Leave me Your entreaties are in vain you must from hence tomorrow«
»Go then barbarian But this resource is still left me«
As she said this she suddenly drew a poniard She rent open her garment
and placed the weapons point against her bosom
»Father I will never quit these walls alive«
»Hold hold Matilda what would you do«
»You are determined so am I the moment that you leave me I plunge this
steel in my heart«
»Holy St Francis Matilda have you your senses Do you know the
consequences of your action that suicide is the greatest of crimes that you
destroy your soul that you lose your claim to salvation that you prepare for
yourself everlasting torments«
»I care not I care not« she replied passionately »either your hand guides
me to paradise or my own dooms me to perdition Speak to me Ambrosio Tell me
that you will conceal my story that I shall remain your friend and your
companion or this poniard drinks my blood«
As she uttered these last words she lifted her arm and made a motion as if
to stab herself The friars eyes followed with dread the course of the dagger
She had torn open her habit and her bosom was half exposed The weapons point
rested upon her left breast and oh that was such a breast The moonbeams
darting full upon it enabled the monk to observe its dazzling whiteness his eye
dwelt with insatiable avidity upon the beauteous orb a sensation till then
unknown filled his heart with a mixture of anxiety and delight a raging fire
shot through every limb the blood boiled in his veins and a thousand wild
wishes bewildered his imagination
»Hold« he cried in an hurried faltering voice »I can resist no longer
Stay then enchantress stay for my destruction«
He said and rushing from the place hastened towards the monastery he
regained his cell and threw himself upon his couch distracted irresolute and
confused
He found it impossible for some time to arrange his ideas The scene in
which he had been engaged had excited such a variety of sentiments in his
bosom that he was incapable of deciding which was predominant He was
irresolute what conduct he ought to hold with the disturber of his repose he
was conscious that prudence religion and propriety necessitated his obliging
her to quit the abbey but on the other hand such powerful reasons authorised
her stay that he was but too much inclined to consent to her remaining He
could not avoid being flattered by Matildas declaration and at reflecting that
he had unconsciously vanquished an heart which had resisted the attacks of
Spains noblest cavaliers The manner in which he had gained her affections was
also the most satisfactory to his vanity he remembered the many happy hours
which he had passed in Rosarios society and dreaded that void in his heart
which parting with him would occasion Besides all this he considered that as
Matilda was wealthy her favour might be of essential benefit to the abbey
»And what do I risk« said he to himself »by authorizing her stay May I
not safely credit her assertions Will it not be easy for me to forget her sex
and still consider her as my friend and my disciple Surely her love is as pure
as she describes had it been the offspring of mere licentiousness would she so
long have concealed it in her own bosom Would she not have employed some means
to procure its gratification She has done quite the contrary she strove to
keep me in ignorance of her sex and nothing but the fear of detection and my
instances would have compelled her to reveal the secret she has observed the
duties of religion not less strictly than myself she has made no attempt to
rouse my slumbering passions nor has she ever conversed with me till this night
on the subject of love Had she been desirous to gain my affections not my
esteem she would not have concealed from me her charms so carefully at this
very moment I have never seen her face yet certainly that face must be lovely
and her person beautiful to judge by her by what I have seen«
As this last idea passed through his imagination a blush spread itself over
his cheek Alarmed at the sentiments which he was indulging he betook himself
to prayer he started from his couch knelt before the beautiful Madona and
entreated her assistance in stifling such culpable emotions he then returned to
his bed and resigned himself to slumber
He awoke heated and unrefreshed During his sleep his inflamed imagination
had presented him with none but the most voluptuous objects Matilda stood
before him in his dreams and his eyes again dwelt upon her naked breast she
repeated her protestations of eternal love threw her arms round his neck and
loaded him with kisses he returned them he clasped her passionately to his
bosom and the vision was dissolved Sometimes his dreams presented the image
of his favourite Madona and he fancied that he was kneeling before her as he
offered up his vows to her the eyes of the figure seemed to beam on him with
inexpressible sweetness he pressed his lips to hers and found them warm the
animated form started from the canvas embraced him affectionately and his
senses were unable to support delight so exquisite Such were the scenes on
which his thoughts were employed while sleeping his unsatisfied desires placed
before him the most lustful and provoking images and he rioted in joys till
then unknown to him
He started from his couch filled with confusion at the remembrance of his
dreams scarcely was he less ashamed when he reflected on his reasons of the
former night which induced him to authorise Matildas stay The cloud was now
dissipated which had obscured his judgment he shuddered when he beheld his
arguments blazoned in their proper colours and found that he had been a slave
to flattery to avarice and selflove If in one hours conversation Matilda
had produced a change so remarkable in his sentiments what had he not to dread
from her remaining in the abbey Become sensible of his danger awakened from
his dream of confidence he resolved to insist on her departing without delay
he began to feel that he was not proof against temptation and that however
Matilda might restrain herself within the bounds of modesty he was unable to
contend with those passions from which he falsely thought himself exempted
»Agnes Agnes« he exclaimed while reflecting on his embarrassments »I
already feel thy curse«
He quitted his cell determined upon dismissing the feigned Rosario He
appeared at matins but his thoughts were absent and he paid them but little
attention his heart and brain were both of them filled with worldly objects
and he prayed without devotion The service over he descended into the garden
he bent his steps towards the same spot where on the preceding night he had made
this embarrassing discovery he doubted not that Matilda would seek him there
He was not deceived she soon entered the hermitage and approached the monk
with a timid air After a few minutes during which both were silent she
appeared as if on the point of speaking but the abbot who during this time had
been summoning up all his resolution hastily interrupted her Though still
unconscious how extensive was its influence he dreaded the melodious seduction
of her voice
»Seat yourself by my side Matilda« said he assuming a look of firmness
though carefully avoiding the least mixture of severity »listen to me
patiently and believe that in what I shall say I am not more influenced by my
own interest than by yours believe that I feel for you the warmest friendship
the truest compassion and that you cannot feel more grieved than I do when I
declare to you that we must never meet again«
»Ambrosio« she cried in a voice at once expressive both of surprise and of
sorrow
»Be calm my friend my Rosario still let me call you by that name so dear
to me our separation is unavoidable I blush to own how sensibly it affects me
But yet it must be so I feel myself incapable of treating you with
indifference and that very conviction obliges me to insist upon your departure
Matilda you must stay here no longer«
»Oh where shall I now seek for probity Disgusted with a perfidious world
in what happy region does Truth conceal herself Father I hoped that she
resided here I thought that your bosom had been her favourite shrine And you
too prove false Oh God and you too can betray me«
»Matilda«
»Yes father yes tis with justice that I reproach you Oh where are your
promises My noviciate is not expired and yet will you compel me to quit the
monastery Can you have the heart to drive me from you and have I not received
your solemn oath to the contrary«
»I will not compel you to quit the monastery you have received my solemn
oath to the contrary but yet when I throw myself upon your generosity when I
declare to you the embarrassments in which your presence involves me will you
not release me from that oath Reflect upon the danger of a discovery upon the
opprobrium in which such an event would plunge me reflect that my honour and
reputation are at stake and that my peace of mind depends on your compliance
As yet my heart is free I shall separate from you with regret but not with
despair Stay here and a few weeks will sacrifice my happiness on the altar of
your charms you are but too interesting too amiable I should love you I
should doat on you my bosom would become the prey of desires which honour and
my profession forbid me to gratify If I resisted them the impetuosity of my
wishes unsatisfied would drive me to madness if I yielded to the temptation I
should sacrifice to one moment of guilty pleasure my reputation in this world
my salvation in the next To you then I fly for defence against myself
Preserve me from losing the reward of thirty years of sufferings preserve me
from becoming the victim of remorse Your heart has already felt the anguish of
hopeless love oh then if you really value me spare mine that anguish give
me back my promise fly from these walls Go and you bear with you my warmest
prayers for your happiness my friendship my esteem and admiration stay and
you become to me the source of danger of sufferings of despair Answer me
Matilda what is your resolve« She was silent »Will you not speak Matilda
Will you not name your choice«
»Cruel cruel« she exclaimed wringing her hands in agony »you know too
well that you offer me no choice you know too well that I can have no will but
yours«
»I was not then deceived Matildas generosity equals my expectations«
»Yes I will prove the truth of my affection by submitting to a decree which
cuts me to the very heart Take back your promise I will quit the monastery
this very day I have a relation abbess of a convent in Estramadura to her
will I bend my steps and shut myself from the world for ever Yet tell me
father shall I bear your good wishes with me to my solitude Will you sometimes
abstract your attention from heavenly objects to bestow a thought upon me«
»Ah Matilda I fear that I shall think on you but too often for my repose«
»Then I have nothing more to wish for save that we may meet in heaven
Farewell my friend my Ambrosio And yet methinks I would fain bear with me
some token of your regard«
»What shall I give you«
»Something any thing one of those flowers will be sufficient« Here she
pointed to a bush of roses planted at the door of the grotto »I will hide it
in my bosom and when I am dead the nuns shall find it withered upon my
heart«
The friar was unable to reply with slow steps and a soul heavy with
affliction he quitted the hermitage He approached the bush and stooped to
pluck one of the roses Suddenly he uttered a piercing cry started back
hastily and let the flower which he already held fall from his hand Matilda
heard the shriek and flew anxiously towards him
»What is the matter« she cried »Answer me for Gods sake What has
happened«
»I have received my death« he replied in a faint voice »concealed among
the roses a serpent «
Here the pain of his wound became so exquisite that nature was unable to
bear it his senses abandoned him and he sunk inanimate into Matildas arms
Her distress was beyond the power of description She rent her hair beat
her bosom and not daring to quit Ambrosio endeavoured by loud cries to summon
the monks to her assistance She at length succeeded Alarmed by her shrieks
several of the brothers hastened to the spot and the superior was conveyed back
to the abbey He was immediately put to bed and the monk who officiated as
surgeon to the fraternity prepared to examine the wound By this time
Ambrosios hand had swelled to an extraordinary size the remedies which had
been administered to him tis true restored him to life but not to his
senses he raved in all the horrors of delirium foamed at the mouth and four
of the strongest monks were scarcely able to hold him in his bed
Father Pablos such was the surgeons name hastened to examine the wounded
hand The monks surrounded the bed anxiously waiting for the decision among
these the feigned Rosario appeared not the most insensible to the friars
calamity he gazed upon the sufferer with inexpressible anguish and his groans
which every moment escaped from his bosom sufficiently betrayed the violence of
his affliction
Father Pablos probed the wound As he drew out his lancet its point was
tinged with a greenish hue He shook his head mournfully and quitted the
bedside
»Tis as I feared« said he »there is no hope«
»No hope« exclaimed the monks with one voice »say you no hope«
»From the sudden effects I suspected that the abbot was stung by a
cientipedoro1 the venom which you see upon my lancet confirms my idea He
cannot live three days«
»And can no possible remedy be found« enquired Rosario
»Without extracting the poison he cannot recover and how to extract it is
to me still a secret All that I can do is to apply such herbs to the wound as
will relieve the anguish the patient will be restored to his senses but the
venom will corrupt the whole mass of his blood and in three days he will exist
no longer«
Excessive was the universal grief at hearing this decision Pablos as he
had promised dressed the wound and then retired followed by his companions
Rosario alone remained in the cell the abbot at his urgent entreaty having
been committed to his care Ambrosios strength worn out by the violence of his
exertions he had by this time fallen into a profound sleep So totally was he
overcome by weariness that he scarcely gave any signs of life He was still in
this situation when the monks returned to enquire whether any change had taken
place Pablos loosened the bandage which concealed the wound more from a
principle of curiosity than from indulging the hope of discovering any
favourable symptoms What was his astonishment at finding that the inflammation
had totally subsided He probed the hand his lancet came out pure and
unsullied no traces of the venom were perceptible and had not the orifice
still been visible Pablos might have doubted that there had ever been a wound
He communicated this intelligence to his brethren their delight was only
equalled by their surprise From the latter sentiment however they were soon
released by explaining the circumstance according to their own ideas They were
perfectly convinced that their superior was a saint and thought that nothing
could be more natural than for St Francis to have operated a miracle in his
favour This opinion was adopted unanimously They declared it so loudly and
vociferated »A miracle a miracle« with such fervour that they soon
interrupted Ambrosios slumbers
The monks immediately crowded round his bed and expressed their
satisfaction at his wonderful recovery He was perfectly in his senses and free
from every complaint except feeling weak and languid Pablos gave him a
strengthening medicine and advised his keeping his bed for the two succeeding
days he then retired having desired his patient not to exhaust himself by
conversation but rather to endeavour at taking some repose The other monks
followed his example and the abbot and Rosario were left without observers
For some minutes Ambrosio regarded his attendant with a look of mingled
pleasure and apprehension She was seated upon the side of the bed her head
bending down and as usual enveloped in the cowl of her habit
»And you are still here Matilda« said the friar at length »are you not
satisfied with having so nearly effected my destruction that nothing but a
miracle could have saved me from the grave Ah surely heaven sent that serpent
to punish «
Matilda interrupted him by putting her hand before his lips with an air of
gaiety
»Hush father hush you must not talk«
»He who imposed that order knew not how interesting are the subjects on
which I wish to speak«
»But I know it and yet issue the same positive command I am appointed your
nurse and you must not disobey my orders«
»You are in spirits Matilda«
»Well may I be so I have just received a pleasure unexampled through my
whole life«
»What was that pleasure«
»What I must conceal from all but most from you«
»But most from me Nay then I entreat you Matilda «
»Hush father hush you must not talk But as you do not seem inclined to
sleep shall I endeavour to amuse you with my harp«
»How I knew not that you understood music«
»Oh I am a sorry performer Yet as silence is prescribed you for
eightandforty hours I may possibly entertain you when wearied of your own
reflections I go to fetch my harp«
She soon returned with it
»Now father what shall I sing Will you hear the ballad which treats of
the gallant Durandarte who died in the famous battle of Roncevalles«
»What you please Matilda«
»Oh call me not Matilda Call me Rosario call me your friend Those are
the names which I love to hear from your lips Now listen«
She then tuned her harp and afterwards preluded for some moments with such
exquisite taste as to prove her a perfect mistress of the instrument The air
which she played was soft and plaintive Ambrosio while he listened felt his
uneasiness subside and a pleasing melancholy spread itself into his bosom
Suddenly Matilda changed the strain with an hand bold and rapid she struck a
few loud martial chords and then chanted the following ballad to an air at once
simple and melodious
Durandarte and Belerma
Sad and fearful is the story
Of the Roncevalles fight
On those fatal plains of glory
Perished many a gallant knight
There fell Durandarte never
Verse a nobler chieftain named
He before his lips for ever
Closd in silence thus exclaimed
»Oh Belerma Oh my dear one
For my pain and pleasure born
Seven long years I servd thee fair one
Seven long years my fee was scorn
And when now thy heart replying
To my wishes burns like mine
Cruel fate my bliss denying
Bids me every hope resign
Ah though young I fall believe me
Death would never claim a sigh
Tis to lose thee tis to leave thee
Makes me think it hard to die
Oh my cousin Montesinos
By that friendship firm and dear
Which from youth has lived between us
Now my last petition hear
When my soul these limbs forsaking
Eager seeks a purer air
From my breast the cold heart taking
Give it to Belermas care
Say I of my lands possessor
Named her with my dying breath
Say my lips I opd to bless her
Ere they closd for aye in death
Twice a week too how sincerely
I adord her cousin say
Twice a week for one who dearly
Lovd her cousin bid her pray
Montesinos now the hour
Markd by fate is near at hand
Lo my arm has lost its power
Lo I drop my trusty brand
Eyes which forth beheld me going
Homewards neer shall see me hie
Cousin stop those tears oerflowing
Let me on thy bosom die
Thy kind hand my eyelids closing
Yet one favour I implore
Pray thou for my souls reposing
When my heart shall throb no more
So shall Jesus still attending
Gracious to a Christians vow
Pleasd accept my ghost ascending
And a seat in heaven allow«
Thus spoke gallant Durandarte
Soon his brave heart broke in twain
Greatly joyd the Moorish party
That the gallant knight was slain
Bitter weeping Montesinos
Took from him his helm and glaive
Bitter weeping Montesinos
Dug his gallant cousins grave
To perform his promise made he
Cut the heart from out the breast
That Belerma wretched lady
Might receive the last bequest
Sad was Montesinos heart he
Felt distress his bosom rend
»Oh my cousin Durandarte
Woe is me to view thy end
Sweet in manners fair in favour
Mild in temper fierce in fight
Warrior nobler gentler braver
Never shall behold the light
Cousin lo my tears bedew thee
How shall I thy loss survive
Durandarte he who slew thee
Wherefore left he me alive«
While she sung Ambrosio listened with delight never had he heard a voice more
harmonious and he wondered how such heavenly sounds could be produced by any
but angels But though he indulged the sense of hearing a single look convinced
him that he must not trust to that of sight The songstress sat at a little
distance from his bed The attitude in which she bent over her harp was easy and
graceful her cowl had fallen backwarder than usual two coral lips were
visible ripe fresh and melting and a chin in whose dimples seemed to lurk a
thousand Cupids Her habits long sleeve would have swept along the chords of
the instrument to prevent this inconvenience she had drawn it above her elbow
and by this means an arm was discovered formed in the most perfect symmetry
the delicacy of whose skin might have contended with snow in whiteness Ambrosio
dared to look on her but once that glance sufficed to convince him how
dangerous was the presence of this seducing object He closed his eyes but
strove in vain to banish her from his thoughts There she still moved before
him adorned with all those charms which his heated imagination could supply
Every beauty which he had seen appeared embellished and those still concealed
fancy represented to him in glowing colours Still however his vows and the
necessity of keeping to them were present to his memory He struggled with
desire and shuddered when he beheld how deep was the precipice before him
Matilda ceased to sing Dreading the influence of her charms Ambrosio
remained with his eyes closed and offered up his prayers to St Francis to
assist him in this dangerous trial Matilda believed that he was sleeping she
rose from her seat approached the bed softly and for some minutes gazed upon
him attentively
»He sleeps« said she at length in a low voice but whose accents the abbot
distinguished perfectly »now then I may gaze upon him without offence I may
mix my breath with his I may doat upon his features and he cannot suspect me
of impurity and deceit He fears my seducing him to the violation of his vows
Oh the unjust Were it my wish to excite desire should I conceal my features
from him so carefully those features of which I daily hear him «
She stopped and was lost in her reflections
»It was but yesterday« she continued »but a few short hours have passed
since I was dear to him he esteemed me and my heart was satisfied now oh
now how cruelly is my situation changed He looks on me with suspicion he bids
me leave him leave him for ever Oh you my saint my idol You holding the
next place to God in my breast yet two days and my heart will be unveiled to
you Could you know my feelings when I beheld your agony Could you know how
much your sufferings have endeared you to me But the time will come when you
will be convinced that my passion is pure and disinterested Then you will pity
me and feel the whole weight of these sorrows«
As she said this her voice was choaked by weeping While she bent over
Ambrosio a tear fell upon his cheek
»Ah I have disturbed him« cried Matilda and retreated hastily
Her alarm was ungrounded None sleep so profoundly as those who are
determined not to wake The friar was in this predicament he still seemed
buried in a repose which every succeeding minute rendered him less capable of
enjoying The burning tear had communicated its warmth to his heart
»What affection what purity« said he internally »Ah since my bosom is
thus sensible of pity what would it be if agitated by love«
Matilda again quitted her seat and retired to some distance from the bed
Ambrosio ventured to open his eyes and to cast them upon her fearfully Her
face was turned from him She rested her head in a melancholy posture upon her
harp and gazed on the picture which hung opposite to the bed
»Happy happy image« Thus did she address the beautiful Madona »tis to
you that he offers his prayers tis on you that he gazes with admiration I
thought you would have lightened my sorrows you have only served to increase
their weight you have made me feel that had I known him ere his vows were
pronounced Ambrosio and happiness might have been mine With what pleasure he
views this picture With what fervour he addresses his prayers to the insensible
image Ah may not his sentiments be inspired by some kind and secret genius
friend to my affection May it not be mans natural instinct which informs him
Be silent idle hopes let me not encourage an idea which takes from the
brilliance of Ambrosios virtue Tis religion not beauty which attracts his
admiration tis not to the woman but the divinity that he kneels Would he but
address to me the least tender expression which he pours forth to this Madona
Would he but say that were he not already affianced to the church he would not
have despised Matilda Oh let me nourish that fond idea Perhaps he may yet
acknowledge that he feels for me more than pity and that affection like mine
might well have deserved a return Perhaps he may own thus much when I lie on my
deathbed He then need not fear to infringe his vows and the confession of his
regard will soften the pangs of dying Would I were sure of this Oh how
earnestly should I sigh for the moment of dissolution«
Of this discourse the abbot lost not a syllable and the tone in which she
pronounced these last words pierced to his heart Involuntarily he raised
himself from his pillow
»Matilda« he said in a troubled voice »Oh my Matilda«
She started at the sound and turned towards him hastily The suddenness of
her movement made her cowl fall back from her head her features became visible
to the monks enquiring eye What was his amazement at beholding the exact
resemblance of his admired Madona The same exquisite proportion of features
the same profusion of golden hair the same rosy lips heavenly eyes and
majesty of countenance adorned Matilda Uttering an exclamation of surprise
Ambrosio sunk back upon his pillow and doubted whether the object before him
was mortal or divine
Matilda seemed penetrated with confusion She remained motionless in her
place and supported herself upon her instrument Her eyes were bent upon the
earth and her fair cheeks overspread with blushes On recovering herself her
first action was to conceal her features She then in an unsteady and troubled
voice ventured to address these words to the friar
»Accident has made you master of a secret which I never would have revealed
but on the bed of death yes Ambrosio in Matilda de Villanegas you see the
original of your beloved Madona Soon after I conceived my unfortunate passion
I formed the project of conveying to you my picture Crowds of admirers had
persuaded me that I possessed some beauty and I was anxious to know what effect
it would produce upon you I caused my portrait to be drawn by Martin Galuppi a
celebrated Venetian at that time resident in Madrid The resemblance was
striking I sent it to the Capuchinabbey as if for sale and the Jew from whom
you bought it was one of my emissaries You purchased it Judge of my rapture
when informed that you had gazed upon it with delight or rather with adoration
that you had suspended it in your cell and that you addressed your
supplications to no other saint Will this discovery make me still more regarded
as an object of suspicion Rather should it convince you how pure is my
affection and engage you to suffer me in your society and esteem I heard you
daily extol the praises of my portrait I was an eyewitness of the transports
which its beauty excited in you yet I forbore to use against your virtue those
arms with which yourself had furnished me I concealed those features from your
sight which you loved unconsciously I strove not to excite desire by
displaying my charms or to make myself mistress of your heart through the
medium of your senses To attract your notice by studiously attending to
religious duties to endear myself to you by convincing you that my mind was
virtuous and my attachment sincere such was my only aim I succeeded I became
your companion and your friend I concealed my sex from your knowledge and had
you not pressed me to reveal my secret had I not been tormented by the fear of
a discovery never had you known me for any other than Rosario And still are
you resolved to drive me from you The few hours of life which yet remain for
me may I not pass them in your presence Oh speak Ambrosio and tell me that
I may stay«
This speech gave the abbot an opportunity of recollecting himself He was
conscious that in the present disposition of his mind avoiding her society was
his only refuge from the power of this enchanting woman
»Your declaration has so much astonished me« said he »that I am at present
incapable of answering you Do not insist upon a reply Matilda leave me to
myself I have need to be alone«
»I obey you but before I go promise not to insist upon my quitting the
abbey immediately«
»Matilda reflect upon your situation reflect upon the consequences of your
stay our separation is indispensable and we must part«
»But not today father Oh in pity not today«
»You press me too hard but I cannot resist that tone of supplication Since
you insist upon it I yield to your prayer I consent to your remaining here a
sufficient time to prepare in some measure the brethren for your departure
stay yet two days but on the third« He sighed involuntarily »remember
that on the third we must part for ever«
She caught his hand eagerly and pressed it to her lips
»On the third« she exclaimed with an air of wild solemnity »You are right
father you are right On the third we must part for ever«
There was a dreadful expression in her eye as she uttered these words which
penetrated the friars soul with horror Again she kissed his hand and then
fled with rapidity from the chamber
Anxious to authorise the presence of his dangerous guest yet conscious that
her stay was infringing the laws of his order Ambrosios bosom became the
theatre of a thousand contending passions At length his attachment to the
feigned Rosario aided by the natural warmth of his temperament seemed likely
to obtain the victory the success was assured when that presumption which
formed the groundwork of his character came to Matildas assistance The monk
reflected that to vanquish temptation was an infinitely greater merit than to
avoid it he thought that he ought rather to rejoice in the opportunity given
him of proving the firmness of his virtue St Anthony had withstood all
seductions to lust then why should not he Besides St Anthony was tempted by
the devil who put every art into practice to excite his passions whereas
Ambrosios danger proceeded from a mere mortal woman fearful and modest whose
apprehensions of his yielding were not less violent than his own
»Yes« said he »the unfortunate shall stay I have nothing to fear from her
presence even should my own prove too weak to resist the temptation I am
secured from danger by the innocence of Matilda«
Ambrosio was yet to learn that to an heart unacquainted with her vice is
ever most dangerous when lurking behind the mask of virtue
He found himself so perfectly recovered that when father Pablos visited
him again at night he entreated permission to quit his chamber on the day
following His request was granted Matilda appeared no more that evening
except in company with the monks when they came in a body to enquire after the
abbots health She seemed fearful of conversing with him in private and stayed
but a few minutes in his room The friar slept well but the dreams of the
former night were repeated and his sensations of voluptuousness were yet more
keen and exquisite the same lustexciting visions floated before his eyes
Matilda in all the pomp of beauty warm tender and luxurious clasped him to
her bosom and lavished upon him the most ardent caresses He returned them as
eagerly and already was on the point of satisfying his desires when the
faithless form disappeared and left him to all the horrors of shame and
disappointment
The morning dawned Fatigued harassed and exhausted by his provoking
dreams he was not disposed to quit his bed he excused himself from appearing
at matins it was the first morning in his life that he had ever missed them He
rose late during the whole of the day he had no opportunity of speaking to
Matilda without witnesses his cell was thronged by the monks anxious to
express their concern at his illness and he was still occupied in receiving
their compliments on his recovery when the bell summoned them to the refectory
After dinner the monks separated and dispersed themselves in various parts
of the garden where the shade of trees or retirement of some grotto presented
the most agreeable means of enjoying the siesta The abbot bent his steps
towards the hermitage a glance of his eye invited Matilda to accompany him she
obeyed and followed him thither in silence they entered the grotto and seated
themselves both seemed unwilling to begin the conversation and to labour under
the influence of mutual embarrassment At length the abbot spoke he conversed
only on indifferent topics and Matilda answered him in the same tone she
seemed anxious to make him forget that the person who sat by him was any other
than Rosario Neither of them dared or indeed wished to make an allusion to
the subject which was most at the hearts of both
Matildas efforts to appear gay were evidently forced her spirits were
oppressed by the weight of anxiety and when she spoke her voice was low and
feeble she seemed desirous of finishing a conversation which embarrassed her
and complaining that she was unwell she requested Ambrosios permission to
return to the abbey He accompanied her to the door of her cell and when
arrived there he stopped her to declare his consent to her continuing the
partner of his solitude so long as should be agreeable to herself
She discovered no marks of pleasure at receiving this intelligence though
on the preceding day she had been so anxious to obtain the permission
»Alas father« she said waving her head mournfully »your kindness comes
too late my doom is fixed we must separate for ever yet believe that I am
grateful for your generosity for your compassion of an unfortunate who is but
too little deserving of it«
She put her handkerchief to her eyes her cowl was only half drawn over her
face Ambrosio observed that she was pale and her eyes sunk and heavy
»Good God« he cried »you are very ill Matilda I shall send father Pablos
to you instantly«
»No do not I am ill tis true but he cannot cure my malady Farewell
father Remember me in your prayers tomorrow while I shall remember you in
heaven«
She entered her cell and closed the door
The abbot dispatched to her the physician without losing a moment and
waited his report impatiently but father Pablos soon returned and declared
that his errand had been fruitless Rosario refused to admit him and had
positively rejected his offers of assistance The uneasiness which this account
gave Ambrosio was not trifling yet he determined that Matilda should have her
own way for that night but that if her situation did not mend by the morning
he would insist upon her taking the advice of father Pablos
He did not find himself inclined to sleep he opened his casement and gazed
upon the moonbeams as they played upon the small stream whose waters bathed the
walls of the monastery The coolness of the night breeze and tranquillity of
the hour inspired the friars mind with sadness he thought upon Matildas
beauty and affection upon the pleasures which he might have shared with her
had he not been restrained by monastic fetters He reflected that unsustained
by hope her love for him could not long exist that doubtless she would succeed
in extinguishing her passion and seek for happiness in the arms of one more
fortunate He shuddered at the void which her absence would leave in his bosom
he looked with disgust on the monotony of a convent and breathed a sigh towards
that world from which he was for ever separated Such were the reflections which
a loud knocking at his door interrupted The bell of the church had already
struck two The abbot hastened to enquire the cause of this disturbance He
opened the door of his cell and a laybrother entered whose looks declared his
hurry and confusion
»Hasten reverend father« said he »hasten to the young Rosario he
earnestly requests to see you he lies at the point of death«
»Gracious God where is father Pablos Why is he not with him Oh I fear I
fear «
»Father Pablos has seen him but his art can do nothing He says that he
suspects the youth to be poisoned«
»Poisoned Oh the unfortunate It is then as I suspected But let me not
lose a moment perhaps it may yet be time to save her«
He said and flew towards the cell of the novice Several monks were already
in the chamber father Pablos was one of them and held a medicine in his hand
which he was endeavouring to persuade Rosario to swallow The others were
employed in admiring the patients divine countenance which they now saw for
the first time She looked lovelier than ever she was no longer pale or
languid a bright glow had spread itself over her cheeks her eyes sparkled with
a serene delight and her countenance was expressive of confidence and
resignation
»Oh torment me no more« was she saying to Pablos when the terrified abbot
rushed hastily into the cell »my disease is far beyond the reach of your skill
and I wish not to be cured of it« Then perceiving Ambrosio »Ah tis he« she
cried »I see him once again before we part for ever Leave me my brethren
much have I to tell this holy man in private«
The monks retired immediately and Matilda and the abbot remained together
»What have you done imprudent woman« exclaimed the latter as soon as they
were left alone »tell me are my suspicions just Am I indeed to lose you Has
your own hand been the instrument of your destruction«
She smiled and grasped his hand
»In what have I been imprudent father I have sacrificed a pebble and
saved a diamond My death preserves a life valuable to the world and more dear
to me than my own Yes father I am poisoned but know that the poison once
circulated in your veins«
»Matilda«
»What I tell you I resolved never to discover to you but on the bed of
death that moment is now arrived You cannot have forgotten the day already
when your life was endangered by the bite of a cientipedoro The physician gave
you over declaring himself ignorant how to extract the venom I knew but of one
means and hesitated not a moment to employ it I was left alone with you you
slept I loosened the bandage from your hand I kissed the wound and drew out
the poison with my lips The effect has been more sudden than I expected I feel
death at my heart yet an hour and I shall be in a better world«
»Almighty God« exclaimed the abbot and sunk almost lifeless upon the bed
After a few minutes he again raised himself up suddenly and gazed upon
Matilda with all the wildness of despair
»And you have sacrificed yourself for me You die and die to preserve
Ambrosio And is there indeed no remedy Matilda And is there indeed no hope
Speak to me oh speak to me Tell me that you have still the means of life«
»Be comforted my only friend Yes I have still the means of life in my
power but it is a means which I dare not employ it is dangerous it is
dreadful Life would be purchased at too dear a rate unless it were permitted
me to live for you«
»Then live for me Matilda for me and gratitude« He caught her hand
and pressed it rapturously to his lips »Remember our late conversations I
now consent to every thing Remember in what lively colours you described the
union of souls be it ours to realize those ideas. Let us forget the
distinctions of sex despise the worlds prejudices and only consider each
other as brother and friend Live then Matilda oh live for me«
»Ambrosio it must not be When I thought thus I deceived both you and
myself either I must die at present or expire by the lingering torments of
unsatisfied desire Oh since we last conversed together a dreadful veil has
been rent from before my eyes I love you no longer with the devotion which is
paid to a saint I prize you no more for the virtues of your soul I lust for
the enjoyment of your person The woman reigns in my bosom and I am become a
prey to the wildest of passions Away with friendship tis a cold unfeeling
word my bosom burns with love with unutterable love and love must be its
return Tremble then Ambrosio tremble to succeed in your prayers If I live
your truth your reputation your reward of a life past in sufferings all that
you value is irretrievably lost I shall no longer be able to combat my
passions shall seize every opportunity to excite your desires and labour to
effect your dishonour and my own No no Ambrosio I must not live I am
convinced with every moment that I have but one alternative I feel with every
heartthrob that I must enjoy you or die«
»Amazement Matilda Can it be you who speak to me«
He made a movement as if to quit his seat She uttered a loud shriek and
raising herself half out of the bed threw her arms round the friar to detain
him
»Oh do not leave me Listen to my errors with compassion in a few hours I
shall be no more yet a little and I am free from this disgraceful passion«
»Wretched woman what can I say to you I cannot I must not But live
Matilda oh live«
»You do not reflect on what you ask What live to plunge myself in infamy
to become the agent of hell to work the destruction both of you and of myself
Feel this heart father«
She took his hand Confused embarrassed and fascinated he withdrew it
not and felt her heart throb under it
»Feel this heart father It is yet the seat of honour truth and chastity
if it beats tomorrow it must fall a prey to the blackest crimes Oh let me
then die today Let me die while I yet deserve the tears of the virtuous Thus
will I expire« She reclined her head upon his shoulder her golden hair
poured itself over his chest »Folded in your arms I shall sink to sleep
your hand shall close my eyes for ever and your lips receive my dying breath
And will you not sometimes think of me Will you not sometimes shed a tear upon
my tomb Oh yes yes yes that kiss is my assurance«
The hour was night All was silence around The faint beams of a solitary
lamp darted upon Matildas figure and shed through the chamber a dim
mysterious light No prying eye or curious ear was near the lovers nothing was
heard but Matildas melodious accents Ambrosio was in the full vigour of
manhood he saw before him a young and beautiful woman the preserver of his
life the adorer of his person and whom affection for him had reduced to the
brink of the grave He sat upon her bed his hand rested upon her bosom her
head reclined voluptuously upon his breast Who then can wonder if he yielded to
the temptation Drunk with desire he pressed his lips to those which sought
them his kisses vied with Matildas in warmth and passion he clasped her
rapturously in his arms he forgot his vows his sanctity and his fame he
remembered nothing but the pleasure and opportunity
»Ambrosio Oh my Ambrosio« sighed Matilda
»Thine ever thine« murmured the friar and sunk upon her bosom
Chapter III
These are the villains
Whom all the travellers do fear so much
Some of them are gentlemen
Such as the fury of ungovernd youth
Thrust from the company of awful men
Two Gentlemen of Verona
The marquis and Lorenzo proceeded to the hotel in silence The former employed
himself in calling every circumstance to his mind which related might give
Lorenzos the most favourable idea of his connexion with Agnes The latter
justly alarmed for the honour of his family felt embarrassed by the presence of
the marquis the adventure which he had just witnessed forbad his treating him
as a friend and Antonias interests being entrusted to his mediation he saw
the impolicy of treating him as a foe He concluded from these reflections that
profound silence would be the wisest plan and waited with impatience for Don
Raymonds explanation
They arrived at the hotel de las Cisternas The marquis immediately
conducted him to his apartment and began to express his satisfaction at finding
him at Madrid Lorenzo interrupted him
»Excuse me my lord« said he with a distant air »if I reply somewhat
coldly to your expressions of regard A sisters honour is involved in this
affair till that is established and the purport of your correspondence with
Agnes cleared up I cannot consider you as my friend I am anxious to hear the
meaning of your conduct and hope that you will not delay the promised
explanation«
»First give me your word that you will listen with patience and
indulgence«
»I love my sister too well to judge her harshly and till this moment I
possessed no friend so dear to me as yourself I will also confess that your
having it in your power to oblige me in a business which I have much at heart
makes me very anxious to find you still deserving my esteem«
»Lorenzo you transport me No greater pleasure can be given me than an
opportunity of serving the brother of Agnes«
»Convince me that I can accept your favours without dishonour and there is
no man in the world to whom I am more willing to be obliged«
»Probably you have already heard your sister mention the name of Alphonso
dAlvarada«
»Never Though I feel for Agnes an affection truly fraternal circumstances
have prevented us from being much together While yet a child she was consigned
to the care of her aunt who had married a German nobleman At his castle she
remained till two years since when she returned to Spain determined upon
secluding herself from the world«
»Good God Lorenzo you knew of her intention and yet strove not to make
her change it«
»Marquis you wrong me the intelligence which I received at Naples shocked
me extremely and I hastened my return to Madrid for the express purpose of
preventing the sacrifice The moment that I arrived I flew to the convent of
St Clare in which Agnes had chosen to perform her noviciate I requested to
see my sister Conceive my surprise when she sent me a refusal she declared
positively that apprehending my influence over her mind she would not trust
herself in my society till the day before that on which she was to receive the
veil I supplicated the nuns I insisted upon seeing Agnes and hesitated not to
avow my suspicions that her being kept from me was against her own
inclinations To free herself from the imputation of violence the prioress
brought me a few lines written in my sisters wellknown hand repeating the
message already delivered All future attempts to obtain a moments conversation
with her were as fruitless as the first She was inflexible and I was not
permitted to see her till the day preceding that on which she entered the
cloister never to quit it more This interview took place in the presence of
our principal relations It was for the first time since her childhood that I
saw her and the scene was most affecting she threw herself upon my bosom
kissed me and wept bitterly By every possible argument by tears by prayers
by kneeling I strove to make her abandon her intention I represented to her
all the hardships of a religious life I painted to her imagination all the
pleasures which she was going to quit and besought her to disclose to me what
occasioned her disgust to the world At this last question she turned pale and
her tears flowed yet faster She entreated me not to press her on that subject
that it sufficed me to know that her resolution was taken and that a convent
was the only place where she could now hope for tranquillity She persevered in
her design and made her profession I visited her frequently at the grate and
every moment that I passed with her made me feel more affliction at her loss I
was shortly after obliged to quit Madrid I returned but yesterday evening and
since then have not had time to call at St Clares convent«
»Then till I mentioned it you never heard the name of Alphonso
dAlvarada«
»Pardon me my aunt wrote me word that an adventurer so called had found
means to get introduced into the castle of Lindenberg that he had insinuated
himself into my sisters good graces and that she had even consented to elope
with him However before the plan could be executed the cavalier discovered
that the estates which he believed Agnes to possess in Hispaniola in reality
belonged to me This intelligence made him change his intention he disappeared
on the day that the elopement was to have taken place and Agnes in despair at
his perfidy and meanness had resolved upon seclusion in a convent She added
that as this adventurer had given himself out to be a friend of mine she wished
to know whether I had any knowledge of him I replied in the negative. I had
then very little idea that Alphonso dAlvarada and the marquis de las Cisternas
were one and the same person the description given me of the first by no means
tallied with what I knew of the latter«
»In this I easily recognize Donna Rodolphas perfidious character Every
word of this account is stamped with marks of her malice of her falsehood of
her talents for misrepresenting those whom she wishes to injure Forgive me
Medina for speaking so freely of your relation The mischief which she has done
me authorises my resentment and when you have heard my story you will be
convinced that my expressions have not been too severe«
He then began his narrative in the following manner
History Of Don Raymond
Marquis de las Cisternas
Long experience my dear Lorenzo has convinced me how generous is your nature
I waited not for your declaration of ignorance respecting your sisters
adventures to suppose that they had been purposely concealed from you Had they
reached your knowledge from what misfortunes should both Agnes and myself have
escaped Fate had ordained it otherwise You were on your travels when I first
became acquainted with your sister and as our enemies took care to conceal from
her your direction it was impossible for her to implore by letter your
protection and advice
On leaving Salamanca at which university as I have since heard you
remained a year after I quitted it I immediately set out upon my travels My
father supplied me liberally with money but he insisted upon my concealing my
rank and presenting myself as no more than a private gentleman This command
was issued by the counsels of his friend the duke of Villa Hermosa a nobleman
for whose abilities and knowledge of the world I have ever entertained the most
profound veneration
»Believe me« said he »my dear Raymond you will hereafter feel the
benefits of this temporary degradation Tis true that as the condé de las
Cisternas you would have been received with open arms and your youthful vanity
might have felt gratified by the attentions showered upon you from all sides At
present much will depend upon yourself you have excellent recommendations but
it must be your own business to make them of use to you you must lay yourself
out to please you must labour to gain the approbation of those to whom you are
presented they who would have courted the friendship of the condé de las
Cisternas will have no interest in finding out the merits or bearing patiently
with the faults of Alphonso dAlvarada consequently when you find yourself
really liked you may safely ascribe it to your good qualities not your rank
and the distinction shewn you will be infinitely more flattering Besides your
exalted birth would not permit your mixing with the lower classes of society
which will now be in your power and from which in my opinion you will derive
considerable benefit Do not confine yourself to the illustrious of those
countries through which you pass Examine the manners and customs of the
multitude enter into the cottages and by observing how the vassals of
foreigners are treated learn to diminish the burthens and augment the
comforts of your own According to my ideas of those advantages which a youth
destined to the possession of power and wealth may reap from travel he should
not consider as the least essential the opportunity of mixing with the classes
below him and becoming an eyewitness of the sufferings of the people«
Forgive me Lorenzo if I seem tedious in my narration the close connexion
which now exists between us makes me anxious that you should know every
particular respecting me and in my fear of omitting the least circumstance
which may induce you to think favourably of your sister and myself I may
possibly relate many which you may think uninteresting
I followed the dukes advice I was soon convinced of its wisdom I quitted
Spain calling myself by the assumed title of Don Alphonso dAlvarada and
attended by a single domestic of approved fidelity Paris was my first station
For some time I was enchanted with it as indeed must be every man who is young
rich and fond of pleasure Yet among all its gaieties I felt that something
was wanting to my heart I grew sick of dissipation I discovered that the
people among whom I lived and whose exterior was so polished and seducing were
at bottom frivolous unfeeling and insincere I turned from the inhabitants of
Paris with disgust and quitted that theatre of luxury without heaving one sigh
of regret
I now bent my course towards Germany intending to visit most of the
principal courts Prior to this expedition I meant to make some little stay at
Strasbourg On quitting my chaise at Luneville to take some refreshment I
observed a splendid equipage attended by four domestics in rich liveries
waiting at the door of the Silver Lion Soon after as I looked out of the
window I saw a lady of noble presence followed by two female attendants step
into the carriage which drove off immediately
I enquired of the host who the lady was that had just departed
»A German baroness monsieur of great rank and fortune she has been upon a
visit to the duchess of Longueville as her servants informed me She is going
to Strasbourg where she will find her husband and then both return to their
castle in Germany«
I resumed my journey intending to reach Strasbourg that night My hopes
however were frustrated by the breaking down of my chaise the accident
happened in the middle of a thick forest and I was not a little embarrassed as
to the means of proceeding It was the depth of winter the night was already
closing round us and Strasbourg which was the nearest town was still distant
from us several leagues It seemed to me that my only alternative to passing the
night in the forest was to take my servants horse and ride on to Strasbourg
an undertaking at that season very far from agreeable However seeing no other
resource I was obliged to make up my mind to it accordingly I communicated my
design to the postillion telling him that I would send people to assist him as
soon as I reached Strasbourg I had not much confidence in his honesty but
Stephano being well armed and the driver to all appearance considerably
advanced in years I believed I ran no risk of losing my baggage
Luckily as I then thought an opportunity presented itself of passing the
night more agreeably than I expected On mentioning my design of proceeding by
myself to Strasbourg the postillion shook his head in disapprobation
»It is a long way« said he »you will find it a difficult matter to arrive
there without a guide besides monsieur seems unaccustomed to the seasons
severity and tis possible that unable to sustain the excessive cold «
»What use is there to present me with all these objections« said I
impatiently interrupting him »I have no other resource I run still greater
risk of perishing with cold by passing the night in the forest«
»Passing the night in the forest« he replied »Oh by St Denis we are not
in quite so bad a plight as that comes to yet If I am not mistaken we are
scarcely five minutes walk from the cottage of my old friend Baptiste he is a
woodcutter and a very honest fellow I doubt not but he will shelter you for
the night with pleasure In the mean time I can take the saddlehorse ride to
Strasbourg and be back with proper people to mend your carriage by break of
day«
»And in the name of God« said I »how could you leave me so long in
suspense Why did you not tell me of this cottage sooner What excessive
stupidity«
»I thought that perhaps monsieur would not deign to accept «
»Absurd Come come say no more but conduct us without delay to the
woodmans cottage«
He obeyed and we moved onwards the horses contrived with some difficulty
to drag the shattered vehicle after us My servant was become almost speechless
and I began to feel the effects of the cold myself before we reached the
wishedfor cottage It was a small but neat building as we drew near it I
rejoiced at observing through the window the blaze of a comfortable fire Our
conductor knocked at the door it was some time before any one answered the
people within seemed in doubt whether we should be admitted
»Come come friend Baptiste« cried the driver with impatience »what are
you about Are you asleep Or will you refuse a nights lodging to a gentleman
whose chaise has just broken down in the forest«
»Ah is it you honest Claude« replied a mans voice from within »wait a
moment and the door shall be opened«
Soon after the bolts were drawn back the door was unclosed and a man
presented himself to us with a lamp in his hand he gave the guide an hearty
reception and then addressed himself to me
»Walk in monsieur walk in and welcome Excuse me for not admitting you at
first but there are so many rogues about this place that saving your presence
I suspected you to be one«
Thus saying he ushered me into the room where I had observed the fire I
was immediately placed in an easy chair which stood close to the hearth A
female whom I supposed to be the wife of my host rose from her seat upon my
entrance and received me with a slight and distant reverence She made no
answer to my compliment but immediately reseating herself continued the work
on which she had been employed Her husbands manners were as friendly as hers
were harsh and repulsive
»I wish I could lodge you more conveniently monsieur« said he »but we
cannot boast of much spare room in this hovel However a chamber for yourself
and another for your servant I think we can make shift to supply You must
content yourself with sorry fare but to what we have believe me you are
heartily welcome« Then turning to his wife »Why how you sit there
Marguerite with as much tranquillity as if you had nothing better to do Stir
about dame stir about Get some supper look out some sheets Here here
throw some logs upon the fire for the gentleman seems perished with cold«
The wife threw her work hastily upon the table and proceeded to execute his
commands with every mark of unwillingness Her countenance had displeased me on
the first moment of my examining it yet upon the whole her features were
handsome unquestionably but her skin was sallow and her person thin and
meagre a louring gloom overspread her countenance and it bore such visible
marks of rancour and illwill as could not escape being noticed by the most
inattentive observer her every look and action expressed discontent and
impatience and the answers which she gave Baptiste when he reproached her
goodhumouredly for her dissatisfied air were tart short and cutting In
fine I conceived at first sight equal disgust for her and prepossession in
favour of her husband whose appearance was calculated to inspire esteem and
confidence His countenance was open sincere and friendly his manners had all
the peasants honesty unaccompanied by his rudeness his cheeks were broad
full and ruddy and in the solidity of his person he seemed to offer an ample
apology for the leanness of his wifes From the wrinkles on his brow I judged
him to be turned of sixty but he bore his years well and seemed still hearty
and strong The wife could not be more than thirty but in spirits and vivacity
she was infinitely older than the husband
However in spite of her unwillingness Marguerite began to prepare the
supper while the woodman conversed gaily on different subjects The postillion
who had been furnished with a bottle of spirits was now ready to set out for
Strasbourg and enquired whether I had any further commands
»For Strasbourg« interrupted Baptiste »you are not going thither
tonight«
»I beg your pardon if I do not fetch workmen to mend the chaise how is
monsieur to proceed tomorrow«
»That is true as you say I had forgotten the chaise Well but Claude you
may at least eat your supper here That can make you lose very little time and
monsieur looks too kindhearted to send you out with an empty stomach on such a
bitter cold night as this is«
To this I readily assented telling the postillion that my reaching
Strasbourg the next day an hour or two later would be perfectly immaterial He
thanked me and then leaving the cottage with Stephano put up his horses in the
woodmans stable Baptiste followed them to the door and looked out with
anxiety
»Tis a sharp biting wind« said he »I wonder what detains my boys so
long Monsieur I shall shew you two of the finest lads that ever stepped in
shoe of leather the eldest is threeandtwenty the second a year younger
their equals for sense courage and activity are not to be found within fifty
miles of Strasbourg Would they were back again I begin to feel uneasy about
them«
Marguerite was at this time employed in laying the cloth
»And are you equally anxious for the return of your sons« said I to her
»Not I« she replied peevishly »they are no children of mine«
»Come come Marguerite« said the husband »do not be out of humour with
the gentleman for asking a simple question had you not looked so cross he
would never have thought you old enough to have a son of threeandtwenty but
you see how many years illtemper adds to you Excuse my wifes rudeness
monsieur a little thing puts her out and she is somewhat displeased at your
not thinking her to be under thirty That is the truth is it not Marguerite
You know monsieur that age is always a ticklish subject with a woman Come
come Marguerite clear up a little If you have not sons as old you will some
twenty years hence and I hope that we shall live to see them just such lads as
Jacques and Robert«
Marguerite clasped her hands together passionately
»God forbid« said she »God forbid If I thought it I would strangle them
with my own hands«
She quitted the room hastily and went up stairs
I could not help expressing to the woodman how much I pitied him for being
chained for life to a partner of such illhumour
»Ah Lord monsieur every one has his share of grievances and Marguerite
has fallen to mine Besides after all she is only cross and not malicious
the worst is that her affection for two children by a former husband makes her
play the stepmother with my two sons she cannot bear the sight of them and
by her good will they would never set a foot within my door But on this point
I always stand firm and never will consent to abandon the poor lads to the
worlds mercy as she has often solicited me to do In every thing else I let
her have her own way and truly she manages a family rarely that I must say for
her«
We were conversing in this manner when our discourse was interrupted by a
loud halloo which rang through the forest
»My sons I hope« exclaimed the woodman and ran to open the door
The halloo was repeated We now distinguished the trampling of horses and
soon after a carriage attended by several cavaliers stopped at the cottage
door One of the horsemen enquired how far they were still from Strasbourg As
he addressed himself to me I answered in the number of miles which Claude had
told me upon which a volley of curses was vented against the drivers for having
lost their way The persons in the coach were now informed of the distance of
Strasbourg and also that the horses were so fatigued as to be incapable of
proceeding further A lady who appeared to be the principal expressed much
chagrin at this intelligence but as there was no remedy one of the attendants
asked the woodman whether he could furnish them with lodging for the night
He seemed much embarrassed and replied in the negative; adding that a
Spanish gentleman and his servant were already in possession of the only spare
apartments in his house On hearing this the gallantry of my nation would not
permit me to retain those accommodations of which a female was in want I
instantly signified to the woodman that I transferred my right to the lady he
made some objections but I overruled them and hastening to the carriage
opened the door and assisted the lady to descend I immediately recognized her
for the same person whom I had seen at the inn at Luneville I took an
opportunity of asking one of her attendants what was her name
»The baroness Lindenberg« was the answer
I could not but remark how different a reception our host had given these
newcomers and myself His reluctance to admit them was visibly expressed on his
countenance and he prevailed on himself with difficulty to tell the lady that
she was welcome I conducted her into the house and placed her in the armchair
which I had just quitted She thanked me very graciously and made a thousand
apologies for putting me to an inconvenience Suddenly the woodmans countenance
cleared up
»At last I have arranged it« said he interrupting her excuses »I can
lodge you and your suite madam and you will not be under the necessity of
making this gentleman suffer for his politeness We have two spare chambers one
for the lady the other monsieur for you my wife shall give up hers to the
two waitingwomen as for the men servants they must content themselves with
passing the night in a large barn which stands at a few yards distance from the
house there they shall have a blazing fire and as good a supper as we can make
shift to give them«
After several expressions of gratitude on the ladys part and opposition on
mine to Marguerites giving up her bed this arrangement was agreed to As the
room was small the baroness immediately dismissed her male domestics Baptiste
was on the point of conducting them to the barn which he had mentioned when two
young men appeared at the door of the cottage
»Hell and furies« exclaimed the first starting back »Robert the house is
filled with strangers«
»Ha there are my sons« cried our host »Why Jacques Robert whither are
you running boys There is room enough still for you«
Upon this assurance the youths returned The father presented them to the
baroness and myself after which he withdrew with our domestics while at the
request of the two waitingwomen Marguerite conducted them to the room designed
for their mistress
The two newcomers were tall stout wellmade young men hardfeatured and
very much sunburnt They paid their compliments to us in few words and
acknowledged Claude who now entered the room as an old acquaintance They then
threw aside their cloaks in which they were wrapped up took off a leathern belt
to which a large cutlass was suspended and each drawing a brace of pistols from
his girdle laid them upon a shelf
»You travel well armed« said I
»True monsieur« replied Robert »We left Strasbourg late this evening
and tis necessary to take precautions at passing through this forest after
dark it does not bear a good repute I promise you«
»How« said the baroness »are there robbers hereabout«
»So it is said madame for my own part I have travelled through the wood
at all hours and never met with one of them«
Here Marguerite returned Her stepsons drew her to the other end of the
room and whispered her for some minutes By the looks which they cast towards
us at intervals I conjectured them to be enquiring our business in the cottage
In the mean while the baroness expressed her apprehensions that her husband
would be suffering much anxiety upon her account She had intended to send on
one of her servants to inform the baron of her delay but the account which the
young men gave of the forest rendered this plan impracticable Claude relieved
her from her embarrassment he informed her that he was under the necessity of
reaching Strasbourg that night and that would she trust him with a letter she
might depend upon its being safely delivered
»And how comes it« said I »that you are under no apprehension of meeting
these robbers«
»Alas monsieur a poor man with a large family must not lose certain profit
because tis attended with a little danger and perhaps my lord the baron may
give me a trifle for my pains besides I have nothing to lose except my life
and that will not be worth the robbers taking«
I thought his arguments bad and advised his waiting till the morning but
as the baroness did not second me I was obliged to give up the point The
baroness Lindenberg as I found afterwards had long been accustomed to
sacrifice the interests of others to her own and her wish to send Claude to
Strasbourg blinded her to the danger of the undertaking Accordingly it was
resolved that he should set out without delay The baroness wrote her letter to
her husband and I sent a few lines to my banker apprising him that I should
not be at Strasbourg till the next day Claude took our letters and left the
cottage
The lady declared herself much fatigued by her journey besides having come
from some distance the drivers had contrived to lose their way in the forest
She now addressed herself to Marguerite desiring to be shewn to her chamber
and permitted to take half an hours repose One of the waitingwomen was
immediately summoned she appeared with a light and the baroness followed her
up stairs The cloth was spreading in the chamber where I was and Marguerite
soon gave me to understand that I was in her way Her hints were too broad to be
easily mistaken I therefore desired one of the young men to conduct me to the
chamber where I was to sleep and where I could remain till supper was ready
»Which chamber is it mother« said Robert
»The one with green hangings« she replied »I have just been at the trouble
of getting it ready and have put fresh sheets upon the bed if the gentleman
chooses to lollop and lounge upon it he may make it again himself for me«
»You are out of humour mother but that is no novelty Have the goodness to
follow me monsieur«
He opened the door and advanced towards a narrow staircase
»You have got no light« said Marguerite »is it your own neck or the
gentlemans that you have a mind to break«
She crossed by me and put a candle into Roberts hand having received
which he began to ascend the staircase Jacques was employed in laying the
cloth and his back was turned towards me Marguerite seized the moment when we
were unobserved she caught my hand and pressed it strongly
»Look at the sheets« said she as she passed me and immediately resumed her
former occupation
Startled by the abruptness of her action I remained as if petrified Roberts
voice desiring me to follow him recalled me to myself I ascended the
staircase My conductor ushered me into a chamber where an excellent wood fire
was blazing upon the hearth He placed the light upon the table enquired
whether I had any further commands and on my replying in the negative, left me
to myself You may be certain that the moment when I found myself alone was
that on which I complied with Marguerites injunction I took the candle
hastily approached the bed and turned down the coverture What was my
astonishment my horror at finding the sheets crimsoned with blood
At that moment a thousand confused ideas passed before my imagination The
robbers who infested the wood Marguerites exclamation respecting her children
the arms and appearance of the two young men and the various anecdotes which I
had heard related respecting the secret correspondence which frequently exists
between banditti and postillions all these circumstances flashed upon my mind
and inspired me with doubt and apprehension I ruminated on the most probable
means of ascertaining the truth of my conjectures Suddenly I was aware of some
one below pacing hastily backwards and forwards Every thing now appeared to me
an object of suspicion With precaution I drew near the window which as the
room had been long shut up was left open in spite of the cold I ventured to
look out The beams of the moon permitted me to distinguish a man whom I had no
difficulty to recognize for my host I watched his movements He walked swiftly
then stopped and seemed to listen he stamped upon the ground and beat his
stomach with his arms as if to guard himself from the inclemency of the season
at the least noise if a voice was heard in the lower part of the house if a
bat flitted past him or the wind rattled amidst the leafless boughs he
started and looked round with anxiety
»Plague take him« said he at length with extreme impatience »what can he
be about«
He spoke in a low voice but as he was just below my window I had no
difficulty to distinguish his words
I now heard the steps of one approaching Baptiste went towards the sound
he joined a man whom his low stature and the horn suspended from his neck
declared to be no other than my faithful Claude whom I had supposed to be
already on his way to Strasbourg Expecting their discourse to throw some light
upon my situation I hastened to put myself in a condition to hear it with
safety For this purpose I extinguished the candle which stood upon a table
near the bed the flame of the fire was not strong enough to betray me and I
immediately resumed my place at the window
The objects of my curiosity had stationed themselves directly under it I
suppose that during my momentary absence the woodman had been blaming Claude
for tardiness since when I returned to the window the latter was endeavouring
to excuse his fault
»However« added he »my diligence at present shall make up for my past
delay«
»On that condition« answered Baptiste »I shall readily forgive you but in
truth as you share equally with us in our prizes your own interest will make
you use all possible diligence Twould be a shame to let such a noble booty
escape us You say that this Spaniard is rich«
»His servant boasted at the inn that the effects in his chaise were worth
above two thousand pistoles«
Oh how I cursed Stephanos imprudent vanity
»And I have been told« continued the postillion »that this baroness
carries about her a casket of jewels of immense value«
»May be so but I had rather she had stayed away The Spaniard was a secure
prey the boys and myself could easily have mastered him and his servant and
then the two thousand pistoles would have been shared between us four Now we
must let in the band for a share and perhaps the whole covey may escape us
Should our friends have betaken themselves to their different posts before you
reach the cavern all will be lost The ladys attendants are too numerous for
us to overpower them Unless our associates arrive in time we must needs let
these travellers set out tomorrow without damage or hurt«
»Tis plaguy unlucky that my comrades who drove the coach should be those
unacquainted with our confederacy But never fear friend Baptiste an hour will
bring me to the cavern it is now but ten oclock and by twelve you may expect
the arrival of the band By the bye take care of your wife you know how strong
is her repugnance to our mode of life and she may find means to give
information to the ladys servants of our design«
»Oh I am secure of her silence she is too much afraid of me and fond of
her children to dare to betray my secret Besides Jacques and Robert keep a
strict eye over her and she is not permitted to set a foot out of the cottage
The servants are safely lodged in the barn I shall endeavour to keep all quiet
till the arrival of our friends Were I assured of your finding them the
strangers should be dispatched this instant but as it is possible for you to
miss the banditti I am fearful of being summoned by their domestics to produce
them in the morning«
»And suppose either of the travellers should discover your design«
»Then we must poniard those in our power and take our chance about
mastering the rest However to avoid running such a risk hasten to the cavern
the banditti never leave it before eleven and if you use diligence you may
reach it in time to stop them«
»Tell Robert that I have taken his horse my own has broken his bridle and
escaped into the wood What is the watchword«
»The reward of courage«
»Tis sufficient I hasten to the cavern«
»And I to rejoin my guests lest my absence should create suspicion
Farewell and be diligent«
These worthy associates now separated the one bent his course towards the
stable while the other returned to the house
You may judge what must have been my feelings during this conversation of
which I lost not a single syllable I dared not trust myself to my reflections
nor did any means present itself to escape the dangers which threatened me
Resistance I knew to be vain I was unarmed and a single man against three
However I resolved at least to sell my life as dearly as I could Dreading lest
Baptiste should perceive my absence and suspect me to have overheard the
message with which Claude was dispatched I hastily relighted my candle and
quitted the chamber On descending I found the table spread for six persons
The baroness sat by the fireside Marguerite was employed in dressing a sallad
and her stepsons were whispering together at the further end of the room
Baptiste having the round of the garden to make ere he could reach the cottage
door was not yet arrived I seated myself quietly opposite to the baroness
A glance upon Marguerite told her that her hint had not been thrown away
upon me How different did she now appear to me What before seemed gloom and
sullenness I now found to be disgust at her associates and compassion for my
danger I looked up to her as to my only resource yet knowing her to be watched
by her husband with a suspicious eye I could place but little reliance on the
exertions of her good will
In spite of all my endeavours to conceal it my agitation was but too
visibly expressed upon my countenance I was pale and both my words and actions
were disordered and embarrassed The young men observed this and enquired the
cause I attributed it to excess of fatigue and the violent effect produced on
me by the severity of the season Whether they believed me or not I will not
pretend to say they at least ceased to embarrass me with their questions I
strove to divert my attention from the perils which surrounded me by conversing
on different subjects with the baroness I talked of Germany declaring my
intention of visiting it immediately God knows that I little thought at that
moment of ever seeing it She replied to me with great ease and politeness
professed that the pleasure of making my acquaintance amply compensated for the
delay in her journey and gave me a pressing invitation to make some stay at the
castle of Lindenberg As she spoke thus the youths exchanged a malicious smile
which declared that she would be fortunate if she ever reached that castle
herself This action did not escape me but I concealed the emotion which it
excited in my breast I continued to converse with the lady but my discourse
was so frequently incoherent that as she has since informed me she began to
doubt whether I was in my right senses The fact was that while my conversation
turned upon one subject my thoughts were entirely occupied by another I
meditated upon the means of quitting the cottage finding my way to the barn
and giving the domestics information of our hosts designs I was soon convinced
how impracticable was the attempt Jacques and Robert watched my every movement
with an attentive eye and I was obliged to abandon the idea All my hopes now
rested upon Claudes not finding the banditti In that case according to what I
had overheard we should be permitted to depart unhurt
I shuddered involuntarily as Baptiste entered the room He made many
apologies for his long absence but »he had been detained by affairs impossible
to be delayed« He then entreated permission for his family to sup at the same
table with us without which respect would not authorize his taking such a
liberty Oh how in my heart I cursed the hypocrite how I loathed his presence
who was on the point of depriving me of an existence at that time infinitely
dear I had every reason to be satisfied with life I had youth wealth rank
and education and the fairest prospects presented themselves before me I saw
those prospects on the point of closing in the most horrible manner yet was I
obliged to dissimulate and to receive with a semblance of gratitude the false
civilities of him who held the dagger to my bosom
The permission which our host demanded was easily obtained We seated
ourselves at the table The baroness and myself occupied one side the sons were
opposite to us with their backs to the door Baptiste took his seat by the
baroness at the upper end and the place next to him was left for his wife She
soon entered the room and placed before us a plain but comfortable peasants
repast Our host thought it necessary to apologize for the poorness of the
supper »he had not been apprized of our coming he could only offer us such
fare as had been intended for his own family«
»But« added he »should any accident detain my noble guests longer than
they at present intend I hope to give them a better treatment«
The villain I well knew the accident to which he alluded I shuddered at
the treatment which he taught us to expect
My companion in danger seemed entirely to have got rid of her chagrin at
being delayed She laughed and conversed with the family with infinite gaiety
I strove but in vain to follow her example My spirits were evidently forced
and the constraint which I put upon myself escaped not Baptistes observation
»Come come monsieur cheer up« said he »you seem not quite recovered
from your fatigue To raise your spirits what say you to a glass of excellent
old wine which was left me by my father God rest his soul he is in a better
world I seldom produce this wine but as I am not honoured with such guests
every day this is an occasion which deserves a bottle«
He then gave his wife a key and instructed her where to find the wine of
which he spoke She seemed by no means pleased with the commission she took the
key with an embarrassed air and hesitated to quit the table
»Did you hear me« said Bapiste in an angry tone
Marguerite darted upon him a look of mingled anger and fear and left the
chamber His eyes followed her suspiciously till she had closed the door
She soon returned with a bottle sealed with yellow wax She placed it upon
the table and gave the key back to her husband I suspected that this liquor
was not presented to us without design and I watched Marguerites movements
with inquietude She was employed in rinsing some small horn goblets As she
placed them before Baptiste she saw that my eye was fixed upon her and at the
moment when she thought herself unobserved by the banditti she motioned to me
with her head not to taste the liquor She then resumed her place
In the mean while our host had drawn the cork and filling two of the
goblets offered them to the lady and myself She at first made some objections
but the instances of Baptiste were so urgent that she was obliged to comply
Fearing to excite suspicion I hesitated not to take the goblet presented to me
By its smell and colour I guessed it to be champagne but some grains of powder
floating upon the top convinced me that it was not unadulterated However I
dared not to express my repugnance to drinking it I lifted it to my lips and
seemed to be swallowing it suddenly starting from my chair I made the best of
my way towards a vase of water at some distance in which Marguerite had been
rinsing the goblets I pretended to spit out the wine with disgust and took an
opportunity unperceived of emptying the liquor into the vase
The banditti seemed alarmed at my action Jacques half rose from his chair
put his hand into his bosom and I discovered the haft of a dagger I returned
to my seat with tranquillity and affected not to have observed their confusion
»You have not suited my taste honest friend« said I addressing myself to
Baptiste »I never can drink champagne without its producing a violent illness
I swallowed a few mouthfuls ere I was aware of its quality and fear that I
shall suffer for my imprudence«
Baptiste and Jacques exchanged looks of distrust
»Perhaps« said Robert »the smell may be disagreeable to you«
He quitted his chair and removed the goblet I observed that he examined
whether it was nearly empty
»He must have drank sufficient« said he to his brother in a low voice
while he reseated himself
Marguerite looked apprehensive that I had tasted the liquor A glance from
my eye reassured her
I waited with anxiety for the effects which the beverage would produce upon
the lady I doubted not but the grains which I had observed were poisonous and
lamented that it had been impossible for me to warn her of the danger But a few
minutes had elapsed before I perceived her eyes grow heavy her head sank upon
her shoulder and she fell into a deep sleep I affected not to attend to this
circumstance and continued my conversation with Baptiste with all the outward
gaiety in my power to assume But he no longer answered me without constraint
He eyed me with distrust and astonishment and I saw that the banditti were
frequently whispering among themselves My situation became every moment more
painful I sustained the character of confidence with a worse grace than ever
Equally afraid of the arrival of their accomplices and of their suspecting my
knowledge of their designs I knew not how to dissipate the distrust which the
banditti evidently entertained for me In this new dilemma the friendly
Marguerite again assisted me She passed behind the chairs of her stepsons
stopped for a moment opposite to me closed her eyes and reclined her head upon
her shoulder This hint immediately dispelled my incertitude It told me that I
ought to imitate the baroness and pretend that the liquor had taken its full
effect upon me I did so and in a few minutes seemed perfectly overcome with
slumber
»So« cried Baptiste as I fell back in my chair »at last he sleeps I
began to think that he had scented our design and that we should have been
forced to dispatch him at all events«
»And why not dispatch him at all events« enquired the ferocious Jacques
»why leave him the possibility of betraying our secret Marguerite give me one
of my pistols a single touch of the trigger will finish him at once«
»And supposing« rejoined the father »supposing that our friends should not
arrive tonight a pretty figure we should make when the servants enquire for
him in the morning No no Jacques we must wait for our associates If they
join us we are strong enough to dispatch the domestics as well as their
masters and the booty is our own If Claude does not find the troop we must
take patience and suffer the prey to slip through our fingers Ah boys boys
had you arrived but five minutes sooner the Spaniard would have been done for
and two thousand pistoles our own But you are always out of the way when you
are most wanted You are the most unlucky rogues «
»Well well father« answered Jacques »had you been of my mind all would
have been over by this time You Robert Claude and myself why the strangers
were but double the number and I warrant you we might have mastered them
However Claude is gone tis too late to think of it now We must wait
patiently for the arrival of the gang and if the travellers escape us tonight
we must take care to waylay them tomorrow«
»True true« said Baptiste »Marguerite have you given the
sleepingdraught to the waitingwomen«
She replied in the affirmative
»All then is safe Come come boys whatever falls out we have no reason
to complain of this adventure We run no danger may gain much and can lose
nothing«
At this moment I heard a trampling of horses Oh how dreadful was the sound
to my ears A cold sweat flowed down my forehead and I felt all the terrors of
impending death I was by no means reassured by hearing the compassionate
Marguerite exclaim in the accents of despair
»Almighty God they are lost«
Luckily the woodman and his sons were too much occupied by the arrival of
their associates to attend to me or the violence of my agitation would have
convinced them that my sleep was feigned
»Open open« exclaimed several voices on the outside of the cottage
»Yes yes« cried Baptiste joyfully »they are our friends sure enough Now
then our booty is certain Away lads away Lead them to the barn you know
what is to be done there«
Robert hastened to open the door of the cottage
»But first« said Jacques taking up his arms »first let me dispatch these
sleepers«
»No no no« replied his father »Go you to the barn where your presence
is wanted Leave me to take care of these and the women above«
Jacques obeyed and followed his brother They seemed to converse with the
newcomers for a few minutes after which I heard the robbers dismount and as
I conjectured bend their course towards the barn
»So that is wisely done« muttered Baptiste »they have quitted their
horses that they may fall upon the strangers by surprise Good good and now
to business«
I heard him approach a small cupboard which was fixed up in a distant part
of the room and unlock it At this moment I felt myself shaken gently
»Now now« whispered Marguerite
I opened my eyes Bapiste stood with his back towards me No one else was in
the room save Marguerite and the sleeping lady The villain had taken a dagger
from the cupboard and seemed examining whether it was sufficiently sharp I had
neglected to furnish myself with arms but I perceived this to be my only chance
of escaping and resolved not to lose the opportunity I sprang from my seat
darted suddenly upon Baptiste and clasping my hands round his throat pressed
it so forcibly as to prevent his uttering a single cry You may remember that I
was remarkable at Salamanca for the power of my arm It now rendered me an
essential service Surprised terrified and breathless the villain was by no
means an equal antagonist I threw him upon the ground I grasped him still
tighter and while I fixed him without motion upon the floor Marguerite
wresting the dagger from his hand plunged it repeatedly in his heart till he
expired
No sooner was this horrible but necessary act perpetrated than Marguerite
called on me to follow her
»Flight is our only refuge« said she »quick quick away«
I hesitated not to obey her but unwilling to leave the baroness a victim to
the vengeance of the robbers I raised her in my arms still sleeping and
hastened after Marguerite The horses of the banditti were fastened near the
door My conductress sprang upon one of them I followed her example placed the
baroness before me and spurred on my horse Our only hope was to reach
Strasbourg which was much nearer than the perfidious Claude had assured me
Marguerite was well acquainted with the road and galloped on before me We were
obliged to pass by the barn where the robbers were slaughtering our domestics
The door was open we distinguished the shrieks of the dying and imprecations
of the murderers What I felt at that moment language is unable to describe
Jacques heard the trampling of our horses as we rushed by the barn He flew
to the door with a burning torch in his hand and easily recognised the
fugitives
»Betrayed betrayed« he shouted to his companions
Instantly they left their bloody work and hastened to regain their horses
We heard no more I buried my spurs in the sides of my courser and Marguerite
goaded on hers with the poniard which had already rendered us such good service
We flew like lightning and gained the open plains Already was Strasbourgs
steeple in sight when we heard the robbers pursuing us Marguerite looked back
and distinguished our followers descending a small hill at no great distance It
was in vain that we urged on our horses the noise approached nearer with every
moment
»We are lost« she exclaimed »the villains gain upon us«
»On on« replied I »I hear the trampling of horses coming from the town«
We redoubled our exertions and were soon aware of a numerous band of
cavaliers who came towards us at full speed They were on the point of passing
us
»Stay stay« shrieked Marguerite »save us for Gods sake save us«
The foremost who seemed to act as guide immediately reined in his steed
»Tis she tis she« exclaimed he springing upon the ground »Stop my
lord stop they are safe tis my mother«
At the same moment Marguerite threw herself from her horse clasped him in
her arms and covered him with kisses The other cavaliers stopped at the
exclamation
»The baroness Lindenberg« cried another of the strangers eagerly »Where is
she Is she not with you«
He stopped on beholding her lying senseless in my arms Hastily he caught
her from me The profound sleep in which she was plunged made him at first
tremble for her life but the beating of her heart soon reassured him
»God be thanked« said he »she has escaped unhurt«
I interrupted his joy by pointing out the brigands who continued to
approach No sooner had I mentioned them than the greatest part of the company
which appeared to be chiefly composed of soldiers hastened forward to meet
them The villains staid not to receive their attack Perceiving their danger
they turned the heads of their horses and fled into the wood whither they were
followed by our preservers In the mean while the stranger whom I guessed to be
the baron Lindenberg after thanking me for my care of his lady proposed our
returning with all speed to the town The baroness on whom the effects of the
opiate had not ceased to operate was placed before him Marguerite and her son
remounted their horses the barons domestics followed and we soon arrived at
the inn where he had taken his apartments
This was at the Austrian Eagle where my banker whom before my quitting
Paris I had apprised of my intention to visit Strasbourg had prepared lodgings
for me I rejoiced at this circumstance It gave me an opportunity of
cultivating the barons acquaintance which I foresaw would be of use to me in
Germany Immediately upon our arrival the lady was conveyed to bed A physician
was sent for who prescribed a medicine likely to counteract the effects of the
sleepy potion and after it had been poured down her throat she was committed
to the care of the hostess The baron then addressed himself to me and
entreated me to recount the particulars of this adventure I complied with his
request instantaneously for in pain respecting Stephanos fate whom I had
been compelled to abandon to the cruelty of the banditti I found it impossible
for me to repose till I had some news of him I received but too soon the
intelligence that my trusty servant had perished The soldiers who had pursued
the brigands returned while I was employed in relating my adventure to the
baron By their account I found that the robbers had been overtaken Guilt and
true courage are incompatible they had thrown themselves at the feet of their
pursuers had surrendered themselves without striking a blow had discovered
their secret retreat made known their signals by which the rest of the gang
might be seized and in short had betrayed every mark of cowardice and
baseness By this means the whole of the band consisting of near sixty persons
had been made prisoners bound and conducted to Strasbourg Some of the
soldiers hastened to the cottage one of the banditti serving them as guide
Their first visit was to the fatal barn where they were fortunate enough to
find two of the barons servants still alive though desperately wounded The
rest had expired beneath the swords of the robbers and of these my unhappy
Stephano was one
Alarmed at our escape the robbers in their haste to overtake us had
neglected to visit the cottage in consequence the soldiers found the two
waitingwomen unhurt and buried in the same deathlike slumber which had
overpowered their mistress There was nobody else found in the cottage except a
child not above four years old which the soldiers brought away with them We
were busying ourselves with conjectures respecting the birth of this little
unfortunate when Marguerite rushed into the room with the baby in her arms She
fell at the feet of the officer who was making us this report and blessed him a
thousand times for the preservation of her child
When the first burst of maternal tenderness was over I besought her to
declare by what means she had been united to a man whose principles seemed so
totally discordant with her own She bent her eyes downwards and wiped a few
tears from her cheek
»Gentlemen« said she after a silence of some minutes »I would request a
favour of you You have a right to know on whom you confer an obligation I will
not therefore stifle a confession which covers me with shame but permit me to
comprise it in as few words as possible
I was born in Strasbourg of respectable parents their names I must at
present conceal My father still lives and deserves not to be involved in my
infamy If you grant my request you shall be informed of my family name A
villain made himself master of my affections and to follow him I quitted my
fathers house Yet though my passions overpowered my virtue I sunk not into
that degeneracy of vice but too commonly the lot of women who make the first
false step I loved my seducer dearly loved him I was true to his bed this
baby and the youth who warned you my lord baron of your ladys danger are
the pledges of our affection Even at this moment I lament his loss though tis
to him that I owe all the miseries of my existence
He was of noble birth but he had squandered away his paternal inheritance
His relations considered him as a disgrace to their name and utterly discarded
him His excesses drew upon him the indignation of the police He was obliged to
fly from Strasbourg and saw no other resource from beggary than an union with
the banditti who infested the neighbouring forest and whose troop was chiefly
composed of young men of family in the same predicament with himself I was
determined not to forsake him I followed him to the cavern of the brigands and
shared with him the misery inseparable from a life of pillage But though I was
aware that our existence was supported by plunder I knew not all the horrible
circumstances attached to my lovers profession these he concealed from me with
the utmost care He was conscious that my sentiments were not sufficiently
depraved to look without horror upon assassination He supposed and with
justice that I should fly with detestation from the embraces of a murderer
Eight years of possession had not abated his love for me and he cautiously
removed from my knowledge every circumstance which might lead me to suspect the
crimes in which he but too often participated He succeeded perfectly It was
not till after my seducers death that I discovered his hands to have been
stained with the blood of innocence
One fatal night he was brought back to the cavern covered with wounds he
received them in attacking an English traveller whom his companions immediately
sacrificed to their resentment He had only time to entreat my pardon for all
the sorrows which he had caused me he pressed my hand to his lips and expired
My grief was inexpressible As soon as its violence abated I resolved to return
to Strasbourg to throw myself with my two children at my fathers feet and
implore his forgiveness though I little hoped to obtain it What was my
consternation when informed that no one entrusted with the secret of their
retreat was ever permitted to quit the troop of the banditti that I must give
up all hopes of ever rejoining society and consent instantly to accept one of
their band for my husband My prayers and remonstrances were vain They cast
lots to decide to whose possession I should fall I became the property of the
infamous Baptiste A robber who had once been a monk pronounced over us a
burlesque rather than a religious ceremony I and my children were delivered
into the hands of my new husband and he conveyed us immediately to his home
He assured me that he had long entertained for me the most ardent regard
but that friendship for my deceased lover had obliged him to stifle his desires
He endeavoured to reconcile me to my fate and for some time treated me with
respect and gentleness At length finding that my aversion rather increased
than diminished he obtained those favours by violence which I persisted to
refuse him No resource remained for me but to bear my sorrows with patience I
was conscious that I deserved them but too well Flight was forbidden My
children were in the power of Baptiste and he had sworn that if I attempted to
escape their lives should pay for it I had had too many opportunities of
witnessing the barbarity of his nature to doubt his fulfilling his oath to the
very letter Sad experience had convinced me of the horrors of my situation My
first lover had carefully concealed them from me Baptiste rather rejoiced in
opening my eyes to the cruelties of his profession and strove to familiarise me
with blood and slaughter
My nature was licentious and warm but not cruel my conduct had been
imprudent but my heart was not unprincipled Judge then what I must have felt
at being a continual witness of crimes the most horrible and revolting Judge
how I must have grieved at being united to a man who received the unsuspecting
guest with an air of openness and hospitality at the very moment that he
meditated his destruction Chagrin and discontent preyed upon my constitution
the few charms bestowed on me by nature withered away and the dejection of my
countenance denoted the sufferings of my heart I was tempted a thousand times
to put an end to my existence but the remembrance of my children held my hand
I trembled to leave my dear boys in my tyrants power and trembled yet more for
their virtue than their lives The second was still too young to benefit by my
instructions but in the heart of my eldest I laboured unceasingly to plant
those principles which might enable him to avoid the crimes of his parents He
listened to me with docility or rather with eagerness Even at his early age
he shewed that he was not calculated for the society of villains and the only
comfort which I enjoyed among my sorrows was to witness the dawning virtues of
my Theodore
Such was my situation when the perfidy of Don Alphonsos postillion
conducted him to the cottage His youth air and manners interested me most
forcibly in his behalf The absence of my husbands sons gave me an opportunity
which I had long wished to find and I resolved to risque every thing to
preserve the stranger The vigilance of Baptiste prevented me from warning Don
Alphonso of his danger I knew that my betraying the secret would be immediately
punished with death and however embittered was my life by calamities I wanted
courage to sacrifice it for the sake of preserving that of another person My
only hope rested upon procuring succour from Strasbourg At this I resolved to
try and should an opportunity offer of warning Don Alphonso of his danger
unobserved I was determined to seize it with avidity By Baptistes orders I
went up stairs to make the strangers bed I spread upon it sheets in which a
traveller had been murdered but a few nights before and which still were
stained with blood I hoped that these marks would not escape the vigilance of
our guest and that he would collect from them the designs of my perfidious
husband Neither was this the only step which I took to preserve the stranger
Theodore was confined to his bed by illness I stole into his room unobserved by
my tyrant communicated to him my project and he entered into it with
eagerness He rose in spite of his malady and dressed himself with all speed I
fastened one of the sheets round his arms and lowered him from the window He
flew to the stable took Claudes horse and hastened to Strasbourg Had he been
accosted by the banditti he was to have declared himself sent upon a message by
Baptiste but fortunately he reached the town without meeting any obstacle
Immediately upon his arrival at Strasbourg he entreated assistance from the
magistrate his story passed from mouth to mouth and at length came to the
knowledge of my lord the baron Anxious for the safety of his lady who he knew
would be upon the road that evening it struck him that she might have fallen
into the power of the robbers He accompanied Theodore who guided the soldiers
towards the cottage and arrived just in time to save us from falling once more
into the hands of our enemies«
Here I interrupted Marguerite to enquire why the sleepy potion had been
presented to me She said that Baptiste supposed me to have arms about me and
wished to incapacitate me from making resistance it was a precaution which he
always took since as the travellers had no hopes of escaping despair would
have incited them to sell their lives dearly
The baron then desired Marguerite to inform him what were her present plans
I joined him in declaring my readiness to shew my gratitude to her for the
preservation of my life
»Disgusted with a world« she replied »in which I have met with nothing but
misfortunes my only wish is to retire into a convent But first I must provide
for my children I find that my mother is no more probably driven to an
untimely grave by my desertion My father is still living He is not an hard
man Perhaps gentlemen in spite of my ingratitude and imprudence your
intercessions may induce him to forgive me and to take charge of his
unfortunate grandsons If you obtain this boon for me you will repay my
services a thousandfold«
Both the baron and myself assured Marguerite that we would spare no pains
to obtain her pardon and that even should her father be inflexible she need
be under no apprehensions respecting the fate of her children I engaged myself
to provide for Theodore and the baron promised to take the youngest under his
protection The grateful mother thanked us with tears for what she called
generosity but which in fact was no more than a proper sense of our obligations
to her She then left the room to put her little boy to bed whom fatigue and
sleep had completely overpowered
The baroness on recovering and being informed from what dangers I had
rescued her set no bounds to the expressions of her gratitude She was joined
so warmly by her husband in pressing me to accompany them to their castle in
Bavaria that I found it impossible to resist their entreaties During a week
which we passed at Strasbourg the interests of Marguerite were not forgotten
In our application to her father we succeeded as amply as we could wish The
good old man had lost his wife He had no children but this unfortunate
daughter of whom he had received no news for almost fourteen years He was
surrounded by distant relations who waited with impatience for his decease in
order to get possession of his money When therefore Marguerite appeared again
so unexpectedly he considered her as a gift from Heaven He received her and
her children with open arms and insisted upon their establishing themselves in
his house without delay The disappointed cousins were obliged to give place
The old man would not hear of his daughters retiring into a convent He said
that she was too necessary to his happiness and she was easily persuaded to
relinquish her designs But no persuasions could induce Theodore to give up the
plan which I had at first marked out for him He had attached himself to me most
sincerely during my stay at Strasbourg and when I was on the point of leaving
it he besought me with tears to take him into my service He set forth all his
little talents in the most favourable colours and tried to convince me that I
should find him of infinite use to me upon the road I was unwilling to charge
myself with a lad scarcely turned of thirteen who I knew could only be a
burthen to me however I could not resist the entreaties of this affectionate
youth who in fact possessed a thousand estimable qualities With some
difficulty he persuaded his relations to let him follow me and that permission
once obtained he was dubbed with the title of my page Having passed a week at
Strasbourg Theodore and myself set out for Bavaria in company with the baron
and his lady These latter as well as myself had forced Marguerite to accept
several presents of value both for herself and her youngest son On leaving
her I promised his mother faithfully that I would restore Theodore to her
within the year
I have related this adventure at length Lorenzo that you might understand
the means by which »the adventurer Alphonso dAlvarada got introduced into the
castle of Lindenberg« Judge from this specimen how much faith should be given
to your aunts assertions
Chapter IV
Avaunt and quit my sight Let the earth hide thee
Thy bones are marrowless thy blood is cold
Thou hast no speculation in those eyes
Which thou dost glare with Hence horrible shadow
Unreal mockery hence
Macbeth
Continuation of the History of Don Raymond
My journey was uncommonly agreeable I found the baron a man of some sense but
little knowledge of the world He had passed a great part of his life without
stirring beyond the precincts of his own domains and consequently his manners
were far from being the most polished but he was hearty goodhumoured and
friendly His attention to me was all that I could wish and I had every reason
to be satisfied with his behaviour His ruling passion was hunting which he had
brought himself to consider as a serious occupation and when talking over some
remarkable chace he treated the subject with as much gravity as it had been a
battle on which the fate of two kingdoms was depending I happened to be a
tolerable sportsman soon after my arrival at Lindenberg I gave some proofs of
my dexterity The baron immediately marked me down for a man of genius and
vowed to me an eternal friendship
That friendship was become to me by no means indifferent At the castle of
Lindenberg I beheld for the first time your sister the lovely Agnes For me
whose heart was unoccupied and who grieved at the void to see her and to love
her were the same I found in Agnes all that was requisite to secure my
affection She was then scarcely sixteen her person light and elegant was
already formed she possessed several talents in perfection particularly those
of music and drawing her character was gay open and goodhumoured and the
graceful simplicity of her dress and manners formed an advantageous contrast to
the art and studied coquetry of the Parisian dames whom I had just quitted
From the moment that I beheld her I felt the most lively interest in her fate
I made many enquiries respecting her of the baroness
»She is my niece« replied that lady »you are still ignorant Don Alphonso
that I am your countrywoman I am sister to the duke of Medina Celi Agnes is
the daughter of my second brother Don Gaston she has been destined to the
convent from her cradle and will soon make her profession at Madrid«
Here Lorenzo interrupted the marquis by an exclamation of surprise
»Intended for the convent from her cradle« said he »By heaven this is the
first word that I ever heard of such a design«
»I believe it my dear Lorenzo« answered Don Raymond »but you must listen
to me with patience You will not be less surprised when I relate some
particulars of your family still unknown to you and which I have learnt from
the mouth of Agnes herself«
He then resumed his narrative as follows
You cannot but be aware that your parents were unfortunately slaves to the
grossest superstition when this foible was called into play their every other
sentiment their every other passion yielded to its irresistible strength
While she was big with Agnes your mother was seized by a dangerous illness and
given over by her physicians In this situation Donna Inesilla vowed that if
she recovered from her malady the child then living in her bosom if a girl
should be dedicated to St Clare if a boy to St Benedict Her prayers were
heard she got rid of her complaint Agnes entered the world alive and was
immediately destined to the service of St Clare
Don Gaston readily chimed in with his ladys wishes but knowing the
sentiments of the duke his brother respecting a monastic life it was
determined that your sisters destination should be carefully concealed from
him The better to guard the secret it was resolved that Agnes should accompany
her aunt Donna Rodolpha into Germany whither that lady was on the point of
following her newmarried husband baron Lindenberg On her arrival at that
estate the young Agnes was put into a convent situated but a few miles from
the castle The nuns to whom her education was confided performed their charge
with exactitude they made her a perfect mistress of many accomplishments and
strove to infuse into her mind a taste for the retirement and tranquil pleasures
of a convent But a secret instinct made the young recluse sensible that she was
not born for solitude in all the freedom of youth and gaiety she scrupled not
to treat as ridiculous many ceremonies which the nuns regarded with awe and she
was never more happy than when her lively imagination inspired her with some
scheme to plague the stiff lady abbess or the ugly illtempered old porteress
She looked with disgust upon the prospect before her however no alternative
was offered to her and she submitted to the decree of her parents though not
without secret repining
That repugnance she had not art enough to conceal long Don Gaston was
informed of it Alarmed Lorenzo lest your affection for her should oppose
itself to his projects and lest you should positively object to your sisters
misery he resolved to keep the whole affair from your knowledge as well as the
dukes till the sacrifice should be consummated The season of her taking the
veil was fixed for the time when you should be upon your travels in the mean
while no hint was dropped of Donna Inesillas fatal vow Your sister was never
permitted to know your direction All your letters were read before she received
them and those parts effaced which were likely to nourish her inclination for
the world her answers were dictated either by her aunt or by dame Cunegonda
her governess These particulars I learnt partly from Agnes partly from the
baroness herself
I immediately determined upon rescuing this lovely girl from a fate so
contrary to her inclinations and illsuited to her merit I endeavoured to
ingratiate myself into her favour I boasted of my friendship and intimacy with
you She listened to me with avidity she seemed to devour my words while I
spoke in your praise and her eyes thanked me for my affection to her brother
My constant and unremitted attention at length gained me her heart and with
difficulty I obliged her to confess that she loved me When however I proposed
her quitting the castle of Lindenberg she rejected the idea in positive terms
»Be generous Alphonso« she said »you possess my heart but use not the
gift ignobly Employ not your ascendancy over me in persuading me to take a step
at which I should hereafter have to blush I am young and deserted my brother
my only friend is separated from me and my other relations act with me as my
enemies Take pity on my unprotected situation Instead of seducing me to an
action which would cover me with shame strive rather to gain the affections of
those who govern me The baron esteems you My aunt to others ever harsh
proud and contemptuous remembers that you rescued her from the hands of
murderers and wears with you alone the appearance of kindness and benignity
Try then your influence over my guardians If they consent to our union my hand
is yours From your account of my brother I cannot doubt your obtaining his
approbation and when they find the impossibility of executing their design I
trust that my parents will excuse my disobedience and expiate by some other
sacrifice my mothers fatal vow«
From the first moment that I beheld Agnes I had endeavoured to conciliate
the favour of her relations Authorised by the confession of her regard I
redoubled my exertions My principal battery was directed against the baroness
it was easy to discover that her word was law in the castle her husband paid
her the most absolute submission and considered her as a superior being She
was about forty in her youth she had been a beauty but her charms had been
upon that large scale which can but ill sustain the shock of years however she
still possessed some remains of them Her understanding was strong and excellent
when not obscured by prejudice which unluckily was but seldom the case Her
passions were violent she spared no pains to gratify them and pursued with
unremitting vengeance those who opposed themselves to her wishes The warmest of
friends the most inveterate of enemies such was the baroness Lindenberg
I laboured incessantly to please her unluckily I succeeded but too well
She seemed gratified by my attention and treated me with a distinction accorded
by her to no one else One of my daily occupations was reading to her for
several hours those hours I should much rather have passed with Agnes but as I
was conscious that complaisance for her aunt would advance our union I
submitted with a good grace to the penance imposed upon me Donna Rodolphas
library was principally composed of old Spanish romances these were her
favourite studies and once a day one of these unmerciful volumes was put
regularly into my hands I read the wearisome adventures of »Perceforest« »
Tirante the White« »Palmerin of England« and »the Knight of the Sun« till the
book was on the point of falling from my hands through ennui However the
increasing pleasure which the baroness seemed to take in my society encouraged
me to persevere and latterly she shewed for me a partiality so marked that
Agnes advised me to seize the first opportunity of declaring our mutual passion
to her aunt
One evening I was alone with Donna Rodolpha in her own apartment As our
readings generally treated of love Agnes was never permitted to assist at them
I was just congratulating myself on having finished »the Loves of Tristan and
the Queen Iseult «
»Ah the unfortunates« cried the baroness »How say you Segnor Do you
think it possible for man to feel an attachment so disinterested and sincere«
»I cannot doubt it« replied I »my own heart furnishes me with the
certainty Ah Donna Rodolpha might I but hope for your approbation of my love
might I but confess the name of my mistress without incurring your resentment«
She interrupted me
»Suppose I were to spare you that confession Suppose I were to acknowledge
that the object of your desires is not unknown to me Suppose I were to say
that she returns your affection and laments not less sincerely than yourself
the unhappy vows which separate her from you«
»Ah Donna Rodolpha« I exclaimed throwing myself upon my knees before her
and pressing her hand to my lips »you have discovered my secret What is your
decision Must I despair or may I reckon upon your favour«
She withdrew not the hand which I held but she turned from me and covered
her face with the other
»How can I refuse it you« she replied »Ah Don Alphonso I have long
perceived to whom your attentions were directed but till now I perceived not
the impression which they made upon my heart At length I can no longer hide my
weakness either from myself or from you I yield to the violence of my passion
and own that I adore you For three long months I stifled my desires but
growing stronger by resistance I submit to their impetuosity Pride fear and
honour respect for myself and my engagements to the baron all are vanquished
I sacrifice them to my love for you and it still seems to me that I pay too
mean a price for your possession«
She paused for an answer Judge my Lorenzo what must have been my
confusion at this discovery I at once saw all the magnitude of this obstacle
which I had myself raised to my happiness The baroness had placed those
attentions to her own account which I had merely paid her for the sake of
Agnes and the strength of her expressions the looks which accompanied them
and my knowledge of her revengeful disposition made me tremble for myself and
my beloved I was silent for some minutes I knew not how to reply to her
declaration I could only resolve to clear up the mistake without delay and for
the present to conceal from her knowledge the name of my mistress No sooner had
she avowed her passion than the transports which before were evident in my
features gave place to consternation and constraint I dropped her hand and
rose from my knees The change in my countenance did not escape her observation
»What means this silence« said she in a trembling voice »Where is that joy
which you led me to expect«
»Forgive me Segnora« I answered »if what necessity forces from me should
seem harsh and ungrateful To encourage you in an error which however it may
flatter myself must prove to you the source of disappointment would make me
appear criminal in every eye Honour obliges me to inform you that you have
mistaken for the solicitude of love what was only the attention of friendship
The latter sentiment is that which I wished to excite in your bosom to
entertain a warmer respect for you forbids me and gratitude for the barons
generous treatment Perhaps these reasons would not be sufficient to shield me
from your attractions were it not that my affections are already bestowed upon
another You have charms Segnora which might captivate the most insensible no
heart unoccupied could resist them Happy is it for me that mine is no longer
in my possession or I should have to reproach myself for ever with having
violated the laws of hospitality Recollect yourself noble lady recollect what
is owed by you to honour by me to the baron and replace by esteem and
friendship those sentiments which I never can return«
The baroness turned pale at this unexpected and positive declaration she
doubted whether she slept or woke At length recovering from her surprise
consternation gave place to rage and the blood rushed back into her cheeks with
violence
»Villain« she cried »Monster of deceit Thus is the avowal of my love
received Is it thus that but no no it cannot it shall not be Alphonso
behold me at your feet Be witness of my despair Look with pity on a woman who
loves you with sincere affection She who possesses your heart how has she
merited such a treasure What sacrifice has she made to you What raises her
above Rodolpha«
I endeavoured to lift her from her knees
»For Gods sake Segnora restrain these transports they disgrace yourself
and me Your exclamations may be heard and your secret divulged to your
attendants I see that my presence only irritates you permit me to retire«
I prepared to quit the apartment the baroness caught me suddenly by the
arm
»And who is this happy rival« said she in a menacing tone »I will know her
name and when I know it She is some one in my power you entreated my
favour my protection Let me but find her let me but know who dares to rob me
of your heart and she shall suffer every torment which jealousy and
disappointment can inflict Who is she Answer me this moment Hope not to
conceal her from my vengeance Spies shall be set over you every step every
look shall be watched your eyes will discover my rival I shall know her and
when she is found, tremble Alphonso for her and for yourself«
As she uttered these last words her fury mounted to such a pitch as to stop
her powers of respiration She panted groaned and at length fainted away As
she was falling I caught her in my arms and placed her upon a sopha Then
hastening to the door I summoned her women to her assistance I committed her
to their care and seized the opportunity of escaping
Agitated and confused beyond expression I bent my steps towards the garden
The benignity with which the baroness had listened to me at first raised my
hopes to the highest pitch I imagined her to have perceived my attachment for
her niece and to approve of it Extreme was my disappointment at understanding
the true purport of her discourse I knew not what course to take the
superstition of the parents of Agnes aided by her aunts unfortunate passion
seemed to oppose such obstacles to our union as were almost insurmountable
As I passed by a low parlour whose windows looked into the garden through
the door which stood half open I observed Agnes seated at a table She was
occupied in drawing and several unfinished sketches were scattered round her I
entered still undetermined whether I should acquaint her with the declaration
of the baroness
»Oh is it only you« said she raising her head »You are no stranger and
I shall continue my occupation without ceremony Take a chair and seat yourself
by me«
I obeyed and placed myself near the table Unconscious what I was doing
and totally occupied by the scene which had just passed I took up some of the
drawings and cast my eyes over them One of the subjects struck me from its
singularity It represented the great hall of the castle of Lindenberg A door
conducting to a narrow staircase stood half open In the foreground appeared a
group of figures placed in the most grotesque attitudes terror was expressed
upon every countenance Here was one upon his knees with his eyes cast up to
heaven and praying most devoutly there another was creeping away upon all
fours Some hid their faces in their cloaks or the laps of their companions
some had concealed themselves beneath a table on which the remnants of a feast
were visible while others with gaping mouths and eyes widestretched pointed
to a figure supposed to have created this disturbance It represented a female
of more than human stature clothed in the habit of some religious order Her
face was veiled on her arm hung a chaplet of beads her dress was in several
places stained with the blood which trickled from a wound upon her bosom In one
hand she held a lamp in the other a large knife and she seemed advancing
towards the iron gates of the hall
»What does this mean Agnes« said I »Is this some invention of your own«
She cast her eyes upon the drawing
»Oh no« she replied »tis the invention of much wiser heads than mine
But can you possibly have lived at Lindenberg for three whole months without
hearing of the bleeding nun«
»You are the first who ever mentioned the name to me Pray who may the lady
be«
»That is more than I can pretend to tell you All my knowledge of her
history comes from an old tradition in this family which has been handed down
from father to son and is firmly credited throughout the barons domains Nay
the baron believes it himself and as for my aunt who has a natural turn for
the marvellous she would sooner doubt the veracity of the Bible than of the
bleeding nun Shall I tell you this history«
I answered that she would oblige me much by relating it she resumed her
drawing and then proceeded as follows in a tone of burlesqued gravity
»It is surprising that in all the chronicles of past times this remarkable
personage is never once mentioned Fain would I recount to you her life but
unluckily till after her death she was never known to have existed Then first
did she think it necessary to make some noise in the world and with that
intention she made bold to seize upon the castle of Lindenberg Having a good
taste she took up her abode in the best room of the house and once established
there she began to amuse herself by knocking about the tables and chairs in the
middle of the night Perhaps she was a bad sleeper but this I have never been
able to ascertain According to the tradition this entertainment commenced
about a century ago It was accompanied with shrieking howling groaning
swearing and many other agreeable noises of the same kind But though one
particular room was more especially honoured with her visits she did not
entirely confine herself to it She occasionally ventured into the old
galleries paced up and down the spacious halls or sometimes stopping at the
doors of the chambers she wept and wailed there to the universal terror of the
inhabitants In these nocturnal excursions she was seen by different people who
all describe her appearance as you behold it here traced by the hand of her
unworthy historian«
The singularity of this account insensibly engaged my attention
»Did she never speak to those who met her« said I
»Not she The specimens indeed which she gave nightly of her talents for
conversation were by no means inviting Sometimes the castle rung with oaths
and execrations a moment after she repeated her paternoster now she howled out
the most horrible blasphemies and then chaunted De profundis as orderly as if
still in the choir In short she seemed a mighty capricious being but whether
she prayed or cursed whether she was impious or devout she always contrived to
terrify her auditors out of their senses The castle became scarcely habitable
and its lord was so frightened by these midnight revels that one fine morning
he was found dead in his bed This success seemed to please the nun mightily
for now she made more noise than ever But the next baron proved too cunning for
her He made his appearance with a celebrated exorciser in his hand who feared
not to shut himself up for a night in the haunted chamber There it seems that
he had a hard battle with the ghost before she would promise to be quiet She
was obstinate but he was more so and at length she consented to let the
inhabitants of the castle take a good nights rest For some time after no news
was heard of her But at the end of five years the exorciser died and then the
nun ventured to peep abroad again However she was now grown much more
tractable and wellbehaved She walked about in silence and never made her
appearance above once in five years This custom if you will believe the baron
she still continues He is fully persuaded that on the fifth of May of every
fifth year as soon as the clock strikes one the door of the haunted chamber
opens Observe that this room has been shut up for near a century Then out
walks the ghostly nun with her lamp and dagger she descends the staircase of
the eastern tower and crosses the great hall On that night the porter always
leaves the gates of the castle open out of respect to the apparition not that
this is thought by any means necessary since she could easily whip through the
keyhole if she chose it but merely out of politeness and to prevent her from
making her exit in a way so derogatory to the dignity of her ghostship«
»And whither does she go on quitting the castle«
»To heaven I hope but if she does the place certainly is not to her
taste for she always returns after an hours absence The lady then retires to
her chamber and is quiet for another five years«
»And you believe this Agnes«
»How can you ask such a question No no Alphonso I have too much reason
to lament superstitions influence to be its victim myself However I must not
avow my incredulity to the baroness she entertains not a doubt of the truth of
this history As to dame Cunegonda my governess she protests that fifteen
years ago she saw the spectre with her own eyes She related to me one evening
how she and several other domestics had been terrified while at supper by the
appearance of the bleeding nun as the ghost is called in the castle tis from
her account that I drew this sketch and you may be certain that Cunegonda was
not omitted There she is I shall never forget what a passion she was in and
how ugly she looked while she scolded me for having made her picture so like
herself«
Here she pointed to a burlesque figure of an old woman in an attitude of
terror
In spite of the melancholy which oppressed me I could not help smiling at
the playful imagination of Agnes she had perfectly preserved dame Cunegondas
resemblance but had so much exaggerated every fault and rendered every feature
so irresistibly laughable that I could easily conceive the duennas anger
»The figure is admirable my dear Agnes I knew not that you possessed such
talents for the ridiculous«
»Stay a moment« she replied »I will shew you a figure still more
ridiculous than dame Cunegondas If it pleases you you may dispose of it as
seems best to yourself«
She rose and went to a cabinet at some little distance unlocking a drawer
she took out a small case which she opened and presented to me
»Do you know the resemblance« said she smiling
It was her own
Transported at the gift I pressed the portrait to my lips with passion I
threw myself at her feet and declared my gratitude in the warmest and most
affectionate terms She listened to me with complaisance and assured me that
she shared my sentiments when suddenly she uttered a loud shriek disengaged
the hand which I held and flew from the room by a door which opened to the
garden Amazed at this abrupt departure I rose hastily from my knees I beheld
with confusion the baroness standing near me glowing with jealousy and almost
choaked with rage On recovering from her swoon she had tortured her
imagination to discover her concealed rival No one appeared to deserve her
suspicions more than Agnes She immediately hastened to find her niece tax her
with encouraging my addresses and assure herself whether her conjectures were
wellgrounded Unfortunately she had already seen enough to need no other
confirmation She arrived at the door of the room at the precise moment when
Agnes gave me her portrait She heard me profess an everlasting attachment to
her rival and saw me kneeling at her feet She advanced to separate us we were
too much occupied by each other to perceive her approach and were not aware of
it till Agnes beheld her standing by my side
Rage on the part of Donna Rodolpha embarrassment on mine for some time
kept us both silent The lady recovered herself first
»My suspicions then were just« said she »the coquetry of my niece has
triumphed and tis to her that I am sacrificed In one respect however I am
fortunate I shall not be the only one who laments a disappointed passion You
too shall know what it is to love without hope I daily expect orders for
restoring Agnes to her parents Immediately upon her arrival in Spain she will
take the veil and place an insuperable barrier to your union You may spare
your supplications« She continued perceiving me on the point of speaking »My
resolution is fixed and immoveable Your mistress shall remain a close prisoner
in her chamber till she exchanges this castle for the cloister Solitude will
perhaps recall her to a sense of her duty but to prevent your opposing that
wished event I must inform you Don Alphonso that your presence here is no
longer agreeable either to the baron or myself It was not to talk nonsense to
my niece that your relations sent you to Germany your business was to travel
and I should be sorry to impede any longer so excellent a design Farewell
Segnor remember that tomorrow morning we meet for the last time«
Having said this she darted upon me a look of pride contempt and malice
and quitted the apartment I also retired to mine and consumed the night in
planning the means of rescuing Agnes from the power of her tyrannical aunt
After the positive declaration of its mistress it was impossible for me to
make a longer stay at the castle of Lindenberg Accordingly I the next day
announced my immediate departure The baron declared that it gave him sincere
pain and he expressed himself in my favour so warmly that I endeavoured to win
him over to my interest Scarcely had I mentioned the name of Agnes when he
stopped me short and said that it was totally out of his power to interfere in
the business I saw that it was in vain to argue the baroness governed her
husband with despotic sway and I easily perceived that she had prejudiced him
against the match Agnes did not appear I entreated permission to take leave of
her but my prayer was rejected I was obliged to depart without seeing her
At quitting him the baron shook my hand affectionately and assured me
that as soon as his niece was gone I might consider his house as my own
»Farewell Don Alphonso« said the baroness and stretched out her hand to
me
I took it and offered to carry it to my lips She prevented me Her husband
was at the other end of the room and out of hearing
»Take care of yourself« she continued »my love is become hatred and my
wounded pride shall not be unatoned Go where you will my vengeance shall
follow you«
She accompanied these words with a look sufficient to make me tremble I
answered not but hastened to quit the castle
As my chaise drove out of the court I looked up to the windows of your
sisters chamber nobody was to be seen there I threw myself back despondent in
my carriage I was attended by no other servants than a Frenchman whom I had
hired at Strasbourg in Stephanos room and my little page whom I before
mentioned to you The fidelity intelligence and good temper of Theodore had
already made him dear to me but he now prepared to lay an obligation on me
which made me look upon him as a guardian genius Scarcely had we proceeded half
a mile from the castle when he rode up to the chaise door
»Take courage Segnor« said he in Spanish which he had already learnt to
speak with fluency and correctness »While you were with the baron I watched
the moment when dame Cunegonda was below stairs and mounted into the chamber
over that of donna Agnes I sang as loud as I could a little German air well
known to her hoping that she would recollect my voice I was not disappointed
for I soon heard her window open I hastened to let down a string with which I
had provided myself Upon hearing the casement closed again I drew up the
string and fastened to it I found this scrap of paper«
He then presented me with a small note addressed to me I opened it with
impatience It contained the following words written in pencil
»Conceal yourself for the next fortnight in some neighbouring village
My aunt will believe you to have quitted Lindenberg and I shall be
restored to liberty I will be in the west pavilion at twelve on the
night of the thirtieth Fail not to be there and we shall have an
opportunity of concerting our future plans Adieu
AGNES«
At perusing these lines my transports exceeded all bounds neither did I set any
to the expressions of gratitude which I heaped upon Theodore In fact his
address and attention merited my warmest praise You will readily believe that I
had not entrusted him with my passion for Agnes but the arch youth had too much
discernment not to discover my secret and too much discretion not to conceal
his knowledge of it He observed in silence what was going on nor strove to
make himself an agent in the business till my interests required his
interference I equally admired his judgment his penetration his address and
his fidelity This was not the first occasion in which I had found him of
infinite use and I was every day more convinced of his quickness and capacity
During my short stay at Strasbourg he had applied himself diligently to
learning the rudiments of Spanish He continued to study it and with so much
success that he spoke it with the same facility as his native language He
passed the greatest part of his time in reading He had acquired much
information for his age and united the advantages of a lively countenance and
prepossessing figure to an excellent understanding and the very best of hearts
He is now fifteen He is still in my service and when you see him I am sure
that he will please you But excuse this digression I return to the subject
which I quitted
I obeyed the instructions of Agnes I proceeded to Munich there I left my
chaise under the care of Lucas my French servant and then returned on
horseback to a small village about four miles distant from the castle of
Lindenberg Upon arriving there a story was related to the host at whose inn I
alighted which prevented his wondering at my making so long a stay in his
house The old man fortunately was credulous and incurious he believed all I
said and sought to know no more than what I thought proper to tell him Nobody
was with me but Theodore both were disguised and as we kept ourselves close
we were not suspected to be other than what we seemed In this manner the
fortnight passed away During that time I had the pleasing conviction that Agnes
was once more at liberty She passed through the village with dame Cunegonda
she seemed in good health and spirits and talked to her companion without any
appearance of constraint
»Who are those ladies« said I to my host as the carriage passed
»Baron Lindenbergs niece with her governess« he replied »she goes
regularly every Friday to the convent of St Catharine in which she was brought
up and which is situated about a mile from hence«
You may be certain that I waited with impatience for the ensuing Friday I
again beheld my lovely mistress She cast her eyes upon me as she passed the inn
door A blush which overspread her cheek told me that in spite of my disguise
I had been recognised I bowed profoundly She returned the compliment by a
slight inclination of the head as if made to one inferior and looked another
way till the carriage was out of sight
The longexpected long wishedfor night arrived It was calm and the moon
was at the full As soon as the clock struck eleven I hastened to my
appointment determined not to be too late Theodore had provided a ladder I
ascended the garden wall without difficulty The page followed me and drew the
ladder after us I posted myself in the west pavilion and waited impatiently
for the approach of Agnes Every breeze that whispered every leaf that fell I
believed to be her footstep and hastened to meet her Thus was I obliged to
pass a full hour every minute of which appeared to me an age The castle bell
at length tolled twelve and scarcely could I believe the night to be no farther
advanced Another quarter of an hour elapsed and I heard the light foot of my
mistress approaching the pavilion with precaution I flew to receive her and
conducted her to a seat I threw myself at her feet and was expressing my joy
at seeing her when she thus interrupted me
»We have no time to lose Alphonso the moments are precious for though no
more a prisoner Cunegonda watches my every step An express is arrived from my
father I must depart immediately for Madrid and tis with difficulty that I
have obtained a weeks delay The superstition of my parents supported by the
representations of my cruel aunt leaves me no hope of softening them to
compassion In this dilemma I have resolved to commit myself to your honour
God grant that you may never give me cause to repent my resolution Flight is my
only resource from the horrors of a convent and my imprudence must be excused
by the urgency of the danger Now listen to the plan by which I hope to effect
my escape
We are now at the thirtieth of April On the fifth day from this the
visionary nun is expected to appear In my last visit to the convent I provided
myself with a dress proper for the character A friend whom I have left there
and to whom I made no scruple to confide my secret readily consented to supply
me with a religious habit Provide a carriage and be with it at a little
distance from the great gate of the castle As soon as the clock strikes one I
shall quit my chamber dressed in the same apparel as the ghost is supposed to
wear Whoever meets me will be too much terrified to oppose my escape I shall
easily reach the door and throw myself under your protection Thus far success
is certain but oh Alphonso should you deceive me Should you despise my
imprudence and reward it with ingratitude the world will not hold a being more
wretched than myself I feel all the dangers to which I shall be exposed I feel
that I am giving you a right to treat me with levity but I rely upon your love
upon your honour The step which I am on the point of taking will incense my
relations against me Should you desert me should you betray the trust reposed
in you I shall have no friend to punish your insult or support my cause On
yourself alone rests all my hope and if your own heart does not plead in my
behalf I am undone for ever«
The tone in which she pronounced these words was so touching that in spite
of my joy at receiving her promise to follow me I could not help being
affected I also repined in secret at not having taken the precaution to provide
a carriage at the village in which case I might have carried off Agnes that
very night Such an attempt was now impracticable neither carriage nor horses
were to be procured nearer than Munich which was distant from Lindenberg two
good days journey I was therefore obliged to chime in with her plan which in
truth seemed well arranged Her disguise would secure her from being stopped in
quitting the castle and would enable her to step into the carriage at the very
gate without difficulty or losing time
Agnes reclined her head mournfully upon my shoulder and by the light of
the moon I saw tears flowing down her cheek I strove to dissipate her
melancholy and encouraged her to look forward to the prospect of happiness I
protested in the most solemn terms that her virtue and innocence would be safe
in my keeping and that till the church had made her my lawful wife her honour
should be held by me as sacred as a sisters I told her that my first care
should be to find you out Lorenzo and reconcile you to our union and I was
continuing to speak in the same strain when a noise without alarmed me
Suddenly the door of the pavilion was thrown open and Cunegonda stood before
us She had heard Agnes steal out of her chamber followed her into the garden
and perceived her entering the pavilion Favoured by the trees which shaded it
and unperceived by Theodore who waited at a little distance she had approached
in silence and overheard our whole conversation
»Admirable« cried Cunegonda in a voice shrill with passion while Agnes
uttered a loud shriek »By St Barbara young lady you have an excellent
invention You must personate the bleeding nun truly What impiety What
incredulity Marry I have a good mind to let you pursue your plan When the
real ghost met you I warrant you would be in a pretty condition Don Alphonso
you ought to be ashamed of yourself for seducing a young ignorant creature to
leave her family and friends However for this time at least I shall mar your
wicked designs The noble lady shall be informed of the whole affair and Agnes
must defer playing the spectre till a better opportunity Farewell Segnor
Donna Agnes let me have the honour of conducting your ghostship back to your
apartment«
She approached the sopha on which her trembling pupil was seated took her
by the hand and prepared to lead her from the pavilion
I detained her and strove by entreaties soothing promises and flattery
to win her to my party but finding all that I could say of no avail I
abandoned the vain attempt
»Your obstinacy must be its own punishment« said I »but one resource
remains to save Agnes and myself and I shall not hesitate to employ it«
Terrified at this menace she again endeavoured to quit the pavilion but I
seized her by the wrist and detained her forcibly At the same moment Theodore
who had followed her into the room closed the door and prevented her escape I
took the veil of Agnes I threw it round the duennas head who uttered such
piercing shrieks that in spite of our distance from the castle I dreaded their
being heard At length I succeeded in gagging her so completely that she could
not produce a single sound Theodore and myself with some difficulty next
contrived to bind her hands and feet with our handkerchiefs and I advised Agnes
to regain her chamber with all diligence I promised that no harm should happen
to Cunegonda bade her remember that on the fifth of May I should be in
waiting at the great gate of the castle and took of her an affectionate
farewell Trembling and uneasy she had scarce power enough to signify her
consent to my plans and fled back to her apartment in disorder and confusion
In the mean while Theodore assisted me in carrying off my antiquated prize
She was hoisted over the wall placed before me upon my horse like a
portmanteau and I galloped away with her from the castle of Lindenberg The
unlucky duenna never had made a more disagreeable journey in her life She was
jolted and shaken till she was become little more than an animated mummy not to
mention her fright when we waded through a small river through which it was
necessary to pass in order to regain the village Before we reached the inn I
had already determined how to dispose of the troublesome Cunegonda We entered
the street in which the inn stood and while the page knocked I waited at a
little distance The landlord opened the door with a lamp in his hand
»Give me the light« said Theodore »my master is coming«
He snatched the lamp hastily and purposely let it fall upon the ground The
landlord returned to the kitchen to relight the lamp leaving the door open I
profited by the obscurity sprang from my horse with Cunegonda in my arms
darted up stairs reached my chamber unperceived and unlocking the door of a
spacious closet stowed her within it and then turned the key The landlord and
Theodore soon after appeared with lights the former expressed himself surprised
at my returning so late but asked no impertinent questions He soon quitted the
room and left me to exult in the success of my undertaking
I immediately paid a visit to my prisoner I strove to persuade her
submitting with patience to her temporary confinement My attempt was
unsuccessful Unable to speak or move she expressed her fury by her looks and
except at meals I never dared to unbind her or release her from the gag At
such times I stood over her with a drawn sword and protested that if she
uttered a single cry I would plunge it in her bosom As soon as she had done
eating the gag was replaced I was conscious that this proceeding was cruel
and could only be justified by the urgency of circumstances As to Theodore he
had no scruples upon the subject Cunegondas captivity entertained him beyond
measure During his abode in the castle a continual warfare had been carried on
between him and the duenna and now that he found his enemy so absolutely in
his power he triumphed without mercy he seemed to think of nothing but how to
find out new means of plaguing her Sometimes he affected to pity her
misfortune then laughed at abused and mimicked her he played her a thousand
tricks each more provoking than the other and amused himself by telling her
that her elopement must have occasioned much surprise at the barons This was
in fact the case No one except Agnes could imagine what was become of dame
Cunegonda Every hole and corner was searched for her the ponds were dragged
and the woods underwent a thorough examination Still no dame Cunegonda made her
appearance Agnes kept the secret and I kept the duenna the baroness
therefore remained in total ignorance respecting the old womans fate but
suspected her to have perished by suicide Thus passed away five days during
which I had prepared every thing necessary for my enterprise On quitting Agnes
I had made it my first business to dispatch a peasant with a letter to Lucas at
Munich ordering him to take care that a coach and four should arrive about ten
oclock on the fifth of May at the village of Rosenwald He obeyed my
instructions punctually the equipage arrived at the time appointed As the
period of her ladys elopement drew nearer Cunegondas rage increased I verily
believe that spite and passion would have killed her had I not luckily
discovered her prepossession in favour of cherrybrandy With this favourite
liquor she was plentifully supplied and Theodore always remaining to guard
her the gag was occasionally removed The liquor seemed to have a wonderful
effect in softening the acrimony of her nature and her confinement not
admitting of any other amusement she got drunk regularly once aday just by
way of passing the time
The fifth of May arrived a period by me never to be forgotten Before the
clock struck twelve I betook myself to the scene of action Theodore followed
me on horseback I concealed the carriage in a spacious cavern of the hill on
whose brow the castle was situated This cavern was of considerable depth and
among the peasants was known by the name of Lindenberg Hole The night was calm
and beautiful the moonbeams fell upon the antient towers of the castle and
shed upon their summits a silver light All was still around me nothing was to
be heard except the nightbreeze sighing among the leaves the distant barking
of village dogs or the owl who had established herself in a nook of the
deserted eastern turret I heard her melancholy shriek and looked upwards she
sat upon the ridge of a window which I recognized to be that of the haunted
room This brought to my remembrance the story of the bleeding nun and I sighed
while I reflected on the influence of superstition and weakness of human
reason. Suddenly I heard a faint chorus steal upon the silence of the night
»What can occasion that noise Theodore«
»A stranger of distinction« replied he »passed through the village today
in his way to the castle he is reported to be the father of Donna Agnes
Doubtless the baron has given an entertainment to celebrate his arrival«
The castle bell announced the hour of midnight This was the usual signal
for the family to retire to bed Soon after I perceived lights in the castle
moving backwards and forwards in different directions I conjectured the company
to be separating I could hear the heavy doors grate as they opened with
difficulty and as they closed again the rotten casements rattled in their
frames The chamber of Agnes was on the other side of the castle I trembled
lest she should have failed in obtaining the key of the haunted room Through
this it was necessary for her to pass in order to reach the narrow staircase
by which the ghost was supposed to descend into the great hall Agitated by this
apprehension I kept my eyes constantly fixed upon the window where I hoped to
perceive the friendly glare of a lamp borne by Agnes I now heard the massy
gates unbarred By the candle in his hand I distinguished old Conrad the
porter He set the portal doors wide open and retired The lights in the castle
gradually disappeared and at length the whole building was wrapt in darkness
While I sat upon a broken ridge of the hill the stillness of the scene
inspired me with melancholy ideas not altogether unpleasing The castle which
stood full in my sight formed an object equally awful and picturesque Its
ponderous walls tinged by the moon with solemn brightness its old and partly
ruined towers lifting themselves into the clouds and seeming to frown on the
plains around them its lofty battlements overgrown with ivy and folding
gates expanding in honour of the visionary inhabitant made me sensible of a
sad and reverential horror Yet did not these sensations occupy me so fully as
to prevent me from witnessing with impatience the slow progress of time I
approached the castle and ventured to walk round it A few rays of light still
glimmered in the chamber of Agnes I observed them with joy I was still gazing
upon them when I perceived a figure draw near the window and the curtain was
carefully closed to conceal the lamp which burned there Convinced by this
observation that Agnes had not abandoned our plan I returned with a light heart
to my former station
The halfhour struck The threequarters struck My bosom beat high with
hope and expectation At length the wishedfor sound was heard The bell tolled
one and the mansion echoed with the noise loud and solemn I looked up to the
casement of the haunted chamber Scarcely had five minutes elapsed when the
expected light appeared I was now close to the tower The window was not so far
from the ground but that I fancied I perceived a female figure with a lamp in
her hand moving slowly along the apartment The light soon faded away and all
was again dark and gloomy
Occasional gleams of brightness darted from the staircase windows as the
lovely ghost passed by them I traced the light through the hall it reached the
portal and at length I beheld Agnes pass through the folding gates She was
habited exactly as she had described the spectre A chaplet of beads hung upon
her arm her head was enveloped in a long white veil her nuns dress was
stained with blood and she had taken care to provide herself with a lamp and
dagger She advanced towards the spot where I stood I flew to meet her and
clasped her in my arms
»Agnes« said I while I pressed her to my bosom
»Agnes Agnes thou art mine
Agnes Agnes I am thine
In my veins while blood shall roll
Thou art mine
I am thine
Thine my body thine my soul«
Terrified and breathless she was unable to speak She dropped her lamp and
dagger and sunk upon my bosom in silence I raised her in my arms and conveyed
her to the carriage Theodore remained behind in order to release dame
Cunegonda I also charged him with a letter to the baroness explaining the
whole affair and entreating her good offices in reconciling Don Gaston to my
union with his daughter I discovered to her my real name I proved to her that
my birth and expectations justified my pretending to her niece and assured her
though it was out of my power to return her love that I would strive
unceasingly to obtain her esteem and friendship
I stepped into the carriage where Agnes was already seated Theodore closed
the door and the postillions drove away At first I was delighted with the
rapidity of our progress but as soon as we were in no danger of pursuit I
called to the drivers and bade them moderate their pace They strove in vain to
obey me the horses refused to answer the rein and continued to rush on with
astonishing swiftness The postillions redoubled their efforts to stop them
but by kicking and plunging the beasts soon released themselves from this
restraint Uttering a loud shriek the drivers were hurled upon the ground
Immediately thick clouds obscured the sky the winds howled around us the
lightning flashed and the thunder roared tremendously Never did I behold so
frightful a tempest Terrified by the jar of contending elements the horses
seemed every moment to increase their speed Nothing could interrupt their
career they dragged the carriage through hedges and ditches dashed down the
most dangerous precipices and seemed to vie in swiftness with the rapidity of
the winds
All this while my companion lay motionless in my arms Truly alarmed by the
magnitude of the danger I was in vain attempting to recall her to her senses
when a loud crash announced that a stop was put to our progress in the most
disagreeable manner The carriage was shattered to pieces In falling I struck
my temple against a flint The pain of the wound the violence of the shock and
apprehension for the safety of Agnes combined to overpower me so completely
that my senses forsook me and I lay without animation on the ground
I probably remained for some time in this situation since when I opened my
eyes it was broad daylight Several peasants were standing round me and
seemed disputing whether my recovery was possible I spoke German tolerably
well As soon as I could utter an articulate sound I enquired after Agnes What
was my surprise and distress when assured by the peasants that nobody had been
seen answering the description which I gave of her They told me that in going
to their daily labour they had been alarmed by observing the fragments of my
carriage and by hearing the groans of an horse the only one of the four which
remained alive the other three lay dead by my side Nobody was near me when
they came up and much time had been lost before they succeeded in recovering
me Uneasy beyond expression respecting the fate of my companion I besought the
peasants to disperse themselves in search of her I described her dress and
promised immense rewards to whoever brought me any intelligence As for myself
it was impossible for me to join in the pursuit I had broken two of my ribs in
the fall my arm being dislocated hung useless by my side and my left leg was
shattered so terribly that I never expected to recover its use
The peasants complied with my request all left me except four who made a
litter of boughs and prepared to convey me to the neighbouring town I enquired
its name it proved to be Ratisbon and I could scarcely persuade myself that I
had travelled to such a distance in a single night I told the countrymen that
at one oclock that morning I had passed through the village of Rosenwald They
shook their heads wistfully and made signs to each other that I must certainly
be delirious I was conveyed to a decent inn and immediately put to bed A
physician was sent for who set my arm with success he then examined my other
hurts and told me that I need be under no apprehension of the consequences of
any of them but ordered me to keep myself quiet and be prepared for a tedious
and painful cure I answered him that if he hoped to keep me quiet he must
first endeavour to procure me some news of a lady who had quitted Rosenwald in
my company the night before and had been with me at the moment when the coach
broke down He smiled and only replied by advising me to make myself easy for
that all proper care should be taken of me As he quitted me the hostess met
him at the door of the room
»The gentleman is not quite in his right senses« I heard him say to her in
a low voice »tis the natural consequence of his fall but that will soon be
over«
One after another the peasants returned to the inn and informed me that no
traces had been discovered of my unfortunate mistress Uneasiness now became
despair I entreated them to renew their search in the most urgent terms
doubling the promises which I had already made them My wild and frantic manner
confirmed the bystanders in the idea of my being delirious No signs of the
lady having appeared they believed her to be a creature fabricated by my
overheated brain and paid no attention to my entreaties However the hostess
assured me that a fresh enquiry should be made but I found afterwards that her
promise was only given to quiet me No further steps were taken in the business
Though my baggage was left at Munich under the care of my French servant
having prepared myself for a long journey my purse was amply furnished
besides my equipage proved me to be of distinction and in consequence all
possible attention was paid me at the inn The day passed away still no news
arrived of Agnes The anxiety of fear now gave place to despondency I ceased to
rave about her and was plunged in the depth of melancholy reflections
Perceiving me to be silent and tranquil my attendants believed my delirium to
have abated and that my malady had taken a favourable turn According to the
physicians order I swallowed a composing medicine and as soon as the night
shut in my attendants withdrew and left me to repose
That repose I wooed in vain The agitation of my bosom chased away sleep
Restless in my mind in spite of the fatigue of my body I continued to toss
about from side to side till the clock in a neighbouring steeple struck one As
I listened to the mournful hollow sound and heard it die away in the wind I
felt a sudden chillness spread itself over my body I shuddered without knowing
wherefore cold dews poured down my forehead and my hair stood bristling with
alarm Suddenly I heard slow and heavy steps ascending the staircase By an
involuntary movement I started up in my bed and drew back the curtain A single
rushlight which glimmered upon the hearth shed a faint gleam through the
apartment which was hung with tapestry The door was thrown open with violence
A figure entered and drew near my bed with solemn measured steps With
trembling apprehension I examined this midnight visitor God Almighty it was
the bleeding nun It was my lost companion Her face was still veiled but she
no longer held her lamp and dagger She lifted up her veil slowly What a sight
presented itself to my startled eyes I beheld before me an animated corse Her
countenance was long and haggard her cheeks and lips were bloodless the
paleness of death was spread over her features and her eyeballs fixed
stedfastly upon me were lustreless and hollow
I gazed upon the spectre with horror too great to be described My blood was
frozen in my veins I would have called for aid but the sound expired ere it
could pass my lips My nerves were bound up in impotence and I remained in the
same attitude inanimate as a statue
The visionary nun looked upon me for some minutes in silence there was
something petrifying in her regard At length in a low sepulchral voice she
pronounced the following words
»Raymond Raymond Thou art mine
Raymond Raymond I am thine
In thy veins while blood shall roll
I am thine
Thou art mine
Mine thy body Mine thy soul«
Breathless with fear I listened while she repeated my own expressions The
apparition seated herself opposite to me at the foot of the bed and was silent
Her eyes were fixed earnestly upon mine they seemed endowed with the property
of the rattlesnakes for I strove in vain to look off her My eyes were
fascinated and I had not the power of withdrawing them from the spectres
In this attitude she remained for a whole long hour without speaking or
moving nor was I able to do either At length the clock struck two The
apparition rose from her seat and approached the side of the bed She grasped
with her icy fingers my hand which hung lifeless upon the coverture and
pressing her cold lips to mine again repeated
»Raymond Raymond Thou art mine
Raymond Raymond I am thine« ampc
She then dropped my hand quitted the chamber with slow steps and the door
closed after her Till that moment the faculties of my body had been all
suspended those of my mind had alone been waking The charm now ceased to
operate the blood which had been frozen in my veins rushed back to my heart
with violence I uttered a deep groan and sunk lifeless upon my pillow
The adjoining room was only separated from mine by a thin partition it was
occupied by the host and his wife the former was roused by my groan and
immediately hastened to my chamber the hostess soon followed him With some
difficulty they succeeded in restoring me to my senses and immediately sent for
the physician who arrived in all diligence He declared my fever to be very
much increased and that if I continued to suffer such violent agitation he
would not take upon him to ensure my life Some medicines which he gave me in
some degree tranquillized my spirits I fell into a sort of slumber towards
daybreak but fearful dreams prevented me from deriving any benefit from my
repose Agnes and the bleeding nun presented themselves by turns to my fancy
and combined to harass and torment me I awoke fatigued and unrefreshed My
fever seemed rather augmented than diminished the agitation of my mind impeded
my fractured bones from knitting I had frequent fainting fits and during the
whole day the physician judged it expedient not to quit me for two hours
together
The singularity of my adventure made me determine to conceal it from every
one since I could not expect that a circumstance so strange should gain credit
I was very uneasy about Agnes I knew not what she would think at not finding me
at the rendezvous and dreaded her entertaining suspicions of my fidelity
However I depended upon Theodores discretion and trusted that my letter to
the baroness would convince her of the rectitude of my intentions These
considerations somewhat lightened my inquietude upon her account but the
impression left upon my mind by my nocturnal visitor grew stronger with every
succeeding moment The night drew near I dreaded its arrival yet I strove to
persuade myself that the ghost would appear no more and at all events I desired
that a servant might sit up in my chamber
The fatigue of my body from not having slept on the former night
cooperating with the strong opiates administered to me in profusion at length
procured me that repose of which I was so much in need I sunk into a profound
and tranquil slumber and had already slept for some hours when the
neighbouring clock roused me by striking one Its sound brought with it to my
memory all the horrors of the night before The same cold shivering seized me I
started up in my bed and perceived the servant fast asleep in an armchair near
me I called him by his name he made no answer I shook him forcibly by the
arm and strove in vain to wake him he was perfectly insensible to my efforts
I now heard the heavy steps ascending the staircase the door was thrown open
and again the bleeding nun stood before me Once more my limbs were chained in
second infancy once more I heard those fatal words repeated
»Raymond Raymond Thou art mine
Raymond Raymond I am thine« ampc
The scene which had shocked me so sensibly on the former night was again
presented The spectre again pressed her lips to mine again touched me with her
rotting fingers and as on her first appearance quitted the chamber as soon as
the clock told two
Every night was this repeated Far from growing accustomed to the ghost
every succeeding visit inspired me with greater horror Her idea pursued me
continually and I became the prey of habitual melancholy The constant
agitation of my mind naturally retarded the reestablishment of my health
Several months elapsed before I was able to quit my bed and when at length I
was moved to a sopha I was so faint spiritless and emaciated that I could
not cross the room without assistance The looks of my attendants sufficiently
denoted the little hope which they entertained of my recovery The profound
sadness which oppressed me without remission made the physician consider me to
be an hypochondriac The cause of my distress I carefully concealed in my own
bosom for I knew that no one could give me relief The ghost was not even
visible to any eye but mine I had frequently caused attendants to sit up in my
room but the moment that the clock struck one irresistible slumber seized
them nor left them till the departure of the ghost
You may be surprised that during this time I made no enquiries after your
sister Theodore who with difficulty had discovered my abode had quieted my
apprehensions for her safety at the same time he convinced me that all
attempts to release her from captivity must be fruitless till I should be in a
condition to return to Spain The particulars of her adventure which I shall
now relate to you were partly communicated to me by Theodore and partly by
Agnes herself
On the fatal night when her elopement was to have taken place accident had
not permitted her to quit her chamber at the appointed time At length she
ventured into the haunted room descended the staircase leading into the hall
found the gates open as she expected and left the castle unobserved What was
her surprise at not finding me ready to receive her She examined the cavern
ranged through every alley of the neighbouring wood and passed two full hours
in this fruitless enquiry She could discover no traces either of me or of the
carriage Alarmed and disappointed her only resource was to return to the
castle before the baroness missed her but here she found herself in a fresh
embarrassment The bell had already tolled two the ghostly hour was past and
the careful porter had locked the folding gates After much irresolution she
ventured to knock softly Luckily for her Conrad was still awake he heard the
noise and rose murmuring at being called up a second time No sooner had he
opened one of the doors and beheld the supposed apparition waiting there for
admittance than he uttered a loud cry and sunk upon his knees Agnes profited
by his terror she glided by him flew to her own apartment and having thrown
off her spectres trappings retired to bed endeavouring in vain to account for
my disappearing
In the mean while Theodore having seen my carriage drive off with the false
Agnes returned joyfully to the village The next morning he released Cunegonda
from her confinement and accompanied her to the castle There he found the
baron his lady and Don Gaston disputing together upon the porters relation
All of them agreed in believing the existence of spectres but the latter
contended that for a ghost to knock for admittance was a proceeding till then
unwitnessed and totally incompatible with the immaterial nature of a spirit
They were still discussing the subject when the page appeared with Cunegonda
and cleared up the mystery On hearing his deposition it was agreed
unanimously that the Agnes whom Theodore had seen step into my carriage must
have been the bleeding nun and that the ghost who had terrified Conrad was no
other than Don Gastons daughter
The first surprise which this discovery occasioned being over the baroness
resolved to make it of use in persuading her niece to take the veil Fearing
lest so advantageous an establishment for his daughter should induce Don Gaston
to renounce his resolution she suppressed my letter and continued to represent
me as a needy unknown adventurer A childish vanity had led me to conceal my
real name even from my mistress I wished to be loved for myself not for being
the son and heir of the marquis de las Cisternas The consequence was that my
rank was known to no one in the castle except the baroness and she took good
care to confine the knowledge to her own breast Don Gaston having approved his
sisters design Agnes was summoned to appear before them She was taxed with
having meditated an elopement obliged to make a full confession and was amazed
at the gentleness with which it was received but what was her affliction when
informed that the failure of her project must be attributed to me Cunegonda
tutored by the baroness told her that when I released her I had desired her to
inform her lady that our connexion was at an end that the whole affair was
occasioned by a false report and that it by no means suited my circumstances to
marry a woman without fortune or expectations
To this account my sudden disappearing gave but too great an air of
probability Theodore who could have contradicted the story by Donna
Rodolphas order was kept out of her sight What proved a still greater
confirmation of my being an impostor was the arrival of a letter from yourself
declaring that you had no sort of acquaintance with Alphonso dAlvarada These
seeming proofs of my perfidy aided by the artful insinuations of her aunt by
Cunegondas flattery and her fathers threats and anger entirely conquered
your sisters repugnance to a convent Incensed at my behaviour and disgusted
with the world in general she consented to receive the veil She passed another
month at the castle of Lindenberg during which my nonappearance confirmed her
in her resolution and then accompanied Don Gaston into Spain Theodore was now
set at liberty He hastened to Munich where I had promised to let him hear from
me but finding from Lucas that I never arrived there he pursued his search
with indefatigable perseverance and at length succeeded in rejoining me at
Ratisbon
So much was I altered that scarcely could he recollect my features the
distress visible upon his sufficiently testified how lively was the interest
which he felt for me The society of this amiable boy whom I had always
considered rather as a companion than a servant was now my only comfort His
conversation was gay yet sensible and his observations shrewd and
entertaining He had picked up much more knowledge than is usual at his age but
what rendered him most agreeable to me was his having a delightful voice and
some skill in music He had also acquired some taste in poetry and even
ventured sometimes to write verses himself He occasionally composed little
ballads in Spanish His compositions were but indifferent I must confess yet
they were pleasing to me from their novelty and hearing him sing them to his
guitar was the only amusement which I was capable of receiving Theodore
perceived well enough that something preyed upon my mind but as I concealed the
cause of my grief even from him respect would not permit him to pry into my
secrets
One evening I was lying upon my sopha plunged in reflections very far from
agreeable Theodore amused himself by observing from the window a battle between
two postillions who were quarrelling in the innyard
»Ha ha« cried he suddenly »yonder is the Great Mogul«
»Who« said I
»Only a man who made me a strange speech at Munich«
»What was the purport of it«
»Now you put me in mind of it Segnor it was a kind of message to you but
truly it was not worth delivering I believe the fellow to be mad for my part
When I came to Munich in search of you I found him living at the King of the
Romans and the host gave me an odd account of him By his accent he is supposed
to be a foreigner but of what country nobody can tell He seemed to have no
acquaintance in the town spoke very seldom and never was seen to smile He had
neither servants nor baggage but his purse seemed well furnished and he did
much good in the town Some supposed him to be an Arabian astrologer others to
be a travelling mountebank and many declared that he was Doctor Faustus whom
the devil had sent back to Germany The landlord however told me that he had
the best reasons to believe him to be the Great Mogul incognito«
»But the strange speech Theodore «
»True I had almost forgotten the speech indeed for that matter it would
not have been a great loss if I had forgotten it altogether You are to know
Segnor that while I was enquiring about you of the landlord this stranger
passed by He stopped and looked at me earnestly Youth said he in a solemn
voice he whom you seek has found that which he would fain lose My hand alone
can dry up the blood Bid your master wish for me when the clock strikes »one««
»How« cried I starting from my sopha The words which Theodore had
repeated seemed to imply the strangers knowledge of my secret »Fly to him
my boy Entreat him to grant me one moments conversation«
Theodore was surprised at the vivacity of my manner however he asked no
questions but hastened to obey me I waited his return impatiently But a short
space of time had elapsed when he again appeared and ushered the expected
guest into my chamber He was a man of majestic presence his countenance was
strongly marked and his eyes were large black and sparkling yet there was a
something in his look which the moment that I saw him inspired me with a
secret awe not to say horror He was dressed plainly his hair was unpowdered
and a band of black velvet which encircled his forehead spread over his
features an additional gloom His countenance wore the marks of profound
melancholy his step was slow and his manner grave stately and solemn
He saluted me with politeness and having replied to the usual compliments
of introduction he motioned to Theodore to quit the chamber The page instantly
withdrew
»I know your business« said he without giving me time to speak »I have
the power of releasing you from your nightly visitor but this cannot be done
before Sunday On the hour when the sabbath morning breaks spirits of darkness
have least influence over mortals After Saturday the nun shall visit you no
more«
»May I not enquire« said I »by what means you are in possession of a
secret which I have carefully concealed from the knowledge of every one«
»How can I be ignorant of your distresses when their cause at this moment
stands beside you«
I started The stranger continued
»Though to you only visible for one hour in the twentyfour neither day nor
night does she ever quit you nor will she ever quit you till you have granted
her request«
»And what is that request«
»That she must herself explain it lies not in my knowledge Wait with
patience for the night of Saturday all shall be then cleared up«
I dared not press him further He soon after changed the conversation and
talked of various matters He named people who had ceased to exist for many
centuries and yet with whom he appeared to have been personally acquainted I
could not mention a country however distant which he had not visited nor
could I sufficiently admire the extent and variety of his information I
remarked to him that having travelled seen and known so much must have given
him infinite pleasure He shook his head mournfully
»No one« he replied »is adequate to comprehending the misery of my lot
Fate obliges me to be constantly in movement I am not permitted to pass more
than a fortnight in the same place I have no friend in the world and from the
restlessness of my destiny I never can acquire one Fain would I lay down my
miserable life for I envy those who enjoy the quiet of the grave but death
eludes me and flies from my embrace In vain do I throw myself in the way of
danger I plunge into the ocean the waves throw me back with abhorrence upon
the shore I rush into fire the flames recoil at my approach I oppose myself
to the fury of banditti their swords become blunted and break against my
breast The hungry tiger shudders at my approach and the alligator flies from a
monster more horrible than itself God has set his seal upon me and all his
creatures respect this fatal mark«
He put his hand to the velvet which was bound round his forehead There was
in his eyes an expression of fury despair and malevolence that struck horror
to my very soul An involuntary convulsion made me shudder The stranger
perceived it
»Such is the curse imposed on me« he continued »I am doomed to inspire all
who look on me with terror and detestation You already feel the influence of
the charm and with every succeeding moment will feel it more I will not add to
your sufferings by my presence Farewell till Saturday As soon as the clock
strikes twelve expect me at your chamberdoor«
Having said this he departed leaving me in astonishment at the mysterious
turn of his manner and conversation His assurances that I should soon be
relieved from the apparitions visits produced a good effect upon my
constitution Theodore whom I rather treated as an adopted child than a
domestic was surprised at his return to observe the amendment in my looks He
congratulated me on this symptom of returning health and declared himself
delighted at my having received so much benefit from my conference with the
Great Mogul Upon enquiry I found that the stranger had already passed eight
days in Ratisbon According to his own account therefore he was only to remain
there six days longer Saturday was still at the distance of three Oh with
what impatience did I expect its arrival In the interim the bleeding nun
continued her nocturnal visits but hoping soon to be released from them
altogether the effects which they produced on me became less violent than
before
The wishedfor night arrived To avoid creating suspicion I retired to bed
at my usual hour But as soon as my attendants had left me I dressed myself
again and prepared for the strangers reception He entered my room upon the
turn of midnight A small chest was in his hand which he placed near the stove
He saluted me without speaking I returned the compliment observing an equal
silence He then opened his chest The first thing which he produced was a small
wooden crucifix he sunk upon his knees gazed upon it mournfully and cast his
eyes towards heaven He seemed to be praying devoutly At length he bowed his
head respectfully kissed the crucifix thrice and quitted his kneeling posture
He next drew from the chest a covered goblet with the liquor which it
contained and which appeared to be blood he sprinkled the floor and then
dipping in it one end of the crucifix he described a circle in the middle of
the room Round about this he placed various reliques sculls thighbones
ampc I observed that he disposed them all in the forms of crosses Lastly
he took out a large bible and beckoned me to follow him into the circle I
obeyed
»Be cautious not to utter a syllable« whispered the stranger »step not out
of the circle and as you love yourself dare not to look upon my face«
Holding the crucifix in one hand the bible in the other he seemed to read
with profound attention The clock struck one As usual I heard the spectres
steps upon the staircase but I was not seized with the accustomed shivering I
waited her approach with confidence She entered the room drew near the circle
and stopped The stranger muttered some words to me unintelligible Then
raising his head from the book and extending the crucifix towards the ghost he
pronounced in a voicedistinct and solemn
»Beatrice Beatrice Beatrice«
»What wouldst thou« replied the apparition in a hollow faltering tone
»What disturbs thy sleep Why dost thou afflict and torture this youth How
can rest be restored to thy unquiet spirit«
»I dare not tell I must not tell Fain would I repose in my grave but
stern commands force me to prolong my punishment«
»Knowest thou this blood Knowest thou in whose veins it flowed Beatrice
Beatrice In his name I charge thee to answer me«
»I dare not disobey my taskers«
»Darest thou disobey me«
He spoke in a commanding tone and drew the sable band from his forehead In
spite of his injunctions to the contrary curiosity would not suffer me to keep
my eyes off his face I raised them and beheld a burning cross impressed upon
his brow For the horror with which this object inspired me I cannot account
but I never felt its equal My senses left me for some moments a mysterious
dread overcame my courage and had not the exorciser caught my hand I should
have fallen out of the circle
When I recovered myself I perceived that the burning cross had produced an
effect no less violent upon the spectre Her countenance expressed reverence and
horror and her visionary limbs were shaken by fear
»Yes« she said at length »I tremble at that mark I respect it I obey
you Know then that my bones lie still unburied they rot in the obscurity of
Lindenberg Hole None but this youth has the right of consigning them to the
grave His own lips have made over to me his body and his soul never will I
give back his promise never shall he know a night devoid of terror unless he
engages to collect my mouldering bones and deposit them in the family vault of
his Andalusian castle Then let thirty masses be said for the repose of my
spirit and I trouble this world no more Now let me depart Those flames are
scorching«
He let the hand drop slowly which held the crucifix and which till then he
had pointed towards her The apparition bowed her head and her form melted into
air The exorciser led me out of the circle He replaced the bible ampc in
the chest and then addressed himself to me who stood near him speechless from
astonishment
»Don Raymond you have heard the conditions on which repose is promised you
Be it your business to fulfil them to the letter For me nothing more remains
than to clear up the darkness still spread over the spectres history and
inform you that when living Beatrice bore the name of las Cisternas She was
the great aunt of your grandfather In quality of your relation her ashes
demand respect from you though the enormity of her crimes must excite your
abhorrence The nature of those crimes no one is more capable of explaining to
you than myself I was personally acquainted with the holy man who proscribed
her nocturnal riots in the castle of Lindenberg and I hold this narrative from
his own lips
Beatrice de las Cisternas took the veil at an early age not by her own
choice but at the express command of her parents She was then too young to
regret the pleasures of which her profession deprived her but no sooner did her
warm and voluptuous character begin to be developed than she abandoned herself
freely to the impulse of her passions and seized the first opportunity to
procure their gratification This opportunity was at length presented after
many obstacles which only added new force to her desires She contrived to elope
from the convent and fled to Germany with the baron Lindenberg She lived at
his castle several months as his avowed concubine All Bavaria was scandalized
by her impudent and abandoned conduct Her feasts vied in luxury with
Cleopatras and Lindenberg became the theatre of the most unbridled debauchery
Not satisfied with displaying the incontinence of a prostitute she professed
herself an atheist she took every opportunity to scoff at her monastic vows
and loaded with ridicule the most sacred ceremonies of religion
Possessed of a character so depraved she did not long confine her
affections to one object Soon after her arrival at the castle the barons
younger brother attracted her notice by his strongmarked features gigantic
stature and herculean limbs She was not of an humour to keep her inclinations
long unknown but she found in Otto von Lindenberg her equal in depravity He
returned her passion just sufficiently to increase it and when he had worked it
up to the desired pitch he fixed the price of his love at his brothers murder
The wretch consented to this horrible agreement A night was pitched upon for
perpetrating the deed Otto who resided on a small estate a few miles distant
from the castle promised that at one in the morning he would be waiting for
her at Lindenberghole that he would bring with him a party of chosen friends
by whose aid he doubted not being able to make himself master of the castle and
that his next step should be the uniting her hand to his It was this last
promise which overruled every scruple of Beatrice since in spite of his
affection for her the baron had declared positively that he never would make
her his wife
The fatal night arrived The baron slept in the arms of his perfidious
mistress when the castle bell struck one Immediately Beatrice drew a dagger
from underneath her pillow and plunged it in her paramours heart The baron
uttered a single dreadful groan and expired The murderess quitted her bed
hastily took a lamp in one hand in the other the bloody dagger and bent her
course towards the cavern The porter dared not to refuse opening the gates to
one more dreaded in the castle than its master Beatrice reached Lindenberghole
unopposed where according to promise she found Otto waiting for her He
received and listened to her narrative with transport but ere she had time to
ask why he came unaccompanied he convinced her that he wished for no witnesses
to their interview Anxious to conceal his share in the murder and to free
himself from a woman whose violent and atrocious character made him tremble with
reason for his own safety he had resolved on the destruction of his wretched
agent Rushing upon her suddenly he wrested the dagger from her hand He
plunged it still reeking with his brothers blood in her bosom and put an end
to her existence by repeated blows
Otto now succeeded to the barony of Lindenberg The murder was attributed
solely to the fugitive nun and no one suspected him to have persuaded her to
the action But though his crime was unpunished by man Gods justice permitted
him not to enjoy in peace his bloodstained honours Her bones lying still
unburied in the cave the restless soul of Beatrice continued to inhabit the
castle Dressed in her religious habit in memory of her vows broken to heaven
furnished with the dagger which had drunk the blood of her paramour and holding
the lamp which had guided her flying steps every night did she stand before the
bed of Otto The most dreadful confusion reigned through the castle The vaulted
chambers resounded with shrieks and groans and the spectre as she ranged along
the antique galleries uttered an incoherent mixture of prayers and blasphemies
Otto was unable to withstand the shock which he felt at this fearful vision its
horrors increased with every succeeding appearance His alarm at length became
so insupportable that his heart burst and one morning he was found in his bed
totally deprived of warmth and animation His death did not put an end to the
nocturnal riots The bones of Beatrice continued to lie unburied and her ghost
continued to haunt the castle
The domains of Lindenberg now fell to a distant relation But terrified by
the accounts given him of the bleeding nun so was the spectre called by the
multitude the new baron called to his assistance a celebrated exorciser This
holy man succeeded in obliging her to temporary repose but though she
discovered to him her history he was not permitted to reveal it to others or
cause her skeleton to be removed to hallowed ground That office was reserved
for you and till your coming her ghost was doomed to wander about the castle
and lament the crime which she had there committed However the exorciser
obliged her to silence during his lifetime So long as he existed the haunted
chamber was shut up and the spectre was invisible At his death which happened
in five years after she again appeared but only once on every fifth year on
the same day and at the same hour when she plunged her knife in the heart of her
sleeping lover she then visited the cavern which held her mouldering skeleton
returned to the castle as soon as the clock struck two and was seen no more
till the next five years had elapsed
She was doomed to suffer during the space of a century That period is past
Nothing now remains but to consign to the grave the ashes of Beatrice I have
been the means of releasing you from your visionary tormentor and amidst all
the sorrows which oppress me to think that I have been of use to you is some
consolation Youth farewell May the ghost of your relation enjoy that rest in
the tomb which the Almightys vengeance has denied to me for ever«
Here the stranger prepared to quit the apartment
»Stay yet one moment« said I »you have satisfied my curiosity with regard
to the spectre but you leave me a prey to yet greater respecting yourself
Deign to inform me to whom I am under such real obligations You mention
circumstances long past and persons long dead you were personally acquainted
with the exorciser who by your own account has been deceased near a century
How am I to account for this What means that burning cross upon your forehead
and why did the sight of it strike such horror to my soul«
On these points he for some time refused to satisfy me At length overcome
by my entreaties he consented to clear up the whole on condition that I would
defer his explanation till the next day With this request I was obliged to
comply and he left me In the morning my first care was to enquire after the
mysterious stranger Conceive my disappointment when informed that he had
already quitted Ratisbon I dispatched messengers in pursuit of him but in
vain No traces of the fugitive were discovered Since that moment I never have
heard any more of him and tis most probable that I never shall
Lorenzo here interrupted his friends narrative
»How« said he »you have never discovered who he was or even formed a
guess«
»Pardon me« replied the marquis »when I related this adventure to my
uncle the cardinalduke he told me that he had no doubt of this singular
mans being the celebrated character known universally by the name of the
wandering Jew His not being permitted to pass more than fourteen days on the
same spot the burning cross impressed upon his forehead the effect which it
produced upon the beholders and many other circumstances gave this supposition
the colour of truth The cardinal is fully persuaded of it and for my own part
I am inclined to adopt the only solution which offers itself to this riddle« I
return to the narrative from which I have digressed
From this period I recovered my health so rapidly as to astonish my
physicians The bleeding nun appeared no more and I was soon able to set out
for Lindenberg The baron received me with open arms I confided to him the
sequel of my adventure and he was not a little pleased to find that his mansion
would be no longer troubled with the phantoms quinquennial visits I was sorry
to perceive that absence had not weakened Donna Rodolphas imprudent passion
In a private conversation which I had with her during my short stay at the
castle she renewed her attempts to persuade me to return her affection
Regarding her as the primary cause of all my sufferings I entertained for her
no other sentiment than disgust The skeleton of Beatrice was found in the place
which she had mentioned This being all that I sought at Lindenberg I hastened
to quit the barons domains equally anxious to perform the obsequies of the
murdered nun and escape the importunity of a woman whom I detested I departed
followed by Donna Rodolphas menaces that my contempt should not be long
unpunished
I now bent my course towards Spain with all diligence Lucas with my baggage
had joined me during my abode at Lindenberg I arrived in my native country
without any accident and immediately proceeded to my fathers castle in
Andalusia The remains of Beatrice were deposited in the family vault all due
ceremonies performed and the number of masses said which she had required
Nothing now hindered me from employing all my endeavours to discover the retreat
of Agnes The baroness had assured me that her niece had already taken the
veil this intelligence I suspected to have been forged by jealousy and hoped
to find my mistress still at liberty to accept my hand I enquired after her
family I found that before her daughter could reach Madrid Donna Inesilla was
no more you my dear Lorenzo were said to be abroad but where I could not
discover your father was in a distant province on a visit to the duke de
Medina and as to Agnes no one could or would inform me what was become of her
Theodore according to promise had returned to Strasbourg where he found his
grandfather dead and Marguerite in possession of his fortune All her
persuasions to remain with her were fruitless he quitted her a second time and
followed me to Madrid He exerted himself to the utmost in forwarding my search
but our united endeavours were unattended by success The retreat which
concealed Agnes remained an impenetrable mystery and I began to abandon all
hopes of recovering her
About eight months ago I was returning to my hotel in a melancholy humour
having passed the evening at the playhouse The night was dark and I was
unaccompanied Plunged in reflections which were far from being agreeable I
perceived not that three men had followed me from the theatre till on turning
into an unfrequented street they all attacked me at the same time with the
utmost fury I sprang back a few paces drew my sword and threw my cloak over
my left arm The obscurity of the night was in my favour For the most part the
blows of the assassins being aimed at random failed to touch me I at length
was fortunate enough to lay one of my adversaries at my feet but before this I
had already received so many wounds and was so warmly pressed that my
destruction would have been inevitable had not the clashing of swords called a
cavalier to my assistance He ran towards me with his sword drawn several
domestics followed him with torches His arrival made the combat equal yet
would not the bravoes abandon their design till their servants were on the
point of joining us They then fled away and we lost them in the obscurity
The stranger now addressed himself to me with politeness and enquired
whether I was wounded Faint with the loss of blood I could scarcely thank him
for his seasonable aid and entreat him to let some of his servants convey me to
the hotel de las Cisternas I no sooner mentioned the name than he professed
himself an acquaintance of my fathers and declared that he would not permit my
being transported to such a distance before my wounds had been examined He
added that his house was hard by and begged me to accompany him thither His
manner was so earnest that I could not reject his offer and leaning upon his
arm a few minutes brought me to the porch of a magnificent hotel
On entering the house an old greyheaded domestic came to welcome my
conductor he enquired when the duke his master meant to quit the country and
was answered that he would remain there yet some months My deliverer then
desired the family surgeon to be summoned without delay his orders were obeyed
I was seated upon a sopha in a noble apartment and my wounds being examined
they were declared to be very slight The surgeon however advised me not to
expose myself to the night air and the stranger pressed me so earnestly to take
a bed in his house that I consented to remain where I was for the present
Being now left alone with my deliverer I took the opportunity of thanking
him in more express terms than I had done hitherto but he begged me to be
silent upon the subject
»I esteem myself happy« said he »in having had it in my power to render
you this little service and I shall think myself eternally obliged to my
daughter for detaining me so late at the convent of St Clare The high esteem
in which I have ever held the marquis de las Cisternas though accident has not
permitted our being so intimate as I could wish makes me rejoice in the
opportunity of making his sons acquaintance I am certain that my brother in
whose house you now are will lament his not being at Madrid to receive you
himself but in the dukes absence I am master of the family and may assure
you in his name that every thing in the hotel de Medina is perfectly at your
disposal«
Conceive my surprise Lorenzo at discovering in the person of my
preserver Don Gaston de Medina It was only to be equalled by my secret
satisfaction at the assurance that Agnes inhabited the convent of St Clare
This latter sensation was not a little weakened when in answer to my seemingly
indifferent questions he told me that his daughter had really taken the veil I
suffered not my grief at this circumstance to take root in my mind I flattered
myself with the idea that my uncles credit at the court of Rome would remove
this obstacle and that without difficulty I should obtain for my mistress a
dispensation from her vows Buoyed up with this hope I calmed the uneasiness of
my bosom and I redoubled my endeavours to appear grateful for the attention
and pleased with the society of Don Gaston
A domestic now entered the room and informed me that the bravo whom I had
wounded discovered some signs of life I desired that he might be carried to my
fathers hotel and said that as soon as he recovered his voice I would
examine him respecting his reasons for attempting my life I was answered that
he was already able to speak though with difficulty Don Gastons curiosity
made him press me to interrogate the assassin in his presence but this
curiosity I was by no means inclined to gratify One reason was that doubting
from whence the blow came I was unwilling to place before Don Gastons eyes the
guilt of a sister Another was that I feared to be recognized for Alphonso
dAlvarada and precautions taken in consequence to keep me from the sight of
Agnes To avow my passion for his daughter and endeavour to make him enter into
my schemes what I knew of Don Gastons character convinced me would be an
imprudent step and considering it to be essential that he should know me for no
other than the condé de las Cisternas I was determined not to let him hear the
bravos confession I insinuated to him that as I suspected a lady to be
concerned in the business whose name might accidentally escape from the
assassin it was necessary for me to examine the man in private Don Gastons
delicacy would not permit his urging the point any longer and in consequence
the bravo was conveyed to my hotel
The next morning I took leave of my host who was to return to the duke on
the same day My wounds had been so trifling that except being obliged to wear
my arm in a sling for a short time I felt no inconvenience from the nights
adventure The surgeon who examined the bravos wound declared it to be mortal
he had just time to confess that he had been instigated to murder me by the
revengeful Donna Rodolpha and expired in a few minutes after
All my thoughts were now bent upon getting to the speech of my lovely nun
Theodore set himself to work and for this time with better success He
attacked the gardener of St Clare so forcibly with bribes and promises that
the old man was entirely gained over to my interests and it was settled that I
should be introduced into the convent in the character of his assistant The
plan was put into execution without delay Disguised in a common habit and a
black patch covering one of my eyes I was presented to the lady prioress who
condescended to approve of the gardeners choice I immediately entered upon my
employment Botany having been a favourite study with me I was by no means at a
loss in my new station For some days I continued to work in the conventgarden
without meeting the object of my disguise On the fourth morning I was more
successful I heard the voice of Agnes and was speeding towards the sound when
the sight of the domina stopped me I drew back with caution and concealed
myself behind a thick clump of trees
The prioress advanced and seated herself with Agnes on a bench at no great
distance I heard her in an angry tone blame her companions continual
melancholy She told her that to weep the loss of any lover in her situation
was a crime but that to weep the loss of a faithless one was folly and
absurdity in the extreme Agnes replied in so low a voice that I could not
distinguish her words but I perceived that she used terms of gentleness and
submission The conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a young
pensioner who informed the domina that she was waited for in the parlour The
old lady rose kissed the cheek of Agnes and retired The newcomer remained
Agnes spoke much to her in praise of somebody whom I could not make out but her
auditor seemed highly delighted and interested by the conversation The nun
shewed her several letters the other perused them with evident pleasure
obtained permission to copy them and withdrew for that purpose to my great
satisfaction
No sooner was she out of sight than I quitted my concealment Fearing to
alarm my lovely mistress I drew near her gently intending to discover myself
by degrees But who for a moment can deceive the eyes of love She raised her
head at my approach and recognised me in spite of my disguise at a single
glance She rose hastily from her seat with an exclamation of surprise and
attempted to retire but I followed her detained her and entreated to be
heard Persuaded of my falsehood she refused to listen to me and ordered me
positively to quit the garden It was now my turn to refuse I protested that
however dangerous might be the consequences I would not leave her till she had
heard my justification I assured her that she had been deceived by the
artifices of her relations that I could convince her beyond the power of
doubt that my passion had been pure and disinterested and I asked her what
should induce me to seek her in the convent were I influenced by the selfish
motives which my enemies had ascribed to me
My prayers my arguments and vows not to quit her till she had promised to
listen to me united to her fears lest the nuns should see me with her to her
natural curiosity and to the affection which she still felt for me in spite of
my supposed desertion at length prevailed She told me that to grant my
request at that moment was impossible but she engaged to be in the same spot at
eleven that night and to converse with me for the last time Having obtained
this promise I released her hand and she fled back with rapidity towards the
convent
I communicated my success to my ally the old gardener he pointed out an
hiding place where I might shelter myself till night without fear of a
discovery Thither I betook myself at the hour when I ought to have retired with
my supposed master and waited impatiently for the appointed time The chillness
of the night was in my favour since it kept the other nuns confined to their
cells Agnes alone was insensible of the inclemency of the air and before
eleven joined me at the spot which had witnessed our former interview Secure
from interruption I related to her the true cause of my disappearing on the
fatal fifth of May She was evidently much affected by my narrative When it was
concluded she confessed the injustice of her suspicions and blamed herself for
having taken the veil through despair at my ingratitude
»But now it is too late to repine« she added »the die is thrown I have
pronounced my vows and dedicated myself to the service of heaven I am sensible
how ill I am calculated for a convent My disgust at a monastic life increases
daily ennui and discontent are my constant companions and I will not conceal
from you that the passion which I formerly felt for one so near being my
husband is not yet extinguished in my bosom but we must part Insuperable
barriers divide us from each other and on this side the grave we must never
meet again«
I now exerted myself to prove that our union was not so impossible as she
seemed to think it I vaunted to her the cardinalduke of Lermas influence at
the court of Rome I assured her that I should easily obtain a dispensation
from her vows and I doubted not but Don Gaston would coincide with my views
when informed of my real name and long attachment Agnes replied that since I
encouraged such an hope I could know but little of her father Liberal and kind
in every other respect superstition formed the only stain upon his character
Upon this head he was inflexible he sacrificed his dearest interests to his
scruples and would consider it an insult to suppose him capable of authorising
his daughter to break her vows to heaven
»But suppose« said I interrupting her »suppose that he should disapprove
of our union let him remain ignorant of my proceedings till I have rescued you
from the prison in which you are now confined Once my wife you are free from
his authority I need from him no pecuniary assistance and when he sees his
resentment to be unavailing he will doubtless restore you to his favour But
let the worst happen should Don Gaston be irreconcileable my relations will
vie with each other in making you forget his loss and you will find in my
father a substitute for the parent of whom I shall deprive you«
»Don Raymond« replied Agnes in a firm and resolute voice »I love my
father he has treated me harshly in this one instance but I have received from
him in every other so many proofs of love that his affection is become
necessary to my existence Were I to quit the convent he never would forgive
me nor can I think that on his deathbed he would leave me his curse without
shuddering at the very idea Besides I am conscious myself that my vows are
binding Wilfully did I contract my engagement with heaven I cannot break it
without a crime Then banish from your mind the idea of our being ever united I
am devoted to religion and however I may grieve at our separation I would
oppose obstacles myself to what I feel would render me guilty«
I strove to overrule these illgrounded scruples We were still disputing
upon the subject when the conventbell summoned the nuns to matins Agnes was
obliged to attend them but she left me not till I had compelled her to promise
that on the following night she would be at the same place at the same hour
These meetings continued for several weeks uninterrupted and tis now Lorenzo
that I must implore your indulgence Reflect upon our situation our youth our
long attachment Weigh all the circumstances which attended our assignations
and you will confess the temptation to have been irresistible you will even
pardon me when I acknowledge that in an unguarded moment the honour of Agnes
was sacrificed to my passion
Lorenzos eyes sparkled with fury a deep crimson spread itself over his
face he started from his seat and attempted to draw his sword The marquis was
aware of his movement and caught his hand he pressed it affectionately
»My friend my brother hear me to the conclusion Till then restrain your
passion and be at least convinced that if what I have related is criminal the
blame must fall upon me and not upon your sister«
Lorenzo suffered himself to be prevailed upon by Don Raymonds entreaties
he resumed his place and listened to the rest of the narrative with a gloomy
and impatient countenance The marquis thus continued
Scarcely was the first burst of passion past when Agnes recovering
herself started from my arms with horror She called me infamous seducer
loaded me with the bitterest reproaches and beat her bosom in all the wildness
of delirium Ashamed of my imprudence I with difficulty found words to excuse
myself I endeavoured to console her I threw myself at her feet and entreated
her forgiveness She forced her hand from me which I had taken and would have
pressed to my lips
»Touch me not« she cried with a violence which terrified me »Monster of
perfidy and ingratitude how have I been deceived in you I looked upon you as
my friend my protector I trusted myself in your hands with confidence and
relying upon your honour thought that mine ran no risk and tis by you whom I
adored that I am covered with infamy Tis by you that I have been seduced into
breaking my vows to God that I am reduced to a level with the basest of my sex
Shame upon you villain you shall never see me more«
She started from the bank on which she was seated I endeavoured to detain
her but she disengaged herself from me with violence and took refuge in the
convent
I retired filled with confusion and inquietude The next morning I failed
not as usual to appear in the garden but Agnes was no where to be seen At
night I waited for her at the place where we generally met I found no better
success Several days and nights passed away in the same manner At length I saw
my offended mistress cross the walk on whose borders I was working she was
accompanied by the same young pensioner on whose arm she seemed from weakness
obliged to support herself She looked upon me for a moment but instantly
turned her head away I waited her return but she passed on to the convent
without paying any attention to me or the penitent looks with which I implored
her forgiveness
As soon as the nuns were retired the old gardener joined me with a
sorrowful air
»Segnor« said he »it grieves me to say that I can be no longer of use to
you the lady whom you used to meet has just assured me that if I admitted you
again into the garden she would discover the whole business to the lady
prioress She bade me tell you also that your presence was an insult and that
if you still possess the least respect for her you will never attempt to see
her more Excuse me then for informing you that I can favour your disguise no
longer Should the prioress be acquainted with my conduct she might not be
contented with dismissing me her service out of revenge she might accuse me of
having profaned the convent and cause me to be thrown into the prisons of the
Inquisition«
Fruitless were my attempts to conquer his resolution He denied me all
future entrance into the garden and Agnes persevered in neither letting me see
or hear from her In about a fortnight after a violent illness which had seized
my father obliged me to set out for Andalusia I hastened thither and as I
imagined found the marquis at the point of death Though on its first
appearance his complaint was declared mortal he lingered out several months
during which my attendance upon him in his malady and the occupation of
settling his affairs after his decease permitted not my quitting Andalusia
Within these four days I returned to Madrid and on arriving at my hotel I
there found this letter waiting for me
Here the marquis unlocked a drawer of a cabinet he took out a folded
paper which he presented to his auditor Lorenzo opened it and recognised his
sisters hand The contents were as follows
»Into what an abyss of misery have you plunged me Raymond you force me
to become as criminal as yourself I had resolved never to see you more
if possible to forget you if not only to remember you with hate A
being for whom I already feel a mothers tenderness solicits me to
pardon my seducer and apply to his love for the means of preservation
Raymond your child lives in my bosom I tremble at the vengeance of the
prioress I tremble much for myself yet more for the innocent creature
whose existence depends upon mine Both of us are lost should my
situation be discovered Advise me then what steps to take but seek
not to see me The gardener who undertakes to deliver this is
dismissed and we have nothing to hope from that quarter The man
engaged in his place is of incorruptible fidelity The best means of
conveying to me your answer is by concealing it under the great statue
of St Francis which stands in the Capuchin cathedral thither I go
every Thursday to confession and shall easily have an opportunity of
securing your letter I hear that you are now absent from Madrid Need I
entreat you to write the very moment of your return I will not think
it Ah Raymond mine is a cruel situation Deceived by my nearest
relations compelled to embrace a profession the duties of which I am
ill calculated to perform conscious of the sanctity of those duties
and seduced into violating them by one whom I least suspected of
perfidy I am now obliged by circumstances to choose between death and
perjury Womans timidity and maternal affection permit me not to
balance in the choice I feel all the guilt into which I plunge myself
when I yield to the plan which you before proposed to me My poor
fathers death which has taken place since we met has removed one
obstacle He sleeps in his grave and I no longer dread his anger But
from the anger of God oh Raymond who shall shield me Who can protect
me against my conscience against myself I dare not dwell upon these
thoughts they will drive me mad I have taken my resolution Procure a
dispensation from my vows I am ready to fly with you Write to me my
husband Tell me that absence has not abated your love Tell me that you
will rescue from death your unborn child and its unhappy mother I live
in all the agonies of terror Every eye which is fixed upon me seems to
read my secret and my shame And you are the cause of those agonies Oh
when my heart first loved you how little did it suspect you of making
it feel such pangs
AGNES«
Having perused the letter Lorenzo restored it in silence The marquis replaced
it in the cabinet and then proceeded
Excessive was my joy at reading this intelligence so earnestly desired so
little expected My plan was soon arranged When Don Gaston discovered to me his
daughters retreat I entertained no doubt of her readiness to quit the convent
I had therefore entrusted the cardinalduke of Lerma with the whole affair
who immediately busied himself in obtaining the necessary bull Fortunately I
had afterwards neglected to stop his proceedings Not long since I received a
letter from him stating that he expected daily to receive the order from the
court of Rome Upon this I would willingly have relied but the cardinal wrote
me word that I must find some means of conveying Agnes out of the convent
unknown to the prioress He doubted not but this latter would be much incensed
by losing a person of such high rank from her society and consider the
renunciation of Agnes as an insult to her house He represented her as a woman
of a violent and revengeful character capable of proceeding to the greatest
extremities It was therefore to be feared lest by confining Agnes in the
convent she should frustrate my hopes and render the popes mandate
unavailing Influenced by this consideration I resolved to carry off my
mistress and conceal her till the arrival of the expected bull in the
cardinaldukes estate He approved of my design and professed himself ready to
give a shelter to the fugitive I next caused the new gardener of St Clare to
be seized privately and confined in my hotel By this means I became master of
the key to the gardendoor and I had now nothing more to do than prepare Agnes
for the elopement This was done by the letter which you saw me deliver this
evening I told her in it that I should be ready to receive her at twelve
tomorrow night that I had secured the key of the garden and that she might
depend upon a speedy release
You have now Lorenzo heard the whole of my long narrative I have nothing
to say in my excuse save that my intentions towards your sister have been ever
the most honourable that it has always been and still is my design to make
her my wife and that I trust when you consider these circumstances our youth
and our attachment you will not only forgive our momentary lapse from virtue
but will aid me in repairing my faults to Agnes and securing a lawful title to
her person and her heart
Chapter V
O you whom Vanitys light bark conveys
On Fames mad voyage by the wind of Praise
With what a shifting gale your course you ply
For ever sunk too low or borne too high
Who pants for glory finds but short repose
A breath revives him and a breath oerthrows
Pope
Here the marquis concluded his adventures Lorenzo before he could determine on
his reply passed some moments in reflection At length he broke silence
»Raymond« said he taking his hand »strict honour would oblige me to wash
off in your blood the stain thrown upon my family but the circumstances of your
case forbid me to consider you as an enemy The temptation was too great to be
resisted Tis the superstition of my relations which has occasioned these
misfortunes and they are more the offenders than yourself and Agnes What has
passed between you cannot be recalled but may yet be repaired by uniting you to
my sister You have ever been you still continue to be my dearest and indeed
my only friend I feel for Agnes the truest affection and there is no one on
whom I would bestow her more willingly than on yourself Pursue then your
design I will accompany you tomorrow night and conduct her myself to the
house of the cardinal My presence will be a sanction for her conduct and
prevent her incurring blame by her flight from the convent«
The marquis thanked him in terms by no means deficient in gratitude Lorenzo
then informed him that he had nothing more to apprehend from Donna Rodolphas
enmity Five months had already elapsed since in an excess of passion she
broke a bloodvessel and expired in the course of a few hours He then
proceeded to mention the interests of Antonia The marquis was much surprised at
hearing of this new relation His father had carried his hatred of Elvira to the
grave and had never given the least hint that he knew what was become of his
eldest sons widow Don Raymond assured his friend that he was not mistaken in
supposing him ready to acknowledge his sisterinlaw and her amiable daughter
The preparations for the elopement would not permit his visiting them the next
day but in the mean while he desired Lorenzo to assure them of his
friendship and to supply Elvira upon his account with any sums which she
might want This the youth promised to do as soon as her abode should be known
to him He then took leave of his future brother and returned to the palace de
Medina
The day was already on the point of breaking when the marquis retired to his
chamber Conscious that his narrative would take up some hours and wishing to
secure himself from interruption on returning to the hotel he ordered his
attendants not to sit up for him consequently he was somewhat surprised on
entering his antiroom to find Theodore established there The page sat near a
table with a pen in his hand and was so totally occupied by his employment
that he perceived not his lords approach The marquis stopped to observe him
Theodore wrote a few lines then paused and scratched out a part of the
writing then wrote again smiled and seemed highly pleased with what he had
been about At last he threw down his pen sprang from his chair and clapped
his hands together joyfully
»There it is« cried he aloud »now they are charming«
His transports were interrupted by a laugh from the marquis who suspected
the nature of his employment
»What is so charming Theodore«
The youth started and looked round he blushed ran to the table seized
the paper on which he had been writing and concealed it in confusion
»Oh my lord I knew not that you were so near me Can I be of use to you
Lucas is already gone to bed«
»I shall follow his example when I have given my opinion of your verses«
»My verses my lord«
»Nay I am sure that you have been writing some for nothing else could have
kept you awake till this time of the morning Where are they Theodore I shall
like to see your composition«
Theodores cheeks glowed with still deeper crimson he longed to shew his
poetry but first chose to be pressed for it
»Indeed my lord they are not worthy your attention«
»Not these verses which you just now declared to be so charming Come
come let me see whether our opinions are the same I promise that you shall
find in me an indulgent critic«
The boy produced his paper with seeming reluctance but the satisfaction
which sparkled in his dark expressive eyes betrayed the vanity of his little
bosom The marquis smiled while he observed the emotions of an heart as yet but
little skilled in veiling its sentiments He seated himself upon a sopha
Theodore while hope and fear contended on his anxious countenance waited with
inquietude for his masters decision while the marquis read the following
lines
Love and Age
The night was dark the wind blew cold
Anacreon grown morose and old
Sat by his fire and fed the cheerful flame
Sudden the cottagedoor expands
And lo before him Cupid stands
Casts round a friendly glance and greets him by his name
»What is it thou« the startled sire
In sullen tone exclaimed while ire
With crimson flushed his pale and wrinkled cheek
»Wouldst thou again with amorous rage
Inflame my bosom Steeled by age
Vain boy to pierce my breast thine arrows are too weak
What seek you in this desert drear
No smiles or sports inhabit here
Neer did these vallies witness dalliance sweet
Eternal winter binds the plains
Age in my house despotic reigns
My garden boasts no flower my bosom boasts no heat
Begone and seek the blooming bower
Where some ripe virgin courts thy power
Or bid provoking dreams flit round her bed
On Damons amorous breast repose
Wanton on Chloes lip of rose
Or make her blushing cheek a pillow for thy head
Be such thy haunts These regions cold
Avoid Nor think grown wise and old
This hoary head again thy yoke shall bear
Remembering that my fairest years
By thee were marked with sighs and tears
I think thy friendship false and shun the guileful snare
I have not yet forgot the pains
I felt while bound in Julias chains
The ardent flames with which my bosom burned
The nights I passed deprived of rest
The jealous pangs which racked my breasts
My disappointed hopes and passion unreturned
Then fly and curse mine eyes no more
Fly from my peaceful cottagedoor
No day no hour no moment shalt thou stay
I know thy falsehood scorn thy arts
Distrust thy smiles and fear thy darts
Traitor begone and seek some other to betray«
»Does age old man your wits confound«
Replied the offended god and frowned
His frown was sweet as is the virgins smile
»Do you to me these words address
To me who do not love you less
Though you my friendship scorn and pleasures past revile
If one proud fair you chanced to find
An hundred other nymphs were kind
Whose smiles might well for Julias frowns atone
But such is man his partial hand
Unnumbered favours writes on sand
But stamps one little fault on solid lasting stone
Ingrate Who led thee to the wave
At noon where Lesbia loved to lave
Who named the bower alone where Daphne lay
And who when Celia shrieked for aid
Bade you with kisses hush the maid
What other wast than Love oh false Anacreon say
Then you could call me Gentle boy
My only bliss my source of joy
Then you could prize me dearer than your soul
Could kiss and dance me on your knees
And swear not wine itself would please
Had not the lip of Love first touched the flowing bowl
Must those sweet days return no more
Must I for aye your loss deplore
Banished your heart and from your favour driven
Ah no my fears that smile denies
That heaving breast those sparkling eyes
Declare me ever dear and all my faults forgiven
Again beloved esteemed caressed
Cupid shall in thine arms be pressed
Sport on thy knees or on thy bosom sleep
My torch thine agestruck heart shall warm
My hand pale winters rage disarm
And Youth and Spring shall here once more their revels keep«
A feather now of golden hue
He smiling from his pinion drew
This to the poets hand the boy commits
And straight before Anacreons eyes
The fairest dreams of fancy rise
And round his favoured head wild inspiration flits
His bosom glows with amorous fire
Eager he grasps the magic lyre
Swift oer the tuneful chords his fingers move
The feather plucked from Cupids wing
Sweeps the toolong neglected string
While soft Anacreon sings the power and praise of love
Soon as that name was heard the woods
Shook off their snows the melting floods
Broke their cold chains and winter fled away
Once more the earth was decked with flowers
Mild zephyrs breathed through blooming bowers
High towered the glorious sun and poured the blaze of day
Attracted by the harmonious sound
Sylvans and fauns the cot surround
And curious crowd the minstrel to behold
The woodnymphs haste the spell to prove
Eager they run they list they love
And while they hear the strain forget the man is old
Cupid to nothing constant long
Perched on the harp attends the song
Or stifles with a kiss the dulcet notes
Now on the poets breast reposes
Now twines his hoary locks with roses
Or borne on wings of gold in wanton circle floats
Then thus Anacreon »I no more
At other shrines my vows will pour
Since Cupid deigns my numbers to inspire
From Phoebus or the blueeyed maid
Now shall my verse request no aid
For Love alone shall be the patron of my lyre
In lofty strain of earlier days
I spread the kings or heros praise
And struck the martial chords with epic fire
But farewell hero farewell king
Your deeds my lips no more shall sing
For Love alone shall be the subject of my lyre«
The marquis returned the paper with a smile of encouragement
»Your little poem pleases me much« said he »however you must not count my
opinion for any thing. I am no judge of verses and for my own part never
composed more than six lines in my life those six produced so unlucky an
effect that I am fully resolved never to compose another But I wander from my
subject I was going to say that you cannot employ your time worse than in
making verses An author whether good or bad or between both is an animal
whom every body is privileged to attack for though all are not able to write
books all conceive themselves able to judge them A bad composition carries
with it its own punishment contempt and ridicule A good one excites envy and
entails upon its author a thousand mortifications he finds himself assailed by
partial and illhumoured criticism one man finds fault with the plan another
with the style a third with the precept which it strives to inculcate and they
who cannot succeed in finding fault with the book employ themselves in
stigmatizing its author They maliciously rake out from obscurity every little
circumstance which may throw ridicule upon his private character or conduct and
aim at wounding the man since they cannot hurt the writer In short to enter
the lists of literature is wilfully to expose yourself to the arrows of neglect
ridicule envy and disappointment Whether you write well or ill be assured
that you will not escape from blame Indeed this circumstance contains a young
authors chief consolation he remembers that Lope de Vega and Calderona had
unjust and envious critics and he modestly conceives himself to be exactly in
their predicament But I am conscious that all these sage observations are
thrown away upon you Authorship is a mania to conquer which no reasons are
sufficiently strong and you might as easily persuade me not to love as I
persuade you not to write However if you cannot help being occasionally seized
with a poetical paroxysm take at least the precaution of communicating your
verses to none but those whose partiality for you secures their approbation«
»Then my lord you do not think these lines tolerable« said Theodore with
an humble and dejected air
»You mistake my meaning As I said before they have pleased me much but my
regard for you makes me partial and others might judge them less favourably I
must still remark that even my prejudice in your favour does not blind me so
much as to prevent my observing several faults For instance you make a
terrible confusion of metaphors you are too apt to make the strength of your
lines consist more in the words than sense some of the verses only seem
introduced in order to rhyme with others and most of the best ideas are
borrowed from other poets though possibly you are unconscious of the theft
yourself These faults may occasionally be excused in a work of length but a
short poem must be correct and perfect«
»All this is true segnor but you should consider that I only write for
pleasure«
»Your defects are the less excusable Their incorrectness may be forgiven
who work for money who are obliged to complete a given task in a given time
and are paid according to the bulk not value of their productions But in those
whom no necessity forces to turn author who merely write for fame and have
full leisure to polish their compositions faults are unpardonable and merit
the sharpest arrows of criticism«
The marquis rose from the sopha the page looked discouraged and melancholy
and this did not escape his masters observation
»However« added he smiling »I think that these lines do you no discredit
Your versification is tolerably easy and your ear seems to be just The perusal
of your little poem upon the whole gave me much pleasure and if it is not
asking too great a favour I shall be highly obliged to you for a copy«
The youths countenance immediately cleared up He perceived not the smile
half approving half ironical which accompanied the request and he promised
the copy with great readiness The marquis withdrew to his chamber much amused
by the instantaneous effect produced upon Theodores vanity by the conclusion of
his criticism He threw himself upon his couch sleep soon stole over him and
his dreams presented him with the most flattering pictures of happiness with
Agnes
On reaching the hotel de Medina Lorenzos first care was to enquire for
letters He found several waiting for him but that which he sought was not
amongst them Leonella had found it impossible to write that evening However
her impatience to secure Don Christovals heart on which she flattered herself
with having made no slight impression permitted her not to pass another day
without informing him where she was to be found On her return from the
Capuchinchurch she had related to her sister with exultation how attentive
an handsome cavalier had been to her as also how his companion had undertaken
to plead Antonias cause with the marquis de las Cisternas Elvira received this
intelligence with sensations very different from those with which it was
communicated She blamed her sisters imprudence in confiding her history to an
absolute stranger and expressed her fears lest this inconsiderate step should
prejudice the marquis against her The greatest of her apprehensions she
concealed in her own breast She had observed with inquietude that at the
mention of Lorenzo a deep blush spread itself over her daughters cheek The
timid Antonia dared not to pronounce his name Without knowing wherefore she
felt embarrassed when he was made the subject of discourse and endeavoured to
change the conversation to Ambrosio Elvira perceived the emotions of this young
bosom in consequence she insisted upon Leonellas breaking her promise to the
cavaliers A sigh which on hearing this order escaped from Antonia confirmed
the wary mother in her resolution
Through this resolution Leonella was determined to break she conceived it
to be inspired by envy and that her sister dreaded her being elevated above
her Without imparting her design to any one she took an opportunity of
dispatching the following note to Lorenzo it was delivered to him as soon as he
woke
»Doubtless Segnor Don Lorenzo you have frequently accused me of
ingratitude and forgetfulness but on the word of a virgin it was out of
my power to perform my promise yesterday I know not in what words to
inform you how strange a reception my sister gave your kind wish to
visit her She is an odd woman with many good points about her but her
jealousy of me frequently makes her conceive notions quite
unaccountable On hearing that your friend had paid some little
attention to me she immediately took the alarm she blamed my conduct
and has absolutely forbidden me to let you know our abode My strong
sense of gratitude for your kind offers of service and shall I
confess it my desire to behold once more the too amiable Don
Christoval will not permit my obeying her injunctions I have therefore
stolen a moment to inform you that we lodge in the strada di San Jago
four doors from the palace dAlbornos and nearly opposite to the
barbers Miguel Coello Enquire for Donna Elvira Dalfa since in
compliance with her fatherinlaws order my sister continues to be
called by her maiden name At eight this evening you will be sure of
finding us but let not a word drop which may raise a suspicion of my
having written this letter Should you see the Condé dOssorio tell him
I blush while I declare it tell him that his presence will be but
too acceptable to the sympathetic
LEONELLA«
The latter sentences were written in red ink to express the blushes of her
cheek while she committed an outrage upon her virgin modesty
Lorenzo had no sooner perused this note than he set out in search of Don
Christoval Not being able to find him in the course of the day he proceeded to
Donna Elviras alone to Leonellas infinite disappointment The domestic by
whom he sent up his name having already declared his lady to be at home she had
no excuse for refusing his visit yet she consented to receive it with much
reluctance That reluctance was increased by the changes which his approach
produced in Antonias countenance nor was it by any means abated when the
youth himself appeared The symmetry of his person animation of his features
and natural elegance of his manners and address convinced Elvira that such a
guest must be dangerous for her daughter She resolved to treat him with distant
politeness to decline his services with gratitude for the tender of them and
to make him feel without offence that his future visits would be far from
acceptable
On his entrance he found Elvira who was indisposed reclining upon a sopha
Antonia sat by her embroidery frame and Leonella in a pastoral dress held »
Montemayors Diana« In spite of her being the mother of Antonia Lorenzo could
not help expecting to find in Elvira Leonellas true sister and the daughter of
»as honest a painstaking shoemaker as any in Cordova« A single glance was
sufficient to undeceive him He beheld a woman whose features though impaired
by time and sorrow still bore the marks of distinguished beauty a serious
dignity reigned upon her countenance but was tempered by a grace and sweetness
which rendered her truly enchanting Lorenzo fancied that she must have
resembled her daughter in her youth and readily excused the imprudence of the
late Condé de las Cisternas She desired him to be seated and immediately
resumed her place upon the sopha
Antonia received him with a simple reverence and continued her work her
cheeks were suffused with crimson and she strove to conceal her emotion by
leaning over her embroidery frame Her aunt also chose to play off her airs of
modesty she affected to blush and tremble and waited with her eyes cast down
to receive as she expected the compliments of Don Christoval Finding after
some time that no sign of his approach was given she ventured to look round
the room and perceived with vexation that Medina was unaccompanied Impatience
would not permit her waiting for an explanation interrupting Lorenzo who was
delivering Raymonds message she desired to know what was become of his friend
He who thought it necessary to maintain himself in her good graces strove
to console her under her disappointment by committing a little violence upon
truth
»Ah segnora« he replied in a melancholy voice »how grieved will he be at
losing this opportunity of paying you his respects A relations illness has
obliged him to quit Madrid in haste but on his return he will doubtless seize
the first moment with transport to throw himself at your feet«
As he said this his eyes met those of Elvira she punished his falsehood
sufficiently by darting at him a look expressive of displeasure and reproach
Neither did the deceit answer his intention Vexed and disappointed Leonella
rose from her seat and retired in dudgeon to her own apartment
Lorenzo hastened to repair the fault which had injured him in Elviras
opinion He related his conversation with the marquis respecting her he assured
her that Raymond was prepared to acknowledge her for his brothers widow and
that till it was in his power to pay his compliments to her in person Lorenzo
was commissioned to supply his place This intelligence relieved Elvira from an
heavy weight of uneasiness she had now found a protector for the fatherless
Antonia for whose future fortunes she had suffered the greatest apprehensions
She was not sparing of her thanks to him who had interfered so generously in
her behalf but still she gave him no invitation to repeat his visit However
when upon rising to depart he requested permission to enquire after her health
occasionally the polite earnestness of his manner gratitude for his services
and respect for his friend the marquis would not admit of a refusal She
consented reluctantly to receive him he promised not to abuse her goodness and
quitted the house
Antonia was now left alone with her mother a temporary silence ensued Both
wished to speak upon the same subject but neither knew how to introduce it The
one felt a bashfulness which sealed up her lips and for which she could not
account the other feared to find her apprehensions true or to inspire her
daughter with notions to which she might be still a stranger At length Elvira
began the conversation
»That is a charming young man Antonia I am much pleased with him Was he
long near you yesterday in the cathedral«
»He quitted me not for a moment while I staid in the church he gave me his
seat and was very obliging and attentive«
»Indeed Why then have you never mentioned his name to me Your aunt lanched
out in praise of his friend and you vaunted Ambrosios eloquence but neither
said a word of Don Lorenzos person and accomplishments Had not Leonella spoken
of his readiness to undertake our cause I should not have known him to be in
existence«
She paused Antonia coloured but was silent
»Perhaps you judge him less favourably than I do In my opinion his figure
is pleasing his conversation sensible and manners engaging Still he may have
struck you differently you may think him disagreeable and «
»Disagreeable Oh dear mother how should I possibly think him so I should
be very ungrateful were I not sensible of his kindness yesterday and very blind
if his merits had escaped me His figure is so graceful so noble His manners
so gentle yet so manly I never yet saw so many accomplishments united in one
person and I doubt whether Madrid can produce his equal«
»Why then were you so silent in praise of this phoenix of Madrid Why was it
concealed from me that his society had afforded you pleasure«
»In truth I know not you ask me a question which I cannot resolve myself
I was on the point of mentioning him a thousand times his name was constantly
on my lips but when I would have pronounced it I wanted courage to execute my
design However if I did not speak of him it was not that I thought of him the
less«
»That I believe But shall I tell you why you wanted courage It was
because accustomed to confide in me your most secret thoughts you knew not how
to conceal yet feared to acknowledge that your heart nourished a sentiment
which you were conscious I should disapprove Come hither to me my child«
Antonia quitted her embroidery frame threw herself upon her knees by the
sopha and hid her face in her mothers lap
»Fear not my sweet girl Consider me equally as your friend and parent and
apprehend no reproof from me I have read the emotions of your bosom you are
yet ill skilled in concealing them and they could not escape my attentive eye
This Lorenzo is dangerous to your repose he has already made an impression upon
your heart Tis true that I perceive easily that your affection is returned
but what can be the consequences of this attachment You are poor and
friendless my Antonia Lorenzo is the heir of the duke of Medina Celi Even
should himself mean honourably his uncle never will consent to your union nor
without that uncles consent will I By sad experience I know what sorrow she
must endure who marries into a family unwilling to receive her Then struggle
with your affection whatever pains it may cost you strive to conquer it Your
heart is tender and susceptible it has already received a strong impression
but when once convinced that you should not encourage such sentiments I trust
that you have sufficient fortitude to drive them from your bosom«
Antonia kissed her hand and promised implicit obedience Elvira then
continued
»To prevent your passion from growing stronger it will be needful to
prohibit Lorenzos visits The service which he has rendered me permits not my
forbidding them positively but unless I judge too favourably of his character
he will discontinue them without taking offence if I confess to him my reasons
and throw myself entirely on his generosity The next time that I see him I
will honestly avow to him the embarrassment which his presence occasions How
say you my child Is not this measure necessary«
Antonia subscribed to every thing without hesitation though not without
regret Her mother kissed her affectionately and retired to bed Antonia
followed her example and vowed so frequently never more to think of Lorenzo
that till sleep closed her eyes she thought of nothing else
While this was passing at Elviras Lorenzo hastened to rejoin the marquis
Every thing was ready for the second elopement of Agnes and at twelve the two
friends with a coach and four were at the gardenwall of the convent Don
Raymond drew out his key and unlocked the door They entered and waited for
some time in expectation of being joined by Agnes At length the marquis grew
impatient beginning to fear that his second attempt would succeed no better
than the first he proposed to reconnoitre the convent The friends advanced
towards it Every thing was still and dark The prioress was anxious to keep the
story a secret fearing lest the crime of one of its members should bring
disgrace upon the whole community or that the interposition of powerful
relations should deprive her vengeance of its intended victim She took care
therefore to give the lover of Agnes no cause to suppose that his design was
discovered and his mistress on the point of suffering the punishment of her
fault The same reason made her reject the idea of arresting the unknown seducer
in the garden such a proceeding would have created much disturbance and the
disgrace of her convent would have been noised about Madrid She contented
herself with confining Agnes closely as to the lover she left him at liberty
to pursue his designs What she had expected was the result The marquis and
Lorenzo waited in vain till the break of day they then retired without noise
alarmed at the failure of their plan and ignorant of the cause of its ill
success
The next morning Lorenzo went to the convent and requested to see his
sister The prioress appeared at the grate with a melancholy countenance She
informed him that for several days Agnes had appeared much agitated that she
had been pressed by the nuns in vain to reveal the cause and apply to their
tenderness for advice and consolation that she had obstinately persisted in
concealing the cause of her distress but that on Thursday evening it had
produced so violent an effect upon her constitution that she had fallen ill
and was actually confined to her bed Lorenzo did not credit a syllable of this
account he insisted upon seeing his sister if she was unable to come to the
grate he desired to be admitted to her cell The prioress crossed herself she
was shocked at the very idea of a mans profane eye pervading the interior of
her holy mansion and professed herself astonished that Lorenzo could think of
such a thing She told him that his request could not be granted but that if
he returned the next day she hoped that her beloved daughter would then be
sufficiently recovered to join him at the parlour grate With this answer
Lorenzo was obliged to retire unsatisfied and trembling for his sisters
safety
He returned the next morning at an early hour »Agnes was worse the
physician had pronounced her to be in imminent danger she was ordered to remain
quiet and it was utterly impossible for her to receive her brothers visit«
Lorenzo stormed at this answer but there was no resource He raved he
entreated he threatened no means were left untried to obtain a sight of Agnes
His endeavours were as fruitless as those of the day before and he returned in
despair to the marquis On his side the latter had spared no pains to discover
what had occasioned his plot to fail Don Christoval to whom the affair was now
entrusted endeavoured to worm out the secret from the old porteress of St
Clare with whom he had formed an acquaintance but she was too much upon her
guard and he gained from her no intelligence The marquis was almost
distracted and Lorenzo felt scarcely less inquietude Both were convinced that
the purposed elopement must have been discovered they doubted not but the
malady of Agnes was a pretence but they knew not by what means to rescue her
from the hands of the prioress
Regularly every day did Lorenzo visit the convent as regularly was he
informed that his sister rather grew worse than better Certain that her
indisposition was feigned these accounts did not alarm him but his ignorance
of her fate and of the motives which induced the prioress to keep her from him
excited the most serious uneasiness He was still uncertain what steps he ought
to take when the marquis received a letter from the cardinalduke of Lerma It
inclosed the popes expected bull ordering that Agnes should be released from
her vows and restored to her relations This essential paper decided at once
the proceedings of her friends they resolved that Lorenzo should carry it to
the domina without delay and demand that his sister should be instantly given
up to him Against this mandate illness could not be pleaded it gave her
brother the power of removing her instantly to the palace de Medina and he
determined to use that power on the following day
His mind relieved from inquietude respecting his sister and his spirits
raised by the hope of soon restoring her to freedom he now had time to give a
few moments to love and to Antonia At the same hour as on his former visit he
repaired to Donna Elviras She had given orders for his admission As soon as
he was announced her daughter retired with Leonella and when he entered the
chamber he found the lady of the house alone She received him with less
distance than before and desired him to place himself near her upon the sopha
She then without losing time opened her business as had been agreed between
herself and Antonia
»You must not think me ungrateful Don Lorenzo or forgetful how essential
are the services which you have rendered me with the marquis I feel the weight
of my obligations nothing under the sun should induce my taking the step to
which I am now compelled but the interest of my child of my beloved Antonia
My health is declining God only knows how soon I may be summoned before his
throne My daughter will be left without parents and should she lose the
protection of the Cisternas family without friends She is young and artless
uninstructed in the worlds perfidy and with charms sufficient to render her an
object of seduction Judge then how I must tremble at the prospect before her
Judge how anxious I must be to keep her from their society who may excite the
yet dormant passions of her bosom You are amiable Don Lorenzo Antonia has a
susceptible a loving heart and is grateful for the favours conferred upon us
by your interference with the marquis Your presence makes me tremble I fear
lest it should inspire her with sentiments which may embitter the remainder of
her life or encourage her to cherish hopes in her situation unjustifiable and
futile Pardon me when I avow my terrors and let my frankness plead in my
excuse I cannot forbid you my house for gratitude restrains me I can only
throw myself upon your generosity and entreat you to spare the feelings of an
anxious of a doting mother Believe me when I assure you that I lament the
necessity of rejecting your acquaintance but there is no remedy and Antonias
interest obliges me to beg you to forbear your visits By complying with my
request you will increase the esteem which I already feel for you and of which
every thing convinces me that you are truly deserving«
»Your frankness charms me« replied Lorenzo »You shall find that in your
favourable opinion of me you were not deceived yet I hope that the reasons now
in my power to allege will persuade you to withdraw a request which I cannot
obey without infinite reluctance I love your daughter love her most sincerely
I wish for no greater happiness than to inspire her with the same sentiments
and receive her hand at the altar as her husband Tis true I am not rich
myself my fathers death has left me but little in my own possession but my
expectations justify my pretending to the Condé de las Cisternas daughter«
He was proceeding but Elvira interrupted him
»Ah Don Lorenzo you forget in that pompous title the meanness of my
origin You forget that I have now passed fourteen years in Spain disavowed by
my husbands family and existing upon a stipend barely sufficient for the
support and education of my daughter Nay I have even been neglected by most of
my own relations who out of envy affect to doubt the reality of my marriage My
allowance being discontinued at my fatherinlaws death I was reduced to the
very brink of want In this situation I was found by my sister who amongst all
her foibles possesses a warm generous and affectionate heart She aided me
with the little fortune which my father left her persuaded me to visit Madrid
and has supported my child and myself since our quitting Murcia Then consider
not Antonia as descended from the Condé de las Cisternas consider her as a poor
and unprotected orphan as the grandchild of the tradesman Torribio Dalfa as
the needy pensioner of that tradesmans daughter Reflect upon the difference
between such a situation and that of the nephew and heir of the potent duke of
Medina I believe your intentions to be honourable but as there are no hopes
that your uncle will approve of the union I foresee that the consequences of
your attachment must be fatal to my childs repose«
»Pardon me Segnora you are misinformed if you suppose the duke of Medina
to resemble the generality of men His sentiments are liberal and disinterested
he loves me well and I have no reason to dread his forbidding the marriage
when he perceives that my happiness depends upon Antonia But supposing him to
refuse his sanction what have I still to fear My parents are no more my
little fortune is in my own possession it will be sufficient to support
Antonia and I shall exchange for her hand Medinas dukedom without one sigh of
regret«
»You are young and eager it is natural for you to entertain such ideas But
experience has taught me to my cost that curses accompany an unequal alliance
I married the Condé de las Cisternas in opposition to the will of his relations
many an heartpang has punished me for the imprudent step Wherever we bent our
course a fathers execration pursued Gonzalvo Poverty overtook us and no
friend was near to relieve our wants Still our mutual affection existed but
alas not without interruption Accustomed to wealth and ease ill could my
husband support the transition to distress and indigence He looked back with
repining to the comforts which he once enjoyed He regretted the situation which
for my sake he had quitted and in moments when despair possessed his mind has
reproached me with having made him the companion of want and wretchedness He
has called me his bane the source of his sorrows the cause of his destruction
Ah God he little knew how much keener were my own hearts reproaches He was
ignorant that I suffered trebly for myself for my children and for him Tis
true that his anger seldom lasted long his sincere affection for me soon
revived in his heart and then his repentance for the tears which he had made me
shed tortured me even more than his reproaches He would throw himself on the
ground implore my forgiveness in the most frantic terms and load himself with
curses for being the murderer of my repose Taught by experience that an union
contracted against the inclinations of families on either side must be
unfortunate I will save my daughter from those miseries which I have suffered
Without your uncles consent while I live she never shall be yours
Undoubtedly he will disapprove of the union his power is immense and Antonia
shall not be exposed to his anger and persecution«
»His persecution How easily may that be avoided Let the worst happen it
is but quitting Spain My wealth may easily be realised The Indian islands will
offer us a secure retreat I have an estate though not of value in Hispaniola
thither will we fly and I shall consider it to be my native country if it
gives me Antonias undisturbed possession«
»Ah youth this is a fond romantic vision Gonzalvo thought the same He
fancied that he could leave Spain without regret but the moment of parting
undeceived him You know not yet what it is to quit your native land to quit
it never to behold it more You know not what it is to exchange the scenes
where you have passed your infancy for unknown realms and barbarous climates
to be forgotten utterly eternally forgotten by the companions of your youth
to see your dearest friends the fondest objects of your affection perishing
with diseases incidental to Indian atmospheres and find yourself unable to
procure for them necessary assistance I have felt all this My husband and two
sweet babes found their graves in Cuba nothing would have saved my young
Antonia but my sudden return to Spain Ah Don Lorenzo could you conceive what
I suffered during my absence Could you know how sorely I regretted all that I
left behind and how dear to me was the very name of Spain I envied the winds
which blew towards it and when the Spanish sailor chaunted some wellknown air
as he passed my window tears filled my eyes while I thought upon my native
land Gonzalvo too my husband «
Elvira paused Her voice faltered and she concealed her face with her
handkerchief After a short silence she rose from the sopha and proceeded
»Excuse my quitting you for a few moments the remembrance of what I have
suffered has much agitated me and I need to be alone Till I return peruse
these lines After my husbands death I found them among his papers Had I known
sooner that he entertained such sentiments grief would have killed me He wrote
these verses on his voyage to Cuba when his mind was clouded by sorrow and he
forgot that he had a wife and children What we are losing ever seems to us the
most precious Gonzalvo was quitting Spain for ever and therefore was Spain
dearer to his eyes than all else which the world contained Read them Don
Lorenzo they will give you some idea of the feelings of a banished man«
Elvira put a paper into Lorenzos hand and retired from the chamber The
youth examined the contents and found them to be as follows
The Exile
Farewell oh native Spain farewell for ever
These banished eyes shall view thy coasts no more
A mournful presage tells my heart that never
Gonzalvos steps again shall press thy shore
Hushed are the winds while soft the vessel sailing
With gentle motion plows the unruffled main
I feel my bosoms boasted courage failing
And curse the waves which bear me far from Spain
I see it yet Beneath yon blue clear heaven
Still do the spires so wellbeloved appear
From yonder craggy point the gale of even
Still wafts my native accents to mine ear
Propped on some mosscrowned rock and gaily singing
There in the sun his nets the fisher dries
Oft have I heard the plaintive ballad bringing
Scenes of past joys before my sorrowing eyes
Ah happy swain he waits the accustomed hour
When twilightgloom obscures the closing sky
Then gladly seeks his loved paternal bower
And shares the feast his native fields supply
Friendship and Love his cottage guests receive him
With honest welcome and with smile sincere
No threatening woes of present joys bereave him
No sigh his bosom owns his cheek no tear
Ah happy swain such bliss to me denying
Fortune thy lot with envy bids me view
Me who from home and Spain an exile flying
Bid all I value all I love adieu
No more mine ear shall list the wellknown ditty
Sung by some mountaingirl who tends her goats
Some villageswain imploring amorous pity
Or shepherd chanting wild his rustic notes
No more my arms a parents fond embraces
No more my heart domestic calm must know
Far from these joys with sighs which memory traces
To sultry skies and distant climes I go
Where Indian suns engender new diseases
Where snakes and tigers breed I bend my way
To brave the feverish thirst no art appeases
The yellow plague and madding blaze of day
But not to feel slow pangs consume my liver
To die by piecemeal in the bloom of age
My boiling blood drunk by insatiate fever
And brain delirious with the daystars rage
Can make me know such grief as thus to sever
With many a bitter sigh dear land from thee
To feel this heart must dote on thee for ever
And feel that all thy joys are torn from me
Ah me how oft will fancys spells in slumber
Recall my native country to my mind
How oft regret will bid me sadly number
Each lost delight and dear friend left behind
Wild Murcias vales and loved romantic bowers
The river on whose banks a child I played
My castles antient halls its frowning towers
Each muchregretted wood and wellknown glade
Dreams of the land where all my wishes centre
Thy scenes which I am doomed no more to know
Full oft shall memory trace my souls tormentor
And turn each pleasure past to present woe
But lo the sun beneath the waves retires
Night speeds apace her empire to restore
Clouds from my sight obscure the villagespires
Now seen but faintly and now seen no more
Oh breathe not winds Still be the waters motion
Sleep sleep my bark in silence on the main
So when tomorrows light shall gild the ocean
Once more mine eyes shall see the coast of Spain
Vain is the wish My last petition scorning
Fresh blows the gale and high the billows swell
Far shall we be before the break of morning
Oh then for ever native Spain farewell
Lorenzo had scarcely time to read these lines when Elvira returned to him the
giving a free course to her tears had relieved her and her spirits had regained
their usual composure
»I have nothing more to say my lord« said she »you have heard my
apprehensions and my reasons for begging you not to repeat your visits I have
thrown myself in full confidence upon your honour I am certain that you will
not prove my opinion of you to have been too favourable«
»But one question more Segnora and I leave you Should the duke of Medina
approve my love would my addresses be unacceptable to yourself and the fair
Antonia«
»I will be open with you Don Lorenzo there being little probability of
such an union taking place I fear that it is desired but too ardently by my
daughter You have made an impression upon her young heart which gives me the
most serious alarm to prevent that impression from growing stronger I am
obliged to decline your acquaintance For me you may be sure that I should
rejoice at establishing my child so advantageously Conscious that my
constitution impaired by grief and illness forbids me to expect a long
continuance in this world I tremble at the thought of leaving her under the
protection of a perfect stranger The marquis de las Cisternas is totally
unknown to me He will marry his lady may look upon Antonia with an eye of
displeasure and deprive her of her only friend Should the duke your uncle
give his consent you need not doubt obtaining mine and my daughters but
without his hope not for ours At all events whatever steps you may take
whatever may be the dukes decision till you know it let me beg your
forbearing to strengthen by your presence Antonias prepossession If the
sanction of your relations authorises your addressing her as your wife my doors
fly open to you If that sanction is refused be satisfied to possess my esteem
and gratitude but remember that we must meet no more«
Lorenzo promised reluctantly to conform to this decree but he added that
he hoped soon to obtain that consent which would give him a claim to the
renewal of their acquaintance He then explained to her why the marquis had not
called in person and made no scruple of confiding to her his sisters history
He concluded by saying »that he hoped to set Agnes at liberty the next day and
that as soon as Don Raymonds fears were quieted upon this subject he would
lose no time in assuring Donna Elvira of his friendship and protection«
The lady shook her head
»I tremble for your sister« said she »I have heard many traits of the
domina of St Clares character from a friend who was educated in the same
convent with her she reported her to be haughty inflexible superstitious and
revengeful I have since heard that she is infatuated with the idea of
rendering her convent the most regular in Madrid and never forgave those whose
imprudence threw upon it the slightest stain Though naturally violent and
severe when her interests require it she well knows how to assume an
appearance of benignity She leaves no means untried to persuade young women of
rank to become members of her community she is implacable when once incensed
and has too much intrepidity to shrink at taking the most rigorous measures for
punishing the offender Doubtless she will consider your sisters quitting the
convent as a disgrace thrown upon it she will use every artifice to avoid
obeying the mandate of his holiness and I shudder to think that Donna Agnes is
in the hands of this dangerous woman«
Lorenzo now rose to take leave Elvira gave him her hand at parting which
he kissed respectfully and telling her that he soon hoped for the permission
to salute that of Antonia he returned to his hotel The lady was perfectly
satisfied with the conversation which had passed between them she looked
forward with satisfaction to the prospect of his becoming her soninlaw but
prudence bade her conceal from her daughters knowledge the flattering hopes
which herself now ventured to entertain
Scarcely was it day and already Lorenzo was at the convent of St Clare
furnished with the necessary mandate The nuns were at matins He waited
impatiently for the conclusion of the service and at length the prioress
appeared at the parlourgrate Agnes was demanded The old lady replied with a
melancholy air that the dear childs situation grew hourly more dangerous that
the physicians despaired of her life but that they had declared the only chance
for her recovery to consist in keeping her quiet and not to permit those to
approach her whose presence was likely to agitate her Not a word of all this
was believed by Lorenzo any more than he credited the expressions of grief and
affection for Agnes with which this account was interlarded To end the
business he put the popes bull into the hands of the domina and insisted
that ill or in health his sister should be delivered to him without delay
The prioress received the paper with an air of humility but no sooner had
her eye glanced over the contents than her resentment baffled all the efforts of
hypocrisy A deep crimson spread itself over her face and she darted upon
Lorenzo looks of rage and menace
»This order is positive« said she in a voice of anger which she in vain
strove to disguise »willingly would I obey it but unfortunately it is out of
my power«
Lorenzo interrupted her by an exclamation of surprise
»I repeat it Segnor to obey this order is totally out of my power From
tenderness to a brothers feelings I would have communicated the sad event to
you by degrees and have prepared you to hear it with fortitude My measures are
broken through this order commands me to deliver up to you the sister Agnes
without delay I am therefore obliged to inform you without circumlocution
that on Friday last she expired«
Lorenzo started back with horror and turned pale A moments recollection
convinced him that this assertion must be false and it restored him to himself
»You deceive me« said he passionately »but five minutes past you assured
me that though ill she was still alive Produce her this instant See her I
must and will and every attempt to keep her from me will be unavailing«
»You forget yourself Segnor you owe respect to my age as well as my
profession Your sister is no more If I at first concealed her death it was
from dreading lest an event so unexpected should produce on you too violent an
effect In truth I am but ill repaid for my attention And what interest I
pray you should I have in detaining her To know her wish of quitting our
society is a sufficient reason for me to wish her absence and think her a
disgrace to the sisterhood of St Clare but she has forfeited my affection in a
manner yet more culpable Her crimes were great and when you know the cause of
her death you will doubtless rejoice Don Lorenzo that such a wretch is no
longer in existence She was taken ill on Thursday last on returning from
confession in the Capuchin chapel her malady seemed attended with strange
circumstances but she persisted in concealing its cause Thanks to the Virgin
we were too ignorant to suspect it Judge then what must have been our
consternation our horror when she was delivered the next day of a stillborn
child whom she immediately followed to the grave How Segnor Is it possible
that your countenance expresses no surprise no indignation Is it possible that
your sisters infamy was known to you and that still she possessed your
affection In that case you have no need of my compassion I can say nothing
more except repeat my inability of obeying the orders of his holiness Agnes is
no more and to convince you that what I say is true I swear by our blessed
Saviour that three days have passed since she was buried«
Here she kissed a small crucifix which hung at her girdle she then rose
from her chair and quitted the parlour As she withdrew she cast upon Lorenzo a
scornful smile
»Farewell Segnor« said she »I know no remedy for this accident I fear
that even a second bull from the pope will not procure your sisters
resurrection«
Lorenzo also retired penetrated with affliction but Don Raymonds at the
news of this event amounted to madness he would not be convinced that Agnes
was really dead and continued to insist that the walls of St Clare still
confined her No arguments could make him abandon his hopes of regaining her
Every day some fresh scheme was invented for procuring intelligence of her and
all of them were attended with the same success
On his part Medina gave up the idea of ever seeing his sister more yet he
believed that she had been taken off by unfair means Under this persuasion he
encouraged Don Raymonds researches determined should he discover the least
warrant for his suspicions to take a severe vengeance upon the unfeeling
prioress The loss of his sister affected him sincerely nor was it the least
cause of his distress that propriety obliged him for some time to defer
mentioning Antonia to the duke In the mean while his emissaries constantly
surrounded Elviras door He had intelligence of all the movements of his
mistress As she never failed every Thursday to attend the sermon in the
Capuchin cathedral he was secure of seeing her once a week though in
compliance with his promise he carefully shunned her observation Thus two long
months passed away Still no information was procured of Agnes All but the
marquis credited her death and now Lorenzo determined to disclose his
sentiments to his uncle he had already dropped some hints of his intention to
marry they had been as favourably received as he could expect and he harboured
no doubt of the success of his application
Chapter VI
While in each others arms entranced they lay
They blessed the night and cursed the coming day
Lee
The burst of transport was passed Ambrosios lust was satisfied Pleasure fled
and Shame usurped her seat in his bosom Confused and terrified at his weakness
he drew himself from Matildas arms his perjury presented itself before him he
reflected on the scene which had just been acted and trembled at the
consequences of a discovery he looked forward with horror his heart was
despondent and became the abode of satiety and disgust he avoided the eyes of
his partner in frailty A melancholy silence prevailed during which both seemed
busied with disagreeable reflections
Matilda was the first to break it She took his hand gently and pressed it
to her burning lips
»Ambrosio« she murmured in a soft and trembling voice
The abbot started at the sound he turned his eyes upon Matildas they were
filled with tears her cheeks were covered with blushes and her supplicating
looks seemed to solicit his compassion
»Dangerous woman« said he »into what an abyss of misery have you plunged
me Should your sex be discovered my honour nay my life must pay for the
pleasure of a few moments Fool that I was to trust myself to your seductions
What can now be done How can my offence be expiated What atonement can
purchase the pardon of my crime Wretched Matilda you have destroyed my quiet
for ever«
»To me these reproaches Ambrosio to me who have sacrificed for you the
worlds pleasures the luxury of wealth the delicacy of sex my friends my
fortune and my fame What have you lost which I preserved Have I not shared in
your guilt Have you not shared in my pleasure Guilt did I say In what
consists ours unless in the opinion of an illjudging world Let that world be
ignorant of them and our joys become divine and blameless Unnatural were your
vows of celibacy man was not created for such a state and were love a crime
God never would have made it so sweet so irresistible Then banish those clouds
from your brow my Ambrosio Indulge in those pleasures freely without which
life is a worthless gift Cease to reproach me with having taught you what is
bliss and feel equal transports with the woman who adores you«
As she spoke her eyes were filled with a delicious languor her bosom
panted she twined her arms voluptuously round him drew him towards her and
glued her lips to his Ambrosio again raged with desire the die was thrown his
vows were already broken he had already committed the crime and why should he
refrain from enjoying its reward He clasped her to his breast with redoubled
ardour No longer repressed by the sense of shame he gave a loose to his
intemperate appetites while the fair wanton put every invention of lust in
practice every refinement in the art of pleasure which might heighten the
bliss of her possession and render her lovers transports still more exquisite
Ambrosio rioted in delights till then unknown to him Swift fled the night and
the morning blushed to behold him still clasped in the embraces of Matilda
Intoxicated with pleasure the monk rose from the syrens luxurious couch
he no longer reflected with shame upon his incontinence or dreaded the
vengeance of offended heaven his only fear was lest death should rob him of
enjoyments for which his long fast had only given a keener edge to his
appetite Matilda was still under the influence of poison and the voluptuous
monk trembled less for his preservers life than his concubines Deprived of
her he would not easily find another mistress with whom he could indulge his
passions so fully and so safely he therefore pressed her with earnestness to
use the means of preservation which she had declared to be in her possession
»Yes« replied Matilda »since you have made me feel that life is valuable
I will rescue mine at any rate No dangers shall appal me I will look upon the
consequences of my action boldly nor shudder at the horrors which they present
I will think my sacrifice scarcely worthy to purchase your possession and
remember that a moment passed in your arms in this world oerpays an age of
punishment in the next But before I take this step Ambrosio give me your
solemn oath never to enquire by what means I shall preserve myself«
He did so in a manner the most binding
»I thank you my beloved This precaution is necessary for though you know
it not you are under the command of vulgar prejudices The business on which I
must be employed this night might startle you from its singularity and lower
me in your opinion Tell me are you possessed of the key of the low door on the
western side of the garden«
»The door which opens into the buryingground common to us and the
sisterhood of St Clare I have not the key but can easily procure it«
»You have only this to do Admit me into the buryingground at midnight
Watch while I descend into the vaults of St Clare lest some prying eye should
observe my actions Leave me there alone for an hour and that life is safe
which I dedicate to your pleasures To prevent creating suspicion do not visit
me during the day Remember the key and that I expect you before twelve Hark
I hear steps approaching Leave me I will pretend to sleep«
The friar obeyed and left the cell As he opened the door father Pablos
made his appearance
»I come« said the latter »to enquire after the health of my young
patient«
»Hush« replied Ambrosio laying his fingers upon his lip »speak softly I
am just come from him he has fallen into a profound slumber which doubtless
will be of service to him Do not disturb him at present for he wishes to
repose«
Father Pablos obeyed and hearing the bell ring accompanied the abbot to
matins Ambrosio felt embarrassed as he entered the chapel Guilt was new to
him and he fancied that every eye could read the transactions of the night upon
his countenance He strove to pray his bosom no longer glowed with devotion
his thoughts insensibly wandered to Matildas secret charms But what he wanted
in purity of heart he supplied by exterior sanctity The better to cloak his
transgression he redoubled his pretensions to the semblance of virtue and
never appeared more devoted to heaven than since he had broken through his
engagements Thus did he unconsciously add hypocrisy to perjury and
incontinence he had fallen into the latter errors from yielding to seduction
almost irresistible but he was now guilty of a voluntary fault by endeavouring
to conceal those into which another had betrayed him
The matins concluded Ambrosio retired to his cell The pleasures which he
had just tasted for the first time were still impressed upon his mind his brain
was bewildered and presented a confused chaos of remorse voluptuousness
inquietude and fear he looked back with regret to that peace of soul that
security of virtue which till then had been his portion he had indulged in
excesses whose very idea but fourandtwenty hours before he had recoiled at
with horror he shuddered at reflecting that a trifling indiscretion on his
part or on Matildas would overturn that fabric of reputation which it had
cost him thirty years to erect and render him the abhorrence of that people of
whom he was then the idol Conscience painted to him in glaring colours his
perjury and weakness apprehension magnified to him the horrors of punishment
and he already fancied himself in the prisons of the Inquisition To these
tormenting ideas succeeded Matildas beauty and those delicious lessons which
once learnt can never be forgotten A single glance thrown upon these reconciled
him with himself he considered the pleasures of the former night to have been
purchased at an easy price by the sacrifice of innocence and honour Their very
remembrance filled his soul with ecstacy he cursed his foolish vanity which
had induced him to waste in obscurity the bloom of life ignorant of the
blessings of love and woman he determined at all events to continue his
commerce with Matilda and called every argument to his aid which might confirm
his resolution he asked himself provided his irregularity was unknown in what
would his fault consist and what consequences he had to apprehend By adhering
strictly to every rule of his order save chastity he doubted not to retain the
esteem of men and even the protection of heaven he trusted easily to be
forgiven so slight and natural a deviation from his vows but he forgot that
having pronounced those vows incontinence in laymen the most venial of errors
became in his person the most heinous of crimes
Once decided upon his future conduct his mind became more easy he threw
himself upon his bed and strove by sleeping to recruit his strength exhausted
by his nocturnal excesses He awoke refreshed and eager for a repetition of his
pleasures Obedient to Matildas order he visited not her cell during the day
Father Pablos mentioned in the refectory that Rosario had at length been
prevailed upon to follow his prescription but that the medicine had not
produced the slightest effect and that he believed no mortal skill could rescue
him from the grave With this opinion the abbot agreed and affected to lament
the untimely fate of a youth whose talents had appeared so promising
The night arrived Ambrosio had taken care to procure from the porter the
key of the low door opening into the cemetery Furnished with this when all was
silent in the monastery he quitted his cell and hastened to Matildas She had
left her bed and was dressed before his arrival
»I have been expecting you with impatience« said she »my life depends upon
these moments Have you the key«
»I have«
»Away then to the garden We have no time to lose Follow me«
She took a small covered basket from the table Bearing this in one hand
and the lamp which was flaming upon the hearth in the other she hastened from
the cell Ambrosio followed her Both maintained a profound silence She moved
on with quick but cautious steps passed through the cloisters and reached the
western side of the garden her eyes flashed with a fire and wildness which
impressed the monk at once with awe and horror A determined desperate courage
reigned upon her brow she gave the lamp to Ambrosio then talking from him the
key she unlocked the low door and entered the cemetery It was a vast and
spacious square planted with yewtrees half of it belonged to the abbey the
other half was the property of the sisterhood of St Clare and was protected by
a roof of stone the division was marked by an iron railing the wicket of which
was generally left unlocked
Thither Matilda bent her course she opened the wicket and sought for the
door leading to the subterraneous vaults where reposed the mouldering bodies of
the votaries of St Clare The night was perfectly dark neither moon nor stars
were visible Luckily there was not a breath of wind and the friar bore his
lamp in full security by the assistance of its beams the door of the sepulchre
was soon discovered It was sunk within the hollow of a wall and almost
concealed by thick festoons of ivy hanging over it Three steps of roughhewn
stone conducted to it and Matilda was on the point of descending them when she
suddenly started back
»There are people in the vaults« she whispered to the monk »conceal
yourself till they are passed«
She took refuge behind a lofty and magnificent tomb erected in honour of
the convents foundress Ambrosio followed her example carefully hiding his
lamp lest its beams should betray them But a few moments had elapsed when the
door was pushed open leading to the subterraneous caverns Rays of light
proceeded up the staircase they enabled the concealed spectators to observe
two females dressed in religious habits who seemed engaged in earnest
conversation The abbot had no difficulty to recognize the prioress of St Clare
in the first and one of the elder nuns in her companion
»Every thing is prepared« said the prioress »her fate shall be decided
tomorrow all her tears and sighs will be unavailing No In fiveandtwenty
years that I have been superior of this convent never did I witness a
transaction more infamous«
»You must expect much opposition to your will« the other replied in a
milder voice »Agnes has many friends in the convent and in particular the
mother St Ursula will espouse her cause most warmly In truth she merits to
have friends and I wish I could prevail upon you to consider her youth and her
peculiar situation She seems sensible of her fault the excess of her grief
proves her penitence and I am convinced that her tears flow more from
contrition than fear of punishment Reverend mother would you be persuaded to
mitigate the severity of your sentence would you but deign to overlook this
first transgression I offer myself as the pledge of her future conduct«
»Overlook it say you Mother Camilla you amaze me What after disgracing
me in the presence of Madrids idol of the very man on whom I most wished to
impress an idea of the strictness of my discipline How despicable must I have
appeared to the reverend abbot No mother no I never can forgive the insult
I cannot better convince Ambrosio that I abhor such crimes than by punishing
that of Agnes with all the rigour of which our severe laws admit Cease then
your supplications they will all be unavailing My resolution is taken
Tomorrow Agnes shall be made a terrible example of my justice and resentment«
The mother Camilla seemed not to give up the point but by this time the
nuns were out of hearing The prioress unlocked the door which communicated with
St Clares chapel and having entered with her companion closed it again after
them
Matilda now asked who was this Agnes with whom the prioress was thus
incensed and what connexion she could have with Ambrosio He related her
adventure and he added that since that time his ideas having undergone a
thorough revolution he now felt much compassion for the unfortunate nun
»I design« said he »to request an audience of the domina tomorrow and
use every means of obtaining a mitigation of her sentence«
»Beware of what you do« interrupted Matilda »your sudden change of
sentiment may naturally create surprise and may give birth to suspicions which
it is most our interest to avoid Rather redouble your outward austerity and
thunder out menaces against the errors of others the better to conceal your
own Abandon the nun to her fate Your interfering might be dangerous and her
imprudence merits to be punished she is unworthy to enjoy loves pleasures who
has not wit enough to conceal them But in discussing this trifling subject I
waste moments which are precious The night flies apace and much must be done
before morning The nuns are retired all is safe Give me the lamp Ambrosio I
must descend alone into these caverns wait here and if any one approaches warn
me by your voice but as you value your existence presume not to follow me
your life would fall a victim to your imprudent curiosity«
Thus saying she advanced towards the sepulchre still holding her lamp in
one hand and her little basket in the other She touched the door it turned
slowly upon its grating hinges and a narrow winding staircase of black marble
presented itself to her eyes She descended it Ambrosio remained above
watching the faint beams of the lamp as they still receded down the stairs
They disappeared and he found himself in total darkness
Left to himself he could not reflect without surprise on the sudden change
in Matildas character and sentiments But a few days had passed since she
appeared the mildest and softest of her sex devoted to his will and looking up
to him as to a superior being Now she assumed a sort of courage and manliness
in her manners and discourse but ill calculated to please him She spoke no
longer to insinuate but command he found himself unable to cope with her in
argument and was unwillingly obliged to confess the superiority of her
judgment Every moment convinced him of the astonishing powers of her mind but
what she gained in the opinion of the man she lost with interest in the
affection of the lover He regretted Rosario the fond the gentle and
submissive he grieved that Matilda preferred the virtues of his sex to those of
her own and when he thought of her expressions respecting the devoted nun he
could not help blaming them as cruel and unfeminine Pity is a sentiment so
natural so appropriate to the female character that it is scarcely a merit for
a woman to possess it but to be without it is a grievous crime Ambrosio could
not easily forgive his mistress for being deficient in this amiable quality
However though he blamed her insensibility he felt the truth of her
observations and though he pitied sincerely the unfortunate Agnes he resolved
to drop the idea of interposing in her behalf
Near an hour had elapsed since Matilda descended into the caverns still she
returned not Ambrosios curiosity was excited He drew near the staircase he
listened all was silent except that at intervals he caught the sound of
Matildas voice as it wound along the subteraneous passages and was reechoed
by the sepulchres vaulted roofs She was at too great a distance for him to
distinguish her words and ere they reached him they were deadened into a low
murmur He longed to penetrate into this mystery He resolved to disobey her
injunctions and follow her into the cavern He advanced to the staircase he
had already descended some steps when his courage failed him He remembered
Matildas menaces if he infringed her orders and his bosom was filled with a
secret unaccountable awe He returned up the stairs resumed his former station
and waited impatiently for the conclusion of this adventure
Suddenly he was sensible of a violent shock An earthquake rocked the
ground the columns which supported the roof under which he stood were so
strongly shaken that every moment menaced him with its fall and at the same
moment he heard a loud and tremendous burst of thunder it ceased and his eyes
being fixed upon the staircase he saw a bright column of light flash along the
caverns beneath It was seen but for an instant No sooner did it disappear
than all was once more quiet and obscure Profound darkness again surrounded
him and the silence of night was only broken by the whirring bat as she flitted
slowly by him
With every instant Ambrosios amazement increased Another hour elapsed
after which the same light again appeared and was lost again as suddenly It
was accompanied by a strain of sweet but solemn music which as it stole
through the vaults below inspired the monk with mingled delight and terror It
had not long been hushed when he heard Matildas steps upon the staircase She
ascended from the cavern the most lively joy animated her beautiful features
»Did you see any thing?« she asked
»Twice I saw a column of light flash up the staircase«
»Nothing else«
»Nothing«
»The morning is on the point of breaking let us retire to the abbey lest
daylight should betray us«
With a light step she hastened from the buryingground She regained her
cell and the curious abbot still accompanied her She closed the door and
disembarrassed herself of her lamp and basket
»I have succeeded« she cried throwing herself upon his bosom »succeeded
beyond my fondest hopes I shall live Ambrosio shall live for you the step
which I shuddered at taking proves to me a source of joys inexpressible Oh
that I dared communicate those joys to you Oh that I were permitted to share
with you my power and raise you as high above the level of your sex as one
bold deed has exalted me above mine«
»And what prevents you Matilda« interrupted the friar »Why is your
business in the cavern made a secret Do you think me undeserving of your
confidence Matilda I must doubt the truth of your affection while you have
joys in which I am forbidden to share«
»You reproach me with in justice I grieve sincerely that I am obliged to
conceal from you my happiness but I am not to blame the fault lies not in me
but in yourself my Ambrosio You are still too much the monk your mind is
enslaved by the prejudices of education and superstition might make you shudder
at the idea of that which experience has taught me to prize and value At
present you are unfit to be trusted with a secret of such importance but the
strength of your judgment and the curiosity which I rejoice to see sparkling in
your eyes makes me hope that you will one day deserve my confidence Till that
period arrives restrain your impatience Remember that you have given me your
solemn oath never to enquire into this nights adventures I insist upon your
keeping this oath for though« she added smiling while she sealed his lips
with a wanton kiss »though I forgive your breaking your vows to heaven I
expect you to keep your vows to me«
The friar returned the embrace which had set his blood on fire The
luxurious and unbounded excesses of the former night were renewed and they
separated not till the bell rang for matins
The same pleasures were frequently repeated The monks rejoiced in the
feigned Rosarios unexpected recovery and none of them suspected his real sex
The abbot possessed his mistress in tranquillity and perceiving his frailty
unsuspected abandoned himself to his passions in full security Shame and
remorse no longer tormented him Frequent repetitions made him familiar with
sin and his bosom became proof against the stings of conscience In these
sentiments he was encouraged by Matilda but she soon was aware that she had
satiated her lover by the unbounded freedom of her caresses Her charms becoming
accustomed to him they ceased to excite the same desires which at first they
had inspired The delirium of passion being past he had leisure to observe
every trifling defect where none were to be found satiety made him fancy them
The monk was glutted with the fullness of pleasure A week had scarcely elapsed
before he was wearied of his paramour his warm constitution still made him seek
in her arms the gratification of his lust But when the moment of passion was
over he quitted her with disgust and his humour naturally inconstant made
him sigh impatiently for variety
Possession which cloys man only increases the affection of women Matilda
with every succeeding day grew more attached to the friar Since he had obtained
her favours he was become dearer to her than ever and she felt grateful to him
for the pleasures in which they had equally been sharers Unfortunately as her
passion grew ardent Ambrosios grew cold the very marks of her fondness
excited his disgust and its excess served to extinguish the flame which already
burned but feebly in his bosom Matilda could not but remark that her society
seemed to him daily less agreeable he was inattentive while she spoke her
musical talents which she possessed in perfection had lost the power of
amusing him or if he deigned to praise them his compliments were evidently
forced and cold He no longer gazed upon her with affection or applauded her
sentiments with a lovers partiality This Matilda well perceived and redoubled
her efforts to revive those sentiments which he once had felt She could not but
fail since he considered as importunities the pains which she took to please
him and was disgusted by the very means which she used to recall the wanderer
Still however their illicit commerce continued but it was clear that he was
led to her arms not by love but the cravings of brutal appetite His
constitution made a woman necessary to him and Matilda was the only one with
whom he could indulge his passions safely In spite of her beauty he gazed upon
every other female with more desire but fearing that his hypocrisy should be
made public he confined his inclinations to his own breast
It was by no means his nature to be timid but his education had impressed
his mind with fear so strongly that apprehension was now become part of his
character Had his youth been passed in the world he would have shown himself
possessed of many brilliant and manly qualities He was naturally enterprizing
firm and fearless he had a warriors heart and he might have shone with
splendour at the head of an army There was no want of generosity in his nature
the wretched never failed to find in him a compassionate auditor his abilities
were quick and shining and his judgment vast solid and decisive With such
qualifications he would have been an ornament to his country that he possessed
them he had given proofs in his earliest infancy and his parents had beheld his
dawning virtues with the fondest delight and admiration Unfortunately while
yet a child he was deprived of those parents He fell into the power of a
relation whose only wish about him was never to hear of him more for that
purpose he gave him in charge to his friend the former superior of the
Capuchins The abbot a very monk used all his endeavours to persuade the boy
that happiness existed not without the walls of a convent He succeeded fully
To deserve admittance into the order of St Francis was Ambrosios highest
ambition His instructors carefully repressed those virtues whose grandeur and
disinterestedness were ill suited to the cloister Instead of universal
benevolence he adopted a selfish partiality for his own particular
establishment he was taught to consider compassion for the errors of others as
a crime of the blackest dye the noble frankness of his temper was exchanged for
servile humility and in order to break his natural spirit the monks terrified
his young mind by placing before him all the horrors with which superstition
could furnish them they painted to him the torments of the damned in colours
the most dark terrible and fantastic and threatened him at the slightest fault
with eternal perdition No wonder that his imagination constantly dwelling upon
these fearful objects should have rendered his character timid and apprehensive
Add to this that his long absence from the great world and total
unacquaintance with the common dangers of life made him form of them an idea
far more dismal than the reality While the monks were busied in rooting out his
virtues and narrowing his sentiments they allowed every vice which had fallen
to his share to arrive at full perfection He was suffered to be proud vain
ambitious and disdainful he was jealous of his equals and despised all merit
but his own he was implacable when offended and cruel in his revenge Still in
spite of the pains taken to pervert them his natural good qualities would
occasionally break through the gloom cast over them so carefully At such times
the contest for superiority between his real and acquired character was striking
and unaccountable to those unacquainted with his original disposition He
pronounced the most severe sentences upon offenders which the moment after
compassion induced him to mitigate he undertook the most daring enterprizes
which the fear of their consequences soon obliged him to abandon his inborn
genius darted a brilliant light upon subjects the most obscure and almost
instantaneously his superstition replunged them in darkness more profound than
that from which they had just been rescued His brother monks regarding him as
a superior being remarked not this contradiction in their idols conduct They
were persuaded that what he did must be right and supposed him to have good
reasons for changing his resolutions The fact was that the different
sentiments with which education and nature had inspired him were combating in
his bosom it remained for his passions which as yet no opportunity had called
into play to decide the victory Unfortunately his passions were the very worst
judges to whom he could possibly have applied His monastic seclusion had till
now been in his favour since it gave him no room for discovering his bad
qualities The superiority of his talents raised him too far above his
companions to permit his being jealous of them his exemplary piety persuasive
eloquence and pleasing manners had secured him universal esteem and
consequently he had no injuries to revenge his ambition was justified by his
acknowledged merit and his pride considered as no more than proper confidence
He never saw much less conversed with the other sex he was ignorant of the
pleasures in womans power to bestow and if he read in the course of his
studies
»That men were fond he smiled and wondered how«
For a time spare diet frequent watching and severe penance cooled and
repressed the natural warmth of his constitution but no sooner did opportunity
present itself no sooner did he catch a glimpse of joys to which he was still a
stranger than religions barriers were too feeble to resist the overwhelming
torrent of his desires All impediments yielded before the force of his
temperament warm sanguine and voluptuous in the excess As yet his other
passions lay dormant but they only needed to be once awakened to display
themselves with violence as great and irresistible
He continued to be the admiration of Madrid The enthusiasm created by his
eloquence seemed rather to increase than diminish Every Thursday which was the
only day when he appeared in public the Capuchin cathedral was crowded with
auditors and his discourse was always received with the same approbation He
was named confessor to all the chief families in Madrid and no one was counted
fashionable who was in joined penance by any other than Ambrosio In his
resolution of never stirring out of his convent he still persisted This
circumstance created a still greater opinion of his sanctity and selfdenial
Above all the women sang forth his praises loudly less influenced by devotion
than by his noble countenance majestic air and wellturned graceful figure
The abbeydoor was thronged with carriages from morning to night and the
noblest and fairest dames of Madrid confessed to the abbot their secret
peccadilloes The eyes of the luxurious friar devoured their charms Had his
penitents consulted those interpreters he would have needed no other means of
expressing his desires For his misfortune they were so strongly persuaded of
his continence that the possibility of his harbouring indecent thoughts never
once entered their imaginations The climates heat tis well known operates
with no small influence upon the constitutions of the Spanish ladies but the
most abandoned would have thought it an easier task to inspire with passion the
marble statue of St Francis than the cold and rigid heart of the immaculate
Ambrosio
On his part the friar was little acquainted with the depravity of the
world he suspected not that but few of his penitents would have rejected his
addresses Yet had he been better instructed on this head the danger attending
such an attempt would have sealed up his lips in silence He knew that it would
be difficult for a woman to keep a secret so strange and so important as his
frailty and he even trembled lest Matilda should betray him Anxious to
preserve a reputation which was infinitely dear to him he saw all the risque of
committing it to the power of some vain giddy female and as the beauties of
Madrid affected only his senses without touching his heart he forgot them as
soon as they were out of his sight The danger of discovery the fear of being
repulsed the loss of reputation all these considerations counselled him to
stifle his desires and though he now felt for it the most perfect indifference
he was necessitated to confine himself to Matildas person
One morning the confluence of penitents was greater than usual He was
detained in the confessional chair till a late hour At length the crowd was
dispatched and he prepared to quit the chapel when two females entered and
drew near him with humility They threw up their veils and the youngest
entreated him to listen to her for a few moments The melody of her voice of
that voice to which no man ever listened without interest immediately caught
Ambrosios attention He stopped The petitioner seemed bowed down with
affliction her cheeks were pale her eyes dimmed with tears and her hair fell
in disorder over her face and bosom Still her countenance was so sweet so
innocent so heavenly as might have charmed an heart less susceptible than that
which panted in the abbots breast With more than usual softness of manner he
desired her to proceed and heard her speak as follows with an emotion which
increased every moment
»Reverend father you see an unfortunate threatened with the loss of her
dearest of almost her only friend My mother my excellent mother lies upon the
bed of sickness A sudden and dreadful malady seized her last night and so
rapid has been its progress that the physicians despair of her life Human aid
fails me nothing remains for me but to implore the mercy of heaven Father all
Madrid rings with the report of your piety and virtue Deign to remember my
mother in your prayers perhaps they may prevail on the Almighty to spare her
and should that be the case I engage myself every Thursday in the next three
months to illuminate the shrine of St Francis in his honour«
»So« thought the monk »here we have a second Vincentio della Ronda
Rosarios adventure began thus« and he wished secretly that this might have the
same conclusion
He acceded to the request The petitioner returned him thanks with every
mark of gratitude and then continued
»I have yet another favour to ask We are strangers in Madrid my mother
needs a confessor and knows not to whom she should apply We understand that
you never quit the abbey and alas my poor mother is unable to come hither If
you would have the goodness reverend father to name a proper person whose
wise and pious consolations may soften the agonies of my parents deathbed you
will confer an everlasting favour upon hearts not ungrateful«
With this petition also the monk complied Indeed what petition would he
have refused if urged in such enchanting accents The suppliant was so
interesting Her voice was so sweet so harmonious Her very tears became her
and her affliction seemed to add new lustre to her charms He promised to send
to her a confessor that same evening and begged her to leave her address The
companion presented him with a card on which it was written and then withdrew
with the fair petitioner who pronounced before her departure a thousand
benedictions on the abbots goodness His eyes followed her out of the chapel
It was not till she was out of sight that he examined the card on which he read
the following words
»Donna Elvira Dalfa strada di San Iago four doors from the palace
dAlbornos«
The suppliant was no other than Antonia and Leonella was her companion The
latter had not consented without difficulty to accompany her niece to the abbey
Ambrosio had inspired her with such awe that she trembled at the very sight of
him Her fears had conquered even her natural loquacity and while in his
presence she uttered not a single syllable
The monk retired to his cell whither he was pursued by Antonias image He
felt a thousand new emotions springing in his bosom and he trembled to examine
into the cause which gave them birth They were totally different from those
inspired by Matilda when she first declared her sex and her affection He felt
not the provocation of lust no voluptuous desires rioted in his bosom nor did
a burning imagination picture to him the charms which modesty had veiled from
his eyes On the contrary what he now felt was a mingled sentiment of
tenderness admiration and respect A soft and delicious melancholy infused
itself into his soul and he would not have exchanged it for the most lively
transports of joy Society now disgusted him he delighted in solitude which
permitted his indulging the visions of fancy his thoughts were all gentle sad
and soothing and the whole wide world presented him with no other object than
Antonia
»Happy man« he exclaimed in his romantic enthusiasm »happy man who is
destined to possess the heart of that lovely girl what delicacy in her
features what elegance in her form how enchanting was the timid innocence of
her eyes and how different from the wanton expression the wild luxurious fire
which sparkles in Matildas Oh sweeter must one kiss be snatched from the
rosy lips of the first than all the full and lustful favours bestowed so freely
by the second Matilda gluts me with enjoyment even to loathing forces me to
her arms apes the harlot and glories in her prostitution Disgusting Did she
know the inexpressible charm of modesty how irresistibly it enthrals the heart
of man how firmly it chains him to the throne of beauty she never would have
thrown it off What would be too dear a price for this lovely girls affections
What would I refuse to sacrifice could I be released from my vows and
permitted to declare my love in the sight of earth and heaven While I strove to
inspire her with tenderness with friendship and esteem how tranquil and
undisturbed would the hours roll away Gracious God to see her blue downcast
eyes beam upon mine with timid fondness to sit for days for years listening
to that gentle voice to acquire the right of obliging her and hear the artless
expressions of her gratitude to watch the emotions of her spotless heart to
encourage each dawning virtue to share in her joy when happy to kiss away her
tears when distressed and to see her fly to my arms for comfort and support
Yes if there is perfect bliss on earth tis his lot alone who becomes that
angels husband«
While his fancy coined these ideas, he paced his cell with a disordered air
His eyes were fixed upon vacancy his head reclined upon his shoulder a tear
rolled down his cheek while he reflected that the vision of happiness for him
could never be realized
»She is lost to me« he continued »by marriage she cannot be mine and to
seduce such innocence to use the confidence reposed in me to work her ruin
Oh it would be a crime blacker than yet the world ever witnessed Fear not
lovely girl your virtue runs no risque from me Not for Indies would I make
that gentle bosom know the tortures of remorse«
Again he paced his chamber hastily Then stopping his eye fell upon the
picture of his onceadmired Madona He tore it with indignation from the wall
he threw it on the ground and spurned it from him with his foot
»The prostitute«
Unfortunate Matilda her paramour forgot that for his sake alone she had
forfeited her claim to virtue and his only reason for despising her was that
she had loved him much too well
He threw himself into a chair which stood near the table He saw the card
with Elviras address He took it up and it brought to his recollection his
promise respecting a confessor He passed a few minutes in doubt but Antonias
empire over him was already too much decided to permit his making a long
resistance to the idea which struck him He resolved to be the confessor
himself He could leave the abbey unobserved without difficulty by wrapping up
his head in his cowl he hoped to pass through the streets without being
recognised by taking these precautions and by recommending secresy to Elviras
family he doubted not to keep Madrid in ignorance that he had broken his vow
never to see the outside of the abbeywalls Matilda was the only person whose
vigilance he dreaded but by informing her at the refectory that during the
whole of that day business would confine him to his cell he thought himself
secure from her wakeful jealousy Accordingly at the hours when the Spaniards
are generally taking their siesta he ventured to quit the abbey by a private
door the key of which was in his possession The cowl of his habit was thrown
over his face from the heat of the weather the streets were almost totally
deserted the monk met with few people found the strada di San Iago and
arrived without accident at Donna Elviras door He rang was admitted and
immediately ushered into an upper apartment
It was here that he ran the greatest risque of a discovery Had Leonella
been at home she would have recognized him directly Her communicative
disposition would never have permitted her to rest till all Madrid was informed
that Ambrosio had ventured out of the abbey and visited her sister Fortune
here stood the monks friend On Leonellas return home she found a letter
instructing her that a cousin was just dead who had left what little he
possessed between herself and Elvira To secure this bequest she was obliged to
set out for Cordova without losing a moment Amidst all her foibles her heart
was truly warm and affectionate and she was unwilling to quit her sister in so
dangerous a state But Elvira insisted upon her taking the journey conscious
that in her daughters forlorn situation no increase of fortune however
trifling ought to be neglected Accordingly Leonella left Madrid sincerely
grieved at her sisters illness and giving some few sighs to the memory of the
amiable but inconstant Don Christoval She was fully persuaded that at first
she had made a terrible breach in his heart but hearing nothing more of him
she supposed that he had quitted the pursuit disgusted by the lowness of her
origin and knowing upon other terms than marriage he had nothing to hope from
such a dragon of virtue as she professed herself or else that being naturally
capricious and changeable the remembrance of her charms had been effaced from
the Condés heart by those of some newer beauty Whatever was the cause of her
losing him she lamented it sorely She strove in vain as she assured every
body who was kind enough to listen to her to tear his image from her too
susceptible heart She affected the airs of a lovesick virgin and carried them
all to the most ridiculous excess She heaved lamentable sighs walked with her
arms folded uttered long soliloquies and her discourse generally turned upon
some forsaken maid who expired of a broken heart Her fiery locks were always
ornamented with a garland of willow Every evening she was seen straying upon
the banks of a rivulet by moonlight and she declared herself a violent admirer
of murmuring streams and nightingales
»Of lonely haunts and twilight groves
Places which pale passion loves«
Such was the state of Leonellas mind when obliged to quit Madrid Elvira was
out of patience at all these follies and endeavoured at persuading her to act
like a reasonable woman Her advice was thrown away Leonella assured her at
parting that nothing could make her forget the perfidious Don Christoval In
this point she was fortunately mistaken An honest youth of Cordova journeyman
to an apothecary found that her fortune would be sufficient to set him up in a
genteel shop of his own In consequence of this reflection he avowed himself her
admirer Leonella was not inflexible the ardour of his sighs melted her heart
and she soon consented to make him the happiest of mankind She wrote to inform
her sister of her marriage but for reasons which will be explained hereafter
Elvira never answered her letter
Ambrosio was conducted into the antichamber to that where Elvira was
reposing The female domestic who had admitted him left him alone while she
announced his arrival to her mistress Antonia who had been by her mothers
bedside immediately came to him
»Pardon me father« said she advancing towards him when recognizing his
features she stopped suddenly and uttered a cry of joy »Is it possible« she
continued »do not my eyes deceive me Has the worthy Ambrosio broken through
his resolution that he may soften the agonies of the best of women What
pleasure will this visit give my mother Let me not delay for a moment the
comfort which your piety and wisdom will afford her«
Thus saying she opened the chamberdoor presented to her mother her
distinguished visitor and having placed an armchair by the side of the bed
withdrew into another apartment
Elvira was highly gratified by this visit her expectations had been raised
high by general report but she found them far exceeded Ambrosio endowed by
nature with powers of pleasing exerted them to the utmost while conversing
with Antonias mother With persuasive eloquence he calmed every fear and
dissipated every scruple He bid her reflect on the infinite mercy of her judge
despoiled death of his darts and terrors and taught her to view without
shrinking the abyss of eternity on whose brink she then stood Elvira was
absorbed in attention and delight while she listened to his exhortations
confidence and comfort stole insensibly into her mind She unbosomed to him
without hesitation her cares and apprehensions The latter respecting a future
life he had already quieted and he now removed the former, which she felt for
the concerns of this She trembled for Antonia she had none to whose care she
could recommend her save to the marquis de las Cisternas and her sister
Leonella The protection of the one was very uncertain and as to the other
though fond of her niece Leonella was so thoughtless and vain as to make her
an improper person to have the sole direction of a girl so young and ignorant of
the world The friar no sooner learned the cause of her alarms than he begged
her to make herself easy upon that head He doubted not being able to secure for
Antonia a safe refuge in the house of one of his penitents the marchioness of
VillaFranca this was a lady of acknowledged virtue remarkable for strict
principles and extensive charity Should accident deprive her of this resource
he engaged to procure Antonia a reception in some respectable convent that is
to say in quality of boarder for Elvira had declared herself no friend to a
monastic life and the monk was either candid or complaisant enough to allow
that her disapprobation was not unfounded
These proofs of the interest which he felt for her completely won Elviras
heart In thanking him she exhausted every expression which gratitude could
furnish and protested that now she should resign herself with tranquillity to
the grave Ambrosio rose to take leave he promised to return the next day at
the same hour but requested that his visits might be kept secret
»I am unwilling« said he »that my breaking through a rule imposed by
necessity should be generally known Had I not resolved never to quit my
convent except upon circumstances as urgent as that which has conducted me to
your door I should be frequently summoned upon insignificant occasions that
time would be engrossed by the curious the unoccupied and the fanciful which
I now pass at the bedside of the sick in comforting the expiring penitent and
clearing the passage to eternity from thorns«
Elvira commended equally his prudence and compassion promising to conceal
carefully the honour of his visits The monk then gave her his benediction and
retired from the chamber
In the antiroom he found Antonia he could not refuse himself the pleasure
of passing a few moments in her society He bid her take comfort for that her
mother seemed composed and tranquil and he hoped that she might yet do well He
enquired who attended her and engaged to send the physician of his convent to
see her one of the most skilful in Madrid He then launched out in Elviras
commendation praised her purity and fortitude of mind and declared that she
had inspired him with the highest esteem and reverence Antonias innocent heart
swelled with gratitude joy danced in her eyes where a tear still sparkled The
hopes which he gave her of her mothers recovery the lively interest which he
seemed to feel for her and the flattering way in which she was mentioned by
him added to the report of his judgment and virtue and to the impression made
upon her by his eloquence confirmed the favourable opinion with which his first
appearance had inspired Antonia She replied with diffidence but without
restraint she feared not to relate to him all her little sorrows all her
little fears and anxieties and she thanked him for his goodness with all the
genuine warmth which favours kindle in a young and innocent heart Such alone
knows how to estimate benefits at their full value They who are conscious of
mankinds perfidy and selfishness ever receive an obligation with apprehension
and distrust they suspect that some secret motive must lurk behind it they
express their thanks with restraint and caution and fear to praise a kind
action to its full extent aware that some future day a return may be required
Not so Antonia she thought the world was composed only of those who resembled
her and that vice existed was to her still a secret The monk had been of
service to her he said that he wished her well she was grateful for his
kindness and thought that no terms were strong enough to be the vehicle of her
thanks With what delight did Ambrosio listen to the declaration of her artless
gratitude The natural grace of her manners the unequalled sweetness of her
voice her modest vivacity her unstudied elegance her expressive countenance
and intelligent eyes united to inspire him with pleasure and admiration while
the solidity and correctness of her remarks received additional beauty from the
unaffected simplicity of the language in which they were conveyed
Ambrosio was at length obliged to tear himself from this conversation which
possessed for him but too many charms He repeated to Antonia his wishes that
his visits should not be made known which desire she promised to observe He
then quitted the house while his enchantress hastened to her mother ignorant
of the mischief which her beauty had caused She was eager to know Elviras
opinion of the man whom she had praised in such enthusiastic terms and was
delighted to find it equally favourable if not even more so than her own
»Even before he spoke« said Elvira »I was prejudiced in his favour the
fervour of his exhortations dignity of his manner and closeness of his
reasoning were very far from inducing me to alter my opinion His fine and
fulltoned voice struck me particularly but surely Antonia I have heard it
before It seemed perfectly familiar to my ear either I must have known the
abbot in former times or his voice bears a wonderful resemblance to that of
some other to whom I have often listened There were certain tones which
touched my very heart and made me feel sensations so singular that I strive in
vain to account for them«
»My dearest mother it produced the same effect upon me yet certainly
neither of us ever heard his voice till we came to Madrid I suspect that what
we attribute to his voice really proceeds from his pleasant manners which
forbid our considering him as a stranger I know not why but I feel more at my
ease while conversing with him than I usually do with people who are unknown to
me I feared not to repeat to him all my childish thoughts and somehow I felt
confident that he would hear my folly with indulgence Oh I was not deceived in
him he listened to me with such an air of kindness and attention he answered
me with such gentleness such condescension he did not call me an infant and
treat me with contempt as our cross old confessor at the Castle used to do I
verily believe that if I had lived in Murcia a thousand years I never should
have liked that fat old father Dominic«
»I confess that father Dominic had not the most pleasing manners in the
world but he was honest friendly and wellmeaning«
»Ah my dear mother those qualities are so common «
»God grant my child that experience may not teach you to think them rare
and precious I have found them but too much so But tell me Antonia why is it
impossible for me to have seen the abbot before«
»Because since the moment when he entered the abbey he has never been on
the outside of its walls He told me just now that from his ignorance of the
streets he had some difficulty to find the strada di San Iago though so near
the abbey«
»All this is possible and still I may have seen him before he entered the
abbey in order to come out it was rather necessary that he should first go
in«
»Holy virgin as you say that is very true Oh But might he not have
been born in the abbey«
Elvira smiled
»Why not very easily«
»Stay stay Now I recollect how it was He was put into the abbey quite a
child the common people say that he fell from heaven and was sent as a
present to the Capuchins by the Virgin«
»That was very kind of her And so he fell from heaven Antonia He must
have had a terrible tumble«
»Many do not credit this and I fancy my dear mother that I must number
you among the unbelievers Indeed as our landlady told my aunt the general
idea is, that his parents being poor and unable to maintain him left him just
born at the abbeydoor the late superior from pure charity had him educated
in the convent and he proved to be a model of virtue and piety and learning
and I know not what else besides In consequence he was first received as a
brother of the order and not long ago was chosen abbot However whether this
account or the other is the true one at least all agree that when the monks
took him under their care he could not speak therefore you could not have
heard his voice before he entered the monastery because at that time he had no
voice at all«
»Upon my word Antonia you argue very closely your conclusions are
infallible I did not suspect you of being so able a logician«
»Ah you are mocking me but so much the better It delights me to see you
in spirits besides you seem tranquil and easy and I hope that you will have no
more convulsions Oh I was sure the abbots visit would do you good«
»It has indeed done me good my child He has quieted my mind upon some
points which agitated me and I already feel the effects of his attention My
eyes grow heavy and I think I can sleep a little Draw the curtains my
Antonia but if I should not wake before midnight do not sit up with me I
charge you«
Antonia promised to obey her and having received her blessing drew the
curtains of the bed She then seated herself in silence at her embroidery frame
and beguiled the hours with building castles in the air Her spirits were
enlivened by the evident change for the better in Elvira and her fancy
presented her with visions bright and pleasing In these dreams Ambrosio made no
despicable figure She thought of him with joy and gratitude but for every idea
which fell to the friars share at least two were unconsciously bestowed upon
Lorenzo Thus passed the time till the bell in the neighbouring steeple of the
Capuchin cathedral announced the hour of midnight Antonia remembered her
mothers injunctions and obeyed them though with reluctance She undrew the
curtains with caution Elvira was enjoying a profound and quiet slumber her
cheek glowed with healths returning colours a smile declared that her dreams
were pleasant and as Antonia bent over her she fancied that she heard her name
pronounced She kissed her mothers forehead softly and retired to her chamber
there she knelt before a statue of St Rosolia her patroness she recommended
herself to the protection of heaven and as had been her custom from infancy
concluded her devotions by chaunting the following stanzas
Midnight Hymn
Now all is hushd the solemn chime
No longer swells the nightly gale
Thy awful presence hour sublime
With spotless heart once more I hail
Tis now the moment still and dread
When sorcerers use their baleful power
When graves give up their buried dead
To profit by the sanctioned hour
From guilt and guilty thoughts secure
To duty and devotion true
With bosom light and conscience pure
Repose thy gentle aid I woo
Good angels take my thanks that still
The snares of vice I view with scorn
Thanks that tonight as free from ill
I sleep as when I woke at morn
Yet may not my unconscious breast
Harbour some guilt to me unknown
Some wish impure which unreprest
You blush to see and I to own
If such there be in gentle dream
Instruct my feet to shun the snare
Bid truth upon my errors beam
And deign to make me still your care
Chase from my peaceful bed away
The witching spell a foe to rest
The nightly goblin wanton fay
The ghost in pain and fiend unblest
Let not the tempter in mine ear
Pour lessons of unhallowed joy
Let not the nightmare wandering near
My couch the calm of sleep destroy
Let not some horrid dream affright
With strange fantastic forms mine eyes
But rather bid some vision bright
Display the bliss of yonder skies
Shew me the crystal domes of heaven
The worlds of light where angels lie
Shew me the lot to mortals given
Who guiltless live who guiltless die
Then shew me how a seat to gain
Amidst those blissful realms of air
Teach me to shun each guilty stain
And guide me to the good and fair
So evry morn and night my voice
To heaven the grateful strain shall raise
In you as guardian powers rejoice
Good angels and exalt your praise
So will I strive with zealous fire
Each vice to shun each fault correct
Will love the lessons you inspire
And praise the virtues you protect
Then when at length by high command
My body seeks the graves repose
When death draws nigh with friendly hand
My failing pilgrim eyes to close
Pleasd that my soul has scapd the wreck
Sighless will I my life resign
And yield to God my spirit back
As pure as when it first was mine
Having finished her usual devotions Antonia retired to bed Sleep soon stole
over her senses and for several hours she enjoyed that calm repose which
innocence alone can know and for which many a monarch with pleasure would
exchange his crown
Chapter VII
Ah how dark
These longextended realms and rueful wastes
Where nought but silence reigns and night dark night
Dark as was chaos ere the infant sun
Was rolled together or had tried its beams
Athwart the gloom profound The sickly taper
By glimmering through thy lowbrowed misty vaults
Furred round with mouldy damps and ropy slime
Lets fall a supernumerary horror
And only serves to make thy night more irksome
Blair
Returned undiscovered to the abbey Ambrosios mind was filled with the most
pleasing images He was wilfully blind to the danger of exposing himself to
Antonias charms he only remembered the pleasure which her society had afforded
him and rejoiced in the prospect of that pleasure being repeated He failed not
to profit by Elviras indisposition to obtain a sight of her daughter every day
At first he bounded his wishes to inspire Antonia with friendship but no sooner
was he convinced that she felt that sentiment in its fullest extent than his
aim became more decided and his attentions assumed a warmer colour The
innocent familiarity with which she treated him encouraged his desires Grown
used to her modesty it no longer commanded the same respect and awe he still
admired it but it only made him more anxious to deprive her of that quality
which formed her principal charm Warmth of passion and natural penetration of
which latter unfortunately both for himself and Antonia he possessed an ample
share supplied a knowledge of the arts of seduction He easily distinguished
the emotions which were favourable to his designs and seized every means with
avidity of infusing corruption into Antonias bosom This he found no easy
matter Extreme simplicity prevented her from perceiving the aim to which the
monks insinuations tended but the excellent morals which she owed to Elviras
care the solidity and correctness of her understanding and a strong sense of
what was right implanted in her heart by nature made her feel that his
precepts must be faulty By a few simple words she frequently overthrew the
whole bulk of his sophistical arguments and made him conscious how weak they
were when opposed to virtue and truth On such occasions he took refuge in his
eloquence he overpowered her with a torrent of philosophical paradoxes to
which not understanding them it was impossible for her to reply and thus
though he did not convince her that his reasoning was just he at least
prevented her from discovering it to be false He perceived that her respect for
his judgment augmented daily and doubted not with time to bring her to the
point desired
He was not unconscious that his attempts were highly criminal He saw
clearly the baseness of seducing the innocent girl but his passion was too
violent to permit his abandoning his design He resolved to pursue it let the
consequences be what they might He depended upon finding Antonia in some
unguarded moment and seeing no other man admitted into her society nor hearing
any mentioned either by her or by Elvira he imagined that her young heart was
still unoccupied While he waited for the opportunity of satisfying his
unwarrantable lust every day increased his coldness for Matilda Not a little
was this occasioned by the consciousness of his faults to her To hide them from
her he was not sufficiently master of himself yet he dreaded lest in a
transport of jealous rage she should betray the secret on which his character
and even his life depended Matilda could not but remark his indifference he
was conscious that she remarked it and fearing her reproaches shunned her
studiously Yet when he could not avoid her her mildness might have convinced
him that he had nothing to dread from her resentment She had resumed the
character of the gentle interesting Rosario she taxed him not with ingratitude
but her eyes filled with involuntary tears and the soft melancholy of her
countenance and voice uttered complaints far more touching than words could have
conveyed Ambrosio was not unmoved by her sorrow but unable to remove its
cause he forbore to show that it affected him As her conduct convinced him
that he needed not fear her vengeance he continued to neglect her and avoided
her company with care Matilda saw that she in vain attempted to regain his
affections yet she stifled the impulse of resentment and continued to treat
her inconstant lover with her former fondness and affection
By degrees Elviras constitution recovered itself She was no longer
troubled with convulsions and Antonia ceased to tremble for her mother
Ambrosio beheld this reestablishment with displeasure He saw that Elviras
knowledge of the world would not be the dupe of his sanctified demeanour and
that she would easily perceive his views upon her daughter He resolved
therefore before she quitted her chamber to try the extent of his influence
over the innocent Antonia
One evening when he had found Elvira almost perfectly restored to health
he quitted her earlier than was his usual custom Not finding Antonia in the
antichamber he ventured to follow her to her own It was only separated from
her mothers by a closet in which Flora the waitingwoman generally slept
Antonia sat upon a sopha with her back towards the door and read attentively
She heard not his approach till he had seated himself by her She started and
welcomed him with a look of pleasure then rising she would have conducted him
to the sittingroom but Ambrosio taking her hand obliged her by gentle
violence to resume her place She complied without difficulty she knew not that
there was more impropriety in conversing with him in one room than another She
thought herself equally secure of his principles and her own and having
replaced herself upon the sopha she began to prattle to him with her usual ease
and vivacity
He examined the book which she had been reading and had now placed upon the
table It was the Bible
»How« said the friar to himself »Antonia reads the Bible and is still so
ignorant«
But upon a further inspection he found that Elvira had made exactly the
same remark That prudent mother while she admired the beauties of the sacred
writings was convinced that unrestricted no reading more improper could be
permitted a young woman Many of the narratives can only tend to excite ideas
the worst calculated for a female breast every thing is called plainly and
roundly by its name and the annals of a brothel would scarcely furnish a
greater choice of indecent expressions Yet this is the book which young women
are recommended to study which is put into the hands of children able to
comprehend little more than those passages of which they had better remain
ignorant and which but too frequently inculcates the first rudiments of vice
and gives the first alarm to the still sleeping passions Of this was Elvira so
fully convinced that she would have preferred putting into her daughters hands
»Amadis de Gaul« or »The Valiant Champion Tirante the White« and would sooner
have authorised her studying the lewd exploits of Don Galaor or the lascivious
jokes of the Damsel Plazer di mi vida She had in consequence made two
resolutions respecting the Bible The first was that Antonia should not read it
till she was of an age to feel its beauties and profit by its morality The
second that it should be copied out with her own hand and all improper
passages either altered or omitted She had adhered to this determination and
such was the Bible which Antonia was reading it had been lately delivered to
her and she perused it with an avidity with a delight that was inexpressible
Ambrosio perceived his mistake and replaced the book upon the table
Antonia spoke of her mothers health with all the enthusiastic joy of a
youthful heart
»I admire your filial affection« said the abbot »it proves the excellence
and sensibility of your character it promises a treasure to him whom Heaven has
destined to possess your affections The breast so capable of fondness for a
parent what will it feel for a lover Nay perhaps what feels it for one even
now Tell me my lovely daughter have you known what it is to love Answer me
with sincerity forget my habit and consider me only as a friend«
»What it is to love« said she repeating his question »Oh yes
undoubtedly I have loved many many people«
»That is not what I mean The love of which I speak can be felt only for
one Have you never seen the man whom you wished to be your husband«
»Oh no indeed«
This was an untruth but she was unconscious of its falsehood she knew not
the nature of her sentiments for Lorenzo and never having seen him since his
first visit to Elvira with every day his image grew less feebly impressed upon
her bosom besides she thought of a husband with all a virgins terror and
negatived the friars demand without a moments hesitation
»And do you not long to see that man Antonia Do you feel no void in your
heart which you fain would have filled up Do you heave no sighs for the
absence of some one dear to you but who that some one is you know not Perceive
you not that what formerly could please has charms for you no longer that a
thousand new wishes new ideas new sensations have sprung in your bosom only
to be felt never to be described Or while you fill every other heart with
passion is it possible that your own remains insensible and cold It cannot be
That melting eye that blushing cheek that enchanting voluptuous melancholy
which at times overspreads your features all these marks belie your words you
love Antonia and in vain would hide it from me«
»Father you amaze me What is this love of which you speak I neither know
its nature nor if I felt it why I should conceal the sentiment«
»Have you seen no man Antonia whom though never seen before you seemed
long to have sought whose form though a strangers was familiar to your eyes
the sound of whose voice soothed you pleased you penetrated to your very soul
in whose presence you rejoiced for whose absence you lamented with whom your
heart seemed to expand and in whose bosom with confidence unbounded you
reposed the cares of your own Have you not felt all this Antonia«
»Certainly I have the first time that I saw you I felt it«
Ambrosio started Scarcely dared he credit his hearing
»Me Antonia« he cried his eyes sparkling with delight and impatience
while he seized her hand and pressed it rapturously to his lips »Me Antonia
You felt these sentiments for me«
»Even with more strength than you have described The very moment that I
beheld you I felt so pleased so interested I waited so eagerly to catch the
sound of your voice and when I heard it it seemed so sweet it spoke to me a
language till then so unknown Methought it told me a thousand things which I
wished to hear It seemed as if I had long known you as if I had a right to
your friendship your advice and your protection I wept when you departed and
longed for the time which should restore you to my sight«
»Antonia my charming Antonia« exclaimed the monk and caught her to his
bosom »Can I believe my senses Repeat it to me my sweet girl Tell me again
that you love me that you love me truly and tenderly«
»Indeed I do let my mother be excepted and the world holds no one more
dear to me«
At this frank avowal Ambrosio no longer possessed himself wild with desire
he clasped the blushing trembler in his arms He fastened his lips greedily upon
hers sucked in her pure delicious breath violated with his bold hand the
treasures of her bosom and wound around him her soft and yielding limbs
Startled alarmed and confused at his action surprise at first deprived her of
the power of resistance At length recovering herself she strove to escape from
his embrace
»Father Ambrosio« she cried »release me for Gods sake«
But the licentious monk heeded not her prayers he persisted in his design
and proceeded to take still greater liberties Antonia prayed wept and
struggled terrified to the extreme though at what she knew not she exerted
all her strength to repulse the friar and was on the point of shrieking for
assistance when the chamberdoor was suddenly thrown open Ambrosio had just
sufficient presence of mind to be sensible of his danger Reluctantly he quitted
his prey and started hastily from the couch Antonia uttered an exclamation of
joy flew towards the door and found herself clasped in the arms of her mother
Alarmed at some of the abbots speeches which Antonia had innocently
repeated Elvira resolved to ascertain the truth of her suspicions She had
known enough of mankind not to be imposed upon by the monks reputed virtue
She reflected on several circumstances which though trifling on being put
together seemed to authorize her fears His frequent visits which as far as
she could see were confined to her family his evident emotion whenever she
spoke of Antonia his being in the full prime and heat of manhood and above
all his pernicious philosophy communicated to her by Antonia and which
accorded but ill with his conversation in her presence all these circumstances
inspired her with doubts respecting the purity of Ambrosios friendship In
consequence she resolved when he should next be alone with Antonia to
endeavour at surprising him Her plan had succeeded Tis true that when she
entered the room he had already abandoned his prey but the disorder of her
daughters dress and the shame and confusion stamped upon the friars
countenance sufficed to prove that her suspicions were but too well founded
However she was too prudent to make those suspicions known She judged that to
unmask the impostor would be no easy matter the public being so much prejudiced
in his favour and having but few friends she thought it dangerous to make
herself so powerful an enemy She affected therefore not to remark his
agitation seated herself tranquilly upon the sopha assigned some trifling
reason for having quitted her room unexpectedly and conversed on various
subjects with seeming confidence and ease
Reassured by her behaviour the monk began to recover himself He strove to
answer Elvira without appearing embarrassed but he was still too great a novice
in dissimulation and he felt that he must look confused and awkward He soon
broke off the conversation and rose to depart What was his vexation when on
taking leave Elvira told him in polite terms that being now perfectly
reestablished she thought it an injustice to deprive others of his company who
might be more in need of it She assured him of her eternal gratitude for the
benefit which during her illness she had derived from his society and
exhortations and she lamented that her domestic affairs as well as the
multitude of business which his situation must of necessity impose upon him
would in future deprive her of the pleasure of his visits Though delivered in
the mildest language this hint was too plain to be mistaken Still he was
preparing to put in a remonstrance when an expressive look from Elvira stopped
him short He dared not press her to receive him for her manner convinced him
that he was discovered he submitted without reply took an hasty leave and
retired to the abbey his heart filled with rage and shame with bitterness and
disappointment
Antonias mind felt relieved by his departure yet she could not help
lamenting that she was never to see him more Elvira also felt a secret sorrow
she had received too much pleasure from thinking him her friend not to regret
the necessity of changing her opinion but her mind was too much accustomed to
the fallacy of worldly friendships to permit her present disappointment to weigh
upon it long She now endeavoured to make her daughter aware of the risk which
she had run but she was obliged to treat the subject with caution lest in
removing the bandage of ignorance the veil of innocence should be rent away
She therefore contented herself with warning Antonia to be upon her guard and
ordering her should the abbot persist in his visits never to receive them but
in company With this injunction Antonia promised to comply
Ambrosio hastened to his cell He closed the door after him and threw
himself upon the bed in despair The impulse of desire the stings of
disappointment the shame of detection and the fear of being publicly unmasked
rendered his bosom a scene of the most horrible confusion He knew not what
course to pursue Debarred the presence of Antonia he had no hopes of
satisfying that passion which was now become a part of his existence He
reflected that his secret was in a womans power he trembled with apprehension
when he beheld the precipice before him and with rage when he thought that had
it not been for Elvira he should now have possessed the object of his desires
With the direst imprecations he vowed vengeance against her he swore that cost
what it would he still would possess Antonia Starting from the bed he paced
the chamber with disordered steps howled with impotent fury dashed himself
violently against the walls and indulged all the transports of rage and
madness
He was still under the influence of this storm of passions when he heard a
gentle knock at the door of his cell Conscious that his voice must have been
heard he dared not refuse admittance to the importuner He strove to compose
himself and to hide his agitation Having in some degree succeeded he drew
back the bolt the door opened and Matilda appeared
At this precise moment there was no one with whose presence he could better
have dispensed He had not sufficient command over himself to conceal his
vexation He started back and frowned
»I am busy« said he in a stern and hasty tone »leave me«
Matilda heeded him not she again fastened the door and then advanced
towards him with an air gentle and supplicating
»Forgive me Ambrosio« said she »for your own sake I must not obey you
Fear no complaints from me I come not to reproach you with your ingratitude I
pardon you from my heart and since your love can no longer be mine I request
the next best gift your confidence and friendship We cannot force our
inclinations the little beauty which you once saw in me has perished with its
novelty and if it can no longer excite desire mine is the fault not yours
But why persist in shunning me why such anxiety to fly my presence You have
sorrows but will not permit me to share them you have disappointments but
will not accept my comfort you have wishes but forbid my aiding your pursuits
Tis of this which I complain not of your indifference to my person I have
given up the claims of the mistress but nothing shall prevail on me to give up
those of the friend«
»Generous Matilda« he replied taking her hand »how far do you rise
superior to the foibles of your sex Yes I accept your offer I have need of an
adviser and a confident in you I find every needful quality united But to aid
my pursuits Ah Matilda it lies not in your power«
»It lies in no ones power but mine Ambrosio your secret is none to me
your every step your every action has been observed by my attentive eye You
love«
»Matilda«
»Why conceal it from me Fear not the little jealousy which taints the
generality of women my soul disdains so despicable a passion You love
Ambrosio Antonia Dalfa is the object of your flame I know every circumstance
respecting your passion Every conversation has been repeated to me I have been
informed of your attempt to enjoy Antonias person your disappointment and
dismission from Elviras house You now despair of possessing your mistress but
I come to revive your hopes and point out the road to success«
»To success Oh impossible«
»To those who dare nothing is impossible Rely upon me and you may yet be
happy The time is come Ambrosio when regard for your comfort and tranquillity
compels me to reveal a part of my history with which you are still
unacquainted Listen and do not interrupt me Should my confession disgust you
remember that in making it my sole aim is to satisfy your wishes and restore
that peace to your heart which at present has abandoned it I formerly
mentioned that my guardian was a man of uncommon knowledge He took pains to
instil that knowledge into my infant mind Among the various sciences which
curiosity had induced him to explore he neglected not that which by most is
esteemed impious and by many chimerical I speak of those arts which relate to
the world of spirits His deep researches into causes and effects his unwearied
application to the study of natural philosophy his profound and unlimited
knowledge of the properties and virtues of every gem which enriches the deep of
every herb which the earth produces at length procured him the distinction
which he had sought so long so earnestly His curiosity was fully slaked his
ambition amply gratified He gave laws to the elements he could reverse the
order of nature: his eye read the mandates of futurity and the infernal spirits
were submissive to his commands Why shrink you from me I understand that
enquiring look Your suspicions are right though your terrors are unfounded My
guardian concealed not from me his most precious acquisition Yet had I never
seen you I should never have exerted my power Like you I shuddered at the
thoughts of magic Like you I had formed a terrible idea of the consequences of
raising a dæmon To preserve that life which your love had taught me to prize I
had recourse to means which I trembled at employing You remember that night
which I passed in St Clares sepulchre Then was it that surrounded by
mouldering bodies I dared to perform those mystic rites which summoned to my
aid a fallen angel Judge what must have been my joy at discovering that my
terrors were imaginary I saw the dæmon obedient to my orders I saw him
trembling at my frown and found that instead of selling my soul to a master
my courage had purchased for myself a slave«
»Rash Matilda What have you done You have doomed yourself to endless
perdition you have bartered for momentary power eternal happiness If on
witchcraft depends the fruition of my desires I renounce your aid most
absolutely The consequences are too horrible I dote upon Antonia but am not
so blinded by lust as to sacrifice for her enjoyment my existence both in this
world and in the next«
»Ridiculous prejudices Oh blush Ambrosio blush at being subjected to
their dominion Where is the risque of accepting my offers What should induce
my persuading you to this step except the wish of restoring you to happiness
and quiet If there is danger it must fall upon me It is I who invoke the
ministry of the spirits mine therefore will be the crime and yours the profit
but danger there is none The enemy of mankind is my slave not my sovereign Is
there no difference between giving and receiving laws between serving and
commanding Awake from your idle dreams Ambrosio throw from you these terrors
so ill suited to a soul like yours leave them for common men and dare to be
happy Accompany me this night to St Clares sepulchre there witness my
incantations and Antonia is your own«
»To obtain her by such means I neither can nor will Cease then to persuade
me for I dare not employ hells agency«
»You dare not How have you deceived me That mind which I esteemed so great
and valiant proves to be feeble puerile and grovelling a slave to vulgar
errors and weaker than a womans«
»What Though conscious of the danger wilfully shall I expose myself to the
seducers arts Shall I renounce for ever my title to salvation Shall my eyes
seek a sight which I know will blast them No no Matilda I will not ally
myself with Gods enemy«
»Are you then Gods friend at present Have you not broken your engagements
with him renounced his service and abandoned yourself to the impulse of your
passions Are you not planning the destruction of innocence the ruin of a
creature whom he formed in the mould of angels If not of dæmons whose aid
would you invoke to forward this laudable design Will the seraphims protect it
conduct Antonia to your arms and sanction with their ministry your illicit
pleasures Absurd But I am not deceived Ambrosio It is not virtue which makes
you reject my offer you would accept it but you dare not Tis not the crime
which holds your hand but the punishment tis not respect for God which
restrains you but the terror of his vengeance Fain would you offend him in
secret but you tremble to profess yourself his foe Now shame on the coward
soul which wants the courage either to be a firm friend or an open enemy«
»To look upon guilt with horror Matilda is in itself a merit in this
respect I glory to confess myself a coward Though my passions have made me
deviate from her laws I still feel in my heart an innate love of virtue But it
ill becomes you to tax me with my perjury you who first seduced me to violate
my vows you who first roused my sleeping vices made me feel the weight of
religions chains and bade me be convinced that guilt had pleasures Yet though
my principles have yielded to the force of temperament I still have sufficient
grace to shudder at sorcery and avoid a crime so monstrous so unpardonable«
»Unpardonable say you Where then is your constant boast of the Almightys
infinite mercy Has he of late set bounds to it Receives he no longer a sinner
with joy You injure him Ambrosio you will always have time to repent and he
have goodness to forgive Afford him a glorious opportunity to exert that
goodness the greater your crime the greater his merit in pardoning Away then
with these childish scruples be persuaded to your good and follow me to the
sepulchre«
»Oh cease Matilda That scoffing tone that bold and impious language is
horrible in every mouth but most so in a womans Let us drop a conversation
which excites no other sentiments than horror and disgust I will not follow you
to the sepulchre or accept the services of your infernal agents Antonia shall
be mine but mine by human means«
»Then yours she will never be You are banished her presence her mother has
opened her eyes to your designs and she is now upon her guard against them
Nay more she loves another a youth of distinguished merit possesses her
heart and unless you interfere a few days will make her his bride This
intelligence was brought me by my invisible servants to whom I had recourse on
first perceiving your indifference They watched your every action related to
me all that passed at Elviras and inspired me with the idea of favouring your
designs Their reports have been my only comfort Though you shunned my
presence all your proceedings were known to me nay I was constantly with you
in some degree thanks to this most precious gift«
With these words she drew from beneath her habit a mirror of polished steel
the borders of which were marked with various strange and unknown characters
»Amidst all my sorrows amidst all my regrets for your coldness I was
sustained from despair by the virtues of this talisman On pronouncing certain
words the person appears in it on whom the observers thoughts are bent thus
though I was exiled from your sight you Ambrosio were ever present to mine«
The friars curiosity was strongly excited
»What you relate is incredible Matilda are you not amusing yourself with
my credulity«
»Be your own eyes the judge«
She put the mirror into his hand Curiosity induced him to take it and
love to wish that Antonia might appear Matilda pronounced the magic words
Immediately a thick smoke rose from the characters traced upon the borders and
spread itself over the surface It dispersed again gradually a confused mixture
of colours and images presented themselves to the friars eyes which at length
arranging themselves in their proper places he beheld in miniature Antonias
lovely form
The scene was a small closet belonging to her apartment She was undressing
to bathe herself The long tresses of her hair were already bound up The
amorous monk had full opportunity to observe the voluptuous contours and
admirable symmetry of her person She threw off her last garment and advancing
to the bath prepared for her put her foot into the water It struck cold and
she drew it back again Though unconscious of being observed an inbred sense
of modesty induced her to veil her charms and she stood hesitating upon the
brink in the attitude of the Venus de Medicis At this moment a tame linnet
flew towards her nestled its head between her breasts and nibbled them in
wanton play The smiling Antonia strove in vain to shake off the bird and at
length raised her hands to drive it from its delightful harbour Ambrosio could
bear no more His desires were worked up to phrensy
»I yield« he cried dashing the mirror upon the ground »Matilda I follow
you Do with me what you will«
She waited not to hear his consent repeated It was already midnight She
flew to her cell and soon returned with her little basket and the key of the
cemetery which had remained in her possession since her first visit to the
vaults She gave the monk no time for reflection
»Come« she said and took his hand »follow me and witness the effects of
your resolve«
This said she drew him hastily along They passed into the buryingground
unobserved opened the door of the sepulchre and found themselves at the head
of the subterraneous staircase As yet the beams of the full moon had guided
their steps but that resource now failed them Matilda had neglected to provide
herself with a lamp Still holding Ambrosios hand she descended the marble
steps but the profound obscurity with which they were overspread obliged them
to walk slow and cautiously
»You tremble« said Matilda to her companion »fear not the destined spot
is near«
They reached the foot of the staircase and continued to proceed feeling
their way along the walls On turning a corner suddenly they descried faint
gleams of light which seemed burning at a distance Thither they bent their
steps The rays proceeded from a small sepulchral lamp which flamed unceasingly
before the statue of St Clare It tinged with dim and cheerless beams the massy
columns which supported the roof but was too feeble to dissipate the thick
gloom in which the vaults above were buried
Matilda took the lamp
»Wait for me« said she to the friar »in a few moments I am here again«
With these words she hastened into one of the passages which branched in
various directions from this spot and formed a sort of labyrinth Ambrosio was
now left alone Darkness the most profound surrounded him and encouraged the
doubts which began to revive in his bosom He had been hurried away by the
delirium of the moment The shame of betraying his terrors while in Matildas
presence had induced him to repress them but now that he was abandoned to
himself they resumed their former ascendancy He trembled at the scene which he
was soon to witness He knew not how far the delusions of magic might operate
upon his mind they possibly might force him to some deed whose commission
would make the breach between himself and Heaven irreparable In this fearful
dilemma he would have implored Gods assistance but was conscious that he had
forfeited all claim to such protection Gladly would he have returned to the
abbey but as he had passed through innumerable caverns and winding passages
the attempt of regaining the stairs was hopeless His fate was determined no
possibility of escape presented itself He therefore combated his apprehensions
and called every argument to his succour which might enable him to support the
trying scene with fortitude He reflected that Antonia would be the reward of
his daring He inflamed his imagination by enumerating her charms He persuaded
himself that as Matilda had observed he always should have time sufficient
for repentance and that as he employed her assistance not that of dæmons the
crime of sorcery could not be laid to his charge He had read much respecting
witchcraft he understood that unless a formal act was signed renouncing his
claim to salvation Satan would have no power over him He was fully determined
not to execute any such act whatever threats might be used or advantages held
out to him
Such were his meditations while waiting for Matilda They were interrupted
by a low murmur which seemed at no great distance from him He was startled
he listened Some minutes passed in silence after which the murmur was
repeated It appeared to be the groaning of one in pain In any other situation
this circumstance would only have excited his attention and curiosity In the
present his predominant sensation was that of terror His imagination totally
engrossed by the ideas of sorcery and spirits he fancied that some unquiet
ghost was wandering near him or else that Matilda had fallen a victim to her
presumption and was perishing under the cruel fangs of the dæmons The noise
seemed not to approach but continued to be heard at intervals Sometimes it
became more audible doubtless as the sufferings of the person who uttered the
groans became more acute and insupportable Ambrosio now and then thought that
he could distinguish accents and once in particular he was almost convinced
that he heard a faint voice exclaim
»God Oh God No hope No succour«
Yet deeper groans followed these words they died away gradually and
universal silence again prevailed
»What can this mean« thought the bewildered monk
At that moment an idea which flashed into his mind almost petrified him
with horror He started and shuddered at himself
»Should it be possible« He groaned involuntarily »should it but be
possible Oh what a monster am I«
He wished to resolve his doubts and to repair his fault if it were not too
late already But these generous and compassionate sentiments were soon put to
flight by the return of Matilda He forgot the groaning sufferer and remembered
nothing but the danger and embarrassment of his own situation The light of the
returning lamp gilded the walls and in a few moments after Matilda stood beside
him She had quitted her religious habit she was now clothed in a long sable
robe on which was traced in gold embroidery a variety of unknown characters it
was fastened by a girdle of precious stones in which was fixed a poniard Her
neck and arms were uncovered in her hand she bore a golden wand her hair was
loose and flowed wildly upon her shoulders her eyes sparkled with terrific
expression and her whole demeanour was calculated to inspire the beholder with
awe and admiration
»Follow me« she said to the monk in a low and solemn voice »all is ready«
His limbs trembled while he obeyed her She led him through various narrow
passages and on every side as they passed along the beams of the lamp
displayed none but the most revolting objects sculls bones graves and images
whose eyes seemed to glare on them with horror and surprise At length they
reached a spacious cavern whose lofty roof the eye sought in vain to discover
A profound obscurity hovered through the void damp vapours struck cold to the
friars heart and he listened sadly to the blast while it howled along the
lonely vaults Here Matilda stopped She turned to Ambrosio His cheeks and lips
were pale with apprehension By a glance of mingled scorn and anger she reproved
his pusillanimity but she spoke not She placed the lamp upon the ground near
the basket She motioned that Ambrosio should be silent and began the
mysterious rites She drew a circle round him another round herself and then
taking a small phial from the basket poured a few drops upon the ground before
her She bent over the place muttered some indistinct sentences and
immediately a pale sulphurous flame arose from the ground It increased by
degrees and at length spread its waves over the whole surface the circles
alone excepted in which stood Matilda and the monk It then ascended the huge
columns of unhewn stone glided along the roof and formed the cavern into an
immense chamber totally covered with blue trembling fire It emitted no heat on
the contrary the extreme chillness of the place seemed to augment with every
moment Matilda continued her incantations at intervals she took various
articles from the basket the nature and name of most of which were unknown to
the friar but among the few which he distinguished he particularly observed
three human fingers and an agnus dei which she broke in pieces She threw them
all into the flames which burned before her and they were instantly consumed
The monk beheld her with anxious curiosity Suddenly she uttered a loud and
piercing shriek She appeared to be seized with an access of delirium she tore
her hair beat her bosom used the most frantic gestures and drawing the
poniard from her girdle plunged it into her left arm The blood gushed out
plentifully and as she stood on the brink of the circle she took care that it
should fall on the outside The flames retired from the spot on which the blood
was pouring A volume of dark clouds rose slowly from the ensanguined earth and
ascended gradually till it reached the vault of the cavern At the same time a
clap of thunder was heard the echo pealed fearfully along the subterraneous
passages and the ground shook beneath the feet of the enchantress
It was now that Ambrosio repented of his rashness The solemn singularity of
the charm had prepared him for something strange and horrible He waited with
fear for the spirits appearance whose coming was announced by thunder and
earthquakes He looked wildly around him expecting that some dreadful
apparition would meet his eyes the sight of which would drive him mad A cold
shivering seized his body and he sunk upon one knee unable to support himself
»He comes« exclaimed Matilda in a joyful accent
Ambrosio started and expected the dæmon with terror What was his surprise
when the thunder ceasing to roll a full strain of melodious music sounded in
the air At the same time the cloud disappeared and he beheld a figure more
beautiful than fancys pencil ever drew It was a youth seemingly scarce
eighteen the perfection of whose form and face was unrivalled He was perfectly
naked a bright star sparkled upon his forehead two crimson wings extended
themselves from his shoulders and his silken locks were confined by a band of
manycoloured fires which played round his head formed themselves into a
variety of figures and shone with a brilliance far surpassing that of precious
stones Circlets of diamonds were fastened round his arms and ankles and in his
right hand he bore a silver branch imitating myrtle His form shone with
dazzling glory he was surrounded by clouds of rosecoloured light and at the
moment that he appeared a refreshing air breathed perfumes through the cavern
Enchanted at a vision so contrary to his expectations Ambrosio gazed upon the
spirit with delight and wonder yet however beautiful the figure he could not
but remark a wildness in the dæmons eyes and a mysterious melancholy impressed
upon his features betraying the fallen angel and inspiring the spectators with
secret awe
The music ceased Matilda addressed herself to the spirit she spoke in a
language unintelligible to the monk and was answered in the same She seemed to
insist upon something which the dæmon was unwilling to grant He frequently
darted upon Ambrosio angry glances and at such times the friars heart sank
within him Matilda appeared to grow incensed she spoke in a loud and
commanding tone and her gestures declared that she was threatening him with her
vengeance Her menaces had the desired effect The spirit sank upon his knee
and with a submissive air presented to her the branch of myrtle No sooner had
she received it than the music was again heard a thick cloud spread itself
over the apparition the blue flames disappeared and total obscurity reigned
through the cave The abbot moved not from his place his faculties were all
bound up in pleasure anxiety and surprise At length the darkness dispersing
he perceived Matilda standing near him in her religious habit with the myrtle
in her hand No traces remained of the incantation and the vaults were only
illuminated by the faint rays of the sepulchral lamp
»I have succeeded« said Matilda »though with more difficulty than I
expected Lucifer whom I summoned to my assistance was at first unwilling to
obey my commands to enforce his compliance I was constrained to have recourse
to my strongest charms They have produced the desired effect but I have
engaged never more to invoke his agency in your favour Beware then how you
employ an opportunity which never will return My magic arts will now be of no
use to you in future you can only hope for supernatural aid by invoking the
dæmons yourself and accepting the conditions of their service This you will
never do You want strength of mind to force them to obedience and unless you
pay their established price they will not be your voluntary servants In this
one instance they consent to obey you I offer you the means of enjoying your
mistress and be careful not to lose the opportunity Receive this constellated
myrtle while you bear this in your hand every door will fly open to you It
will procure you access tomorrow night to Antonias chamber then breathe upon
it thrice pronounce her name and place it upon her pillow A deathlike
slumber will immediately seize upon her and deprive her of the power of
resisting your attempts Sleep will hold her till break of morning In this
state you may satisfy your desires without danger of being discovered since
when daylight shall dispel the effects of the enchantment Antonia will perceive
her dishonour but be ignorant of the ravisher Be happy then my Ambrosio and
let this service convince you that my friendship is disinterested and pure The
night must be near expiring let us return to the abbey lest our absence should
create surprise«
The abbot received the talisman with silent gratitude His ideas were too
much bewildered by the adventures of the night to permit his expressing his
thanks audibly or indeed as yet to feel the whole value of her present Matilda
took up her lamp and basket and guided her companion from the mysterious
cavern She restored the lamp to its former place and continued her route in
darkness till she reached the foot of the staircase The first beams of the
rising sun darting down it facilitated the ascent Matilda and the abbot
hastened out of the sepulchre closed the door after them and soon regained the
abbeys western cloister No one met them and they retired unobserved to their
respective cells
The confusion of Ambrosios mind now began to appease He rejoiced in the
fortunate issue of his adventure and reflecting upon the virtues of the
myrtle looked upon Antonia as already in his power Imagination retraced to him
those secret charms betrayed to him by the enchanted mirror and he waited with
impatience for the approach of midnight
Chapter VIII
The crickets sing and mans oerlaboured sense
Repairs itself by rest our Tarquin thus
Did softly press the rushes ere he wakened
The chastity he wounded Cytherea
How bravely thou becomst thy bed Fresh lily
And whiter than the sheets
Cymbeline
All the researches of the marquis de las Cisternas proved vain Agnes was lost
to him for ever Despair produced so violent an effect upon his constitution
that the consequence was a long and severe illness This prevented him from
visiting Elvira as he had intended and she being ignorant of the cause of his
neglect it gave her no trifling uneasiness His sisters death had prevented
Lorenzo from communicating to his uncle his designs respecting Antonia The
injunctions of her mother forbade his presenting himself to her without the
dukes consent and as she heard no more of him or his proposals Elvira
conjectured that he had either met with a better match or had been commanded to
give up all thoughts of her daughter Every day made her more uneasy respecting
Antonias fate yet while she retained the abbots protection she bore with
fortitude the disappointment of her hopes with regard to Lorenzo and the
marquis That resource now failed her She was convinced that Ambrosio had
meditated her daughters ruin and when she reflected that her death would leave
Antonia friendless and unprotected in a world so base so perfidious and
depraved her heart swelled with the bitterness of apprehension At such times
she would sit for hours gazing upon the lovely girl and seeming to listen to
her innocent prattle while in reality her thoughts dwelt upon the sorrows into
which a moment would suffice to plunge her Then she would clasp her in her arms
suddenly lean her head upon her daughters bosom and bedew it with her tears
An event was in preparation which had she known it would have relieved
her from her inquietude Lorenzo now waited only for a favourable opportunity to
inform the duke of his intended marriage however a circumstance which occurred
at this period obliged him to delay his explanation for a few days longer
Don Raymonds malady seemed to gain ground Lorenzo was constantly at his
bedside and treated him with a tenderness truly fraternal Both the cause and
effects of the disorder were highly afflicting to the brother of Agnes yet
Theodores grief was scarcely less sincere That amiable boy quitted not his
master for a moment and put every means in practice to console and alleviate
his sufferings The marquis had conceived so rooted an affection for his
deceased mistress that it was evident to all that he never could survive her
loss Nothing could have prevented him from sinking under his grief but the
persuasion of her being still alive and in need of his assistance Though
convinced of its falsehood his attendants encouraged him in a belief which
formed his only comfort He was assured daily that fresh perquisitions were
making respecting the fate of Agnes stories were invented recounting the
various attempts made to get admittance into the convent and circumstances were
related which though they did not promise her absolute recovery at least were
sufficient to keep his hopes alive The marquis constantly fell into the most
terrible access of passion when informed of the failure of these supposed
attempts Still he would not credit that the succeeding ones would have the same
fate but flattered himself that the next would prove more fortunate
Theodore was the only one who exerted himself to realize his masters
chimeras He was eternally busied in planning schemes for entering the convent
or at least of obtaining from the nuns some intelligence of Agnes To execute
these schemes was the only inducement which could prevail on him to quit Don
Raymond He became a very Proteus changing his shape every day but all his
metamorphoses were to very little purpose He regularly returned to the palace
de las Cisternas without any intelligence to confirm his masters hopes One day
he took it into his head to disguise himself as a beggar he put a patch over
his left eye took his guitar in hand and posted himself at the gate of the
convent
»If Agnes is really confined in the convent« thought he »and hears my
voice she will recollect it and possibly may find means to let me know that
she is here«
With this idea he mingled with a crowd of beggars who assembled daily at the
gate of St Clare to receive soup which the nuns were accustomed to distribute
at twelve oclock All were provided with jugs or bowls to carry it away but as
Theodore had no utensil of this kind he begged leave to eat his portion at the
convent door This was granted without difficulty His sweet voice and in
spite of his patched eye his engaging countenance won the heart of the good
old porteress who aided by a laysister was busied in serving to each his
mess Theodore was bid to stay till the others should depart and promised that
his request should then be granted The youth desired no better since it was
not to eat soup that he presented himself at the convent He thanked the
porteress for her permission retired from the door and seating himself upon a
large stone amused himself in tuning his guitar while the beggars were served
As soon as the crowd was gone Theodore was beckoned to the gate and
desired to come in He obeyed with infinite readiness but affected great
respect at passing the hallowed threshold and to be much daunted by the
presence of the reverend ladies His feigned timidity flattered the vanity of
the nuns who endeavoured to reassure him The porteress took him into her own
little parlour in the mean while the laysister went to the kitchen and soon
returned with a double portion of soup of better quality than what was given to
the beggars His hostess added some fruits and confections from her own private
store and both encouraged the youth to dine heartily To all these attentions
he replied with much seeming gratitude and abundance of blessings upon his
benefactresses While he ate the nuns admired the delicacy of his features the
beauty of his hair and the sweetness and grace which accompanied all his
actions They lamented to each other in whispers that so charming a youth
should be exposed to the seductions of the world and agreed that he would be a
worthy pillar of the catholic church They concluded their conference by
resolving that heaven would be rendered a real service if they entreated the
prioress to intercede with Ambrosio for the beggars admission into the order of
capuchins
This being determined the porteress who was a person of great influence in
the convent posted away in all haste to the dominas cell Here she made so
flaming a narrative of Theodores merits that the old lady grew curious to see
him Accordingly the porteress was commissioned to convey him to the
parlourgrate In the interim the supposed beggar was sifting the laysister
with respect to the fate of Agnes her evidence only corroborated the dominas
assertions She said that Agnes had been taken ill on returning from
confession had never quitted her bed from that moment and that she had herself
been present at the funeral She even attested having seen her dead body and
assisted with her own hands in adjusting it upon the bier This account
discouraged Theodore yet as he had pushed the adventure so far he resolved to
witness its conclusion
The porteress now returned and ordered him to follow her He obeyed and
was conducted into the parlour where the lady prioress was already posted at
the grate The nuns surrounded her who all flocked with eagerness to a scene
which promised some diversion Theodore saluted them with profound respect and
his presence had the power to smooth for a moment even the stern brow of the
superior She asked several questions respecting his parents his religion and
what had reduced him to a state of beggary To these demands his answers were
perfectly satisfactory and perfectly false He was then asked his opinion of a
monastic life He replied in terms of high estimation and respect for it Upon
this the prioress told him that his obtaining an entrance into a religious
order was not impossible that her recommendation would not permit his poverty
to be an obstacle and that if she found him deserving it he might depend in
future upon her protection Theodore assured her that to merit her favour would
be his highest ambition and having ordered him to return next day when she
would talk with him further the domina quitted the parlour
The nuns whom respect for the superior had till then kept silent now
crowded all together to the grate and assailed the youth with a multitude of
questions He had already examined each with attention Alas Agnes was not
amongst them The nuns heaped question upon question so thickly that it was
scarcely possible for him to reply One asked where he was born since his
accent declared him to be a foreigner another wanted to know why he wore a
patch upon his left eye sister Helena enquired whether he had not a sister like
him because she should like such a companion and sister Rachael was fully
persuaded that the brother would be the pleasanter companion of the two
Theodore amused himself with relating to the credulous nuns for truths all the
strange stories which his imagination could invent He related to them his
supposed adventures and penetrated every auditor with astonishment while he
talked of giants savages shipwrecks and islands inhabited
»By anthropophagi and men whose heads
Do grow beneath their shoulders«
with many other circumstances to the full as remarkable He said that he was
born in Terra Incognita was educated at an Hottentot university and had passed
two years among the Americans of Silesia
»For what regards the loss of my eye« said he »it was a just punishment
upon me for disrespect to the Virgin when I made my second pilgrimage to
Loretto I stood near the altar in the miraculous chapel the monks were
proceeding to array the statue in her best apparel The pilgrims were ordered to
close their eyes during this ceremony but though by nature extremely religious
curiosity was too powerful At the moment I shall penetrate you with horror
reverend ladies when I reveal my crime At the moment that the monks were
changing her shift I ventured to open my left eye and gave a little peep
towards the statue That look was my last The glory which surrounded the Virgin
was too great to be supported I hastily shut my sacrilegious eye and never
have been able to unclose it since«
At the relation of this miracle the nuns all crossed themselves and
promised to intercede with the blessed Virgin for the recovery of his sight
They expressed their wonder at the extent of his travels and at the strange
adventures which he had met with at so early an age They now remarked his
guitar and enquired whether he was an adept in music He replied with modesty
that it was not for him to decide upon his talents but requested permission to
appeal to them as judges This was granted without difficulty
»But at least« said the old porteress »take care not to sing any thing
profane«
»You may depend upon my discretion« replied Theodore »you shall hear how
dangerous it is for young women to abandon themselves to their passions
illustrated by the adventure of a damsel who fell suddenly in love with an
unknown knight«
»But is the adventure true« enquired the porteress
»Every word of it It happened in Denmark and the heroine was thought so
beautiful that she was known by no other name but that of the lovely maid«
»In Denmark say you« mumbled an old nun »Are not the people all blacks in
Denmark«
»By no means reverend lady they are of a delicate peagreen with
flamecoloured hair and whiskers«
»Mother of God Peagreen« exclaimed sister Helena »Oh tis impossible«
»Impossible« said the porteress with a look of contempt and exultation
»Not at all when I was a young woman I remember seeing several of them
myself«
Theodore now put his instrument in proper order He had read the story of a
king of England whose prison was discovered by a minstrel and he hoped that
the same scheme would enable him to discover Agnes should she be in the
convent He chose a ballad which she had taught him herself in the castle of
Lindenberg she might possibly catch the sound and he hoped to hear her
replying to some of the stanzas His guitar was now in tune and he prepared to
strike it
»But before I begin« said he »it is necessary to inform you ladies that
this same Denmark is terribly infested by sorcerers witches and evil spirits
Every element possesses its appropriate dæmons The woods are haunted by a
malignant power called The Erl or OakKing he it is who blights the trees
spoils the harvest and commands the imps and goblins He appears in the form of
an old man of majestic figure with a golden crown and long white beard His
principal amusement is to entice young children from their parents and as soon
as he gets them into his cave he tears them into a thousand pieces The rivers
are governed by another fiend called The WaterKing his province is to agitate
the deep occasion shipwrecks and drag the drowning sailors beneath the waves
He wears the appearance of a warrior and employs himself in luring young
virgins into his snare what he does with them when he catches them in the
water reverend ladies I leave for you to imagine The FireKing seems to be a
man all formed of flames he raises the meteors and wandering lights which
beguile travellers into ponds and marshes and he directs the lightning where it
may do most mischief The last of these elementary dæmons is called The
CloudKing his figure is that of a beautiful youth and he is distinguished by
two large sable wings though his outside is so enchanting he is not a bit
better disposed than the others He is continually employed in raising storms
tearing up forests by the roots and blowing castles and convents about the ears
of their inhabitants The first has a daughter who is queen of the elves and
fairies the second has a mother who is a powerful enchantress Neither of
these ladies are worth more than the gentlemen I do not remember to have heard
any family assigned to the two other dæmons but at present I have no business
with any of them except the fiend of the waters He is the hero of my ballad
but I thought it necessary before I began to give you some account of his
proceedings«
Theodore then played a short symphony after which stretching his voice to
its utmost extent to facilitate its reaching the ear of Agnes he sung the
following stanzas
The WaterKing
A Danish Ballad
With gentle murmur flowed the tide
While by the fragrant flowery side
The lovely maid with carols gay
To Marys church pursued her way
The waterfiends malignant eye
Along the banks beheld her hie
Straight to his motherwitch he sped
And thus in suppliant accents said
»Oh mother mother now advise
How I may yonder maid surprise
Oh mother mother now explain
How I may yonder maid obtain«
The witch she gave him armour white
She formed him like a gallant knight
Of water clear next made her hand
A steed whose housings were of sand
The waterking then swift he went
To Marys church his steps he bent
He bound his courser to the door
And paced the churchyard three times four
His courser to the door bound he
And paced the churchyard four times three
Then hastened up the aisle where all
The people flocked both great and small
The priest said as the knight drew near
»And wherefore comes the white chief here«
The lovely maid she smiled aside
»Oh would I were the white chiefs bride«
He stepped oer benches one and two
»Oh lovely maid I die for you«
He stepped oer benches two and three
»Oh lovely maiden go with me«
Then sweet she smiled the lovely maid
And while she gave her hand she said
»Betide me joy betide me woe
Oer hill oer dale with thee I go«
The priest their hands together joins
They dance while clear the moonbeam shines
And little thinks the maiden bright
Her partner is the waterspright
Oh had some spirit deigned to sing
»Your partner is the waterking«
The maid had fear and hate confessed
And cursed the hand which then she pressed
But nothing giving cause to think
How near she strayed to dangers brink
Still on she went and hand in hand
The lovers reached the yellow sand
»Ascend this steed with me my dear
We needs must cross the streamlet here
Ride boldly in it is not deep
The winds are hushed the billows sleep«
Thus spoke the waterking The maid
Her traitor bridegrooms wish obeyed
And soon she saw the courser lave
Delighted in his parent wave
»Stop stop my love The waters blue
Een now my shrinking foot bedew«
»Oh lay aside your fears sweet heart
We now have reached the deepest part«
»Stop stop my love For now I see
The waters rise above my knee«
»Oh lay aside your fears sweet heart
We now have reached the deepest part«
»Stop stop for Gods sake stop For oh
The waters oer my bosom flow«
Scarce was the word pronounced when knight
And courser vanished from her sight
She shrieks but shrieks in vain for high
The wild winds rising dull the cry
The fiend exults the billows dash
And oer their hapless victim wash
Three times while struggling with the stream
The lovely maid was heard to scream
But when the tempests rage was oer
The lovely maid was seen no more
Warned by this tale ye damsels fair
To whom you give your love beware
Believe not every handsome knight
And dance not with the waterspright
The youth ceased to sing The nuns were delighted with the sweetness of his
voice and masterly manner of touching the instrument but however acceptable
this applause would have been at any other time at present it was insipid to
Theodore His artifice had not succeeded He paused in vain between the stanzas
no voice replied to his and he abandoned the hope of equalling Blondel
The conventbell now warned the nuns that it was time to assemble in the
refectory They were obliged to quit the grate they thanked the youth for the
entertainment which his music had afforded them and charged him to return the
next day This he promised The nuns to give him the greater inclination to
keep his word told him that he might always depend upon the convent for his
meals and each of them made him some little present One gave him a box of
sweetmeats another an agnus dei some brought reliques of saints waxen
images and consecrated crosses and others presented him with pieces of those
works in which the religious excel such as embroidery artificial flowers
lace and needlework All these he was advised to sell in order to put himself
into better case and he was assured that it would be easy to dispose of them
since the Spaniards hold the performances of the nuns in high estimation Having
received these gifts with seeming respect and gratitude he remarked that
having no basket he knew not how to convey them away Several of the nuns were
hastening in search of one when they were stopped by the return of an elderly
woman whom Theodore had not till then observed Her mild countenance and
respectable air prejudiced him immediately in her favour
»Hah« said the porteress »here comes the mother St Ursula with a basket«
The nun approached the grate and presented the basket to Theodore it was
of willow lined with blue satin and upon the four sides were painted scenes
from the legend of St Genevieve
»Here is my gift« said she as she gave it into his hand »Good youth
despise it not Though its value seems insignificant it has many hidden
virtues«
She accompanied these words with an expressive look It was not lost upon
Theodore In receiving the present he drew as near the grate as possible
»Agnes« she whispered in a voice scarcely intelligible
Theodore however caught the sound He concluded that some mystery was
concealed in the basket and his heart beat with impatience and joy At this
moment the domina returned Her air was gloomy and frowning and she looked if
possible more stern than ever
»Mother St Ursula I would speak with you in private«
The nun changed colour and was evidently disconcerted
»With me« she replied in a faltering voice
The domina motioned that she must follow her and retired The mother St
Ursula obeyed her Soon after the refectory bell ringing a second time the
nuns quitted the grate and Theodore was left at liberty to carry off his prize
Delighted that at length he had obtained some intelligence for the marquis he
flew rather than ran till he reached the hotel de las Cisternas In a few
minutes he stood by his masters bed with the basket in his hand Lorenzo was in
the chamber endeavouring to reconcile his friend to a misfortune which he felt
himself but too severely Theodore related his adventure and the hopes which
had been created by the mother St Ursulas gift The marquis started from his
pillow That fire which since the death of Agnes had been extinguished now
revived in his bosom and his eyes sparkled with the eagerness of expectation
The emotions which Lorenzos countenance betrayed were scarcely weaker and he
waited with inexpressible impatience for the solution of this mystery Raymond
caught the basket from the hands of his page he emptied the contents upon the
bed and examined them with minute attention He hoped that a letter would be
found at the bottom Nothing of the kind appeared The search was resumed and
still with no better success At length Don Raymond observed that one corner of
the blue satin lining was unripped he tore it open hastily and drew forth a
small scrap of paper neither folded nor sealed It was addressed to the marquis
de las Cisternas and the contents were as follow
»Having recognised your page I venture to send these few lines Procure
an order from the cardinalduke for seizing my person and that of the
domina but let it not be executed till Friday at midnight It is the
festival of St Clare there will be a procession of nuns by
torchlight and I shall be among them Beware not to let your
intention be known Should a syllable be dropped to excite the dominas
suspicions you will never hear of me more Be cautious if you prize
the memory of Agnes and wish to punish her assassins I have that to
tell will freeze your blood with horror
ST URSULA«
No sooner had the marquis read the note than he fell back upon his pillow
deprived of sense or motion The hope failed him which till now had supported
his existence; and these lines convinced him but too positively that Agnes was
indeed no more Lorenzo felt this circumstance less forcibly since it had
always been his idea that his sister had perished by unfair means When he found
by the mother St Ursulas letter how true were his suspicions the confirmation
excited no other sentiment in his bosom than a wish to punish the murderers as
they deserved It was no easy task to recall the marquis to himself As soon as
he recovered his speech he broke out into execrations against the assassins of
his beloved and vowed to take upon them a signal vengeance He continued to
rave and torment himself with impotent passion till his constitution enfeebled
by grief and illness could support itself no longer and relapsed into
insensibility His melancholy situation sincerely affected Lorenzo who would
willingly have remained in the apartment of his friend but other cares now
demanded his presence It was necessary to procure the order for seizing the
prioress of St Clare For this purpose having committed Raymond to the care of
the best physicians in Madrid he quitted the hotel de las Cisternas and bent
his course towards the palace of the cardinalduke
His disappointment was excessive when he found that affairs of state had
obliged the cardinal to set out for a distant province It wanted but five days
to Friday yet by travelling day and night he hoped to return in time for the
pilgrimage of St Clare In this he succeeded He found the cardinalduke and
represented to him the supposed culpability of the prioress as also the violent
effects which it had produced upon Don Raymond He could have used no argument
so forcible as this last Of all his nephews the marquis was the only one to
whom the cardinalduke was sincerely attached he perfectly doted upon him and
the prioress could have committed no greater crime in his eyes than to have
endangered the life of the marquis Consequently he granted the order of arrest
without difficulty He also gave Lorenzo a letter to a principal officer of the
Inquisition desiring him to see his mandate executed Furnished with these
papers Medina hastened back to Madrid which he reached on the Friday a few
hours before dark He found the marquis somewhat easier but so weak and
exhausted that without great exertion he could neither speak nor move Having
passed an hour by his bedside Lorenzo left him to communicate his design to
his uncle as also to give Don Ramirez de Mello the cardinals letter The first
was petrified with horror when he learned the fate of his unhappy niece He
encouraged Lorenzo to punish her assassins and engaged to accompany him at
night to St Clares convent Don Ramirez promised his firmest support and
selected a band of trusty archers to prevent opposition on the part of the
populace
But while Lorenzo was anxious to unmask one religious hypocrite he was
unconscious of the sorrows prepared for him by another Aided by Matildas
infernal agents Ambrosio had resolved upon the innocent Antonias ruin The
moment destined to be so fatal to her arrived She had taken leave of her mother
for the night As she kissed her she felt an unusual despondency infuse itself
into her bosom She left her and returned to her instantly threw herself into
her maternal arms and bathed her cheek with tears She felt uneasy at quitting
her and a secret presentiment assured her that never must they meet again
Elvira observed and tried to laugh her out of this childish prejudice She chid
her mildly for encouraging such ungrounded sadness and warned her how dangerous
it was to encourage such ideas
To all her remonstrances she received no other answer than
»Mother Dear mother Oh would to God it were morning«
Elvira whose inquietude respecting her daughter was a great obstacle to her
perfect reestablishment was still labouring under the effects of her late
severe illness She was this evening more than usually indisposed and retired
to bed before her accustomed hour Antonia withdrew from her mothers chamber
with regret and till the door closed kept her eyes fixed upon her with
melancholy expression She retired to her own apartment her heart was filled
with bitterness It seemed to her that all her prospects were blasted and the
world contained nothing for which it was worth existing She sank into a chair
reclined her head upon her arm and gazed upon the floor with a vacant stare
while the most gloomy images floated before her fancy She was still in this
state of insensibility when she was disturbed by hearing a strain of soft music
breathed beneath her window She rose drew near the casement and opened it to
hear it more distinctly Having thrown her veil over her face she ventured to
look out By the light of the moon she perceived several men below with guitars
and lutes in their hands and at a little distance from them stood another
wrapped in his cloak whose stature and appearance bore a strong resemblance to
Lorenzos She was not deceived in this conjecture It was indeed Lorenzo
himself who bound by his word not to present himself to Antonia without his
uncles consent endeavoured by occasional serenades to convince his mistress
that his attachment still existed His stratagem had not the desired effect
Antonia was far from supposing that this nightly music was intended as a
compliment to her She was too modest to think herself worthy such attentions
and concluding them to be addressed to some neighbouring lady she grieved to
find that they were offered by Lorenzo
The air which was played was plaintive and melodious It accorded with the
state of Antonias mind and she listened with pleasure After a symphony of
some length it was succeeded by the sound of voices and Antonia distinguished
the following words
Serenade
Chorus
Oh breathe in gentle strain my lyre
Tis here that beauty loves to rest
Describe the pangs of fond desire
Which rend a faithful lovers breast
Song
In every heart to find a slave
In every soul to fix his reign
In bonds to lead the wise and brave
And make the captives kiss his chain
Such is the power of Love and oh
I grieve so well Loves power to know
In sighs to pass the livelong day
To taste a short and broken sleep
For one dear object far away
All others scorned to watch and weep
Such are the pains of Love and oh
I grieve so well Loves pains to know
To read consent in virgin eyes
To press the lip neer prest till then
To hear the sigh of transport rise
And kiss and kiss and kiss again
Such are thy pleasures Love But oh
When shall my heart thy pleasures know
Chorus
Now hush my lyre My voice be still
Sleep gentle maid May fond desire
With amorous thoughts thy visions fill
Though still my voice and hushed my lyre
The music ceased the performers dispersed and silence prevailed through the
street Antonia quitted the window with regret She as usual recommended
herself to the protection of St Rosolia said her accustomed prayers and
retired to bed Sleep was not long absent and his presence relieved her from
her terrors and inquietude
It was almost two oclock before the lustful monk ventured to bend his steps
towards Antonias dwelling It has been already mentioned that the abbey was at
no great distance from the strada di San Iago He reached the house unobserved
Here he stopped and hesitated for a moment He reflected on the enormity of the
crime the consequences of a discovery and the probability after what had
passed of Elviras suspecting him to be her daughters ravisher On the other
hand it was suggested that she could do no more than suspect that no proofs of
his guilt could be produced that it would seem impossible for the rape to have
been committed without Antonias knowing when where or by whom and finally
he believed that his fame was too firmly established to be shaken by the
unsupported accusations of two unknown women This latter argument was perfectly
false He knew not how uncertain is the air of popular applause and that a
moment suffices to make him today the detestation of the world who yesterday
was its idol The result of the monks deliberations was that he should proceed
in his enterprise He ascended the steps leading to the house No sooner did he
touch the door with the silver myrtle than it flew open and presented him with
a free passage He entered and the door closed after him of its own accord
Guided by the moonbeams he proceeded up the staircase with slow and
cautious steps He looked round him every moment with apprehension and anxiety
He saw a spy in every shadow and heard a voice in every murmur of the
nightbreeze Consciousness of the guilty business on which he was employed
appalled his heart and rendered it more timid than a womans Yet still he
proceeded He reached the door of Antonias chamber He stopped and listened
All was hushed within The total silence persuaded him that his intended victim
was retired to rest and he ventured to lift up the latch The door was
fastened and resisted his efforts But no sooner was it touched by the
talisman than the bolt flew back The ravisher stepped on and found himself in
the chamber where slept the innocent girl unconscious how dangerous a visitor
was drawing near her couch The door closed after him and the bolt shot again
into its fastening
Ambrosio advanced with precaution He took care that not a board should
creak under his foot and held in his breath as he approached the bed His first
attention was to perform the magic ceremony as Matilda had charged him he
breathed thrice upon the silver myrtle pronounced over it Antonias name and
laid it upon her pillow The effects which it had already produced permitted not
his doubting its success in prolonging the slumbers of his devoted mistress No
sooner was the inchantment performed than he considered her to be absolutely in
his power and his eyes flashed with lust and impatience He now ventured to
cast a glance upon the sleeping beauty A single lamp burning before the statue
of St Rosolia shed a faint light through the room and permitted him to
examine all the charms of the lovely object before him The heat of the weather
had obliged her to throw off part of the bedclothes Those which still covered
her Ambrosios insolent hand hastened to remove She lay with her cheek
reclining upon one ivory arm the other rested on the side of the bed with
graceful indolence A few tresses of her hair had escaped from beneath the
muslin which confined the rest and fell carelessly over her bosom as it heaved
with slow and regular suspiration The warm air had spread her cheek with higher
colour than usual A smile inexpressibly sweet played round her ripe and coral
lips from which every now and then escaped a gentle sigh or an halfpronounced
sentence An air of enchanting innocence and candour pervaded her whole form
and there was a sort of modesty in her very nakedness which added fresh stings
to the desires of the lustful monk
He remained for some moments devouring those charms with his eyes which
soon were to be subjected to his illregulated passions Her mouth halfopened
seemed to solicit a kiss he bent over her he joined his lips to hers and drew
in the fragrance of her breath with rapture This momentary pleasure increased
his longing for still greater His desires were raised to that frantic height by
which brutes are agitated He resolved not to delay for one instant longer the
accomplishment of his wishes and hastily proceeded to tear off those garments
which impeded the gratification of his lust
»Gracious God« exclaimed a voice behind him »Am I not deceived Is not
this an illusion«
Terror confusion and disappointment accompanied these words as they
struck Ambrosios hearing He started and turned towards it Elvira stood at
the door of the chamber and regarded the monk with looks of surprise and
detestation
A frightful dream had represented to her Antonia on the verge of a
precipice She saw her trembling on the brink every moment seemed to threaten
her fall and she heard her exclaim with shrieks »Save me mother save me
Yet a moment and it will be too late« Elvira woke in terror The vision had
made too strong an impression upon her mind to permit her resting till assured
of her daughters safety She hastily started from her bed threw on a loose
nightgown and passing through the closet in which slept the waitingwoman
reached Antonias chamber just in time to rescue her from the grasp of the
ravisher
His shame and her amazement seemed to have petrified into statues both
Elvira and the monk They remained gazing upon each other in silence The lady
was the first to recover herself
»It is no dream« she cried »it is really Ambrosio who stands before me
It is the man whom Madrid esteems a saint that I find at this late hour near
the couch of my unhappy child Monster of hypocrisy I already suspected your
designs but forbore your accusation in pity to human frailty Silence would now
be criminal The whole city shall be informed of your incontinence I will
unmask you villain and convince the church what a viper she cherishes in her
bosom«
Pale and confused the baffled culprit stood trembling before her He would
fain have extenuated his offence but could find no apology for his conduct He
could produce nothing but broken sentences and excuses which contradicted each
other Elvira was too justly incensed to grant the pardon which he requested
She protested that she would raise the neighbourhood and make him an example to
all future hypocrites Then hastening to the bed she called to Antonia to wake
and finding that her voice had no effect she took her arm and raised her
forcibly from the pillow The charm operated too powerfully Antonia remained
insensible and on being released by her mother sank back upon the pillow
»This slumber cannot be natural« cried the amazed Elvira whose indignation
increased with every moment »some mystery is concealed in it But tremble
hypocrite All your villany shall soon be unravelled Help help« she exclaimed
aloud »Within there Flora Flora«
»Hear me for one moment lady« cried the monk restored to himself by the
urgency of the danger »by all that is sacred and holy I swear that your
daughters honour is still unviolated Forgive my transgression Spare me the
shame of a discovery and permit me to regain the abbey undisturbed Grant me
this request in mercy I promise not only that Antonia shall be secure from me
in future but that the rest of my life shall prove «
Elvira interrupted him abruptly
»Antonia secure from you I will secure her You shall betray no longer the
confidence of parents Your iniquity shall be unveiled to the public eye All
Madrid shall shudder at your perfidy your hypocrisy and incontinence What ho
there Flora Flora I say«
While she spoke thus the remembrance of Agnes struck upon his mind Thus
had she sued to him for mercy and thus had he refused her prayer It was now
his turn to suffer and he could not but acknowledge that his punishment was
just In the mean while Elvira continued to call Flora to her assistance but
her voice was so choaked with passion that the servant who was buried in
profound slumber was insensible to all her cries Elvira dared not go towards
the closet in which Flora slept lest the monk should take that opportunity to
escape Such indeed was his intention he trusted that could he reach the abbey
unobserved by any other than Elvira her single testimony would not suffice to
ruin a reputation so well established as his was in Madrid With this idea he
gathered up such garments as he had already thrown off and hastened towards the
door Elvira was aware of his design she followed him and ere he could draw
back the bolt seized him by the arm and detained him
»Attempt not to fly« said she »you quit not this room without witnesses of
your guilt«
Ambrosio struggled in vain to disengage himself Elvira quitted not her
hold but redoubled her cries for succour The friars danger grew more urgent
He expected every moment to hear people assembling at her voice and worked up
to madness by the approach of ruin he adopted a resolution equally desperate
and savage Turning round suddenly with one hand he grasped Elviras throat so
as to prevent her continuing her clamour and with the other dashing her
violently upon the ground he dragged her towards the bed Confused by this
unexpected attack she scarcely had power to strive at forcing herself from his
grasp while the monk snatching the pillow from beneath her daughters head
covering with it Elviras face and pressing his knee upon her stomach with all
his strength endeavoured to put an end to her existence He succeeded but too
well Her natural strength increased by the excess of anguish long did the
sufferer struggle to disengage herself but in vain The monk continued to kneel
upon her breast witnessed without mercy the convulsive trembling of her limbs
beneath him and sustained with inhuman firmness the spectacle of her agonies
when soul and body were on the point of separating Those agonies at length were
over She ceased to struggle for life The monk took off the pillow and gazed
upon her Her face was covered with a frightful blackness her limbs moved no
more the blood was chilled in her veins her heart had forgotten to beat and
her hands were stiff and frozen Ambrosio beheld before him that once noble and
majestic form now become a corse cold senseless and disgusting
This horrible act was no sooner perpetrated than the friar beheld the
enormity of his crime A cold dew flowed over his limbs his eyes closed he
staggered to a chair and sank into it almost as lifeless as the unfortunate who
lay extended at his feet From this state he was roused by the necessity of
flight and the danger of being found in Antonias apartment He had no desire
to profit by the execution of his crime Antonia now appeared to him an object
of disgust A deadly cold had usurped the place of that warmth which glowed in
his bosom No ideas offered themselves to his mind but those of death and guilt
of present shame and future punishment Agitated by remorse and fear he
prepared for flight yet his terrors did not so completely master his
recollection as to prevent his taking the precautions necessary for his safety
He replaced the pillow upon the bed gathered up his garments and with the
fatal talisman in his hand bent his unsteady steps towards the door Bewildered
by fear he fancied that his flight was opposed by legions of phantoms Wherever
he turned the disfigured corse seemed to lie in his passage and it was long
before he succeeded in reaching the door The enchanted myrtle produced its
former effect The door opened and he hastened down the staircase He entered
the abbey unobserved and having shut himself into his cell he abandoned his
soul to the tortures of unavailing remorse and terrors of impending detection
Chapter IX
Tell us ye dead will none of you in pity
To those you left behind disclose the secret
O that some courteous ghost would blab it out
What tis you are and we must shortly be
Ive heard that souls departed have sometimes
Forewarned men of their deaths twas kindly done
To knock and give the alarum
Blair
Ambrosio shuddered at himself when he reflected on his rapid advances in
iniquity The enormous crime which he had just committed filled him with real
horror The murdered Elvira was continually before his eyes and his guilt was
already punished by the agonies of his conscience Time however considerably
weakened these impressions one day passed away another followed it and still
not the least suspicion was thrown upon him Impunity reconciled him to his
guilt He began to resume his spirits and as his fears of detection died away
he paid less attention to the reproaches of remorse Matilda exerted herself to
quiet his alarms At the first intelligence of Elviras death she seemed
greatly affected and joined the monk in deploring the unhappy catastrophe of
his adventure but when she found his agitation to be somewhat calmed and
himself better disposed to listen to her arguments she proceeded to mention his
offence in milder terms and convince him that he was not so highly culpable as
he appeared to consider himself She represented that he had only availed
himself of the rights which nature allows to every one those of
self-preservation that either Elvira or himself must have perished and that
her inflexibility and resolution to ruin him had deservedly marked her out for
the victim She next stated that as he had before rendered himself suspected to
Elvira it was a fortunate event for him that her lips were closed by death
since without this last adventure her suspicions if made public might have
produced very disagreeable consequences He had therefore freed himself from an
enemy to whom the errors of his conduct were sufficiently known to make her
dangerous and who was the greatest obstacle to his designs upon Antonia Those
designs she encouraged him not to abandon She assured him that no longer
protected by her mothers watchful eye the daughter would fall an easy
conquest and by praising and enumerating Antonias charms she strove to
rekindle the desires of the monk In this endeavour she succeeded but too well
As if the crimes into which his passion had seduced him had only increased
its violence he longed more eagerly than ever to enjoy Antonia The same
success in concealing his present guilt he trusted would attend his future He
was deaf to the murmurs of conscience and resolved to satisfy his desires at
any price He waited only for an opportunity of repeating his former enterprise
but to procure that opportunity by the same means was now impracticable In the
first transports of despair he had dashed the enchanted myrtle into a thousand
pieces Matilda told him plainly that he must expect no further assistance from
the infernal powers unless he was willing to subscribe to their established
conditions This Ambrosio was determined not to do He persuaded himself that
however great may be his iniquity so long as he preserved his claim to
salvation he need not despair of pardon He therefore resolutely refused to
enter into any bond or compact with the fiends and Matilda finding him
obstinate upon this point forbore to press him further She exerted her
invention to discover some means of putting Antonia into the abbots power nor
was it long before that means presented itself
While her ruin was thus meditating the unhappy girl herself suffered
severely from the loss of her mother Every morning on walking it was her first
care to hasten to Elviras chamber On that which followed Ambrosios fatal
visit she woke later than was her usual custom of this she was convinced by
the abbey chimes She started from her bed threw on a few loose garments
hastily and was speeding to enquire how her mother had passed the night when
her foot struck against something which lay in her passage She looked down
What was her horror at recognizing Elviras livid corse She uttered a loud
shriek and threw herself upon the floor She clasped the inanimate form to her
bosom felt that it was deadcold and with a movement of disgust of which she
was not the mistress let it fall again from her arms The cry had alarmed
Flora who hastened to her assistance The sight which she beheld penetrated her
with horror but her alarm was more audible than Antonias She made the house
ring with her lamentations while her mistress almost suffocated with grief
could only mark her distress by sobs and groans Floras shrieks soon reached
the ears of the hostess whose terror and surprise were excessive on learning
the cause of this disturbance A physician was immediately sent for but on the
first moment of beholding the corse he declared that Elviras recovery was
beyond the power of art He proceeded therefore to give his assistance to
Antonia who by this time was truly in need of it She was conveyed to bed
while the landlady busied herself in giving orders for Elviras burial Dame
Jacintha was a plain good kind of woman charitable generous and devout but
her intellects were weak and she was a miserable slave to fear and
superstition She shuddered at the idea of passing the night in the same house
with a dead body She was persuaded that Elviras ghost would appear to her and
no less certain that such a visit would kill her with fright From this
persuasion she resolved to pass the night at a neighbours and insisted that
the funeral should take place the next day St Clares cemetery being the
nearest it was determined that Elvira should be buried there Dame Jacintha
engaged to defray every expence attending the burial She knew not in what
circumstances Antonia was left but from the sparing manner in which the family
had lived she concluded them to be indifferent consequently she entertained
very little hope of ever being recompensed But this consideration prevented her
not from taking care that the interment was performed with decency and from
shewing the unfortunate Antonia all possible respect
Nobody dies of mere grief of this Antonia was an instance Aided by her
youth and healthy constitution she shook off the malady which her mothers
death had occasioned but it was not so easy to remove the disease of her mind
Her eyes were constantly filled with tears every trifle affected her and she
evidently nourished in her bosom a profound and rooted melancholy The slightest
mention of Elvira the most trivial circumstance recalling that beloved parent
to her memory was sufficient to throw her into serious agitation How much
would her grief have been increased had she known the agonies which terminated
her mothers existence But of this no one entertained the least suspicion
Elvira was subject to strong convulsions it was supposed that aware of their
approach she had dragged herself to her daughters chamber in hopes of
assistance that a sudden access of her fits had seized her too violent to be
resisted by her already enfeebled state of health and that she had expired ere
she had time to reach the medicine which generally relieved her and which stood
upon a shelf in Antonias room This idea was firmly credited by the few people
who interested themselves about Elvira Her death was esteemed a natural event
and soon forgotten by all save by her who had but too much reason to deplore
her loss
In truth Antonias situation was sufficiently embarrassing and unpleasant
She was alone in the midst of a dissipated and expensive city she was ill
provided with money and worse with friends Her aunt Leonella was still at
Cordova and she knew not her direction Of the marquis de las Cisternas she
heard no news As to Lorenzo she had long given up the idea of possessing any
interest in his bosom She knew not to whom she could address herself in her
present dilemma She wished to consult Ambrosio but she remembered her mothers
injunctions to shun him as much as possible and the last conversation which
Elvira had held with her upon the subject had given her sufficient lights
respecting his designs to put her upon her guard against him in future Still
all her mothers warnings could not make her change her good opinion of the
friar She continued to feel that his friendship and society were requisite to
her happiness she looked upon his failings with a partial eye and could not
persuade herself that he really had intended her ruin However Elvira had
positively commanded her to drop his acquaintance and she had too much respect
for her orders to disobey them
At length she resolved to address herself for advice and protection to the
marquis de las Cisternas as being her nearest relation She wrote to him
briefly stating her desolate situation she besought him to compassionate his
brothers child to continue to her Elviras pension and to authorise her
retiring to his old castle in Murcia which till now had been her retreat
Having sealed her letter she gave it to the trusty Flora who immediately set
out to execute her commission But Antonia was born under an unlucky star Had
she made her application to the marquis but one day sooner received as his
niece and placed at the head of his family she would have escaped all the
misfortunes with which she was now threatened Raymond had always intended to
execute this plan but first his hopes of making the proposal to Elvira through
the lips of Agnes and afterwards his disappointment at losing his intended
bride as well as the severe illness which for some time had confined him to his
bed made him defer from day to day the giving an asylum in his house to his
brothers widow He had commissioned Lorenzo to supply her liberally with money
But Elvira unwilling to receive obligations from that nobleman had assured him
that she needed no immediate pecuniary assistance Consequently the marquis did
not imagine that a trifling delay on his part would create any embarrassment
and the distress and agitation of his mind might well excuse his negligence
Had he been informed that Elviras death had left her daughter friendless
and unprotected he would doubtless have taken such measures as would have
ensured her from every danger But Antonia was not destined to be so fortunate
The day on which she sent her letter to the palace de las Cisternas was that
following Lorenzos departure from Madrid The marquis was in the first
paroxysms of despair at the conviction that Agnes was indeed no more he was
delirious and his life being in danger no one was suffered to approach him
Flora was informed that he was incapable of attending to letters and that
probably a few hours would decide his fate With this unsatisfactory answer she
was obliged to return to her mistress who now found herself plunged into
greater difficulties than ever
Flora and Dame Jacintha exerted themselves to console her The latter begged
her to make herself easy for that as long as she chose to stay with her she
would treat her like her own child Antonia finding that the good woman had
taken a real affection for her was somewhat comforted by thinking that she had
at least one friend in the world A letter was now brought to her directed to
Elvira She recognized Leonellas writing and opening it with joy found a
detailed account of her aunts adventures at Cordova She informed her sister
that she had recovered her legacy had lost her heart and had received in
exchange that of the most amiable of apothecaries past present and to come
She added that she should be at Madrid on the Tuesday night and meant to have
the pleasure of presenting her caro sposo in form Though her nuptials were far
from pleasing Antonia Leonellas speedy return gave her niece much delight She
rejoiced in thinking that she should once more be under a relations care She
could not but judge it to be highly improper for a young woman to be living
among absolute strangers with no one to regulate her conduct or protect her
from the insults to which in her defenceless situation she was exposed She
therefore looked forward with impatience to the Tuesday night
It arrived Antonia listened anxiously to the carriages as they rolled along
the street None of them stopped and it grew late without Leonellas appearing
Still Antonia resolved to sit up till her aunts arrival and in spite of all
her remonstrances Dame Jacintha and Flora insisted upon doing the same The
hours passed on slow and tediously Lorenzos departure from Madrid had put a
stop to the nightly serenades she hoped in vain to hear the usual sound of
guitars beneath her window She took up her own and struck a few chords but
music that evening had lost its charms for her and she soon replaced the
instrument in its case She seated herself at her embroidery frame but nothing
went right the silks were missing the thread snapped every moment and the
needles were so expert at falling that they seemed to be animated At length a
flake of wax fell from the taper which stood near her upon a favourite wreath of
violets this completely discomposed her she threw down her needle and quitted
the frame It was decreed that for that night nothing should have the power of
amusing her She was the prey of ennui and employed herself in making fruitless
wishes for the arrival of her aunt
As she walked with a listless air up and down the chamber the door caught
her eye conducting to that which had been her mothers She remembered that
Elviras little library was arranged there and thought that she might possibly
find in it some book to amuse her till Leonella should arrive Accordingly she
took her taper from the table passed through the little closet and entered the
adjoining apartment As she looked around her the sight of this room brought to
her recollection a thousand painful ideas. It was the first time of her entering
it since her mothers death The total silence prevailing through the chamber
the bed despoiled of its furniture the cheerless hearth where stood an
extinguished lamp and a few dying plants in the window which since Elviras
loss had been neglected inspired Antonia with a melancholy awe The gloom of
night gave strength to this sensation She placed her light upon the table and
sunk into a large chair in which she had seen her mother seated a thousand and
a thousand times She was never to see her seated there again Tears unbidden
streamed down her cheek and she abandoned herself to the sadness which grew
deeper with every moment
Ashamed of her weakness she at length rose from her seat she proceeded to
seek for what had brought her to this melancholy scene The small collection of
books was arranged upon several shelves in order Antonia examined them without
finding any thing likely to interest her till she put her hand upon a volume of
old Spanish ballads She read a few stanzas of one of them They excited her
curiosity She took down the book and seated herself to peruse it with ease
She trimmed the taper which now drew towards its end and then read the
following ballad
Alonzo the Brave and Fair Imogine
A warrior so bold and a virgin so bright
Conversed as they sat on the green
They gazed on each other with tender delight
Alonzo the Brave was the name of the knight
The maids was the Fair Imogine
»And oh« said the youth »since tomorrow I go
To fight in a far distant land
Your tears for my absence soon leaving to flow
Some other will court you and you will bestow
On a wealthier suitor your hand«
»Oh hush these suspicions« Fair Imogine said
»Offensive to love and to me
For if you be living or if you be dead
I swear by the Virgin that none in your stead
Shall husband of Imogine be
If eer I by lust or by wealth led aside
Forget my Alonzo the Brave
God grant that to punish my falsehood and pride
Your ghost at the marriage may sit by my side
May tax me with perjury claim me as bride
And bear me away to the grave«
To Palestine hastened the hero so bold
His love she lamented him sore
But scarce had a twelvemonth elapsed when behold
A Baron all covered with jewels and gold
Arrived at Fair Imogines door
His treasure his presents his spacious domain
Soon made her untrue to her vows
He dazzled her eyes he bewildered her brain
He caught her affections so light and so vain
And carried her home as his spouse
And now had the marriage been blest by the priest
The revelry now was begun
The tables they groaned with the weight of the feast
Nor yet had the laughter and merriment ceased
When the bell at the castle told »one«
Then first with amazement Fair Imogine found
That a stranger was placed by her side
His air was terrific he uttered no sound
He spoke not he moved not he looked not around
But earnestly gazed on the bride
His vizor was closed and gigantic his height
His armour was sable to view
All pleasure and laughter were hushed at his sight
The dogs as they eyed him drew back in affright
The lights in the chamber burned blue
His presence all bosoms appeared to dismay
The guests sat in silence and fear
At length spoke the bride while she trembled »I pray
Sir Knight that your helmet aside you would lay
And deign to partake of our chear«
The lady is silent the stranger complies
His vizor he slowly unclosed
Oh God what a sight met Fair Imogines eyes
What words can express her dismay and surprise
When a skeletons head was exposed
All present then uttered a terrified shout
All turned with disgust from the scene
The worms they crept in and the worms they crept out
And sported his eyes and his temples about
While the spectre addressed Imogine
»Behold me thou false one behold me« he cried
»Remember Alonzo the Brave
God grants that to punish thy falsehood and pride
My ghost at thy marriage should sit by thy side
Should tax thee with perjury claim thee as bride
And bear thee away to the grave«
Thus saying his arms round the lady he wound
While loudly she shrieked in dismay
Then sank with his prey through the wideyawning ground
Nor ever again was Fair Imogine found
Or the spectre who bore her away
Not long lived the Baron and none since that time
To inhabit the castle presume
For chronicles tell that by order sublime
There Imogine suffers the pain of her crime
And mourns her deplorable doom
At midnight four times in each year does her spright
When mortals in slumber are bound
Arrayed in her bridal apparel of white
Appear in the hall with the SkeletonKnight
And shriek as he whirls her around
While they drink out of skulls newly torn from the grave
Dancing round them the spectres are seen
Their liquor is blood and this horrible stave
They howl »To the health of Alonzo the Brave
And his consort the False Imogine«
The perusal of this story was ill calculated to dispel Antonias melancholy She
had naturally a strong inclination to the marvellous and her nurse who
believed firmly in apparitions had related to her when an infant so many
horrible adventures of this kind that all Elviras attempts had failed to
eradicate their impressions from her daughters mind Antonia still nourished a
superstitious prejudice in her bosom she was often susceptible of terrors
which when she discovered their natural and insignificant cause made her blush
at her own weakness With such a turn of mind the adventure which she had just
been reading sufficed to give her apprehensions the alarm The hour and the
scene combined to authorise them It was the dead of night she was alone and
in the chamber once occupied by her deceased mother The weather was comfortless
and stormy the wind howled around the house the doors rattled in their frames
and the heavy rain pattered against the windows No other sound was heard The
taper now burnt down to the socket sometimes flaring upwards shot a gleam of
light through the room then sinking again seemed upon the point of expiring
Antonias heart throbbed with agitation her eyes wandered fearfully over the
objects around her as the trembling flame illuminated them at intervals She
attempted to rise from her seat but her limbs trembled so violently that she
was unable to proceed She then called Flora who was in a room at no great
distance but agitation choked her voice and her cries died away in hollow
murmurs
She passed some minutes in this situation after which her terrors began to
diminish She strove to recover herself and acquire strength enough to quit the
room Suddenly she fancied that she heard a low sigh drawn near her This idea
brought back her former weakness She had already raised herself from her seat
and was on the point of taking the lamp from the table The imaginary noise
stopped her she drew back her hand and supported herself upon the back of a
chair She listened anxiously but nothing more was heard
»Gracious God« she said to herself »what could be that sound Was I
deceived or did I really hear it«
Her reflections were interrupted by a voice at the door scarcely audible it
seemed as if somebody was whispering Antonias alarm increased yet the bolt
she knew to be fastened and this idea in some degree reassured her Presently
the latch was lifted up softly and the door moved with caution backwards and
forwards Excess of terror now supplied Antonia with that strength of which she
had till then been deprived She started from her place and made towards the
closet door whence she might soon have reached the chamber where she expected
to find Flora and Dame Jacintha Scarcely had she reached the middle of the
room when the latch was lifted up a second time An involuntary movement
obliged her to turn her head Slowly and gradually the door turned upon its
hinges and standing upon the threshold she beheld a tall thin figure wrapped
in a white shroud which covered it from head to foot
This vision arrested her feet she remained as if petrified in the middle of
the apartment The stranger with measured and solemn steps drew near the table
The dying taper darted a blue and melancholy flame as the figure advanced
towards it Over the table was fixed a small clock the hand of it was upon the
stroke of three The figure stopped opposite to the clock it raised its right
arm and pointed to the hour at the same time looking earnestly upon Antonia
who waited for the conclusion of this scene motionless and silent
The figure remained in this posture for some moments The clock struck When
the sound had ceased the stranger advanced yet a few steps nearer Antonia
»Yet three days« said a voice faint hollow and sepulchral »yet three
days and we meet again«
Antonia shuddered at the words
»We meet again« she pronounced at length with difficulty »Where shall we
meet Whom shall I meet«
The figure pointed to the ground with one hand and with the other raised
the linen which covered its face
»Almighty God My mother«
Antonia shrieked and fell lifeless upon the floor
Dame Jacintha who was at work in a neighbouring chamber was alarmed by the
cry Flora was just gone down stairs to fetch fresh oil for the lamp by which
they had been sitting Jacintha therefore hastened alone to Antonias
assistance and great was her amazement to find her extended upon the floor She
raised her in her arms conveyed her to her apartment and placed her upon the
bed still senseless She then proceeded to bathe her temples chafe her hands
and use all possible means of bringing her to herself With some difficulty she
succeeded Antonia opened her eyes and looked round her wildly
»Where is she« she cried in a trembling voice »Is she gone Am I safe
Speak to me Comfort me Oh speak to me for Gods sake«
»Safe from whom my child« replied the astonished Jacintha »What alarms
you Of whom are you afraid«
»In three days She told me that we should meet in three days I heard her
say it I saw her Jacintha I saw her but this moment«
She threw herself upon Jacinthas bosom
»You saw her Saw whom«
»My mothers ghost«
»Christ Jesus« cried Jacintha and starting from the bed let fall Antonia
upon the pillow and fled in consternation out of the room
As she hastened down stairs she met Flora ascending them
»Go to your mistress Flora« said she »here are rare doings Oh I am the
most unfortunate woman alive My house is filled with ghosts and dead bodies
and the Lord knows what besides yet I am sure nobody likes such company less
than I do But go your way to Donna Antonia Flora and let me go mine«
Thus saying she continued her course to the streetdoor which she opened
and without allowing herself time to throw on her veil she made the best of
her way to the Capuchinabbey In the mean while Flora hastened to her ladys
chamber equally surprised and alarmed at Jacinthas consternation She found
Antonia lying upon the bed insensible She used the same means for her recovery
that Jacintha had already employed but finding that her mistress only recovered
from one fit to fall into another she sent in all haste for a physician While
expecting his arrival she undressed Antonia and conveyed her to bed
Heedless of the storm terrified almost out of her senses Jacintha ran
through the streets and stopped not till she reached the gate of the abbey She
rang loudly at the bell and as soon as the porter appeared she desired
permission to speak to the superior Ambrosio was then conferring with Matilda
upon the means of procuring access to Antonia The cause of Elviras death
remaining unknown he was convinced that crimes were not so swiftly followed by
punishment as his instructors the monks had taught him and as till then he had
himself believed This persuasion made him resolve upon Antonias ruin for the
enjoyment of whose person dangers and difficulties only seemed to have increased
his passion The monk had already made one attempt to gain admission to her
presence but Flora had refused him in such a manner as to convince him that all
future endeavours must be vain Elvira had confided her suspicions to that
trusty servant she had desired her never to leave Ambrosio alone with her
daughter and if possible to prevent their meeting altogether Flora promised
to obey her and had executed her orders to the very letter Ambrosios visit
had been rejected that morning though Antonia was ignorant of it He saw that
to obtain a sight of his mistress by open means was out of the question and
both himself and Matilda had consumed the night in endeavouring to invent some
plan whose event might be more successful Such was their employment when a
laybrother entered the abbots cell and informed him that a woman calling
herself Jacintha Zuniga requested audience for a few minutes
Ambrosio was by no means disposed to grant the petition of his visitor He
refused it positively and bade the laybrother tell the stranger to return the
next day Matilda interrupted him
»See this woman« said she in a low voice »I have my reasons«
The abbot obeyed her and signified that he would go to the parlour
immediately With this answer the laybrother withdrew As soon as they were
alone Ambrosio enquired why Matilda wished him to see this Jacintha
»She is Antonias hostess« replied Matilda »she may possibly be of use to
you but let us examine her and learn what brings her hither«
They proceeded together to the parlour where Jacintha was already waiting
for the abbot She had conceived a great opinion of his piety and virtue and
supposing him to have much influence over the devil thought that it must be an
easy matter for him to lay Elviras ghost in the red sea Filled with this
persuasion she had hastened to the abbey As soon as she saw the monk enter the
parlour she dropped upon her knees and began her story as follows
»Oh reverend father such an accident such an adventure I know not what
course to take and unless you can help me I shall certainly go distracted
Well to be sure never was woman so unfortunate as myself All in my power to
keep clear of such abomination have I done and yet that all is too little What
signifies my telling my beads four times a day and observing every fast
prescribed by the calendar What signifies my having made three pilgrimages to
St James of Compostella and purchased as many pardons from the pope as would
buy off Cains punishment Nothing prospers with me All goes wrong and God
only knows whether any thing will ever go right again Why now be your holiness
the judge My lodger dies in convulsions out of pure kindness I bury her at my
own expence not that she is any relation of mine or that I shall be benefited
a single pistole by her death I got nothing by it and therefore you know
reverend father that her living or dying was just the same to me But that is
nothing to the purpose to return to what I was saying I took care of her
funeral had every thing performed decently and properly and put myself to
expence enough God knows And how do you think the lady repays me for my
kindness Why truly by refusing to sleep quietly in her comfortable deal coffin
as a peaceable well disposed spirit ought to do and coming to plague me who
never wish to set eyes on her again Forsooth it well becomes her to go
racketing about my house at midnight popping into her daughters room through
the keyhole and frightening the poor child out of her wits Though she be a
ghost she might be more civil than to bolt into a persons house who likes her
company so little But as for me reverend father the plain state of the case
is this if she walks into my house I must walk out of it for I cannot abide
such visitors not I Thus you see your sanctity that without your assistance
I am ruined and undone for ever I shall be obliged to quit my house nobody
will take it when tis known that she haunts it and then I shall find myself
in a fine situation Miserable woman that I am what shall I do what will
become of me«
Here she wept bitterly wrung her hands and begged to know the abbots
opinion of her case
»In truth good woman« replied he »it will be difficult for me to relieve
you without knowing what is the matter with you You have forgotten to tell me
what has happened and what it is you want«
»Let me die« cried Jacintha »but your sanctity is in the right This then
is the fact stated briefly A lodger of mine is lately dead a very good sort
of woman that I must needs say for her as far as my knowledge of her went
though that was not a great way She kept me too much at a distance for indeed
she was given to be upon the high ropes and whenever I ventured to speak to
her she had a look with her which always made me feel a little queerish God
forgive me for saying so However though she was more stately than needful and
affected to look down upon me though if I am well informed I come of as good
parents as she could do for her ears for her father was a shoemaker at
Cordova and mine was an hatter at Madrid aye and a very creditable hatter
too let me tell you yet for all her pride she was a quiet wellbehaved body
and I never wish to have a better lodger This makes me wonder the more at her
not sleeping quietly in her grave but there is no trusting to people in this
world For my part I never saw her do amiss except on the Friday before her
death To be sure I was then much scandalized by seeing her eat the wing of a
chicken How Madona Flora quoth I Flora may it please your reverence is the
name of the waiting maid how Madona Flora quoth I does your mistress eat
flesh upon Fridays Well well see the event and then remember that Dame
Jacintha warned you of it These were my very words but alas I might as well
have held my tongue Nobody minded me and Flora who is somewhat pert and
snappish more is the pity say I told me that there was no more harm in
eating a chicken than the egg from which it came nay she even declared that if
her lady added a slice of bacon she would not be an inch nearer damnation God
protect us a poor ignorant sinful soul I protest to your holiness I trembled
to hear her utter such blasphemies and expected every moment to see the ground
open and swallow her up chicken and all for you must know worshipful father
that while she talked thus she held the plate in her hand on which lay the
identical roast fowl and a fine bird it was that I must say for it done to a
turn for I superintended the cooking of it myself It was a little gallician of
my own raising may it please your holiness and the flesh was as white as an
eggshell as indeed Donna Elvira told me herself Dame Jacintha said she very
goodhumouredly though to say the truth she was always very polite to me «
Here Ambrosios patience failed him Eager to know Jacinthas business in
which Antonia seemed to be concerned he was almost distracted while listening
to the rambling of this prosing old woman He interrupted her and protested
that if she did not immediately tell her story and have done with it he should
quit the parlour and leave her to get out of her difficulties by herself This
threat had the desired effect Jacintha related her business in as few words as
she could manage but her account was still so prolix that Ambrosio had need of
his patience to bear him to the conclusion
»And so your reverence« said she after relating Elviras death and
burial with all their circumstances »and so your reverence upon hearing the
shriek I put away my work and away posted I to Donna Antonias chamber
Finding nobody there I passed on to the next but I must own I was a little
timorous at going in for this was the very room where Donna Elvira used to
sleep However in I went and sure enough there lay the young lady at full
length upon the floor as cold as a stone and as white as a sheet I was
surprised at this as your holiness may well suppose but oh me how I shook
when I saw a great tall figure at my elbow whose head touched the cieling The
face was Donna Elviras I must confess but out of its mouth came clouds of
fire its arms were loaded with heavy chains which it rattled piteously and
every hair on its head was a serpent as big as my arm At this I was frightened
enough and began to say my avemaria but the ghost interrupting me uttered
three loud groans and roared out in a terrible voice Oh that chickens wing
my poor soul suffers for it As soon as she had said this the ground opened
the spectre sank down I heard a clap of thunder and the room was filled with a
smell of brimstone When I recovered from my fright and had brought Donna
Antonia to herself who told me that she had cried out upon seeing her mothers
ghost and well might she cry poor soul had I been in her place I should have
cried ten times louder it directly came into my head that if any one had
power to quiet this spectre it must be your reverence So hither I came in all
diligence to beg that you will sprinkle my house with holy water and lay the
apparition in the Red Sea«
Ambrosio stared at this strange story which he could not credit
»Did Donna Antonia alse see the ghost« said he
»As plain as I see you reverend father«
Ambrosio paused for a moment Here was an opportunity offered him of gaining
access to Antonia but he hesitated to employ it The reputation which he
enjoyed in Madrid was still dear to him and since he had lost the reality of
virtue it appeared as if its semblance was become more valuable He was
conscious that publicly to break through the rule never to quit the
abbeyprecincts would derogate much from his supposed austerity In visiting
Elvira he had always taken care to keep his features concealed from the
domestics Except by the lady her daughter and the faithful Flora he was
known in the family by no other name than that of father Jerome Should he
comply with Jacinthas request and accompany her to her house he knew that the
violation of his rule could not be kept a secret However his eagerness to see
Antonia obtained the victory He even hoped that the singularity of this
adventure would justify him in the eyes of Madrid But whatever might be the
consequences he resolved to profit by the opportunity which chance had
presented to him An expressive look from Matilda confirmed him in this
resolution
»Good woman« said he to Jacintha »what you tell me is so extraordinary
that I can scarcely credit your assertions However I will comply with your
request Tomorrow after matins you may expect me at your house I will then
examine into what I can do for you and if it is in my power will free you from
this unwelcome visitor Now then go home and peace be with you«
»Home« exclaimed Jacintha »I go home Not I by my troth except under
your protection I set no foot of mine within the threshold God help me the
ghost may meet me upon the stairs and whisk me away with her to the devil Oh
that I had accepted young Melchior Bascos offer then I would have had somebody
to protect me but now I am a lone woman and meet with nothing but crosses and
misfortunes Thank Heaven it is not yet too late to repent There is Simon
Gonzalez will have me any day of the week and if I live till daybreak I will
marry him out of hand an husband I will have that is determined for now this
ghost is once in my house I shall be frightened out of my wits to sleep alone
But for Gods sake reverend father come with me now I shall have no rest
till the house is purified or the poor young lady either The dear girl she is
in a piteous taking I left her in strong convulsions and I doubt she will not
easily recover her fright«
The friar started and interrupted her hastily
»In convulsions say you Antonia in convulsions Lead on good woman I
follow you this moment«
Jacintha insisted upon his stopping to furnish himself with the vessel of
holy water With this request he complied Thinking herself safe under his
protection should a legion of ghosts attack her the old woman returned the monk
a profusion of thanks and they departed together for the strada di San Iago
So strong an impression had the spectre made upon Antonia that for the
first two or three hours the physician declared her life to be in danger The
fits at length becoming less frequent induced him to alter his opinion He said
that to keep her quiet was all that was necessary and he ordered a medicine to
be prepared which would tranquillize her nerves and procure her that repose
which at present she much wanted The sight of Ambrosio who now appeared with
Jacintha at her bedside contributed essentially to compose her ruffled
spirits Elvira had not sufficiently explained herself upon the nature of his
designs to make a girl so ignorant of the world as her daughter aware how
dangerous was his acquaintance At this moment when penetrated with horror at
the scene which had just passed and dreading to contemplate the ghosts
prediction her mind had need of all the succours of friendship and religion
Antonia regarded the abbot with an eye doubly partial That strong prepossession
in his favour still existed which she had felt for him at first sight she
fancied yet knew not wherefore that his presence was a safeguard to her from
every danger insult or misfortune She thanked him gratefully for his visit
and related to him the adventure which had alarmed her so seriously
The abbot strove to reassure her and convince her that the whole had been a
deception of her overheated fancy The solitude in which she had passed the
evening the gloom of night the book which she had been reading and the room
in which she sat were all calculated to place before her such a vision He
treated the idea of ghosts with ridicule and produced strong arguments to prove
the fallacy of such a system His conversation tranquillized and comforted her
but did not convince her She could not believe that the spectre had been a mere
creature of her imagination every circumstance was impressed upon her mind too
forcibly to permit her flattering herself with such an idea She persisted in
asserting that she had really seen her mothers ghost had heard the period of
her dissolution announced and declared that she never should quit her bed
alive Ambrosio advised her against encouraging these sentiments and then
quitted her chamber having promised to repeat his visit on the morrow Antonia
received this assurance with every mark of joy but the monk easily perceived
that he was not equally acceptable to her attendant Flora obeyed Elviras
injunctions with the most scrupulous observance She examined with an anxious
eye every circumstance likely in the least to prejudice her young mistress to
whom she had been attached for many years She was a native of Cuba had
followed Elvira to Spain and loved the young Antonia with a mothers affection
Flora quitted not the room for a moment while the abbot remained there she
watched his every word his every look his every action He saw that her
suspicious eye was always fixed upon him and conscious that his designs would
not bear inspection so minute he felt frequently confused and disconcerted He
was aware that she doubted the purity of his intentions that she would never
leave him alone with Antonia and his mistress defended by the presence of this
vigilant observer he despaired of finding the means to gratify his passion
As he quitted the house Jacintha met him and begged that some masses might
be sung for the repose of Elviras soul which she doubted not was suffering in
purgatory
He promised not to forget her request but he perfectly gained the old
womans heart by engaging to watch during the whole of the approaching night in
the haunted chamber Jacintha could find no terms sufficiently strong to express
her gratitude and the monk departed loaded with her benedictions
It was broad day when he returned to the abbey His first care was to
communicate what had passed to his confidante He felt too sincere a passion for
Antonia to have heard unmoved the prediction of her speedy death and he
shuddered at the idea of losing an object so dear to him Upon this head Matilda
reassured him She confirmed the arguments which himself had already used she
declared Antonia to have been deceived by the wandering of her brain by the
spleen which oppressed her at the moment and by the natural turn of her mind to
superstition and the marvellous As to Jacinthas account the absurdity refuted
itself. The abbot hesitated not to believe that she had fabricated the whole
story either confused by terror or hoping to make him comply more readily with
her request Having overruled the monks apprehensions Matilda continued thus
»The prediction and the ghost are equally false but it must be your care
Ambrosio to verify the first Antonia within three days must indeed be dead to
the world but she must live for you Her present illness and this fancy which
she has taken into her head will colour a plan which I have long meditated but
which was impracticable without your procuring access to Antonia She shall be
yours not for a single night but for ever All the vigilance of her duenna
shall not avail her You shall riot unrestrained in the charms of your mistress
This very day must the scheme be put in execution for you have no time to lose
The nephew of the duke of Medina Celi prepares to demand Antonia for his bride
in a few days she will be removed to the palace of her relation the marquis de
las Cisternas and there she will be secure from your attempts Thus during your
absence have I been informed by my spies who are ever employed in bringing me
intelligence for your service Now then listen to me There is a juice extracted
from certain herbs known but to few which brings on the person who drinks it
the exact image of death Let this be administered to Antonia you may easily
find means to pour a few drops into her medicine The effect will be throwing
her into strong convulsions for an hour after which her blood will gradually
cease to flow and heart to beat a mortal paleness will spread itself over her
features and she will appear a corse to every eye She has no friends about
her you may charge yourself unsuspected with the superintendence of her
funeral and cause her to be buried in the vaults of St Clare Their solitude
and easy access render these caverns favourable to your designs Give Antonia
the soporific draught this evening eightandforty hours after she has drank
it life will revive in her bosom She will then be absolutely in your power
she will find all resistance unavailing and necessity will compel her to
receive you in her arms«
»Antonia will be in my power« exclaimed the monk »Matilda you transport
me At length then happiness will be mine and that happiness will be Matildas
gift will be the gift of friendship I shall clasp Antonia in my arms far from
every prying eye from every tormenting intruder I shall sigh out my soul upon
her bosom shall teach her young heart the first rudiments of pleasure and
revel uncontrouled in the endless variety of her charms And shall this delight
indeed be mine Shall I give the reins to my desires and gratify every wild
tumultuous wish Oh Matilda how can I express to you my gratitude«
»By profiting by my counsels Ambrosio I live but to serve you your
interest and happiness are equally mine Be your person Antonias but to your
friendship and your heart I still assert my claim Contributing to yours forms
now my only pleasure Should my exertions procure the gratification of your
wishes I shall consider my trouble to be amply repaid But let us lose no time
The liquor of which I spoke is only to be found in St Clares laboratory
Hasten then to the prioress request of her admission to the laboratory and it
will not be denied There is a closet at the lower end of the great room filled
with liquids of different colours and qualities the bottle in question stands
by itself, upon the third shelf on the left It contains a greenish liquor fill
a small phial with it when you are unobserved and Antonia is your own«
The monk hesitated not to adopt this infamous plan His desires but too
violent before had acquired fresh vigour from the sight of Antonia As he sat
by her bedside accident had discovered to him some of those charms which till
then had been concealed from him he found them even more perfect than his
ardent imagination had pictured them Sometimes her white and polished arm was
displayed in arranging the pillow sometimes a sudden movement discovered part
of her swelling bosom but wherever the newfound charm presented itself there
rested the friars gloating eyes Scarcely could he master himself sufficiently
to conceal his desires from Antonia and her vigilant duenna Inflamed by the
remembrance of these beauties he entered into Matildas scheme without
hesitation
No sooner were matins over than he bent his course towards the convent of
St Clare his arrival threw the whole sisterhood into the utmost amazement The
prioress was sensible of the honour done her convent by his paying it his first
visit and strove to express her gratitude by every possible attention He was
paraded through the garden shewn all the reliques of saints and martyrs and
treated with as much respect and distinction as had he been the Pope himself On
his part Ambrosio received the dominas civilities very graciously and strove
to remove her surprise at his having broken through his resolution He stated
that among his penitents illness prevented many from quitting their houses
These were exactly the people who most needed his advice and the comforts of
religion Many representations had been made to him upon this account and
though highly repugnant to his own wishes he had found it absolutely necessary
for the service of Heaven to change his determination and quit his beloved
retirement The prioress applauded his zeal in his profession and his charity
towards mankind She declared that Madrid was happy in possessing a man so
perfect and irreproachable In such discourse the friar at length reached the
laboratory he found the closet the bottle stood in the place which Matilda had
described and the monk seized an opportunity to fill his phial unobserved with
the soporific liquor Then having partaken of a collation in the refectory he
retired from the convent pleased with the success of his visit and leaving the
nuns delighted by the honour conferred upon them
He waited till evening before he took the road to Antonias dwelling
Jacintha welcomed him with transport and besought him not to forget his promise
to pass the night in the haunted chamber That promise he now repeated He found
Antonia tolerably well but still harping upon the ghosts prediction Flora
moved not from her ladys bed and by symptoms yet stronger than on the former
night testified her dislike to the abbots presence Still Ambrosio affected
not to observe them The physician arrived while he was conversing with Antonia
It was dark already lights were called for and Flora was compelled to descend
for them herself However as she left a third person in the room and expected
to be absent but a few minutes she believed that she risqued nothing in
quitting her post No sooner had she left the room than Ambrosio moved towards
the table on which stood Antonias medicine It was placed in a recess of the
window The physician seated in an arm chair and employed in questioning his
patient paid no attention to the proceedings of the monk Ambrosio seized the
opportunity he drew out the fatal phial and let a few drops fall into the
medicine he then hastily left the table and returned to the seat which he had
quitted When Flora made her appearance with lights every thing seemed to be
exactly as she had left it
The physician declared that Antonia might quit her chamber the next day with
perfect safety He recommended her following the same prescription which on the
night before had procured her a refreshing sleep Flora replied that the
draught stood ready upon the table he advised the patient to take it without
delay and then retired Flora poured the medicine into a cup and presented it
to her mistress At that moment Ambrosios courage failed him Might not Matilda
have deceived him Might not jealously have persuaded her to destroy her rival
and substitute poison in the room of an opiate This idea appeared so
reasonable that he was on the point of preventing her from swallowing the
medicine His resolution was adopted too late The cup was already emptied and
Antonia restored it into Floras hands No remedy was now to be found Ambrosio
could only expect the moment impatiently destined to decide upon Antonias life
or death upon his own happiness or despair
Dreading to create suspicion by his stay or betray himself by his minds
agitation he took leave of his victim and withdrew from the room Antonia
parted from him with less cordiality than on the former night Flora had
represented to her mistress that to admit his visits was to disobey her
mothers orders She described to her his emotion on entering the room and the
fire which sparkled in his eyes while he gazed upon her This had escaped
Antonias observation but not her attendants who explaining the monks
designs and their probable consequences in terms much clearer than Elviras
though not quite so delicate had succeeded in alarming her young lady and
persuading her to treat him more distantly than she had done hitherto The idea
of obeying her mothers will at once determined Antonia Though she grieved at
losing his society she conquered herself sufficiently to receive the monk with
some degree of reserve and coldness She thanked him with respect and gratitude
for his former visits but did not invite his repeating them in future It now
was not the friars interest to solicit admission to her presence and he took
leave of her as if not designing to return Fully persuaded that the
acquaintance which she dreaded was now at an end Flora was so much worked upon
by his easy compliance that she began to doubt the justice of her suspicions
As she lighted him down stairs she thanked him for having endeavoured to root
out from Antonias mind her superstitious terrors of the spectres prediction
she added that as he seemed interested in Donna Antonias welfare should any
change take place in her situation she would be careful to let him know it The
monk in replying took pains to raise his voice hoping that Jacintha would
hear it In this he succeeded As he reached the foot of the stairs with his
conductress the landlady failed not to make her appearance
»Why surely you are not going away reverend father« cried she »Did you
not promise to pass the night in the haunted chamber Christ Jesus I shall be
left alone with the ghost and a fine pickle I shall be in by morning Do all I
could say all I could that obstinate old brute Simon Gonzalez refused to
marry me today and before tomorrow comes I suppose I shall be torn to pieces
by the ghosts and goblins and devils and what not For Gods sake your
holiness do not leave me in such a woful condition On my bended knees I
beseech you to keep your promise watch this night in the haunted chamber lay
the apparition in the red sea and Jacintha remembers you in her prayers to the
last day of her existence«
This request Ambrosio expected and desired yet he affected to raise
objections and to seem unwilling to keep his word He told Jacintha that the
ghost existed no where but in her own brain and that her insisting upon his
staying all night in the house was ridiculous and useless Jacintha was
obstinate she was not to be convinced and pressed him so urgently not to leave
her a prey to the devil that at length he granted her request All this show of
resistance imposed not upon Flora who was naturally of a suspicious temper She
suspected the monk to be acting a part very contrary to his own inclinations
and that he wished for no better than to remain where he was She even went so
far as to believe that Jacintha was in his interest and the poor old woman was
immediately set down as no better than a procuress While she applauded herself
for having penetrated into this plot against her ladys honour she resolved in
secret to render it fruitless
»So then« said she to the abbot with a look half satirical and half
indignant »so then you mean to stay here tonight Do so in Gods name
Nobody will prevent you Sit up to watch for the ghosts arrival I shall sit up
too and the Lord grant that I may see nothing worse than a ghost I quit not
Donna Antonias bedside during this blessed night Let me see any one dare to
enter the room and be he mortal or immortal be he ghost devil or man I
warrant his repenting that ever he crossed the threshold«
This hint was sufficiently strong and Ambrosio understood its meaning But
instead of shewing that he perceived her suspicions he replied mildly that he
approved the duennas precautions and advised her to persevere in her
intention This she assured him faithfully that he might depend upon her doing
Jacintha then conducted him into the chamber where the ghost had appeared and
Flora returned to her ladys
Jacintha opened the door of the haunted room with a trembling hand she
ventured to peep in but the wealth of India would not have tempted her to cross
the threshold She gave the taper to the monk wished him well through the
adventure and hastened to be gone Ambrosio entered He bolted the door placed
the light upon the table and seated himself in the chair which on the former
night had sustained Antonia In spite of Matildas assurances that the spectre
was a mere creation of fancy his mind was impressed with a certain mysterious
horror He in vain endeavoured to shake it off The silence of the night the
story of the apparition the chamber wainscotted with dark oak panels the
recollection which it brought with it of the murdered Elvira and his
incertitude respecting the nature of the drops given by him to Antonia made him
feel uneasy at his present situation But he thought much less of the spectre
than of the poison Should he have destroyed the only object which rendered life
dear to him should the ghosts prediction prove true should Antonia in three
days be no more and he the wretched cause of her death The supposition was
too horrible to dwell upon He drove away these dreadful images and as often
they presented themselves again before him Matilda had assured him that the
effects of the opiate would be speedy He listened with fear yet with
eagerness expecting to hear some disturbance in the adjoining chamber All was
still silent He concluded that the drops had not begun to operate Great was
the stake for which he now played a moment would suffice to decide upon his
misery or happiness Matilda had taught him the means of ascertaining that life
was not extinct for ever upon this assay depended all his hopes With every
instant his impatience redoubled his terrors grew more lively his anxiety more
awake Unable to bear this state of incertitude he endeavoured to divert it by
substituting the thoughts of others to his own The books as was before
mentioned were ranged upon shelves near the table this stood exactly opposite
to the bed which was placed in an alcove near the closetdoor Ambrosio took
down a volume and seated himself by the table but his attention wandered from
the pages before him Antonias image and that of the murdered Elvira
persisted to force themselves before his imagination Still he continued to
read though his eyes ran over the characters without his mind being conscious
of their import
Such was his occupation when he fancied that he heard a footstep He turned
his head but nobody was to be seen He resumed his book but in a few minutes
after the same sound was repeated and followed by a rustling noise close
behind him He now started from his seat and looking round him perceived the
closet door standing half unclosed On his first entering the room he had tried
to open it but found it bolted on the inside
»How is this« said he to himself »How comes this door unfastened«
He advanced towards it he pushed it open and looked into the closet no
one was there While he stood irresolute he thought that he distinguished a
groaning in the adjacent chamber it was Antonias and he supposed that the
drops began to take effect But upon listening more attentively he found the
noise to be caused by Jacintha who had fallen asleep by the ladys bedside
and was snoaring most lustily Ambrosio drew back and returned to the other
room musing upon the sudden opening of the closetdoor for which he strove in
vain to account
He paced the chamber up and down in silence At length he stopped and the
bed attracted his attention The curtain of the recess was but half drawn He
sighed involuntarily
»That bed« said he in a low voice »that bed was Elviras There has she
passed many a quiet night for she was good and innocent How sound must have
been her sleep and yet now she sleeps sounder Does she indeed sleep Oh God
grant that she may What if she rose from her grave at this sad and silent hour
What if she broke the bonds of the tomb and glided angrily before my blasted
eyes Oh I never could support the sight Again to see her form distorted by
dying agonies her bloodswollen veins her livid countenance her eyes bursting
from their sockets with pain to hear her speak of future punishment menace
me with Heavens vengeance tax me with the crimes I have committed with those
I am going to commit Great God what is that«
As he uttered these words his eyes which were fixed upon the bed saw the
curtain shaken gently backwards and forwards The apparition was recalled to his
mind and he almost fancied that he beheld Elviras visionary form reclining
upon the bed A few moments consideration sufficed to reassure him
»It was only the wind« said he recovering himself
Again he paced the chamber but an involuntary movement of awe and
inquietude constantly led his eye towards the alcove He drew near it with
irresolution He paused before he ascended the few steps which led to it He put
out his hand thrice to remove the curtain and as often drew it back
»Absurd terrors« He cried at length ashamed of his own weakness
Hastily he mounted the steps when a figure dressed in white started from
the alcove and gliding by him made with precipitation towards the closet
Madness and despair now supplied the monk with that courage of which he had
till then been destitute He flew down the steps pursued the apparition and
attempted to grasp it
»Ghost or devil I hold you« he exclaimed and seized the spectre by the
arm
»Oh Christ Jesus« cried a shrill voice »Holy father how you gripe me I
protest that I meant no harm«
This address as well as the arm which he held convinced the abbot that the
supposed ghost was substantial flesh and blood He drew the intruder towards the
table and holding up the light discovered the features of Madona Flora
Incensed at having been betrayed by this trifling cause into fears so
ridiculous he asked her sternly what business had brought her to that chamber
Flora ashamed at being found out and terrified at the severity of Ambrosios
looks fell upon her knees and promised to make a full confession
»I protest reverend father« said she »that I am quite grieved at having
disturbed you nothing was further from my intention I meant to get out of the
room as quietly as I got in and had you been ignorant that I watched you you
know it would have been the same thing as if I had not watched you at all To be
sure I did very wrong in being a spy upon you that I cannot deny But Lord
your reverence how can a poor weak woman resist curiosity Mine was so strong
to know what you were doing that I could not but try to get a little peep
without any body knowing any thing about it So with that I left old Dame
Jacintha sitting by my ladys bed and I ventured to steal into the closet
Being unwilling to interrupt you I contented myself at first with putting my
eye to the keyhole but as I could see nothing by this means I undrew the
bolt and while your back was turned to the alcove I whipt me in softly and
silently Here I lay snug behind the curtain till your reverence found me out
and seized me ere I had time to regain the closetdoor This is the whole truth
I assure you holy father and I beg your pardon a thousand times for my
impertinence«
During this speech the abbot had time to recollect himself he was satisfied
with reading the penitent spy a lecture upon the dangers of curiosity and the
meanness of the action in which she had been just discovered Flora declared
herself fully persuaded that she had done wrong she promised never to be guilty
of the same fault again and was retiring very humble and contrite to Antonias
chamber when the closetdoor was suddenly thrown open and in rushed Jacintha
pale and out of breath
»Oh Father Father« she cried in a voice almost choked with terror »What
shall I do What shall I do Here is a fine piece of work Nothing but
misfortunes Nothing but dead people and dying people Oh I shall go
distracted I shall go distracted«
»Speak Speak« cried Flora and the monk at the same time »what has
happened what is the matter«
»Oh I shall have another corse in my house Some witch has certainly cast a
spell upon it upon me and upon all about me Poor Donna Antonia there she
lies in just such convulsions as killed her mother The ghost told her true I
am sure the ghost told her true«
Flora ran or rather flew to her ladys chamber Ambrosio followed her his
bosom trembling with hope and apprehension They found Antonia as Jacintha had
described torn by racking convulsions from which they in vain endeavoured to
relieve her The monk dispatched Jacintha to the abbey in all haste and
commissioned her to bring father Pablos back with her without losing a moment
»I will go for him« replied Jacintha »and tell him to come hither but as
to bringing him myself I shall do no such thing I am sure that the house is
bewitched and burn me if ever I set foot in it again«
With this resolution she set out for the monastery and delivered to father
Pablos the abbots orders She then betook herself to the house of old Simon
Gonzalez whom she resolved never to quit till she had made him her husband and
his dwelling her own
Father Pablos had no sooner beheld Antonia than he pronounced her
incurable The convulsions continued for an hour during that time her agonies
were much milder than those which her groans created in the abbots heart Her
every pang seemed a dagger in his bosom and he cursed himself a thousand times
for having adopted so barbarous a project The hour being expired by degrees
the fits became less frequent and Antonia less agitated She felt that her
dissolution was approaching and that nothing could save her
»Worthy Ambrosio« she said in a feeble voice while she pressed his hand to
her lips »I am now at liberty to express how grateful is my heart for your
attention and kindness I am upon the bed of death yet an hour and I shall be
no more I may therefore acknowledge without restraint that to relinquish your
society was very painful to me but such was the will of a parent and I dared
not disobey I die without repugnance there are few who will lament my leaving
them there are few whom I lament to leave Among those few I lament for none
more than for yourself but we shall meet again Ambrosio we shall one day meet
in heaven there shall our friendship be renewed and my mother shall view it
with pleasure«
She paused The abbot shuddered when she mentioned Elvira Antonia imputed
his emotion to pity and concern for her
»You are grieved for me father« she continued »Ah sigh not for my loss
I have no crimes to repent at least none of which I am conscious and I restore
my soul without fear to him from whom I received it I have but few requests to
make yet let me hope that what few I have shall be granted Let a solemn mass
be said for my souls repose and another for that of my beloved mother not
that I doubt her resting in her grave I am now convinced that my reason
wandered and the falsehood of the ghosts prediction is sufficient to prove my
error But every one has some failing my mother may have had hers though I
knew them not I therefore wish a mass to be celebrated for her repose and the
expence may be defrayed by the little wealth of which I am possessed Whatever
may then remain I bequeath to my aunt Leonella When I am dead let the marquis
de las Cisternas know that his brothers unhappy family can no longer importune
him But disappointment makes me unjust they tell me that he is ill and
perhaps had it been in his power he wished to have protected me Tell him
then father only that I am dead and that if he had any faults to me I
forgave him from my heart This done I have nothing more to ask for than your
prayers Promise to remember my requests and I shall resign my life without a
pang or sorrow«
Ambrosio engaged to comply with her desires and proceeded to give her
absolution Every moment announced the approach of Antonias fate Her sight
failed her heart beat sluggishly her fingers stiffened and grew cold and at
two in the morning she expired without a groan As soon as the breath had
forsaken her body father Pablos retired sincerely affected at the melancholy
scene On her part Flora gave way to the most unbridled sorrow Far different
concerns employed Ambrosio he sought for the pulse whose throbbing so Matilda
had assured him would prove Antonias death but temporal He found it he
pressed it it palpitated beneath his hand and his heart was filled with
ecstacy However he carefully concealed his satisfaction at the success of his
plan He assumed a melancholy air and addressing himself to Flora warned her
against abandoning herself to fruitless sorrow Her tears were too sincere to
permit her listening to his counsels and she continued to weep unceasingly The
friar withdrew first promising to give orders himself about the funeral which
out of consideration for Jacintha as he pretended should take place with all
expedition Plunged in grief for the loss of her beloved mistress Flora
scarcely attended to what he said Ambrosio hastened to command the burial He
obtained permission from the prioress that the corse should be deposited in St
Clares sepulchre and on the Friday morning every proper and needful ceremony
being performed Antonias body was committed to the tomb
On the same day Leonella arrived at Madrid intending to present her young
husband to Elvira Various circumstances had obliged her to defer her journey
from Tuesday to Friday and she had no opportunity of making this alteration in
her plans known to her sister As her heart was truly affectionate and as she
had ever entertained a sincere regard for Elvira and her daughter her surprise
at hearing of their sudden and melancholy fate was fully equalled by her sorrow
and disappointment Ambrosio sent to inform her of Antonias bequest at her
solicitation he promised as soon as Elviras trifling debts were discharged
to transmit to her the remainder This being settled no other business detained
Leonella in Madrid and she returned to Cordova with all diligence
Chapter X
Oh could I worship aught beneath the skies
That earth hath seen or fancy could devise
Thine altar sacred Liberty should stand
Built by no mercenary vulgar hand
With fragrant turf and flowers as wild and fair
As ever dressed a bank or scented summer air
Cowper
His whole attention bent upon bringing to justice the assassins of his sister
Lorenzo little thought how severely his interest was suffering in another
quarter As was before mentioned he returned not to Madrid till the evening of
that day on which Antonia was buried Signifying to the Grand Inquisitor the
order of the cardinalduke a ceremony not to be neglected when a member of the
church was to be arrested publicly communicating his design to his uncle and
Don Ramirez and assembling a troop of attendants sufficient to prevent
opposition furnished him with full occupation during the few hours preceding
midnight Consequently he had no opportunity to enquire about his mistress and
was perfectly ignorant both of her death and her mothers
The marquis was by no means out of danger his delirium was gone but had
left him so much exhausted that the physicians declined pronouncing upon the
consequences likely to ensue As for Raymond himself he wished for nothing more
earnestly than to join Agnes in the grave Existence was hateful to him he saw
nothing in the world deserving his attention and he hoped to hear that Agnes
was revenged and himself given over in the same moment
Followed by Raymonds ardent prayers for success Lorenzo was at the gates
of St Clare a full hour before the time appointed by the Mother St Ursula He
was accompanied by his uncle by Don Ramirez de Mello and a party of chosen
archers Though in considerable numbers their appearance created no surprise a
great crowd was already assembled before the conventdoors in order to witness
the procession It was naturally supposed that Lorenzo and his attendants were
conducted thither by the same design The duke of Medina being recognised the
people drew back and made way for his party to advance Lorenzo placed himself
opposite to the great gate through which the pilgrims were to pass Convinced
that the prioress could not escape him he waited patiently for her appearance
which she was expected to make exactly at midnight
The nuns were employed in religious duties established in honour of St
Clare and to which no prophane was ever admitted The chapelwindows were
illuminated As they stood on the outside the auditors heard the full swell of
the organ accompanied by a chorus of female voices rise upon the stillness of
the night This died away and was succeeded by a single strain of harmony it
was the voice of her who was destined to sustain in the procession the character
of St Clare For this office the most beautiful virgin of Madrid was always
selected and she upon whom the choice fell esteemed it as the highest of
honours While listening to the music whose melody distance only seemed to
render sweeter the audience was wrapped up in profound attention Universal
silence prevailed through the crowd and every heart was filled with reverence
for religion every heart but Lorenzos Conscious that among those who
chaunted the praises of their God so sweetly there were some who cloaked with
devotion the foulest sins their hymns inspired him with detestation at their
hypocrisy He had long observed with disapprobation and contempt the
superstition which governed Madrids inhabitants His good sense had pointed out
to him the artifices of the monks and the gross absurdity of their miracles
wonders and supposititious reliques He blushed to see his countrymen the dupes
of deceptions so ridiculous and only wished for an opportunity to free them
from their monkish fetters That opportunity so long desired in vain was at
length presented to him He resolved not to let it slip but to set before the
people in glaring colours how enormous were the abuses but too frequently
practised in monasteries and how unjustly public esteem was bestowed
indiscriminately upon all who wore a religious habit He longed for the moment
destined to unmask the hypocrites and convince his countrymen that a
sanctified exterior does not always hide a virtuous heart
The service lasted till midnight was announced by the conventbell That
sound being heard the music ceased the voices died away softly and soon after
the lights disappeared from the chapelwindows Lorenzos heart beat high when
he found the execution of his plan to be at hand From the natural superstition
of the people he had prepared himself for some resistance but he trusted that
the Mother St Ursula would bring good reasons to justify his proceeding He had
force with him to repel the first impulse of the populace till his arguments
should be heard his only fear was lest the domina suspecting his design
should have spirited away the nun on whose deposition every thing depended
Unless the Mother St Ursula should be present he could only accuse the
prioress upon suspicion and this reflection gave him some little apprehension
for the success of his enterprise The tranquillity which seemed to reign
through the convent in some degree reassured him still he expected the moment
eagerly when the presence of his ally should deprive him of the power of
doubting
The abbey of Capuchins was only separated from the convent by the garden and
cemetery The monks had been invited to assist at the pilgrimage They now
arrived marching two by two with lighted torches in their hands and chaunting
hymns in honour of St Clare Father Pablos was at their head the abbot having
excused himself from attending The people made way for the holy train and the
friars placed themselves in ranks on either side of the great gates A few
minutes sufficed to arrange the order of the procession This being settled the
conventdoors were thrown open and again the female chorus sounded in full
melody First appeared a band of choristers As soon as they had passed the
monks fell in two by two and followed with steps slow and measured next came
the novices they bore no tapers as did the professed but moved on with eyes
bent downwards and seemed to be occupied by telling their beads To them
succeeded a young and lovely girl who represented St Lucia she held a golden
bason in which were two eyes her own were covered by a velvet bandage and she
was conducted by another nun habited as an angel She was followed by St
Catherine a palmbranch in one hand a flaming sword in the other she was
robed in white and her brow was ornamented with a sparkling diadem After her
appeared St Genevieve surrounded by a number of imps who putting themselves
into grotesque attitudes drawing her by the robe and sporting round her with
antic gestures endeavoured to distract her attention from the book on which
her eyes were constantly fixed These merry devils greatly entertained the
spectators who testified their pleasure by repeated bursts of laughter The
prioress had been careful to select a nun whose disposition was naturally solemn
and saturnine She had every reason to be satisfied with her choice the
drolleries of the imps were entirely thrown away and St Genevieve moved on
without discomposing a muscle
Each of these saints was separated from the other by a band of choristers
exalting her praise in their hymns but declaring her to be very much inferior
to St Clare the convents avowed patroness These having passed a long train
of nuns appeared bearing like the choristers each a burning taper Next came
the reliques of St Clare inclosed in vases equally precious for their
materials and workmanship but they attracted not Lorenzos attention The nun
who bore the heart occupied him entirely According to Theodores description
he doubted not her being the Mother St Ursula She seemed to look round with
anxiety As he stood foremost in the rank by which the procession passed her
eye caught Lorenzos A flush of joy overspread her till then pallid cheek She
turned to her companion eagerly
»We are safe« he heard her whisper »tis her brother«
His heart being now at ease Lorenzo gazed with tranquillity upon the remainder
of the show Now appeared its most brilliant ornament it was a machine
fashioned like a throne rich with jewels and dazzling with light It rolled
onwards upon concealed wheels and was guided by several lovely children dressed
as seraphs The summit was covered with silver clouds upon which reclined the
most beautiful form that eyes ever witnessed It was a damsel representing St
Clare her dress was of inestimable price and round her head a wreath of
diamonds formed an artificial glory but all these ornaments yielded to the
lustre of her charms As she advanced a murmur of delight ran through the
crowd Even Lorenzo confessed secretly that he never beheld more perfect
beauty and had not his heart been Antonias it must have fallen a sacrifice to
this enchanting girl As it was he considered her only as a fine statue she
obtained from him no tribute save cold admiration and when she had passed him
he thought of her no more
»Who is she« asked a bystander in Lorenzos hearing
»One whose beauty you must often have heard celebrated Her name is Virginia
de VillaFranca she is a pensioner of St Clares convent a relation of the
prioress and has been selected with justice as the ornament of the procession«
The throne moved onwards It was followed by the prioress herself she
marched at the head of the remaining nuns with a devout and sanctified air and
closed the procession She moved on slowly her eyes were raised to heaven her
countenance calm and tranquil seemed abstracted from all sublunary things and
no feature betrayed her secret pride at displaying the pomp and opulence of her
convent She passed along accompanied by the prayers and benedictions of the
populace but how great was the general confusion and surprise when Don Ramirez
starting forward challenged her as his prisoner
For a moment amazement held the domina silent and immoveable but no sooner
did she recover herself than she exclaimed against sacrilege and impiety and
called upon the people to rescue a daughter of the church They were eagerly
preparing to obey her when Don Ramirez protected by the archers from their
rage commanded them to forbear and threatened them with the severest vengeance
of the Inquisition At that dreaded word every arm fell every sword shrunk back
into its scabbard The prioress herself turned pale and trembled The general
silence convinced her that she had nothing to hope but from innocence and she
besought Don Ramirez in a faultering voice to inform her of what crime she was
accused
»That you shall know in time« replied he »but first I must secure the
Mother St Ursula«
»The Mother St Ursula« repeated the domina faintly
At this moment casting her eyes round she saw Lorenzo and the duke who had
followed Don Ramirez
»Ah great God« she cried clasping her hands together with a frantic air
»I am betrayed«
»Betrayed« replied St Ursula who now arrived conducted by some of the
archers and followed by the nun her companion in the procession »not betrayed
but discovered In me recognise your accuser you know not how well I am
instructed in your guilt Segnor« she continued turning to Don Ramirez »I
commit myself to your custody I charge the prioress of St Clare with murder
and stake my life for the justice of my accusation«
A general cry of surprise was uttered by the whole audience and an
explanation was loudly demanded The trembling nuns terrified at the noise and
universal confusion had dispersed and fled different ways Some regained the
convent others sought refuge in the dwellings of their relations and many
only sensible of their present danger and anxious to escape from the tumult
ran through the streets and wandered they knew not whither The lovely Virginia
was one of the first to fly And in order that she might be better seen and
heard the people desired that St Ursula should harangue them from the vacant
throne The nun complied she ascended the glittering machine and then
addressed the surrounding multitude as follows
»However strange and unseemly may appear my conduct when considered to be
adopted by a female and a nun necessity will justify it most fully A secret
an horrible secret weighs heavy upon my soul no rest can be mine till I have
revealed it to the world and satisfied that innocent blood which calls from the
grave for vengeance Much have I dared to gain this opportunity of lightening
my conscience Had I failed in my attempt to reveal the crime had the domina
but suspected that the mystery was none to me my ruin was inevitable Angels
who watch unceasingly over those who deserve their favour have enabled me to
escape detection I am now at liberty to relate a tale whose circumstances will
freeze every honest soul with horror Mine is the task to rend the veil from
hypocrisy and shew misguided parents to what dangers the woman is exposed who
falls under the sway of a monastic tyrant
Among the votaries of St Clare none was more lovely none more gentle
than Agnes de Medina I knew her well she entrusted to me every secret of her
heart I was her friend and confidante and I loved her with sincere affection
Nor was I singular in my attachment Her piety unfeigned her willingness to
oblige and her angelic disposition rendered her the darling of all that was
estimable in the convent The prioress herself proud scrupulous and
forbidding could not refuse Agnes that tribute of approbation which she
bestowed upon no one else Every one has some fault Alas Agnes had her
weakness she violated the laws of our order and incurred the inveterate hate
of the unforgiving domina St Clares rules are severe but grown antiquated
and neglected many of late years have either been forgotten or changed by
universal consent into milder punishments The penance adjudged to the crime of
Agnes was most cruel most inhuman The law had been long exploded Alas it
still existed and the revengeful prioress now determined to revive it This law
decreed that the offender should be plunged into a private dungeon expressly
constituted to hide from the world for ever the victim of cruelty and tyrannic
superstition In this dreadful abode she was to lead a perpetual solitude
deprived of all society and believed to be dead by those whom affection might
have prompted to attempt her rescue Thus was she to languish out the remainder
of her days with no other food than bread and water and no other comfort than
the free indulgence of her tears«
The indignation created by this account was so violent as for some moments
to interrupt St Ursulas narrative When the disturbance ceased and silence
again prevailed through the assembly she continued her discourse while at
every word the dominas countenance betrayed her increasing terrors
»A council of the twelve elder nuns was called I was of the number The
prioress in exaggerated colours described the offence of Agnes and scrupled not
to propose the revival of this almost forgotten law To the shame of our sex be
it spoken that either so absolute was the dominas will in the convent or so
much had disappointment solitude and selfdenial hardened their hearts and
soured their tempers that this barbarous proposal was assented to by nine
voices out of the twelve I was not one of the nine Frequent opportunities had
convinced me of the virtues of Agnes and I loved and pitied her most sincerely
The mothers Bertha and Cornelia joined my party we made the strongest
opposition possible and the superior found herself compelled to change her
intention In spite of the majority in her favour she feared to break with us
openly She knew that supported by the Medina family our forces would be too
strong for her to cope with and she also knew that after being once
imprisoned and supposed dead should Agnes be discovered her ruin would be
inevitable she therefore gave up her design though with much reluctance She
demanded some days to reflect upon a mode of punishment which might be
agreeable to the whole community and she promised that as soon as her
resolution was fixed the same council should be again summoned Two days passed
away on the evening of the third it was announced that on the next day Agnes
should be examined and that according to her behaviour on that occasion her
punishment should be either strengthened or mitigated
On the night preceding this examination I stole to the cell of Agnes at an
hour when I supposed the other nuns to be buried in sleep I comforted her to
the best of my power I bade her take courage told her to rely upon the support
of her friends and taught her certain signs by which I might instruct her to
answer the dominas questions by an assent or negative Conscious that her enemy
would strive to confuse embarrass and daunt her I feared her being ensnared
into some confession prejudicial to her interests Being anxious to keep my
visit secret I stayed with Agnes but a short time I bade her not to let her
spirits be cast down I mingled my tears with those which streamed down her
cheek embraced her fondly and was on the point of retiring when I heard the
sound of steps approaching the cell I started back A curtain which veiled a
large crucifix offered me a retreat and I hastened to place myself behind it
The door opened The prioress entered followed by four other nuns They
advanced towards the bed of Agnes The superior reproached her with her errors
in the bitterest terms She told her that she was a disgrace to the convent
that she was resolved to deliver the world and herself from such a monster and
commanded her to drink the contents of a goblet now presented to her by one of
the nuns Aware of the fatal properties of the liquor and trembling to find
herself upon the brink of eternity the unhappy girl strove to excite the
dominas pity by the most affecting prayers She sued for life in terms which
might have melted the heart of a fiend She promised to submit patiently to any
punishment to shame imprisonment and torture might she but be permitted to
live Oh might she but live another month or week or day Her merciless enemy
listened to her complaints unmoved she told her that at first she meant to
have spared her life and that if she had altered her intention she had to
thank the opposition of her friends She continued to insist upon her swallowing
the poison she bade her recommend herself to the Almightys mercy not to hers
and assured her that in an hour she would be numbered with the dead Perceiving
that it was vain to implore this unfeeling woman she attempted to spring from
her bed and call for assistance she hoped if she could not escape the fate
announced to her at least to have witnesses of the violence committed The
prioress guessed her design she seized her forcibly by the arm and pushed her
back upon her pillow at the same time drawing a dagger and placing it at the
breast of the unfortunate Agnes she protested that if she uttered a single cry
or hesitated a single moment to drink the poison she would pierce her heart
that instant Already halfdead with fear she could make no further resistance
The nun approached with the fatal goblet the domina obliged her to take it and
swallow the contents She drank and the horrid deed was accomplished The nuns
then seated themselves round the bed they answered her groans with reproaches
they interrupted with sarcasms the prayers in which she recommended her parting
soul to mercy they threatened her with heavens vengeance and eternal
perdition they bade her despair of pardon and strowed with yet sharper thorns
deaths painful pillow Such were the sufferings of this young unfortunate till
released by fate from the malice of her tormentors She expired in horror of the
past in fears for the future and her agonies were such as must have amply
gratified the hate and vengeance of her enemies As soon as her victim ceased to
breathe the domina retired and was followed by her accomplices
It was now that I ventured from my concealment I dared not to assist my
unhappy friend aware that without preserving her I should only have brought
on myself the same destruction Shocked and terrified beyond expression at this
horrid scene scarcely had I sufficient strength to regain my cell As I reached
the door of that of Agnes I ventured to look towards the bed on which lay her
lifeless body once so lovely and so sweet I breathed a prayer for her departed
spirit and vowed to revenge her death by the shame and punishment of her
assassins With danger and difficulty I have kept my oath I unwarily dropped
some words at the funeral of Agnes while thrown off my guard by excessive
grief which alarmed the guilty conscience of the prioress My every action was
observed my every step was traced I was constantly surrounded by the
superiors spies It was long before I could find the means of conveying to the
unhappy girls relations an intimation of my secret It was given out that
Agnes had expired suddenly this account was credited not only by her friends in
Madrid but even by those within the convent The poison had left no marks upon
her body no one suspected the true cause of her death and it remained unknown
to all save the assassins and myself
I have no more to say for what I have already said I will answer with my
life I repeat that the prioress is a murderess that she has driven from the
world perhaps from heaven an unfortunate whose offence was light and venial
that she has abused the power intrusted to her hands and has been a tyrant a
barbarian and an hypocrite I also accuse the four nuns Violante Camilla
Alix and Mariana as being her accomplices and equally criminal«
Here St Ursula ended her narrative It created horror and surprise
throughout but when she related the inhuman murder of Agnes the indignation of
the mob was so audibly testified that it was scarcely possible to hear the
conclusion This confusion increased with every moment At length a multitude of
voices exclaimed that the prioress should be given up to their fury To this
Don Ramirez positively refused to consent Even Lorenzo bade the people
remember that she had undergone no trial and advised them to leave her
punishment to the Inquisition All representations were fruitless the
disturbance grew still more violent and the populace more exasperated In vain
did Ramirez attempt to convey his prisoner out of the throng Wherever he
turned a band of rioters barred his passage and demanded her being delivered
over to them more loudly than before Ramirez ordered his attendants to cut
their way through the multitude Oppressed by numbers it was impossible for
them to draw their swords He threatened the mob with the vengeance of the
Inquisition but in this moment of popular phrensy even this dreadful name had
lost its effect Though regret for his sister made him look upon the prioress
with abhorrence Lorenzo could not help pitying a woman in a situation so
terrible but in spite of all his exertions and those of the duke of Don
Ramirez and the archers the people continued to press onwards They forced a
passage through the guards who protected their destined victim dragged her from
her shelter and proceeded to take upon her a most summary and cruel vengeance
Wild with terror and scarcely knowing what she said the wretched woman
shrieked for a moments mercy she protested that she was innocent of the death
of Agnes and could clear herself from the suspicion beyond the power of doubt
The rioters heeded nothing but the gratification of their barbarous vengeance
They refused to listen to her they shewed her every sort of insult loaded her
with mud and filth and called her by the most opprobrious appellations They
tore her one from another and each new tormentor was more savage than the
former. They stifled with howls and execrations her shrill cries for mercy and
dragged her through the streets spurning her trampling her and treating her
with every species of cruelty which hate or vindictive fury could invent At
length a flint aimed by some welldirecting hand struck her full upon the
temple She sank upon the ground bathed in blood and in a few minutes
terminated her miserable existence Yet though she no longer felt their insults
the rioters still exercised their impotent rage upon her lifeless body They
beat it trod upon it and illused it till it became no more than a mass of
flesh unsightly shapeless and disgusting
Unable to prevent this shocking event Lorenzo and his friends had beheld it
with the utmost horror but they were roused from their compelled inactivity on
hearing that the mob was attacking the convent of St Clare The incensed
populace confounding the innocent with the guilty had resolved to sacrifice
all the nuns of that order to their rage and not to leave one stone of the
building upon another Alarmed at this intelligence they hastened to the
convent resolved to defend it if possible or at least to rescue the
inhabitants from the fury of the rioters Most of the nuns had fled but a few
still remained in their habitation Their situation was truly dangerous
However as they had taken the precaution of fastening the inner gates with
this assistance Lorenzo hoped to repel the mob till Don Ramirez should return
to him with a more sufficient force
Having been conducted by the former disturbance to the distance of some
streets from the convent he did not immediately reach it When he arrived the
throng surrounding it was so excessive as to prevent his approaching the gates
In the interim the populace besieged the building with persevering rage they
battered the walls threw lighted torches in at the windows and swore that by
break of day not a nun of St Clares order should be left alive Lorenzo had
just succeeded in piercing his way through the crowd when one of the gates was
forced open The rioters poured into the interior part of the building where
they exercised their vengeance upon every thing which found itself in their
passage They broke the furniture into pieces tore down the pictures destroyed
the reliques and in their hatred of her servant forgot all respect to the
saint Some employed themselves in searching out the nuns others in pulling
down parts of the convent and others again in setting fire to the pictures and
valuable furniture which it contained These latter produced the most decisive
desolation Indeed the consequences of their action were more sudden than
themselves had expected or wished The flames rising from the burning piles
caught part of the building which being old and dry the conflagration spread
with rapidity from room to room The walls were soon shaken by the devouring
element The columns gave way the roofs came tumbling down upon the rioters
and crushed many of them beneath their weight Nothing was to be heard but
shrieks and groans The convent was wrapped in flames and the whole presented a
scene of devastation and horror
Lorenzo was shocked at having been the cause however innocent of this
frightful disturbance he endeavoured to repair his fault by protecting the
helpless inhabitants of the convent He entered it with the mob and exerted
himself to repress the prevailing fury till the sudden and alarming progress of
the flames compelled him to provide for his own safety The people now hurried
out as eagerly as they had before thronged in but their numbers clogging up the
doorway and the fire gaining upon them rapidly many of them perished ere they
had time to effect their escape Lorenzos good fortune directed him to a small
door in a farther aisle of the chapel The bolt was already undrawn he opened
the door and found himself at the foot of St Clares sepulchre
Here he stopped to breathe The duke and some of his attendants had followed
him and thus were in security for the present They now consulted what steps
they should take to escape from this scene of disturbance but their
deliberations were considerably interrupted by the sight of volumes of fire
rising from amidst the convents massy walls by the noise of some heavy arch
tumbling down in ruins or by the mingled shrieks of the nuns and rioters
either suffocating in the press perishing in the flames or crushed beneath the
weight of the falling mansion
Lorenzo enquired whither the wicket led He was answered to the garden of
the Capuchins and it was resolved to explore an outlet upon that side
Accordingly the duke raised the latch and passed into the adjoining cemetery
The attendants followed without ceremony Lorenzo being the last was also on
the point of quitting the colonnade when he saw the door of the sepulchre
opened softly Some one looked out but on perceiving strangers uttered a loud
shriek started back again and flew down the marble stairs
»What can this mean« cried Lorenzo »Here is some mystery concealed Follow
me without delay«
Thus saying he hastened into the sepulchre and pursued the person who
continued to fly before him The duke knew not the cause of this exclamation
but supposing that he had good reasons for it followed him without hesitation
The others did the same and the whole party soon arrived at the foot of the
stairs The upper door having been left open the neighbouring flames darted
from above a sufficient light to enable Lorenzos catching a glance of the
fugitive running through the long passages and distant vaults but when a sudden
turn deprived him of this assistance total darkness succeeded and he could
only trace the object of his enquiry by the faint echo of retiring feet The
pursuers were now compelled to proceed with caution as well as they could
judge the fugitive also seemed to slacken pace for they heard the steps follow
each other at longer intervals They at length were bewildered by the labyrinth
of passages and dispersed in various directions Carried away by his eagerness
to clear up this mystery and to penetrate into which he was impelled by a
movement secret and unaccountable Lorenzo heeded not this circumstance till he
found himself in total solitude The noise of footsteps had ceased all was
silent around and no clue offered itself to guide him to the flying person He
stopped to reflect on the means most likely to aid his pursuit He was persuaded
that no common cause would have induced the fugitive to seek that dreary place
at an hour so unusual the cry which he had heard seemed uttered in a voice of
terror and he was convinced that some mystery was attached to this event After
some minutes passed in hesitation he continued to proceed feeling his way
along the walls of the passage He had already passed some time in this slow
progress when he descried a spark of light glimmering at a distance Guided by
this observation and having drawn his sword he bent his steps towards the
place whence the beam seemed to be emitted
It proceeded from the lamp which flamed before St Clares statue Before it
stood several females their white garments streaming in the blast as it howled
along the vaulted dungeons Curious to know what had brought them together in
this melancholy spot Lorenzo drew near with precaution The strangers seemed
earnestly engaged in conversation They heard not Lorenzos steps and he
approached unobserved till he could hear their voices distinctly
»I protest« continued she who was speaking when he arrived and to whom the
rest were listening with great attention »I protest that I saw them with my
own eyes I flew down the steps they pursued me and I escaped falling into
their hands with difficulty Had it not been for the lamp I should never have
found you«
»And what could bring them hither« said another in a trembling voice »do
you think that they were looking for us«
»God grant that my fears may be false« rejoined the first »but doubt they
are murderers If they discover us we are lost As for me my fate is certain
My affinity to the prioress will be a sufficient crime to condemn me and though
till now these vaults have afforded me a retreat«
Here looking up her eye fell upon Lorenzo who had continued to approach
slowly
»The murderers« she cried
She started away from the statues pedestal on which she had been seated
and attempted to escape by flight Her companions at the same moment uttered a
terrified scream while Lorenzo arrested the fugitive by the arm Frightened and
desperate she sank upon her knees before him
»Spare me« she exclaimed »for Christs sake spare me I am innocent
indeed I am«
While she spoke her voice was almost choaked with fear The beams of the
lamp darting full upon her face which was unveiled Lorenzo recognized the
beautiful Virginia de VillaFranca He hastened to raise her from the ground
and besought her to take courage He promised to protect her from the rioters
assured her that her retreat was still a secret and that she might depend upon
his readiness to defend her to the last drop of his blood During this
conversation the nuns had thrown themselves into various attitudes one knelt
and addressed herself to Heaven another hid her face in the lap of her
neighbour some listened motionless with fear to the discourse of the supposed
assassin while others embraced the statue of St Clare and implored her
protection with frantic cries On perceiving their mistake they crowded round
Lorenzo and heaped benedictions on him by dozens He found that on hearing the
threats of the mob and terrified by the cruelties which from the convent towers
they had seen inflicted on the superior many of the pensioners and nuns had
taken refuge in the sepulchre Among the former was to be reckoned the lovely
Virginia nearly related to the prioress She had more reason than the rest to
dread the rioters and now besought Lorenzo earnestly not to abandon her to
their rage Her companions most of whom were women of noble family made the
same request which he readily granted he promised not to quit them till he had
seen each of them safe in the arms of her relations But he advised their
deferring to quit the sepulchre for some time longer when the popular fury
should be somewhat calmed and the arrival of military force have dispersed the
multitude
»Would to God« cried Virginia »that I were already safe in my mothers
embraces How say you Segnor will it be long ere we may leave this place
Every moment that I pass here I pass in torture«
»I hope not long« said he »but till you can proceed with security this
sepulchre will prove an impenetrable asylum Here you run no risque of a
discovery and I would advise your remaining quiet for the next two or three
hours«
»Two or three hours« exclaimed sister Helena »If I stay another hour in
these vaults I shall expire with fear Not the wealth of worlds should bribe me
to undergo again what I have suffered since my coming hither Blessed Virgin To
be in this melancholy place in the middle of night surrounded by the mouldering
bodies of my deceased companions and expecting every moment to be torn in
pieces by their ghosts who wander about me and complain and groan and wail in
accents that make my blood run cold Christ Jesus It is enough to drive me
to madness«
»Excuse me« replied Lorenzo »if I am surprised that while menaced by real
woes you are capable of yielding to imaginary dangers These terrors are puerile
and groundless combat them holy sister I have promised to guard you from the
rioters but against the attacks of superstition you must depend for protection
upon yourself The idea of ghosts is ridiculous in the extreme and if you
continue to be swayed by ideal terrors«
»Ideal« exclaimed the nuns with one voice »Why we heard it ourselves
Segnor Every one of us heard it It was frequently repeated and it sounded
every time more melancholy and deep You will never persuade me that we could
all have been deceived Not we indeed no no had the noise been merely
created by fancy«
»Hark hark« interrupted Virginia in a voice of terror »God preserve us
There it is again«
The nuns clasped their hands together and sank upon their knees Lorenzo
looked round him eagerly and was on the point of yielding to the fears which
already had possessed the women Universal silence prevailed He examined the
vault but nothing was to be seen He now prepared to address the nuns and
ridicule their childish apprehensions when his attention was arrested by a deep
and longdrawn groan
»What was that« he cried and started
»There Segnor« said Helena »Now you must be convinced You have heard the
noise yourself Now judge whether our terrors are imaginary Since we have been
here that groaning has been repeated almost every five minutes Doubtless it
proceeds from some soul in pain who wishes to be prayed out of purgatory but
none of us dare ask it the question As for me were I to see an apparition the
fright I am very certain would kill me out of hand«
As she said this a second groan was heard yet more distinctly The nuns
crossed themselves and hastened to repeat their prayers against evil spirits
Lorenzo listened attentively He even thought that he could distinguish sounds
as of one speaking in complaint but distance rendered them inarticulate The
noise seemed to come from the midst of the small vault in which he and the nuns
then were and which a multitude of passages branching out in various directions
formed into a sort of star Lorenzos curiosity which was ever awake made him
anxious to solve this mystery He desired that silence might be kept The nuns
obeyed him All was hushed till the general stillness was again disturbed by the
groaning which was repeated several times successively He perceived it to be
most audible when upon following the sound he was conducted close to the shrine
of St Clare
»The noise comes from hence« said he »Whose is this statue«
Helena to whom he addressed the question paused for a moment Suddenly she
clapped her hands together
»Aye« cried she »it must be so I have discovered the meaning of these
groans«
The nuns crowded round her and besought her eagerly to explain herself She
gravely replied that for time immemorial the statue had been famous for
performing miracles From this she inferred that the saint was concerned at the
conflagration of a convent which she protected and expressed her grief by
audible lamentations Not having equal faith in the miraculous saint Lorenzo
did not think this solution of the mystery quite so satisfactory as the nuns
who subscribed to it without hesitation In one point tis true that he agreed
with Helena He suspected that the groans proceeded from the statue the more he
listened the more was he confirmed in this idea He drew nearer to the image
designing to inspect it more closely but perceiving his intention the nuns
besought him for Gods sake to desist since if he touched the statue his
death was inevitable
»And in what consists the danger« said he
»Mother of God In what« replied Helena ever eager to relate a miraculous
adventure »If you had only heard the hundredth part of those marvellous stories
about this statue which the domina used to recount She assured us often and
often that if we only dared to lay a finger upon it we might expect the most
fatal consequences Among other things she told us that a robber having entered
these vaults by night he observed yonder ruby whose value is inestimable Do
you see it Segnor It sparkles upon the third finger of the hand in which she
holds a crown of thorns This jewel naturally excited the villains cupidity He
resolved to make himself master of it For this purpose he ascended the
pedestal he supported himself by grasping the saints right arm and extended
his own towards the ring What was his surprise when he saw the statues hand
raised in a posture of menace and heard her lips pronounce his eternal
perdition Penetrated with awe and consternation he desisted from his attempt
and prepared to quit the sepulchre In this he also failed Flight was denied
him He found it impossible to disengage the hand which rested upon the right
arm of the statue In vain did he struggle he remained fixed to the image till
the insupportable and fiery anguish which darted itself through his veins
compelled his shrieking for assistance The sepulchre was now filled with
spectators The villain confessed his sacrilege and was only released by the
separation of his hand from his body It has remained ever since fastened to the
image The robber turned hermit and led ever after an exemplary life But yet
the saints decree was performed and tradition says that he continues to haunt
this sepulchre and implore St Clares pardon with groans and lamentations Now
I think of it those which we have just heard may very possibly have been
uttered by the ghost of this sinner but of this I will not be positive All
that I can say is that since that time no one has ever dared to touch the
statue Then do not be foolhardy good Segnor For the love of heaven give up
your design nor expose yourself unnecessarily to certain destruction«
Not being convinced that his destruction would be so certain as Helena
seemed to think it Lorenzo persisted in his resolution The nuns besought him
to desist in piteous terms and even pointed out the robbers hand which was
in effect still visible upon the arm of the statue This proof as they
imagined must convince him It was very far from doing so and they were
greatly scandalized when he declared his suspicion that the dried and shrivelled
fingers had been placed there by order of the prioress In spite of their
prayers and threats he approached the statue He sprang over the iron rails
which defended it and the saint underwent a thorough examination The image at
first appeared to be of stone but proved on further inspection to be formed of
no more solid materials than coloured wood He shook it and attempted to move
it but it appeared to be of a piece with the base which it stood upon He
examined it over and over still no clue guided him to the solution of this
mystery for which the nuns were become equally solicitous when they saw that
he touched the statue with impunity He paused and listened the groans were
repeated at intervals and he was convinced of being in the spot nearest to
them He mused upon this singular event and ran over the statue with enquiring
eyes Suddenly they rested upon the shrivelled hand It struck him that so
particular an injunction was not given without cause not to touch the arm of
the image He again ascended the pedestal he examined the object of his
attention and discovered a small knob of iron concealed between the saints
shoulder and what was supposed to have been the hand of the robber This
observation delighted him He applied his fingers to the knob and pressed it
down forcibly Immediately a rumbling noise was heard within the statue as if a
chain tightly stretched was flying back Startled at the sound the timid nuns
started away prepared to hasten from the vault at the first appearance of
danger All remaining quiet and still they again gathered round Lorenzo and
beheld his proceedings with anxious curiosity
Finding that nothing followed this discovery he descended As he took his
hand from the saint she trembled beneath his touch This created new terrors in
the spectators who believed the statue to be animated Lorenzos ideas upon the
subject were widely different He easily comprehended that the noise which he
had heard was occasioned by his having loosened a chain which attached the image
to its pedestal He once more attempted to move it and succeeded without much
exertion He placed it upon the ground and then perceived the pedestal to be
hollow and covered at the opening with an heavy iron grate
This excited such general curiosity that the sisters forgot both their real
and imaginary dangers Lorenzo proceeded to raise the grate in which the nuns
assisted him to the utmost of their strength The attempt was accomplished with
little difficulty A deep abyss now presented itself before them whose thick
obscurity the eye strove in vain to pierce The rays of the lamp were too feeble
to be of much assistance Nothing was discernible save a flight of rough
unshapen steps which sank into the yawning gulph and were soon lost in
darkness The groans were heard no more but all believed them to have ascended
from this cavern As he bent over it Lorenzo fancied that he distinguished
something bright twinkling through the gloom He gazed attentively upon the spot
where it showed itself, and was convinced that he saw a small spark of light
now visible now disappearing He communicated this circumstance to the nuns
they also perceived the spark but when he declared his intention to descend
into the cave they united to oppose his resolution All their remonstrances
could not prevail on him to alter it None of them had courage enough to
accompany him neither could he think of depriving them of the lamp Alone
therefore and in darkness he prepared to pursue his design while the nuns
were contented to offer up prayers for his success and safety
The steps were so narrow and uneven that to descend them was like walking
down the side of a precipice The obscurity by which he was surrounded rendered
his footing insecure He was obliged to proceed with great caution lest he
should miss the steps and fall into the gulph below him This he was several
times on the point of doing However he arrived sooner upon solid ground than
he had expected He now found that the thick darkness and impenetrable mists
which reigned through the cavern had deceived him into the belief of its being
much more profound than it proved upon inspection He reached the foot of the
stairs unhurt he now stopped and looked round for the spark which had before
caught his attention He sought it in vain all was dark and gloomy He listened
for the groans but his ear caught no sound except the distant murmur of the
nuns above as in low voices they repeated their avemarias He stood irresolute
to which side he should address his steps At all events he determined to
proceed he did so but slowly fearful lest instead of approaching he should
be retiring from the object of his search The groans seemed to announce one in
pain or at least in sorrow and he hoped to have the power of relieving the
mourners calamities A plaintive tone sounding at no great distance at length
reached his hearing he bent his course joyfully towards it It became more
audible as he advanced and he soon beheld again the spark of light which a low
projecting wall had hitherto concealed from him
It proceeded from a small lamp which was placed upon an heap of stones and
whose faint and melancholy rays served rather to point out than dispel the
horrors of a narrow gloomy dungeon formed in one side of the cavern it also
shewed several other recesses of similar construction but whose depth was
buried in obscurity Coldly played the light upon the damp walls whose
dewstained surface gave back a feeble reflection A thick and pestilential fog
clouded the height of the vaulted dungeon As Lorenzo advanced he felt a
piercing chillness spread itself through his veins The frequent groans still
engaged him to move forwards He turned towards them and by the lamps
glimmering beams beheld in a corner of this loathsome abode a creature
stretched upon a bed of straw so wretched so emaciated so pale that he
doubted to think her woman She was half naked her long dishevelled hair fell
in disorder over her face and almost entirely concealed it One wasted arm hung
listlessly upon a tattered rug which covered her convulsed and shivering limbs
the other was wrapped round a small bundle and held it closely to her bosom A
large rosary lay near her opposite to her was a crucifix on which she bent her
sunk eyes fixedly and by her side stood a basket and a small earthen pitcher
Lorenzo stopped he was petrified with horror He gazed upon the miserable
object with disgust and pity He trembled at the spectacle he grew sick at
heart his strength failed him and his limbs were unable to support his weight
He was obliged to lean against the low wall which was near him unable to go
forward or to address the sufferer She cast her eyes towards the staircase
the wall concealed Lorenzo and she observed him not
»No one comes« she at length murmured
As she spoke her voice was hollow and rattled in her throat she sighed
bitterly
»No one comes« she repeated »no they have forgotten me they will come no
more«
She paused for a moment then continued mournfully
»Two days two long long days and yet no food and yet no hope no
comfort Foolish woman how can I wish to lengthen a life so wretched Yet
such a death O God to perish by such a death to linger out such ages in
torture Till now I knew not what it was to hunger Hark No no one comes
they will come no more«
She was silent She shivered and drew the rug over her naked shoulders
»I am very cold I am still unused to the damps of this dungeon tis
strange but no matter Colder shall I soon be and yet not feel it I shall be
cold cold as thou art«
She looked at the bundle which lay upon her breast She bent over it and
kissed it then drew back hastily and shuddered with disgust
»It was once so sweet It would have been so lovely so like him I have
lost it for ever How a few days have changed it I should not know it again
myself Yet it is dear to me God how dear I will forget what it is I will
only remember what it was and love it as well as when it was so sweet so
lovely so like him I thought that I had wept away all my tears but here is
one still lingering«
She wiped her eyes with a tress of her hair She put out her hand for the
pitcher and reached it with difficulty She cast into it a look of hopeless
enquiry She sighed and replaced it upon the ground
»Quite a void Not a drop Not one drop left to cool my scorchedup
burning palate Now would I give treasures for a draught of water And they
are Gods servants who make me suffer thus They think themselves holy while
they torture me like fiends They are cruel and unfeeling and tis they who
bid me repent and tis they who threaten me with eternal perdition Saviour
Saviour you think not so«
She again fixed her eyes upon the crucifix took her rosary and while she
told her beads the quick motion of her lips declared her to be praying with
fervency
While he listened to her melancholy accents Lorenzos sensibility became
yet more violently affected The first sight of such misery had given a sensible
shock to his feelings but that being past he now advanced towards the captive
She heard his steps and uttering a cry of joy dropped the rosary
»Hark hark hark« she cried »some one comes«
She strove to raise herself but her strength was unequal to the attempt
she fell back and as she sank again upon the bed of straw Lorenzo heard the
rattling of heavy chains He still approached while the prisoner thus
continued
»Is it you Camilla You are come then at last Oh it was time I thought that
you had forsaken me that I was doomed to perish of hunger Give me to drink
Camilla for pitys sake I am faint with long fasting and grown so weak that I
cannot raise myself from the ground Good Camilla give me to drink lest I
expire before you«
Fearing that surprise in her enfeebled state might be fatal Lorenzo was at
a loss how to address her
»It is not Camilla« said he at length speaking in a slow and gentle voice
»Who is it then« replied the sufferer »Alix perhaps or Violante My eyes
are grown so dim and feeble that I cannot distinguish your features but
whichever it is if your breast is sensible of the least compassion if you are
not more cruel than wolves and tigers take pity on my sufferings You know that
I am dying for want of sustenance This is the third day since these lips have
received nourishment Do you bring me food Or come you only to announce my
death and learn how long I have yet to exist in agony«
»You mistake my business« replied Lorenzo »I am no emissary of the cruel
prioress I pity your sorrows and come hither to relieve them«
»To relieve them« repeated the captive »said you to relieve them«
At the same time starting from the ground and supporting herself upon her
hands she gazed upon the stranger earnestly
»Great God Is it no illusion A man Speak Who are you What brings
you hither Come you to save me to restore me to liberty to life and light
Oh speak speak quickly lest I encourage an hope whose disappointment will
destroy me«
»Be calm« replied Lorenzo in a voice soothing and compassionate »the
domina of whose cruelty you complain has already paid the forfeit of her
offences you have nothing more to fear from her A few minutes will restore you
to liberty and the embraces of your friends from whom you have been secluded
You may rely upon my protection Give me your hand and be not fearful Let me
conduct you where you may receive those attentions which your feeble state
requires«
»Oh yes yes yes« cried the prisoner with an exulting shriek »there is a
God then and a just one Joy Joy I shall once more breathe the fresh air and
view the light of the glorious sunbeams I will go with you Stranger I will go
with you Oh Heaven will bless you for pitying an unfortunate But this too
must go with me« she added pointing to the small bundle which she still
clasped to her bosom »I cannot part with this I will bear it away it shall
convince the world how dreadful are the abodes so falsely termed religious Good
stranger lend me your hand to rise I am faint with want and sorrow and
sickness and my strength has quite forsaken me So that is well«
As Lorenzo stooped to raise her the beams of the lamp struck full upon his
face
»Almighty God« she exclaimed »Is it possible That look those features
Oh yes it is it is«
She extended her arms to throw them round him but her enfeebled frame was
unable to sustain the emotions which agitated her bosom She fainted and again
sank upon the bed of straw
Lorenzo was surprised at her last exclamation He thought that he had before
heard such accents as her hollow voice had just formed but where he could not
remember He saw that in her dangerous situation immediate physical aid was
absolutely necessary and he hastened to convey her from the dungeon He was at
first prevented from doing so by a strong chain fastened round the prisoners
body and fixing her to the neighbouring wall However his natural strength
being aided by anxiety to relieve the unfortunate he soon forced out the
staple to which one end of the chain was attached then taking the captive in
his arms he bent his course towards the staircase The rays of the lamp above
as well as the murmur of female voices guided his steps He gained the stairs
and in a few minutes after arrived at the irongrate
The nuns during his absence had been terribly tormented by curiosity and
apprehension They were equally surprised and delighted on seeing him suddenly
emerge from the cave Every heart was filled with compassion for the miserable
creature whom he bore in his arms While the nuns and Virginia in particular
employed themselves in striving to recall her to her senses Lorenzo related in
few words the manner of his finding her He then observed to them that by this
time the tumult must have been quelled and that he could now conduct them to
their friends without danger All were eager to quit the sepulchre Still to
prevent all possibility of illusage they besought Lorenzo to venture out first
alone and examine whether the coast was clear With this request he complied
Helena offered to conduct him to the staircase and they were on the point of
departing when a strong light flashed from several passages upon the adjacent
walls At the same time steps were heard of people approaching hastily and
whose number seemed to be considerable The nuns were greatly alarmed at this
circumstance they supposed their retreat to be discovered and the rioters to
be advancing in pursuit of them Hastily quitting the prisoner who remained
insensible they crowded round Lorenzo and claimed his promise to protect them
Virginia alone forgot her own danger by striving to relieve the sorrows of
another She supported the sufferers head upon her knees bathing her temples
with rosewater chafing her cold hands and sprinkling her face with tears
which were drawn from her by compassion The strangers approaching nearer
Lorenzo was enabled to dispel the fears of the suppliants His name pronounced
by a number of voices among which he distinguished the dukes pealed along the
vaults and convinced him that he was the object of their search He
communicated this intelligence to the nuns who received it with rapture A few
moments after confirmed his idea Don Ramirez as well as the duke appeared
followed by attendants with torches They had been seeking him through the
vaults in order to let him know that the mob was dispersed and the riot
entirely over Lorenzo recounted briefly his adventure in the cavern and
explained how much the unknown was in want of medical assistance He besought
the duke to take charge of her as well as of the nuns and pensioners
»As for me« said he »other cares demand my attention While you with one
half of the archers convey these ladies to their respective homes I wish the
other half to be left with me I will examine the cavern below and pervade the
most secret recesses of the sepulchre I cannot rest till convinced that yonder
wretched victim was the only one confined by superstition in these vaults«
The duke applauded his intention Don Ramirez offered to assist him in his
enquiry and his proposal was accepted with gratitude The nuns having made
their acknowledgments to Lorenzo committed themselves to the care of his uncle
and were conducted from the sepulchre Virginia requested that the unknown might
be given to her in charge and promised to let Lorenzo know whenever she was
sufficiently recovered to accept his visits In truth she made this promise
more from consideration for herself than for either Lorenzo or the captive She
had witnessed his politeness gentleness and intrepidity with sensible emotion
She wished earnestly to preserve his acquaintance and in addition to the
sentiments of pity which the prisoner excited she hoped that her attention to
this unfortunate would raise her a degree in the esteem of Lorenzo She had no
occasion to trouble herself upon this head The kindness already displayed by
her and the tender concern which she had shewn for the sufferer had gained her
an exalted place in his good graces While occupied in alleviating the captives
sorrows the nature of her employment adorned her with new charms and rendered
her beauty a thousand times more interesting Lorenzo viewed her with admiration
and delight he considered her as a ministering angel descended to the aid of
afflicted innocence nor could his heart have resisted her attractions had it
not been steeled by the remembrance of Antonia
The duke now conveyed the nuns in safety to the dwellings of their
respective friends The rescued prisoner was still insensible and gave no signs
of life except by occasional groans She was borne upon a sort of litter
Virginia who was constantly by the side of it was apprehensive that exhausted
by long abstinence and shaken by the sudden change from bonds and darkness to
liberty and light her frame would never get the better of the shock Lorenzo
and Don Ramirez still remained in the sepulchre After deliberating upon their
proceedings it was resolved that to prevent losing time the archers should be
divided into two bodies that with Don Ramirez should examine the cavern while
Lorenzo with the other might penetrate into the further vaults This being
arranged and his followers being provided with torches Don Ramirez advanced to
the cavern He had already descended some steps when he heard people
approaching hastily from the interior part of the sepulchre This surprised him
and he quitted the cave precipitately
»Do you hear footsteps« said Lorenzo »Let us bend our course towards
them Tis from this side that they seem to proceed«
At that moment a loud and piercing shriek induced him to quicken his steps
»Help help for Gods sake« cried a voice whose melodious tone penetrated
Lorenzos heart with terror
He flew towards the cry with the rapidity of lightning and was followed by
Don Ramirez with equal swiftness
Chapter XI
Great Heaven How frail thy creature man is made
How by himself insensibly betrayed
In our own strength unhappily secure
Too little cautious of the adverse power
On pleasures flowery brink we idly stray
Masters as yet of our returning way
Till the strong gusts of raging passion rise
Till the dire tempest mingles earth and skies
And swift into the boundless ocean borne
Our foolish confidence too late we mourn
Round our devoted heads the billows beat
And from our troubled view the lessening lands retreat
Prior
All this while Ambrosio was unconscious of the dreadful scenes which were
passing so near The execution of his designs upon Antonia employed his every
thought Hitherto he was satisfied with the success of his plans Antonia had
drunk the opiate was buried in the vaults of St Clare and absolutely in his
disposal Matilda who was well acquainted with the nature and effects of the
soporific medicine had computed that it would not cease to operate till one in
the morning For that hour he waited with impatience The festival of St Clare
presented him with a favourable opportunity of consummating his crime He was
certain that the friars and nuns would be engaged in the procession and that he
had no cause to dread an interruption from appearing himself at the head of his
monks he had desired to be excused He doubted not that being beyond the reach
of help cut off from all the world and totally in his power Antonia would
comply with his desires The affection which she had ever expressed for him
warranted this persuasion but he resolved that should she prove obstinate no
consideration whatever should prevent him from enjoying her Secure from a
discovery he shuddered not at the idea of employing force or if he felt any
repugnance it arose not from a principle of shame or compassion but from his
feeling for Antonia the most sincere and ardent affection and wishing to owe
her favours to no one but herself
The monks quitted the abbey at midnight Matilda was among the choristers
and led the chaunt Ambrosio was left by himself and at liberty to pursue his
own inclinations Convinced that no one remained behind to watch his motions or
disturb his pleasures he now hastened to the western aisles His heart beating
with hope not unmingled with anxiety he crossed the garden unlocked the door
which admitted him into the cemetery and in a few minutes he stood before the
vaults Here he paused he looked round him with suspicion conscious that his
business was unfit for any other eye As he stood in hesitation he heard the
melancholy shriek of the screechowl the wind rattled loudly against the
windows of the adjacent convent and as the current swept by him bore with it
the faint notes of the chaunt of choristers He opened the door cautiously as
if fearing to be overheard he entered and closed it again after him Guided by
his lamp he threaded the long passages in whose windings Matilda had
instructed him and reached the private vault which contained his sleeping
mistress
Its entrance was by no means easy to discover but this was no obstacle to
Ambrosio who at the time of Antonias funeral had observed it too carefully to
be deceived He found the door which was unfastened pushed it open and
descended into the dungeon He approached the humble tomb in which Antonia
reposed He had provided himself with an iron crow and a pickaxe but this
precaution was unnecessary The grate was slightly fastened on the outside he
raised it and placing the lamp upon its ridge bent silently over the tomb By
the side of three putrid halfcorrupted bodies lay the sleeping beauty A lively
red the forerunner of returning animation had already spread itself over her
cheeks and as wrapped in her shroud she reclined upon her funeral bier she
seemed to smile at the images of death around her While he gazed upon their
rotting bones and disgusting figures who perhaps were once as sweet and lovely
Ambrosio thought upon Elvira by him reduced to the same state As the memory of
that horrid act glanced upon his mind it was clouded with a gloomy horror yet
it served but to strengthen his resolution to destroy Antonias honour
»For your sake fatal beauty« murmured the monk while gazing on his
devoted prey »for your sake have I committed this murder and sold myself to
eternal tortures Now you are in my power the produce of my guilt will at least
be mine Hope not that your prayers breathed in tones of unequalled melody your
bright eyes filled with tears and your hands lifted in supplication as when
seeking in penitence the Virgins pardon hope not that your moving innocence
your beauteous grief or all your suppliant arts shall ransom you from my
embraces Before the break of day mine you must and mine you shall be«
He lifted her still motionless from the tomb he seated himself upon a
bank of stone and supporting her in his arms watched impatiently for the
symptoms of returning animation Scarcely could he command his passions
sufficiently to restrain himself from enjoying her while yet insensible His
natural lust was increased in ardour by the difficulties which had opposed his
satisfying it as also by his long abstinence from woman since from the moment
of resigning her claim to his love Matilda had exiled him from her arms for
ever
»I am no prostitute Ambrosio« had she told him when in the fullness of
his lust he demanded her favours with more than usual earnestness »I am now no
more than your friend and will not be your mistress Cease then to solicit my
complying with desires which insult me While your heart was mine I gloried in
your embraces Those happy times are past my person is become indifferent to
you and tis necessity not love which makes you seek my enjoyment I cannot
yield to a request so humiliating to my pride«
Suddenly deprived of pleasures the use of which had made them an absolute
want the monk felt this restraint severely Naturally addicted to the
gratification of the senses, in the full vigour of manhood and heat of blood he
had suffered his temperament to acquire such ascendency that his lust was
become madness Of his fondness for Antonia none but the grosser particles
remained he longed for the possession of her person and even the gloom of the
vault the surrounding silence and the resistance which he expected from her
seemed to give a fresh edge to his fierce and unbridled desires
Gradually he felt the bosom which rested against his glow with returning
warmth Her heart throbbed again her blood flowed swifter and her lips moved
At length she opened her eyes but still oppressed and bewildered by the
effects of the strong opiate she closed them again immediately Ambrosio
watched her narrowly nor permitted a movement to escape him Perceiving that
she was fully restored to existence he caught her in rapture to his bosom and
closely pressed his lips to hers The suddenness of his action sufficed to
dissipate the fumes which obscured Antonias reason She hastily raised herself
and cast a wild look round her The strange images which presented themselves on
every side contributed to confuse her She put her hand to her head as if to
settle her disordered imagination At length she took it away and threw her
eyes through the dungeon a second time They fixed on the abbots face
»Where am I« she said abruptly »How came I here Where is my mother
Methought I saw her Oh a dream a dreadful dreadful dream told me But
where am I Let me go I cannot stay here«
She attempted to rise but the monk prevented her
»Be calm lovely Antonia« he replied »no danger is near you confide in my
protection Why do you gaze on me so earnestly Do you not know me Not know
your friend Ambrosio«
»Ambrosio my friend Oh yes yes I remember But why am I here Who
has brought me Why are you with me Oh Flora bade me beware Here are
nothing but graves and tombs and skeletons This place frightens me Good
Ambrosio take me away from it for it recalls my fearful dream Methought I
was dead and laid in my grave Good Ambrosio take me from hence Will you
not Oh will you not Do not look on me thus Your flaming eyes terrify me
Spare me father Oh spare me for Gods sake«
»Why these terrors Antonia« rejoined the abbot folding her in his arms
and covering her bosom with kisses which she in vain struggled to avoid »What
fear you from me from one who adores you What matters it where you are This
sepulchre seems to me Loves bower This gloom is the friendly night of Mystery
which he spreads over our delights Such do I think it and such must my
Antonia Yes my sweet girl yes Your veins shall glow with the fire which
circles in mine and my transports shall be doubled by your sharing them«
While he spoke thus he repeated his embraces and permitted himself the
most indecent liberties Even Antonias ignorance was not proof against the
freedom of his behaviour She was sensible of her danger forced herself from
his arms and her shroud being her only garment she wrapped it closely round
her
»Unhand me father« she cried her honest indignation tempered by alarm at
her unprotected position »Why have you brought me to this place Its appearance
freezes me with horror Convey me from hence if you have the least sense of
pity and humanity Let me return to the house which I have quitted I know not
how but stay here one moment longer I neither will nor ought«
Though the monk was somewhat startled by the resolute tone in which this
speech was delivered it produced upon him no other effect than surprise He
caught her hand forced her upon his knee and gazing upon her with gloating
eyes he thus replied to her
»Compose yourself Antonia Resistance is unavailing and I need disavow my
passion for you no longer You are imagined dead society is for ever lost to
you I possess you here alone you are absolutely in my power and I burn with
desires which I must either gratify or die but I would owe my happiness to
yourself My lovely girl my adorable Antonia let me instruct you in the joys
to which you are still a stranger and teach you to feel those pleasures in my
arms which I must soon enjoy in yours Nay this struggling is childish« he
continued seeing her repel his caresses and endeavour to escape from his
grasp »no aid is near neither heaven nor earth shall save you from my
embraces Yet why reject pleasures so sweet so rapturous No one observes us
our loves will be a secret to all the world Love and opportunity invite your
giving loose to your passions Yield to them my Antonia yield to them my
lovely girl Throw your arms thus fondly round me join your lips thus closely
to mine Amidst all her gifts has Nature denied her most precious the
sensibility of pleasure Oh impossible Every feature look and motion
declares you formed to bless and to be blessed yourself Turn not on me those
supplicating eyes consult your own charms they will tell you that I am proof
against entreaty Can I relinquish these limbs so white so soft so delicate
these swelling breasts round full and elastic these lips fraught with such
inexhaustible sweetness Can I relinquish these treasures and leave them to
anothers enjoyment No Antonia never never I swear it by this kiss and
this and this«
With every moment the friars passion became more ardent and Antonias
terror more intense She struggled to disengage herself from his arms Her
exertions were unsuccessful and finding that Ambrosios conduct became still
freer she shrieked for assistance with all her strength The aspect of the
vault the pale glimmering of the lamp the surrounding obscurity the sight of
the tomb and the objects of mortality which met her eyes on either side were
ill calculated to inspire her with those emotions by which the friar was
agitated Even his caresses terrified her from their fury and created no other
sentiment than fear On the contrary her alarm her evident disgust and
incessant opposition seemed only to inflame the monks desires and supply his
brutality with additional strength Antonias shrieks were unheard yet she
continued them nor abandoned her endeavours to escape till exhausted and out
of breath she sank from his arms upon her knees and once more had recourse to
prayers and supplications This attempt had no better success than the former.
On the contrary taking advantage of her situation the ravisher threw himself
by her side He clasped her to his bosom almost lifeless with terror and faint
with struggling He stifled her cries with kisses treated her with the rudeness
of an unprincipled barbarian proceeded from freedom to freedom and in the
violence of his lustful delirium wounded and bruised her tender limbs Heedless
of her tears cries and entreaties he gradually made himself master of her
person and desisted not from his prey till he had accomplished his crime and
the dishonour of Antonia
Scarcely had he succeeded in his design than he shuddered at himself and
the means by which it was effected The very excess of his former eagerness to
possess Antonia now contributed to inspire him with disgust and a secret
impulse made him feel how base and unmanly was the crime which he had just
committed He started hastily from her arms She who so lately had been the
object of his adoration now raised no other sentiment in his heart than
aversion and rage He turned away from her or if his eyes rested upon her
figure involuntarily it was only to dart upon her looks of hate The
unfortunate had fainted ere the completion of her disgrace she only recovered
life to be sensible of her misfortune She remained stretched upon the earth in
silent despair the tears chased each other slowly down her cheeks and her
bosom heaved with frequent sobs Oppressed with grief she continued for some
time in this state of torpidity At length she rose with difficulty and
dragging her feeble steps towards the door prepared to quit the dungeon
The sound of her footsteps roused the monk from his sullen apathy Starting
from the tomb against which he reclined while his eyes wandered over the images
of corruption contained in it he pursued the victim of his brutality and soon
overtook her He seized her by the arm and violently forced her back into the
dungeon
»Whither go you« he cried in a stern voice »return this instant«
Antonia trembled at the fury of his countenance
»What would you more« she said with timidity »Is not my ruin completed Am
I not undone undone for ever Is not your cruelty contented or have I yet more
to suffer Let me depart let me return to my home and weep unrestrained my
shame and my affliction«
»Return to your home« repeated the monk with bitter and contemptuous
mockery then suddenly his eyes flaming with passion »What That you may
denounce me to the world that you may proclaim me a hypocrite a ravisher a
betrayer a monster of cruelty lust and ingratitude No no no I know well
the whole weight of my offences well that your complaints would be too just
and my crimes too notorious You shall not from hence to tell Madrid that I am a
villain that my conscience is loaded with sins which make me despair of
Heavens pardon Wretched girl you must stay here with me Here amidst these
lonely tombs these images of death these rotting loathsome corrupted bodies
Here shall you stay and witness my sufferings witness what it is to be in the
horrors of despondency and breathe the last groan in blasphemy and curses
And whom am I to thank for this What seduced me into crimes whose bare
remembrance makes me shudder Fatal witch was it not thy beauty Have you not
plunged my soul into infamy Have you not made me a perjured hypocrite a
ravisher an assassin Nay at this moment does not that angel look bid me
despair of Gods forgiveness Oh when I stand before his judgmentthrone that
look will suffice to damn me You will tell my judge that you were happy till
I saw you that you were innocent till I polluted you You will come with those
tearful eyes those cheeks pale and ghastly those hands lifted in supplication
as when you sought from me that mercy which I gave not Then will my perdition
be certain Then will come your mothers ghost and hurl me down into the
dwellings of fiends and flames and furies and everlasting torments And tis
you who will accuse me tis you who will cause my eternal anguish you
wretched girl you you«
As he thundered out these words he violently grasped Antonias arm and
spurned the earth with delirious fury
Supposing his brain to be turned Antonia sank in terror upon her knees she
lifted up her hands and her voice almost died away ere she could give it
utterance
»Spare me spare me« she murmured with difficulty
»Silence« cried the friar madly and dashed her upon the ground
He quitted her and paced the dungeon with a wild and disordered air His
eyes rolled fearfully Antonia trembled whenever she met their gaze He seemed
to meditate on something horrible and she gave up all hopes of escaping from
the sepulchre with life Yet in harbouring this idea she did him injustice
Amidst the horror and disgust to which his soul was a prey pity for his victim
still held a place in it The storm of passion once over he would have given
worlds had he possessed them to have restored to her that innocence of which
his unbridled lust had deprived her Of the desires which had urged him to the
crime no trace was left in his bosom The wealth of India would not have
tempted him to a second enjoyment of her person His nature seemed to revolt at
the very idea and fain would he have wiped from his memory the scene which had
just passed As his gloomy rage abated in proportion did his compassion augment
for Antonia He stopped and would have spoken to her words of comfort but he
knew not from whence to draw them and remained gazing upon her with mournful
wildness Her situation seemed so hopeless so woebegone as to baffle mortal
power to relieve her What could he do for her Her peace of mind was lost her
honour irreparably ruined She was cut off for ever from society nor dared he
give her back to it He was conscious that were she to appear in the world
again his guilt would be revealed and his punishment inevitable To one so
laden with crimes death came armed with double terrors Yet should he restore
Antonia to light and stand the chance of her betraying him how miserable a
prospect would present itself before her She could never hope to be creditably
established she would be marked with infamy and condemned to sorrow and
solitude for the remainder of her existence What was the alternative A
resolution far more terrible for Antonia but which at least would insure the
abbots safety He determined to leave the world persuaded of her death and to
retain her a captive in this gloomy prison There he proposed to visit her every
night to bring her food to profess his penitence and mingle his tears with
hers The monk felt that this resolution was unjust and cruel but it was his
only means to prevent Antonia from publishing his guilt and her own infamy
Should he release her he could not depend upon her silence His offence was too
flagrant to permit his hoping for her forgiveness Besides her reappearing
would excite universal curiosity and the violence of her affliction would
prevent her from concealing its cause He determined therefore that Antonia
should remain a prisoner in the dungeon
He approached her with confusion painted on his countenance He raised her
from the ground her hand trembled as he took it and he dropped it again as if
he had touched a serpent Nature seemed to recoil at the touch He felt himself
at once repulsed from and attracted towards her yet could account for neither
sentiment There was something in her look which penetrated him with horror and
though his understanding was still ignorant of it conscience pointed out to him
the whole extent of his crime In hurried accents yet the gentlest he could
find while his eye was averted and his voice scarcely audible he strove to
console her under a misfortune which now could not be avoided He declared
himself sincerely penitent and that he would gladly shed a drop of his blood
for every tear which his barbarity had forced from her Wretched and hopeless
Antonia listened to him in silent grief but when he announced her confinement
in the sepulchre that dreadful doom to which even death seemed preferable
roused her from her insensibility at once To linger out a life of misery in a
narrow loathsome cell known to exist by no human being save her ravisher
surrounded by mouldering corses breathing the pestilential air of corruption
never more to behold the light or drink the pure gale of heaven the idea was
more terrible than she could support It conquered even her abhorrence of the
friar Again she sank upon her knees she besought his compassion in terms the
most pathetic and urgent she promised would he but restore her to liberty to
conceal her injuries from the world to assign any reasons for her
reappearance which he might judge proper and in order to prevent the least
suspicion from falling upon him she offered to quit Madrid immediately Her
entreaties were so urgent as to make a considerable impression upon the monk He
reflected that as her person no longer excited his desires he had no interest
in keeping her concealed as he had at first intended that he was adding a fresh
injury to those which she had already suffered and that if she adhered to her
promises whether she was confined or at liberty his life and reputation were
equally secure On the other hand he trembled lest in her affliction Antonia
should unintentionally break her engagement or that her excessive simplicity
and ignorance of deceit should permit some one more artful to surprise her
secret However wellfounded were these apprehensions compassion and a sincere
wish to repair his fault as much as possible solicited his complying with the
prayers of his suppliant The difficulty of colouring Antonias unexpected
return to life after her supposed death and public interment was the only
point which kept him irresolute He was still pondering on the means of removing
this obstacle when he heard the sound of feet approaching with precipitation
The door of the vault was thrown open and Matilda rushed in evidently much
confused and terrified
On seeing a stranger enter Antonia uttered a cry of joy but her hopes of
receiving succour from him were soon dissipated The supposed novice without
expressing the least surprise at finding a woman alone with the monk in so
strange a place and at so late an hour addressed him thus without losing a
moment
»What is to be done Ambrosio We are lost unless some speedy means is
found of dispelling the rioters Ambrosio the convent of St Clare is on fire
the prioress is fallen a victim to the fury of the mob Already is the abbey
menaced with a similar fate Alarmed at the threats of the people the monks
seek for you every where They imagine that your authority alone will suffice to
calm this disturbance No one knows what is become of you and your absence
creates universal astonishment and despair I profited by the confusion and
fled hither to warn you of the danger«
»This will soon be remedied« answered the abbot »I will hasten back to my
cell a trivial reason will account for my having been missed«
»Impossible« rejoined Matilda »The sepulchre is filled with archers
Lorenzo de Medina with several officers of the Inquisition searches through
the vaults and pervades every passage You will be intercepted in your flight
your reasons for being at this late hour in the sepulchre will be examined
Antonia will be found and then you are undone for ever«
»Lorenzo de Medina Officers of the Inquisition What brings them here Seek
they for me Am I then suspected Oh speak Matilda answer me in pity«
»As yet they do not think of you but I fear that they will ere long Your
only chance of escaping their notice rests upon the difficulty of exploring this
vault The door is artfully hidden haply it may not be observed and we may
remain concealed till the search is over«
»But Antonia Should the inquisitors draw near and her cries be
heard«
»Thus I remove that danger« interrupted Matilda
At the same time drawing a poniard she rushed upon her devoted prey
»Hold hold« cried Ambrosio seizing her hand and wresting from it the
already lifted weapon »What would you do cruel woman The unfortunate has
already suffered but too much thanks to your pernicious counsels Would to God
that I had never followed them Would to God that I had never seen your face«
Matilda darted upon him a look of scorn
»Absurd« she exclaimed with an air of passion and majesty which impressed
the monk with awe »After robbing her of all that made it dear can you fear to
deprive her of a life so miserable But tis well Let her live to convince you
of your folly I abandon you to your evil destiny I disclaim your alliance Who
trembles to commit so insignificant a crime deserves not my protection Hark
hark Ambrosio hear you not the archers They come and your destruction is
inevitable«
At this moment the abbot heard the sound of distant voices He flew to close
the door on whose concealment his safety depended and which Matilda had
neglected to fasten Ere he could reach it he saw Antonia glide suddenly by
him rush through the door and fly towards the noise with the swiftness of an
arrow She had listened attentively to Matilda she heard Lorenzos name
mentioned and resolved to risque every thing to throw herself under his
protection The door was open The sounds convinced her that the archers could
be at no great distance She mustered up her little remaining strength rushed
by the monk ere he perceived her design and bent her course rapidly towards the
voices As soon as he recovered from his first surprise the abbot failed not to
pursue her In vain did Antonia redouble her speed and stretch every nerve to
the utmost Her enemy gained upon her every moment she heard his steps close
after her and felt the heat of his breath glow upon her neck He overtook her
he twisted his hand in the ringlets of her streaming hair and attempted to drag
her back with him to the dungeon Antonia resisted with all her strength She
folded her arms round a pillar which supported the roof and shrieked loudly for
assistance In vain did the monk strive to threaten her to silence
»Help« she continued to exclaim »help help for Gods sake«
Quickened by her cries the sound of footsteps was heard approaching The
abbot expected every moment to see the inquisitors arrive Antonia still
resisted and he now enforced her silence by means the most horrible and
inhuman He still grasped Matildas dagger without allowing himself a moments
reflection he raised it and plunged it twice in the bosom of Antonia She
shrieked and sank upon the ground The monk endeavoured to bear her away with
him but she still embraced the pillar firmly At that instant the light of
approaching torches flashed upon the walls Dreading a discovery Ambrosio was
compelled to abandon his victim and hastily fled back to the vault where he
had left Matilda
He fled not unobserved Don Ramirez happening to arrive the first perceived
a female bleeding upon the ground and a man flying from the spot whose
confusion betrayed him for the murderer He instantly pursued the fugitive with
some part of the archers while the others remained with Lorenzo to protect the
wounded stranger They raised her and supported her in their arms She had
fainted from excess of pain but soon gave signs of returning life She opened
her eyes and on lifting up her head the quantity of fair hair fell back which
till then had obscured her features
»God Almighty it is Antonia«
Such was Lorenzos exclamation while he snatched her from the attendants
arms and clasped her in his own
Though aimed by an uncertain hand the poniard had answered but too well the
purpose of its employer The wounds were mortal and Antonia was conscious that
she never could recover Yet the few moments which remained for her were
moments of happiness The concern expressed upon Lorenzos countenance the
frantic fondness of his complaints and his earnest enquiries respecting her
wounds convinced her beyond a doubt that his affections were her own She would
not be removed from the vaults fearing lest motion should only hasten her
death and she was unwilling to lose those moments which she passed in receiving
proofs of Lorenzos love and assuring him of her own She told him that had
she still been undefiled she might have lamented the loss of life but that
deprived of honour and branded with shame death was to her a blessing she
could not have been his wife and that hope being denied her she resigned
herself to the grave without one sigh of regret She bade him take courage
conjured him not to abandon himself to fruitless sorrow and declared that she
mourned to leave nothing in the whole world but him While every sweet accent
increased rather than lightened Lorenzos grief she continued to converse with
him till the moment of dissolution Her voice grew faint and scarcely audible
a thick cloud spread itself over her eyes her heart beat slow and irregular
and every instant seemed to announce that her fate was near at hand
She lay her head reclining upon Lorenzos bosom and her lips still
murmuring to him words of comfort She was interrupted by the conventbell as
tolling at a distance it struck the hour Suddenly Antonias eyes sparkled with
celestial brightness her frame seemed to have received new strength and
animation She started from her lovers arms
»Three oclock« she cried »Mother I come«
She clasped her hands and sank lifeless upon the ground Lorenzo in agony
threw himself beside her He tore his hair beat his breast and refused to be
separated from the corse At length his force being exhausted he suffered
himself to be led from the vault and was conveyed to the palace de Medina
scarcely more alive than the unfortunate Antonia
In the mean while though closely pursued Ambrosio succeeded in regaining
the vault The door was already fastened when Don Ramirez arrived and much time
elapsed ere the fugitives retreat was discovered But nothing can resist
perseverance Though so artfully concealed the door could not escape the
vigilance of the archers They forced it open and entered the vault to the
infinite dismay of Ambrosio and his companion The monks confusion his attempt
to hide himself his rapid flight and the blood sprinkled upon his clothes
left no room to doubt his being Antonias murderer But when he was recognized
for the immaculate Ambrosio the man of holiness the idol of Madrid the
faculties of the spectators were chained up in surprise and scarcely could they
persuade themselves that what they saw was no vision The abbot strove not to
vindicate himself but preserved a sullen silence He was secured and bound The
same precaution was taken with Matilda Her cowl being removed the delicacy of
her features and profusion of her golden hair betrayed her sex and this
incident created fresh amazement The dagger was also found in the tomb where
the monk had thrown it and the dungeon having undergone a thorough search the
two culprits were conveyed to the prisons of the Inquisition
Don Ramirez took care that the populace should remain ignorant both of the
crimes and profession of the captives He feared a repetition of the riots
which had followed the apprehending the prioress of St Clare He contented
himself with stating to the Capuchins the guilt of their superior To avoid the
shame of a public accusation and dreading the popular fury from which they had
already saved their abbey with much difficulty the monks readily permitted the
inquisitors to search their mansion without noise No fresh discoveries were
made The effects found in the abbots and Matildas cells were seized and
carried to the Inquisition to be produced in evidence Every thing else remained
in its former position and order and tranquillity once more prevailed through
Madrid
St Clares convent was completely ruined by the united ravages of the mob
and conflagration Nothing remained of it but the principal walls whose
thickness and solidity had preserved them from the flames The nuns who had
belonged to it were obliged in consequence to disperse themselves into other
societies but the prejudice against them ran high and the superiors were very
unwilling to admit them However most of them being related to families the
most distinguished for their riches birth and power the several convents were
compelled to receive them though they did it with a very ill grace This
prejudice was extremely false and unjustifiable After a close investigation it
was proved that all in the convent were persuaded of the death of Agnes except
the four nuns whom St Ursula had pointed out These had fallen victims to the
popular fury as had also several who were perfectly innocent and unconscious of
the whole affair Blinded by resentment the mob had sacrificed every nun who
fell into their hands they who escaped were entirely indebted to the duke de
Medinas prudence and moderation Of this they were conscious and felt for that
nobleman a proper sense of gratitude
Virginia was not the most sparing of her thanks she wished equally to make
a proper return for his attentions and to obtain the good graces of Lorenzos
uncle In this she easily succeeded The duke beheld her beauty with wonder and
admiration and while his eyes were enchanted with her form the sweetness of
her manners and her tender concern for the suffering nun prepossessed his
heart in her favour This Virginia had discernment enough to perceive and she
redoubled her attention to the invalid When he parted from her at the door of
her fathers palace the duke entreated permission to enquire occasionally after
her health His request was readily granted Virginia assured him that the
marquis de VillaFranca would be proud of an opportunity to thank him in person
for the protection afforded to her They now separated he enchanted with her
beauty and gentleness and she much pleased with him and more with his nephew
On entering the palace Virginias first care was to summon the family
physician and take care of her unknown charge Her mother hastened to share
with her the charitable office Alarmed by the riots and trembling for his
daughters safety who was his only child the marquis had flown to St Clares
convent and was still employed in seeking her Messengers were now dispatched
on all sides to inform him that he would find her safe at his hotel and desire
him to hasten thither immediately His absence gave Virginia liberty to bestow
her whole attention upon her patient and though much disordered herself by the
adventures of the night no persuasion could induce her to quit the bedside of
the sufferer Her constitution being much enfeebled by want and sorrow it was
some time before the stranger was restored to her senses She found great
difficulty in swallowing the medicines prescribed to her but this obstacle
being removed she easily conquered her disease which proceeded from nothing
but weakness The attention which was paid her the wholesome food to which she
had been long a stranger and her joy at being restored to liberty to society
and as she dared to hope to love all this combined to her speedy
reestablishment From the first moment of knowing her her melancholy
situation her sufferings almost unparalleled had engaged the affections of her
amiable hostess Virginia felt for her the most lively interest but how was she
delighted when her guest being sufficiently recovered to relate her history
she recognized in the captive nun the sister of Lorenzo
This victim of monastic cruelty was indeed no other than the unfortunate
Agnes During her abode in the convent she had been well known to Virginia but
her emaciated form her features altered by affliction her death universally
credited and her overgrown and matted hair which hung over her face and bosom
in disorder at first had prevented her being recollected The prioress had put
every artifice in practice to induce Virginia to take the veil for the heiress
of VillaFranca would have been no despicable acquisition Her seeming kindness
and unremitted attention so far succeeded that her young relation began to
think seriously upon compliance Better instructed in the disgust and ennui of a
monastic life Agnes had penetrated the designs of the domina She trembled for
the innocent girl and endeavoured to make her sensible of her error She
painted in their true colours the numerous inconveniencies attached to a
convent the continued restraint the low jealousies the petty intrigues the
servile court and gross flattery expected by the superior She then bade
Virginia reflect on the brilliant prospect which presented itself before her
The idol of her parents the admiration of Madrid endowed by nature and
education with every perfection of person and mind she might look forward to an
establishment the most fortunate Her riches furnished her with the means of
exercising in their fullest extent charity and benevolence those virtues so
dear to her and her stay in the world would enable her discovering objects
worthy her protection which could not be done in the seclusion of a convent
Her persuasions induced Virginia to lay aside all thoughts of the veil but
another argument not used by Agnes had more weight with her than all the
others put together She had seen Lorenzo when he visited his sister at the
grate his person pleased her and her conversations with Agnes generally used
to terminate in some question about her brother She who doted upon Lorenzo
wished for no better than an opportunity to trumpet out his praise She spoke of
him in terms of rapture and to convince her auditor how just were his
sentiments how cultivated his mind and elegant his expressions she shewed her
at different times the letters which she received from him She soon perceived
that from these communications the heart of her young friend had imbibed
impressions which she was far from intending to give but was truly happy to
discover She could not have wished her brother a more desirable union heiress
of VillaFranca virtuous affectionate beautiful and accomplished Virginia
seemed calculated to make him happy She sounded her brother upon the subject
though without mentioning names or circumstances He assured her in his answers
that his heart and hand were totally disengaged and she thought that upon these
grounds she might proceed without danger She in consequence endeavoured to
strengthen the dawning passion of her friend Lorenzo was made the constant
topic of her discourse and the avidity with which her auditor listened the
sighs which frequently escaped from her bosom and the eagerness with which upon
any digression she brought back the conversation to the subject whence it had
wandered sufficed to convince Agnes that her brothers addresses would be far
from disagreeable She at length ventured to mention her wishes to the duke
Though a stranger to the lady herself he knew enough of her situation to think
her worthy his nephews hand It was agreed between him and his niece that she
should insinuate the idea to Lorenzo and she only waited his return to Madrid
to propose her friend to him as his bride The unfortunate events which took
place in the interim prevented her from executing her design Virginia wept her
loss sincerely both as a companion and as the only person to whom she could
speak of Lorenzo Her passion continued to prey upon her heart in secret and
she had almost determined to confess her sentiments to her mother when accident
once more threw their object in her way The sight of him so near her his
politeness his compassion his intrepidity had combined to give new ardour to
her affection When she now found her friend and advocate restored to her she
looked upon her as a gift from Heaven she ventured to cherish the hope of being
united to Lorenzo and resolved to use with him his sisters influence
Supposing that before her death Agnes might possibly have made the proposal
the duke had placed all his nephews hints of marriage to Virginias account
consequently he gave them the most favourable reception On returning to his
hotel the relation given him of Antonias death and Lorenzos behaviour on the
occasion made evident his mistake He lamented the circumstances but the
unhappy girl being effectually out of the way he trusted that his designs would
yet be executed Tis true that Lorenzos situation just then ill suited him for
a bridegroom His hopes disappointed at the moment when he expected to realized
them and the dreadful and sudden death of his mistress had affected him very
severely The duke found him upon the bed of sickness His attendants expressed
serious apprehensions for his life but the uncle entertained not the same
fears He was of opinion and not unwisely that »men have died and worms have
ate them but not for love« He therefore flattered himself that however deep
might be the impression made upon his nephews heart time and Virginia would be
able to efface it He now hastened to the afflicted youth and endeavoured to
console him he sympathised in his distress but encouraged him to resist the
encroachments of despair He allowed that he could not but feel shocked at an
event so terrible nor could he blame his sensibility but he besought him not
to torment himself with vain regrets and rather to struggle with affliction
and preserve his life if not for his own sake at least for the sake of those
who were fondly attached to him While he laboured thus to make Lorenzo forget
Antonias loss the duke paid his court assiduously to Virginia and seized
every opportunity to advance his nephews interest in her heart
It may easily be expected that Agnes was not long without enquiring after
Don Raymond She was shocked to hear the wretched situation to which grief had
reduced him yet she could not help exulting secretly when she reflected that
his illness proved the sincerity of his love The duke undertook the office
himself of announcing to the invalid the happiness which awaited him Though he
omitted no precaution to prepare him for such an event at this sudden change
from despair to happiness Raymonds transports were so violent as nearly to
have proved fatal to him These once passed the tranquillity of his mind the
assurance of felicity and above all the presence of Agnes who was no sooner
reestablished by the care of Virginia and the marchioness than she hastened to
attend her lover soon enabled him to overcome the effects of his late dreadful
malady The calm of his soul communicated itself to his body and he recovered
with such rapidity as to create universal surprise
Not so Lorenzo Antonias death accompanied with such terrible
circumstances weighed upon his mind heavily He was worn down to a shadow
nothing could give him pleasure He was persuaded with difficulty to swallow
nourishment sufficient for the support of life and a consumption was
apprehended The society of Agnes formed his only comfort Though accident had
never permitted their being much together he entertained for her a sincere
friendship and attachment Perceiving how necessary she was to him she seldom
quitted his chamber She listened to his complaints with unwearied attention
and soothed him by the gentleness of her manners and by sympathising with his
distress She still inhabited the palace de VillaFranca the possessors of
which treated her with marked affection The duke had intimated to the marquis
his wishes respecting Virginia The match was unexceptionable Lorenzo was heir
to his uncles immense property and was distinguished in Madrid for his
agreeable person extensive knowledge and propriety of conduct Add to this
that the marchioness had discovered how strong was her daughters prepossession
in his favour
In consequence the dukes proposal was accepted without hesitation every
precaution was taken to induce Lorenzos seeing the lady with those sentiments
which she so well merited to excite In her visits to her brother Agnes was
frequently accompanied by the marchioness and as soon as he was able to move
into his antichamber Virginia under her mothers protection was sometimes
permitted to express her wishes for his recovery This she did with such
delicacy the manner in which she mentioned Antonia was so tender and soothing
and when she lamented her rivals melancholy fate her bright eyes shone so
beautiful through her tears that Lorenzo could not behold or listen to her
without emotion His relations as well as the lady perceived that with every
day her society seemed to give him fresh pleasure and that he spoke of her in
terms of stronger admiration However they prudently kept their observations to
themselves No word was dropped which might lead him to suspect their designs
They continued their former conduct and attention and left time to ripen into a
warmer sentiment the friendship which he already felt for Virginia
In the mean while her visits became more frequent and latterly there was
scarce a day of which she did not pass some part by the side of Lorenzos
couch He gradually regained his strength but the progress of his recovery was
slow and doubtful One evening he seemed to be in better spirits than usual
Agnes and her lover the duke Virginia and her parents were sitting round him
He now for the first time entreated his sister to inform him how she had escaped
the effects of the poison which St Ursula had seen her swallow Fearful of
recalling those scenes to his mind in which Antonia had perished she had
hitherto concealed from him the history of her sufferings As he now started the
subject himself and thinking that perhaps the narrative of her sorrows might
draw him from the contemplation of those on which he dwelt too constantly she
immediately complied with his request The rest of the company had already heard
her story but the interest which all present felt for its heroine made them
anxious to hear it repeated The whole society seconding Lorenzos entreaties
Agnes obeyed She first recounted the discovery which had taken place in the
abbeychapel the dominas resentment and the midnight scene of which St
Ursula had been a concealed witness Though the nun had already described this
latter event Agnes now related it more circumstantially and at large After
which she proceeded in her narrative as follows
Conclusion of the History of Agnes de Medina
My supposed death was attended with the greatest agonies Those moments which I
believed my last were embittered by the dominas assurances that I could not
escape perdition and as my eyes closed I heard her rage exhale itself in
curses on my offence The horror of this situation of a deathbed from which
hope was banished of a sleep from which I was only to wake to find myself the
prey of flames and furies was more dreadful than I can describe When animation
revived in me my soul was still impressed with these terrible ideas I looked
round with fear expecting to behold the ministers of divine vengeance For the
first hour my senses were so bewildered and my brain so dizzy that I strove
in vain to arrange the strange images which floated in wild confusion before me
If I endeavoured to raise myself from the ground the wandering of my head
deceived me Every thing around me seemed to rock and I sank once more upon the
earth My weak and dazzled eyes were unable to bear a nearer approach to a gleam
of light which I saw trembling above me I was compelled to close them again
and remain motionless in the same posture
A full hour elapsed before I was sufficiently myself to examine the
surrounding objects When I did examine them what terror filled my bosom I
found myself extended upon a sort of wicker couch It had six handles to it
which doubtless had served the nuns to convey me to my grave I was covered with
a linen cloth several faded flowers were strown over me On one side lay a
small wooden crucifix on the other a rosary of large beads Four low narrow
walls confined me The top was also covered and in it was fitted a small grated
door through which was admitted the little air that circulated in this
miserable place A faint glimmering of light which streamed through the bars
permitted me to distinguish the surrounding horrors I was oppressed by a
noisome suffocating smell and perceiving that the grated door was unfastened I
thought that I might possibly effect my escape As I raised myself with this
design my hand rested upon something soft I grasped it and advanced it
towards the light Almighty God what was my disgust my consternation In spite
of its putridity and the worms which preyed upon it I perceived a corrupted
human head and recognised the features of a nun who had died some months
before I threw it from me and sank almost lifeless upon my bier
When my strength returned this circumstance and the consciousness of being
surrounded by the loathsome and mouldering bodies of my companions increased my
desire to escape from my fearful prison I again moved towards the light The
grated door was within my reach I lifted it without difficulty probably it had
been left unclosed to facilitate my quitting the dungeon Aiding myself by the
irregularity of the walls some of whose stones projected beyond the rest I
contrived to ascend them and drag myself out of my prison I now found myself
in a vault tolerably spacious Several tombs similar in appearance to that
whence I had just escaped were ranged along the sides in order and seemed to
be considerably sunk within the earth A sepulchral lamp was suspended from the
roof by an iron chain and shed a gloomy light through the dungeon Emblems of
death were seen on every side skulls shoulderblades thighbones and other
reliques of mortality were scattered upon the dewy ground Each tomb was
ornamented with a large crucifix and in one corner stood a wooden statue of St
Clare To these objects I at first paid no attention a door the only outlet
from the vault had attracted my eyes I hastened towards it having wrapped my
windingsheet closely round me I pushed against the door and to my
inexpressible terror found that it was fastened on the outside
I guessed immediately that the prioress mistaking the nature of the liquor
which she had compelled me to drink instead of poison had administered a strong
opiate From this I concluded that being to all appearance dead I had received
the rites of burial and that deprived of the power of making my existence
known it would be my fate to expire of hunger This idea penetrated me with
horror not merely for my own sake but that of the innocent creature who still
lived within my bosom I again endeavoured to open the door but it resisted all
my efforts I stretched my voice to the extent of its compass and shrieked for
aid I was remote from the hearing of every one No friendly voice replied to
mine A profound and melancholy silence prevailed through the vault and I
despaired of liberty My long abstinence from food now began to torment me The
tortures which hunger afflicted on me were the most painful and insupportable
yet they seemed to increase with every hour which passed over my head Sometimes
I threw myself upon the ground and rolled upon it wild and desperate sometimes
starting up I returned to the door again strove to force it open and repeated
my fruitless cries for succour Often was I on the point of striking my temple
against the sharp corner of some monument dashing out my brains and thus
terminating my woes at once But still the remembrance of my baby vanquished my
resolution I trembled at a deed which equally endangered my childs existence
and my own Then would I vent my anguish in loud exclamations and passionate
complaints and then again my strength failing me silent and hopeless I would
sit me down upon the base of St Clares statue fold my arms and abandon
myself to sullen despair Thus passed several wretched hours Death advanced
towards me with rapid strides and I expected that every succeeding moment would
be that of my dissolution Suddenly a neighbouring tomb caught my eye a basket
stood upon it which till then I had not observed I started from my seat I
made towards it as swiftly as my exhausted frame would permit How eagerly did I
seize the basket on finding it to contain a loaf of coarse bread and a small
bottle of water
I threw myself with avidity upon these humble aliments They had to all
appearance been placed in the vault for several days The bread was hard and
the water tainted yet never did I taste food to me so delicious When the
cravings of appetite were satisfied I busied myself with conjectures upon this
new circumstance I debated whether the basket had been placed there with a view
to my necessity Hope answered my doubts in the affirmative Yet who could guess
me to be in need of such assistance If my existence was known why was I
detained in this gloomy vault If I was kept a prisoner what meant the ceremony
of committing me to the tomb Or if I was doomed to perish with hunger to whose
pity was I indebted for provisions placed within my reach A friend would not
have kept my dreadful punishment a secret neither did it seem probable that an
enemy would have taken pains to supply me with the means of existence Upon the
whole I was inclined to think that the dominas designs upon my life had been
discovered by some one of my partisans in the convent who had found means to
substitute an opiate for poison that she had furnished me with food to support
me till she could effect my delivery and that she was then employed in giving
intelligence to my relations of my danger and pointing out a way to release me
from captivity Yet why then was the quality of my provisions so coarse How
could my friend have entered the vault without the dominas knowledge and if
she had entered why was the door fastened so carefully These reflections
staggered me yet still this idea was the most favourable to my hopes and I
dwelt upon it in preference
My meditations were interrupted by the sound of distant footsteps They
approached but slowly Rays of light now darted through the crevices of the
door Uncertain whether the persons who advanced came to relieve me or were
conducted by some other motive to the vault I failed not to attract their
notice by loud cries for help Still the sounds drew near The light grew
stronger At length with inexpressible pleasure I heard the key turning in the
lock Persuaded that my deliverance was at hand I flew towards the door with a
shriek of joy It opened but all my hopes of escape died away when the
prioress appeared followed by the same four nuns who had been witnesses of my
supposed death They bore torches in their hands and gazed upon me in fearful
silence
I started back in terror The domina descended into the vault as did also
her companions She bent upon me a stern resentful eye but expressed no
surprise at finding me still living She took the seat which I had just quitted
The door was again closed and the nuns ranged themselves behind their superior
while the glare of their torches dimmed by the vapours and dampness of the
vault gilded with cold beams the surrounding monuments For some moments all
preserved a dead and solemn silence I stood at some distance from the prioress
At length she beckoned me to advance Trembling at the severity of her aspect
my strength scarce sufficed me to obey her I drew near but my limbs were
unable to support their burthen I sank upon my knees I clasped my hands and
lifted them up to her for mercy but had no power to articulate a syllable
She gazed upon me with angry eyes
»Do I see a penitent or a criminal« she said at length »Are those hands
raised in contrition for your crimes or in fear of meeting their punishment Do
those tears acknowledge the justice of your doom or only solicit mitigation of
your sufferings I fear me tis the latter«
She paused but kept her eye still fixed upon mine
»Take courage« she continued »I wish not for your death but your
repentance The draught which I administered was no poison but an opiate My
intention in deceiving you was to make you feel the agonies of a guilty
conscience had death overtaken you suddenly while your crimes were still
unrepented You have suffered those agonies I have brought you to be familiar
with the sharpness of death and I trust that your momentary anguish will prove
to you an eternal benefit It is not my design to destroy your immortal soul or
bid you seek the grave burthened with the weight of sins unexpiated No
daughter far from it I will purify you with wholesome chastisement and
furnish you with full leisure for contrition and remorse Hear then my sentence
The illjudged zeal of your friends delayed its execution but cannot now
prevent it All Madrid believes you to be no more your relations are thoroughly
persuaded of your death and the nuns your partisans have assisted at your
funeral Your existence can never be suspected I have taken such precautions as
must render it an impenetrable mystery Then abandon all thoughts of a world
from which you are eternally separated and employ the few hours which are
allowed you in preparing for the next«
This exordium led me to expect something terrible I trembled and would
have spoken to deprecate her wrath but a motion of the domina commanded me to
be silent She proceeded
»Though of late years unjustly neglected and now opposed by many of our
misguided sisters whom Heaven convert it is my intention to revive the laws
of our order in their full force That against incontinence is severe but no
more than so monstrous an offence demands Submit to it daughter without
resistance you will find the benefit of patience and resignation in a better
life than this Listen then to the sentence of St Clare Beneath these vaults
there exist prisons intended to receive such criminals as yourself artfully is
their entrance concealed and she who enters them must resign all hopes of
liberty Thither must you now be conveyed Food shall be supplied you but not
sufficient for the indulgence of appetite you shall have just enough to keep
together body and soul and its quality shall be the simplest and coarsest
Weep daughter weep and moisten your bread with your tears God knows that
you have ample cause for sorrow Chained down in one of these secret dungeons
shut out from the world and light for ever with no comfort but religion no
society but repentance thus must you groan away the remainder of your days
Such are St Clares orders submit to them without repining Follow me«
Thunderstruck at this barbarous decree my little remaining strength
abandoned me I answered only by falling at her feet and bathing them with
tears The domina unmoved by my affliction rose from her seat with a stately
air she repeated her commands in an absolute tone but my excessive faintness
made me unable to obey her Mariana and Alix raised me from the ground and
carried me forwards in their arms The prioress moved on leaning on Violante
and Camilla preceded her with a torch Thus passed our sad procession along the
passages in silence only broken by my sighs and groans We stopped before the
principal shrine of St Clare The statue was removed from its pedestal though
how I knew not The nuns afterwards raised an iron grate till then concealed by
the image and let it fall on the other side with a loud crash The awful sound
repeated by the vaults above and caverns below me roused me from the despondent
apathy in which I had been plunged I looked before me an abyss presented
itself to my affrighted eyes and a steep and narrow staircase whither my
conductors were leading me I shrieked and started back I implored compassion
rent the air with my cries and summoned both heaven and earth to my assistance
In vain I was hurried down the staircase and forced into one of the cells
which lined the caverns sides
My blood ran cold as I gazed upon this melancholy abode The cold vapours
hovering in the air the walls green with damp the bed of straw so forlorn and
comfortless the chain destined to bind me for ever to my prison and the
reptiles of every description which as the torches advanced towards them I
descried hurrying to their retreats struck my heart with terrors almost too
exquisite for nature to bear Driven by despair to madness I burst suddenly
from the nuns who held me I threw myself upon my knees before the prioress and
besought her mercy in the most passionate and frantic terms
»If not on me« said I »look at least with pity on that innocent being
whose life is attached to mine Great is my crime but let not my child suffer
for it My baby has committed no fault Oh spare me for the sake of my unborn
offspring whom ere it tastes life your severity dooms to destruction«
The prioress drew back hastily she forced her habit from my grasp as if my
touch had been contagious
»What« she exclaimed with an exasperated air »What Dare you plead for the
produce of your shame Shall a creature be permitted to live conceived in guilt
so monstrous Abandoned woman speak for him no more Better that the wretch
should perish than live begotten in perjury incontinence and pollution it
cannot fail to prove a prodigy of vice Hear me thou guilty Expect no mercy
from me either for yourself or brat Rather pray that death may seize you
before you produce it or if it must see the light that its eyes may
immediately be closed again for ever No aid shall be given you in your labour
bring your offspring into the world yourself feed it yourself nurse it
yourself bury it yourself God grant that the latter may happen soon lest you
receive comfort from the fruit of your iniquity«
This inhuman speech the threats which it contained the dreadful sufferings
foretold to me by the domina and her prayers for my infants death on whom
though unborn I already doted were more than my exhausted frame could support
Uttering a deep groan I fell senseless at the feet of my unrelenting enemy I
know not how long I remained in this situation but I imagine that some time
must have elapsed before my recovery since it sufficed the prioress and her
nuns to quit the cavern When my senses returned I found myself in silence and
solitude I heard not even the retiring footsteps of my persecutors All was
hushed and all was dreadful I had been thrown upon the bed of straw the heavy
chain which I had already eyed with terror was wound around my waist and
fastened me to the wall A lamp glimmering with dull melancholy rays through my
dungeon permitted my distinguishing all its horrors It was separated from the
cavern by a low and irregular wall of stone A large chasm was left open in it
which formed the entrance for door there was none A leaden crucifix was in
front of my straw couch A tattered rug lay near me as did also a chaplet of
beads and not far from me stood a pitcher of water and a wickerbasket
containing a small loaf and a bottle of oil to supply my lamp
With a despondent eye did I examine this scene of suffering when I
reflected that I was doomed to pass in it the remainder of my days my heart was
rent with bitter anguish I had once been taught to look forward to a lot so
different At one time my prospects had appeared so bright so flattering Now
all was lost to me Friends comfort society happiness in one moment I was
deprived of all Dead to the world dead to pleasure I lived to nothing but the
sense of misery How fair did that world seem to me from which I was for ever
excluded How many loved objects did it contain whom I never should behold
again As I threw a look of terror round my prison as I shrunk from the cutting
wind which howled through my subterraneous dwelling the change seemed so
striking so abrupt that I doubted its reality. That the duke de Medinas
niece that the destined bride of the marquis de las Cisternas one bred up in
affluence related to the noblest families in Spain and rich in a multitude of
affectionate friends that she should in one moment become a captive separated
from the world for ever weighed down with chains and reduced to support life
with the coarsest aliments appeared a change so sudden and incredible that I
believed myself the sport of some frightful vision Its continuance convinced me
of my mistake with but too much certainty Every morning I looked for some
relief from my sufferings every morning my hopes were disappointed At length I
abandoned all idea of escaping I resigned myself to my fate and only expected
liberty when she came the companion of death
My mental anguish and the dreadful scenes in which I had been an actress
advanced the period of my labour In solitude and misery abandoned by all
unassisted by art uncomforted by friendship with pangs which if witnessed
would have touched the hardest heart was I delivered of my wretched burthen It
came alive into the world but I knew not how to treat it or by what means to
preserve its existence. I could only bathe it with tears warm it in my bosom
and offer up prayers for its safety I was soon deprived of this mournful
employment the want of proper attendance my ignorance how to nurse it the
bitter cold of the dungeon and the unwholesome air which inflated its lungs
terminated my sweet babes short and painful existence It expired in a few
hours after its birth and I witnessed its death with agonies which beggar all
description
But my grief was unavailing My infant was no more nor could all my sighs
impart to its little tender frame the breath of a moment I rent my
windingsheet and wrapped in it my lovely child I placed it on my bosom its
soft arm folded round my neck and its pale cold cheek resting upon mine Thus
did its lifeless limbs repose while I covered it with kisses talked to it
wept and moaned over it without remission day or night Camilla entered my
prison regularly once every twentyfour hours to bring me food In spite of her
flinty nature she could not behold this spectacle unmoved She feared that
grief so excessive would at length turn my brain and in truth I was not always
in my proper senses From a principle of compassion she urged me to permit the
corse to be buried but to this I never would consent I vowed not to part with
it while I had life its presence was my only comfort and no persuasion could
induce me to give it up It soon became a mass of putridity and to every eye
was a loathsome and disgusting object to every eye but a mothers In vain did
human feelings bid me recoil from this emblem of mortality with repugnance I
withstood and vanquished that repugnance I persisted in holding my infant to
my bosom in lamenting it loving it adoring it Hour after hour have I passed
upon my sorry couch contemplating what had once been my child I endeavoured to
retrace its features through the livid corruption with which they were
overspread During my confinement this sad occupation was my only delight and
at that time worlds should not have bribed me to give it up Even when released
from my prison I brought away my child in my arms The representations of my
two kind friends Here she took the hands of the marchioness and Virginia and
pressed them alternately to her lips at length persuaded me to resign my
unhappy infant to the grave Yet I parted from it with reluctance However
reason at length prevailed I suffered it to be taken from me and it now
reposes in consecrated ground
I before mentioned that regularly once a day Camilla brought me food She
sought not to embitter my sorrows with reproach She bade me tis true resign
all hopes of liberty and worldly happiness but she encouraged me to bear with
patience my temporary distress and advised me to draw comfort from religion My
situation evidently affected her more than she ventured to express but she
believed that to extenuate my fault would make me less anxious to repent it
Often while her lips painted the enormity of my guilt in glaring colours her
eyes betrayed how sensible she was to my sufferings In fact I am certain that
none of my tormentors for the three other nuns entered my prison occasionally
were so much actuated by the spirit of oppressive cruelty as by the idea that
to afflict my body was the only way to preserve my soul Nay even this
persuasion might not have had such weight with them and they might have thought
my punishment too severe had not their good dispositions been repressed by
blind obedience to their superior Her resentment existed in full force My
project of elopement having been discovered by the abbot of the Capuchins she
supposed herself lowered in his opinion by my disgrace and in consequence her
hate was inveterate She told the nuns to whose custody I was committed that
my fault was of the most heinous nature that no sufferings could equal the
offence and that nothing could save me from eternal perdition but punishing my
guilt with the utmost severity The superiors word is an oracle to but too many
of a convents inhabitants The nuns believed whatever the prioress chose to
assert though contradicted by reason and charity they hesitated not to admit
the truth of her arguments They followed her injunctions to the very letter
and were fully persuaded that to treat me with lenity or to shew the least
pity for my woes would be a direct means to destroy my chance for salvation
Camilla being most employed about me was particularly charged by the
prioress to treat me with harshness In compliance with these orders she
frequently strove to convince me how just was my punishment and how enormous
was my crime She bade me think myself too happy in saving my soul by mortifying
my body and even threatened me sometimes with eternal perdition Yet as I
before observed she always concluded by words of encouragement and comfort and
though uttered by Camillas lips I easily recognised the dominas expressions
Once and once only the prioress visited me in my dungeon She then treated me
with the most unrelenting cruelty She loaded me with reproaches taunted me
with my frailty and when I implored her mercy told me to ask it of Heaven
since I deserved none on earth She even gazed upon my lifeless infant without
emotion and when she left me I heard her charge Camilla to increase the
hardships of my captivity Unfeeling woman But let me check my resentment She
has expiated her errors by her sad and unexpected death Peace be with her and
may her crimes be forgiven in heaven as I forgive her my sufferings on earth
Thus did I drag on a miserable existence Far from growing familiar with my
prison I beheld it every moment with new horror The cold seemed more piercing
and bitter the air more thick and pestilential My frame became weak feverish
and emaciated I was unable to rise from the bed of straw and exercise my limbs
in the narrow limits to which the length of my chain permitted me to move
Though exhausted faint and weary I trembled to profit by the approach of
sleep My slumbers were constantly interrupted by some obnoxious insect crawling
over me Sometimes I felt the bloated toad hideous and pampered with the
poisonous vapours of the dungeon dragging his loathsome length along my bosom
Sometimes the quick cold lizard roused me leaving his slimy track upon my face
and entangling itself in the tresses of my wild and matted hair Often have I at
waking found my fingers ringed with the long worms which bred in the corrupted
flesh of my infant At such times I shrieked with terror and disgust and while
I shook off the reptile trembled with all a womans weakness
Such was my situation when Camilla was suddenly taken ill A dangerous
fever supposed to be infectious confined her to her bed Every one except the
lay sister appointed to nurse her avoided her with caution and feared to catch
the disease She was perfectly delirious and by no means capable of attending
to me The domina and the nuns admitted to the mystery had latterly entirely
given me over to Camillas care In consequence they busied themselves no more
about me and occupied by preparing for the approaching festival it is more
than probable that I never once entered into their thoughts Of the reason of
Camillas negligence I have been informed since my release by the Mother St
Ursula At that time I was very far from suspecting its cause On the contrary
I waited for my gaolers appearance at first with impatience and afterwards
with despair One day passed away another followed it the third arrived Still
no Camilla still no food I knew the lapse of time by the wasting of my lamp
to supply which fortunately a weeks supply of oil had been left me I
supposed either that the nuns had forgotten me or that the domina had ordered
them to let me perish The latter idea seemed the most probable yet so natural
is the love of life that I trembled to find it true Though embittered by every
species of misery my existence was still dear to me and I dreaded to lose it
Every succeeding minute proved to me that I must abandon all hopes of relief I
was become an absolute skeleton my eyes already failed me and my limbs were
beginning to stiffen I could only express my anguish and the pangs of that
hunger which gnawed my heartstrings by frequent groans whose melancholy sound
the vaulted roof of the dungeon reechoed I resigned myself to my fate I
already expected the moment of dissolution when my guardian angel when my
beloved brother arrived in time to save me My sight grown dim and feeble at
first refused to recognize him and when I did distinguish his features the
sudden burst of rapture was too much for me to bear I was overpowered by the
swell of joy at once more beholding a friend and that a friend so dear to me
Nature could not support my emotions and took her refuge in insensibility
You already know what are my obligations to the family of VillaFranca But
what you cannot know is the extent of my gratitude boundless as the excellence
of my benefactors Lorenzo Raymond names so dear to me teach me to bear with
fortitude this sudden transition from misery to bliss So lately a captive
oppressed with chains perishing with hunger suffering every inconvenience of
cold and want hidden from the light excluded from society hopeless
neglected and as I feared forgotten now restored to life and liberty
enjoying all the comforts of affluence and ease surrounded by those who are
most loved by me and on the point of becoming his bride who has long been
wedded to my heart my happiness is so exquisite so perfect that scarcely can
my brain sustain the weight One only wish remains ungratified It is to see my
brother in his former health and to know that Antonias memory is buried in her
grave Granted this prayer I have nothing more to desire I trust that my past
sufferings have purchased from Heaven the pardon of my momentary weakness That
I have offended offended greatly and grievously I am fully conscious But let
not my husband because he once conquered my virtue doubt the propriety of my
future conduct I have been frail and full of error but I yielded not to the
warmth of constitution Raymond affection for you betrayed me I was too
confident of my strength but I depended no less on your honour than my own I
had vowed never to see you more Had it not been for the consequences of that
unguarded moment my resolution had beep kept Fate willed it otherwise and I
cannot but rejoice at its decree Still my conduct has been highly blameable
and while I attempt to justify myself I blush at recollecting my imprudence
Let me then dismiss the ungrateful subject first assuring you Raymond that
you shall have no cause to repent our union and that the more culpable have
been the errors of your mistress the more exemplary shall be the conduct of
your wife
Here Agnes ceased and the marquis replied to her address in terms equally
sincere and affectionate Lorenzo expressed his satisfaction at the prospect of
being so closely connected with a man for whom he had ever entertained the
highest esteem The Popes bull had fully and effectually released Agnes from
her religious engagements The marriage was therefore celebrated as soon as the
needful preparations had been made for the marquis wished to have the ceremony
performed with all possible splendour and publicity This being over and the
bride having received the compliments of Madrid she departed with Don Raymond
for his castle in Andalusia Lorenzo accompanied them as did also the
marchioness de VillaFranca and her lovely daughter It is needless to say that
Theodore was of the party and would be impossible to describe his joy at his
masters marriage Previous to his departure the marquis to atone in some
measure for his past neglect made some enquiries relative to Elvira Finding
that she as well as her daughter had received many services from Leonella and
Jacintha he shewed his respect to the memory of his sisterinlaw by making the
two women handsome presents Lorenzo followed his example Leonella was highly
flattered by the attentions of noblemen so distinguished and Jacintha blessed
the hour on which her house was bewitched
On her side Agnes failed not to reward her convent friends The worthy
Mother St Ursula to whom she owed her liberty was named at her request
superintendant of the Ladies of Charity This was one of the best and most
opulent societies throughout Spain Bertha and Cornelia not choosing to quit
their friend were appointed to principal charges in the same establishment As
to the nuns who had aided the domina in persecuting Agnes Camilla being
confined by illness to her bed had perished in the flames which consumed St
Clares convent Mariana Alix and Violante as well as two more had fallen
victims to the popular rage The three others who had in council supported the
dominas sentence were severely reprimanded and banished to religious houses
in obscure and distant provinces Here they languished away a few years ashamed
of their former weakness and shunned by their companions with aversion and
contempt
Nor was the fidelity of Flora permitted to go unrewarded Her wishes being
consulted she declared herself impatient to revisit her native land In
consequence a passage was procured for her to Cuba where she arrived in
safety loaded with the presents of Raymond and Lorenzo
The debts of gratitude discharged Agnes was at liberty to pursue her
favourite plan Lodged in the same house Lorenzo and Virginia were eternally
together The more he saw of her the more was he convinced of her merit On her
part she laid herself out to please and not to succeed was for her impossible
Lorenzo witnessed with admiration her beautiful person elegant manners
innumerable talents and sweet disposition He was also much flattered by her
prejudice in his favour which she had not sufficient art to conceal However
his sentiments partook not of that ardent character which had marked his
affection for Antonia The image of that lovely and unfortunate girl still lived
in his heart and baffled all Virginias efforts to displace it Still when the
duke proposed to him the match which he wished so earnestly to take place his
nephew did not reject the offer The urgent supplications of his friends and
the ladys merit conquered his repugnance to entering into new engagements He
proposed himself to the marquis de VillaFranca and was accepted with joy and
gratitude Virginia became his wife nor did she ever give him cause to repent
his choice His esteem increased for her daily Her unremitted endeavours to
please him could not but succeed His affection assumed stronger and warmer
colours Antonias image was gradually effaced from his bosom and Virginia
became sole mistress of that heart which she well deserved to possess without a
partner
The remaining years of Raymond and Agnes of Lorenzo and Virginia were
happy as can be those allotted to mortals born to be the prey of grief and
sport of disappointment The exquisite sorrows with which they had been
afflicted made them think lightly of every succeeding woe They had felt the
sharpest darts in misfortunes quiver Those which remained appeared blunt in
comparison Having weathered fates heaviest storms they looked calmly upon its
terrors or if ever they felt afflictions casual gales they seemed to them
gentle as zephyrs which breathe over summerseas
Chapter XII
He was a fell despightful fiend
Hell holds none worse in baleful bower below
By pride and wit and rage and rancor keened
Of man alike if good or bad the foe
Thomson
On the day following Antonias death all Madrid was a scene of consternation
and amazement An archer who had witnessed the adventure in the sepulchre had
indiscreetly related the circumstances of the murder he had also named the
perpetrator The confusion was without example which this intelligence raised
among the devotees Most of them disbelieved it and went themselves to the
abbey to ascertain the fact Anxious to avoid the shame to which their
superiors ill conduct exposed the whole brotherhood the monks assured the
visitors that Ambrosio was prevented from receiving them as usual by nothing
but illness This attempt was unsuccessful The same excuse being repeated day
after day the archers story gradually obtained confidence His partisans
abandoned him no one entertained a doubt of his guilt and they who before had
been the warmest in his praise were now the most vociferous in his
condemnation
While his innocence or guilt was debated in Madrid with the utmost acrimony
Ambrosio was a prey to the pangs of conscious villany and the terrors of
punishment impending over him When he looked back to the eminence on which he
had lately stood universally honoured and respected at peace with the world
and with himself scarcely could he believe that he was indeed the culprit
whose crimes and whose fate he trembled to consider But a few weeks had
elapsed since he was pure and virtuous courted by the wisest and noblest in
Madrid and regarded by the people with a reverence that approached idolatry He
now saw himself stained with the most loathed and monstrous sins the object of
universal execration a prisoner of the Holy Office and probably doomed to
perish in tortures the most severe He could not hope to deceive his judges the
proofs of his guilt were too strong His being in the sepulchre at so late an
hour his confusion at the discovery the dagger which in his first alarm he
owned had been concealed by him and the blood which had spirted upon his habit
from Antonias wound sufficiently marked him out for the assassin He waited
with agony for the day of examination He had no resource to comfort him in his
distress Religion could not inspire him with fortitude If he read the books of
morality which were put into his hands he saw in them nothing but the enormity
of his offences If he attempted to pray he recollected that he deserved not
Heavens protection and believed his crimes so monstrous as to exceed even
Gods infinite goodness For every other sinner he thought there might be hope
but for him there could be none Shuddering at the past anguished by the
present and dreading the future thus passed he the few days preceding that
which was marked for his trial
That day arrived At nine in the morning his prisondoor was unlocked and
his gaoler entering commanded him to follow him He obeyed with trembling He
was conducted into a spacious hall hung with black cloth At the table sat three
grave sternlooking men also habited in black one was the Grand Inquisitor
whom the importance of this cause had induced to examine into it himself At a
smaller table at a little distance sat the secretary provided with all
necessary implements for writing Ambrosio was beckoned to advance and take his
station at the lower end of the table As his eye glanced downwards he
perceived various iron instruments lying scattered upon the floor Their forms
were unknown to him but apprehension immediately guessed them to be engines of
torture He turned pale and with difficulty prevented himself from sinking upon
the ground
Profound silence prevailed except when the inquisitors whispered a few
words among themselves mysteriously Near an hour passed away and with every
second of it Ambrosios fears grew more poignant At length a small door
opposite to that by which he had entered the hall grated heavily upon its
hinges An officer appeared and was immediately followed by the beautiful
Matilda Her hair hung about her face wildly her cheeks were pale and her eyes
sunk and hollow She threw a melancholy look upon Ambrosio he replied by one of
aversion and reproach She was placed opposite to him A bell then sounded
thrice It was the signal for opening the court and the inquisitors entered
upon their office
In these trials neither the accusation is mentioned nor the name of the
accuser The prisoners are only asked whether they will confess If they reply
that having no crime they can make no confession they are put to the torture
without delay This is repeated at intervals either till the suspected avow
themselves culpable or the perseverance of the examinants is worn out and
exhausted but without a direct acknowledgment of their guilt the Inquisition
never pronounces the final doom of its prisoners In general much time is
suffered to elapse without their being questioned but Ambrosios trial had been
hastened on account of a solemn Auto da Fé which would take place in a few days
and in which the inquisitors meant this distinguished culprit to perform a part
and give a striking testimony of their vigilance
The abbot was not merely accused of rape and murder the crime of sorcery
was laid to his charge as well as to Matildas She had been seized as an
accomplice in Antonias assassination On searching her cell various suspicious
books and instruments were found which justified the accusation brought against
her To criminate the monk the constellated mirror was produced which Matilda
had accidentally left in his chamber The strange figures engraved upon it
caught the attention of Don Ramirez while searching the abbots cell in
consequence he carried it away with him It was shewn to the Grand Inquisitor
who having considered it for some time took off a small golden cross which
hung at his girdle and laid it upon the mirror Instantly a loud noise was
heard resembling a clap of thunder and the steel shivered into a thousand
pieces This circumstance confirmed the suspicion of the monks having dealt in
magic It was even supposed that his former influence over the minds of the
people was entirely to be ascribed to witchcraft
Determined to make him confess not only the crimes which he had committed
but those also of which he was innocent the inquisitors began their
examination Though dreading the tortures as he dreaded death which would
consign him to eternal torments the abbot asserted his purity in a voice bold
and resolute Matilda followed his example but spoke with fear and trembling
Having in vain exhorted him to confess the inquisitors ordered the monk to be
put to the question The decree was immediately executed Ambrosio suffered the
most excruciating pangs that ever were invented by human cruelty Yet so
dreadful is death when guilt accompanies it that he had sufficient fortitude
to persist in his disavowal His agonies were redoubled in consequence nor was
he released till fainting from excess of pain insensibility rescued him from
the hands of his tormentors
Matilda was next ordered to the torture but terrified by the sight of the
friars sufferings her courage totally deserted her She sank upon her knees
acknowledged her corresponding with infernal spirits and that she had witnessed
the monks assassination of Antonia but as to the crime of sorcery she
declared herself the sole criminal and Ambrosio perfectly innocent The latter
assertion met with no credit The abbot had recovered his senses in time to hear
the confession of his accomplice but he was too much enfeebled by what he had
already undergone to be capable at that time of sustaining new torments He was
commanded back to his cell but first informed that as soon as he had gained
strength sufficient he must prepare himself for a second examination The
inquisitors hoped that he would then be less hardened and obstinate To Matilda
it was announced that she must expiate her crime in fire on the approaching
Auto da Fé All her tears and entreaties could procure no mitigation of her
doom and she was dragged by force from the hall of trial
Returned to his dungeon the sufferings of Ambrosios body were far more
supportable than those of his mind His dislocated limbs the nails torn from
his hands and feet and his fingers mashed and broken by the pressure of screws
were far surpassed in anguish by the agitation of his soul and vehemence of his
terrors He saw that guilty or innocent his judges were bent upon condemning
him The remembrance of what his denial had already cost him terrified him at
the idea of being again applied to the question and almost engaged him to
confess his crimes Then again the consequences of his confession flashed before
him and rendered him once more irresolute His death would be inevitable and
that a death the most dreadful He had listened to Matildas doom and doubted
not that a similar was reserved for him He shuddered at the approaching Auto da
Fé at the idea of perishing in flames and only escaping from endurable
torments to pass into others more subtile and everlasting With affright did he
bend his minds eye on the space beyond the grave nor could hide from himself
how justly he ought to dread Heavens vengeance In this labyrinth of terrors
fain would he have taken his refuge in the gloom of atheism fain would he have
denied the souls immortality have persuaded himself that when his eyes once
closed they would never more open and that the same moment would annihilate
his soul and body Even this resource was refused to him To permit his being
blind to the fallacy of this belief his knowledge was too extensive his
understanding too solid and just He could not help feeling the existence of a
God Those truths once his comfort now presented themselves before him in the
clearest light but they only served to drive him to distraction They destroyed
his illgrounded hopes of escaping punishment and dispelled by the
irresistible brightness of truth and conviction philosophys deceitful vapours
faded away like a dream
In anguish almost too great for mortal frame to bear he expected the time
when he was again to be examined He busied himself in planning ineffectual
schemes for escaping both present and future punishment Of the first there was
no possibility of the second despair made him neglect the only means While
Reason forced him to acknowledge a Gods existence Conscience made him doubt
the infinity of his goodness He disbelieved that a sinner like him could find
mercy He had not been deceived into error ignorance could furnish him with no
excuse He had seen vice in her true colours Before he committed his crimes he
had computed every scruple of their weight and yet he had committed them
»Pardon« he would cry in an access of phrensy »Oh there can be none for
me«
Persuaded of this instead of humbling himself in penitence of deploring
his guilt and employing his few remaining hours in deprecating Heavens wrath
he abandoned himself to the transports of desperate rage he sorrowed for the
punishment of his crimes not their commission and exhaled his bosoms anguish
in idle sighs in vain lamentations in blasphemy and despair As the few beams
of day which pierced through the bars of his prisonwindow gradually
disappeared and their place was supplied by the pale and glimmering lamp he
felt his terrors redouble and his ideas become more gloomy more solemn more
despondent He dreaded the approach of sleep No sooner did his eyes close
wearied with tears and watching than the dreadful visions seemed to be realised
on which his mind had dwelt during the day He found himself in sulphurous
realms and burning caverns surrounded by fiends appointed his tormentors and
who drove him through a variety of tortures each of which was more dreadful
than the former. Amidst these dismal scenes wandered the ghosts of Elvira and
her daughter They reproached him with their deaths recounted his crimes to the
dæmons and urged them to inflict torments of cruelty yet more refined Such
were the pictures which floated before his eyes in sleep they vanished not till
his repose was disturbed by excess of agony Then would he start from the ground
on which he had stretched himself his brows running down with cold sweat his
eyes wild and phrensied and he only exchanged the terrible certainty for
surmises scarcely more supportable He paced his dungeon with disordered steps
he gazed with terror upon the surrounding darkness and often did he cry
»Oh fearful is night to the guilty«
The day of his second examination was at hand He had been compelled to
swallow cordials whose virtues were calculated to restore his bodily strength
and enable him to support the question longer On the night preceding this
dreaded day his fears for the morrow permitted him not to sleep His terrors
were so violent as nearly to annihilate his mental powers He sat like one
stupefied near the table on which his lamp was burning dimly Despair chained up
his faculties in idiotism and he remained for some hours unable to speak or
move or indeed to think
»Look up Ambrosio« said a voice in accents well known to him
The monk started and raised his melancholy eyes Matilda stood before him
She had quitted her religious habit She now wore a female dress at once
elegant and splendid a profusion of diamonds blazed upon her robes and her
hair was confined by a coronet of roses In her right hand she held a small
book a lively expression of pleasure beamed upon her countenance but still it
was mingled with a wild imperious majesty which inspired the monk with awe and
repressed in some measure his transports at seeing her
»You here Matilda« he at length exclaimed »How have you gained entrance
Where are your chains What means this magnificence and the joy which sparkles
in your eyes Have our judges relented Is there a chance of my escaping Answer
me for pity and tell me what I have to hope or fear«
»Ambrosio« she replied with an air of commanding dignity »I have baffled
the Inquisitions fury I am free a few moments will place kingdoms between
these dungeons and me yet I purchase my liberty at a dear at a dreadful price
Dare you pay the same Ambrosio Dare you spring without fear over the bounds
which separate men from angels You are silent You look upon me with eyes of
suspicion and alarm I read your thoughts and confess their justice Yes
Ambrosio I have sacrificed all for life and liberty I am no longer a candidate
for Heaven I have renounced Gods service and am enlisted beneath the banners
of his foes The deed is past recall yet were it in my power to go back I
would not Oh my friend to expire in such torments to die amidst curses and
execrations to bear the insults of an exasperated mob to be exposed to all the
mortifications of shame and infamy who can reflect without horror on such a
doom Let me then exult in my exchange I have sold distant and uncertain
happiness for present and secure I have preserved a life which otherwise I had
lost in torture and I have obtained the power of procuring every bliss which
can make that life delicious The infernal spirits obey me as their sovereign
by their aid shall my days be passed in every refinement of luxury and
voluptuousness I will enjoy unrestrained the gratification of my senses every
passion shall be indulged even to satiety then will I bid my servants invent
new pleasures to revive and stimulate my glutted appetites I go impatient to
exercise my newlygained dominion I pant to be at liberty Nothing should hold
me one moment longer in this abhorred abode but the hope of persuading you to
follow my example Ambrosio I still love you our mutual guilt and danger have
rendered you dearer to me than ever and I would fain save you from impending
destruction Summon then your resolution to your aid and renounce for immediate
and certain benefits the hopes of a salvation difficult to obtain and perhaps
altogether erroneous Shake off the prejudice of vulgar souls abandon a God who
has abandoned you and raise yourself to the level of superior beings«
She paused for the monks reply he shuddered while he gave it
»Matilda« he said after a long silence in a low and unsteady voice »What
price gave you for liberty«
She answered him firm and dauntless
»Ambrosio it was my soul«
»Wretched woman what have you done Pass but a few years and how dreadful
will be your sufferings«
»Weak man pass but this night and how dreadful will be your own Do you
remember what you have already endured Tomorrow you must bear torments doubly
exquisite Do you remember the horrors of a fiery punishment In two days you
must be led a victim to the stake What then will become of you Still dare you
hope for pardon Still are you beguiled with visions of salvation Think upon
your crimes Think upon your lust your perjury inhumanity and hypocrisy
Think upon the innocent blood which cries to the throne of God for vengeance
and then hope for mercy Then dream of heaven and sigh for worlds of light and
realms of peace and pleasure Absurd Open your eyes Ambrosio and be prudent
Hell is your lot you are doomed to eternal perdition nought lies beyond your
grave but a gulph of devouring flames And will you then speed towards that
hell Will you clasp that perdition in your arms ere tis needful Will you
plunge into those flames while you still have the power to shun them Tis a
madmans action No no Ambrosio let us for a while fly from divine vengeance
Be advised by me purchase by one moments courage the bliss of years enjoy the
present and forget that a future lags behind«
»Matilda your counsels are dangerous I dare not I will not follow them I
must not give up my claim to salvation Monstrous are my crimes but God is
merciful and I will not despair of pardon«
»Is such your resolution I have no more to say I speed to joy and liberty
and abandon you to death and eternal torments«
»Yet stay one moment Matilda You command the infernal dæmons you can
force open these prison doors you can release me from these chains which weigh
me down Save me I conjure you and bear me from these fearful abodes«
»You ask the only boon beyond my power to bestow I am forbidden to assist a
churchman and a partisan of God Renounce those titles and command me«
»I will not sell my soul to perdition«
»Persist in your obstinacy till you find yourself at the stake then will
you repent your error and sigh for escape when the moment is gone by I quit
you Yet ere the hour of death arrives should wisdom enlighten you listen to
the means of repairing your present fault I leave with you this book Read the
four first lines of the 7th page backwards The spirit whom you have already
once beheld will immediately appear to you If you are wise we shall meet
again if not farewell for ever«
She let the book fall upon the ground A cloud of blue fire wrapped itself
round her She waved her hand to Ambrosio and disappeared The momentary glare
which the flames poured through the dungeon on dissipating suddenly seemed to
have increased its natural gloom The solitary lamp scarcely gave light
sufficient to guide the monk to a chair He threw himself into his seat folded
his arms and leaning his head upon the table sank into reflections perplexing
and unconnected
He was still in this attitude when the opening of the prison door roused
him from his stupor He was summoned to appear before the Grand Inquisitor He
rose and followed his gaoler with painful steps He was led into the same hall
placed before the same examiners and was again interrogated whether he would
confess He replied as before that having no crimes he could acknowledge
none But when the executioners prepared to put him to the question when he saw
the engines of torture and remembered the pangs which they had already
inflicted his resolution failed him entirely Forgetting the consequences and
only anxious to escape the terrors of the present moment he made an ample
confession He disclosed every circumstance of his guilt and owned not merely
the crimes with which he was charged but those of which he had never been
suspected Being interrogated as to Matildas flight which had created much
confusion he confessed that she had sold herself to Satan and that she was
indebted to sorcery for her escape He still assured his judges that for his
own part he had never entered into any compact with the infernal spirits but
the threat of being tortured made him declare himself to be a sorcerer and
heretic and whatever other title the inquisitors chose to fix upon him In
consequence of this avowal his sentence was immediately pronounced He was
ordered to prepare himself to perish in the Auto da Fé which was to be
solemnized at twelve oclock that night This hour was chosen from the idea
that the horror of the flames being heightened by the gloom of midnight the
execution would have a greater effect upon the mind of the people
Ambrosio rather dead than alive was left alone in his dungeon The moment
in which this terrible decree was pronounced had nearly proved that of his
dissolution He looked forward to the morrow with despair and his terrors
increased with the approach of midnight Sometimes he was buried in gloomy
silence at others he raved with delirious passion wrung his hands and cursed
the hour when he first beheld the light In one of these moments his eye rested
upon Matildas mysterious gift His transports of rage were instantly suspended
He looked earnestly at the book he took it up but immediately threw it from
him with horror He walked rapidly up and down his dungeon then stopped and
again fixed his eyes on the spot where the book had fallen He reflected that
here at least was a resource from the fate which he dreaded He stooped and
took it up a second time He remained for some time trembling and irresolute
he longed to try the charm yet feared its consequences The recollection of his
sentence at length fixed his indecision He opened the volume but his agitation
was so great that he at first sought in vain for the page mentioned by Matilda
Ashamed of himself he called all his courage to his aid He turned to the
seventh leaf he began to read it aloud but his eyes frequently wandered from
the book while he anxiously cast them round in search of the spirit whom he
wished yet dreaded to behold Still he persisted in his design and with a
voice unassured and frequent interruptions he contrived to finish the four
first lines of the page
They were in a language whose import was totally unknown to him Scarce had
he pronounced the last word when the effects of the charm were evident A loud
burst of thunder was heard the prison shook to its very foundations a blaze of
lightning flashed through the cell and in the next moment borne upon
sulphurous whirlwinds Lucifer stood before him a second time But he came not
as when at Matildas summons he borrowed the seraphs form to deceive Ambrosio
He appeared in all that ugliness which since his fall from heaven had been his
portion His blasted limbs still bore marks of the Almightys thunder A swarthy
darkness spread itself over his gigantic form his hands and feet were armed
with long talons Fury glared in his eyes which might have struck the bravest
heart with terror Over his huge shoulders waved two enormous sable wings and
his hair was supplied by living snakes which twined themselves round his brows
with frightful hissings In one hand he held a roll of parchment and in the
other an iron pen Still the lightning flashed around him and the thunder with
repeated bursts seemed to announce the dissolution of Nature.
Terrified at an apparition so different from what he had expected Ambrosio
remained gazing upon the fiend deprived of the power of utterance The thunder
had ceased to roll universal silence reigned through the dungeon
»For what am I summoned hither« said the dæmon in a voice which sulphurous
fogs had damped to hoarseness
At the sound Nature seemed to tremble A violent earthquake rocked the
ground accompanied by a fresh burst of thunder louder and more appalling than
the first
Ambrosio was long unable to answer the dæmons demand
»I am condemned to die« he said with a faint voice his blood running cold
while he gazed upon his dreadful visitor »Save me bear me from hence«
»Shall the reward of my services be paid me Dare you embrace my cause Will
you be mine body and soul Are you prepared to renounce him who made you and
him who died for you Answer but Yes and Lucifer is your slave«
»Will no less price content you Can nothing satisfy you but my eternal
ruin Spirit you ask too much Yet convey me from this dungeon Be my servant
for one hour and I will be yours for a thousand years Will not this offer
suffice«
»It will not I must have your soul must have it mine and mine for ever«
»Insatiate dæmon I will not doom myself to endless torments I will not
give up my hopes of being one day pardoned«
»You will not On what chimæra rest then your hopes Shortsighted mortal
Miserable wretch Are you not guilty Are you not infamous in the eyes of men
and angels Can such enormous sins be forgiven Hope you to escape my power
Your fate is already pronounced The Eternal has abandoned you Mine you are
marked in the book of destiny and mine you must and shall be«
»Fiend tis false Infinite is the Almightys mercy and the penitent shall
meet his forgiveness My crimes are monstrous but I will not despair of pardon
Haply when they have received due chastisement «
»Chastisement Was purgatory meant for guilt like yours Hope you that your
offences shall be bought off by prayers of superstitious dotards and droning
monks Ambrosio be wise Mine you must be You are doomed to flames but may
shun them for the present Sign this parchment I will bear you from hence and
you may pass your remaining years in bliss and liberty Enjoy your existence
Indulge in every pleasure to which appetite may lead you But from the moment
that it quits your body remember that your soul belongs to me and that I will
not be defrauded of my right«
The monk was silent but his looks declared that the tempters words were
not thrown away He reflected on the conditions proposed with horror On the
other hand he believed himself doomed to perdition and that by refusing the
dæmons succour he only hastened tortures which he never could escape The
fiend saw that his resolution was shaken He renewed his instances and
endeavoured to fix the abbots indecision He described the agonies of death in
the most terrific colours and he worked so powerfully upon Ambrosios despair
and fears that he prevailed upon him to receive the parchment He then struck
the iron pen which he held into a vein of the monks left hand It pierced deep
and was instantly filled with blood yet Ambrosio felt no pain from the wound
The pen was put into his hand it trembled The wretch placed the parchment on
the table before him and prepared to sign it Suddenly he held his hand he
started away hastily and threw the pen upon the table
»What am I doing« he cried Then turning to the fiend with a desperate air
»Leave me begone I will not sign the parchment«
»Fool« exclaimed the disappointed dæmon darting looks so furious as
penetrated the friars soul with horror »Thus am I trifled with Go then Rave
in agony expire in tortures and then learn the extent of the Eternals mercy
But beware how you make me again your mock Call me no more till resolved to
accept my offers Summon me a second time to dismiss me thus idly and these
talons shall rend you into a thousand pieces Speak yet again will you sign the
parchment«
»I will not Leave me Away«
Instantly the thunder was heard to roll horribly once more the earth
trembled with violence the dungeon resounded with loud shrieks and the dæmon
fled with blasphemy and curses
At first the monk rejoiced at having resisted the seducers arts and
obtained a triumph over mankinds enemy but as the hour of punishment drew
near his former terrors revived in his heart Their momentary repose seemed to
have given them fresh vigour The nearer that the time approached the more did
he dread appearing before the throne of God He shuddered to think how soon he
must be plunged into eternity how soon meet the eyes of his Creator whom he
had so grievously offended The bell announced midnight It was the signal for
being led to the stake As he listened to the first stroke the blood ceased to
circulate in the abbots veins He heard death and torture murmured in each
succeeding sound He expected to see the archers entering his prison and as the
bell forbore to toll he seized the magic volume in a fit of despair He opened
it turned hastily to the seventh page and as if fearing to allow himself a
moments thought ran over the fatal lines with rapidity Accompanied by his
former terrors Lucifer again stood before the trembler
»You have summoned me« said the fiend »Are you determined to be wise Will
you accept my conditions You know them already Renounce your claim to
salvation make over to me your soul and I bear you from this dungeon
instantly Yet is it time Resolve or it will be too late Will you sign the
parchment«
»I must Fate urges me I accept your conditions«
»Sign the parchment« replied the dæmon in an exulting tone
The contract and the bloody pen still lay upon the table Ambrosio drew near
it He prepared to sign his name A moments reflection made him hesitate
»Hark« cried the tempter »they come Be quick Sign the parchment and I
bear you from hence this moment«
In effect the archers were heard approaching appointed to lead Ambrosio to
the stake The sound encouraged the monk in his resolution
»What is the import of this writing« said he
»It makes your soul over to me for ever and without reserve«
»What am I to receive in exchange«
»My protection and release from this dungeon Sign it and this instant I
bear you away«
Ambrosio took up the pen He set it to the parchment Again his courage
failed him He felt a pang of terror at his heart and once more threw the pen
upon the table
»Weak and puerile« cried the exasperated fiend »Away with this folly Sign
the writing this instant or I sacrifice you to my rage«
At this moment the bolt of the outward door was drawn back The prisoner
heard the rattling of chains the heavy bar fell the archers were on the point
of entering Worked up to phrensy by the urgent danger shrinking from the
approach of death terrified by the dæmons threats and seeing no other means
to escape destruction the wretched monk complied He signed the fatal contract
and gave it hastily into the evil spirits hands whose eyes as he received the
gift glared with malicious rapture
»Take it« said the Godabandoned »Now then save me Snatch me from hence«
»Hold Do you freely and absolutely renounce your Creator and his Son«
»I do I do«
»Do you make over your soul to me for ever«
»For ever«
»Without reserve or subterfuge without future appeal to the divine mercy«
The last chain fell from the door of the prison The key was heard turning
in the lock Already the iron door grated heavily upon its rusty hinges
»I am yours for ever and irrevocably« cried the monk wild with terror »I
abandon all claim to salvation I own no power but yours Hark hark they come
Oh save me bear me away«
»I have triumphed You are mine past reprieve and I fulfil my promise«
While he spoke the door unclosed Instantly the dæmon grasped one of
Ambrosios arms spread his broad pinions and sprang with him into the air The
roof opened as they soared upwards and closed again when they had quitted the
dungeon
In the mean while the gaoler was thrown into the utmost surprise by the
disappearance of his prisoner Though neither he nor the archers were in time to
witness the monks escape a sulphurous smell prevailing through the prison
sufficiently informed them by whose aid he had been liberated They hastened to
make their report to the Grand Inquisitor The story how a sorcerer had been
carried away by the Devil was soon noised about Madrid and for some days the
whole city was employed in discussing the subject Gradually it ceased to be the
topic of conversation Other adventures arose whose novelty engaged universal
attention and Ambrosio was soon forgotten as totally as if he never had
existed While this was passing the monk supported by his infernal guide
traversed the air with the rapidity of an arrow and a few moments placed him
upon a precipices brink the steepest in Sierra Morena
Though rescued from the Inquisition Ambrosio as yet was insensible of the
blessings of liberty The damning contract weighed heavy upon his mind and the
scenes in which he had been a principal actor had left behind them such
impressions as rendered his heart the seat of anarchy and confusion The objects
now before his eyes and which the full moon sailing through clouds permitted
him to examine were ill calculated to inspire that calm of which he stood so
much in need The disorder of his imagination was increased by the wildness of
the surrounding scenery by the gloomy caverns and steep rocks rising above
each other and dividing the passing clouds solitary clusters of trees
scattered here and there among whose thicktwined branches the wind of night
sighed hoarsely and mournfully the shrill cry of mountain eagles who had built
their nests among these lonely deserts the stunning roar of torrents as
swelled by late rains they rushed violently down tremendous precipices and the
dark waters of a silent sluggish stream which faintly reflected the moonbeams
and bathed the rocks base on which Ambrosio stood The abbot cast round him a
look of terror His infernal conductor was still by his side and eyed him with
a look of mingled malice exultation and contempt
»Whither have you brought me« said the monk at length in an hollow
trembling voice »Why am I placed in this melancholy scene Bear me from it
quickly Carry me to Matilda«
The fiend replied not but continued to gaze upon him in silence Ambrosio
could not sustain his glance he turned away his eyes while thus spoke the
dæmon
»I have him then in my power This model of piety this being without
reproach this mortal who placed his puny virtues on a level with those of
angels He is mine irrevocably eternally mine Companions of my sufferings
denizens of hell How grateful will be my present«
He paused then addressed himself to the monk
»Carry you to Matilda« he continued repeating Ambrosios words »Wretch
you shall soon be with her You well deserve a place near her for hell boasts
no miscreant more guilty than yourself Hark Ambrosio while I unveil your
crimes You have shed the blood of two innocents Antonia and Elvira perished by
your hand That Antonia whom you violated was your sister that Elvira whom you
murdered gave you birth Tremble abandoned hypocrite inhuman parricide
incestuous ravisher tremble at the extent of your offences And you it was who
thought yourself proof against temptation absolved from human frailties and
free from error and vice Is pride then a virtue Is inhumanity no fault Know
vain man that I long have marked you for my prey I watched the movements of
your heart I saw that you were virtuous from vanity not principle and I
seized the fit moment of seduction I observed your blind idolatry of the
Madonas picture I bade a subordinate but crafty spirit assume a similar form
and you eagerly yielded to the blandishments of Matilda Your pride was
gratified by her flattery your lust only needed an opportunity to break forth
you ran into the snare blindly and scrupled not to commit a crime which you
blamed in another with unfeeling severity It was I who threw Matilda in your
way it was I who gave you entrance to Antonias chamber it was I who caused
the dagger to be given you which pierced your sisters bosom and it was I who
warned Elvira in dreams of your designs upon her daughter and thus by
preventing your profiting by her sleep compelled you to add rape as well as
incest to the catalogue of your crimes Hear hear Ambrosio Had you resisted
me one minute longer you had saved your body and soul The guards whom you
heard at your prisondoor came to signify your pardon But I had already
triumphed my plots had already succeeded Scarcely could I propose crimes so
quick as you performed them You are mine and Heaven itself cannot rescue you
from my power Hope not that your penitence will make void our contract Here is
your bond signed with your blood you have given up your claim to mercy and
nothing can restore to you the rights which you have foolishly resigned Believe
you that your secret thoughts escaped me No no I read them all You trusted
that you should still have time for repentance I saw your artifice knew its
falsity and rejoiced in deceiving the deceiver You are mine beyond reprieve I
burn to possess my right and alive you quit not these mountains«
During the dæmons speech Ambrosio had been stupefied by terror and
surprise This last declaration roused him
»Not quit these mountains alive« he exclaimed »Perfidious what mean you
Have you forgotten our contract«
The fiend answered by a malicious laugh
»Our contract Have I not performed my part What more did I promise than to
save you from your prison Have I not done so Are you not safe from the
Inquisition safe from all but from me Fool that you were to confide yourself
to a devil Why did you not stipulate for life and power and pleasure Then
all would have been granted now your reflections come too late Miscreant
prepare for death you have not many hours to live«
On hearing this sentence dreadful were the feelings of the devoted wretch
He sank upon his knees and raised his hands towards heaven The fiend read his
intention and prevented it
»What« he cried darting at him a look of fury »Dare you still implore the
Eternals mercy Would you feign penitence and again act an hypocrites part
Villain resign your hopes of pardon Thus I secure my prey«
As he said this darting his talons into the monks shaven crown he sprang
with him from the rock The caves and mountains rang with Ambrosios shrieks
The dæmon continued to soar aloft till reaching a dreadful height he released
the sufferer Headlong fell the monk through the airy waste the sharp point of
a rock received him and he rolled from precipice to precipice till bruised
and mangled he rested on the rivers banks Life still existed in his miserable
frame he attempted in vain to raise himself his broken and dislocated limbs
refused to perform their office nor was he able to quit the spot where he had
first fallen The sun now rose above the horizon its scorching beams darted
full upon the head of the expiring sinner Myriads of insects were called forth
by the warmth they drank the blood which trickled from Ambrosios wounds he
had no power to drive them from him and they fastened upon his sores darted
their stings into his body covered him with their multitudes and inflicted on
him tortures the most exquisite and insupportable The eagles of the rock tore
his flesh piecemeal and dug out his eyeballs with their crooked beaks A
burning thirst tormented him he heard the rivers murmur as it rolled beside
him but strove in vain to drag himself towards the sound Blind maimed
helpless and despairing venting his rage in blasphemy and curses execrating
his existence yet dreading the arrival of death destined to yield him up to
greater torments six miserable days did the villain languish On the seventh a
violent storm arose the winds in fury rent up rocks and forests the sky was
now black with clouds now sheeted with fire the rain fell in torrents it
swelled the stream the waves overflowed their banks they reached the spot
where Ambrosio lay and when they abated carried with them into the river the
corse of the despairing monk
1 The cientipedoro is supposed to be a native of Cuba and to have been brought
into Spain from that island in the vessel of Columbus