 if I had a tolerable education, because
learning was so cheap in my country, that every peasant was a scholar; but I
hoped her ladyship would think my understanding no exception to my character. -
She was pleased to answer, »No, no, God forbid.« - But during the rest of the
time they sat at table, they behaved with remarkable reserve.
    This alteration gave me much uneasiness; and, I passed the night without
sleep, in melancholy reflections on the vanity of young men, which prompts them
to commit so many foolish actions, contrary to their own sober judgment. - Next
day, however, instead of profiting by this self-condemnation, I yielded still
more to the dictates of the principle I had endeavoured to chastize, and if
fortune had not befriended me more than prudence could expect, I should have
been treated with the contempt I deserved. - After breakfast, my lady, who was a
true author, bid me follow her into the study, where she expressed herself thus:
»Since you are so learned, you cannot be void of taste; therefore I am to desire
your opinion of a small performance in poetry, which I lately composed. - You
must know, I have planned a tragedy, the subject of which shall be the murder of
a prince before the altar, where he is busy at his devotions. - After the deed
is perpetrated, the regicide will harrangue the people, with the bloody dagger
in his hand; and I have already composed a speech, which I think will suit the
character extremely. - Here it is.« - Then taking up a scrape of paper, she read
with violent emphasis and gesture, as follows:
 
»Thus have I sent the simple king to hell,
Without or coffin, shroud, or passing-bell: -
To me, what are divine and human laws?
I court no sanction but my own applause!
Rapes, robb'ries, treasons yield my soul delight;
And human carnage gratifies my sight:
I drag the parent by the hoary hair,
And toss the sprawling infant on my spear,
While the fond mother's cries regale mine ear.
I fight, I vanquish, murder friends and foes;
Nor dare th' immortal gods my rage oppose.«
 
Though I did great violence to my understanding in praising this unnatural
rhapsody, I nevertheless extolled it as a production that of itself deserved
immortal fame; and beseeched her ladyship to bless the world with the fruits of
those uncommon talents heaven had bestowed upon her. - She smiled with a look of
self-
