 extremes,
suggested by appetite and cruelty. This base resolution, however, was opposed by
a young officer, who, tho' their retreat required the utmost expedition, placed
her behind him, and brought her in safety to his native city. Her beauty at
first caught his eye, her merit soon after his heart. They were married; he rose
to the highest posts; they lived long together, and were happy. But the felicity
of a soldier can never be called permanent: after an interval of several years,
the troops which he commanded having met with a repulse, he was obliged to take
shelter in the city where he had lived with his wife. Here they suffered a
siege, and the city at length was taken. Few histories can produce more various
instances of cruelty, than those which the French and Italians at that time
exercised upon each other. It was resolved by the victors, upon this occasion,
to put all the French prisoners to death; but particularly the husband of the
unfortunate Matilda, as he was principally instrumental in protracting the
siege. Their determinations were, in general, executed almost as soon as
resolved upon. The captive soldier was led forth, and the executioner, with his
sword, stood ready, while the spectators in gloomy silence awaited the fatal
blow, which was only suspended till the general, who presided as judge, should
give the signal. It was in this interval of anguish and expectation, that
Matilda came to take her last farewell of her husband and deliverer, deploring
her wretched situation, and the cruelty of fate, that had saved her from
perishing by a premature death in the river Volturna, to be the spectator of
still greater calamities. The general, who was a young man, was struck with
surprize at her beauty, and pity at her distress; but with still stronger
emotions when he heard her mention her former dangers. He was her son, the
infant for whom she had encounter'd so much danger. He acknowledged her at once
as his mother, and fell at her feet. The rest may be easily supposed: the
captive was set free, and all the happiness that love, friendship, and duty
could confer on each, were united.«
    In this manner I would attempt to amuse my daughter; but she listened with
divided attention; for her own misfortunes engrossed all the pity she once had
for those of another, and nothing gave her ease. In company she dreaded
contempt; and in solitude she only found anxiety. Such was the colour of her
wretchedness, when we received certain information, that
