 severe
rules of modesty by advancing first; but passion at last got the better of my
respect, and I resolved to make one bold attempt, whatever was the consequence.
Accordingly, laying hold of the first kind opportunity, when she was alone and
my master abroad, I stoutly assailed the citadel and carried it by storm. Well
may I say by storm; for the resistance I met was extremely resolute, and indeed
as much as the most perfect decency would require. She swore often she would cry
out for help; but I answered it was in vain, seeing there was no person near to
assist her; and probably she believed me, for she did not once actually cry out,
which if she had, I might very likely have been prevented.«
    »When she found her virtue thus subdued against her will she patiently
submitted to her fate, and quietly suffered me a long time to enjoy the most
delicious fruits of my victory; but envious fortune resolved to make me pay a
dear price for my pleasure. One day in the midst of our happiness we were
suddenly surprized by the unexpected return of her husband, who, coming directly
into his wife's apartment, just allowed me time to creep under the bed. The
disorder in which he found his wife might have surprized a jealous temper; but
his was so far otherwise, that possibly no mischief might have happened had he
not by a cross accident discovered my legs, which were not well hid. He
immediately drew me out by them, and then, turning to his wife with a stern
countenance, began to handle a weapon he wore by his side, with which I am
persuaded he would have instantly despatched her, had I not very gallantly, and
with many imprecations, asserted her innocence and my own guilt; which, however,
I protested had hitherto gone no farther than design. She so well seconded my
plea (for she was a woman of wonderful art), that he was at length imposed upon;
and now all his rage was directed against me, threatening all manner of
tortures, which the poor lady was in too great a fright and confusion to
dissuade him from executing; and perhaps, if her concern for me had made her
attempt it, it would have raised a jealousy in him not afterwards to be
removed.«
    »After some hesitation Rodoric cried out he had luckily hit on the most
proper punishment for me in the world, by a method which would at once do severe
justice on me for my criminal intention, and at the same time prevent me from
any danger of executing
