 in∣flicted for no greater fault. Nor could I ever hope to quit the island, as the con∣sent of the Governor depended on that of Mortimer. The sense of undeserved op∣pression thus corroded my very soul, and prepared me for the incident which at last nerved my arm against the tyrant.
Meanwhile the base accomplices of his pleasures and his crimes, assumed a so∣vereignty over the miserable slaves, which they exercised till invention was exhausted in cruelty and oppression. In vain my nature shrunk at the sight of calamities I knew not how to remedy: unable to quit the island, or recover my money, two years, elapsed in fruitless, and sometimes desperate projects. I saw the persecuted slaves ripe for rebellion, and only waiting

a favourable moment to rise and sacrifice their train of oppressors; and though I did not purpose to join the confederacy, I concealed it with a sullen satisfaction, till the day which at once determined my conduct. Need I say it was that which brought you thither? When I saw you alike irradiated by innocence and beauty, led into those unhallowed walls—when I saw the tear of misfortune fall on your beauteous babe, like the spring's chaste dews upon the early blossom, I was per∣suaded your nature intuitively shuddered at the monster; and I swore to preserve you at the hazard of my life; nay even at the moment hope should be annihilated in your heart. I joined at once in the conspiracy, the hands were ready, the head alone had been wanting. By various artifices I procured arms for the slaves, and fixed the insurrection on the day appoint∣ed for your marriage, as that on which Mortimer and his favourites would be wholly occupied, and of course unguard∣ed. The hand of Heaven surely guided all our operations. The various villains

have atoned (as far at least as life can atone) for their complicated iniquities. But, alas! Madam, I did not sufficiently look into consequences. It is dangerous to arm the enraged and the ignorant. I know, too late, your life and mine de∣pends on a frail tenure, and only solemn∣ly assure you, while mine lasts, yours shall be safe. These uninformed, despe∣rate wretches, with whom we are sur∣rounded, are not the simple happy beings injurious tyranny first found them. In∣flicted cruelty has hardened their hearts, and the sight of untasted luxuries cor∣rupted them. Their own wants have in∣creased with the knowledge of other peo∣ples enjoyments, and what they greatly de∣sire, they have learnt to go any lengths to attain. Why should I conceal from, you that your only prospect of safety is the hope of being
