 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 Inquisition's 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 God's 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 newly-gained 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 monk
