EPISODE FilOM AX UNPUBLISHED NOVEL. 315 



the world, but were the incontrovertible result of those facts which 

 experience proved were invariable. If I pursued my projects of re- 

 venge, though no man could precisely tell who must be the first 

 victim, it was highly probable there might at least be three the 



Earl of P , his son, and myself so inflamed arid sanguinary were 



all our hearts. From the state of Lady Elizabeth's mind, there could 

 be no doubt but that she would be a fourth. He allowed, that, ac- 

 cording to the present erroneous opinions of men, I could not live 

 loaded as I was with dishonour that is, not in England. But would 

 not a wise and good man rather banish himself to a desert island, 

 than be one of the chief actors in crimes of so deep a die, as those in 

 contemplation ? Neither must I forget, that, if I appealed to the 

 opinions of the world, the world would pronounce me the aggressor. 

 I had had fair warning given me by my enemies, while they were 

 my friends : they accused me of treacherously using friendship as a 

 cloak; and their sense of injury was, to the full, as deep as mine. 

 They had begun a course of vengeance, which they meant should end 

 in sanguinary horrors ; but this was, in their opinion, a just and ne- 

 cessary retaliation for an indelible injury. 



In addition to these considerations, there was one of an infinitely 

 more awful, or, rather, dreadful nature. Were there any possible 

 motives that could justify a man who, for the gratification of revenge, 

 or in compliance with the false prejudices of the world, should risk 

 the salvation of his soul ? If I and my enemies should meet, it would 

 be for the purpose of mutual destruction. Passion induces men to 

 acts of madness : but was there on earth a wretch so audacious, as 

 consciously to rush into the presence of the Almighty, having his 

 spirit inflamed with rage, and his hands steeped in blood? The 

 reverend man dropped on his knees clasped his hands raised his 

 eyes to heaven and thus continued: " Eternal Father of Mercies, 

 hear my prayer ! Let not such things be. Oh, save this youth from 

 the dangers into which passion has plunged him : and though on 

 earth his sufferings must be great, let them be the sufferings of con- 

 stant virtue, such as shall hereafter meet a heavenly reward !" 



The repeated discourses of this truly rational and pious divine at 

 length made all the impression which he himself could hope ; sub- 

 ject, however, to such modifications as my own ideas of what honour 

 demanded, imposed. The strongest reasons do not always sway the 

 most. I felt well convinced that the pursuit of revenge, however it 

 might end, would be fatal to my beloved bride. The dreadful 

 oppression of spirits under which I saw her labour, required that her 

 mind should immediately have some ease ; nothing less could restore 

 her to health ; when therefore I had formed my resolution, she was 

 made acquainted with it immediately. This resolution was to change 

 my name, relinquish my rank, conceal myself for ever from all who 

 knew me, and, that it might be done effectually, to seek refuge in 

 come foreign and far distant land. 



Cruel as this alternative was, the relief it gave her was inexpressible ; 

 she clasped me in her arms, pressed me to her bosom, and kissed me 

 with a warmth of affection that still thrills through my veins when- 



