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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10318 ***
+
+DAMON
+
+AND
+
+DELIA:
+
+A TALE.
+
+--NEQUE SEMPER ARCUM
+TENDIT APOLLO.         HOR.
+
+LONDON:
+PRINTED  FOR T. HOOKHAM, AT HIS CIRCULATING
+LIBRARY, NEW BOND-STEET, CORNER
+OF BRUTON-STREET.
+M,DCC,LXXXIV.
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+PART the FIRST.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+_Containing introductory Matter._
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+_A Ball_
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+_A Ghost._
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+_A love Scene._
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+_A Man of Humour._
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+_Containing some Specimens of Heroism._
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+_Containing that with which the Reader will be acquainted when he has
+read it._
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+_Two Persons of Fashion._
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+_A tragical Resolution._
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+PART the SECOND.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+_In which the Story begins over again_.
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+_The History of Mr. Godfrey_.
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+_A Misanthrope_.
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+_Much ado about nothing_.
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+_A Woman of learning_.
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+_A Catastrophe_.
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+_Containing what will terrify the Reader_.
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+_A Denouement_.
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+_Which dismisses the Reader_.
+
+
+
+
+
+DAMON
+
+AND
+
+DELIA.
+
+
+PART the FIRST.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+_Containing introductory matter_.
+
+
+The races at Southampton have, for time immemorial, constituted a scene of
+rivalship, war, and envy. All the passions incident to the human frame
+have here assumed as true a scope, as in the more noisy and more tragical
+contentions of statesmen and warriors. Here nature has displayed her most
+hidden attractions, and art has furnished out the artillery of beauty.
+Here the coquet has surprised, and the love-sick nymph has sapped the
+heart of the unwary swain. The scene has been equally sought by the bolder
+and more haughty, as by the timid sex. Here the foxhunter has sought a new
+subject of his boast in the _nonchalance_ of _dishabille_; the
+peer has played off the dazzling charms of a coronet and a star; and the
+_petit maître_ has employed the anxious niceties of dress.
+
+Of all the beauties in this brilliant circle, she, who was incomparably
+the most celebrated, was the graceful Delia. Her person, though not
+absolutely tall, had an air of dignity. Her form was bewitching, and her
+neck was alabaster. Her cheeks glowed with the lovely vermilion of nature,
+her mouth was small and pouting, her lips were coral, and her teeth whiter
+than the driven snow. Her forehead was bold, high, and polished, her
+eyebrows were arched, and from beneath them her fine blue eyes shone with
+intelligence, and sparkled with heedless gaiety. Her hair was of the
+brightest auburn, it was in the greatest abundance, and when, unfettered
+by the ligaments of fashion, it flowed about her shoulders and her lovely
+neck, it presented the most ravishing object that can possibly be
+imagined.
+
+With all this beauty, it Cannot be supposed but that Delia was followed by
+a train of admirers. The celebrated Mr. Prattle, for whom a thousand fair
+ones cracked their fans and tore their caps, was one of the first to
+enlist himself among her adorers. Squire Savage, the fox-hunter, who, like
+Hippolitus of old, chased the wily fox and timid hare, and had never yet
+acknowledged the empire of beauty, was subdued by the artless sweetness of
+Delia. Nay, it has been reported, that the incomparable lord Martin, a
+peer of ten thousand pounds a year, had made advances to her father. It is
+true, his lordship was scarcely four feet three inches in stature, his
+belly was prominent, one leg was half a foot shorter, and one shoulder
+half a foot higher than the other. His temper was as crooked as his shape;
+the sight of a happy human being would give him the spleen; and no mortal
+man could long reside under the same roof with him. But in spite of these
+trifling imperfections, it has been confidently affirmed, that some of the
+haughtiest beauties of Hampshire would have been proud of his alliance.
+
+Thus assailed with all the temptations that human nature could furnish, it
+might naturally be supposed, that Delia had long since resigned her heart.
+But in this conjecture, however natural, the reader will find himself
+mistaken. She seemed as coy as Daphne, and as cold as Diana. She diverted
+herself indeed with the insignificant loquaciousness of Mr. Prattle, and
+the aukward gallantry of the Squire; but she never bestowed upon either a
+serious thought. And for lord Martin, who was indisputably allowed to be
+the best match in the county, she could not bear to hear him named with
+patience, and she always turned pale at the sight of him.
+
+But Delia was not destined always to laugh at the darts of Cupid. Mrs.
+Bridget her waiting maid, delighted to run over the list of her adorers,
+and she was much more eloquent and more copious upon the subject than we
+have been. When her mistress received the mention of each with gay
+indifference, Mrs. Bridget would close the dialogue, and with a sagacious
+look, and a shake of her head, would tell the lovely Delia, that the
+longer it was before her time came, the more surely and the more deeply
+she would be caught at last. And to say truth, the wisest philosopher
+might have joined in the verdict of the sage Bridget. There was a softness
+in the temper of Delia, that seemed particularly formed for the tender
+passion. The voice of misery never assailed her ear in vain. Her purse was
+always open to the orphan, the maimed, and the sick. After reading a
+tender tale of love, the intricacies of the Princess of Cleves, the soft
+distress of Sophia Western, or the more modern story of the Sorrows of
+Werter, her gentle breast would heave with sighs, and her eye, suffused
+with tears, confess a congenial spirit.
+
+The father of Delia--let the reader drop a tear over this blot in our
+little narrative--had once been a tradesman. He was naturally phlegmatic,
+methodical, and avaricious. His ear was formed to relish better the hoarse
+voice of an exchange broker, than the finest tones of Handel's organ. He
+found something much more agreeable and interesting in the perusal of his
+ledger and his day book, than in the scenes of Shakespeare, or the
+elegance of Addison. With this disposition, he had notwithstanding, when
+age had chilled the vigour of his limbs, and scattered her snow over those
+hairs which had escaped the hands of the barber, resigned his shop, and
+retired to enjoy the fruits of his industry. It is as natural for a
+tradesman in modern times to desire to die in the tranquillity of a
+gentleman, as it was for the Saxon kings of the Heptarchy to act the same
+inevitable scene amidst the severities of a cloister.
+
+The old gentleman however found, and it is not impossible that some of his
+brethren may have found it before him, when the great transaction was
+irretrievably over, that retirement and indolence did not constitute the
+situation for which either nature or habit had fitted him. It has been
+observed by some of those philosophers who have made the human mind the
+object of their study, that idleness is often the mother of love. It might
+indeed have been supposed, that Mr. Hartley, for that was his name, by
+having attained the age of sixty, might have outlived every danger of this
+kind. But opportunity and temptation supplied that, which might have been
+deficient on the side of nature.
+
+Within a little mile of the mansion in which he had taken up his retreat,
+resided two ancient maiden ladies. Under cover of the venerable age to
+which they had attained, they had laid aside many of those modes which
+coyness and modesty have prescribed to their sex. The visits of a man were
+avowedly as welcome to them, and indeed much more so, than those of a
+woman. Their want of attractions either external or mental, had indeed
+hindered the circle of their acquaintance from being very extensive; but
+there were some, as well as Mr. Hartley, who preferred the company of
+ugliness, censoriousness and ill nature to solitude.
+
+Such were the Miss Cranley's, the name of the elder of whom was Amelia,
+and that of the younger Sophia. Miss Amelia was nominally forty, and her
+sister thirty years of age. Perhaps if we stated the matter more
+accurately, we should rate the elder at fifty-six, and the younger
+somewhere about fifty. They both of them were masculine in their
+behaviour, and studious in their disposition. Miss Amelia, delighted in
+the study of theology; she disputed with the curate, maintained a godly
+correspondence with a neighbouring cobler, and was even said to be
+preparing a pamphlet in defence of the dogmas of Mr. Whitfield. Miss
+Sophia, who will make a much more considerable figure in this history, was
+altogether as indefatigable in the study of politics, as her sister was in
+that of theology. She adhered indeed to none of our political parties, for
+she suspected and despised them all. My lord North she treated as stupid,
+sleepy, and void of personal principle. Mr. Fox was a brawling gamester,
+devoid of all attachments but that of ambition, and who treated the mob
+with flattery and contempt. Mr. Burke was a Jesuit in disguise, who under
+the most specious professions, was capable of the blackest and meanest
+actions. For her own part she was a steady republican. That couplet of Dr.
+Garth was continually in her mouth,
+
+
+          _From my very soul I hate,
+           All kings and ministers of state._
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+_A Ball._
+
+
+Thus much it was necessary to premise, in order to acquaint the reader
+with the situation of our heroine, and that of some other personages in
+this history. Having discharged this task, we will return to the point
+from which we set out.
+
+It was at one of the balls at the races at Southampton--the company was
+already assembled. The card tables were set, and our maiden ladies,
+together with many other venerable pieces of antiquity, were assembled
+around them. In another and more spacious room, appeared all that
+Southampton could boast of youth and beauty. The squire and his sister,
+Mr. Prattle, and lord Martin, formed a part of the company. The first
+bustle was nearly composed, when Damon entered the assembly.
+
+He appeared to be a stranger to every body present. And, as he is equally
+a stranger to our readers, we will now announce him in proper form. Damon
+appeared to be about twenty years of age. His person was tall, and his
+limbs slender and well formed. His dress was elegance itself. His coat was
+ornamented with a profusion of lace, and the diamond sparkled in his shoe.
+His countenance was manly and erect. There appeared in it a noble
+confidence, which the spectator would at first sight ascribe to dignity of
+birth, and a perfect familiarity with whatever is elegant and polite. This
+confidence however had not the least alloy of _hauteur_, his eye
+expressed the most open sensibility and the kindest sympathy.
+
+There is something undescribably interesting in the figure we have
+delineated. The moment our hero entered the room, the attention of every
+person present was fixed upon him. The master of the ceremonies
+immediately advanced, and escorted him to the most honourable seat that
+yet remained vacant. While Damon examined with an eager eye the gay
+parterre of beauty that appeared before him, a general whisper was excited
+upon his account. "Who is he?" "Who is he?" echoed from every corner of
+the room. But while curiosity was busy in his enquiries, there was not an
+individual capable of satisfying them.
+
+The business of every one was now the choice of a partner. But as one
+object had engrossed the attention of all, they were willing to see the
+election he would make, though every one feared to lose the partner he had
+destined for himself. Damon was therefore, however unwilling to
+distinguish himself in so particular a manner, constrained to advance the
+foremost. He passed slightly along before a considerable number, who sat
+in expectation. At length he approached the seat of Delia. He bowed to her
+in the most graceful manner, and intreated to be honoured with her hand.
+She smiled assent, and they crossed the room among a croud of envious
+rivals. Besides the lovers we had mentioned, there were four others, who
+had secretly determined to dance with Delia.
+
+But if the gentlemen were disappointed, to whose eyes the beauty of Delia,
+however unrivalled, was familiar, the disappointment and envy of the fair
+sex upon the loss of Damon, whose external and natural recommendations had
+beside the grace of novelty, were inexpressible. The daughter of Mr.
+Griskin, an eminent butcher in Clare-market, who had indeed from nature,
+the grace of being cross-eyed, now looked in ten thousand more various
+directions than she ever did before. Miss Prim, agitated in every limb,
+cracked her fan into twenty pieces. Miss Gawky, who had unfortunately been
+initiated by the chamber maid in the art of snuff-taking, plied her box
+with more zeal than ever. Miss Languish actually fainted, and was with
+some difficulty conveyed into the air. Such was the confusion occasioned
+in the ball at Southampton, by the election of Damon.
+
+Affairs being now somewhat adjusted, the dances began. Damon at every
+interval addressed himself to his lovely partner in the easiest and most
+elegant conversation. He talked with fluency, and his air and manner gave
+a grace and dignity to the most trifling topics. The heart of Delia,
+acknowledged the charms of youthful beauty and graceful deportment, and
+secretly confessed that it had never before encountered so formidable an
+enemy.
+
+When the usual topics of conversation had been exhausted, the behaviour of
+Damon became insensibly more particular, he pressed her hand with the most
+melting ardour, and a sigh ever and anon escaped from his breast. He paid
+her several very elegant compliments, though they were all of them
+confined within the limits of decorum. Delia, on the other hand, though
+she apparently received them with the most gay indifference, in reality
+drank deep of the poison of love, and the words of Damon made an
+impression upon her heart, that was not easily to be erased.
+
+But however delicious was the scene in which they were engaged, it
+necessarily drew to a conclusion. The drowsy clocks now announced the hour
+of three in the morning. The dances broke up, and the company separated.
+Delia leaped into the chariot that was waiting, and quickly arrived at the
+parental mansion. Fatigued with the various objects that had passed before
+her, she immediately retired to rest. For some time however a busy train
+of thoughts detained her from the empire of sleep. "How lovely a stranger!
+How elegant his manners, and how brilliant his wit! How soft and engaging
+the whole of his behaviour! But ah! was this the fruit of reverence and
+admiration? Might it not be no more than general gallantry? Oh that I were
+mistress of his heart! That he would lay his person at my feet! What a
+contrast between him and my former admirers! How doubly hateful does lord
+Martin, the lover favoured by my father now appear! But ah! who is this
+Damon? What is his fortune, and what his pretensions? His dress surely
+bespoke him a man of rank. His elegant manners could have been learned in
+no vulgar circle. How sweet, methinks is suspence! How delightful the
+uncertainty that hangs about him! And yet, how glad should I be to have my
+doubts resolved."
+
+Soothed with these and similar reflections, the lovely maid fell asleep.
+But even in sleep she did not forget the impressions she had received. She
+imagined that Damon now approached her pillow. But how unlike the Damon
+she had seen! His eyes had something in them superior to a mortal. His
+shoulders were adorned with wings, and a vest of celestial azure flowed
+around him. He smiled upon her with the most bewitching grace. But the
+gentle maid involuntarily stretched out her arms towards him, and the
+pleasing vision vanished from her sight.
+
+Again she closed her eyes, and again she endeavoured to regain her former
+object. Damon indeed appeared, but in how different a manner! his
+countenance was impressed with every mark of horror, and he seemed to fly
+before some who inveterately pursued him. They appeared with the
+countenances of furies, and the snakes hissed around their temples. Delia
+looked earnestly upon them, and presently recollected the features of the
+admirers we have already celebrated. The noble peer under the figure of
+Tisiphone, led the troop. Damon stumbled and fell. Sudden as lightning
+Tisiphone reached the spot, and plunged a dagger in his heart. She drew it
+forth reeking with blood, and the lovely youth appeared in the agonies of
+death. Terrified beyond measure, Delia screamed with horror and awoke.
+
+In the midst of reveries like these, now agitated with apprehension, and
+now soothed with pleasure, Delia passed the night. The sun appeared, her
+gold repeater informed her that it was twelve, and, assisted by the fair
+hands of Mrs. Bridget, she began to rise.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+_A Ghost._
+
+
+Mr. Hartley had breakfasted and walked out in the fields, before Delia
+appeared. She had scarcely begun her morning repast, ere Miss Fletcher,
+the favourite companion and confidante of Delia, entered the room. "My
+dearest creature," cried the visitor, "how do you do? Had not we not a
+most charming evening? I vow I was fatigued to death: and then, lord
+Martin, I think he never appeared to so much advantage. Why he was quite
+covered with diamonds, spangles, and frogs." "Ah!" cried Delia, "but the
+young stranger." "True," answered Miss Fletcher, "I liked him of all
+things; so tall, so genteel, and so sweetly perfumed.--I cannot think who
+he is. I called upon Miss Griskin, and I called upon Miss Savage, nobody
+knows. He is some great man." "When did he come to town?" said Delia,
+"Where does he lodge?" "My dear, he came to town yesterday in the evening,
+and went away again as soon as the ball was over. But do not you think
+that Mr. Prattle's new suit of scarlet sattin was vastly becoming? I vow I
+could have fallen in love with him. He is so gay and so trifling, and so
+fond of hearing himself talk. Why, does not he say a number of smart
+things?" "It is exessively strange," said Delia. (She was thinking of the
+stranger.) But Miss Fletcher went on--"Not at all, my life. Upon my word I
+think he is always very entertaining. He cuts out paper so prettily, and he
+has drawn me the sweetest pattern for an apron. I vow, I think, I never
+showed you it." "What can be his name?" said Delia; "His name, my dear;
+law, child, you do not hear a word one says to you. But of all things,
+give me the green coat and pink breeches of Mr. Savage. But did you ever
+hear the like? There will be a terrible to do--Lord Martin is in such a
+quandary--He has sent people far and near." "I wish they may find him,"
+exclaimed Delia. "Nay, if they do, I would not be in his shoes for the
+world. My lord vows revenge. He says he is his rival. Why, child, the
+stranger did not make love to you, did he?" "Mercy on us," cried Delia,
+"then my dream is out." "Oh, bless us," said Miss Fletcher, "what dream,
+my dear?" Her curiosity then prevailed upon her to be silent for a few
+moments, while Delia related that with which the reader is already
+acquainted.
+
+In return, Delia requested of her friend to explain to her more
+intelligibly what she hinted of the anger of lord Martin. "Why, my dear,
+his lordship has been employed all this morning in writing challenges.
+They say he has not writ less than a dozen, and has sent them by as many
+messengers, like a hue and cry, all over the county--my lord is a little
+man--but what of that--he is as stout as Hercules, and as brave as
+what-d'ye call'um, that you and I read of in Pope's Homer. He is in such a
+vengeance of a passion, that he cannot contain himself. He tells it to
+every body he sees; and his mother and sister run about the house
+screaming and fainting like so many mad things."
+
+Delia, as we have already said, was endowed with a competent share of
+natural understanding. She therefore easily perceived, that from an anger
+so boisterous and so public, no very fatal effects were to be apprehended.
+This reflection quieted the terrors that her dream had excited, and which
+the young partiality she began to feel for the amiable stranger would
+otherwise have confirmed. Her breast being thus calmed, she made about
+half a dozen morning visits, among which, one to Miss Griskin, and another
+to Miss Languish, were included. The conversation every where turned upon
+the outrageousness of lord Martin. All but the gentle Delia, were full of
+anxiety and expectation. The females were broken into parties respecting
+the event of the duel. Many trembled for the fate of lord Martin, so
+splendid, so rich, and consequently, in their opinion, so amiable and so
+witty. Others, guided by the unadulterated sentiments of nature, poured
+forth all their vows for the courteous unknown. "May those active limbs
+remain without a wound! May his elegant blue and silver never be stained
+with blood! Ah, what a pity, that eyes so bright, and teeth so white,
+should be shrowded in the darkness of the grave."
+
+The dinner, a vulgar meal, that passed exactly in the same manner as fifty
+dinners had before it, shall be consigned to silence. The evening was
+bright and calm. It was in the close of autumn; and every thing tempted
+our lovely fair one to take the air. By the way she called upon her
+inseparable friend and companion. They directed their course towards the
+sea side.
+
+Here they had not advanced far, before they entered a grove, a spot
+particularly the favourite of Delia. In a little opening there was a bank
+embroidered with daisies and butter-cups; a little row of willows bending
+their heads forward, formed a kind of canopy; and directly before it,
+there was a vista through the trees, which afforded a distant prospect of
+the sea, with every here and there a vessel passing along, and the beams
+of the setting sun quivered on the waves.
+
+Delia and her companion advanced towards the well known spot. The mellow
+voice of the thrush, and the clear pipe of the blackbird, diversified at
+intervals with the tender notes of the nightingale, formed the most
+agreable natural concert. The breast of Delia, framed for softness and
+melancholy, was filled with sensations responsive to the objects around
+her, and even the eternal clack of Miss Fletcher was still.
+
+Presently, however, a new and unexpected object claimed their attention. A
+note, stronger and sweeter than that of any of the native choristers of
+the grove, swelled upon the air, and floated towards them. Having
+approached a few paces, they stood still to listen. It seemed to proceed
+from a flute, played upon by a human voice. The air was melancholy, but
+the skill was divine.
+
+The native curiosity of Miss Fletcher was not upon this occasion a match
+for the sympathetic spirit of Delia. She pressed forward with an eager and
+uncertain step, and looking through an interstice formed by two venerable
+oaks, she perceived the figure of a young man sitting in her favourite
+alcove. His back was turned towards the side upon which she was. Having
+finished the air, he threw his flute carelesly from him, and folded his
+arms in a posture the most disconsolate that can be imagined. He rose and
+advanced a little with an irregular step. "Ah lovely mistress of my soul,"
+cried he, "thou little regardest the anguish that must for ever be an
+inmate of this breast! While I am a prey to a thousand tormenting
+imaginations, thou riotest in the empire of beauty, heedless of the wounds
+thou inflicted, and the slaves thou chainest to thy chariot. Wretch that I
+am, what is to be done? But I must think no more." Saying this he snatched
+up his flute, and thrusting it into his bosom, hurried out of the grove.
+
+While he spoke, Delia imagined that the voice was one that she had heard
+before though she knew not where. Her heart whispered her something more
+than her understanding could disentangle. But as he stooped to take his
+flute from the ground his profile was necessarily turned towards the inner
+part of the grove. Delia started and trembled. Damon stood confessed. But
+she scarcely recollected his features before he rushed away swifter than
+the winged hawk, and was immediately out of sight.
+
+Delia was too full of a thousand reflections upon this unexpected
+rencounter to be able to utter a word. But Miss Fletcher immediately
+began. "God bless us," cried she, "did you ever see the like? Why it is my
+belief it is a ghost or a wizard. I never heard any thing so pretty--I
+vow, I am terribly frightened."
+
+Delia now caught hold of her arm. "For heaven's sake, let us quit the
+grove. I do not know what is the matter--but I feel myself quite sick."
+"Good God! good heavens! Well, I do not wonder you are all in a
+tremble--But suppose now it should be nothing but Mr. Prattle--He is
+always somewhere or other--And then he plays _God save the king_, and
+_Darby and Joan_, like any thing." "Oh," said the lovely, trembling
+nymph, "they were the sweetest notes!" "Ah," said her companion, "he is a
+fine man. And then he is so modest--He will play at one and thirty, and
+ride upon a stick with little Tommy all day long. But sure it could not be
+Mr. Prattle--He always wears his hair in a queue you know--but the ghost
+had a bag and solitaire." "Well," cried Delia, "let us think no more of
+it. But did we hear anything?"--"Law, child, why he played the nicest
+glee--and then he made such a speech, for all the world like Mr. Button,
+that I like so to see in Hamlet." "True," said Delia,--"but what he said
+was more like the soft complainings of my dear Castalio. Did not he
+complain of a false mistress?" "Why he did say something of that kind.--If
+it be neither a ghost nor Mr. Prattle. I hope in God he is going to appear
+upon the Southampton stage. I do so love to see a fine young man come on
+for the first time with
+
+          _May this alspishus day be ever sacred!_
+Or,
+          _I am thy father's spirit._"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+_A Love Scene._
+
+
+In such conversation the moments passed till they reached the habitation
+of Mr. Hartley. Miss Fletcher now took her leave. And after a supper as
+dull, and much more tedious to Delia, than the dinner, she retired to her
+chamber.
+
+She retired indeed, but not to rest. Her brain was filled with a croud of
+uneasy thoughts. "Alas," said she, "how short has been the illusion!--But
+yesterday, I was flushed with all the pride of conquest, and busily framed
+a thousand schemes of ideal happiness--Where are they now?--The lovely
+youth, the only man I ever saw in whose favour my heart was prepossessed,
+and with whom I should have felt no repugnance to have engaged in the
+tenderest ties, is nothing to me--He loves another. He too complains of
+slighted passion, and ill-fated love. Ah, had he made his happiness depend
+on me, what would not I have done to reward him! Carefully I would have
+soothed every anguish, and taught his heart to bound with joy. But what am
+I saying?--Where am I going?--Am I that Delia that bad defiance to the art
+of men,--that saw with indifference the havock that my charms had made!
+With every opening morn I smiled. Each hour was sped with joy, and my
+heart was light and frolic. And shall I dwindle into a pensive, melancholy
+maid, the sacrifice of one that heeds me not, whose sighs no answering
+sighs encounter!--let it not be said. I have hitherto asserted the
+independence of my sex, I will continue to do so. Too amiable unknown, I
+give thee to the winds! Propitious fate, I thank thee that thou hast so
+soon discovered how much my partiality was misplaced. I will abjure it
+before it be too late. I will tear the little intruder from my heart
+before the mischief is become irretrievable."
+
+The following evening Delia repaired again by a kind of irresistible
+impulse to the grove. She asked not the company of her friend. She dared
+alone hazard the encounter of that object, at which she had trembled so
+much the preceding day. Unknown to herself she still imaged a kind of
+uncertainty in her fate which would not permit her to lay aside all
+thought of Damon. She determined at all events, to have her doubts
+resolved. "When there is no longer," said she to herself, "any room for
+mistake, I shall then know what to do."
+
+As she drew near the alcove, she perceived the same figure stretched along
+the bank, and with his eyes immoveably fixed upon a little fountain that
+rose in a corner of the scene. He seemed lost in thought. Delia approached
+doubtfully, but he heard her not. Advanced near to her object, she
+reclined forward in a posture of wonder and attention. At this moment a
+sigh burst from the heart of Damon, and he raised himself upon the seat.
+
+His eyes caught the figure of Delia.------"Ah," said he, starting from his
+trance, "what do I see? Art thou, lovely intruder, a mere vision, an
+aerial being that shuns the touch?" "I beg ten thousand pardons. I meaned
+not, sir, to interrupt you. I will be gone." "No, go not." Answered he.
+"Thou art welcome to my troubled thoughts. I could gaze for ever."
+
+Saying this he rose and advancing towards her, seized her hand. "Be not
+afraid," said he, "gentle fair one, my breast is a stranger to violence
+and rudeness. I have felt the dart of love. Unhappy myself, I learn to
+feel for others. But you are happy." As he said this, a tear unbidden
+stole into the eye of Delia, and she wiped it away with the hand which was
+disengaged from his. "And dost thou pity me," said he. "And does such
+softness dwell within thy breast? If you knew the story of my woes, you
+would have reason to pity me. I am in love to destraction, but I dare not
+disclose my passion. I am banished from the presence of her I love. Ah,
+cruel fate, I am entangled, inextricably entangled." "And how, sir," said
+Delia, "can I serve you?" "Alas," said he, in no way. My case is hopeless
+and irretrievable. And what am I doing? Why do I talk, when the season
+calls for action? Oh, I am lost."
+
+"Dear Sir," answered Delia, "you terrify me to death." "Oh, no. I would
+not for the world give you an uneasy moment. Let me be unhappy--but may
+misfortune never disturb your tranquility. I return to seek her whose fate
+is surely destined to mix with mine. Pardon, loveliest of thy sex, the
+distraction in which I have appeared. I would ask you to forget me--I
+would ask you to remember me--I know not what I am, or what to think."
+
+With these words he took the hand which he still held in one of his, and
+raising it to his lips, kissed it with the utmost fervour. Immediately he
+caught up his hat, which lay beside him on the ground, and began to
+advance along the path that led out of the grove on the side furthest from
+the town. But his eyes were still fixed upon Delia. He heeded not the path
+by which he went; and scarcely had he gone twenty paces, ere he changed
+his mind and returned. Delia was seated on the bank and seemed lost in
+reverie. Damon threw himself upon his knees before her.
+
+"Ah, why," said he, "am I constrained to depart!--Why must I talk in
+riddles! Perhaps we may never see each other more. Perhaps the time will
+come when I shall be able to clear up the obscurity that at present I am
+obliged to preserve. But no, it cannot be. I never was happy but for two
+poor hours that I enjoyed your smiles, and, drinking in the poison of your
+charms, I forgot myself. The time too soon arrived for bitter
+recollection. My mistress calls, the mistress of my fate. I must be
+gone--Farewel--for ever."
+
+Saying this, he heaved a sigh that seemed almost to tear his breast
+asunder, and with the utmost apparent violence he tore himself away, and
+rushed along the path with incredible velocity.
+
+Delia was now alone. But instead, as she had flattered herself of having
+her doubts resolved, she was more uncertain, more perplexed than ever.
+"What" cried she, "can all this mean? How strange, and how inexplicable!
+Is it a real person that I have seen, or is it a vision that mocks my
+fancy? Am I loved, or am I hated? Oh, foolish question! Oh, fond illusion!
+Are we not parted for ever! Is he not gone to seek the mistress of his
+soul! Alas, he views me not, but with that general complacency, which
+youth, and the small pretensions I have to beauty are calculated to
+excite! He had nothing to relate that concerned myself, he merely intended
+to make me the confidante of his passion for another. Too surely he is
+unhappy. His heart seemed ready to burst with sorrow. Probably in this
+situation there is no greater or more immediate relief, than to disclose
+the subject of our distress, and to receive into our bosom the sympathetic
+tear of a simple and a generous heart. His behaviour today corresponds but
+too well with the suspicions that yesterday excited. Oh, Delia! then,"
+added she, "be firm. Thou shalt see the conqueror no more. Think of him no
+more."
+
+In spite however of all the resolution she could muster, Delia repaired
+day after day, sometimes alone, and sometimes in company with her friend,
+to that spot which, by the umbrage of melancholy it wore, was become more
+interesting than ever. Miss Fletcher, could scarcely at first be persuaded
+to direct her course that way, lest she should again see the ghost. But
+she need not have terrified herself. No ghost appeared.
+
+Disappointed and baffled on this side, Delia by the strictest enquiries
+endeavoured to find out who the unknown person was, in whose fate she had
+become so greatly interested. The result of these enquiries, however
+diligent, was not entirely satisfactory. She learned that he had been for
+a few days upon a visit to a Mr. Moreland, a gentleman who lived about
+three miles from Southampton.
+
+Mr. Moreland was a person of a very singular character. He had the
+reputation in the neighbourhood of being a cynic, a misanthrope, and a
+madman. He kept very little company, and was even seldom seen but by
+night. He had a garden sufficiently spacious, which was carefully rendered
+impervious to every human eye. And to this and his house he entirely
+confined himself in the day-time. The persons he saw were not the
+gentlemen of the neighbourhood. He had no toleration for characters that
+did not interest him. When he first came down to his present residence, he
+was visited by Mr. Hartley, Mr. Prattle, squire Savage, lord Martin, and
+all the most admired personages in the country. But their visits had never
+been returned. Mr. Prattle pronounced him a scoundrel; squire Savage said
+he was a nincompoop; and lord Martin was near sending him a challenge. But
+the censures of the former, and the threats of the latter, had never
+reached his ears. His domestics were numerous, but they were hired from a
+distance, and were permitted as little communication as possible with the
+powdered lacquies of Southampton. Of consequence, however much the
+unaccommodating conduct of Mr. Moreland disposed his neighbours to
+calumniate him, scandal was deprived of that daily food which is requisite
+for her subsistence, and the name of that gentleman was scarcely ever
+heard.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+_A Man of Humour._
+
+
+We will now return to lord Martin. All his messengers, from what cruel
+fate we cannot exactly ascertain, miscarried; and it was not till Damon
+had left the country, that he learned that he had been a visitor at the
+house of Mr. Moreland. Finding that he had missed his expected vengeance,
+he discharged his anger in unavailing curses, and for three days he
+breathed nothing but daggers, death, and damnation. Having thus vapoured
+away the paroxysm of his fury, he became tolerably composed.
+
+But adverse fate had decreed a short duration to the tranquility of his
+lordship. Scarcely had the field been cleared from the enemy he so greatly
+dreaded, ere a new rival came upon the stage, to whose arms, though
+without any great foundation, the whole town of Southampton had consigned
+the charming Delia.
+
+The name of this gentleman was Prettyman. He was just returned from his
+travels, and was reckoned perfectly accomplished. He was six foot high,
+his shoulders were broad, his legs brawny, and his whole person athletic.
+The habits however he had formed to himself in foreign countries, will not
+perhaps be allowed exactly to correspond with the figure which nature had
+bestowed upon him. He generally spent two hours every morning at his
+toilette. His face was painted and patched, his whole person strongly
+perfumed, and he had continually in his hand a gold snuff-box set with
+diamonds. His voice was naturally hoarse and loud, but with infinite
+industry he had brought himself to a pronunciation shrill, piping, and
+effeminate. His conversion was larded with foreign phrases and foreign
+oaths, and every thing he said was accompanied with a significant shrug.
+
+The same period which had introduced this new pretender to the heart of
+Delia, had been distinguished by the arrival of a Sir William Twyford, who
+paid his addresses to Miss Fletcher. Sir William was exactly the reverse
+of Mr. Prettyman. With a genteel person, and an open and agreable
+phisiognomy, his manners were perfectly careless and unstudied. A
+predominant feature in his character was good nature. But this was not his
+ruling passion. He had an infinite fund of wit and humour, and he never
+was so happy as when he was able to place the foibles of affectation in a
+whimsical and ridiculous light.
+
+As it was vanity alone, that had induced Mr. Prettyman to pay his
+addresses to the lady, who was universally allowed to surpass in beauty
+and every elegant accomplishment in the place in which he was, he would
+have been less pleased that his amour should have terminated in a
+marriage, than that by his affectation and coquetry he might break the
+heart of the simple fair one. Accordingly, it was his business to make the
+affair as public as possible.
+
+Lord Martin, had been sufficiently irritated by the pretensions of Damon.
+The new intruder had wrought up his passion to the highest pitch. In the
+mean time he had renewed an acquaintance which he had formerly made with
+sir William Twyford. Sir William, upon all occasions, cultivated the
+intimacy of such, as, by any striking peculiarities, seemed to furnish a
+proper subject for his humour. He now contributed every thing in his power
+to inflame his lordship against Mr. Prettyman. He offered to become the
+bearer of a challenge, and to be his lordship's second in any future
+combat.
+
+Lord Martin broke off the conversation somewhat abruptly, and began to
+reflect with himself upon what had passed. He had hitherto contrived, by
+some means or other, though he dealt very largely in challenges, never to
+have come to actual battle. But he had too much reason to think, that if
+he made sir William his messenger, he should not be able with any degree
+of honour to contrive an evasion. "It is true," said he, "I am in a most
+confounded passion, but a wise general never proceeds to action without
+having first deliberated. Zounds, blood and fire! would I could put an end
+to the existence of so presumptuous a villain! But then it must be
+considered that Mr. Prettyman is six foot high, and I am not five. He is
+as athletic as Ajax, but to me nature has been unfavourable. It is true I
+understand cart and terce, parry and thrust, but I have heard that
+Prettyman studied under Olivier. Many a man has outlived the passage of a
+bullet, or the thrust of a sword through him. But my constitution is so
+delicate! Curse blast it, death and the devil, I do not know what to do."
+
+Sir William, as soon as he had left lord Martin, repaired to the lodgings
+of Mr. Prettyman. After a short general conversation, he began, "My dear
+friend, here has happened the unluckiest thing in nature. You have made
+some advances, you know, to the charming Delia." "True," cried Prettyman,
+"I have bestowed upon her a few condescending glances. _C'est une
+charmante fille_." "Well," added sir William, "and the whole town gives
+her to you." "_Parbleu!_ the town is very impertinent. There will go
+two words to that bargain." "My lord Martin, you know, has enlisted
+himself amongst her admirers." "Pox take the blockhead, I suppose he would
+marry her. _Bien_. After I have led her a dance, he shall do what he
+pleases with her." "But," said sir William, "my lord intends to call you
+to an account." "_Morbleu_," cried Prettyman, "I thought I had
+been in a land of liberty." "But let me tell you, my lord is very
+absolute. He has fought some half a dozen duels in his time, and every
+body is afraid of him." "_J'en suis excèdè_. 'Pon honour, the girl is
+not worth fighting for." "Oh," said the malicious wit, "but if you give
+her up for a few threats, your reputation will be ruined for ever."
+"_Mon Dieu!_ this reputation is a very expensive thing. _Je
+crois_ that every girl is a Helen, never so happy as when people are
+murdering one another, and towns are fired for her sake. Is this same
+_milord_ absolutely inexorable?"
+
+"I cannot tell," said sir William, "what may be done. If you were to fly,
+he would pursue you to the ends of the earth. But suppose now you were
+upon your knees, to retract your pretensions to this silly girl."
+"_Pardi_" answered Prettyman, "that is damned hard! are you sure his
+lordship is so compleat a master of the science of defence?" "Nay,"
+replied sir William, "I cannot tell. I believe indeed he never received a
+wound, but I think I remember to have heard of one duel he fought, in
+which his antagonist came off with his life." "Ah, _diable
+l'emporte!_ That will not do neither. These bullets are the aukwardest
+things in the world. Do you think you could not prevail with his Lordship
+to use only powder?" "Powder," cried sir William, "that is an excellent
+jest. My lord always loads with six small slugs." "Six slugs! ah the
+bloody minded villain! It is confounded hard that a gentleman cannot pass
+through life, without being _degoutè_ with these unpolished Vandals.
+_Ah, mon cher ami_, I will put the affair entirely into your hands:
+do, _pour i'amour de Dieu_, bring me out of this scrape as well as
+you can." "Well my dear Prettyman, I will exert myself on your account;
+but, upon my soul, I had rather have an affair with half a regiment of
+commissioned officers fresh imported from America."
+
+Sir William Twyford, having thus brought the affair to some degree of
+forwardness, now waited on his lordship. "My dear lord Martin," said he,
+"what have you resolved upon? The affair is briefly thus--you must either
+give up Delia, or fight Mr. Prettyman." "Give up Delia!" exclaimed the
+little lord; "by all that is sacred I will sooner spill the last drop of
+my blood. But," added he, "what necessity is there for the alternative you
+propose? True, I fear no man. But to be continually engaged in quarrels
+would acquire me the character of a desperado." "Indeed," said sir
+William, "you have been somewhat lavish in those sort of affairs, but I do
+not see how you can be off in the present instance. Prettyman has heard of
+the bustle you made about the fellow at the ball, that tricked you of your
+partner; and he will never pardon the affront, if you pay less attention
+to him." "Pox take the blockhead, he is mighty nice, methinks, in his
+temper. I have a great mind not to gratify him." "Oh," cried sir William,
+"you never had such an opportunity to establish your character for ever.
+And the fellow I believe is no better than a coward at bottom."
+
+It would be endless to relate all the stratagems of sir William to bring
+the business to the conclusion he wished. How he terrified the brawny
+_petit maître_, and anon he animated the little peer. His lordship
+felt the force of his friend's eloquence, but even his highest flights of
+heroism were qualified with temporary misgivings. For poor Mr. Prettyman,
+he feared to stay, and dared not fly. If he could have forgotten the
+danger he apprehended, his good natured friend by the studied
+exaggerations in which he was continually clothing it, would have
+perfectly succeed in refreshing his memory. But in reality it was never
+absent from his thoughts. His slumbers were short and disturbed. And he
+could scarcely close his eyes, ere the enraged lord Martin, with his sword
+drawn, and his countenance flaming with inexorable fury, presented himself
+to his affrighted imagination.
+
+At length sir William by his generous interposition affected a compromise.
+It was agreed that Mr. Prettyman should fall upon his knees before lord
+Martin in the public room in the presence of Delia, and, asking his
+pardon, put a small cane into his hand. "My lord," said sir William to the
+beau, "is as generous as he is brave. He will not make an improper use of
+the advantage you put into his hands. He will raise you from the humble
+posture you will have assumed, and, embracing you cordially, all that is
+past will be forgotten. As his lordship will take you under his
+protection, not an individual will dare to reflect upon you." "Mr.
+Prettyman," said sir William to lord Martin, "unites the heart of a
+chicken to the most absolute skill in the small sword that ever I saw. I
+have been only capable of restraining him by representing your lordship as
+the most furious and impracticable of mankind. If he once suspect that I
+have misrepresented you, a duel, in which I am afraid your lordship would
+be overmatched, must be the inevitable consequence. Might I therefore
+presume to advise, your lordship should make use of the advantage I have
+gained you without mercy."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+_Containing some Specimens of Heroism._
+
+
+The evening now approached, in which the scene sir William Twyford had
+with so much pains prepared, was to be acted. An imperfect rumour had
+spread that something extraordinary was to pass in the public room. Miss
+Prim was of opinion that a duel would be fought. "I shall be frightened
+out of my wits," said she. "But I must go, for one loves any thing new,
+and I believe there is nothing in it that a modest woman may not see."
+Miss Gawky thought it would be a boxing match. "Bless us, my dear lord
+Martin could stand no chance with that great lubberly macaroni." But Miss
+Griskin, with a look of more than common sagacity, assured the ladies that
+she had penetrated to the very bottom of the matter. "Mr. Prettyman and
+lord Martin have ordered two large rounds of beef to be set upon the table
+at supper, and they mean to lay about them for a wager."
+
+In this manner every one made her own conjecture, which she preferred to
+that of all the rest. Curiosity was wrought up to the highest pitch, and
+the uncertainty that prevailed upon the subject, rendered the affair still
+more interesting. The rooms were early filled with an uncommon number of
+spectators. About nine o'clock Mr. Prettyman entered, but instead of
+exerting himself with his usual vivacity, he retired to one corner of the
+room, and sat in a sheepish and melancholy posture. Not long after, sir
+William Twyford and lord Martin came in, arm in arm.
+
+The peer strutted immediately to the upper end of the room. Delia stood
+near him. "My lovely girl," said he, with an air of vulgar familiarity, "I
+am rejoiced to see you. I hope I shall one day prove myself worthy of your
+favour."
+
+While this passed Mr. Prettyman was by no means in an enviable condition.
+From the operation of fear and vexation he perspired very profusely.
+Vanity, as we have said, might almost be termed his ruling passion, and he
+would never have sacrificed it so publicly to any consideration less
+immediate than that of personal safety. Ardently did he long to have the
+terrible scene concluded. But he had neither strength nor spirits to
+advance a step, or even to rise from his seat.
+
+Sir William Twyford now came up to him, and took hold of his hand. "My
+dear friend," said he, "be not dispirited. It is no more than a flea-bite,
+and it will be over in a moment. You will acquire the friendship of the
+first personage in the county, and far from losing any thing in the public
+esteem, you will be more respected than ever." "_Morbleu_," cried the
+beau, "my shoulders ake for it already. But, _mon très cher & très
+excellent ami_, do not desert me, and remind the peer of the generosity
+you talked of."
+
+Sir William now raised him from his seat, and led him to the middle of the
+room. Lord Martin, with a stately air, advanced a few steps. In spite
+however of all the heroism he could assume, as the important affair drew
+towards a crisis, he began to tremble. Mr. Prettyman fell upon his knees,
+and sir William put a cane into his hand. But in this posture the beau
+remained still somewhat taller than his antagonist. "Most worthy lord,"
+cried he in a tremulous voice, "I am truly sorry for the misunderstanding
+that has happened, and I am filled with the most ardent"----While he was
+yet speaking he advanced the cane in the attitude of presenting it.
+"Villain," said lord Martin, who between fear and rage could no longer
+contain himself, and snatched it from his hand. But he could scarcely
+reach beyond the shoulder of his enemy, and blinded with emotion and
+exertion, instead of directing his blows as he ought to have done, he
+struck him two or three very severe strokes on the head and face. The beau
+bore it as long as he could. But at length bellowing out, "_Mon Dîeu, je
+suis meurtriè_, I am beaten to a jelly," he rose from his knees. His
+antagonist being between him and the door, he fairly threw him upon his
+back, and flying out of the room he stopped not till he arrived at the
+inn, where, ordering his phaeton and six, he ascended without a moment's
+pause, and drove off for London.
+
+In the mean time, every thing in the public room was in confusion and
+disorder. Sir William flew to support the discomfited hero, who had
+received a grievous contusion in his shoulder. Miss Griskin giggled, the
+other ladies screamed, and Miss Languish, as usual, fainted away. "Bless
+me," cried Miss Fletcher, "it is the queerest affair"--"By my troth," said
+Miss Gawky, "it is vastly fine." "But not half so fine," cried Miss
+Griskin, "as the buttocks of beef."
+
+By this time lord Martin had raised himself in a sitting posture and
+uttered a deep groan. "Best of friends," said he, pressing the hand of sir
+William, "tell me truly, am I victorious, or am I defeated?" "Oh
+_victoria_!" cried sir William; "never heed a slight skin wound that
+you received in the combat." His lordship stood up. "Damnation, pox
+confound it!" said he, a little recovering himself, "what is become of the
+rascal? I have not given him half what he deserved. But, ladies," added he
+flourishing his cane, "it is my maxim, as I am strong to be merciful."
+
+Saying this, he advanced towards Delia, and, with a flourish of importance
+and conceit, laid the weapon, which he had so roundly employed, at her
+feet. "Loveliest of women," said he, "to your shrine I devote myself. Upon
+your altar, I lay the insignia of my prowess. Deign, gentlest of thy sex,
+to accept thus publicly of those sighs which I have long poured forth upon
+thy account."
+
+Delia, though the native modesty of her character caused her whole face to
+be suffused with blushes at having the eyes of the whole company thus
+turned upon her, regarded the peer with a look of ineffable disdain, and
+turned from him in silence.
+
+Such were the transactions of an evening, which will doubtless long be
+remembered by such as had the good fortune to be spectators. The natural
+impertinence and insolence of lord Martin were swelled by the event to ten
+times their natural pitch. He crowed like a cock, and cackled like a
+goose. The vulgar of the other sex, who are constantly the admirers of
+success, however unmerited, and conceit, however unfounded, thought his
+lordship the greatest man in the world. The inequality of his legs was
+removed by the proof he had exhibited of his prowess. The inequality of
+his shoulders was hid under a rent-roll of ten thousand a year. And the
+narrowness of his intellects, the optics of these connoisseurs were not
+calculated to discern.
+
+The peer, as we have already hinted, was the suitor most favoured by the
+father of our heroine. The principal passion of the old gentleman was the
+love of money. But at the same time he was not absolutely incapable of
+relishing the inferior charms of a venerable title and a splendid
+reputation. Perceiving that his client continually rose in the public
+opinion, he was more eager than ever to have the match concluded. Lord
+Martin, though his organs were not formed to delight in beauty at the
+first hand, was yet tickled with the conceit of carrying off so fair a
+prize from the midst of a thousand gaping expectants.
+
+It will naturally be imagined that the situation of Delia at this moment
+was by no means an enviable one. She was caught in the snares of love. And
+the more she struggled to get free, she was only the more limed and
+entangled. The recollection of the hopelessness of her love by no means
+sufficed to destroy it. The recollection of her former carelessness and
+gaiety was not able to restore her to present ease. In vain she summoned
+pride and maiden dignity to support her. In vain she formed resolutions,
+which were broken as soon as made. Every where she was haunted by the
+image of her dear unknown. Her nights were sleepless and uneasy. The fire
+and brightness of her eyes were tarnished. _She pined in green and
+yellow melancholy._
+
+The more dear were the ideal image that accompanied her, the more did she
+execrate and detest her persecutor. "No," cried she, "I will never be his.
+Never shall the sacred tie, which should only unite congenial spirits, be
+violated by two souls, distant as the poles, jarring as contending
+elements. My father may kill me. Alas, of what value is life to me! It is
+a long scene of unvaried misfortune. It is a dreary vista of despair. He
+may kill me, but never, never shall he force me to a deed my soul abhors."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+_Containing that with which the reader will be acquainted when he has
+read it_.
+
+
+The cup of misfortune, by which it was decreed that the virtue and the
+constancy of our heroine should be tried, was not yet ended. The
+disposition of a melancholy lover is in the utmost degree variable. Now
+the fair Delia studiously sought to plunge herself in impervious solitude;
+and now, worn with a train of gloomy reflections, she with equal eagerness
+solicited the society of her favourite companion.
+
+By this time sir William Twyford and Miss Fletcher were become in a manner
+inseparable. Of consequence the company of the one necessarily involved
+that of the other. And the gaiety and good humour of sir William, tempered
+as they were by an excellent understanding, and an unaffected vein of
+sportive wit, were the sweetest medicine to the wounded heart of Delia.
+When she had first chosen Miss Fletcher for her intimate friend, her own
+faculties had not yet reached their maturity; and habit frequently renders
+the most insipid amusements pleasurable and interesting. Southampton
+itself did not afford the largest scope for selection. And however our
+readers may decide respecting the merit of the easy, the voluble and the
+good humoured Miss Fletcher, they will scarcely be disposed to deny that
+of all the female characters we have hitherto exhibited, she was the most
+amiable.
+
+One evening, as these three friends were sitting together, sir William
+took occasion to lament the necessity that was laid upon him to quit
+Southampton for a few days, though he hoped very speedily to be able to
+return. His inamorata, as usual, was very inquisitive to learn the
+business that was to deprive her for a time of the presence of a lover, of
+whom she was not a little ostentatious. Sir William answered that he was
+under an engagement to be present at the marriage of one of his college
+friends, and that he should set out in company with Mr. Moreland.
+
+At that name our tender and apprehensive fair one involuntarily started.
+"Mr. Moreland!" said she to herself, "Ah, it was at his house that my
+unknown resided. It is very seldom that Mr. Moreland undertakes a journey.
+Surely there must be something particularly interesting to him in the
+affair. The strange combination of circumstances terrifies and perplexes
+me. Would I were delivered from this state of uncertainty! Would to God I
+were dead!"
+
+The uncertainty which afflicted her was however of a very short duration.
+Miss Fletcher, by an inexhaustible train of interrogatories, led sir
+William to relate by degrees every thing he knew of the affair. The young
+gentleman his friend was the nephew and heir of Mr. Moreland. The present
+match had been long upon the carpet, and was a very considerable one in
+point of fortune. "Did the nephew ever visit Mr. Moreland?" "Very
+frequently," said sir William. "And he is visited" interposed Delia, "by
+other young gentlemen from the university?" "No," answered sir William.
+"Mr. Moreland, who is an old batchelor, full of oddities and sensibility,
+has a general dislike of young collegians. He thinks them pert, dissolute,
+arrogant, and pedantic. He therefore never receives any but his nephew,
+for whom he has the most ardent affection, and sometimes by particular
+grace myself who am his intimate friend." "And how long is it since the
+young gentleman paid a visit to his uncle?" Sir William looked a little
+surprized at so particular a question, but answered: "He was here not
+above a fortnight ago to invite his uncle to the wedding. But he is rather
+serious and thoughtful in his temper, so that he is seldom seen in
+public."
+
+It was now but too certain that the friend of sir William, and the amiable
+unknown, who had made a conquest of the heart of Delia, were the same
+person. The surprise at which she was taken, and the unwelcome manner in
+which her doubts were now at once resolved, were too much for the delicate
+frame of our heroine. She sat for a moment gazing with an eager and
+unmeaning stare upon the face of sir William. But she presently
+recollected herself, and, bursting out of the room, flew to her chamber in
+the same instant, and was relieved by a flood of tears.
+
+Sir William was inexpressibly surprised at this incident. Delia, he was
+sure, did not even know the name of his friend, and he could scarcely
+imagine that she had ever seen him. Miss Fletcher, though considerably
+astonished herself, gave sir William an account of so many particulars of
+what had passed between his friend and our heroine, as were perfectly
+sufficient to solve the difficulty. In return the baronet explained to her
+the exact situation of the affair of Damon, told her that he did not
+believe the day was yet fixed, and assured her that Mr. Moreland and
+himself waited for a farther summons, though it must be confessed that it
+was expected every hour.
+
+These particulars, when communicated to Delia by the indefatigable
+assiduity of Miss Fletcher, afforded her but a very slender consolation.
+"What avails it me," said she, "that the day is not fixed? Every
+considerable circumstance, there is reason to believe, is determined. He
+marries, with the approbation of all his friends, a lady, my superior in
+rank and fortune, and who is probably every way worthy of him. Ah, why am
+I thus selfish and envious? No, let me pine away in obscurity, let me be
+forgotten. But may he live long and happy. Did he not tell me, that he
+went to seek the _mistress of his fate_?--And yet," interrupted she,
+"he accompanied the information with words of such sweet import, with so
+much tenderness and gentleness, as will never be erased from my mind. Ah
+foolish girl, wilt thou for ever delude thyself, wilt thou be for ever
+extracting comfort from despair? No! Long enough hast thou been misguided
+by the meteor of hope. Long enough hast thou been cheated by the visions
+of youthful fancy. There is now no remedy left. Let me die."
+
+There were two passions that predominated in the breast of sir William
+Twyford. The first was that of a humourist, and to this almost every other
+object was occasionally sacrificed. But he had likewise a large fund of
+good nature. He perceived, that in two successive instances, however
+unintentionally, his conduct had been the source of unhappiness to the
+most amiable of her sex. The victory of lord Martin had put it more than
+ever in his power to harrass Delia. She was incessantly importuned, now by
+her father, and now by her inamorato. And her distress, if it had wanted
+any addition, was rendered compleat by the expected marriage of one, whose
+personal accomplishments had caught her unwary heart. He lamented the
+undeserved misfortune of youth and beauty. His heart bled for her.
+
+Thus circumstanced, his active benevolence determined him not to lose a
+moment, in endeavouring to repair the mischief of which he had so
+unfortunately been the author. He had never cordially approved of the
+intended union between his friend and Miss Frampton. She was of the first
+order of coquettes, and it might have puzzled even an anatomist to
+determine, whether she had a heart. Descartes informs us that the soul
+usually resides in the pineal gland, but the soul of this lady seemed to
+inhabit in her eyes. She had been caught with the figure of Damon. And had
+a figure more perfectly beautiful, if that had been possible, or an
+equipage more brilliant, presented itself, he did not doubt but that it
+would carry away the prize.
+
+Miss Frampton was heiress to a fortune of fifty thousand pounds. The
+father of Damon, whose soul, in union with some amiable qualities, which
+served him for a disguise, had the misfortune to be exceedingly mercenary
+at the bottom, had proposed the match to his son. Damon, who had never in
+his life been guilty of an act of disobedience, received the
+recommendation of his father with a prejudice in its favour. He waited
+upon the young lady and found her beautiful, high spirited, accomplished,
+and incensed by a thousand worshippers. Her disposition was not indeed
+congenial to his own. But he was prejudiced by filial duty, dazzled by her
+charms, and led on insensibly by the mildness and pliableness of his
+character. In a word, every thing had been concluded, and the wedding was
+daily expected to take place.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+_Two Persons of Fashion_.
+
+
+In pursuance of the determination he had formed, sir William immediately
+set out for Oxford, where his friend still resided. As he had lived with
+him upon terms of the most unreserved familiarity, he made use of the
+liberty of an intimate, and, without being announced, abruptly entered his
+chamber. Damon was sitting in a melancholy posture, his countenance
+dejected, and his eye languid. Upon the entrance of the baronet he looked
+up, and struck with the sudden appearance of one to whom he was so
+ardently attached, his visage for a moment assumed an air of gaiety and
+pleasure.
+
+"Ha," cried sir William, with his wonted spriteliness of accent, "methinks
+the countenance of my Damon does not bespeak the sentiments that become a
+bridegroom." "I am afraid not," answered Damon. "But tell me to what am I
+indebted for this agreeable and unexpected visit?" "We will talk of that
+another time. But when did you see my play-fellow, Miss Frampton?" "I have
+not seen her," replied our hero with a sigh half uttered, and half
+suppressed, "these ten days." "What" cried the baronet, "no
+misunderstanding, eh?" "Not absolutely that. I saw her, I fear, without
+all the rapture that becomes a lover, and she resented it with a coldness
+that did not introduce an immediate explanation. Since that time I have
+been somewhat indisposed, or probably affairs would now have been
+settled." "And what," said sir William, "must we apply the old maxim, that
+the falling out of lovers is the consolidating of love?"
+
+Damon from the entrance of his friend had appeared a good deal agitated.
+He was no longer able to contain himself. He eagerly seized the hand of
+sir William and clasped it between both of his. "My dear baronet, I have
+never concealed from you a thought of my heart. But my present situation
+is so peculiarly delicate and distressing, that I can scarcely form any
+sentiment of it, or even dare trust myself to recollect it. I have seen,"
+continued he, "ah, that I could forget it! a woman, beauteous as the day,
+before whom the charms of Miss Frampton disappear, as, before the rising
+sun, each little star _hides its diminish'd head_. Her features, full
+of sensibility, her voice such as to thrill the soul and all she says,
+pervaded with wit and good sense." "And where," cried the baronet, in a
+lively tone, "resides this peerless she?"
+
+"Alas," answered the disconsolate Damon, "it matters not. I shall see her
+no more. Virtue, honour, every thing forbids it. I may be unhappy, but I
+will never deserve to be so. Miss Frampton has my vows. Filial duty calls
+on me to fulfil them. Obstacles without number, Alps on Alps arise, to
+impede my prosecution of a fond and unlicensed inclination. The struggle
+has cost me something, but it is over. I have recovered my health, I have
+formed my resolution. This very day, (you, my good friend, will accept the
+apology) I had determined to repair to Beaufort Place. Doubt and
+uncertainty nourish the lingering distemper that would undo me. I will
+come to a decision."
+
+Sir William was not of a temper to abdicate any affair in which he had
+embarked, before success appeared absolutely unattainable. Like Caesar, it
+was enough for him that the thing appeared possible to be done, to engage
+him to persevere. He therefore begged leave to accompany his friend, and
+they set out together that very afternoon.
+
+Beaufort Place, the habitation of Miss Frampton, was only six miles from
+Oxford. And, as he knew that Sir Harry Eustace, the son of that lady's
+mother by a second husband, was now upon a visit to his sister, sir
+William Twyford made no scruple of proceeding with his friend immediately
+to the house.
+
+After a short general conversation, sir William drew the young baronet
+into the garden. In the mean time sir Harry's chariot was preparing, as he
+had fixed the conclusion of his visit for that evening. After an interval
+of half an hour the servant brought word that the carriage was ready. Sir
+Harry, who was a young man of little ceremony, bowed _en passant_
+before the parlour window, and immediately hurried away.
+
+Sir William stood for some time at the door of the house after sir Harry
+had driven away. Presently he observed another carriage advancing by the
+opposite road. The liveries were flaunting and the attendants numerous.
+They drew nearer, and he perceived that it was the equipage of lord
+Osborne. Since therefore the lovers were to be so soon interrupted by the
+entrance of a new visitant, he thought proper immediately to enter the
+parlour.
+
+He had only time to remark the air and countenance of Damon and the young
+lady. They appeared mutually cold and embarassed. He could trace in his
+friend the aukwardness and timidity of one who was unused to act a studied
+part. Miss Frampton, with a countenance uninterested and inattentive,
+affected the carriage of a person who thought herself insulted.
+
+Lord Osborne was now announced. He was a young nobleman, that had spent a
+considerable part of his fortune upon the continent. With a narrow
+understanding and a contracted heart, he had been able by habitual cunning
+and invincible effrontery, to acquire the reputation of a man of parts.
+Courage was the only respectable quality, his possession of which could
+not be questioned. He was a debauchee and a gamester. There was no
+meanness he had not practised, there was no villainy of which he could not
+boast. With this character, he was universally respected and courted by
+all such as wished to acquire the reputation of men of gaiety and spirit.
+The ladies were all dying for him, as for a man who had ruined more
+innocence, and occasioned a greater consumption of misery, than any other
+man in the kingdom.
+
+The face of Miss Frampton visibly brightened the moment his name was
+articulated. She was all spirits and agitation, though she seemed to feel
+something aukward in her situation. When he entered the room, she flew
+half way to meet him, but, suddenly recollecting herself, stopt short. "My
+dear Miss Frampton," said his lordship, with a familiar and indifferent
+air, "I cannot stop a moment. I am mortified to death. The most
+unfortunate man! But I could not live a whole day without seeing you.
+Believe me to be more impassioned, more ardent than ever." Saying this be
+directed a slight glance and a half bow towards our two friends. "Farewel,
+my charmer, my adorable!" said he, and kissed her hand. Miss Frampton
+struck him a slight blow with her fan, and crying, with an easy wink,
+"Remember!" she dropt him a profound curtesey and his lordship departed.
+
+For a moment the whole company was silent. "By my soul," exclaimed sir
+William, "this is the most singular affair!" "Oh, nothing at all,"
+answered the young lady. "It is all _à la mode de Paris_. In France
+no man of fashion can presume to accost a lady, whether young or old, but
+in the language of love. But it means no more, than when a minister of
+state says to his first clerk, _your humble servant_, or to the widow
+of a poor seaman, _your devoted slave_." "Oh," cried sir William, "that
+is all. And by my faith, it is mighty pretty. What think you Damon? I
+hope, when you are married, you will have no objection to lord Osborne, or
+any other person of fashion making love to your wife before your face."
+"What an indelicate question!" said Miss Frampton. "I declare, baronet,
+you are grown an absolute boor. Nobody ever talks of marriage now. A woman
+of fashion blushes to hear it mentioned before a third person." "Why, to
+say the truth, madam, I have been honoured with so great an intimacy by
+Damon, that I thought that might excuse the impropriety. And now, pray
+your ladyship, must I wait till we are alone, before I ask my friend
+whether his happy day be fixed?" "Since you will talk," said Miss
+Frampton, "of the odious subject, I believe I may tell you that it is not.
+We are in no such hurry." "My dear sweet play-fellow," said the baronet,
+"I must tell you once for all that I am no adept in French fashions. So
+that you will give me leave to use the unceremonious language of an
+Englishman. My friend here, you know, is a little sheepish, but I have
+words at will. I thought matters had been nearer a termination." "And
+pray, my good sir, let the gentleman speak for himself. If he is not
+dissatisfied, why should you be in such haste?" "Indeed, madam,"
+interposed Damon, "I am not perfectly satisfied. Perhaps indeed a lover
+ought to think himself happy enough in being permitted to dance attendance
+upon a lady of your charms. But I once thought, madam, that we had
+advanced somewhat farther." "I cannot tell," answered the lady with an air
+of levity. "Just as you please. But I cannot see why we should put
+ourselves to any inconvenience. Lord Osborne"--"Lord Osborne!" interrupted
+sir William with some warmth, "and pray what has his lordship to do with
+the matter?" "Really sir William," replied Miss Frampton, "you are very
+free. But his lordship is my friend, and I hope Damon has no objection to
+his continuing so." "Look you," answered sir William, "I would neither
+have lord Osborne for the rival of Damon now, nor for your
+_chichisbee_ hereafter." "And yet I am not sure," cried she, "that he
+may not be both." "Is there then," said the baronet, "no engagement
+subsisting between you and Damon?" "I believe," cried Miss Frampton, a
+little hesitating, "there may be something of the kind. But we may change
+our minds you know, and I do not think that I shall prosecute upon it. Ha!
+ha! ha!" "To say the truth," replied sir William, "I believe lord Osborne
+is not only the rival of Damon, but a very formidable one too. But let me
+tell you, Bella, a character so respectable as that of my friend, and so
+true an Englishman, must not be allowed to dance attendance." "As he
+pleases. I believe we understand one another. And to say the truth at
+once, perhaps some time hence I may have no aversion to lord Osborne."
+
+The reader will not suppose that the conversation continued much longer.
+Damon and the young lady came to a perfect understanding, and parted
+without any very ungovernable desire of seeing each other again. And thus
+by the gay humour and active friendship of sir William Twyford, an affair
+was happily terminated, which, from the timidity and gentleness of our
+hero, might otherwise have lingered several months to the mutual
+dissatisfaction of both parties. Damon quitted the house in raptures, and
+was no sooner seated in the chariot, than he pressed his friend repeatedly
+to his breast, and committed a thousand extravagancies of joy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+_A tragical Resolution._
+
+
+Damon and his friend spent the evening together in the chambers of our
+hero. They now discussed a variety of those subjects, which naturally
+arise between friends who have been for any time separated. Damon threw
+aside that reserve which the consciousness of a fault had hitherto
+involuntarily imposed upon him, and related more explicitly who the lady
+was of whom he was so much enamoured, and in what manner he had first seen
+her. Recollecting that the baronet was just returned from the environs of
+Southampton, he eagerly enquired into the health and situation of his
+mistress.
+
+Sir William related to him the adventure of Mr. Prettyman, as we have
+already stated it to our readers, and deeply lamented the persecution to
+which Delia was subjected from the haughty victor. "And is there," cried
+Damon eagerly, "no prospect of his lordship's success?" "I believe,"
+answered sir William, "that he is of all men her mortal aversion." "And is
+there no happy lover in all her train, that she regards with a partial
+eye?" "None," replied the baronet, "she is chaste as snow, and firm as
+mountain oaks." "Propitious coldness!" exclaimed Damon, "for that may
+heaven send down a thousand blessings on her head!"
+
+"But you talked," added he, "of some occasion of your journey which you
+deferred relating to me." "The occasion," answered sir William, determined
+to preserve inviolate the secret of Delia, "is already fulfilled. I heard
+from young Eustace of the appearance and addresses of Osborne, and
+suspecting the rest, I determined to deliver you from the clutches of a
+girl whom I always thought unworthy of you. And now" added he cheerfully,
+"free as the winds, we can pursue uncontrolled the devices of our own
+hearts."
+
+The next morning the two friends proceeded to the house of lord Thomas
+Villiers, the father of Damon. He had already learned something of the
+visits of lord Osborne at Beaufort Place. He was not therefore much
+surprised to hear of the scene, which had passed between his son and the
+lady of that mansion. But there was something more to be done, in order to
+gain the approbation of the father to the new project, in the prosecution
+of which both these friends were equally sanguine.
+
+Lord Thomas Villiers was, as we have already said, avaricious. He was not
+therefore much pleased with the proposal of a match with a lady, whose
+fortune was not the half of that of Miss Frampton. He was tinctured with
+the pride of family, and he could not patiently think for a moment, of
+marrying his only son to the daughter of a tradesman. Sir William employed
+all his eloquence, and accommodated himself with infinite dexterity to the
+humours of the person with whom he had to deal. Damon indeed said but
+little, but his looks expressed more, than the baronet, with all his
+abilities, and all his friendship, was able to suggest. In spite of both,
+the father continued inexorable.
+
+The mind of Damon was impressed with the most exalted ideas upon the
+subject of filial duty. Had his heart been pre-engaged, before the affair
+of Miss Frampton was proposed to him, he might not perhaps have carried
+his complaisance so far, as to have married the indifferent person, in
+spite of all his views and all his prepossessions. But in his estimate,
+the actual entering into a connection for life in opposition to the will
+of a parent, was a mode of conduct very different from, and far more
+exceptionable than the refusing to unite oneself with a person in whose
+society one had not the smallest reason to look for happiness.
+
+There was another inducement that had much weight with Damon, and even
+with his more sanguine friend, sir William Twyford. The fortune neither of
+Damon nor Delia was independent. Lord Thomas Villiers was filled with too
+many prepossessions and too much pride, easily to retract an opinion he
+had once adopted, or to forgive an opposition to his judgment. The narrow
+education of a tradesman it was natural to suppose had rendered the mind
+of Mr. Hartley still more tenacious, and unmanageable. And neither would
+sir William have been willing to see his friend, nor would the lover
+readily have involved his mistress in circumstances of pecuniary distress.
+
+The resolution of Damon was therefore speedily taken. Every motive that
+could have weight, served to counteract the bias of his inclination. He by
+no means wanted either firmness or spirit. He resolved to struggle, nor to
+cease his efforts till he had conquered. With this design he entreated,
+and, after some difficulties, obtained of his father leave to enter
+himself in the army, and to make a campaign in America.
+
+The character of his heart seemed particularly formed for military
+pursuits. He was grave and thoughtful, he was generous and humane. To a
+mind contemplative and full of sensibility, he united a temper, frank,
+open, and undisguised. He was usually mild, gentle and pliant. But in a
+situation, that called for determination and spirit, it was impossible to
+appear more bold and manly, more cool and decided,--Affectionate was the
+farewel of his father, and still more affectionate that of his friend.
+Damon, though he endeavoured to summon all his resolution, could not
+restrain a sigh when he considered himself as about to sail for distant
+climates, and recollected, that probably, before his return, his beloved
+mistress, _dearer than life and all its joys_, would be united,
+irrevocably united to another. But here we must take leave of our hero,
+and return to his fair inamorata.
+
+
+
+DAMON
+
+AND
+
+DELIA.
+
+
+
+PART the SECOND.
+
+
+
+
+
+DAMON
+
+AND
+
+DELIA.
+
+PART the SECOND.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+_In which the Story begins over again_.
+
+
+Sir William Twyford had taken care to inform Miss Fletcher, and by her
+means Delia herself, of every circumstance as it occurred. Delia was
+indeed flattered by the breach that had taken place with Miss Frampton,
+and the perfect elucidation, which the story of this lady afforded to the
+most enigmatical expressions of Damon, in the interesting scene that had
+passed between them in the alcove. She no longer doubted of the reality of
+his attachment. Her heart was soothed, and her pride secretly flattered,
+in recollecting that she had not suffered herself to be caught by one who
+was perfectly indifferent to her.
+
+But the information that stifled all her hopes, and gave her the prospect
+of so long, and, too probably, an eternal absence, sat heavy upon her
+spirits, and preyed upon her delicate constitution. From the persecutions
+of lord Martin she had no respite. Her eye grew languid, the colour faded
+in her damask cheek, and her health visibly decayed.
+
+At this time Miss Fletcher proposed a journey to Windsor and other places,
+and intreated to have her friend to accompany her. Mr. Hartley, with all
+his foibles, was much attached to his only child, and deeply afflicted
+with the alteration he perceived in her. He readily therefore gave his
+consent to the proposed jaunt. "When she returns, it will be time enough,"
+said he to lord Martin, "to bring things to the conclusion, so much
+desired by both of us. I will not put my darling into your hands, but with
+that health and gaiety, which have so long been the solace of my old age,
+and which cannot fail to make any man happy that deserves her."
+
+Delia set out without any other inclination, than to escape from
+intreaties that were become in the highest degree disagreeable to her. She
+was addressed no longer upon a topic, of which she wished never to hear.
+Her eye was no longer wounded with the sight of her insolent admirer. This
+had an immediate and a favourable effect upon her. The conversation of
+Miss Fletcher was lively and unflagging, and the simplicity of her remarks
+proved an inexhaustible source of entertainment to our heroine.
+
+They travelled leisurely and visited a variety of parks and seats of
+noblemen which lay in their way. The taste of Delia was delicate and
+refined. A continual succession of objects; gardens, architecture,
+pictures and statues soothed her spirits, and gradually restored her to
+that gaiety and easiness of temper, which had long rendered her the most
+lovely and engaging of her sex.
+
+At length they arrived at Windsor. The simple dignity of the castle, its
+commanding situation, and the beautiful effects of the river from below,
+rendered it infinitely the most charming spot our heroine had yet seen.
+Her spirits were on the wing, she was all life and conversation, and the
+most constant heart, that nature had ever produced, for a moment, forgot
+her hopes, her fears, her inclinations, and her Damon.
+
+She was now standing at a window that commanded the terrace. The evening
+was beautiful, and the walk crouded. There were assembled persons of all
+sexes and of different ranks. All appeared gaiety and splendour. The
+supple courtier and the haughty country gentleman seemed equally at their
+ease. There was thoughtless youth and narrative old age. The company
+passed along, and object succeeded object without intermission.
+
+One of the last that caught the eye of Delia, was that of two gentlemen
+walking arm in arm, and seeming more grave than the rest of the company.
+They were both tall and well shaped; but one of them had somewhat more
+graceful and unembarrassed in his manner than the other. The latter was
+dressed in black, the former in colours, with much propriety and elegance.
+
+As they turned at the end of the walk the eye of Delia caught in the
+latter the figure of Damon. She was inexpressibly astonished, she trembled
+in every limb, and could scarcely support herself to a seat. Miss Fletcher
+had caught the same object at the same moment, and, though she probably
+might not otherwise have been clear in her recollection, the disorder of
+Delia put her conjecture out of doubt. She therefore, before our heroine
+had time to recollect herself, dispatched her brother, who had attended
+them in their journey, to inform Damon that a lady in the castle was
+desirous to speak with him.
+
+In an instant our hero and his companion, escorted by young Fletcher,
+entered the room. The astonishment of Damon, at being so suddenly
+introduced to a person, whom he had never expected to see again, was
+immeasurable. He rushed forward with a kind of rapture; he suddenly
+recollected himself; but at length advanced with hesitation. There was no
+one present beside those we have already named. The castle was probably
+familiar to every person except Delia and her companions. Every one beside
+was therefore assembled upon the terrace.
+
+Our heroine now gradually recovered from the disorder into which the
+unexpected sight of Damon had thrown her. She was much surprised at
+looking up to find him in her presence. "How is this," cried she, "how
+came you hither?" "The meeting," said our hero, "is equally unexpected to
+us both. But, ah, my charmer, whence this disorder? Why did you tremble,
+why look so pale?" "Oh goodness," cried Miss Fletcher, "what should it be?
+Why it was nothing in all the world, but her seeing you just now from the
+window." "And were you," cried Damon eagerly, "so kind as to summon me to
+your presence?" "No, no, my good sir," said the lively lady, "you must
+thank me for that". "How then at least," said the lover, "must I interpret
+your disorder?"
+
+Delia was inexpressibly confused at the inconsiderate language of her
+companion. "I cannot tell," said she, "you must not ask me. You must
+forget it." "And can I," cried Damon with transport, "ever forget a
+disorder so propitious, so flattering? Can I hope that the heart of my
+charmer is not indifferent to her Damon!" "Oh sir, be silent. Do not use a
+language like this." "Alas," cried he, "too long has my passion been
+suppressed. Too long have I been obliged to act a studied part, and employ
+a language foreign to my heart." "I thought," answered Delia, with
+hesitation, "that you were going to leave the kingdom." "And did my fair
+one condescend to employ a thought upon me? Did she interest herself in my
+concern and enquire after my welfare? And how so soon could she have
+learned my intention?"
+
+This question, joined with the preceding circumstances, completed the
+confusion of Delia. She blushed, stammered, and was silent. Damon, during
+this interval, gazed upon her with unmingled rapture. Every symptom she
+betrayed of confusion, was to him a symptom of something inexpressibly
+soothing. "Ah," whispered he to himself, "I am beloved, and can I then
+leave the kingdom? Can I quit this inestimable treasure? Can I slight so
+pure a friendship, and throw away the jewel upon which all my future
+happiness depends?"
+
+The conversation, from the peculiar circumstances of the lovers, had so
+immediately become interesting, that the gentlemen had not had an
+opportunity of quitting them. During the short silence that prevailed the
+friend of Damon took young Fletcher by the hand, and led him into the
+garden. The lovers were now under less restraint. Delia, perceiving that
+she could no longer conceal her sentiments, confessed them with ingenuous
+modesty. Damon on the other hand was ravished at so unexpected a
+discovery, and in a few minutes had lived an age in love.
+
+He now began to recollect himself. "Where," said he, "are all my
+resolutions? What are become of all the plans I had formed, and the
+designs in which I had embarked? What an unexpected revolution? No," said
+he, addressing himself to Delia, "I will never quit you. Do thou but
+smile, and let all the world beside abandon me. Can you forgive the
+sacrilegious intention of deserting you, of flying from you to the
+extremities of the globe? Oh, had I known a thought of Damon had harboured
+in one corner of your heart, I would sooner have died." "And do you
+think," cried Delia, "that I will tempt you to disobedience? No. Obey the
+precepts of your father and your own better thoughts. Heaven designed us
+not for each other. Neither your friends nor mine can ever be reconciled
+to the union. Go then and forget me. Go and be happy. May your sails be
+swelled with propitious gales! May victory and renown attend your steps!"
+"Ah cruel Delia, and do you wish to banish me? Do you enjoin upon me the
+impracticable talk, to forget all that my heart holds dear? And will my
+Delia resign herself to the arms of a more favoured lover?" "Never," cried
+she with warmth. "I will not disobey my father. I will not marry contrary
+to his inclinations. But even the authority of a parent shall not drag me
+to the altar with a man my soul detests." "Propitious sounds! Generous
+engagements! Thus let me thank thee."--And he kissed her hand with
+fervour. "Thus far," cried Delia, "I can advance. I employ no disguise. I
+confess to you all my weakness. Perhaps I ought to blush. But never will I
+have this reason to blush, for that my love has injured the object it
+aspires to bless. Go in the path of fortune. Deserve success and happiness
+by the exemplariness of your duty. And may heaven shower down blessings
+without number!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+_The History of Mr. Godfrey_.
+
+
+In expostulations like these our lovers spent their time without coming to
+any conclusion, till the evening and Miss Fletcher warned them that it was
+time to depart. Damon was to proceed for London early the next morning. He
+therefore intreated of Delia to permit his friend Mr. Godfrey, who was
+obliged to continue in the place some days longer, to wait upon her with
+his last commands. He informed himself of the time when she was to return
+to Southampton, and he trusted to be there not long after her. In the mean
+time, as his situation was at present very precarious, he prevailed upon
+her to permit him to write to her from time to time, and to promise to
+communicate to him in return any thing of consequence that might happen to
+herself.
+
+During the remainder of the evening Miss Fletcher made several ingenious
+observations upon what had passed. Delia gently blamed her for having so
+strangely occasioned the interview, though in reality she was by no means
+displeased by the event it had produced. "Bless us, child, you are as
+captious as any thing. Why I would not but have seen it for ever so much.
+Well, he is a sweet dear man, and so kind, and so polite, for all the
+world I think him just such another as Mr. Prattle. But then he is grave,
+and makes such fine speeches, it does one's heart good to hear him. I vow
+I wish I had such a lover. Sir William never says any thing half so
+pretty. Bless us, my dear, _he_ talks about love, just as if he were
+talking about any thing else."
+
+The next morning after breakfast, Mr. Godfrey appeared. He brought from
+Damon a thousand vows full of passion and constancy. He had parted, he
+said, more determined not to leave England, more resolute to prosecute his
+love than ever.
+
+Having discharged his commission, he offered his service to escort the
+ladies in any party they might propose for the present day. He said, that
+being perfectly acquainted with Windsor and its environs, he flattered
+himself he might be able to contribute to their entertainment. The very
+gallant manner in which this offer was made, determined Miss Fletcher, as
+something singular and interesting in the appearance of Mr. Godfrey did
+our heroine, cheerfully to close with the proposal.
+
+The person of Mr. Godfrey as we have already said was tall and genteel.
+There was a diffidence in his manner, that seemed to prove that he had not
+possessed the most extensive acquaintance with high life; but he had a
+natural politeness that amply compensated for the polish and forms of
+society. His air was serious and somewhat melancholy; but there was a fire
+and animation in his eye that was in the highest degree striking.
+
+Delia engaged him to talk of the character and qualities of Damon. Upon
+this subject, Mr. Godfrey spoke with the warmth of an honest friendship.
+He represented Damon as of a disposition perfectly singular and
+unaccommodated to what he stiled "the debauched and unfeeling manners of
+the age." He acknowledged with readiness and gratitude, that he owed to
+him the most important obligations. By degrees Delia collected from him
+several circumstances of a story, which she before apprehended to be
+interesting. She observed, that, as he shook off the embarrassment of a
+first introduction, his language became fluent, elegant, pointed, and even
+sometimes poetical. Since however he related his own story imperfectly and
+by piece meal, we shall beg leave to state it in our own manner. And we
+the rather do it, as we apprehend it to be interesting in itself, and as
+we foresee that he will make a second appearance in the course of this
+narrative. We will not however deprive our readers of the reflections he
+threw out upon the several situations in which he had been placed. We will
+give them without pretending to decide how far they may be considered as
+just and well-founded.
+
+Mr. Godfrey was not born to affluent circumstances. At a proper age he had
+been placed at the university of Oxford, and here it was that he commenced
+his acquaintance with Damon. At Oxford his abilities had been universally
+admired. His public exercises, though public exercises by their very
+nature ought to be dull, had in them many of those sallies, by which his
+disposition was characterised, and much of that superiority, which he
+indisputably possessed above his contemporaries. But though admired, he
+was not courted. In our public places of education, a wide distance is
+studiously preserved between young men of fortune, and young men that have
+none. But Mr. Godfrey had a stiffness and unpliableness of temper, that
+did not easily bend to the submission that was expected of him. He could
+neither flatter a blockhead, nor pimp for a peer. He loved his friend
+indeed with unbounded warmth, and it was impossible to surpass him in
+generousness and liberality. But he had a proud integrity, that whispered
+him, with, a language not to be controled, that he was the inferior of no
+man.
+
+He was destined for the profession of a divine, and, having finished his
+studies, retired upon a curacy of forty pounds a year. His ambition was
+grievously mortified at the obscurity in which he was plunged; and his
+great talents, in spite of real modesty, forcibly convinced him, that this
+was not the station for which nature had formed him. But he had an
+enthusiasm of virtue, that led him for a time to overlook these
+disadvantages. "I am going," said he, "to dwell among scenes of unvitiated
+nature. I will form the peasant to generosity and sentiment. I will teach
+laborious industry to look without envy and without asperity upon those
+above them. I will be the friend and the father of the meanest of my
+flock. I will give sweetness and beauty to the most rugged scenes. The
+man, that banishes envy and introduces contentment; the man, that converts
+the little circle in which he dwells into a terrestrial paradise, that
+renders men innocent here, and happy for ever, may be obscure, may be
+despised by the superciliousness of luxury; but it shall never be said
+that he has been a blank in creation. The Supreme Being will regard him
+with a complacency, which he will deny to kings, that oppress, and
+conquerors, that destroy the work of his hands."
+
+Such were the suggestions of youthful imagination. But Mr. Godfrey
+presently found the truth of that maxim, as paradoxical as it is
+indisputable, that the heart of man is naturally hard and unamiable. He
+conducted himself in his new situation with the most unexceptionable
+propriety, and the most generous benevolence. But there were men in his
+audience, men who loved better to criticise, than to be amended; and
+women, who felt more complacency in scandal, than eulogium. He displeased
+the one by disappointing them; it was impossible to disappoint the other.
+He laboured unremittedly, but his labours returned to him void. "And is it
+for this," said he, "that I have sacrificed ambition, and buried talents?
+Is humility to be rewarded only with mortification? Is obscurity and
+retirement the favourite scene of uneasiness, ingratitude, and
+impertinence? They shall be no longer my torment. In no scene can I meet
+with a more scanty success."
+
+He now obtained a recommendation to be private tutor to the children of a
+nobleman. This nobleman was celebrated for the politeness of his manners
+and the elegance of his taste. It was his boast and his ambition to be
+considered as the patron of men of letters. With his prospect therefore in
+this connection, Mr. Godfrey was perfectly satisfied. "I shall no longer,"
+said he, "be the slave of ignorance, and the victim of insensibility. My
+talents perhaps point me a step higher than to the business of forming the
+minds of youth. But, at least, the youth under my care are destined to
+fill the most conspicuous stations in future life. If propitious fortune
+might have raised me to the character of a statesman; depressed by
+adversity, I may yet have the honour of moulding the mind, and infusing
+generosity into the heart, of a future statesman. I have heard the second
+son of my patron celebrated for the early promises of capacity. To unfold
+the springing germs of genius, to direct them in the path of general
+happiness, is an employment by no means unworthy of a philosopher."
+
+In this situation Mr. Godfrey however once more looked for pleasure, and
+found disappointment. The nobleman had more the affectation of a patron,
+than any real enthusiasm in the cause of literature. The abilities of Mr.
+Godfrey were universally acknowledged. And so long as the novelty
+remained, he was caressed, honoured, and distinguished. In a short time
+however, he was completely forgotten by the patron, in the hurry of
+dissipation, and the pursuits of an unbounded ambition. His eldest care
+was universally confessed stupid and impracticable. And in the younger he
+found nothing but the prating forwardness of a boy who had been flattered,
+without sentiment, and without meaning. Her ladyship treated Mr. Godfrey
+with superciliousness, as an intruder at her lord's table. The servants
+caught the example, and showed him a distinction of neglect, which the
+exquisiteness of his sensibility would not permit him to despise.
+
+Mortified, irritated, depressed, he now quitted his task half finished and
+threw himself upon the world. "The present age," said he, "is not an age
+in which talents are overlooked, and genius depressed." He had heard much
+of the affluence of writers, a Churchil, a Smollet, and a Goldsmith, who
+had depended upon that only for their support. He saw the celebrated Dr.
+Johnson caressed by all parties, and acknowledged to be second to no man,
+whatever were his rank, however conspicuous his station. Full of these
+ideas, he soon completed a production, fraught with the fire and
+originality of genius, pointed in its remarks, and elegant in its style.
+He had now to experience vexations, of which he had before entertained no
+idea. He carried his work from bookseller to bookseller, and was every
+where refused. His performance was not seasoned to the times, he was a
+person that nobody knew, and he had no man of rank, by his importunities
+and eloquence, to force him into the ranks of fashion. At length he found
+a bookseller foolish enough to undertake it. But he presently perceived
+that the gentlemen at the head of that profession were wiser than he. All
+the motives they had mentioned, and one more, operated against him. The
+monarchs of the critic realm scouted him with one voice, because his work,
+was not written in the same cold, phlegmatic insupportable manner as their
+own.
+
+He had now advanced however too far to retreat. He had too much spirit to
+resume either of those professions, which for reasons so cogent in his
+opinion, he had already quitted. He wrote essays, squibs, and pamphlets
+for an extemporary support. But though these were finished with infinite
+rapidity, he found that they constituted a very precarious means of
+subsistence. The time of dinner often came, before the production that was
+to purchase it was completed; and when completed, it was frequently
+several days before it could find a purchaser. And his copy money and his
+taylor's bill were too little proportioned to one another.
+
+He now recollected, what in the gaiety of hope he had forgotten, that
+_many a flower_ only blows, with its sweetness to refresh the _air
+of a desert_. He recollected many instances of works, raised by the
+breath of fashion to the very pinnacle of reputation, that sunk as soon
+again. He recollected instances scarcely fewer, of works, exquisite in
+their composition, pregnant with beauties almost divine, that had passed
+from the press without notice. Many had been revived by the cooler and
+more deliberate judgment of a future age; and more had been lost for ever.
+The instance of Chatterton, as a proof that the universal patronage of
+genius was by no means the virtue of his contemporaries, flashed in his
+face. And he looked forward to the same fate at no great distance, as his
+own.
+
+To Mr. Godfrey however, fortune was in one degree more propitious. Damon
+was among the few whose judgment was not guided by the dictate of fashion.
+Having met accidentally with the performance we have mentioned, he was
+struck with its beauties. As he had heard nothing of it in the politest
+circles, he concluded, with his usual penetration, that the author of it
+was in obscure and narrow circumstances. _Open as day to sweet
+humanity_, interested warmly in the fortune of the writer of so amiable
+a performance, he flew to his bookseller's with the usual enquiries. The
+bookseller stared, and had it not been for the splendour of his dress, and
+his gilded chariot, would have been tempted to smile at so unfashionable
+and absurd a question. He soon however obtained the information he
+desired. And his eagerness was increased, when the name of Godfrey, and
+the recollection of the talents by which he had been so eminently
+distinguished, led him to apprehend that he was one, to whose abilities
+and character he had been greatly attached.
+
+He found some difficulty to obtain admission. But this was quickly
+removed, as, from the dignity of his appearance, it was not probable that
+he was a person, from whom Mr. Godfrey had any thing to apprehend. He
+found him in a wretched apartment, his hair dishevelled and his dress
+threadbare and neglected. Mr. Godfrey was unspeakably surprised at his
+appearance. And it was with much difficulty that Damon prevailed upon him
+to accept of an assistance, that he assured him should be but temporary,
+if it were in the power of him, or any of his connections, to render him
+respectable and independent, in such a situation as himself should chuse.
+
+Disappointment and misfortune are calculated to inspire asperity into the
+gentlest heart. Mr. Godfrey inveighed with warmth, and sometimes with
+partiality, against the coldness and narrowness of the age. He said, "that
+men of genius, in conspicuous stations, had no feeling for those whom
+nature had made their brothers; and that those who had risen from
+obscurity themselves, forgot the mortifications of their earlier life, and
+did not imitate the generous justice which had enabled them to fulfil the
+destination of nature." But though misfortune had taught him asperity upon
+certain subjects, it had not corrupted his manners, debauched his
+integrity, or narrowed his heart. He had still the same warmth in the
+cause of virtue, as in days of the most unexperienced simplicity. He still
+dreaded an oath, and reverenced the divinity of innocence. He still
+believed in a God, and was sincerely attached to his honour, though he had
+often been told, that this was a prejudice, unworthy of his comprehension
+of thinking upon all other subjects.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+_A Misanthrope._
+
+
+Such was the story, in its most essential circumstances, that Mr. Godfrey
+related. Delia was exceedingly interested in the gaiety of his
+imagination, the cruelty of his disappointments, and the acuteness, and
+goodness of heart that appeared in his reflections. Miss Fletcher listened
+to the whole with gaping wonder. But as soon as he was gone, she began
+with her usual observations. "Well," said she, "I never saw an author
+before. I could not have thought that he could have looked like a
+gentleman. Why, I vow, I could sometimes have taken him for a beau. Ay,
+but then he talked for all the world as if it had been written in a book.
+Well, by my troth, it was a mighty pretty story. But I should have liked
+it better, if there had been a sighing nymph, or a duel or two in it. But
+do you think it was all of his own making?"
+
+We will not trouble the reader to accompany our ladies from stage to stage
+during the remainder of their journey. Nothing more remarkable happened,
+and in ten days they arrived again at Southampton.
+
+Damon met Mr. Moreland in London, and, with that simplicity and candour by
+which he was distinguished, related to him every circumstance of his
+story. Mr. Moreland had no predilection in favour of lord Thomas Villiers.
+His sister, whom he esteemed in all respects an amiable woman, had by no
+means lived happily with her husband. Avarice and pride of rank were the
+farthest in the world from being the foibles of Mr. Moreland, and the
+sensibility of his disposition did not permit him to treat the faults, to
+which himself was a stranger, with much indulgence. He therefore
+encouraged Damon to persevere in the pursuit of his inclination, and
+invited him to return with him into the country. He promised himself to
+propose the match to Mr. Hartley, and assured his nephew, that he should
+never feel any narrowness in his circumstances, in case of his father's
+displeasure, while it was in his power to render them affluent.
+
+In pursuit of this plan, Damon, Mr. Moreland, and sir William Twyford,
+whom they found in London, and whose goodness of humour led him heartily
+to approve of the alteration in the plan of his friend, arrived, almost as
+soon as our travellers, in the neighbourhood of Southampton. Sir William
+and Damon, soon waited upon their respective mistresses, and in company so
+mutually acceptable, time sped with a greater velocity than was usual to
+him, and days appeared no more than hours.
+
+It was impossible that such a connexion should pass long unnoticed. It
+must be confessed however that it met with no interruption from lord
+Martin. Perhaps it might have escaped his notice, though it escaped that
+of no other person. Perhaps he was satiated with the glory he had
+acquired, and having conquered one beau, would not, like Alexander, have
+sighed, if there had remained no other beau to conquer. Perhaps the
+countenance of Mr. Hartley, of which he considered himself as securer than
+ever, led him, like a wise general, to reflect, that in staking his life
+against that of a lover, whose chance of success was almost wholly
+precluded, he mould make a very unfair and unequal combat.
+
+Be this as it will, Mr. Hartley had no such motives to overlook this new
+occurrence. Just however as he had begun to take it into his mature
+consideration, he received the compliments of Mr. Moreland, with an
+intimation of his design to make him a visit that very afternoon.
+
+At this message Mr. Hartley was a good deal surprised. Mr. Moreland he had
+never but once seen, and in that visit, he thought he had had reason to be
+offended with him. If that gentleman treated the company of Mr. Prattle
+and lord Martin, persons universally admired, as not good enough for him,
+it seemed unaccountable that he should have recourse to him. He was
+neither distinguished by the elegance of his accomplishments, nor did he
+much pride himself in the attainments of literature. After many
+conjectures, he at length determined with infinite sagacity, to suspend
+his judgement, till Mr. Moreland mould solve the enigma.
+
+This determination was scarcely made before his visitor arrived. That
+gentleman, who, though full of sensibility and benevolence, was not a man
+of empty ceremony, immediately opened his business. Mr. Hartley, drew
+himself up in his chair, and, with the dignity of a citizen of London, who
+thinks that the first character in the world, cried, "Well, sir, and who
+is this nephew of yours? I think I never heard of him." "He is the son,"
+answered Mr. Moreland, "of lord Thomas Villiers." "Lord Thomas Villiers!
+Then I suppose he is a great man. And pray now, sir, if this great man has
+a mind that his son should marry my daughter, why does he not come and
+tell me so himself?" "Why in truth," said the other, "lord Thomas Villiers
+has no mind. But my nephew is his only son, and therefore cannot be
+deprived of the principal part of his estate after his death. In the mean
+time, I will take care that he shall have an income perfectly equal to the
+fortune of Miss Hartley." "You will sir! And so in the first place, this
+young spark would have me encourage him in disobedience, which is the
+greatest crime upon God's earth, and in the second, he thinks that I, Bob
+Hartley, as I sit here, will marry my daughter into any family that is too
+proud to own us." "As to that, sir," said Moreland, "you must judge for
+yourself. The young gentleman is an unexceptionable match, and I, sir,
+whose fortune and character I flatter myself are not inferior to that of
+any gentleman in the county, shall always be proud to own and receive the
+young lady." "Why as to that, to be sure, you may be in the right for
+_auft_ that I know. But _howsomdever_, my daughter, do you see,
+is already engaged to lord Martin." "I should have thought," replied
+Moreland, "that objection might have been stated in the first instance,
+without any reflexions upon the conduct and family of the young gentleman.
+But are you sure that lord Martin is the man of your daughter's choice?"
+"I cannot say that I ever _axed_ her, for I do not see what that has
+to do with the matter. Lord Martin, do you see, is a fine young man, and a
+fine fortune. And Delia is my own daughter, and if she should boggle about
+having him, I would cut her off with a shilling." "Sir," answered
+Moreland, with much indignation, "that is a conduct that would deserve to
+be execrated. My nephew, without any sinister means, is master of your
+daughter's affection; and lord Martin, I have authority to tell you, is
+her aversion." "Oh, ho! is it so. Well then, sir, I will tell you what I
+shall do. Your nephew shall never have my daughter, though she had but a
+rag to her tail. And as for her affections and her aversion, I will lock
+her up, and keep her upon bread and water, till she knows, that she ought
+to have neither, before her own father has told her _what is what_."
+Mr. Moreland, all of whose nerves were irritated into a fever by so much
+vulgarity, and such brutal insensibility, could retain his seat no longer.
+He started up, and regarding his entertainer with a look of ineffable
+indignation, flung the door in his face, and retreated to his chariot.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+_Much ado about nothing_.
+
+
+Damon was inexpressibly afflicted at the success of his uncle's embassy.
+When Mr. Moreland related to him the particulars of his visit, Damon
+recollected the opposite tempers of the two gentlemen, and blamed himself
+for not having foreseen the event. Mr. Hartley was infinitely exasperated
+at the cavalierness with which he had been treated. He now discovered the
+true cause of his daughter's pertinacity, and proceeded with more vigour
+than ever.
+
+"And so," cried he, "you have dared to engage your affections without my
+privity, have you? A pretty story truly. And you would disgrace me for
+ever, by marrying into the family of a lord, that despises us, and an old
+fellow, that for half a word would knock your father's brains out."
+"Indeed sir," replied Delia, "I never thought of marrying without your
+consent. I only gave the young gentleman leave to ask it of you." "You
+gave him leave! And pray who are you? And so you was in league with him to
+send this fellow to abuse me?" "Upon my word, I was not. And I am very
+sorry if Mr. Moreland has behaved improperly." "_If_ Mr. Moreland!
+and so you pretend to doubt of it! But, let me tell you, I have provided
+you a husband, worth fifty of this young prig, and I will make you think
+so." "Indeed sir, I can never think so." "You cannot. And pray who told
+you to object, before I have named the man. Why, child, lord Martin has
+ten thousand pounds a year, and is a peer, and is not ashamed of us one
+bit in all the world." "Alas, sir, I can never have lord Martin. Do not
+mention him. I am in no hurry. I will live single as long as you please."
+"Yes, and when you have persuaded me to that, you will jump out at window
+the next day to this ungracious rascal." "Oh pray sir do not speak so. He
+is good and gentle." "Why, hussey, am I not master in my own house? I
+shall have a fine time of it indeed, if I must give you an account of my
+words." "Sir," said Delia, "I will never marry without your consent."
+"That is a good girl, no more you shall. And I will lock you up upon bread
+and water, if you do not consent to marry who I please."
+
+The despotic temper of Mr. Hartley led him to treat his daughter with
+considerable severity. He suffered her to go very little abroad, and
+employed every precaution in his power, to prevent any interview between
+her and her lover. He tried every instrument in turn, threats, promises,
+intreaties, blustering, to bend her to his will. And when he found that by
+all these means he made no progress; as his last resource, he fixed a day
+at no great distance, when he assured her he would be disappointed no
+longer, and she should either voluntarily or by force yield her hand to
+lord Martin.
+
+During these transactions, the communication between Delia and her lover
+was, with no great difficulty, kept open by the instrumentality of their
+two friends. They scarcely dared indeed to think of seeing each other, as
+in case this were discovered, Delia would be subject to still greater
+restraint, and the intercourse, between her and Miss Fletcher, be rendered
+more difficult. In one instance however, this lady ventured to procure the
+interview so ardently desired by both parties.
+
+Damon made use of this opportunity to persuade his mistress to an
+elopement. "You have already carried," said he, "your obedience to the
+utmost exremity. You have tried every means to bend the inflexible will of
+your father. If not for my sake then, at least for your own, avoid the
+crisis that is preparing for you. You detect the husband that your father
+designs you. If united to him, you confess you must be miserable. But who
+can tell, in the midst of persons inflexibly bent upon your ruin, no
+friend at hand to support you, your Damon banished and at a distance, what
+may be the event? You will hesitate and tremble, your father will
+endeavour to terrify you into submission, the odious peer will force from
+you your hand. If, in that moment, your heart should misgive you, if one
+faultering accent belie the sentiments you have so generously avowed for
+me, what, ah, what! may be the consequence? No, my fair one, fly,
+instantly fly. No duty forbids. You have done all that the most rigid
+moralist could demand of you. Put yourself into my protection. I will not
+betray your confidence. You shall be as much mistress as ever of all your
+actions. If you distrust me, at least chuse our common friends sir William
+Twyford. Chuse any protector among the numerous friends, that your beauty
+and your worth have raised you. I had rather sacrifice my own prospects of
+felicity forever, than see the smallest chance that you should be
+unhappy."
+
+Such were the arguments, which, with all the eloquence of a friend, and
+all the ardour of a lover, our hero urged upon his mistress. But the
+gentleness of Delia was not yet sufficiently roused by the injuries she
+had received, to induce her, to cast off all the ties which education and
+custom had imposed upon her, and determine upon so decisive a step.
+"Surely," said she, "there is some secret reward, some unexpected
+deliverance in reserve, for filial simplicity. Oh, how harsh, how bold,
+how questionable a step, is that to which you would persuade me!
+Circumstanced in this manner, the fairest reputation might provoke the
+tongue of scandal, and the most spotless innocence open a door to the
+blast of calumny. I will not say that such a step may not be sometimes
+justifiable. I will not say to what I may myself be urged. But oh, how
+unmingled the triumph, how sincere the joy if, by persevering in a
+conduct, in which the path of duty is too palpable to be mistaken,
+propitious fate may rather grant me the happiness after which I aspire,
+than I be forced, as it were, myself to wrest it from the hands of
+providence!"
+
+Such was the result of this last and decisive interview. Delia could not
+be moved from that line of conduct, upon which she had so virtuously
+resolved. And Damon having in vain exerted all the rhetoric of which he
+was master, now gave way to the gloomy suggestions of despair, and now
+flattered himself with the gleams of hope. He sometimes thought, that
+Delia might yet be induced to adopt the plan he had proposed; and
+sometimes he gave way to the serene confidence she expressed, and indulged
+the pleasing expectation, that virtue would not always remain without its
+reward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+_A Woman of Learning_.
+
+
+We are now brought, in the course of our story, to the memorable scene at
+Miss Cranley's. "Miss Cranley's!" exclaims one of our readers, in a tone
+of admiration. "Miss Cranley's!" cries another, "and pray who is she?"
+
+I distribute my readers into two classes, the indolent and the
+supercilious, and shall accordingly address them upon the present
+occasion. To the former I have nothing more to say, than to refer them
+back to the latter part of Chapter I., Part I. where, my dear ladies, you
+will find an accurate account of the character of two personages, who it
+seems you have totally forgotten.
+
+To the supercilious I have a very different story to tell. Most learned
+sirs, I kiss your hands. I acknowledge my error, and throw myself upon
+your clemency. You see however, gentlemen, that you were somewhat
+mistaken, when you imagined that I, like my fair patrons, the indolent,
+had quite lost these characters from my memory.
+
+To speak ingenuously, I did indeed suppose, as far as I could calculate
+the events of this important narrative beforehand, that the Miss Cranleys
+would have come in earlier, and have made a more conspicuous figure, than
+they now seem to have any chance of doing. Having thus settled accounts
+with my readers; I take up again the thread of my story, and thus I
+proceed.
+
+Mr. Hartley being now, as he believed, upon the point of disposing of his
+daughter in marriage, began seriously to consider that he should want a
+female companion to manage, his family, to nurse his ailments, and to
+repair the breaches, that the hand of wintry time had made in his spirits
+and his constitution. The reader will be pleased to recollect, that he had
+already laid siege to the heart of the gentle Sophia. He now prosecuted
+his affair with more alacrity than ever.
+
+Alas, my dear readers! while we have been junketting along from
+Southampton to Oxford, from Oxford to Windsor, and from Windsor to
+Southampton back again, such is the miserable fate of human kind! Miss
+Amelia Wilhelmina Cranley, the most pious of her sex, the flower of Mr.
+Whitfield's converts, the wonder and admiration of Roger the cobler, has
+given up the ghost. You will please then, in what follows, to represent to
+yourselves the charms of Sophia as decked and burnished with a suit of
+sables. Her exterior indeed was sable and gloomy, but her heart was far
+superior to the attacks of wayward fate. She sat aloft in the region of
+philosophy. She steeled her heart with the dignity of republicanism; for
+her to drop one tear of sorrow would have been an eternal disgrace.
+
+About this time--it was perhaps in reality a manoeuvre to forward the
+affair, to which she had no aversion at bottom, with the father of
+Delia--that Miss Cranley gave a grand entertainment, at which were present
+Mr. Hartley, Mr. Prattle, sir William Twyford, lord Martin, most of the
+ladies we have already commemorated, and many others.
+
+The repast was conducted with much solemnity. The masculine character of
+the mind of Sophia had rendered her particularly attached to the grace of
+action. When she drank the health of any of her guests, she accompanied it
+with a most profound _congè_. When she invited them to partake of any
+dish, she pointed towards it with her hand. This action might have served
+to display a graceful arm, but, alas! upon hers the hand of time had been
+making depredations, and it appeared somewhat coarse and discoloured.
+
+After dinner, the lady of the house, as usual, turned the conversation
+upon the subject of politics. She inveighed with much warmth against the
+effeminacy and depravity of the modern times. We were slaves, and we
+deserved to be so. In almost every country there now appeared a king, that
+puppet pageant, that monster in creation, miserable itself, a combination
+of every vice, and invented for the curse of human kind. "Where now," she
+asked, "was the sternness and inflexibility of ancient story? Where was
+that Junius, that stood and gazed in triumph upon the execution of his
+sons? Where that Fabricius, that turned up his nose under the snout of an
+elephant? Where was that Marcus Brutus, who sent his dagger to the heart
+of Cæsar? For her part, she believed, and she would not give the snap of
+her fingers for him if it were otherwise, that he was in reality, as sage
+historians have reported, the son of Julius."
+
+In the very paroxysm of her oratory she chanced to cast her eyes upon Mr.
+Prattle. With the character of Mr. Prattle, the reader is already partly
+acquainted. But he does not yet know, for it was not necessary for our
+story he should do so, that the honourable Mr. Prattle was a commoner and
+a placeman. Good God, sir, represent to yourself with what a flame of
+indignation our amazon surveyed him! She rose from her seat, and, taking
+him by the hand, very familiarly turned him round in the middle of the
+company. "This," said she, "is one of our Fabiuses, one of our Decii.
+Good God, my friend, what would you do, if a brother officer shook a cane
+over your shoulders as he did over those of the divine Themistocles? What
+would you do, if the brutal lull of an Appius ravished from your arms an
+only daughter? But I beg your pardon, sir. You are a placeman, mutually
+disgracing and disgraced. You sell your constituents to the vilest
+ministers, that ever came forward the champions of despotism. And those
+ministers show us what is their insignificance, their impotence, their
+want of discernment, in giving such a thing as you are, places of so great
+importance, offices of so high emolument."
+
+Mr. Prattle, unused to be treated so cavalierly, and arraigned before so
+large a company, trembled in every limb: "My dear madam, my sweet Miss
+Sophia, pray do not pinch quite so hard;" and the water stood in his eyes.
+Unable however to elude her grasp he fell down upon his knees. "For God's
+sake! Oh dear! Oh lack a daisy! Why, Miss, sure you are mad." Miss
+Cranley, unheedful of his exclamations, was however just going to begin
+with more vehemence than ever, when a sudden accident put a stop to the
+torrent of her oratory. But this event cannot be properly related without
+going back a little in our narrative, and acquainting the reader with some
+of those circumstances by which it was produced.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+_A Catastrophe_.
+
+
+Sir William Twyford had gained great credit with lord Martin by his
+conduct in the affair of Mr. Prettyman. He now imagined that he saw an
+opening for the exercise of his humour, which he was never able to refill.
+He communicated his plan to lord Martin. By his assistance he procured
+that implement, which school-boys have denominated a cracker. This his
+lordship found an opportunity of attaching to the skirt of Miss Cranley's
+sack. At the moment we have described, when she was again going to enter
+into the stream of her rhetoric, which, great as it naturally was, was now
+somewhat improved with copious draughts of claret, the cracker was set on
+fire.
+
+Poor Sophia now started in great agitation. "Bounce, bounce," went the
+cracker. Sophia skipped and danced from one end of the room to the other.
+"Great gods of Rome," exclaimed she, "Jupiter, Minerva, and all the
+celestial and infernal deities!" The force of the cracker was now somewhat
+spent. "Ye boys of Britain, that bear not one mark of manhood about you!
+Would Leonidas have fastened a squib to the robe of the Spartan mother?
+Would Cimber have so unworthily used Portia, the wife of Brutus? Would
+Corbulo thus have interrupted the heroic fortitude of Arria, the spouse of
+Thrasea Paetus?"
+
+"My dear madam," exclaimed lord Martin, his eyes glistening with triumph,
+"with all submission, Corbulo I believe had been assassinated, before
+Arria so gloriously put an end to her existence." "Thou thing," cried Miss
+Cranky, "and hast thou escaped the torrent of my invective! Thou eternal
+blot to the list, in which are inserted the names of a Faulkland, a
+Shaftesbury, a Somers, and above all, that Leicester, who so bravely threw
+the lie in the face of his sovereign!" "He! he!" cried lord Martin, who
+could no longer refrain from boasting of his great atchievement. If I have
+escaped your vengeance, let me tell you, madam, you have not escaped
+"mine." "And was it thee, thou nincompoop? Hence, thou wretch! Avaunt!
+Begone, or thou shalt feel my fury!" Saying this, she clenched her fist,
+and closed her teeth, with so threatening an aspect, that the little peer
+was very much terrified. He flew back several paces. "My dear Miss
+Griskin," said he, "protect me! This barbarous woman does not understand
+wit,"--and he precipitately burst out of the room. The lady too was so
+much discomposed, that she thought proper to retire, assuring the company
+that she would attend them again in a moment.
+
+"Well," cried Miss Griskin, as soon as she had disappeared, "this was the
+nicest fun!" "I was afraid," said Miss Prim, "it would have discomposed
+Miss Cranley's petticoats." "Law, my dear!" said Miss Gawky, "by my
+so, I like the music of a cracker, better than all the concerts in the
+varsal world." We need not inform our readers, that Miss Languish, in the
+very height and altitude of the confusion, had been obliged to retire.
+
+Lord Martin, in the midst of his triumph and exultation, had not leisure
+to recollect, nor perhaps penetration to perceive, the effect that this
+little sally might have upon his interests. Despotic and boorish as was
+the genius of Mr. Hartley, it cowred under that of Sophia with the most
+abject servility. And that lady now vowed eternal war against the heroical
+peer.
+
+"Mr. Hartley," said she, in their next _tête a tête_, "let me tell
+you, lord Martin, must never have Miss Delia." "My dearest life," said the
+old gentleman, "consider, the day is fixed, my word is passed, and it is
+too late to revoke now. Beside, lord Martin has ten thousand pounds a
+year." "Ten thousand figs," said she, "do not tell me, it is never too
+late to be wife. Lord Martin is a venal senator, and a little sniveling
+fellow." "My dear," said Hartley, "I never differed from you before: do
+let me have my mind now." "Have your mind, sir! Men should have no minds.
+Tyrants that they are! And now I think of it, Miss Delia does not like
+lord Martin." "Pooh," said Mr. Hartley, recovering spirit at such an
+objection, "that is all stuff and nonsense." "Nonsense! Let me tell you,
+sir, women are not _born to be controled_. They are queens of the
+creation, and if they had their way, and the government of the world was
+in their hands, things would go much better than they do." "I know they
+would," replied her admirer, "if they were all as wise as you." "Child,"
+returned Sophia, turning up her nose, "that is neither here nor there. The
+matter in short is this. Damon loves Delia, and Delia loves Damon. And if
+your daughter be not Mrs. Villiers, I will never be Mrs. Hartley."
+
+From a decision like this there could be no appeal. Mr. Hartley told lord
+Martin, the next time he came to his house to pay his devoirs to his
+mistress, that he had altered his mind. His lordship was too much
+surprised at this manoeuvre to make any immediate answer; so turned upon
+his heel, and decamped.
+
+The happy revolution, by the intervention of Miss Fletcher, was soon made
+known to sir William and his friend. Damon now paid his addresses in form.
+A reconciliation took place between Mr. Moreland and the father of our
+heroine. The marriage was publicly talked of, the day was fixed, and every
+thing prepared for the nuptials.
+
+It is impossible to describe the happiness of our lovers, when they saw
+every obstacle thus unexpectedly removed. Damon was beside himself with
+surprise and congratulation. Delia, at intervals, rubbed her eyes, and
+could scarcely be persuaded that it was not a dream. They saw each other
+at least once every day. Together they wandered along the margin of the
+ocean, and together they sought that delicious alcove, which now appeared
+ten times more beautiful, from the recollection it suggested of the
+sufferings they had passed.
+
+Lord Martin was in the mean time most grievously disappointed. "The devil
+damn the fellow!" said he, "he crosses me like my evil genius. I have a
+month's mind to send him a challenge. He is a tall, big looking fellow to
+be sure. But then if I could contrive to kill him. Ah, me! but fortune
+does not always favour the brave. My reputation is established. I do not
+want a duel for that. And for any other purpose, it is all a lottery. Fire
+and furies, death and destruction! something must be done. Let me
+think--_About my brain_."
+
+But lord Martin was not the only one whose hopes were disappointed, by the
+expected marriage of Delia. He loved her not, he felt not one flutter of
+complacency about his heart. It was vanity that first prompted him to
+address her. It was disappointed pride that now stung him. Even Mr.
+Prattle viewed her with a more generous affection. His genius was not
+indeed a daring one, but it was active and indefatigable. Squire Savage
+did not feel the less, though he did not spend many words about it. He was
+a blustering hector. He had the reputation of fearing nothing, and caring
+for nothing, that stood in his way. There were also other lovers beside
+these, _whom the muse knows not, nor desires to know_.
+
+In this manner gins and snares seemed, on every side, to surround our
+happy and heedless lovers. They sported on the brink. They sighed, and
+smiled, and sang, and talked again. At length the eve of the day, from
+which their future happiness was to be dated, arrived. They had but one
+drawback, the continued averseness of lord Thomas Villiers. Damon was
+however now obliged, together with Mr. Hartley, to attend the lawyers at
+Mr. Moreland's, in order to complete the previous formalities.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+_Containing what will terrify the reader._
+
+
+At such a moment as this, a mind of delicacy and sensibility is fond of
+solitude. Delia told Mrs. Bridget, that she would take her usual walk, and
+be home time enough to superintend the oeconomy of supper, at which the
+company of Damon and sir William Twyford was expected.
+
+They accordingly arrived before nine o'clock. Mrs. Bridget expected her
+mistress every moment. Damon and his friend would have gone out to meet
+her, but they were not willing to leave Mr. Hartley alone. The clock
+however struck ten, and no Delia appeared. Every one now began to be
+seriously uneasy. Damon and sir William went in both her most favourite
+walks to find her, but in vain. Messengers were dispatched twenty
+different ways. The lover repaired to the mansion of Lord Martin. The
+baronet immediately set out for the house of Mr. Savage.
+
+Mr. Hartley, who, with the external of a bear, and the heart of a miser,
+was not destitute of the feelings of a parent, was now exceedingly
+agitated. He strided up and down the room with incredible velocity. He bit
+his fingers with anxiety, and threw his wig into the fire. "As I am a good
+man," said he, "Mr. Prattle lives but almost next door, and I will go to
+him." Mr. Prattle was at home, and having heard his story, condoled with
+him upon it with much apparent sincerity.
+
+Damon met with the same success. Lord Martin received him with perfect
+serenity. "Bless us," cried he, "and is Miss Delia gone? I never was more
+astonished in my life. I do not know what to do," and he took a pinch of
+snuff. "Mr. Villiers," said he, with the utmost gravity, "I have all
+possible respect for you. Blast me! if I am not willing to forget all our
+former rivalship. Tell me, sir, can I do you any service?" Damon had every
+reason to be satisfied with his behaviour, and flew out of the house in a
+moment.
+
+Sir William Twyford did not however meet with the person he went in quest
+of. Miss Savage informed him, that her brother, not two hours ago, had
+received a letter, and immediately, without informing her of his design,
+which indeed he very seldom did, ordered his best hunter out of the
+stable. She added, that she had imagined, that he had received a summons
+to a fox-chace early the next morning.
+
+Such was the account brought by sir William to the anxious and distracted
+Damon. "Alas," cried he, "it is but too plain? She is by this time in the
+hands of that insensible boor. Oh, who can bear to think of it! He is
+perhaps, at this moment, tormenting her with his nauseous familiarities,
+and griping her soft and tender limbs! Oh, why was I born! Why was I ever
+cheated with the phantom of happiness! Wretch, wretch that I am!"
+
+With these words he burst out of the house, and flew along with surprising
+rapidity. Sir William, having hastily ordered everything to be prepared
+for a pursuit, immediately followed him. He found him, wafted, spent, and
+almost insensible, lying beside a little brook that crossed the road. The
+baronet raised him in his arms, and, with the gentlest accents that
+friendship ever poured into a mortal ear, recovered him to life and
+perception.
+
+"Where am I?" said the disconsolate lover. "Who are you? ah, my friend, my
+best, my tried friend! I know you now. How came I here? Has any thing
+unfortunate happened? Where is my Delia?" "Let us seek her, my Villiers,"
+said the baronet. "Seek her! What! is she lost? Oh, yes, I recollect it
+now; she is gone, snatched from my arms. Let us pursue her! Let us
+overtake her Oh that it may not be too late."
+
+He now leaned upon the shoulder of his friend, and returned with painful
+and irregular steps. His disorder was so great, that sir William thought
+it best to have him immediately conveyed to a chamber. He was so much
+exhausted, that this was easily accomplished, without his being perfectly
+sensible what was done. The baronet, with three servants mounted on
+horseback, immediately pursued the road towards London.--Having thus
+related the confusion and grief that were occasioned by her sudden
+disappearance, we will now return to our heroine.
+
+She had advanced, according to the intention she had hinted to her
+servant, towards the grove, where she had so often wandered with her
+beloved. She was wrapped up and lost in the contemplation of her
+approaching felicity. "And is every difficulty surmounted, and shall at
+last my fate be twined with Damon's? Sure, it is too much, it cannot be!
+Fate does not deal so partially with mortals. To bestow so vast a
+happiness on one, while thousands pine in helpless misery. But let me not
+be incredulous. Let me not be ungrateful. No, since heaven has thus
+accumulated its favours on me, my future days shall all be spent in
+raising the oppressed, and cheering the disconsolate. I will remember that
+I also have tasted the cup of woe, that I have looked forward to
+disappointment and despair. _Taught by the hand that pities me,_ I
+will learn to pity others."
+
+She was thus musing with herself, she was thus full of piety and virtuous
+resolution, when, on a sudden, a trampling of horses behind her, roused
+her from her reverie. Two persons advanced. But before she had time to
+examine their features, or even to remove out of the path, by which they
+seemed to be coming, the foremost of them leaping hastily upon the ground,
+seized her by the waist, arid, in spite of all her struggling, placed her
+on the front of the saddle, and instantly mounted with the utmost agility.
+Cries and tears were vain. They were in a solitary path, little beaten by
+the careful husbandman, or the gay votaries of fashion. She was now
+hurried along, and generally at full speed, through a thousand bye paths,
+that seemed capable of puzzling the most assiduous pursuit.
+
+They had scarcely advanced two little miles, ere they arrived at a large
+and broad highway. Here they found a chariot ready waiting for them, into
+which Delia was immediately thrust. She now for the first time lifted up
+her eyes. The first object to which she attended was the faces of her
+ravishers. Of him who had been the most active, she had not the smallest
+recollection. The other who was in a livery, she imagined she had seen
+somewhere, though, in the present confusion of her mind, she could not fix
+upon the place. She next looked round her with wildness and eagerness, as
+far as her eye could reach, to see if there were no protector, no
+deliverance near. But she looked in vain. All was solitude and stilness.
+The murmurs, the activity of the day were past. And now, the silver moon
+in radiant majesty shed a solemn serenity ever the whole scene. Serenity,
+alas! to the heart at ease, but nothing could bring serenity to the
+troubled breast of Delia.
+
+As her last resource, she appealed to those who by brutal force had
+carried her away. "Oh, if you have any hearts, any thing human that dwells
+about you, pity a poor, forlorn, and helpless maid! Alas, in what have I
+injured you? What would you do to me?" "Oh, pray, Miss, do not be
+frightened," said the first ravisher with an accent of familiar vulgarity,
+"we will do you no harm, we mean nothing but your good. You will make your
+fortune. You never had such luck in your life. You will have reason to
+thank us the longest day you can ever know."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+_A Denouement_.
+
+
+At this moment, Delia with infinite transport, heard the sound of horses
+at a distance. Every thing was quiet. Our heroine listened with eager
+expectation, and those who guarded her looked out to see who it was that
+approached. Suspense was not long on either side. The horsemen were up
+with them in a moment. "Oh, whoever you are," cried Delia, in an agony of
+distress, "pity and relieve the most miserable woman'"----She received no
+answer, but the horses stopped, and lord Martin was in a moment at the
+door of the carriage. "Oh, my lord," cried Delia, "is it you? Thanks,
+eternal thanks, for this fortunate incident. If you had not come, heaven
+knows what would have become of me! Those brutes, those wretches--But
+conduct me, my lord, to my father's house. Without doubt, they must by
+this time be in a terrible fright."
+
+"Do not be uneasy," cried his lordship, endeavouring to assume an
+harmonious, but missing his point, he spoke in the shrillest and most
+squeaking accent that can be imagined. "Do not be uneasy, my charmer. You
+are in the hands of a man, that loves you, as never woman was loved
+before. But I will be with you in a minute," said he. And withdrawing
+behind the carriage, he beckoned to the person who had conducted the
+business of the rape. "Why, you incorrigible blockhead," said lord Martin,
+"you have neglected half your instructions. Why, her hands are at
+liberty." "I beg your honour's pardon," replied the pimp, "I had indeed
+forgotten, but it shall be remedied in a moment." And saying this, he
+pulled a strong ribband out of his pocket, and getting into the chariot,
+fastened the soft and lily hands of our heroine behind her. She screamed,
+and invoked the name of his lordship a thousand times. Her hair became
+disentangled from its ligaments, and flowed in waving ringlets about her
+snowy, panting bosom. Exhausted with continual agitation, and particularly
+with the last struggle, she seemed ready to faint, but was quickly
+restored by the assiduity of these sordid grooms.
+
+Before she had completely recovered her recollection, lord Martin had
+seated himself in the carriage, and was drawing up some of the blinds.
+"Drive on," said he to the coachman, who was by this time mounted into the
+box, "Drive, as if the devil was behind you." The cavalcade accordingly
+went forward. There was a servant on each side of the carriage, beside the
+commander in chief, who occasionally advanced in the front, and
+occasionally brought up the rear.
+
+"And whither," said the affrighted Delia, "whither are we going? This
+cannot be the way to Southampton. What do you mean? But ah, it is too
+plain! Why else this impotence of insult?" endeavouring to disengage her
+hands. And she turned from him in a rage of indignation. "Ah," cried his
+lordship, "do not avert those brilliant eyes! Turn them towards me, and
+they will outshine the lustre of the morn, and I shall perceive nothing of
+the sun, even when he gains his meridian height." "And thou despicable
+wretch, is this thy shallow plan? And what dost thou think to do with me?
+Mountains shall sooner bend their lofty summits to the earth, than I will
+ever waste a thought on thee." "Do with thee, my fairest!" cried the peer,
+"why, marry thee. Dost thou think that the paltry Damon shall get the
+better of my eagle genius? No. Fortune now unfurls my standard, and I
+drive the _frighted fates_ before me." "Boastful, empty coward! Thou
+darest not even brave a woman's rage. If my hands were at liberty, I would
+tear out those insolent eyes." "_Go on_, thou gentlest of thy sex,
+_and charm me with that angel voice_! For though thou dealest in
+threats, abuse, and proud defiance, _it is heaven to hear thee_."
+
+Such was the courtship that passed between our heroine and her triumphant
+admirer. They had new proceeded twenty miles, and the midnight bell had
+tolled near half an hour. They had passed through one turnpike, and Delia
+had endeavoured by cries and prayers to obtain some assistance. But the
+person who opened to them was alone, and though ever so desirous, could
+not have resisted such a cavalcade. Beside this, the pimp told him a
+plausible story of a wanton wife, and an injured husband, with the
+particulars of which we do not think it necessary to trouble our readers.
+They had also seen one foot passenger, and two horsemen. But they were
+eluded and amused by a repetition of the same stratagem.
+
+Delia, having exhausted her first rage and astonishment, had now remained
+for some time silent. She revolved in her mind all the particulars of her
+situation. She had at first considered her ravisher in no other light than
+as hateful and despicable, but she was now compelled to regard this
+venomous little animal, as the arbiter of her fate, and the master of her
+fortunes. She reflected with horror, how much she was in his power, what
+ill usage he might inflict, and to what extremities he might reduce her.
+She now seriously thought of exerting herself to melt him into pity, and
+to persuade him, by every argument she could invent, to spare and to
+release her. "Ah, where," thought she, "is my Damon? Why does not he
+appear to succour me? Alas, what distresses, what agonies may he not even
+now endure!"
+
+Full of these, and a thousand other tormenting reflections, she burst into
+a flood of tears. Lord Martin drew from his pocket a clean cambric
+handkerchief, and, carefully unfolding it, wiped away the drops as they
+fell. "Loveliest of creatures," said he, "by the murmuring of thy voice,
+the heaving of thy bosom, the distraction of thy looks, and by these
+tears, I should imagine thou wert uneasy." "Ah," cried Delia unheedful of
+his words, "what shall I say to move him?" "Oh, talk for ever," replied
+his lordship. "The winds shall forget to whistle, and the seas to roar.
+Noisy mobs shall cease their huzzas, and the din of war be still; for
+there is music in thy voice." "Oh," exclaimed our heroine, "let one touch
+of compassion approach thy soul. Indeed, my lord, I can never have you.
+Release me, and I will forgive what is past, and Damon shall never notice
+it." "Zounds and fire!" cried the peer, "dost thou think to prevail with
+me by the motives of a coward? But why dost thou talk of Damon? Look on
+me. Behold this purple coat, and fine _toupèe_. Think on my estate,
+and think on my title."
+
+But at this moment the oratory of his lordship ceased to be heard. At a
+small distance there appeared two persons, the one on foot, and whose air,
+so far as it could be perceived by the imperfect light, was genteel, and
+the other on horseback, engaged in earnest conference. As the carriage
+drew towards them, Delia exclaimed, in a piercing, but pathetic voice,
+"Help! help! for God's sake! Rape! Murder! Help!" The voice immediately
+caught the young gentleman on foot, who approached the carriage.--But
+before we proceed any farther we will inform our readers who these persons
+were.
+
+The gentleman on foot, was Mr. Godfrey. He was on a visit to a sister, who
+lived very near the spot upon which he now stood. She was married to a
+substantial yeoman, who rented an estate in this place, the property of
+lord Thomas Villiers. The beautiful scenes of nature were particularly
+congenial to the elegant said contemplative mind of Mr. Godfrey. And he
+had now, as was frequently his custom, strolled out to enjoy the calm
+serenity, and the splendid beauty, of a midnight scene. The man on
+horse-back was a thief taker, who, just before the carriage had driven up,
+had, without ceremony, accosted Mr. Godfrey with his enquiries, and a
+description of the person of whom he was in pursuit.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+_Which dismisses the Reader._
+
+
+Mr. Godfrey, in a resolute tone, called out to the coachman to stop, and
+not contented with a verbal mandate, he rushed before the horses, and
+brandishing a club he held in his hand, bid the driver proceed at his
+peril. "Drive on," said lord Martin, thrusting his head out at the
+window--"Drive on, and be damned to you!" At this moment the pimp rode up.
+"It is nothing," said he, "but a poor gentleman, who has just forced his
+wife from the arms of a gallant." "Oh no!" cried Delia. "I am not his
+wife. I am an innocent woman, whom he has forced from her father and her
+lover."
+
+The thief taker out of curiosity rode forward. "That," said he, fixing his
+eye upon the pimp, "that is the very rascal I am in search of." The pimp,
+who had only been borrowed by lord Martin of one of his more experienced
+acquaintance, no sooner heard the sound, than, accounting for it with
+infinite facility and readiness of mind, he turned about his horse, and
+attempted to fly. One of the footmen, naturally a coward, and terrified at
+these incidents, with the meaning of which he was unacquainted, imitated
+his example. The other came forward to the assistance of his master, and
+was laid prostrate upon the ground, by Mr. Godfrey with one blow. The
+thief taker had the start of the pimp, and overtook him in a moment.
+
+Mr. Godfrey now opened the door of the carriage. But the little peer was
+prepared for this incident, and having his sword drawn, made a sudden pass
+at our generous knight-errant. The latter, with infinite agility, leaped
+aside, and lifting up his club, shivered the sword into a thousand pieces.
+
+"Death and the devil! Pox confound you!" said lord Martin, and endeavoured
+to draw a pistol from his pocket. But the unsuccessful pass he had made
+had thrown him somewhat off his bias, and though he had employed more than
+one effort, he had not been able to recover himself. At this instant, Mr.
+Godfrey seized him by the collar, and with a sudden-whirl, threw him into
+the middle of the road. "Fire and"--his lordship had not time to finish
+his exclamation. The part of the road in which he fell was exceeding
+dirty. The workmen had been employed the preceding day, in scraping the
+mud together into a heap against the bank, and his lordship, unable to
+overcome the velocity with which he trundled along, rolled into the midst
+of it in an instant. He was entirely lost in this soft receptacle. The
+colour of his purple coat, and his lily white _toupèe_, could no
+longer be distinguished.
+
+The coachman, perceiving the disaster of his lord, now leaped from the
+box. Mr. Godfrey had scarcely had time to reduce this new antagonist to a
+state of inactivity, before the footman, upon whom he had first displayed
+his prowess, began to discover some signs of life. He might have been yet
+overpowered in spite of all his valour and presence of mind, if the house
+of his brother-in-law, had not fortunately been so near, that the shrieks
+of Delia, and the altercation of her ravishers reached it. The honest
+farmer was at the window in a moment, and perceiving that his brother was
+engaged in the affray, he huddled on his clothes with all expedition, and
+now appeared in the highway.
+
+The victory was immediately decided. The footman perceiving this new
+reinforcement, did not dare to act upon the offensive, and Mr. Godfrey
+mounted into the chariot to assist our heroine. He now first perceived
+that her hands were manacled. From this restraint however, he suddenly
+disengaged her, and taking her in his arms out of the carriage, he
+delivered her to his sister, who advanced at this moment.
+
+The footman, assisted by the humanity of the farmer, was now employed in
+raising his master. His lordship made the most pitiable figure that can be
+imagined. His features, as well as his dress, wore an appearance perfectly
+uniform. "Whither would you convey him?" said Mr. Godfrey, who was now
+returned. "What shall we do with him?" "Oh, and please you, sir," said the
+footman, "his lordship has a house about half a mile off." Lord Martin now
+first discovered some marks of sensibility, and _shook his goary
+locks_. "His lordship!" exclaimed the yeoman. "Sure it cannot be--yet
+it is--by my soul I cannot tell whether it be lord Martin or no." The
+coachman now rose from the ground, and began with a profound bow to his
+master. "And please your honour," said he, "we have made a sad day's work
+of it. Your worship makes but a pitiful figure. Faugh! I think as how, if
+I dared say so much, begging your honour's pardon, that your lordship
+stinks." "Put him into the carriage," cried Mr. Godfrey, "and drive him
+home." Lord Martin, now first recovered his tongue, and wiping away the
+mud from his eyes, "And so it was you, sir, I suppose," cried he, "to whom
+I am obliged for this catastrophe. But pox take me, if you shall not hear
+of it. Ten thousand curses on my wayward fate! The devil take it! Death
+and damnation!" During this soliloquy, the servants were employed in
+placing their lord in the chariot. The coachman mounted the box, and by
+this time they were out of hearing.
+
+Mr. Godfrey and his brother now entered the house. Delia was seated in a
+chair, her hair dishevelled, her features disordered, and her dress in the
+most bewitching confusion. But how much were both the deliverer and the
+heroine surprised, when they mutually recognised each others features! Mr.
+Godfrey made Delia a very polite compliment upon her escape, and
+congratulated himself, in the warmest language, for having been the
+fortunate instrument.
+
+They now retired to rest. The next morning, Delia was much better
+recovered from her terror and fatigue, than could have been expected. Mr.
+Godfrey however had not thought it adviseable that she should be removed
+that day, and had therefore set off early in the morning for Southampton,
+that he might himself be the messenger of these happy tidings.
+
+"I hope Miss," said Mrs. Wilson, who attended our heroine, "that you will
+dress yourself as well as you can." "And why" cried Delia, "do you desire
+that? I can see nobody, I can think of nothing, but my absent and anxious
+Damon." "Let us hope," replied the other, "that he is very well. But,
+Miss, we expect lord Thomas Villiers by dinner time." "Lord Thomas
+Villiers!" exclaimed Delia, in the extremest surprise. "Yes," cried Mrs.
+Wilson. "He is our landlord, and he always comes over once about this time
+of the year." "Alas," said Delia, "I can see nobody. But I had rather meet
+any person at this time, than lord Thomas Villiers." "Bless me, Miss! why
+I am sure he is a very good sort of a gentleman." "I dare say he is,"
+cried Delia. "But indeed, and indeed, Mrs. Wilson, I cannot see him. Pray
+oblige me in this." "Law, well I cannot think what objection you can have!
+There must be something very particular in it."
+
+Such were the hints that Mrs. Wilson threw out for the satisfying of her
+curiosity, but Delia was not disposed to be more communicative. The good
+woman however, with the error of our heroine before her eyes, was
+determined not to commit a similar fault. Lord Thomas was therefore
+scarcely arrived, before she set open the flood gates of her eloquence, in
+describing the rescue, and the unrivalled beauty of the lady under her
+roof.
+
+His lordship had long had a misunderstanding with lord Martin upon the
+subject of their contiguous estates. As his temper was not the most
+gentle, nor his memory upon these subjects the most treacherous, he
+expressed his triumph in loud shouts, and repeated horse laughs, upon the
+recent defeat of his antagonist. Nothing however would content him but a
+sight of the lady. "That," said Mrs. Wilson, "my guess is too nice to
+consent to. You must know, she has a particular dislike to your lordship."
+"A dislike to me!" said the old gentleman, whose curiosity was now more
+inflamed than even "Will you be contented," said his kind hostess, "with a
+peep through the key hole!" and without waiting for an answer, she took
+him by the hand, and led him up stairs. "By my foul!" said his lordship,
+"she is the finest woman in the world. Devil take me, if I can contain
+myself," and he burst into the room.
+
+Lord Thomas advanced a few steps, and then stopping, clasped his hands;
+"Why she is an angel of a woman! And did Martin, that dirty scoundrel,
+think he could run away with you? Impudent, pot-bellied spider! Ah, if my
+son had fallen in love with such a woman as you, I could forgive him any
+thing." And seizing her hand he pressed it to his lips. "Forgive me,
+charmer," cried he, "I am an old fellow. I will do you no harm."
+
+Delia, though pleased with the behaviour of her intended father-in-law,
+dared not yet discover herself to him. In the afternoon, Mr. Godfrey, and
+Sir William Twyford, arrived. Damon, agitated as he was by the most
+dreadful images that a troubled fancy could suggest, appeared in the
+morning in a high fever. Instead of being able to hasten to the mistress
+of his soul, he was confined to his bed, and attended by physicians.
+
+"Ha," cried lord Thomas, as soon as he saw the baronet, "and who sent for
+you? What do you want? I think, Sir, you are the gentleman to whom I am
+obliged for telling my son, that duty to parents is a baby prejudice, that
+obstinacy is a heroic virtue, and that fortune, fame, and friends, are all
+to be sacrificed to the whining passion, which, I think, you call love."
+"My lord," replied the baronet, "I have done nothing, of which I feel any
+reason to be ashamed. But a subject more pressing calls for my immediate
+attention." Then turning to Delia, "Give me leave to congratulate you,
+madam, and heaven can tell how heartily I do it, upon the generous and
+happy interposition of Mr. Godfrey." "And pray," interrupted lord Thomas,
+"how came you acquainted with that lady?" "Oh, tell me," cried Delia, with
+an impatience not to be restrained by modes and forms, "tell me, how does
+my Damon? Why is he not here? Alas, I fear"--"Fear nothing," cried the
+baronet. "He is safe. He is at your father's house, and impatient to see
+you." "And is this the lady," cried lord Thomas, "of whom my son is
+enamoured? But he shall not disobey me. I will never permit it. Sir, if
+this be the lady, I will give her to him with my own hand. But where is
+the ungracious rascal? Why does not he appear?" "Nothing, be assured,"
+said the baronet, "but reasons of the last importance, could have kept him
+back in so interesting a moment." "Alas, I fear," cried Delia, "since you
+endeavour to conceal them from me, they are reasons of the most afflicting
+nature." "It is in vain," replied Sir William, "to endeavour at
+concealment." "Your son," turning to lord Thomas Villiers, "is confined to
+his bed. The anxiety and fatigue that he suffered, in consequence of the
+extraordinary step of lord Martin, have thrown him into a fever. But be
+not uneasy, my Delia," taking her hand, "there is no danger. One sigh, one
+look from you will restore him." "Ten thousand curses," exclaimed the
+father, "upon the head of the contemptible, misbegotten ravisher! But let
+us make haste. I am glad however that my rogue of a son is a little
+punished for his impertinence. Let us make haste."
+
+Saying this, he ordered the horses to his chariot, and the whole company
+prepared to set out for Southampton immediately. The only business which
+remained, was the dispatching a message, which was done by one of sir
+William's servants, from Mr. Godfrey to lord Martin, announcing his name,
+and informing his lordship, that he was to be met with any time in the
+ensuing week at Mr. Moreland's.
+
+Lord Martin was a good deal bruised and enfeebled with the adventure of
+the preceding evening. He had been obliged to undergo a lustration of near
+an hour, before he could be put to bed. He was just risen, when the
+message was delivered. "Zounds!" cried the peer, "he is, is he? And so
+this fellow, whom nobody knows, has the impudence to snub me! By my title,
+and all the blood of my ancestors, he is not worthy of my sword. I will
+have him assassinated. I will hire some blackguards to seize him, and bind
+him in my presence, and I will bastinado him with my own hand. Furies and
+curses! I do not know what to do. Oh, this confounded vanity! Not
+contented with one disgrace, I have brought upon myself another, ten times
+more mortifying than the first. By Tartarus, and all the infernal gods, I
+believe I had better let it rest where it is! Wretch, wretch, that I am!"
+And he threw himself on the bed in an agony of despair.
+
+Damon had slept little the preceding night, and his slumbers had been
+disturbed with a thousand horrible imaginations. The first person who
+appeared in his chamber the next morning he addressed with "Where, where
+is she? Where is my Delia? My life, my soul, the mistress of my fate? Ah,
+why do you look so haggard, so unconsoling. You have heard nothing of her?
+Give me my clothes. I will pursue her to the world's end. I will find her,
+though she be hid deep as the centre." "Sir, be pacified," said the
+servant, "she is safe." "Safe," cried our lover, "why then does she not
+appear to comfort me? But haste, I will fly to her. I will clasp, I will
+lock her, in my arms. No, nothing, not all the powers on earth, shall ever
+part us more." "Sir, she is not in the house." "Not in the house," cried
+Damon starting, "Ha! say. I will not be cheated. On thy life do not trifle
+with my impatience."
+
+At this moment Mr. Godfrey entered the room. "Who is there?" cried Damon,
+starting at every whisper. "It is your friend," said Godfrey. "A friend
+that owes you much, and would willingly pay you something back again." "I
+do not understand you," replied our hero. "I can talk of nothing but my
+Delia. Oh Delia! Delia! I will teach thy name to all the echoes. I will
+send it with every wind to heaven. Ever, ever, shall it dwell upon my
+lips." "Delia," replied the other, "is in safety. I have been so happy as
+to rescue her." "Ha! sayest thou? let me look upon thee well. I am
+somewhat disordered, but I think thy name is Godfrey. Thou shouldst not
+deceive me. Thou art not old in falsehood." "I do not deceive thee. On my
+life I do not!" exclaimed Godfrey, with emotion. "Compose thyself for a
+few hours. Or ever thou shalt see the setting sun, I will put thy Delia
+into thy arms again."
+
+Damon was somewhat composed by these assurances. No voice like that of
+Godfrey had power to sooth his mind to serenity. But though he sought to
+restrain himself, he listened to every noise. He started at the sound of
+every foot, and the rattle of a carriage in the street agitated his soul
+almost to frenzy.
+
+"Why does not she come? What can delay her? I have counted every moment.
+I have waited whole ages. I see, I see, that every thing conspires to
+cheat, and to distract me. Damon has not one friend left to whisper in his
+ear--to whisper what? That Delia is no more? That all her beauties are
+defaced, by some sacrilegious hand? That all her heaven of charms have
+been rifled? Oh, no. I must not think of that. But hark! I thought I heard
+a sound, but it is delirium all. Sure, sure it comes this way. I will
+listen but this once."
+
+The door of the chamber now flew open. But oh, what object caught the
+raptured eye of Damon! He was just risen. "It is, it is my Delia!" and
+they flew into each others arms. But having embraced for a moment, Damon
+took hold of her hand, and held her from him. "Let me look at thee. And is
+it Delia? And art thou safe, unhurt? I would not be mistaken." "Yes, I am
+she, and ten times more my Damon's than ever." "It is enough. I am
+contented. But hark! who comes there? Sure it is not the brutal ravisher?
+No," cried he, in a voice of surprise, "it is my father."
+
+Lord Thomas Villiers, who had been a witness of this scene, could restrain
+himself no longer. "Come to my arms, thy father's arms," cried he, "and
+let me bless thee." "Stay, stay," cried Damon. "Yes I know thee well. But
+I will never be separated from her any more. I will laugh at the authority
+of a parent. Tyranny and tortures shall not rend me from her." "The
+authority of a parent," replied lord Thomas, "shall never more be employed
+to counteract thy wishes. I myself will join your hands."
+
+The constitution of Damon was so full of sensibility, that it was some
+days before he was completely recovered. In the mean time, the amours of
+Sir William Twyford, and Mr. Hartley, continually ripened, and it was
+proposed, that the three parties should be united in the same day.
+
+"And now," said Damon, "I have but one care more, one additional exertion,
+to set my mind at ease. My Godfrey, I owe thee more than kingdoms can
+repay. Tell me, instruct me, what can I do to serve you? Damon must be the
+most contemptible of villains, if he could think his felicity complete,
+when his Godfrey was unhappy."
+
+"Think not of me," said Godfrey, "I am happy in the way that nature
+intended, beyond even the power of Damon to make me. Since I saw you, a
+favourable change has taken place in my circumstances. In spite of various
+obstacles, I have brought a tragedy upon the stage, and it has met with
+distinguished success. My former crosses and mortifications are all
+forgotten. Philosophers may tell us, that reputation, and the immortality
+of a name, are all but an airy shadow. Enough for me, that nature, from my
+earliest infancy, led me to place my first delight in these. I envy not
+kings their sceptres. I envy not statesmen their power. I envy not Damon
+his love, and his Delia. Next to the pursuits of honour and truth, my soul
+is conscious to but one wish, that of having my name enrolled, in however
+inferior a rank, with a Homer, and a Horace, a Livy, and a Cicero."
+
+The next day the proposed weddings took place. It is natural perhaps, at
+the conclusion of such a narrative as this, to represent them all as
+happy. But we are bound to adhere to nature and truth. Mr. Hartley and his
+politician for some time struggled for superiority, but, in the end, the
+eagle genius of Sophia soared aloft. Sir William, though he married a
+woman, good natured, and destitute of vice, found something more insipid
+in marriage, than he had previously apprehended. For Damon and his Delia,
+they were amiable, and constant. Though their hearts were in the highest
+degree susceptible and affectionate, the first ebullition of passion could
+not last for ever. But it was succeeded by _the feast of reason, and the
+flow of soul_. Their hours were sped with the calmness of tranquility.
+When they saw each other no longer with transport, they saw each other
+with complacency. And so long as they live, they will doubtless afford the
+most striking demonstration, that marriage, when it unites two gentle
+souls, and meaned by nature for each other, when it is blest of heaven,
+and accompanied with reason and discretion, is the sweetest, and the
+fairest of all the bands of society.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Damon and Delia, by William Godwin
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10318 ***