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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Life's Progress Through The Passions
+by Eliza Fowler Haywood
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Life's Progress Through The Passions
+       Or, The Adventures of Natura
+
+Author: Eliza Fowler Haywood
+
+Release Date: March 24, 2005 [EBook #15455]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE'S PROGRESS THROUGH THE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Richard Cohen and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net).
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Transcriber's Note:
+
++ Original spellings and inconsistent hyphenation have been kept,
+  except that ...
+
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+  can be found in the HTML or the XML version.
+
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+
++ Hyphens caused by a line break have been removed.
+
++ Italics were used widely in the original, and have been retained
+  in the HTML file. In this text file, they have only been kept when
+  used for _emphasis_, or for 'direct speech'.
+]
+
+
+April 2, 1748.
+
+The late great Demand for the FORTUNATE FOUNDLINGS, occasioning it to
+be out of Print sooner than was expected; this is to advertise the
+Public, that a new Edition of that Book is now in the Press, and will
+be published the Beginning of next Month.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+LIFE's
+PROGRESS
+THROUGH THE
+PASSIONS:
+
+OR, THE
+ADVENTURES
+OF
+NATURA.
+
+
+By the Author of
+The FORTUNATE FOUNDLINGS.
+
+[Illustration: Portrait of the printer]
+
+LONDON:
+Printed by T. Gardner, and Sold at his Printing-Office, at Cowley's
+Head, opposite St. Clement's Church, in the Strand.
+M,DCC,XLVIII.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Just Published by T. Gardner,
+
+In Four Beautiful Pocket Volumes,
+(Price Twelve Shillings bound.)
+Correctly printed from the Octavo Edition,
+(With New Engraved Frontispieces,)
+
+The FEMALE SPECTATOR,
+COMPLEAT.
+
+  'The great Encomiums bestowed on this Work by some of the most
+  distinguished Judges, have been so frequently inserted in all the
+  public Papers, that it is presumed no one can be unacquainted with
+  them, and therefore are thought needless here to be
+  particularized: But that so useful a Work may be more universally
+  read, (especially by the younger and politer Sort of Ladies, for
+  whom it is more peculiarly adapted,) it is now printed in the
+  above-mentioned Size, which will be less cumbersome to them, and
+  the Expence being reduced to one half of what the Octavo Edition
+  sells at, it may be more easily purchased The great Encomiums
+  bestowed on this Work by some of the most distinguished Judges,
+  have been so frequently inserted in all the public Papers, that it
+  is presumed no one can be unacquainted with them, and therefore
+  are thought needless here to be particularized: But that so useful
+  a Work may be more universally read, (especially by the younger
+  and politer Sort of Ladies, for whom it is more peculiarly
+  adapted,) it is now printed in the above-mentioned Size, which
+  will be less cumbersome to them, and the Expence being reduced to
+  one half of what the Octavo Edition sells at, it may be more
+  easily purchased'
+
+The above Work is printed in a larger Letter, in Octavo, Price 1l. 4s.
+bound.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+INTRODUCTION, Page 1.
+
+
+BOOK the First.
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+Shews, in the example of Natura, how from our very birth, the
+passions, to which the human soul is incident, are discoverable in us;
+and how far the organs of sense, or what is called the constitution,
+has an effect over us, Page 4.
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+Contains some proofs by what swift degrees the passions gain an
+ascendant over the mind, and grow up in proportion with our reason,
+Page 7.
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+The early influence which the difference of sex excites, is here
+exemplified, in the fond, but innocent affection of Natura and Delia,
+Page 21.
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+Shews, that till we arrive at a certain age, the impressions made on
+us are easily erased; and also that when those which bear the name of
+love are once rooted in the mind, there are no lengths to which we may
+not be transported by that passion, if great care is not taken to
+prevent its getting the ascendant over reason, Page 27.
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+That to indulge any one fault, brings with it the temptation of
+committing others, is demonstrated by the behaviour of Natura, and the
+misfortunes and disgrace, which an ill-judged shame had like to have
+involved him in, Page 39.
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+Shews the great force of natural affection, and the good effects it
+has over a grateful mind, Page 51.
+
+
+BOOK the Second.
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+The inconsideration and instability of youth, when unrestrained by
+authority, is here exemplified, in an odd adventure Natura embarked in
+with two nuns, after the death of his governor, Page 63.
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+The pleasures of travelling described, and the improvement a sensible
+mind may receive from it: with some hints to the censorious, not to be
+too severe on errors, the circumstances of which they are ignorant of,
+occasioned by a remarkable instance of an involuntary slip of nature,
+Page 99.
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+The uncertainty of human events displayed in many surprizing turns of
+fortune, which befel Natura, on his endeavouring to settle himself in
+the world: with some proofs of the necessity of fortitude, as it may
+happen that actions, excited by the greatest virtue, may prove the
+source of evil, both to ourselves and others, Page 108.
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+The power of fear over a mind, weak either by nature, or infirmities
+of body: The danger of its leading to despair, is shewn by the
+condition Natura was reduced to by the importunities of priests of
+different perswasions. This chapter also demonstrates, the little
+power people have of judging what is really best for them, and that
+what has the appearance of the severest disappointment, is frequently
+the greatest good, Page 135.
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+Shews that there is no one human advantage to which all others should
+be sacrificed:--the force of ambition, and the folly of suffering it
+to gain too great an ascendant over us:--public grandeur little
+capable of atoning for private discontent; among which jealousy,
+whether of love or honour, is the most tormenting, Page 154.
+
+
+BOOK the Third.
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+Shews in what manner anger and revenge operate in the mind, and how
+ambition is capable of stifling both, in a remarkable instance, that
+_private injuries_, how great soever, may seem of no weight, when
+_public grandeur_ requires they should be looked over, Page 168.
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+Shews at what age men are most liable to the passion of grief: the
+impatience of human nature under affliction, and the necessity there
+is of exerting reason, to restrain the excesses it would otherwise
+occasion, Page 178.
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+The struggles which different passions occasion in the human breast,
+are here exemplified; and that there is no one among them so strong,
+but may be extirpated by another, excepting _revenge_, which knows no
+period, but by gratification, Page 185.
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+Contains a further definition of _revenge_, its force, effects, and
+the chasm it leaves on the mind when once it ceases. The tranquility
+of being entirely devoid of all passions; and the impossibility for
+the soul to remain in that state of inactivity is also shewn; with
+some remarks on human nature in general, when left to itself, Page
+190.
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+Contains a remarkable proof, that tho' the passions may operate with
+greater velocity and vehemence in youth, yet they are infinitely more
+strong and permanent, when the person is arrived at maturity, and are
+then scarce ever eradicated. Love and friendship are then, and not
+till then, truly worthy of the names they bear; and that the _one_
+between those of different sexes, is always the consequence of the
+_other_, Page 206.
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+How the most powerful emotions of the _mind_ subside, and grow weaker
+in proportion as the strength of the _body_ decays, is here
+exemplified; and that such passions as remain after a certain age, are
+not properly the incentives of nature but of example, long habitude,
+or ill humour, Page 224.
+
+
+
+
+LIFE's
+PROGRESS
+THROUGH THE
+PASSIONS.
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+I have often heard it observed by the readers of biography, that the
+characters are generally too high painted; and that the _good_ or
+_bad_ qualities of the person pretended to be faithfully represented,
+are displayed in stronger colours than are to be found in nature. To
+this the lovers of hyperbole reply, that _virtue_ cannot be drawn too
+beautiful, nor _vice_ too deformed, in order to excite in us an
+ambition of imitating the _one_, and a horror at the thoughts of
+becoming any way like the _other_.--The argument at first, indeed,
+seems to have some weight, as there is nothing, not even precept
+itself, which so greatly contributes whether to rectify or improve the
+mind, as the prevalence of example: but then it ought to be
+considered, that if the pattern laid down before us, is so altogether
+angelic, as to render it impossible to be copied, emulation will be in
+danger of being swallowed up in an unprofitable admiration; and, on
+the other hand, if it appears so monstrously hideous as to take away
+all apprehensions of ever resembling it, we might be too apt to
+indulge ourselves in errors which would seem small in comparison with
+those presented to us.--There never yet was any one man, in whom all
+the _virtues_, or all the _vices_, were summed up; for, though reason
+and education may go a great way toward curbing the passions, yet I
+believe experience will inform, even the _best_ of men, that they will
+sometimes launch out beyond their due bounds, in spite of all the care
+can be taken to restrain them; nor do I think the very _worst_, and
+most wicked, does not feel in himself, at some moments, a propensity
+to good, though it may be possible he never brings it into practice;
+at least, this was the opinion of the antients, as witness the poet's
+words:
+
+  All men are born with seeds of _good_ and _ill_;
+    And each shoot forth, in more or less degree:
+  _One_ you may cultivate with care and skill,
+    But from the _other_ ne'er be wholly free.
+
+The human mind may, I think, be compared to a chequer-work, where
+light and shade appear by turns; and in proportion as either of these
+is most conspicuous, the man is alone worthy of praise or censure; for
+none there are can boast of being wholly bright.
+
+I believe by this the reader will be convinced he must not expect to
+see a faultless figure in the hero of the following pages; but to
+remove all possibility of a disappointment on that score, I shall
+farther declare, that I am an enemy to all _romances_, _novels_, and
+whatever carries the air of them, tho' disguised under different
+appellations; and as it is a _real_, not _fictitious_ character I am
+about to present, I think myself obliged, for the reasons I have
+already given, as well as to gratify my own inclinations, to draw him
+such as he was, not such as some sanguine imaginations might with him
+to have been.
+
+I flatter myself, however, that _truth_ will appear not altogether
+void of charms, and the adventures I take upon me to relate, not be
+less pleasing for being within the reach of probability, and such as
+might have happened to any other as well as the person they did.--Few
+there are, I am pretty certain, who will not find some resemblance of
+himself in one part or other of his life, among the many various and
+surprizing turns of fortune, which the subject of this little history
+experienced, as also be reminded in what manner the passions operate
+in every stage of life, and how far the constitution of the _outward
+frame_ is concerned in the emotions of the _internal faculties_.
+
+These are things surely very necessary to be considered, and when they
+are so, will, in a great measure, abate that unbecoming vehemence,
+with which people are apt to testify their admiration, or abhorrence
+of actions, which it very often happens would lose much of their
+_eclat_ either way, were the secret springs that give them motion,
+seen into with the eyes of philosophy and reflection.
+
+But this will be more clearly understood by a perusal of the facts
+herein contained, from which I will no longer detain in the attention
+of my reader.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+BOOK the First.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+  Shews, in the example of Natura, how from our very birth, the
+  passions, to which the human soul is incident, are discoverable in
+  us; and how far the organs of sense, or what is called the
+  constitution, has an effect over us.
+
+
+The origin of Natura would perhaps require more time to trace than the
+benefit of the discovery would attone for: it shall therefore suffice
+to say, that his ancestors were neither of the highest rank:--that if
+no extraordinary action had signalized the names of any of them, so
+none of them had been guilty of crimes to entail infamy on their
+posterity: and that a moderate estate in the family had descended from
+father to son for many generations, without being either remarkably
+improved or embezzled.--His immediate parents were in very easy
+circumstances, and he being their first son, was welcomed into the
+world with a joy usual on such occasions.--I never heard that any
+prodigies preceded or accompanied his nativity; or that the planets,
+or his mother's cravings during her pregnancy, had sealed him with any
+particular mark or badge of distinction: but have been well assured he
+was a fine boy, sucked heartily of his mother's milk, and what they
+call a thriving child. His weaning, I am told, was attended by some
+little ailments, occasioned by his pining after the food to which he
+had been accustomed; but proper means being found to make him lose the
+memory of the breast, he soon recovered his flesh, increased in
+strength, and could go about the room at a year and some few months
+old, without the help of a leading-string.
+
+Hitherto the passions, those powerful abettors, I had almost said sole
+authors of all human actions, operated but faintly, and could shew
+themselves only in proportion to the vigour of the animal frame. Yet
+latent as they are, an observing eye may easily discover them in each
+of their different propensities, even from the most early infancy. The
+eyes of Natura on any new and pleasing object, would denote by their
+sparkling a sensation of joy:--_Fear_ was visible in him by clinging to
+his nurse, and endeavouring to bury himself as it were in her bosom, at
+the sound of menaces he was not capable of understanding:--That
+_sorrow_ has a place among the first emotions of the soul, was
+demonstrable by the sighs which frequently would heave his little
+heart, long before it was possible for him either to know or to imagine
+any motives for them:--That the seeds of _avarice_ are born with us, by
+the eagerness with which he catched at money when presented to him,
+his clinching it fast in his hand, and the reluctance he expressed on
+being deprived of it:--That _anger_, and impatience of controul, are
+inherent to our nature, might be seen in his throwing down with
+vehemence any favourite toy, rather than yield to resign it; and that
+spite and revenge are also but too much so, by his putting in practice
+all such tricks as his young invention could furnish, to vex any of the
+family who had happened to cross him:--Even those tender inclinations,
+which afterwards bear the name of _amorous_, begin to peep out long
+before the difference of sex is thought on; as Natura proved by the
+preference he gave the girls over the boys who came to play with him,
+and his readiness to part with any thing to them.
+
+In a word, there is not one of all the various emotions which agitate
+the breast in maturity, that may not be discerned almost from the
+birth, _hope_, _jealousy_, and _despair_ excepted, which, tho' they
+bear the name in common with those other more natural dispositions of
+the mind, I look upon rather as consequentials of the passions, and
+arising from them, than properly passions themselves: but however that
+be, it is certain, that they are altogether dependant on a fixation of
+ideas, reflection, and comparison, and therefore can have no entrance
+in the soul, or at least cannot be awakened in it, till some degree of
+knowledge is attained.
+
+Thus do the dispositions of the _infant_ indicate the future _man_;
+and though we see, in the behaviour of persons when grown up, so vast
+a difference, yet as all children at first act alike, I think it may
+be reasonably supposed, that were it not for some change in the
+constitution, an equal similitude of will, desires, and sentiments,
+would continue among us through maturity and old age; at least I am
+perfectly perswaded it would do so, among all those who are born in
+the same climate, and educated in the same principles: for whatever
+may be said of a great genius, and natural endowments, there is
+certainly no real distinction between the _soul_ of the man of _wit_
+and the _ideot_; and that disproportion, which we are apt to behold
+with so much wonder, is only in fact occasioned by some or other of
+those innumerable and hidden accidents, which from our first coming
+into the world, in a more or less degree, have, an effect upon the
+organs of sense; and they being the sole canals through which the
+spirit shews itself, according as they happen to be extended,
+contracted, or obstructed, the man must infallibly appear.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+  Contains some proofs by what swift degrees the passions gain an
+  ascendant over the mind, and grow up in proportion with our reason.
+
+
+Natura had no sooner quitted the nursery, than he was put under the
+direction of the school, to which at first he was every day conducted
+either by a man or maid-servant; but when thought big enough to be
+trusted alone, would frequently play the truant, for which he
+generally received the discipline necessary on such occasions.--He
+took his learning notwithstanding as well as could be expected;--he
+had read the testament through at five years old, about seven was put
+into Latin, and began the rudiments of Greek before he had attained
+the age of nine.
+
+As his understanding increased, the passions became stronger in
+proportion: and here is to be observed the wonderful wisdom of nature,
+or rather of the Great Author of nature, in the formation of the human
+system, that the passions given to us, especially those of the worst
+sort, are, for the most part, such opposites, that the one is a
+sufficient check upon the other.--The _pride_ of treating those
+beneath us with contempt, is restrained by the _fear_ of meeting the
+same usage from those above us.--A _sordid covetousness_ is controlled
+by _ostentation_.--_Sloth_ is roused by _ambition_, and so of the
+rest.--I have been told that when Natura, by the enticements of his
+companions, and his own eagerness to pursue the sports suitable to his
+years, had been drawn in to neglect his studies, he had often ran home
+on a sudden, and denied himself both food and sleep, till he had not
+only finished the task assigned him by his school-master, but also
+exceeded what was expected from him, instigated by the ambition of
+praise, and hope of being removed to a higher form.--But at other
+times again his love of play has rendered him totally forgetful of
+every thing besides, and all emulation in him absorbed in
+pleasure.--Thus hurried, as the different propensities prevailed, from
+one extreme to the other;--never in a medium, but always doing either
+more or less than was required of him.
+
+In like manner was his _avarice_ moderated by his _pity_;--an instance
+of which was this;--One morning having won at chuck-farthing, or some
+such game, all the money a poor boy was master of, and which he said
+had been given him to buy his breakfast, Natura was so much melted at
+his tears and complaints, that he generously returned to him the whole
+of what he had lost.--Greatly is it to be wished, the same sentiments
+of compassion would influence some of riper years, and make them scorn
+to take the advantage chance sometimes affords of ruining their
+fellow-creatures; but the misfortune is, that when we arrive at the
+state of perfect manhood, the _worst_ passions are apt to get the
+better of the more _noble_, as the prospect they present is more
+alluring to the eye of sense: all men (as I said before) being born
+with the same propensities, it is _virtue_ alone, or in other words, a
+strict _morality_, which prevents them from actuating alike in
+all.--But to return to the young Natura.
+
+He was scarce ten years old when his mother died; but was not sensible
+of the misfortune he sustained by the loss of her, though, as it
+afterwards proved, was the greatest could have happened to him: the
+remembrance of the tenderness with which she had used him, joined to
+the sight of all the family in tears, made him at first indeed utter
+some bitter lamentations; but the thoughts of a new suit of mourning,
+a dress he had never yet been in, soon dissipated his grief, and the
+sight of himself before the great glass, in a habit so altogether
+strange, and therefore pleasing to him, took off all anguish for the
+sad occasion.--So early do we begin to be sensible of a satisfaction
+in any thing that we imagine is an advantage to our persons, or will
+make us be taken notice of.--How it grows up with us, and how
+difficult it is to be eradicated, I appeal even to those of the most
+sour and cynical disposition.
+
+Mr. Dryden admirably describes this propensity in human nature in
+these lines:
+
+  Men are but children of a larger growth,
+  Our appetites as prone to change as theirs,
+  And full as craving too, and full as vain.
+
+A fondness for trifles is certainly no less conspicuous in age than
+youth; and we daily see it among persons of the best understanding,
+who wholly neglect every essential to real happiness in the pursuit of
+those very toys which children cry to be indulged in; even such as a
+bit of ribband, or the sound of a monosyllable tacked to the name;
+without considering that those badges of distinction, like bells about
+an ideot's neck, frequently serve only to render their folly more
+remarkable, and expose them to the contempt of the lookers on, who
+perhaps too, as nature is the same in all, want but the same
+opportunity to catch no less eagerly at the tawdry gewgaw.
+
+Natura felt not the loss of his dear mother, till he beheld another in
+her place. His father entered into a second marriage before much more
+than half his year of widowhood was expired, with a lady, who, though
+pretty near his equal in years, had yet remains enough of beauty to
+render her extremely vain and affected, and fortune enough to make her
+no less proud.--These two qualities occasioned Natura many rebuffs, to
+which he had not been acoustomed, and he felt them the more severely,
+as the name of mother had made him expect the same proofs of
+tenderness from this, who had the title, as he had remembered to have
+received from her who had been really so.
+
+He endeavoured at first to insinuate himself into her favour by all
+those little flattering artifices which are so becoming in persons of
+his tender years, and which never fail to make an impression on a
+gentle and affable disposition; but finding his services not only
+rejected, but also rejected with scorn and moroseness, his spirit was
+too great to continue them for any long time; and all the assiduity he
+had shewn to gain her good-will, was on a sudden converted into a
+behaviour altogether the reverse: he was sure to turn the deaf ear to
+all the commands she laid upon him, and so far from doing any thing to
+please her, he seemed to take a delight in vexing her. This
+occasioning many complaints to his father, drew on him very severe
+chastisements both at home and abroad; but though while the smart
+remained, he made many promises of amendment in this point, the hatred
+he had now conceived against her, would not suffer him to keep them.
+
+His sister, who was five years older than himself, and a girl of great
+prudence, took a good deal of pains to convince him how much it was
+both his interest and his duty to pay all manner of respect to a lady
+whom their father had thought fit to set over them; but all she could
+say on that head was thrown away, and he still replied, that since he
+could not make her love him, he should always hate her.
+
+This young lady had perhaps no less reason than her brother to be
+dissatisfied with the humour of their stepmother; and it was only the
+tender affection she had for him which made her feign a contentment at
+the treatment both of them received, in order to keep him within any
+manner of bounds.
+
+It may be reckoned among the misfortunes of Natura, that he so soon
+lost the benefit of these kind remonstrances: his fair adviser having
+a considerable fortune, independent on her father, left her by a
+grandmother, who had also answered for her at the _font_, was courted
+by a gentleman, to whom neither herself nor family having any thing to
+object, she became a bride in a very few months, and went with her
+husband to a seat he had at a considerable distance in the country.
+
+This poor youth was now without any one, either to prevent him from
+doing a fault, or to conceal it when committed; on the contrary, his
+mother-in-law, having new-modelled all the family, and retained only
+such servants as thought it their duty to study nothing but to humour
+her, every little error in him was exaggerated, and he was represented
+to his father as incorrigible, perverse, and all that is disagreeable
+in nature.
+
+I will not take upon me to determine whether, or not, the old
+gentleman had altogether so ill an opinion of his son, as they
+endeavoured to inspire him with; but it is certain, that whatever his
+thoughts were on the matter, he found himself obliged for a quiet life
+to use him with a good deal of severity, which, either because he
+believed it unjust, or that it was disagreeable to his own
+disposition, he grew very weary of in a short time, and to put an end
+to it, resolved to send the child to a boarding-school, tho' he had
+always declared against that sort of education, and frequently said,
+that though these great schools might improve the learning, they were
+apt to corrupt the morals of youth.
+
+Finding himself, however, under a kind of necessity for so doing,
+nothing remained but the choice of a convenient place. The wife
+proposed some part of Yorkshire, not only as the cheapest, but also
+that by reason of the distance, she should not have the trouble of him
+at home in the holidays; but to this it was not in her power to
+prevail on his father to consent, and after many disputes between them
+on it, Eton was at length pitched upon.
+
+Natura heard of his intended removal with a perfect indifference:--if
+the thoughts of parting from his father gave him any pain, it was
+balanced by those of being eased of the persecuting of his stepmother;
+but when all things were prepared for his journey, in which he was to
+be accompanied by an old relation, who was to give the necessary
+charge with him to those into whose care he should be committed, he
+was taken suddenly ill on the very day he had been to take leave of
+his kindred, and other friends in town.
+
+His distemper proved to be the small-pox, but being of a very
+favourable sort, he recovered in a short time, and lost nothing of his
+handsomeness by that so-much-dreaded enemy to the face: there
+remained, however, a little redness, which, till intirely worn off, it
+was judged improper he should be sent where it was likely there might
+be many young gentlemen, who having never experienced the same, would
+take umbrage at the sight.
+
+During the time of his indisposition he had been attended by an old
+nurse, who had served in the same quality to his mother, and several
+others of her family.--The tenderness this good creature shewed to
+him, and the care she took to humour him in every thing, not only
+while he continued in a condition, in which it might have been
+dangerous to have put his spirits into the least agitation, but after
+he was grown well enough to walk abroad, had made him become extremely
+pettish and self-willed; which shews, that an over-indulgence to
+youth, is no less prejudicial, than too much austerity.--Happy is it
+for those who are brought up in a due proportion between these two
+extremes; for as nature will be apt to fall into a dejection, if
+pressed down with a constant, and uninterrupted severity, so it will
+infallibly become arrogant and assuming, if suffered always to pursue
+its own dictates.--Nothing is more evident, than that most of the
+irregularities we see practised in the world, are owing originally to
+a want of the medium I have been speaking of, in forming the mind
+while it is pliable to impression.
+
+This was not, however, the case of Natura; and though he would
+doubtless have been what we call a spoiled child, had he been for any
+length of time permitted to do just what he pleased, yet the nurse
+being discharged, he fell again under the jurisdiction of his
+mother-in-law, who had now more excuse than ever for treating him with
+severity.
+
+His father did not want understanding, but was a good deal more
+indolent than befits a parent.--He had always been accustomed to live
+at ease, and his natural aversion to all kinds of trouble, made him
+not inspect into the manners or temperament of his son, with that care
+he ought to have done. Whenever any complaints were made concerning
+his behaviour, he would chide, and sometimes beat him, but seldom
+examined how far he really merited those effects rather of others
+resentment than his own. Sometimes he would ask him questions on his
+progress in learning, and praise or dispraise, as he found occasion;
+but he never discoursed with him on any other topics, nor took any
+pleasure in instructing him in such things as are not to be taught in
+schools, but which much more contribute to enlarge the mind; so that
+had not Natura's own curiosity led him to examine into the sources,
+first causes, and motives of what he was obliged to read, he would
+have reaped no other benefit from his Greek and Latin authors, than
+meerly the knowledge of their language.
+
+Here I cannot help taking notice, that whatever inconveniences it may
+occasion, curiosity is one of the greatest advantages we receive from
+nature; it is that indeed from which all our knowledge is
+derived.--Were it not for this propensity in ourselves, the sun, the
+moon, and all the darling constellations which adorn the hemisphere,
+would roll above our heads in vain: contented to behold their shine,
+and feel their warmth, but ignorant of their motion and influence on
+all beneath, half that admiration due to the Divine Architect, would
+lye dormant in us.--Did not curiosity excite us to examine into the
+nature of vegetables, their amazing rise, their progress, their deaths
+and resurrections in the seasons allotted for these alternatives, we
+should enjoy the fruits of the earth indeed, but enjoy them only in
+common with the animals that feed upon it, or perhaps with less relish
+than they do, as it is agreed their organs of sensation have a greater
+share of poignancy than ours.--What is it but _curiosity_ which
+renders study either pleasing or profitable to us?--The facts we read
+of would soon slip through the memory, or if they retained any place
+in it, could be of little advantage, without being acquainted with the
+motives which occasioned them. By _curiosity_ we _examine_, by
+_examining_ we _compare_, and by _comparing_ we are alone enabled to
+form a right _judgment_, whether of things or persons.
+
+We are told indeed of many jealousies, discontents, and quarrels,
+which have been occasioned by this passion, among those who might
+otherwise have lived in perfect harmony; and a man or woman, who has
+the character of being too inquisitive, is shunned as dangerous to
+society.--But what commendable quality is there that may not be
+perverted, or what _virtue_ whose extreme does not border on a
+_vice_?--Even _devotion_ itself should have its bounds, or it will
+launch into _bigotry_ and _enthusiasm_;--_love_, the most _generous_
+and _gentle_ of all the passions, when ill-placed, or unprescribed,
+degenerates into the very _worst_;--_justice_ may be pursued till it
+becomes _cruelty_;--_emulation_ indulged till it grows up to
+_envy_;--_frugality_ to the most sordid _avarice_; and _courage_ to a
+brutal _rashness_;--and so I am ready to allow that _curiosity_, from
+whence all the _good_ in us originally arises, may also be productive
+of the _greatest mischiefs_, when not, like every other emotion of the
+soul, kept within its due limits, and suffered to exert itself only on
+warrantable objects.
+
+It should therefore be the first care of every one to regulate this
+propensity in himself, as well as of those under whose tuition he may
+happen to be, whether parents or governors.--Nature, and the writings
+of learned men, who from time to time have commented on all that has
+happened in nature, certainly afford sufficient matter to gratify the
+most enquiring mind, without descending to such mean trifling
+inquisitions, as can no way improve itself, and may be of prejudice to
+others.
+
+I have dwelt the longer on this head, because it seems to me, that on
+the _well_, or _ill direction_ of that curiosity, which is inherent to
+us all, depends, in a great measure, the peace and happiness of
+society.
+
+Natura, like all children, uncircumscribed by precept, had not only a
+desire of prying into those things which it was his advantage to know,
+but also into those which he had much better have been totally
+ignorant of, and which the discovery of his being too well skilled in,
+frequently occasioned him much ill will, especially when he was found
+to have too far dived into those little secrets which will ever be
+among servants in large families. But reason was not ripe enough in
+him to enable him to distinguish between what were proper subjects for
+the exercise of this passion, and what were not so.
+
+That impediment, however, which had hitherto retarded his departure
+being removed, he now set out for Eton, under the conduct of the
+abovementioned kinsman, who placed him in a boarding-house very near
+the school, and took his leave, after having given him such
+admonitions as he thought necessary for a person of his years, when
+more intrusted to himself than he before had been.
+
+But Natura was not yet arrived at an age wherein it could be expected
+he should reap much benefit from advice. A settled resolution, and the
+power of judging what is our real interest to do, are the perfections
+of maturity, and happy is it for the few who even then attain
+them.--_Precept_ must be constantly and artfully instilled to make any
+impression on the mind, and is rarely fixed there, till experience
+confirms it; therefore, as both these were wanting to form his
+behaviour, what could be hoped from it, but such a one as was
+conformable to the various passions which agitate human nature, and
+which every day grow stronger in us, at least till they have attained
+a certain crisis, after which they decay, in proportion as they
+increased.
+
+As _wrath_ is one of the most violent emotions of the soul, so I think
+it is one of the first that breaks out into effects: it owes its birth
+indeed to _pride_; for we are never angry, unless touched by a real,
+or imaginary insult; but, by the offspring chiefly is the parent seen.
+_Pride_ seldom, I believe it may be said, _never_, wholly dies in us,
+tho' it may be concealed; whereas _wrath_ diminishes as our _reason_
+increases, and seems intirely evaporated after the heat of youth is
+over: when a man therefore has divested himself of the _one_, no
+tokens are left to distinguish the _other_.--Sometimes, indeed, we
+shall see an extreme impetuosity, even to old age, but then, it is out
+of the ordinary course of nature, and besides, the person possessed of
+it must be endued with a small share of sound understanding, to give
+any marks of such a propensity remaining in him.
+
+It is with the utmost justice, that by the system of the _christian_
+religion, _pride_ is intitled the original sin, not only as it was
+that of the fallen angels, but also as it is certainly the
+fountain-head from which all our other vices are derived.--It is by
+the dictates of this pernicious passion we are inflamed with _wrath_,
+and wild ambition,--instigated to covetousness,--to envy,--to revenge,
+and in fine, to stop at nothing which tends to self-gratification, be
+our desires of what kind soever.
+
+During the school hours, Natura, as well as the other young gentlemen,
+was under too much awe of the master to give any loose to his temper;
+but when these were over, and they went together into the fields, or
+any other place to divert themselves, frequent quarrels among them
+ensued; but above all between those who boarded in the same house;
+little jealousies concerning some imaginary preference given to the
+one more than the other, occasioned many bitter taunts and fleers,
+which sometimes rose to blows and bloody noses; so that the good
+people with whom they were, had enough to do, to keep them in any
+tolerable decorum.
+
+There is also another branch of _pride_ which is visible in all youth,
+before consideration takes place, and that is, treating with contempt
+whoever seems our inferior.--A boy who was allowed less money, or wore
+plainer cloaths, was sure to be the jest of all the rest. Natura was
+equally guilty of this fault with his companions; but when the
+sarcasms became too severe, and the object of them appeared any way
+dejected, his generosity often got the better of his arrogance, and he
+would take part with the weakest side, even till he drew on himself
+part of those reflections he averted from the other; but this never
+happened without his resenting it with the utmost violence; for
+patience and forbearance were virtues not to be expected in this stage
+of life.
+
+He was a great lover of gaming, whether of chucking, tossing up for
+money, or cards, and extremely ill-humoured and quarrelsome whenever
+luck was not on his side; which shews, that whatever people may
+pretend, avarice is at the bottom, and occasions all the fondness so
+many testify for play.
+
+As for the other ordinary diversions of youth, none could pursue them
+with more eagerness, nor was less deterred by any ill accident which
+befel either himself, or any of his companions; one of whom having
+been near drowning before his face, as they were swimming together,
+the sight did not hinder him from plunging into the same stream every
+day; nor could he be prevailed upon from ringing, as often as he had
+an opportunity, though he had been thrown one day by the breaking of
+the bell-rope, a great height from the ground, and in the fall
+dislocated his shoulder, and bruised his body all over.--But it is not
+to be wondered at, that boys should remember the misfortunes their
+pleasures have brought on them no longer than the smart continues,
+when men of the ripest, and sometimes most advanced years, are not to
+be warned from the gratification of their passions, by the worst, and
+most frequently repeated ills.
+
+He, notwithstanding, made a very good progress in those things in
+which he was instructed, which as yet were only Latin and Greek; and
+when the time of breaking up arrived, and he returned to his father's
+house, none who examined him concerning his learning, could suspect
+there was either any want of application in himself, or care in his
+master.
+
+His three months of absence having rendered him a kind of stranger at
+home, his mother-in-law used him with somewhat more civility, and his
+father seemed highly satisfied with him; all his kindred and friends
+caressed him, and made him many little presents of such things as
+befitted his years; but that which crowned his felicity, was the
+company of a young girl, a near relation of his stepmother's, who was
+come to pass some time with her, and see London, which she had never
+been in before.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+  The early influence which the difference of sex excites, is here
+  exemplified in the fond but innocent affection of Natura and Delia.
+
+
+Natura being much of the same age with Delia (for so I shall call her)
+and both equally playful, spirituous, and good-natured, it is hard to
+say which of them took the greatest delight in the society of the
+other. Natura was never well out of the presence of Delia, nor Delia
+contented but when Natura was with her.
+
+In walking, dancing, playing at cards, these amiable children were
+always partners; and it was remarkable, that in the latter of these
+diversions, Natura was never uneasy at losing his money to Delia, nor
+resented any little railleries she treated him with on account of his
+ill luck, or want of skill in the game, as he had been accustomed to
+do whenever he received the like from any of his companions.--So
+forcibly does the difference of sex operate, even before that
+difference is considered.
+
+Natura was yet too young by much, to know wherefore he found in
+himself this complaisance, or how it came to pass, that he so much
+preferred a beautiful and good-humoured girl, to a boy possessed of
+the same qualifications; but he was not ignorant that he did so, and
+has often wondered (as he afterwards confessed) what it was that made
+him feel so much pleasure, whenever, in innocently romping together,
+he happened to catch hold of her in his arms; and what strange impulse
+it was, that rendered him so reluctant to part with her out of that
+posture, that she was obliged to struggle with all her strength to
+disengage herself.
+
+Hence it is plain, that the passion of love is part of our
+composition, implanted in the soul for the propagation of the world;
+and we ought not, in my opinion, to be too severe on the errors which,
+meerly and abstracted from any other motive than itself, it sometimes
+influences us to be guilty of.--The laws, indeed, which prohibit any
+amorous intercourse between the sexes, unless authored by the
+solemnities of marriage, are without all question, excellently well
+calculated for the good of society, because without such a
+restriction, there would be no such thing as order in the world. I am
+therefore far from thinking lightly of that truly sacred institution,
+when I say, that there are some cases, in which the pair so offending,
+merit rather our pity, than that abhorrence which those of a more
+rigid virtue, colder constitution, or less under the power of
+temptation, are apt to testify on such occasion.
+
+Rarely, however, it happens, that love is guilty of any thing capable
+of being condemned, even by the most austere; most of the faults
+committed under that sanction, being in reality instigated by some
+other passion, such as avarice and ambition in the one sex, and a
+flame which is too often confounded and mistaken for a pure affection
+in the other.--Yet such is the ill-judging, or careless determination
+of the world, that without making any allowances for circumstances, it
+censures all indiscriminately alike.
+
+The time prefixed for Natura's remaining with his father being but
+fourteen days, as they grew near expired, the family began to talk of
+his going, and orders were given to bespeak a place for him in the
+stage-coach: he had been extremely pleased with Eton, nor had he met
+with any cause of disgust, either at the school or house where he was
+boarded, yet did the thoughts of returning thither give him as much
+disquiet as his young heart was capable of conceiving.--The parting
+from Delia was terrible to him, and the nearer the cruel moment
+approached, the more his anxiety increased.--She seemed also grieved
+to lose so agreeable a companion, and would often tell him she wished
+he was to stay as long as she did.
+
+Though nothing could be more innocent than these declarations on both
+sides, yet what she said had such an effect on Natura, that he
+resolved to delay his return to Eton as long as possible; and that
+passion which he already felt the symptoms of, though equally ignorant
+of their nature or end, being always fertile in invention, put a
+stratagem into his head, which he flattered himself would succeed for
+a somewhat farther continuance of his present happiness.
+
+The day before that prefixed for his going, he pretended a violent
+pain in his head and stomach, and to give the greater credit to his
+pretended indisposition, would eat nothing; and as it drew toward
+evening, cried out he was very sick, and must go to bed.--His father,
+who had the most tender affection for him, could not think of sending
+him away in that condition.--He went in the morning to his bedside,
+and finding him, as he imagined, a little feverish, presently ordered
+a physician, who did not fail to countenance the young gentleman's
+contrivance, either that he really thought him out of order, or that
+he had rendered himself so in good earnest, through abstaining from
+food, a thing very uncommon with him. A prescription was sent to the
+apothecary for him, and a certain regimen directed.
+
+But poor Natura soon found this did not answer his purpose:--he was in
+the same house indeed with his beloved Delia, but had not the pleasure
+of her company, nor even that of barely seeing her, she being forbid
+going near his chamber, on account of the apprehensions they had that
+his complaint might terminate in a fever, and endanger her health.
+
+This, however, was more than he knew, and resentment for her supposed
+indifference, joined with the weariness of living in the manner he
+did, made him resolve to grow well again, and chuse to go to Eton,
+rather than suffer so much for one who seemed so little to regard him.
+
+Accordingly, when they brought him something had been ordered for him
+to take, he refused it, saying, he had not occasion for any more
+physic, and immediately got up, and dressed himself, in spite of all
+the servant that attended him could do to prevent it.--Word being
+carried to his father of what he was doing, he imagined him delirious,
+and immediately got up, and went into his room, nor though he found
+him intirely cool, could be perswaded from his first opinion.--The
+doctor was again sent for, who unwilling to lose his perquisite, made
+a long harangue on the nature of internal fevers, and very learnedly
+proved, or seemed to prove, that they might operate so far as to
+affect the brain, without the least outward symptom.
+
+Natura could not forbear laughing within himself, to hear this great
+man so much mistaken; but when they told him he must take his physic,
+and go to bed, or at least be confined to his chamber, he absolutely
+refused both, and said he was as well as ever he was in his life.--All
+he said, however, availed nothing, and his father was about to make
+use of his authority to force him to obedience to the doctor's
+prescription, when finding no other way to avoid it, he fell on his
+knees, and with tears in his eyes, confessed he had only counterfeited
+sickness, to delay being sent to Eton again; begged his father to
+forgive him; said he was sorry for having attempted to deceive him,
+but was ready to go whenever he pleased.
+
+The father was strangely amazed at the trick had been put upon him;
+and after some severe reprimands on the occasion, asked what he had to
+complain of at Eton, that had rendered him so unwilling to return.
+Natura hesitated at this demand, but could not find in his heart to
+forge any unjust accusation concerning his usage at that place, and at
+last said, that indeed it was only because he had a mind to stay a
+little longer at home with him. On which he told him he was an idle
+boy, but he must not expect that wheedle would serve his turn; for
+since he was not sick, he must go to school the next day: Natura
+renewed his intreaties for pardon, and assured him he now desired
+nothing more than to do as he commanded.
+
+This story made a great noise in the family, and the mother-in-law did
+not fail to represent it in its worst colours to every one that came
+to the house; but Natura having obtained forgiveness from his father,
+did not give himself much trouble as to the rest.--Delia seemed
+rejoiced to see him come down stairs again, but he looked shy upon
+her, and told her he could not have thought she would have been so
+unkind as not to have come to see him; but on her acquainting him with
+the reason of her absence, and protesting it was not her fault, he
+grew as fond of her as ever; and among a great many other tender
+expressions, 'I wish,' said he, 'I were a man, and you a
+woman.'--'Why?' returned she; 'because,' cried he, 'we would be
+married.'--'O fye,' answered the little coquet, 'I should hate you, if
+you thought of any such thing; for I will never be married.' Then
+turned away with an affected scornfulness, and yet looked kindly
+enough upon him from the corner of one eye.--'I am sure,' resumed he,
+'if you loved me as well as I do you, you would like to be married to
+me, for then we should be always together.'--He was going on with
+something farther in this innocent courtship, when some one or other
+of the family, coming into the room, broke it off; and whether it was
+resumed afterwards, or not, I cannot pretend to determine, nor whether
+he had opportunity to take any particular leave of her before his
+departure, which happened, as his father had threatened, the
+succeeding day.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+  Shews, that till we arrive at a certain age, the impressions made on
+  us are easily erased; and also that when those which bear the name
+  of love are once rooted in the mind, there are no lengths to which
+  we may not be transported by that passion, if great care is not
+  taken to prevent its getting the ascendant over reason.
+
+
+The change of scene did not make any change in the sentiments of our
+young lover: Delia was always in his head, and none of the diversions
+he took with his companions could banish her from his thoughts; yet
+did she not so wholly engross his attention, as to render him remiss
+in his studies; his ambition, as I said before, would not suffer him
+to neglect the means of acquiring praise, and nothing was so
+insupportable to him as to find at any time another boy had merited a
+greater share of it: by which we may perceive that this very passion,
+unruly as it is, and in spite of the mischiefs it sometimes occasions,
+is also bestowed upon us for our emolument; and when properly
+directed, is the greatest excitement to all that is noble and
+generous, Natura seldom had the mortification of seeing any of the
+same standing with himself placed above him; and whenever such an
+accident happened, he was sure to retrieve it by an extraordinary
+assiduity.
+
+But to shew that love and business are not wholly incompatible, his
+attachment to Delia did not take him off his learning, nor did his
+application to learning make him forgetful of Delia. He frequently
+thought of her, wished to see her, and longed for the next
+breaking-up, that he might re-enjoy that satisfaction, as he knew she
+intended to stay the whole winter at his father's; but now arrived the
+time to prove the inconstancy of human nature: he became acquainted
+with some other little misses, and by degrees found charms in them,
+which made those he had observed in Delia appear less admirable in his
+eyes; the fondness he had felt for her being in reality instigated
+chiefly by being the only one of his own age he had conversed with, a
+more general acquaintance with others not only wore off the impression
+she had made, but also kept him from receiving too deep a one from the
+particular perfections of any of those he now was pleased with:--it is
+likely, however, that the sight of her might have revived in him some
+part of his former tenderness, had he found her, as he expected he
+should, on his next coming to London: but an elder sister she had in
+the country, happening to die, she was sent for home, in order to
+console their mother for that loss; so that he had not any trial on
+that account; and tho' he thought he should have been glad of her
+society, during his stay in town, yet her absence gave him small
+anxiety; and the variety of company which came to the house on account
+of the baptism of a little son his mother-in-law had lately brought
+into the world, very well atoned for the want of Delia.
+
+Nothing material happening to him during his stay in town at this
+time, nor in any other of the many visits he made his father while he
+continued at Eton, I shall pass over those years, and only say, that
+as he grew nearer to manhood, his passions gathered strength in
+proportion; and tho' he increased in knowledge, yet it was not that
+sort of knowledge which enables us to judge of the emotions we feel
+within ourselves, or to set curbs on those, which to indulge renders
+us liable to inconveniences.
+
+All those propensities, of which he gave such early indications, and
+which I attempted to describe in the beginning of this book, now
+displayed themselves with greater vigour, and according as exterior
+objects presented, or circumstances excited, ruled with alternate
+sway: sparing sometimes to niggardliness, at others profusely
+liberal;--now pleased, now angry;--submissive this moment, arrogant
+and assuming the next;--seldom in a perfect calm, and frequently
+agitated to excess.--Hence arose contests and quarrels, even with
+those whose company in some humours he was most delighted
+with;--insolence to such whose way of thinking did not happen to tally
+with his own, and as partial an attachment to those who either did, or
+pretended to enter into his sentiments.
+
+But as it was only in trivial matters, and such as were meerly boyish,
+he yet had opportunity of exercising the passions, his behaviour only
+served to shew what man would be, when arrived at maturity, if not
+restrained by precept.
+
+He had attained to little more than sixteen years of age, when he had
+gone through all the learning of the school, and was what they call
+fit for the university, to which his father not intending him for the
+study of any particular science, did not think it necessary to send
+him, but rather to bestow on him those other accomplishments, which
+are immediately expected from a gentleman of an estate; such as
+fencing, dancing, and music, and accordingly provided masters to
+instruct him in each, as soon as he came home, which was about the
+time of life I mentioned.
+
+As he was now past the age of being treated as a meer child, and also
+knew better how it would become him to behave to the wife of his
+father, his mother-in-law seemed to live with him in harmony enough,
+and the family at least was not divided into parties as it had been,
+and eighteen or nineteen months past over, without any rub in our
+young gentleman's tranquility.
+
+Since his childish affection for Delia, he had not been possessed of
+what could be called a strong inclination for any particular female;
+though, as many incidents in his life afterwards proved, he had a no
+less amorous propensity than any of his sex, and was equally capable
+of going the greatest lengths for its gratification.
+
+He was but just turned of nineteen, when happening to pass by the
+playhouse one evening, he took it into his head to go in, and see the
+last act of a very celebrated tragedy acted that night.--But it was
+not the poet's or the player's art which so much engaged his
+attention, as the numerous and gay assembly which filled every part of
+the house.--He was in the back bench of one of the front boxes, from
+which he had a full prospect of all who sat below:--but in throwing
+his eyes around on every dazzling belle, he found none so agreeable to
+him as a young lady who was placed in the next division of the
+box:--her age did not seem to exceed his own, and tho' less splendid
+in garb and jewels than several who sat near her, had something in her
+eyes and air, that, in his opinion, at least, infinitely exceeded them
+all.
+
+When the curtain dropt, and every one was crowding out as fast they
+could, he lost not sight of her; and finding when they came out to the
+door, that she, and a companion she had with her, somewhat older than
+herself, seemed distressed for chairs, which by reason of the great
+concourse, seemed difficult to be got, he took the opportunity, in a
+very polite manner, to offer himself for their protector, as he
+perceived they had neither friend nor servant with them. They accepted
+it with a great deal of seeming modesty, and he conducted them through
+a passage belonging to the house which he knew was less thronged, and
+thence put them into a hackney coach, having first obtained their
+permission to attend them to their lodgings, or wherever else they
+pleased to be set down.
+
+When they arrived at the place to which they gave the coachman a
+direction, he would have taken leave of them at the door; but they
+joined in entreating him, that since he had been at the pains of
+bringing them safe home, he would come in and refresh himself with
+such as their apartment could supply: there required little invitation
+to a thing his heart so sincerely wished, tho' his fears of being
+thought too presuming, would not suffer him to ask it.
+
+He went up stairs, and found rooms decently furnished, and a
+maid-servant immediately spread the table with a genteel cold
+collation; but what he looked upon as the most elegant part of the
+entertainment, was the agreeable chit-chat during the time of supper,
+and a song the lady who had so much attracted him, gave him, at her
+friend's request, after the cloth was taken away.
+
+It growing late, his fears of offending where he already had such an
+inclination to oblige, made him about to take his leave; but could not
+do it without intreating permission to wait on them the next day, to
+receive pardon, as he said, for having by his long stay, broke in upon
+the hours should have been devoted to repose. Tho' this compliment,
+and indeed all the others he had made, were directed to both, the
+regard his eyes paid to the youngest, easily shewed the preference he
+secretly gave to her; and as neither of these women wanted experience
+in such affairs, knew very well how to make the most of any advantage.
+'If this lodging were mine,' replied the eldest briskly, 'I should
+have anticipated the request you make; but as I am only a guest, and
+take part of my friend's bed to-night on account of the hour, will
+take upon me to say, she ought not to refuse greater favours to so
+accomplished a gentleman, and from whom we have received so much
+civility.'
+
+Natura did not fail to answer this gallantry in a proper manner, and
+departed highly satisfied with his adventure; tho' probably could find
+less reasons for being so, than those with whom he thought it the
+greatest happiness of his life to have become acquainted.
+
+Wonderful are the workings of love on a young heart: pleasure has the
+same effect as pain, and permits as little rest: it was not in the
+power of Natura to close his eyes for a long time after he went to
+bed.--He recollected every thing the dear creature had said;--in what
+manner she looked, when speaking such or such a thing;--how inchanting
+she sang, and what a genteelness accompanied all she did:--when he
+fell into a slumber, it was only to bring her more perfectly into his
+mind; whatever had past in the few hours he had been with her,
+returned, with additional graces on her part, and her idea had in
+sleep all the effect her real presence could have had in waking.
+
+With what care did he dress himself the next day:--what fears was he
+not possessed of, lest all about him should not be exact:--never yet
+had he consulted the great glass with such assiduity;--never till now
+examined how far he had been indebted to nature for personal
+endowments.
+
+His impatience would have carried him to pay a morning visit, but he
+feared that would be too great a freedom, and therefore restrained
+himself till after dinner, though what he eat could scarce be called
+so; the food his _mind_ languished for, being wanting, the body was
+too complaisant to indulge itself.--After rising from table, not a
+minute passed without looking on his watch, and at the same time
+cursing the tedious seconds, which seemed to him increased from sixty
+to six hundred.--The hour of five at length put an end to his
+suspence, and he took his way to the dear, well-remembered mansion of
+his adorable.
+
+He found her at home, and in a careless, but most becoming
+dishabillee; the other lady was still with her; and told him she had
+tarried thus long with Miss Harriot, for so she called her, meerly to
+participate of the pleasure of his good company. Harriot, in a gay
+manner, accused her of envy, and both having a good share of wit, the
+conversation might have been pleasing enough to a man less
+prepossessed than Natura.
+
+The tea equipage was set, and the ceremony of that being over, cards
+were proposed; as they were three, Ombre was the game, at which they
+played some hours, and Natura was asked to sup.--After what I have
+said, I believe the reader has no occasion to be told that he complied
+with a pleasure which was but too visible in his eyes.--The time
+passed insensibly on, or at least seemed to do so to the friend of
+Harriot, till the watchman reminding her it was past eleven, she
+started up, and pretending a surprize, that the night was so far
+advanced, told Natura that she must exact a second proof of that
+gallantry he had shewn the night before, for she had not courage to go
+either in a chair or a coach alone at that late hour:--this doubtless
+was what he would have offered, had she been silent on the occasion;
+and a coach being ordered to the door, he took leave of miss Harriot,
+though not till he had obtained leave to testify his respects in some
+future visits.
+
+Had Natura appeared to have more experience of the town, the lady he
+gallanted home would certainly not have entertained him with the
+discourse she did; but his extreme youth, and the modest manner of his
+behaviour on the first sight of him, convinced them he was a person
+such as they wished to have in their power, and to that end had
+concerted measures between themselves, to perfect the conquest which,
+it was easy to perceive, one of them had begun to make over him.
+
+Harriot being the person with whom they found he was enamoured, it was
+the business of the other to do for her what, it may be supposed, she
+would have done for her on the like occasion.--Natura was no sooner in
+the coach with her, than she began to magnify the charms of her fair
+friend, but above all extolled her virtue, her prudence, and good
+humour:--then, as if only to give a proof of her patience and
+fortitude, that her parents dying when she was an infant, had left her
+with a vast fortune in the hands of a guardian, who attempting to
+defraud her of the greatest part, she was now at law with him, 'and is
+obliged to live, till the affair is decided,' said this artful woman,
+'in the narrow manner you see,--without a coach,--without any
+equipage; and yet she bears it all with chearfulness:--she has a
+multiplicity of admirers,' added she, 'but she assures all of them,
+that she will never marry, till she knows what present she shall be
+able to give with herself to the man she shall make choice of.'
+
+Till now Natura had never asked himself the question how far his
+passion for Harriot extended, or with what view he should address her;
+but when he heard she was a woman of condition, and would have a
+fortune answerable to her birth, he began to think it would be happy
+for him if he could obtain her love on the most honourable terms.
+
+It would be too tedious to relate all the particulars of his
+courtship; so I shall only say, that humble and timid as the first
+emotions of a sincere passion are, he was emboldened, by the
+extraordinary complaisance of Harriot, to declare it to her in a few
+days.--The art with which she managed on this occasion, might have
+deceived the most knowing in the sex; it is not, therefore,
+surprizing, that he should be caught in a snare, which, though ruinous
+as it had like to have been, had in it allurements scarce possible to
+be withstood at his time of life.
+
+It was by such degrees as the most modest virgin need not blush to
+own, that she confessed herself sensible of an equal tenderness for
+him; and nothing is more strange, than that in the transport he was
+in, at the condescensions she made him, that he did not immediately
+press for the consummation of his happiness by marriage; but tho' he
+wished for nothing so much, yet he was with-held by the fears of his
+father, who he thought would not approve of such a step, as the
+fortune he imagined she had a right to, was yet undetermined, and
+himself, tho' an elder son, and the undoubted heir of a very good
+estate, at present wholly dependant on him.--He communicated his
+sentiments to Harriot on this head with the utmost sincerity,
+protesting at the same time that he should never enjoy a moment's
+tranquility till he could call her his own.
+
+She seemed to approve of the caution he testified;--said it was such
+as she had always resolved religiously to observe herself; 'tho' I
+know not,' cried she, looking on him with the most passionate air,
+'how far I might have been tempted to break thro' all for your sake;
+but it is well one of us is wise enough to foresee and tremble at the
+consequences of a marriage between two persons whose fortunes are
+unestablished.'--Then, finding he made her no other answer than some
+kisses, accompanied with a strenuous embrace, she went on; 'there is a
+way,' resumed she, 'to secure us to each other, without danger of
+disobliging any body; and that is by a contract: I never can be easy,
+while I think there is a possibility of your transferring your
+affection to some other, and if you love me with half that degree of
+tenderness you pretend, you cannot but feel the same anxiety.'
+
+Natura was charmed with this proposition, and it was agreed between
+them, that her lawyer should draw up double contracts in form, which
+should be signed and delivered interchangeably by both parties.
+Accordingly, the very next day, the fatal papers were prepared, and he
+subscribed his name to that which was to remain in her custody, as she
+did her's to that given to him. Each being witnessed by the woman with
+whom he first became acquainted with her, and another person called
+into the room for that purpose.
+
+Natura now considering her as his wife, thought himself intitled to
+take greater liberties than he had ever presumed to do before, and she
+had also a kind of a pretence for permitting them, till at last there
+remained nothing more for him to ask, or her to grant.
+
+Enjoyment made no abatement in his passion; his fondness was rather
+increased by it, and he never thought himself happy, but when with
+her; he went to her almost every night, and sometimes passed all night
+with her, having made an interest with one of the servants, who let
+him in at whatever hour he came:--so totally did she engross his mind,
+that he seemed to have not the least attention for any thing beside:
+nor was the time he wasted with her all the prejudice she did
+him:--all the allowance made him by his father for cloaths and other
+expences, he dissipated in treats and presents to her, running in debt
+for every thing he had occasion for.
+
+But this was insufficient for her expectations; she wanted a sum of
+money, and pretending that her law-suit required a hundred guineas
+immediately, and that some remittances she was to have from the
+country would come too late, told him he must raise it for her some
+way or other.
+
+This demand was a kind of thunder-stroke to Natura; not but he doated
+on her enough to have sacrificed infinitely more to her desires, if in
+his power; but what she asked seemed so wholly out of reach, that he
+knew not any way by which there was the least probability of attaining
+it. The embarrassment that appeared in his countenance made her see it
+was not so easy for him to grant, as it was for her to ask. 'I should
+have wanted courage,' said she, 'to have made you this request, had I
+not considered that what is mine must one day be yours, and it will be
+your own unhappiness as well as mine, should my cause miscarry for
+want of means to carry it on.'--'Severe necessity!' added she, letting
+fall some tears, 'that reduces me to intreat favours where I could
+wish only to bestow them.'
+
+These words destroyed all the remains of prudence his love had left in
+him; he embraced her, kissed away her tears, and assured her that
+though, as he was under age, and had but a small allowance from his
+father, it was not at this time very easy for him to comply with her
+demand, yet she might depend upon him for the money the next day, let
+it cost what it would, or whatever should be the consequence.
+
+He left her that night much sooner than was his custom, in order to
+consult within himself on the means of fulfilling his promise to her,
+which, to have failed in, would have been more terrible to him than
+death.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+  That to indulge any one fault, brings with it the temptation of
+  committing others, is demonstrated by the behaviour of Natura, and
+  the misfortunes and disgrace which an ill-judged shame had like to
+  have involved him in.
+
+
+Never had Natura experienced so cruel a night; a thousand stratagems
+came into his head, but for some reason or other all seemed alike
+impracticable, and the morning found him in no more easy a
+situation.--He put on his cloaths hastily, and resolved to go to all
+the acquaintance he had in the world, and try the friendship of each,
+by borrowing what sums he thought they might be able to spare: but
+first, going into his father's closet, as was his custom every morning
+to pay his duty to him, he found a person with him who was paying him
+a large sum of money: the sight of what he so much wanted filled him
+with inexpressible agitations:--he would have given almost a limb to
+have had in his possession so much of that shining ore as Harriot
+expected from him; and wished that some sudden accident, even to the
+falling of the house, would happen, that in the confusion he might
+seize on some part of the treasure he saw before him.
+
+The person, after the affair which brought him there was over, took
+leave of the father of Natura, who having thrown the money into his
+bureau, to a large heap was there before, waited on him down stairs,
+without staying to lock the drawer.
+
+Often had Natura been present when his father received larger sums
+than this, and doubtless had the same opportunity as now to make
+himself master of some part, or all of it; but never till this unhappy
+exigence had the least temptation to do so.--It came into his head
+that the accident was perfectly providential, and that he ought not to
+neglect the only means by which he could perform his promise;--that
+his father could very well spare the sum he wanted, and that it was
+only taking before the time what by inheritance must be his own
+hereafter.--In this imagination he opened the drawer, and was about to
+pursue his intention, when he recollected that the money would
+certainly be missed, and either the fault be laid upon some innocent
+person, who might suffer for his crime; or he himself would be
+suspected of a thing, which, in this second thought, he found so mean
+and wicked, that he was shocked almost to death, for having been
+capable of even a wish to be guilty of it.--He shut the drawer
+again,--turned himself away, and was in the utmost confusion of mind,
+when his father returned into the room; which shews that there is a
+native honesty in the human nature, which nothing but a long practice
+of base actions can wholly eradicate: and I dare believe that even
+those we see most hardened in vice, have felt severe struggles within
+themselves at first, and have often looked back upon the paths of
+virtue, wishing, tho' fruitlesly, to return.
+
+Natura, however, did not give over his pursuit of the means of
+performing his promise: on the contrary, he thought himself obliged by
+all the ties of love, honour, and even self-interest, to do it; but
+difficult as he believed the task would be, he found it much more so
+than he could even have imagined: his intimacy being only with such,
+as being much of his own age, and like him were at an allowance from
+their parents or guardians, it was not in the power of any of them to
+contribute a large sum toward making up that he wanted; the most he
+got from any one being no more than five guineas, and all he raised
+among the whole amounted to no more than twenty, and some odd pounds.
+
+Distracted with his ill fortune, he ventured to go to an uncle he had
+by the mother's side, and after many complaints of his father's
+parsimony, told him, that having been drawn into some expences, which,
+though not extravagant, were more than his little purse could supply,
+he had broke into some money given him to pay his taylor, whom he
+feared would demand it of his father, and he knew not how far the
+ill-will of his mother-in-law might exaggerate the matter; concluding
+with an humble petition for twenty guineas, which he told him he would
+faithfully return by degrees.
+
+As Natura had the character of a sober youth, the good old gentleman
+was moved by the distress he saw him in, and readily granted his
+request, tho' not without some admonitions to confine for the future
+his expences to his allowance, be it ever so small.
+
+Thus Natura having with all his diligence not been able to raise quite
+half of the sum in question, was quite distracted what to do, and as
+he afterwards owned, more than once repented him of those scruples
+which had prevented him from serving himself at once out of his
+father's purse; tho' had the same opportunity again presented itself,
+it is scarce possible to believe by the rest of his behaviour, that he
+would have made use of it, or if he had, that he could have survived
+the shame and remorse it would have caused in him.
+
+In his desperation he ran at last to the house of a noted
+money-scrivener, a great acquaintance of the family, and in his whose
+hands his father frequently reposed his ready cash: to this man he
+communicates his distress, and easily prevails with him to let him
+have fifty pounds, on giving him a note to pay him an hundred for it
+when he should come of age, his father having said he would then make
+a settlement on him.
+
+This, however, was still somewhat short of what Harriot had demanded;
+but he left his watch at a pawn-broker's for the rest; and having
+compleated the sum, went transported with joy, and threw it into the
+lap of that idol of his soul; after which, he was for some days
+perfectly at ease, indulging himself with all he at present wished
+for, and losing no time in thought of what might happen to interrupt
+his happiness.
+
+But while he battened in the sun-shine of his pleasures, storms of
+vexation were gathering over his head, which, when he least expected
+such a shock, poured all their force upon him.
+
+The first time his uncle happened to see his father, he fell on the
+topic of the necessity there was for young gentlemen born to estates,
+and educated in a liberal manner, to be enabled to keep his equals
+company; adding, that if the parsimony of a parent, denied them an
+allowance, agreeable to their rank, it might either drive them to ill
+courses, or force them to associate themselves only with mean,
+low-bred people, among whom they might lose all the politeness had
+been inculcated into them. The father of Natura, well knowing he had
+nothing to answer for on this account, never suspected this discourse
+was directed to him in particular, and joined in his brother-in-law's
+opinion, heartily blaming those parents, who, by being too sparing to
+their children, destroyed all natural affection in them, and gave them
+some sort of an excuse for wishing for their death:--he thanked God he
+was not of that disposition, and then told him what he allowed per
+quarter to Natura, 'with which,' added he, 'I believe he is intirely
+satisfied.' The other replying, that indeed he thought it more than
+sufficient, the conversation dropped; but what sentiments he now began
+to conceive of his nephew it is easy to conceive; the father however
+thought no farther of this, till soon after the scrivener came to wait
+on him:--he was a perfect honest man, and had lent Natura the money
+meerly to prevent his applying to some other person, who possibly
+might have taken advantage of his thoughtlessness, so far as even to
+have brought on his utter ruin, too many such examples daily happening
+in the world: to deter him also from going on in this course, he
+demanded that exorbitant interest for his money abovementioned, which,
+notwithstanding, as he assured his father, in relating to him the
+whole transaction, he was far from any intention to make him pay.
+
+Never was astonishment greater than that in which the father of Natura
+was now involved;--the discourse of his brother-in-law now came fresh
+into his mind, and he recollected some words which, tho' he did not
+observe at the time they were spoken, now convinced him had a meaning
+which he could not have imagined there was any room for.--He had no
+sooner parted from the scrivener, than he flew to that gentleman, and
+having related to him what had passed between him and the scrivener,
+conjured him, if he could give him any farther lights into the affair,
+not to keep him in ignorance: on which the other thought it his duty
+to conceal nothing, either of the complaints, or request had been made
+him by his nephew:--after some exclamations on the extravagance and
+thoughtlessness of youth, the afflicted father went in search of more
+discoveries, which he found it but too easy to make among the
+tradesmen, all of whom he found had been unpaid for some time.
+
+It would be needless to go about to make any description of the
+confusion of mind he was in:--he shut himself in his closet, uncertain
+for some time how he should proceed; at last, as he considered there
+was not a possibility of reclaiming his son from whatever vice had led
+him thus all at once into such extravagancies, without first knowing
+what kind of vice it was; he resolved to talk to him, and penetrate,
+if possible, into the source of this evil.
+
+Accordingly the next morning he went into the chamber where Natura was
+yet in bed; and began to entertain him in the manner he had proposed
+to himself:--first, he let him know, that he was not unacquainted with
+every step he had taken for raising a sum, which he could not conceive
+he had any occasion for, as well as his having with-held the money he
+had given him to discharge his tradesmen's bills:--then proceeded to
+set before his eyes the folly and danger of having hid, at his years,
+any secrets from a parent; concluding with telling him, he had yet a
+heart capable or forgiving what was past, provided he would behave in
+a different manner for the future.
+
+What Natura felt at finding so much of what he had done revealed to
+his father, was greatly alleviated, by perceiving that the main thing,
+his engagement with Harriot, was a secret to him:--he did not fail to
+make large promises of being a better oeconomist, nor to express the
+most dutiful gratitude for the pardon the good old gentleman so
+readily offered; but this he told him was not sufficient to deserve a
+re-establishment in his favour, he must also give him a faithful
+account by what company, and for what purposes he had been induced to
+such ill husbandry; 'for,' added he, 'without a sincere confession of
+the motives of our past transactions, there can be little assurances
+of future amendment.'
+
+Natura to this only answered, that it was impossible to recount the
+particulars of his expences, and made so many evasions, on his
+father's still continuing to press his being more explicit, that he
+easily perceived there would be no coming at the truth by gentle
+means; and therefore, throwing off at once a tenderness so
+ineffectual, he assumed all the authority of an offended parent, and
+told the trembling Natura, that since he knew not how to behave as a
+_son_, he should cease to be a _father_, in every thing but in his
+authority:--'be assured,' said be, 'I shall take sure measures to
+prevent you from bringing either ruin or disgrace upon a family of
+which you are the first profligate:--this chamber must be your prison,
+till I have considered in what fashion I shall dispose of you.'
+
+With these words he flung out of the room, locking the door after him;
+so that when Natura rose, as he immediately did, he found himself
+indeed under confinement, which seemed so shameful a thing to him, that
+he was ready to tear himself in pieces:--it was not the grief of having
+offended so good a father, but the disgrace of the punishment inflicted
+on him, which gave him the most poignant anguish, and far from feeling
+any true contrition, he was all rage and madness, which having no means
+to vent in words, discovered itself in sullenness:--when the servant to
+whom he intrusted the key came in to bring him food, he refused to eat,
+and could scarce restrain himself from throwing in the man's face what
+he had brought.
+
+It is certain, that while under this circumstance, he was agitated at
+once by every different unruly passion:--pride, anger, spleen,
+thinking himself a man, at finding the treatment of a _boy_, made him
+almost hate the person from whom he received it.--The apprehensions
+what farther meaning might be couched in the menace with which his
+father left him, threw him sometimes into a terror little different
+from convulsive;--but above all, his impatience for seeing his dear
+Harriot, and the surprize, the grief, and perhaps the resentment, he
+imagined she must feel on his absenting himself, drove him into a kind
+of despair.
+
+In fine, unable to sustain the violence of his agitations, on the
+third night, regardless of what consequences might ensue from giving
+this additional cause of displeasure to his father, he found means to
+push back the lock of his chamber, and flew down stairs, and out at
+the street-door with so much speed, that it would have been impossible
+to have stopped him, had any one heard him, which none happened to do,
+it being midnight, and all the family in a sound sleep.
+
+That he went directly to the lodgings of Harriot, I believe my reader
+will make no doubt; but perhaps her character does not yet enough
+appear, to give any suspicion of the reception he found there.
+
+In effect, she was no other than one of those common creatures, who
+procure a miserable subsistance by the prostitution of their charms;
+and as nature had not been sparing to her on that score, and she was
+yet young, though less so than she appeared thro' art, she wanted not
+a number of gallants, who all contributed, more or less, to her living
+in the manner she did: several of these had happened to come when
+Natura was with her; but she having had the precaution to acquaint
+them with her design of drawing in this young spark for a husband,
+they took the cue she gave them, each passing before him either for a
+cousin, or one of the lawyers employed in her pretended suit.
+
+It was with one of these equally happy, tho' less deluded rivals of
+Natura, that finding he did not come, she had agreed to pass this
+night; and her maid, as the servants of such women, for the most part,
+imitate their mistresses, happened to be at the door, either about to
+introduce, or let out a lover of her own;--the sight of a man at that
+time of night, with one who belonged to his beloved, immediately fired
+Natura with jealousy:--he seized the fellow by the collar, and in a
+voice hoarse with rage, asked him what business he had there? To which
+the other replied only with a blow on the face, the wench shrieked out,
+but Natura was either stronger or more nimble than his competitor; he
+presently tripped up his heels, and ran up stairs.--Harriot and her
+lover hearing somewhat of a scuffle, the latter started out of bed, and
+opened the chamber-door, in order to listen what had occasioned it,
+just as Natura had reached the stair-case.--If his soul was inflamed
+before, what must it now have been, to see a man in his shirt, and just
+risen from the arms of Harriot, who still lay trembling in bed:--he
+flew upon him like an incensed lion; but the other being more robust,
+soon disengaged himself and snatching his sword, which lay on a table
+near the door, was going to put an end to the life of his disturber;
+when Harriot cried out, 'Hold! hold!--for heaven's sake!--It is my
+husband!'--Natura having no weapon wherewith he might defend himself,
+or hurt his adversary, revenge gave way to self-preservation; and only
+saying, 'husband, no;--I will die rather than be the husband of so vile
+a woman,' run down with the same precipitation he had come up.
+
+Impossible it is to describe the condition of his mind when got into
+the street:--his once violent affection was now converted into the
+extremest hatred and contempt;--he detested not only Harriot, and the
+whole sex, but even himself, for having been made the dupe of so
+unworthy a creature, and could have tore out his own heart, for having
+joined with her in deceiving him.--Having wandered about some time,
+giving a loose to his fury, the considerations of what he should do,
+at last took their turn:--home he could not go, the servant who used
+to admit him knew nothing of his being out, and he durst not alarm the
+family by knocking at the door, having passed by several times, and
+found all fast.
+
+In this perplexity, as he went through a street he had not been used
+to frequent, he saw a door open, and a great light in a kind of hall,
+with servants attending:--he asked one of them to whom it belonged,
+and was told it was a gaming-house, on which he went in, not with any
+desire of playing, but to pass away some time; finding a great deal of
+company there, he notwithstanding engaged himself at one of the
+tables, and tho' he was not in a humour which would permit him to
+exert much skill, he won considerably.
+
+The company did not break up till five in the morning, and he then
+growing drowsy, and yet unable to find any excuse to make to his
+father, he could not think of seeing his face, so went to a bagnio to
+take that repose he had sufficient need of, the fatigues of his mind
+having never suffered him to enjoy any sound sleep, since his father's
+discovery of the extravagance he had been guilty of.
+
+On his awaking, the transaction of the preceding night returned to his
+remembrance with all its galling circumstances, and the more he
+reflected on his disobedience to his father, the less he could endure
+the thoughts of coming into his presence:--in fine, that shame which
+so often prevents people from doing amiss, was now the motive which
+restrained him from doing what he ought to have done.--Had he
+immediately gone home, thrown himself at his father's feet, and
+confessed the truth, his youthful errors had doubtless merited
+forgiveness; but this, though he knew it was both his duty, and his
+interest, he could not prevail on himself to do; and to avoid the
+rebukes he was sensible were due to his transgressions, he resolved to
+hide himself as long as he could from the faces of all those who had a
+right to make them.
+
+In fine, he led the life of a perfect vagabond, sculking from one
+place to another, and keeping company with none but gamesters, rakes,
+and sharpers, falling into all manner of dissolution; and whenever his
+reason remonstrated any thing to him on these vicious courses, he
+would then, to banish remorse for one fault, fly to others, yet worse,
+and more destructive.
+
+It is true, he often looked back upon his _former_ behaviour, and was
+struck with horror at comparing it with the _present_;--the reflection
+too how much his mother-in-law might take advantage of the just
+displeasure of his father against him, to prejudice him in his future
+fortune, even to cause him to be disinherited, sometimes most cruelly
+alarmed him; yet, not all this, nor the wants he was plunged in on an
+ill run at play, (which was the sole means by which he subsisted) were
+sufficient to bring him to do that which he now even wished to do,
+tired with the conversation of those profligates, and secretly shocked
+at the scenes of libertinism he was a daily witness of.
+
+His thoughts thus divided and perplexed, he at length fell into a kind
+of despair; and not caring what became of himself, he resolved to
+enter on board some ship, and never see England again, unless fortune
+should do more than he had reason to hope for in his favour.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+  Shews the great force of natural affection and the good effects it
+  has over a grateful mind.
+
+
+If children could be sensible of parental tenderness, or knew what
+racking cares attend every misdoing of an offending offspring, the
+heart of Natura would have been so much touched with what his father
+endured on his account, as to have enabled him to have got the better
+of that guilty shame, which alone hindered him from submitting to him;
+but conscious of deferring only the severest reproofs, he could not
+flatter himself there was a hope of ever being reinstated in that
+affection he had once possessed, and was too proud to content himself
+with less.
+
+That afflicted parent being informed of his son's flight, spared no
+cost or pains to find out the place of his retreat; but all his
+enquiries were in vain, and he was wholly in the dark, till it came
+into his head to search a little escritore which stood in his chamber,
+and of which he had taken away the key: on breaking it open, he found
+the counterpart of his contract with Harriot, and by that discovery
+was no longer at a loss for the motives which had obliged his son to
+raise money, not doubting but the woman was either extremely indigent;
+or a jilt: but to think the heir of his estate had been so weak as to
+enter into so solemn and irretrievable an engagement, with a person of
+either of these characters, gave him an inexpressible disquiet. All
+his endeavours were now bent on finding her out, not in the least
+questioning but his son was with her: the task was pretty difficult,
+the contract discovering no more of her than her name, and the parish
+in which she lived; yet did the emissaries he employed at last
+surmount it: they brought him word not only of the exact place where
+she lodged, but also of her character, as they learned it from the
+neighbours; they heard also that a young gentleman, whose description
+answered that of Natura, had been often seen with her, and that she
+had given out she was married to him.
+
+The father having received this information, consulted with his
+brother-in-law what course was to be taken, and both being of opinion,
+that should any enquiry be made concerning Natura, it would only
+oblige them to quit their lodgings, and fly to some place where,
+perhaps, it would be more difficult to trace them; it was agreed to
+get a lord chief justice's warrant, and search her lodgings, without
+giving any previous alarm.
+
+This was no sooner resolved than put in execution: the father and
+uncle, attended by proper officers, burst into the house, and examined
+carefully every part of it; but not finding him, they sought, and
+perfectly perswaded Harriot could give intelligence of him, they
+threatened her severely, and here she displayed herself in her proper
+colours;--nothing ever behaved with greater impudence:--she told them,
+that she knew nothing of the fool they wanted; but if she could find
+him, would make him know what the obligations between them exacted
+from him: in fine, it was easy for them to perceive, there was nothing
+satisfactory to be obtained from her, and they departed with akeing
+hearts, but left not the street without securing to their interest a
+person in the neighbourhood, who promised to keep a continual eye upon
+her door, and if they ever saw the young gentleman go in, to send them
+immediate notice.
+
+It is needless to acquaint the reader how fruitless this precaution
+was: Natura was far from any inclination ever more to enter that
+detested house, and in that desponding humour, already mentioned, had
+certainly left the kingdom, and compleated his utter undoing, if
+Providence had not averted his design, by the most unexpected means.
+
+He was at Wapping, in the company of some persons who used the sea, in
+order to get into some ship, he cared not in what station, when a
+young man, clerk to an eminent merchant of his father's acquaintance,
+happened to come in, to enquire after the master of a vessel, by whom
+some goods belonging to his master were to be shipped: he had often
+seen Natura, and though much altered by his late way of living, knew
+him to be the person whom he had heard so great a search had been made
+after: he took no notice of him however, as he found the other bent
+earnestly in discourse did not observe him, but privately informed
+himself of all he could relating to his business there, and as soon as
+he came home acquainted his master with the discovery he had made, who
+did not fail to let his father know it directly.
+
+It is hard to say, whether joy at hearing of his son, or grief at
+hearing he was in so miserable a condition, was most predominant in
+him; but the first emotions of both being a little moderated, the
+consideration of what was to be done, took place:--the clerk having
+found out that he was lodged in an obscure house at that place, in
+order to get on board the first ship that sailed, the father would
+needs go himself, and the merchant offering to accompany him in their
+little journey, a plan of proceeding was formed between them, which
+was executed in the following manner.
+
+They went together into a tavern, and sent to the house the clerk had
+directed, under pretence, that hearing a young man was there who had
+an inclination for the sea, a master of a ship would be glad to treat
+with him on that affair.--Natura, happily for him, not having yet an
+opportunity of engaging himself, obeyed the summons, and followed the
+messenger:--his father withdrew into another room, but so near as to
+hear what passed, and there was only the merchant to receive him; but
+the sight of one he so little expected in that place, and whom he knew
+was so intimate in their family, threw him into a most terrible
+consternation. He started back, and had certainly quitted the house,
+if the merchant, aware of his intention, had not catched hold of him,
+and getting between him and the door, compelled him to sit down while
+he talked to him.
+
+He began with asking what had induced him to think of leaving England
+in the manner he was going to do;--reminded him of the estate to which
+he was born, the family from which he was descended, and the education
+which he had received; and then set before his eyes the tenderness
+with which his father had used him, the grief to which he had exposed
+him, and above all the madness of his present intentions:--Natura knew
+all this as well as he that remonstrated to him; but as he had not
+been capable of listening to his own reflections on that head, all
+that was said had not the least effect upon him, and the merchant
+could get no other answer from him, than that as things had happened,
+he had no other course to take.
+
+The truth was, that as he could not imagine by what means the merchant
+was apprized of his design, he thought his father was also not
+ignorant of it; and as he did not vouchsafe either to come in person,
+or send any message to him from himself, and perhaps was even ignorant
+that the merchant had any intention of reclaiming him, he looked upon
+it as a confirmation of his having intirely thrown off all care of
+him, and in this supposition he became more resolute than ever in his
+mind, to go where he never might be heard of more.
+
+'What though,' said the merchant, 'you have been guilty of some
+youthful extravagancies, I am perfectly assured there requires no more
+than your submitting to intreat forgiveness, to receive: come,'
+continued he, 'I will undertake to be your mediator, and dare answer I
+shall prevail.'--'No, sir,' replied Natura, 'I am conscious of having
+offended beyond all possibility of a pardon;--nor can I ever bear to
+see my father again.'
+
+The merchant laboured all he could to overcome this mingled pride and
+shame, which he perceived was the only obstacle to his return to duty;
+but to no purpose, Natura continued obstinate and inflexible, till his
+father, having no longer patience to keep himself concealed, rushed
+into the room, and looking on his son with a countenance which, in
+spite of all the severity he had endeavoured to assume, betrayed only
+tenderness and grief.--'So, young man,' said he, 'you think it then my
+place to seek a reconciliation, and are perhaps too stubborn to accept
+forgiveness, even though I should condescend to offer it.'
+
+Natura was so thunderstruck at the appearance of his father, and the
+manner in which he accosted him, that he was far from being able to
+speak one word, but threw himself at his feet, with a look which
+testified nothing but confusion: that action, however, denoting that
+he had not altogether forgot himself, melted the father's heart; he
+raised him, and forcing him to sit down in a chair close by him;
+'Well, Natura,' said he, 'you have been disobedient to an excess; I
+wish it were possible for your distresses to have given you a remorse
+in proportion;--I am still a _father_, if you can be a _son._'--He
+would have proceeded, but was not able:--the meagre aspect, dejected
+air, and wretched appearance of a son so dear to him, threw him into a
+condition which destroyed all the power of maintaining that reserve
+which he thought necessary to his character.
+
+Natura, on the other hand, was so overcome with the unhoped-for
+gentleness of his behaviour, that he burst into a flood of
+tears.--Filial gratitude and love, joined with the thoughts of what he
+had done to deserve a far different treatment, so overwhelmed his
+heart, that he could express himself no other way than by falling on
+his knees a second time, and embracing the legs of his father, with a
+transport, I know not whether to say of grief or joy; continued in
+that posture for a considerable time, overwhelmed at once with shame,
+with gratitude, and love:--at length, gaining the power of
+utterance,--'O sir,' cried he, 'how unworthy am I of your
+goodness!'--but then recollecting as it were somewhat more; 'yet
+sure,' pursued he, 'it is not possible you can forgive me all.--I have
+been guilty of worse than, perhaps, you yet have been informed of:--I
+am a wretch who have devoted myself to infamy and destruction, and you
+cannot, nay ought not to forgive me.'
+
+The father was indeed very much alarmed at this expression, as fearing
+it imported his distresses had drove him to be guilty of some crime of
+which the law takes cognizance.--'I hope,' said he, 'your having
+signed a contract with an abandoned prostitute, is the worst action of
+your life?'
+
+It is impossible to describe the pleasure with which Natura found his
+father was apprized of this affair, without being obliged to relate it
+himself, as he was now determined to have done:--all his obduracy
+being now intirely vanquished, and converted into the most tender,
+affectionate, and dutiful submission.
+
+'Can there be a worse?' replied he, renewing his embraces, 'and can
+you know it, and yet vouchsafe to look on me as your son!'--'If your
+penitence be sincere,' said the good old gentleman, 'I neither can,
+nor ought refuse to pardon all:--but rise,' continued he, 'and freely
+give this worthy friend and myself, the satisfaction we require;--a
+full confession of all your misbehaviour, is the only attonement you
+can make, and that I can expect from you:--remember I have signed your
+pardon for all that is past, but shall not include in it any future
+acts of disobedience, among which, dissimulation, evasion or
+concealment, in what I demand to be laid open, I shall look upon as of
+the worst and most incorrigible kind.'
+
+He needed not have laid so strong an injunction on the now truly
+contrite Natura;--he disguised nothing of what he had done, even to
+the mean arts of gaming, to which he had been obliged to have recourse
+after his voluntary banishment from all his friends; and then painted
+the horrors he conceived at the things he daily saw, and the despair
+which had induced him to leave England, in such lively colours, that
+not only his father, but the merchant, were affected by it, even to
+the letting fall some tears.
+
+But not to be too tedious in this part of my narration, never was
+there a more perfect reconciliation:--the father till now knew not how
+much he loved his son, nor the son before felt half that dutiful
+affection and esteem for his father.
+
+It now remained to conclude how the forgiven youth was to be
+disposed:--there were two reasons which rendered it imprudent for him
+to go home; first, on the score of his mother-in-law, who being better
+informed than her husband could have wished, of the errors of his son,
+he feared would have behaved to him in a fashion which, he easily
+foresaw, would be attended with many inconveniences; even perhaps to
+the driving him back into his late vicious courses; and secondly, on
+that of the contract, which it would be more difficult to get Harriot
+to relinquish, if Natura were known to be re-established in his
+father's favour, than if concealed and supposed still in disgrace with
+him.--The generous merchant made an offer of an apartment in his
+house; but Natura, who had not seen his sister of a long time,
+proposed a visit to her; as thinking the society of that dear and
+prudent relation, would not only console, but establish him in virtue.
+
+The father listened to both, and after some little deliberation, told
+his son, that he approved of his going to his sister for a month or
+two, or three, at his own option; 'but,' said he, 'it is not fit a
+young man like you should bury yourself for any long time in the
+country;--you are now of a right age to travel, and I would have you
+enlarge your understanding by the sight of foreign manners and
+customs:--I would, therefore, have you make a short visit to my
+daughter, after which, accept of my friend's invitation, and in the
+mean time I shall prepare things proper for your making the tour of
+Europe, under a governor who may keep you in due limits.'
+
+Had Natura never offended his father, the utmost he could have wished
+from his indulgence, was a proposal of this kind:--he was in a perfect
+extasy, and knew not how sufficiently to express his gratitude and
+satisfaction; on talking, however, more particularly on the affair, it
+was agreed he should go first to the merchant's, in order to be new
+cloathed, and recover some part of those good looks his late dissolute
+way of life had so much impaired.
+
+Every thing being settled so much to the advantage of Natura, even a
+few hours made some alteration in his countenance; so greatly does the
+ease of the mind contribute to the welfare of the body!--he parted not
+till night from this indulgent parent, when he went home with the
+merchant, and had the next day tradesmen of all kinds sent for, who
+had orders to provide, in their several ways, every thing necessary
+for a young gentleman born to the estate he was.--As youth is little
+regardless of futurity, he forgot, for a time, what consequences might
+possibly attend his contract with Harriot, and was as perfectly at
+ease, as if no such thing had ever happened. When fully equipped, he
+went down into that country where his sister lived, and if the least
+thought of his former transactions remained in him, they were now
+intirely dissipated, by the kind reception he there met with, and the
+entertainments made for him by the neighbouring gentry.
+
+But his heart being bent on his travels, and receiving a letter from
+his father, wherein he acquainted him that all things were ready for
+his departure, he took leave of the country, after a stay of about
+nine weeks, and returned to the merchant's, where his father soon came
+to see him, and told him, he had provided a governor for him, who had
+served several of the sons of the nobility in that capacity, and was
+perfectly acquainted with the languages and manners of the countries
+through which they were to pass.
+
+This tender parent moreover acquainted him, that having consulted the
+lawyers, on the score of that unhappy obligation he had laid himself
+under to Harriot, and finding they had given it as their assured
+opinion, that it was drawn up in the most binding and authentic
+manner, he had offered that creature a hundred guineas to give up her
+claim; but she had obstinately rejected his proposal, and seemed
+determined to compel him to the performance of his contract; or in
+case he married any other woman, to prosecute him for the moiety of
+whatever portion he should receive with her.
+
+The mention of this woman, who had given Natura so much disquiet, and
+who indeed had been the primary cause of all his follies and
+misfortunes, together with the thoughts of what future inconveniencies
+she might involve him in, both on the account of his fortune and
+reputation, made him relapse into his former agitations, and
+afterwards rendered him extremely pensive, and he could not forbear
+crying out, that he would chuse rather to abandon England for ever,
+and, pass the whole remainder of his days in foreign climates, than
+yield to become the prey any way of so wicked, so infamous a wretch,
+'whom,' said he, 'I shall never think on, without hating myself for
+having ever loved.'
+
+The good-natured merchant, as well as his father, perceiving these
+reflections began to take too much root in him, joined in endeavouring
+to alleviate the asperity of them, by telling him, that it was their
+opinion, as indeed it seemed highly probable, that when he was once
+gone, she would be more easily prevailed upon; especially as the
+reconciliation between him and his father was to be kept an inviolable
+secret. The old gentleman also added, in order to make him easy, that
+how exorbitant soever she might be in her demands, and whatever it
+should cost, though it were the half of his estate, he would rid him
+of the contract; which second proof of paternal affection, renewed in
+Natura, as well it might, fresh sentiments of love, joy, and duty; and
+the same promise being again and again reiterated, he soon resumed his
+former chearfulness, and thought of nothing but the new scenes he was
+going to pass through.
+
+In fine, not many days elapsed before he departed, with his governor
+and one footman, who had been an antient servant in the family.--As
+their first route was to France, they went in the Dover stage, and
+thence embarked for Calais, without any thing material happening,
+except it were, that on sight of the ocean, Natura was fired with a
+devout rhapsody at the thoughts of finding himself upon it, in a
+manner so vastly different from that in which, but a few months since,
+his despair had led him to project; and the resolution he made within
+himself never to be guilty of any thing hereafter, which should
+occasion a blush on his own face, or incur the displeasure of a
+father, to whom he looked upon himself as much more indebted, for the
+forgiveness he had received, than for being the author of his
+existence.
+
+So great an effect has mercy and benevolence over a heart not hardened
+by a long practice of vice! How far Natura persevered in these good
+intentions, we shall hereafter see; but the very ability of forming
+them, shews that there is a native gratitude and generosity in the
+human mind, which, in spite of the prevalence of unruly passions,
+will, at sometimes, shine forth, even in the most thoughtless and
+inconsiderate.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+BOOK the Second.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+  The inconsideration and instability of youth; when unrestrained by
+  authority, is here exemplified, in an odd adventure Natura embarked
+  in with two nuns, after the death of his governor.
+
+
+Novelty has charms for persons of all ages, but more especially in
+youth, when manhood is unripened by maturity, when all the passions
+are afloat, and reason not sufficiently established in her throne by
+experience and reflection, the mind is fluctuating, easily carried
+down the stream of every different inclination that invites, and
+seldom or never has a constant bent.
+
+From seventeen or eighteen to one or two and twenty, I look upon to be
+that season of life in which all the errors we commit, will admit of
+most excuse, because we are then at an age to think ourselves men,
+without the power of acting as becomes reasonable men. It was in the
+midst of this dangerous time, that Natura set out in order to make the
+tour of Europe, and his governor dying soon after their arrival in
+Paris, our young traveller was left to himself, and at liberty to
+pursue whatever he had a fancy for.
+
+The death of this gentleman was in effect a very great misfortune to
+Natura; but as at his time of life we are all too apt to be impatient
+under any restraint, tho' never so mild and reasonable, he did not
+consider it in that light; and therefore less lamented his loss, than
+his good nature would have made him do, had he been the companion of
+his travels in any other station than that of governor, the very name
+of which implied a right of direction over his behaviour, and a power
+delegated by his father of circumscribing every thing he did. I
+believe, whoever looks back upon himself at that age, will be
+convinced by the retrospect, that there was nothing wonderful in
+Natura's imagining he had now discretion enough to regulate his
+conduct, without being under the controul of any person whatever; and
+could not, for that reason, be much afflicted at being eased of a
+subordination not at all agreeable to his humour, and which he thought
+he had not the least occasion for.
+
+The baron d' Eyrac had often invited him to pass some days with him,
+at a fine villa he had about some ten leagues from Paris; but his
+governor not having approved that visit, he had hitherto declined
+it.--He now, however, took it into his head to go, and as the distance
+was so short, went on horseback, attended by his footman, with a
+portmanteau containing some linnen and cloaths, his intention being to
+remain there while the baron stayed, which, as he was informed, would
+be three weeks, or a month;--it being then the season for hunting, and
+that part of the country well suited for the diversion.
+
+He had been on a party of pleasure a considerable way on this road
+before, so thought he had no occasion for a guide, and that he should
+easily be directed to the house; but it so happened that being got
+about twenty miles from Paris he missed his route, and took one the
+direct contrary, and which at last brought him to the entrance of a
+very thick wood:--there was not the least appearance of any human
+creature, nor the habitation of one, and he was beginning to consult
+with his servant whether to go back, or proceed till they should
+arrive at some town or village for refreshment, when all at once there
+fell the most terrible shower of hail and rain, accompanied with
+thunder, that ever was heard;--this determined them to go into the
+wood for shelter:--the storm continued till night, and it was then so
+dark, that they could distinguish nothing:--they wandered, however,
+leading their horses in their hands, for it was impossible to ride,
+hoping to find some path, by which they might extricate themselves out
+of that horrid labyrinth.
+
+Some hours were passed in this perplexed situation, and Natura
+expected no better than to remain there till morning, when he heard a
+voice at a little distance, cry, 'Who goes there?' Never had any music
+been half so pleasing to the ears of Natura. 'Friends,' replied he,
+'and travellers, that have lost their way.' On this the person who had
+spoke, drew nearer, and asked whither they were bent. Natura told him
+to the villa of the baron d' Eyrac. 'The baron d' Eyrac,' said the
+other, 'he lives twelve miles on the other side the wood, and that is
+five miles over.'--He then asked if there were no town near, to which
+he could direct them.--'No,' replied the other, 'but there is a little
+village where is one inn, and that is above half a league off:--you
+will never find your way to it; but if you will pay me, I will guide
+you.' Natura wished no more, and having agreed with him for his hire,
+followed where he led.
+
+Nothing that was ever called an inn, had so much the shew of
+wretchedness; nor could it be expected otherwise, for being far from
+any great road, it was frequented only by shepherds, and others the
+meanest sort of peasants, who worked in the adjacent grounds, or
+tended the cattle.
+
+In this miserable place was Natura obliged to take up his lodging:--he
+lay down, indeed, on the ragged dirty mattress, but durst not take off
+his cloaths, so noisome was every thing about him:--fatigued as he
+was, he could not close his eyes till towards day, but had not slept
+above two hours before the peasant who had served him as a guide, and
+had also stayed at the inn, came into his room, and waked him
+abruptly, telling him the lady abbess desired to speak with
+him.--Natura was much vexed at this disturbance, and not sufficiently
+awaked to recollect himself, only cried peevishly, 'What have I to do
+with abbesses,' and then turned to sleep again.
+
+On his second waking, his footman acquainted him, that a priest waited
+to see him:--Natura then remembered what the peasant had said, but
+could not conceive what business these holy people had with him; he
+went down however immediately, and was saluted by a reverend
+gentleman, who told him, that the lady abbess of a neighbouring
+monastery (whose almoner he was) hearing from one of her shepherds the
+distress he had been in, had sent to intreat he would come, and
+refresh himself with what her convent afforded.
+
+Natura was now ashamed of having been so rough with the peasant, but
+well atoned for it by the handsome apology he now made; after which he
+told the almoner, that he would receive the abbess's commands as soon
+as he was in a condition to be seen by her.--This was what good
+manners exacted from him, tho' in truth he had no inclination for a
+visit, in which he proposed so little satisfaction.
+
+He then made his servant open the portmanteau, and give him such
+things as were proper to equip him for this visit; and while he was
+dressing, was informed by his host, that this abbess was a woman of
+quality, very rich, and owned the village they were in, and several
+others, which brought her in more rent.
+
+If the vanity so natural to a young heart, made Natura, on this
+information, pleased and proud of the consideration such a lady had
+for him while unknown, how much more cause had he to be so, when being
+shewn by the same peasant into the monastery, he was brought into a
+parlour, magnificently furnished, and no sooner had sat down, than a
+very beautiful woman, whom he soon found was the lady abbess, appeared
+behind the grate, and welcomed him with the most elegant compliments.
+
+He had never been in a monastery before, and had a notion that all the
+nuns, especially the abbesses, were ill-natured old women: he was
+therefore so much surprized at the sight of this lady, that he had
+scarce power to return the politeness she treated him with.--Her age
+exceeded not twenty-four; she was fair to an excess, had fine-turned
+features, and an air which her ecclesiastic habit could not deprive of
+its freedom; but the enchanting manner of her conversation, her wit,
+and the gaiety that accompanied all she said, so much astonished and
+transported him, that he cried out, without knowing that he did so,
+'Good God!--is it possible a monastery can contain such charms!'--She
+affected to treat the admiration he expressed, as no other than meer
+bagatelle; but how serious a satisfaction she took in it, a very
+little time discovered.
+
+'A monastery,' said she, 'is not so frightful a solitude as you, being
+a stranger to the manners of this country, have perhaps painted to
+yourself:--I have companions in whom I believe you will find some
+agreements.'--She then rung a bell, and ordered an attending nun, or
+what they call a lay-sister, to call some of the sisterhood, whose
+names she mentioned; and presently came two nuns, with a third lady in
+a different habit; the least handsome of these might have passed for a
+beauty, but she that was the most so I shall call Elgidia; she was
+sister to the abbess, but wanted a good many of her years, and being
+intended for a monastic life by their parents, had been sent there as
+a pensioner, till she should be prevailed upon to take the veil.
+
+The abbess, having learned from Natura that he was from England, told
+them, in a few words, what she knew of him, and the motive of the
+invitation she had made him; then desired they would entertain him
+till her return, having some affair, which called her thence for a
+small time.
+
+As Elgidia appeared by her dress to be more a woman of this world than
+her companions, he directed his discourse chiefly to her; but whether
+it were that she had less gaiety in her temper, or that she was that
+moment taken up with some very serious thought, Natura could not be
+certain, but he found her much less communicative, than either of
+those, whose profession seemed to exact greater reserve.
+
+As Natura spoke French perfectly well, and delivered all he said with
+a great deal of ease, they were very much pleased with his
+conversation; and yet more so, when, at the return of the abbess, that
+wit and spirit they before found in him, seemed to have gained an
+additional vigour.
+
+The truth is, the first sight of this beautiful abbess had very much
+struck him; and a certain prepossession in her favour, had rendered
+him not so quick-sighted as he might otherwise have been to the charms
+of her sister:--not that he was absolutely in love with her, nor
+entertained the least wish in prejudice to the sanctity of her order;
+it was rather an _admiration_ he was possessed with on her account,
+which the surprize, at finding her person and manner so widely
+different from what he had expected, contributed very much to excite
+in him.
+
+The breakfast, which consisted of chocolate, tea, coffee, rich cakes,
+and sweetmeats, was served upon the Turnabout; but the abbess told
+him, that their monastery had greater privileges than any other in
+France; for they were not restrained from entertaining their kindred
+and friends, tho' of a different sex, within the grate; 'as you shall
+experience,' said she, with the most obliging air, 'if you will favour
+us with your company at dinner.'
+
+Nothing could be more pleasing to Natura than this invitation, and it
+cannot, therefore, be supposed he hesitated much to comply with it;
+however, as the hour of their devotion drew nigh, and forms must be
+observed, he was desired to take a tour round about the village till
+twelve, at which time they told him dinner would be on the table.
+
+He was still in so much amazement at what he had seen and heard, that
+he was not sorry at having an opportunity of being alone, to reflect
+on all had passed; but the deeper he entered into thought, the more
+strange it still seemed to him; till happening accidentally to fall
+into some discourse with a gentleman in the village, he was told by
+him, that the nunnery they were in sight of, was called, Le Convent de
+Riche Dames; that none but women of condition entered themselves into
+it, and that they enjoyed liberties little different from those that
+live in the world:--'It is true,' said this person, 'the gay manner in
+which they behave, has drawn many reflections on their order, yet I
+know not but they may be equally innocent with those of the most
+rigid.'
+
+This was enough to shew Natura, that the civilities he received, were
+only such as any stranger, who appeared of some rank, might be treated
+with, as well as himself; and served to abate that little vanity
+which, without this information, might have gained ground in his
+heart; at least it did so for the present: what reasons he founds
+afterwards for the indulging it, the reader will anon be enabled to
+judge.
+
+He was not, however, without a good deal of impatience for the hour
+appointed for his return, which being arrived, the portress admitted
+him into a fine room behind the grate, where he found the abbess,
+Elgidia, the two nuns he had seen in the morning, and another, which,
+it seems, were all the abbess thought proper should be present.
+
+The table was elegantly served, and the richness of the wines, helped
+very much to exhilerate the spirits of the company.--Elgidia alone
+spoke little, tho' what she said was greatly to the purpose, and
+discovered that it was not for want either of sentiment or words she
+retained so great a taciturnity.--Natura saying somewhat, that shewed
+he took notice how singular she was in this point, the abbess replied,
+that her sister did not like a convent, that the comedy, the opera,
+and ball, had more charms for her than devotion. On which Natura made
+some feint attempts to justify a goûte for those public diversions,
+but was silenced by the abbess, who maintained the only true
+felicities of life were religion and friendship. 'What then do you
+make of love, madam?' cried he briskly: 'love, the first command of
+Heaven, and the support of this great universe:--love, which gives a
+relish to every other joy, and'--he was going on, but the abbess
+interrupted him, 'Hold!--Hold!' said she, 'this is not a discourse fit
+for these sacred precincts.'--But these words were uttered in a sound,
+and accompanied with a look, which wholly took away their austerity,
+and it was easy for Natura to perceive by the manner in which they
+were spoke, as well as by a sigh, which escaped Elgidia at the same
+time, that neither of these ladies were in reality enemies to the
+passion he was defending.
+
+Some little time after dinner was over, Natura was about to take his
+leave; but the abbess told him, that she had formed a design to punish
+him for pretending to espouse the cause of love; 'and that is,' said
+she, 'by detaining you in a place, where you must never speak, nor
+hear a word, in favour of it':--'we have,' continued she, 'a little
+apartment adjoining to the monastery, tho' not in it, which serves to
+accommodate such friends as visit us, and are too far from home to
+return the same day:--you must not refuse to pass at least one night
+in it; and I dare promise you, that you will not find yourself worse
+lodged, than the preceding one:--your servant may also lie in the same
+house, and I will send your horses to a neighbouring farmer; who will
+take care of them.'
+
+The manner in which this request was urged, had somewhat in it too
+obliging, for Natura to have denied, in good manners, even if his
+inclinations had been opposite; but indeed he was too much charmed
+with the conversation of the lovely abbess, and her fair associates,
+to be desirous of quitting it.--He not only stayed that night, but
+also, on their continuing to ask it, many succeeding ones.--He lay in
+the apartment above-mentioned, breakfasted, dined, and supped in the
+convent, as if a pensioner in the place, always in the same company,
+and ambitious of no other.
+
+The gallantries with which he treated the abbess, were as tender as
+innocence would permit; nor did he presume to harbour any views of
+being happier with her than he was at present.
+
+But see! the strange caprice of love! It was not through a coldness of
+constitution, nor any confederations of her quality and function,
+which rendered him so content with enjoying no more of her than her
+conversation; nor that hindered him from taking advantage of many
+advances she made him, whenever they were alone, of becoming more
+particular; but it was the progress Elgidia every day made in his
+esteem:--the more he saw that beautiful young lady, the more he
+thought her charming; and every time she spoke discovered to him a new
+fund of wit, and sweetness of disposition:--it was not in her power to
+erase the first impression her sister had made on him, but it was to
+stop the admiration he had for her from growing up into a
+passion:--whenever he saw either of them alone, he thought her most
+amiable he was with; and when they were together, he was divided
+between both.
+
+For upwards of a month did he continue in the same place, and in the
+same situation of mind; but then either the abbess's own good sense,
+or the advice of some friend, remonstrating to her, that so long a
+stay of a young gentleman, who was known to be not of her kindred,
+might occasion discourses to her disreputation, and that of the
+monastery in general; she took the opportunity one day, when he was
+making an offer of going, as he frequently did, to speak to him in
+this manner:
+
+'I know not how,' said she, 'to part with you, and I flatter myself
+you think of going, rather because you imagine your tarrying here for
+any length of time, might be inconvenient for us, than because you are
+tired of the reception you have found here.'
+
+'Ah madam!' cried he, 'be assured I could live for ever here;--and
+that I only grieve that such a hope is impossible.--If what you now
+say is sincere,' answered she, 'you may at least prolong the happiness
+we at present enjoy:--but I shall put you to the proof,' continued
+she, looking on him with eyes in which the most eager passion was
+visibly painted,--'to hush the tongue of censure, you shall remove to
+a town about seven miles distant, where there are many good houses, in
+one of which you may lodge, under pretence of liking the air of this
+country, and visit us, as other of our friends do, as frequently as
+you please, without endangering any remarks, even though you should
+stay with us three or four nights at a time.'
+
+Natura was so ravished at this proposal, and the kind, almost fond
+manner, in which it was made, that he catched hold of her hand, and
+kissed it, with a vehemence not conformable to a Platonic
+affection:--she seemed, however, far from being offended at his
+boldness, which had perhaps proceeded to greater lengths, had not
+Elgidia at that instant come into the room.--The abbess was a little
+disconcerted, but to conceal it as well as she could, 'sister,' said
+she, 'I have made our guest the proposal I mentioned to you this
+morning, and leave you to second it': with these words she withdrew.
+
+Elgidia appeared in little less confusion than her sister had done;
+but Natura was in infinitely more than either of them.--The sudden
+sight of her who possessed at least half of his affections, just in
+the moment he was in a kind of rapture with another, struck him like
+the ghost of a departed mistress; and tho' he had never made any
+declaration of love either to the one or the other, yet his heart
+reproached him with a secret perfidy, and he durst scarce lift his
+eyes to her face, when with a timid voice he at last said, 'Madam, may
+I hope you take any interest in what your sister has been speaking
+of?'--'You may be sure I do,' replied she, 'in all that concerns the
+abbess; as to my farther sentiments on your staying or going, they can
+be of no consequence to you.'--'How, madam!' resumed he, by this time
+a little re-assured, 'of no consequence! You know nothing of my heart,
+if you know it not incapable of forming the least wish but to please
+you.'
+
+He said many other tender and gallant things to her, in order to
+engage her to add her commands to those of the abbess; but, either the
+belief that he was wholly devoted to that lady, or the natural reserve
+of her temper, would suffer her to let him draw no more from her, than
+that she should share in the happiness her sister proposed to herself,
+in his continuing so near them.
+
+But tho' Elgidia could command her words, she could not have so much
+power over her eyes as to keep them from betraying a tenderness not
+inferior to that of her sister; and Natura had the satisfaction of
+finding he was beloved by both these amiable women, without thinking
+himself so far attached to either, as not to be able to break off
+whenever he pleased.
+
+But to what end tended all this gallantry! to what purpose was all
+this waste of time, in an amour, which either had no aim in view, or
+if it had, must be such a one, as must turn to the confusion of the
+persons concerned in it!--These indeed are questions any one might
+naturally ask, but could not have been resolved by Natura, who took a
+pleasure in prosecuting the adventure, and neither examined what he
+proposed by it himself, or considered what consequences might ensue;
+and herein he but acted as most others do of his age, who rarely give
+themselves the pains of consulting what _may_, or _will be_, when
+pleased with what _is_.
+
+He went to the place the abbess had directed, but imagined he should
+be very much at a loss for amusement, being wholly a stranger to every
+body. He would doubtless have been so, had his retreat been in any
+other country than France; but as it is the peculiar characteristic of
+that nation to entertain at first sight with the same freedom and
+communicativeness of a long acquaintance, he soon found himself
+neither without company nor diversion:--whether he had an inclination
+to hunt, or dance, or play, he always met with persons ready to join
+in the party, so that the intervals he passed there, between his
+visits to the monastery, seemed not at all tedious to him.
+
+The ladies, however, were far from being forgotten by him; ten days
+had not elapsed, before he returned to renew, or rather to improve,
+the impression he had both given and received.--The abbess appeared
+all life and spirit at his return, but Elgidia was more melancholly
+than when he left her; but it was a melancholly which had in it
+somewhat of a soft languor, which was very engaging to Natura,
+especially as he had reason to believe, by several looks and
+expressions, which in some unguarded moments fell from her, that he
+had the greatest interest in it.
+
+The oftener he saw her, the more he was confirmed in this conjecture;
+but as he could not be assured of it, never treated her in a manner
+which should give her room to guess what his thoughts were, for fear
+of meeting with a rebuff, which would have been too mortifying to his
+vanity:--but as the belief of being beloved by her, rendered her
+insensibly more dear to him; the regards he paid her, and the sighs
+which frequently issued from his breast when he approached her, did
+not escape the notice of the quick-sighted abbess; and disdaining a
+competitorship in a heart she thought she had wholly engrossed,
+resolved to be more plain than hitherto she had been, in order to
+bring him to declare himself.
+
+With this view she led him one day into the garden, and being seated in
+a close arbour, where there was no danger of being overheard,--'Natura,'
+said she, 'I doubt not but you may perceive, by the civilities I have
+treated you with, that you are not indifferent to me; but as you cannot
+be sensible to how great a degree my regard for you extends, it remains
+that I confess to you there is but one thing wanting to compleat the
+intire conquest of my heart'; 'and that is,' continued she, fixing her
+eyes intently on his face, 'that you will cease for the future to pay
+those extraordinary assiduities to Elgidia you have lately done.'
+
+How much soever Natura was transported at the beginning of this
+discourse, the closure of it gave him an inexpressible shock, insomuch
+that he was wholly unable to make any reply, to testify the sense he
+had of the obligation she conferred on him. 'I see,' said she, 'the
+too great influence my sister has over you leaves me no room to hope
+any thing from you:--I did not think the sacrifice I exacted from you
+so great, that the purchase of my heart would not have atoned for it;
+but since I find it is otherwise, I repent I put you to the trial.'
+
+In speaking these words she rose up, and flew out of the arbour: the
+confusion Natura was in, prevented him from endeavouring to detain
+her; and before he could resolve with himself how to behave in so
+critical a conjuncture, she was out of sight.--Whatever tenderness he
+had for the other, he could not bear the thoughts of having offended
+this lady: the confession she had just made him, seemed to deserve all
+his gratitude; and tho' the price she demanded for her heart was too
+excessive for him to comply with, yet he resolved to make his peace
+with her the first time he found her alone, on the best terms he
+could.
+
+This was an opportunity, however, not so easily attained as he had
+imagined:--the abbess conceived so much spite at the little
+inclination he had testified to comply with her demand, that she kept
+one or other of the nuns with her the whole remainder of that day, and
+he could only tell her by his eyes how desirous he was of coming to an
+eclaircisement.
+
+But as if this was a day destined to produce nothing but extraordinary
+events, perceiving the abbess industriously avoided speaking to him,
+he had retired into the parlour to ruminate on the affair, when
+Elgidia came in to him, and with somewhat more gaiety than she was
+accustomed to, cried, 'What, alone, Natura! but I suppose you attend
+my sister, and I will not be any interruption'; and then turned to go
+out of the room. All the discontent he was in for the displeasure he
+found he had given the abbess, could not keep him from getting between
+her and the door:--'I have no other way to convince you of the
+injustice of your suspicion,' said he, 'than to detain you here; tho'
+perhaps,' added he, looking on her with an unfeigned tenderness,
+'while I am clearing myself in one article, it may not be in my power
+to prevent betraying my guilt in another, which it may be you will
+find yet less worthy of forgiveness.'
+
+'I know not,' replied she, with a smile too enchanting to be resisted,
+'that I ever gave you any tokens of a rigid disposition; and besides,
+I am inclined to have so good an opinion of you, that I look on your
+giving me any cause of offence, as one of the things out of your
+power.'
+
+Emboldened by these words, 'Suppose, madam,' returned he, 'I should
+confess to you that I was indulging the most passionate tenderness for
+the beautiful Elgidia!--that her sweet idea is always present with me,
+and that I sometimes am presuming enough to cherish the hopes of not
+being hated by her':--'tell me,' continued he, 'what punishment does
+this criminal deserve?'
+
+'To be treated in the same manner,' answered she blushing, 'if he is
+sincere; and to be made know that he cannot have formed any designs
+upon the heart of Elgidia, which Elgidia has not equally harboured
+upon that of Natura.'--A declaration so unexpected might very well
+transport a young man, even beyond himself, and all considerations
+whatever:--forgetful of the respect due to her quality and virtue, and
+regardless of the place they were in, he seized her in his arms, and
+almost smothered her with kisses, before she could disengage herself;
+at length, breaking from him, 'It is not by such testimonies as
+these,' said she, 'that I expected you should repay the acknowledgment
+I have made; but by a full laying open your bosom, as to what passes
+in it, in regard to my sister:--I know very well she loves you, and am
+apt to believe she has not been more discreet than myself in
+concealing it from you; but am altogether at a loss as to the returns
+you may have made her passion.'
+
+Natura now really loving her, hesitated not to do as she desired;
+neither making any secret of the admiration which the abbess had
+raised in him at first sight, nor the discourse she had lately
+entertained him with, and the injunction she had laid upon him.
+Elgidia took this as so great a proof of his affection, that she made
+no scruple to ratify the confession she had made him by all the
+endearments that innocence would permit:--after which, they consulted
+together how he should behave to the abbess, whose temper being
+violent, it was not proper to drive to extremes; and it was therefore
+agreed between them, that he should continue to treat her with a shew
+of tenderness: Elgidia even proposed, that he should renounce her, in
+case the other continue to insist upon it; but Natura could not
+consent his insincerity should go so far.
+
+They parted, mutually content with each other; and Natura himself
+believed his inclinations were now fixed, by the assurance Elgidia had
+given him of the most true and perfect passion that ever was: but how
+little do we know of our own hearts at his years! the next time he saw
+the abbess alone, he relapsed into the same fluctuating state as
+before, and found too much charms in the kindness she expressed for
+him, to be able to withdraw himself intirely from her.
+
+That lady, who loved to an excess, could not be any long time without
+affording him the means of reconciliation; and the next morning, as
+soon as breakfast was over, descended alone into the garden, giving
+him a look at the same time, which commanded him to follow:--he did
+so, and perceiving she took her way to the same arbour they had been
+in before, he went in soon after her, affecting, rather than feeling,
+a timidity in approaching her. 'Well, Natura,' said she, 'have you yet
+examined your heart sufficiently, to know whether the full possession
+of mine, can atone for your breaking with my sister';--to which he
+replied, that as he had no engagements with Elgidia, nor had ever any
+other thoughts of her, than such as were excited by that respect due
+to her sex and rank, he was wholly ignorant in what manner it was
+exacted from him to behave:--'but,' added he, 'if vowing that from the
+first moment I beheld your charms, I became absolutely devoted to you,
+may deserve any part of that affection you are pleased to flatter me
+with, I am ready to give you all the assurances in the power of
+words.'
+
+This asseveration could not be called altogether false, because he had
+really a latent inclination in him towards her, which all the
+tenderness he had for Elgidia could not eradicate; and this it was
+that gave all he said such an air of sincerity as won upon the abbess,
+to believe her jealousy had misinterpreted the looks she had sometimes
+seen him give her sister, and at length made her desist from
+reproaching him on that score.
+
+The tranquility of her mind being restored, she gave a loose to the
+violence of her passion, in such caresses as might well make the
+person who received them forgetful of all other obligations:--in these
+transporting moments the lovely abbess had his whole soul:--he now,
+unasked, abjured not only Elgidia, but all the sex beside, and even
+wondered at himself for having ever entertained a wish beyond the
+happiness he enjoyed at present.
+
+The abbess was too well versed in the affairs of love, not to be
+highly satisfied with the proofs he gave of his, than which, it is
+certain, nothing for the time could be more sincere or ardent; death
+was it to them both to put an end to this inchanting scene, but as
+they were seen to go into the garden soon after one another, and too
+long a stay together might occasion a suspicion of the cause, they
+were obliged to separate, though not without a promise of meeting in
+the same place at night, after the nuns were all retired to their
+respective chambers.
+
+The abbess passed through a back-way into the chapel, it being near
+the time of prayers, and Natura returned by the great walk into the
+outward cloister, where Elgidia seeing him at a distance, and alone,
+waited his coming, to know of him how he had proceeded with her
+sister.--Natura, yet full of the abbess and the favours he had
+received from her, would have gladly dispenced with this interview;
+but she was too near, before he perceived her, for him to draw back
+with decency.
+
+Far from suspecting any change in him, and judging of his integrity by
+her own, 'I was impatient,' said she, 'to hear the event of your
+conversation with the abbess; tell me therefore in a few words, for
+the bell rings to chapel, whether you have succeeded so far as to
+stifle all jealousies of me?' 'Yes, madam,' replied he, recovering
+himself as well as he could from his confusion, 'we may be easy for
+the future, as to that particular.'--'I long for the particulars of
+your discourse' resumed she, 'but cannot now stay to be informed; meet
+me in the garden after the sisterhood are in bed'; 'this,' continued
+she, putting a key into his hand, 'will admit you by the gate that
+leads to the road:--do not fail to be there at nine.'--The haste she
+was in to be gone, would not have permitted him time to make any
+answer, if he had been provided with one, and he could only just kiss
+her hand as she turned from him.
+
+But what was the dilemma he was now involved in! the hour, and place
+she appointed, were the very same in which he was to meet the abbess!
+impossible was it for him to gratify both, and not very easy to
+deceive either:--he went back into the garden, ruminating what course
+he should take in so intricate an affair; at first he thought of
+writing a little billet, and slipping it into Elgidia's hand,
+acquainting her that the abbess had commanded him to attend her in the
+garden at the time she mentioned, and telling her that he thought it
+necessary to obey, to prevent all future suspicion:--but he rejected
+this design, not only as that young lady might possibly have the
+curiosity to conceal herself behind the arbour, and would then be a
+witness of things it was no way proper she should be informed of, but
+also because his heart reproached him for having already done more
+than he could answer, and forbad him to deceive her any farther; in
+fine, that he might be guilty of perfidy to neither, he resolved to
+quit both, at least for that night, but knew not yet on what he should
+determine for the future.
+
+Divine service being over, he repaired to the parlour, where, after
+they were sat down to dinner, he said, addressing himself to the
+abbess, that having sent his servant that morning to his lodgings, he
+had received letters of the utmost importance, which required
+immediate answers; and that he must be obliged for that reason to take
+his leave; 'though with what regret,' added he, 'it is easy to
+perceive, by the long stay I always make here.'
+
+The abbess insisted upon it, that he should not go;--told him he might
+write what he pleased there without interruption; and that his man
+might carry his dispatches to the post: but all she urged could not
+prevail, and both that lady and her sister had the mortification to
+hear him give orders that his own horse should be got ready with all
+expedition; as for his servant he was left behind for a few hours, on
+the account of packing up some things he had brought him in the design
+of staying a longer time.
+
+In fine, he went away, with a promise of returning in a short time.
+The abbess was inwardly fretted at the disappointment, but imagined it
+was only occasioned by the motive he pretended, till a young nun who
+was her confidante in all things, and had happened to cross the
+cloyster when Natura and Elgidia were talking together before prayers,
+and had seen him kiss her hand, informed her of this passage, and
+added, of her own conjecture, that the abrupt departure of Natura was
+owing to somewhat that lady had said to him:--there needed no more to
+inflame the passionate and jealous abbess; she doubted not of being
+betrayed, and flew directly to her sister's chamber, accused her of
+being guilty of the most criminal intercourse with a stranger, and
+threatened if she did not confess the whole truth to her, and swear
+never to see him more, she would send an account of her behaviour to
+their parents, who would not fail to thrust her into a less commodious
+convent, and compel her to take the veil directly.
+
+The mild and timid disposition of Elgidia, could not sustain this
+shock; she immediately fainted away, and help being called to bring
+her to herself, in opening her bosom a paper fell out of it, which the
+abbess snatching up, ran to her chamber to examine, and found it
+contained these words:
+
+  'To prevent my dear angel from being surprized at my sudden
+  departure, know that it is to avoid the abbess, who obliged me to
+  give her a promise of meeting her this night in the garden:--at my
+  next visit you shall be informed at full of all that passed
+  between us in the morning. Adieu.
+
+                                                             Natura.
+
+As Natura had no opportunity to make an excuse to Elgidia, he had
+slipt this billet into her hand on taking leave; and though no more
+was meant by it than to make her easy till his return, there was
+sufficient in the expression not only to convince the abbess that her
+sister was indeed her rival, but also to make her think herself had
+been the dupe to their amour.--Impossible would it be to describe the
+force of those passions, which, in this dreadful instant, overwhelmed
+her soul; so I shall only say, it was as great as woman could sustain,
+and which the impatience of venting on their proper object, put it
+into her head to go to him in a disguise, and upbraid his perfidy. As
+she seldom listened to any dictates, but those of her passion, this
+design was no sooner formed than preparations were made for the
+execution, nor could all her confidante urged, on the danger and
+scandal of the attempt, deter her from it.
+
+There was a fellow who was frequently employed about the monastery, in
+whom she could confide:--him she sent to a farmer, with orders to hire
+three horses, one for herself, another for her confidante, who, in
+spite of all her apprehensions on that account, she would needs make
+accompany her, and the third for the man, who was to attend them as a
+valet, the little road they had to travel. This fellow was directed to
+bring the horses about ten o'clock at night, at which time it would be
+dark, to the corner of a wall at the farther end of the garden, when
+she and her companion were to mount, and away on this wild expedition.
+
+But while the abbess was busy on her project, Elgidia had also
+another, though of somewhat a less desperate kind; her sister's temper
+gave her but too much reason to believe she would revenge herself on
+her by all the ways in her power; and trembling at the thoughts of
+being exposed to her parents, and the censure of the world, as the
+other had threatened, which she knew no way to avoid, but by Natura
+making up this quarrel; and tho' she knew it could only be done by his
+renouncing all pretensions to herself, yet she rather chose to lose
+the man she loved, than her reputation. As she knew not whether the
+abbess would delay the gratification of her malice any longer than the
+next morning, she resolved to send for Natura that same night, in
+order to engage him to a second reconciliation with her sister, let
+the terms be never so cruel to herself.
+
+She had no sooner laid this plot, than she ran to see if the servant
+he had left behind was yet gone, and finding he was not, bad him wait
+a little, that she might send a letter by him to his master. The
+contents of her epistle were as follow:
+
+  'Something has happened, which lays me under a necessity of
+  speaking to you this night:--the only consolation I have under the
+  severest of all afflictions, is, that I did not take back the key
+  I gave you in the morning: I beg you will make use of it, and let
+  me find you in the close arbour as soon as the darkness will
+  permit your entrance unobserved:--fail not, if you have any regard
+  for the honour, the peace, and even the life of the unfortunate
+
+                                                            Elgidia.
+
+Natura had no sooner received this billet from the hands of his
+servant, than all his tenderness for the fair authoress of it revived
+in him, which, joined to his impatient curiosity for the knowledge of
+the accident she mentioned, easily determined him to do as she
+desired.
+
+He set out at the close of day; but the moon rising immediately after,
+shone so extremely bright as proved her, no less than the sun, an
+enemy to the design he was at present engaged in; he was therefore
+obliged to wait till that planet had withdrawn her light, before he
+durst approach the convent.
+
+The abbess and her companion having dressed themselves in riding
+habits, went at the above-mentioned hour to the gate where they
+expected the man and horses were attending their coming; but there was
+not the least appearance of any.--the abbess, emboldened by her
+impatience and despair, would needs venture out some paces beyond the
+gate, to listen if she could hear any sound of what she wanted, but
+had not long continued in that posture, before she discovered by the
+twinkling light of the stars, two men on horseback, galloping directly
+to the place where she stood:--impossible was it for her to discern
+what sort of persons they were, but easy to know, as there were two
+men, and no more than two horses, that they were not those she looked
+for; on which she ran with all the haste she could back into the
+garden, and clapping the gate after her, in her fright stopped not
+till she was almost at the entrance of the cloyster:--both she and her
+companion were out of breath; but when they had a little recovered it,
+the latter took the liberty of railying her on the terror she had been
+in, at the sight of two persons, who were, doubtless, only pursuing
+their own affairs, without any thought or notice of them:--the abbess
+acknowledged the pleasantry was just, and returned again to the gate,
+which having opened, they found two horses tied to a tree, at a little
+distance from it, without any person to look after them. She imagined
+they belonged to the farmer, but could not guess wherefore there was
+not a third, or how it happened that the man was not with them.--The
+two lady-adventurers waited in hopes of seeing their attendant with
+another horse, till the abbess, fearing the night would be too far
+spent for the execution of her design, and grown quite wild with rage
+and vexation, resolved to go without a guide; and accordingly she, and
+the young nun that was with her, mounted the horses they found there,
+and rode away.
+
+Little did this distracted woman imagine to whom she was indebted for
+the means of conveying herself where she wished to be; for in effect
+these horses were Natura's, and it was no other than himself, attended
+by his man, who had put her into that fright, which occasioned her
+running so far back into the garden, as gave him time to enter,
+without being either seen or heard by her:--he was no sooner within
+the gate, than his servant tied the horses to a tree, as has been
+related, and retired to a more convenient place, either to lye down to
+sleep, or on some other occasion.--Thus did an accident which had like
+to have broken all Elgidia's measures, turn wholly to the advantage of
+them, and she found as much satisfaction, as a person in her situation
+could possibly take, in finding Natura so punctual to the summons she
+had sent:
+
+It was with a flood of tears she related to him all that had passed
+between the furious abbess and herself after his departure, and
+concluded her discourse with beseeching him to see her in the morning,
+and omit nothing that might pacify her, 'even,' said she, 'to forswear
+ever speaking to me more.'
+
+Natura was touched to the very soul at the grief he saw her in, and
+equally with the tender consideration she had for him; and now more
+devoted to her than ever, would have done any thing to prove the
+sincerity of his passion, but that which she demanded of him:--it was
+in vain she urged the impossibility of keeping a correspondence
+together under the same roof with a rival who had all the power in her
+own hands; or that she represented how much better it would be for
+both to break off so dangerous an intercourse of themselves, before
+the rage of the abbess should put her upon doing it, in a manner which
+might involve them all in destruction:--all the arguments she made use
+of, only served to render him more amorous, and consequently less able
+to part with her.--The difference he found between these two sisters;
+the outrageous temper of the one, compared with the prudence,
+sweetness, and gentleness of the other, rendered the comparison almost
+odious to him; and as he could not but acknowledge the impractibility
+of maintaining a conversation with the latter, without the
+participation of the former; nor though he should even consent to
+divide himself between them, would either of them be content, he told
+Elgidia, that the only way to solve these difficulties, was, for her
+to fly from the monastery, and be the partner of his fortune, as she
+was the mistress of his heart.
+
+Such a proposition made her start!--to abandon all her friends, and
+put herself wholly in the power of a stranger, of whose fortune,
+family, or fidelity, she could not be assured, gave her very just
+alarms; but whatever was her reluctance at the first mention of such
+an enterprize, the extreme passion she had for him, rendered all her
+apprehensions, by degrees, less formidable:--he told her he had no
+other wishes, than such as were dictated by honour;--that he would
+marry her as soon as they should arrive at a place where the ceremony
+could be performed with safety:--that he was heir to a considerable
+estate after his father's death, that on his return to England he
+should have a handsome settlement out of it, and that his present
+allowance was sufficient to keep them above want.--People easily
+believe what they wish, especially from the mouth of a beloved
+person.--Natura indeed had uttered no untruths as to his
+circumstances, but as to the main point, his marrying her, it is
+impossible to judge whether in that he was sincere, because he knew
+not himself whether he was so, tho' in the vehemence of his present
+inclinations he might imagine he did so, and at that time really meant
+as he said.
+
+Be that as it may, Elgidia suffered herself to be won by his
+perswasions; and being so, the present opportunity was not to be
+lost.--He had horses at the gate, could conduct her, he said, where
+she might be concealed till they got quite out of the reach of her
+kindred, and failed not to remonstrate, that if she delayed, but even
+till the next morning, not only the jealousy of the abbess, but a
+thousand other accidents, might separate them for ever.
+
+As the lovers past their time in this manner, the distracted abbess
+was prosecuting her journey, in quest of him she had left behind: as
+the way she had to go was so short, there was no great danger of any
+mischief attending it, neither did any happen; but how great was her
+confusion! when arriving at the house where Natura lodged, she was
+told he went out in the evening, on the receipt of a billet brought
+him by his servant.--This disappointment destroyed all the remains of
+temperance had been left in her; she presently guessed the billet came
+from no other than Elgidia, doubted not but they were together, and
+figured in her mind a scene of tenderness between them so cruel to her
+imagination, that frenzy itself scarce exceeded what she endured:--she
+rode back with even more precipitation than she had set out, and being
+alighted at the gate thro' the great walk, supposing Elgidia had
+brought him into her chamber, where, if she found them, thought of
+nothing, but sacrificing one or both of them to her resentment.
+
+In this situation of mind, it cannot be imagined she had any thought
+about the horses; but her companion having more the power of
+reflection, and judging them to be the farmer's, thought it best to
+tye them to a tree within the garden, that so they might be secured,
+and sent to him in the morning; which having done, and shut the gate,
+she was going to follow the abbess, when she met her coming back:--'I
+have considered,' said she, 'that my perfidious sister would rather
+chuse the close arbour for her rendezvous, than her own chamber, where
+there would be more danger of being overheard by the nuns who lie near
+her;--go you therefore,' continued she, 'and wait me in my apartment,
+while I search the garden.'
+
+The nun obeyed, glad to be eased of this nocturnal attendance, and the
+abbess drew near, as softly as she could, to the arbour; and standing
+behind the covert of the greens of which it was composed, heard the
+consent Elgidia gave to accompany Natura, and saw her quit him, with a
+promise of returning, as soon as she had put on a habit somewhat more
+proper for travelling.
+
+Had she followed the first dictates of her passion in this stabbing
+circumstance, she had either pursued her sister, and inflicted on her
+all that vindictive malice could suggest, or run into the arbour, and
+discharged some part of her fury on Natura:--each alike shared her
+resentment, but divided between both, lost its effects on either:--a
+revenge more pleasing, and less unbecoming of a female mind, at length
+got the better of those furious resolves;--she thought, that as every
+thing favoured such a design, and she was equipped for the purpose, to
+take the place of her sister, would afford her an exquisite triumph
+over the disappointment she should occasion them: accordingly, after
+staying long enough to encourage the deception, she came round the
+arbour, and entered at the passage by which Elgidia had gone
+out:--Natura, not doubting but it was his beloved, took her in his
+arms, saying, 'How transporting is the expedition you have made in
+your return; and indeed we had need of it, for the night is far
+exhausted, and it is necessary you should be out of this part of the
+country before day-break.'
+
+The abbess answered not to what he said, but gave him her hand; on
+which he led her towards the gate, entertaining her with the most
+endearing expressions as they walked, to all which she was still dumb.
+Natura was not surprized at it, as imagining she was too much
+engrossed by the thoughts of what she was about to do, to be able to
+speak:--but how great was his mortification, when having opened the
+gate, he found his servant, who having missed the horses, was just
+come back from a fruitless search of them.--He drew his sword, and had
+not the fellow stept nimbly aside, had certainly killed him:--while he
+was venting his passion in the severest terms, the abbess shut the
+gate upon him, and locked it with her own key, which, leaving in the
+lock, the one he had made use of, could now be of no service.--A
+caprice he had so little reason to expect in Elgidia, might very well
+surprize him, especially at a time when both had so much cause to be
+more grave!--he called to her, he complained, he even reproached the
+unkindness, and ill-manners of this treatment, while the abbess
+indulged on the other side the most spiteful pleasure in his vexation.
+
+She left him railing at fate and womankind, without convincing him of
+his error, when as she was going to the monastery, she met Elgidia
+just coming out, and directing her steps towards the arbour:--they
+were in the same path, and facing each other:--Elgidia, full of the
+fears which usually attend actions of the nature she was about to do,
+no sooner perceived the form of a woman, and habited in the same
+manner as herself, than she took it for a spirit; and terrified almost
+to death, cried out, 'a ghost! a ghost!' and ran, shrieking, with all
+her force to the cloyster, resolved, as much as it then was in her
+power to resolve on any thing, to desist from her enterprise.--She
+made no stop, till she got into her chamber, where she threw herself
+on the bed, in a condition not to be described.
+
+The abbess was so well satisfied with the success of this last
+stratagem, that it greatly abated the thoughts of taking any further
+revenge:--she went laughing to her confidante, and told her the whole
+story, who congratulated her upon it, and said, that in her opinion,
+she might take it as a peculiar providence of Heaven, that had
+disappointed her first design, which could only have increased her
+confusion, and probably brought a lasting scandal on the order. The
+abbess wanted not reason, when her passion would permit her to exert
+it, and could not help confessing the truth of what the other
+remonstrated:--she now easily saw they were Natura's horses they had
+made use of, but how it came to pass that those she had bespoke, or
+the man she had ordered to bring them, happened to fail, remained a
+point yet to be discussed:--the morning, however, cleared it up;--the
+fellow acquainted her, that the farmer had no horses at home, and that
+as he was coming to let her know it, he saw two men at the gate, one
+of whom entered, so that he imagined she had provided herself
+elsewhere:--she then bad him turn out Natura's horses, which the nun
+having said how she had disposed of them, not thinking herself obliged
+to take any care of what belonged to a man, who had treated her with
+so much ingratitude.
+
+Natura was all this time in the utmost perplexity, not only at the
+usage he imagined had been given him by Elgidia, but also for the loss
+of his horses; and at being told when he came home, that two women, in
+riding habits, well mounted, but without any attendants, had been to
+enquire for him:--all these things, the meaning of any one of which he
+was not able to fathom, so filled his head, that he could not take any
+repose:--pretty early in the morning, a letter was brought him from
+Elgidia, which he hastily opened, but found nothing in it, but what
+served to heighten his amazement and discontent.
+
+She told him that she could not dispense with letting him know the
+occasion of her breach of promise; that intending nothing more than to
+perform it, she was hastening to the arbour, when, in the middle of
+the garden, she was met by an apparition, which, as near as she could
+discern, had the resemblance of herself;--that the terror she was in
+had obliged her to retire; and that as she could look on what she had
+seen, as no other than a warning from Heaven, she had determined to
+use her utmost endeavours for extinguishing a passion obnoxious to its
+will; to which end she desired he would make no farther attempts to
+engage her to an act so contrary to her duty, or even ever to see her
+more.
+
+Natura had so little notion of spirits and ghosts, that at first he
+took this story only as a pretence, to cover a levity he had not
+suspected her to be guilty of; but when he reflected on the silence of
+the person he had taken for her, and the description of those who had
+been to enquire for him, he began to imagine, as he had not the least
+thought of the abbess, that something supernatural had indeed walked
+the garden that night, and had also been at his own lodgings in order
+to perplex him more:--a thousand little tales he had been told in his
+infancy, concerning the tricks played on mortals by those shadowy
+beings, now came fresh into his mind; and as the belief of what
+Elgidia had wrote gained ground in him, was not far from being of her
+opinion, that it was a warning from Providence, and to repent of
+having attempted to snatch from the altar a woman devoted to it.
+
+It is doubtless accidents such as this, that have given rise to so
+many stories of apparitions, as have been propagated in the world; and
+had not Natura been afterwards informed of the whole truth, it is
+likely he would have been as great a defender of these ideas, as any
+who are accounted superstitious:--but however that might have been, it
+wrought so strongly on his mind at present, that joined with the
+considerations of those perpetual perplexities which must infallibly
+attend an ecclesiastical intrigue; besides, those which the abbess
+would involve him in, made him resolve to obey Elgidia's commands, and
+pursue the matter no farther, but go directly to the baron d' Eyrac's,
+who he heard was still at his country-house.
+
+The loss of his horses, however, very much vexed him; he bought them,
+because he preferred that way of travelling to a post-chaise: they had
+cost him forty louis d'ores in Paris, and knew not whether the country
+he was in would afford him any so fit for his purpose:--he was just
+sending his man to enquire where others were to be had, when his own
+were at the door, without the least damage done either to themselves
+or saddles:--the farmer who had the care of them while he was at the
+monastery, found them wandering in the field, and easily knowing to
+whom they belonged, brought them home.
+
+This was some consolation to him for the loss of his mistresses; and
+he began to resolve seriously on his departure; but thinking it would
+be the highest ungenerosity to quit the convent, without acknowledging
+the favours he had received there, he wrote a letter to the abbess,
+full of gratitude and civility, telling her, that tho' the necessity
+of his affairs required he should take an eternal leave of that place,
+he should always preserve the memory of those honours he had received
+in it.--To Elgidia he wrote in much the same strain she had done to
+him, and concluded with desiring her to believe it was to Heaven alone
+he could resign her. Those letters he sent by his man, and ordered him
+to leave them with the portress, to avoid any answers which might have
+drawn him into a longer correspondence than he desired, or perhaps
+even have occasioned a revival of those inclinations in him, which he
+was now convinced of the folly and danger of.
+
+This was the first proof he gave of a firmness of resolution, and was
+indeed as great a one as could have been expected from a man of the
+age he was:--it must be owned, that at that time love is the strongest
+passion of the soul, and as neither Elgidia nor the abbess wanted
+charms to inspire it, and he had been but too sensible of the force of
+both, to be able, I say, to tear himself away in the manner he now
+did, was a piece of heroism, which I with every one in the like
+circumstance may have power to imitate.
+
+He hired another horse and guide, that he might not lose his way a
+second time, and departed the same day for the baron's, where he was
+received by that young nobleman with the utmost kindness as well as
+politeness, and found so much in his conversation, and those who came
+to visit him, and the continual amusements of that place, as made him
+soon forget all he had partook in the monastery:--he remained there
+while the baron stayed, and then came with him to Paris.
+
+On his return he frequented the same company, and pursued the same
+pleasures he had done before; but as nothing extraordinary befel him,
+I shall not enter into particulars, my design being only to relate
+such adventures as gave an opportunity for the passions to exert
+themselves in influencing the conduct of his life.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+  The pleasures of travelling described, and the improvement a
+  sensible mind may receive from it: with some hints to the
+  censorious, not to be too severe on errors, the circumstances of
+  which they are ignorant of, occasioned by a remarkable instance of
+  an involuntary slip of nature.
+
+
+Of all the countries Natura intended to see, Italy was that of which
+he had entertained the most favourable idea:--his curiosity led him to
+convince himself whether it really deserved to be intitled _the garden
+of the world_; and therefore it was thither he resolved to make his
+next progress.--Being told that in so long a journey he would find an
+excessive expence, as well as incommodity, in travelling on horseback,
+by reason he must be obliged to hire a guide from one place to
+another, he sold his horses, and after having hired a post-chaise,
+took leave of his acquaintance, and of a place where he had enjoyed
+all the pleasures agreeable to a youthful taste.
+
+He went by the way of Burgundy, and passing through Dijon proceeded to
+Lyons, where the sight of the ruins of some Roman palaces yet
+remaining there, the fine churches, and beautiful prospect that city
+affords, being situated at the confluence of the rivers Rhone and
+Soane, tempted him to stay some days.--He was one evening sitting with
+his landlord in the inn-yard, when a post-chaise came in, out of which
+alighted a gentleman and a lady, just by the place where they
+were.--The man got up with all the obsequiousness of persons of his
+calling, to bid them welcome, and shew them into a room:--the lady, in
+passing, looked earnestly at Natura, and his eyes were no less
+attached on her: he thought he saw in her face features he was
+perfectly acquainted with, but could not, at that instant, recollect
+where he had been so. Not so with her, she easily remembered him, and
+in less than half an hour he received an invitation by his name from
+these new guests to sup with them, which he accepted of with great
+politeness, but said at the same time, he could not imagine to whom he
+was obliged for that honour.--On his coming into the room, 'Difference
+of habit,' said the lady, smiling, 'joined with the little probability
+there was of meeting me in this place, may well disguise me from your
+knowledge; but these impediments to remembrance, are not on your
+account; monsieur Natura is the same in person at Lyons, as at the
+convent of Riche Dames, though perhaps,' added she, 'somewhat changed
+in mind.' There needed no more to make him know she was one of the two
+nuns who always dined, when he was there, with the abbess, and was her
+particular confidante.--'By what miracle, madam, are you here?' cried
+he: 'by such another,' answered she, 'as might have brought Elgidia
+here, had not an unlucky spirit put other thoughts into her head.'
+
+She then proceeded to inform him, that loving, and being equally
+beloved by the gentleman who was with her, she had made her escape
+with him from the monastery, and was going with him into one of the
+Protestant cantons of Switzerland, of which he was a native, and where
+they were certain of being safe from any prosecutions, either from her
+kindred, or the church.
+
+Natura, after having made his compliments to the gentleman on the
+occasion, enquired of her concerning the abbess and Elgidia; on which
+she informed him of all the particulars related in the preceding
+chapter; adding, that after the receipt of the two letters he had
+sent, the sisters came to a mutual understanding, each confessed her
+foible to the other, and the cause of their quarrel being for ever
+removed, a sincere reconciliation between them ensued.
+
+As gratitude is natural to the soul, and never is erased but by the
+worst passions that can obtrude upon the human mind, Natura had enough
+for these ladies to make him extremely glad no worse consequences had
+attended their acquaintance with him, but was extremely merry, as they
+were all indeed, at the story of the supposed spirit:--they passed the
+best part of the night together in very entertaining discourses, and
+the next day the two lovers proceeded on their journey to Switzerland,
+as Natura the following one did his to Avignon.
+
+Here again he halted for some time, to feast his eyes, and give
+subject for future contemplation, on the magnificent buildings, fine
+gardens, churches, and other curiosities, which he was told of, gave
+him a sample, tho' infinitely short, of what he would find in
+Rome;--the grandeur in which the nobility lived, the elegance and
+politeness in the houses of even the lowest rank of gentry, and the
+masquerades, balls, and other public diversions, which every night
+afforded, made him already see that neither the pleasures, nor the
+delicacies of life were confined to Paris.
+
+The desire of novelty is inherent to a youthful heart, and nothing so
+much gratifies that passion as travelling:--variety succeeds
+variety;--whether you climb the craggy mountains, or traverse the
+flowery vale;--whether thick woods set limits to the light, or the
+wide common yields unbounded prospect;--whether the ocean rolls in
+solemn state before you, or gentle streams run purling by your side,
+nature in all her different shapes delights; each progressive day
+brings with it fresh matter to admire, and every stage you come to
+presents at night customs and manners new and unknown before.
+
+The stupendous mountains of the Alps, after the plains and soft
+embowered recesses of Avignon, gave perhaps a no less grateful
+sensation to the mind of Natura: he wanted indeed such a companion as
+death had deprived him of in his good governor, to instruct him how to
+improve contemplation, and to moralize on the amazing and different
+objects he beheld; yet as his thoughts were now wholly at liberty, and
+his reason unclouded by any passions of what kind soever, he did not
+fail to make reflections suitable to the different occasions.
+
+Whoever has seen Rome will acknowledge he must find sufficient there
+to exercise all his faculties; but though the architecture, and the
+paintings which ornament that august city might have engrossed his
+whole attention, the many venerable reliques which were shewn him of
+old Rome, appeared yet more lovely in his eyes; which shews the charms
+antiquity has for persons even of the most gay dispositions: but this,
+according to my opinion, is greatly owing to the prejudice of
+education, which forces us as it were to an admiration of the
+antients, meerly because they are so, and not that they are in any
+essential respect always deserving that vast preference given them
+over the moderns:--this may be easily proved by the exorbitant prices
+some of our virtuoso's give for pieces of old copper, which are
+reckoned the most valuable, as the inscriptions or figures on them are
+least legible.
+
+Natura, however, was not so absorbed in his admiration of the ruined
+corner of a bath, or the half-demolished portico of an amphitheatre,
+as to neglect those entertainments which more affect the senses, and
+consequently give the most natural delight;--the exquisite music
+performed at the churches, carried him there much oftener than
+devotion would have done, and rarely did he fail the opera at night.
+
+As the Romans are allowed to be the best bred people upon earth,
+especially to strangers, be they of what country or perswasion soever,
+neither the being an Englishman or a Protestant hindered him from
+making very good acquaintance, and receiving the greatest civilities
+from them; but the person to whom he was most obliged, and who indeed
+had taken a particular fancy to him, was the younger son of the family
+of Caranna: this nobleman, knowing his taste for music, would
+frequently take him with him to his box at the opera-house, most
+persons of condition having little closets or boxes to themselves, of
+which every one keeps his own key, and none can be admitted but by
+it:--nothing can be more indulging, as there are curtains to draw
+before them, and the seats are made in such a manner that the person
+may lie down at his ease.
+
+The signior of Caranna being otherwise engaged one night, when a
+celebrated piece was to be performed, he lent his key to Natura,
+unknowing that his wife, who had also one, had made a compliment of
+her's to a young lady of her acquaintance.
+
+Natura by some accident being delayed from going till after the opera
+began, on entering was surprized to find a very beautiful young person
+there, stretched on the sopha:--as he had been told the box would be
+intirely empty, he knew not whether he ought to retire or go forward
+and seat himself by her:--this consideration kept him some minutes in
+the posture he was in, and perceiving she was too much taken up with
+the music, either to have heard him open the door, or see him after he
+came in, he had the opportunity of feasting his eyes, with gazing on
+the thousand charms she was mistress of; all which were displayed to a
+great advantage by the shadowy light which gleamed from the stage
+thro' a thin crimson taffety curtain, which she had drawn before her,
+to the end she might neither be seen by others, nor see any thing
+herself which might take off her attention from the music.
+
+In fine, he drew near, and had placed himself close by her before she
+observed him; but no sooner did so, than she started, and appeared in
+some confusion: he made a handsome apology for the intrusion, which he
+assured her, with a great deal of truth, was wholly owing to chance,
+and said he would withdraw, if his presence would be any interruption
+to the pleasure she proposed:--she seemed obliged to him for the
+offer, but told him she would not abuse the proof he gave of his
+complaisance by accepting it; on which he bowed, and continued in his
+place.
+
+Both the music, and the words, seemed intended to lull the soul into a
+forgetfulness of all beside, and fill it only with soft ideas:--it had
+at least this effect upon the lady, who had closed her eyes, and was
+in reality lost to every other sense than that of hearing.--Natura,
+either was, or pretended to be, equally transported, and sunk
+insensibly upon her bosom, without any opposition on her part:--she
+had possibly even forgot she was not alone, and when an air full of
+the most inchanting tenderness was singing, was so much dissolved in
+extasy, that crying out, 'O God, 'tis insupportable!' she threw her
+arms over Natura's neck, who was still in the same posture I just
+mentioned;--he spoke not a word, but was not so absorbed in the
+gratification of one faculty, as to let slip the gratification of the
+others:--he seized the lucky moment;--he pressed her close, and in
+this trance of thought, this total absence of mind, stole himself, as
+it were, into the possession of a bliss, which the assiduity of whole
+years would perhaps never have been able to obtain.
+
+Reason and thought at last returned; she opened her eyes, she knew to
+what the rapture she had been in had exposed her, and was struck with
+the most poignant shame and horror:--she broke with all her force from
+that strict embrace in which he had continued to hold her; and being
+withdrawn to the farther corner of the closet,--'What have I done,'
+cried she, 'What have I done!'--these words she repeated several
+times, and accompanied them with tears, wringing her hands, and every
+testimony of remorse.--It was in vain for him to attempt to pacify
+her, much less to prevail on her to suffer any second proofs of his
+tenderness;--she would not even give him leave to touch her hand, and
+on his offering it, pushed him back, saying, 'No, stranger! you have
+taken the advantage of my _insensibility_ but shall never triumph over
+my _reason_, which enables me to hate you,--to fly from you for ever,
+as from a serpent.'
+
+Natura said every thing that love and wit could inspire, to reconcile
+her to what had past; but she remained inflexible, and only
+condescended to request him to leave the place before the opera was
+ended, that they might not be seen coming out together, and that he
+would tell signior Carrana, that having unexpectedly found a lady in
+the box, he had withdrawn without entering.--He then begged she would
+entertain a more favourable opinion of an action, which her beauty,
+the bewitching softness of the entertainment, and the place they were
+in, had all concurred to make him guilty of; but she would listen to
+nothing on that head, insisted on his never taking the least notice of
+her, wherever they might chance to meet; and only told him, that tho'
+she was unalterably fixed in this resolution, yet he might depend upon
+it she hated him less than she did herself.
+
+Finding she was not to be moved, he obeyed her commands, and straight
+went out of the box, more amazed at the oddness of the adventure, than
+can be well expressed; and yet more so, when he afterwards heard she
+was the wife of a person of great condition, was in the first month of
+her marriage with him, and had the reputation of a woman of strict
+virtue.
+
+As this false step was meerly accidental, wholly unpremeditated on
+either side, and by what can be judged by the character of the lady,
+and her behaviour afterwards, was no more on her part than a surprize
+on the senses, in which the mind was not consulted, and had not the
+least share, I know not whether it may not more justly be called a
+slip of unguarded nature, than a real crime in her; and as for Natura,
+though certainly the most guilty of the two, whoever considers his
+youth, his constitution, and above all the greatness of the
+temptation, which presented itself before him, will allow, that he
+must either have been _more_, or _less_, than _man_, to have behaved
+otherwise than he did.
+
+Let the most severely virtuous, who happily have never fallen into the
+same error, but figure to themselves the circumstances of this
+transgressing pair, and well consider in what manner nature must
+operate, when thus powerfully excited, and if they are not rendered
+totally incapable of any soft sensations, by an uncommon frigidity of
+constitution, they will cease either to wonder at, or too cruelly
+condemn, the effects of so irresistible an impulse.
+
+Were it not for the precepts of religion and morality, the fears of
+scandal, and shame of offending against law and custom, man would
+undoubtedly think himself intitled to the same privileges which the
+brute creation in this point enjoy above him; and it is not therefore
+strange, that whenever reason nods, as it sometimes will do, even in
+those who are most careful to preserve themselves under its
+subjection, that the senses ever craving, ever impatient for
+gratification, should readily snatch the opportunity of indulging
+themselves, and which it is observable they ordinarily do to the
+greater excess, by so much the longer, and the more strictly they have
+been kept under restraint.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+  The uncertainty of human events displayed in many surprizing turns
+  of fortune, which befel Natura, on his endeavouring to settle
+  himself in the world: with some proofs of the necessity of
+  fortitude, as it may happen that actions, excited by the greatest
+  virtue, may prove the source of evil, both to ourselves and others.
+
+
+Natura stayed but six months in Rome, and then passed on to Florence,
+where having seen all the curiosities that place afforded, he only
+waited to receive some remittances from his father, after which he
+intended to cross the Appenines to Bolognio, then proceed to Venice,
+and so through the Tirolose to Vienna, and flattered himself with
+having time enough to visit all the different courts which compose the
+mighty empire of Germany.
+
+These remittances were delayed much longer than he had expected, and
+when they arrived, were accompanied by a positive command from his
+father to put an end to his travels, and return to England with all
+the expedition he could.--His surprize at so unlooked for an order,
+would have been equal to the mortification it gave him, if he had not
+received a letter from his sister at the same time, which informed
+him, that his being so suddenly recalled was wholly owing to the
+misfortunes in which their family was at present involved:--that soon
+after his departure, their father had discovered an intercourse
+between his wife and a person who pretended to be a relation, no way
+to the honour of either of them;--that frequent quarrels had at length
+separated them;--that he was engaged in a law-suit with her, and also
+in several others, with people to whom she, in revenge, as it was
+supposed, had given bonds, dated before marriage, for very great sums
+of money, pretended to have been borrowed of them by her;--that tho'
+the imposition was too gross not to be easily seen through, yet the
+forms of the courts of judicature could not be dispensed with, and the
+continual demands made upon him had laid him under such
+inconveniencies as obliged him even to lessen the number of his
+servants, and retrench his table:--she added, that he spoke of his
+dear Natura with the utmost tenderness, and was under a very great
+concern that the necessity of his affairs would not permit to send him
+any more such supplies as were requisite for the prosecution of his
+travels.
+
+Natura at first felt a very great shock at this account; but it is the
+peculiar blessing of youth, not to be for any length of time affected
+with misfortunes; his melancholly soon dissipated, and he thought of
+nothing more than compliance with the command he had received, and
+also to perform it in the cheapest manner he could.--On speaking of
+his intentions of returning home, he was advised to go to Leghorn,
+which being a very great port, it would be no difficulty to find a
+ship bound for Holland or England, in which he might take his passage
+at an easy rate. He had certainly taken this method, but meeting with
+an English gentleman, who was on his travels, and had not yet been at
+Rome, was perswaded by him to go back, on his offering to bear the
+whole expences of that route, for the pleasure of his company.--After
+a stay of two or three months there, they pursued their journey to
+Paris, where Natura renewed all the former acquaintance he had
+there:--the baron d' Eyrac, with whom he had contracted an intimate
+friendship, and from whom he concealed nothing of his affairs, was
+extremely concerned to hear the occasion of his being recalled so much
+sooner than he had expected, and made him an offer which suited very
+well with Natura's inclination to accept: it was this.
+
+That an old officer in the army having obtained leave to dispose of
+his commission, Natura should become the purchaser; and to enable him
+to do so, the baron would advance a sum of money, to be returned at
+several easy payments, as he received the profits arising from his
+troop.
+
+Love and gallantry had already had their turns with Natura; ambition,
+and the pride of being in an independent state, began now to work in
+him:--as France was in alliance with England, there was neither shame
+nor danger in entering into her service:--besides, he considered, that
+as his father was no longer in a condition to supply him with money
+abroad, he could not expect any settlement to be made on him at home
+that would be answerable to his former expectations;--and that by a
+captain's pay, joined to some assistance he might hope to receive
+sometimes from England, he should be enabled to make a very good
+figure in the world, till the misfortunes of his family should be
+retrieved, and if they never were so, he should at least have a
+provision for life, in a country he was not weary of.
+
+He therefore made no hesitation of accepting this proof of the baron's
+friendship, who immediately went about making good his promise; and
+what with his money, and the great interest he had, both with the
+court and army, Natura was dispensed with, for not having been in the
+service before; and in a very few days saw himself at the head of a
+troop of horse.
+
+His father, to whom he wrote an account of the step he had taken, with
+his motives for it, was far from being offended at it; tho' he told
+him it added to his trouble, to think his eldest son should be
+compelled, by his having entered into a second marriage, to have
+recourse to any avocation whatever for bread; but concluded with
+telling him, that in the severe necessity of their present
+circumstances, he could not have pitched on any thing more agreeable
+to his inclinations, or more honourable in itself.
+
+This letter served to compose all the disquiets Natura had of
+disobliging a parent, for whom he retained the most tender, as well as
+dutiful regard, ever since the kind forgiveness be received from him
+at Wapping, which shews the great effect of lenity over a mind, where
+gratitude and generosity are not wholly extinguished; which, as I
+before observed, they never are, but by a long habitude of vice.
+
+He was now as happy as he had any need to wish to be, enjoying all the
+pleasures of life in a reasonable way, and rarely transgressing the
+bounds of moderation; and when at any time, through the prevalence of
+example, or the force of his own passions, he was hurried to some
+little excesses, they were never such as could incur the censure of
+dishonourable or mean. He was punctual to his payments with the baron,
+and had the satisfaction of seeing himself intirely out of debt at
+three years end; which manner of behaviour so endeared him to that
+gentleman, that few friendships are to be found more sincere, than
+that which subsisted between them.
+
+But as good sometimes arises out of evil, so what is in itself a real
+happiness, is not always without consequences altogether the reverse;
+as it proved to Natura, who from the most contented situation, all
+owing to the baron's friendship, was, on a sudden, by that very
+friendship, thrown into one of the greatest trouble and danger.
+
+One morning, as he was dressing, the baron entered his chamber, with a
+countenance which before he spoke, denoted he had somewhat of
+importance to communicate:--Natura easily perceived it, and to put him
+out of pain, ordered his valet to leave the room; on which the other
+immediately told him, he was come to desire a proof of that sincere
+good-will he had professed for him.--'I should,' replied he, 'be the
+most unworthy of mankind, if I had not in reality much more than is in
+the power of words to express, and not look on an opportunity given by
+you of testifying it, equal to any favour you have bestowed on me.'
+
+The baron was at present in too much agitation of spirit to answer
+this compliment as he would have done at another time; and made haste
+to inform him, that the countess d' Ermand, who on some
+misunderstanding with her husband, had been confined in a monastery
+for several months, without any hopes of obtaining her release, had
+found means to convey a letter to him, earnestly requesting he would
+assist her in her escape:--'she has acquainted me,' continued he,
+'with the plot she has laid;--there is nothing impracticable in it;
+but I cannot do what she desires without the help of some trusty
+friend, and it is you alone I dare rely upon, in a business, which, if
+not carefully concealed, as well as resolutely acted, may be of very
+ill consequence.'
+
+Natura did not greatly relish this piece of knight-errantry; but as he
+thought he ought to refuse nothing to the baron, hesitated not to
+assure him of the most ready compliance; on which the other told him,
+he must get two or three of his soldiers, who, disguised like
+peasants, but well mounted, and their swords concealed under their
+cloaths, must attend the expedition, and be at hand in case they
+should meet with any resistance, which, however, he said he did not
+apprehend, it being but ten small miles to the monastery, the road but
+little frequented, and the time agreed upon for the execution of the
+project twelve at night; so there was no great danger of any
+interruption, unless some unfortunate accident should happen.--'The
+lady,' continued he, 'informs me she has observed the place where the
+portress constantly hangs up the key of the outer gate every night,
+and when the nuns are gone into the chapel to their midnight
+devotions, can easily slip out:--we have only therefore to be there
+exactly at the time, and be ready to receive her; and as for the rest,
+I have already provided a place where she may remain undiscovered,
+till something can be done for her.'
+
+The baron added many things concerning the ill treatment she had
+received; but Natura did not give himself any trouble to examine into
+the merits of the cause, it was sufficient for him to do what he
+requested of him; and that night being the same had been appointed by
+the lady for the business to be done, he went immediately about
+preparing for it.
+
+Accordingly, he selected from out of his troop three who seemed most
+proper to be employed in such an enterprize, and after having sworn
+them to secrecy in whatever they saw, or should happen, though without
+acquainting them with the main of the affair, or mentioning the baron
+d' Eyrac, told them in what manner they were to disguise themselves,
+and ordered they should attend him at the Fauxbourg, a little after
+ten o'clock the same night.
+
+Rejoiced at an opportunity of obliging their officer, especially as
+they doubted not of being well gratified, each gave a thousand oaths
+instead of the one required of him, to be both punctual and faithful
+in the discharge of the trust reposed in him.
+
+In fine, all was conducted with a care and caution becoming of the
+gratitude and esteem Natura had for the baron, and as if he had
+himself approved of this undertaking, which, as I before observed, he
+could not do in his heart.
+
+The two gentlemen, muffled up in their cloaks and vizarded, repaired
+to the Fauxbourg, at the appointed time, where they found the soldiers
+on the post allotted for them by their officer; on which they all rode
+off together, and arrived before the walls of the monastery some few
+minutes before twelve, at which hour precisely the gate was opened,
+and a woman appeared at it.--To prevent the loss of time, it had been
+concluded, that the baron should not dismount, but Natura perform the
+office of an equerry, in placing her behind him: just as he had
+alighted, and taken her in his arms, in order to perform that office,
+a great noise was heard; and in an instant, our adventurers found
+themselves surrounded by more than a dozen armed men, who rushed upon
+them from the covert of a wood:--the lady shrieked, and ran back into
+the convent, on Natura's letting her go, in order to draw his sword
+against these antagonists, who seemed resolute, either to kill or take
+him and his associates prisoners:--the fight was obstinate on both
+sides, tho' the baron finding his design defeated, had not entered
+into it at first, but trusted to the goodness of his horse for his
+escape, if his consideration for Natura, who being on foot, must have
+been immediately seized, had not prevented him.--At length, however,
+having received two or three wounds, and convinced of the
+impossibility of maintaining their ground against such an inequality
+of numbers, self-preservation prevailed; he broke thro' those that
+encompassed him, and setting spurs to his horse, had the good fortune
+to avoid the mischief which he knew must inevitably befal those he
+left behind.
+
+The three troopers gallantly defended their captain for some time, nor
+was he idle in making those who approached him too near, feel the
+sharpness of his sword; but not being able to get on horseback, all
+his courage, or that of his men, could not prevent him, and them, from
+being made prisoners. Several of the conquering party being officers
+of justice, they conducted them to Paris, where the soldiers were
+disposed of in the common goal, but Natura who was known, was
+committed to the care of an exempt, who treated him with the good
+manners his station demanded; he had received a pretty deep wound in
+the shoulder, and a surgeon was presently sent for; but no artery nor
+sinew being touched, no ill consequence was like to attend it.
+
+It may be imagined he passed the remainder of this night in a good
+deal of disquiet, as having lived long enough in France to know that
+an attempt of the nature he had been engaged in would find little
+mercy from the law.--A good part of the next day was passed, before
+they carried him to the magistrate, whose office it was to examine
+into such causes, his adversaries not having prepared their
+accusation; the heads of which were, that he had attempted a rape upon
+a married woman of quality; that he had contrived, with other persons,
+to take her out of the monastery, and had come with an armed force for
+that purpose. These articles having been deposed upon oath, the
+magistrate told him his crime was of a double nature, that he had
+violated both the civil and ecclesiastic laws; but as his office
+extended no farther than the former, he had only to demand of him what
+defence he had to make for himself in that part.
+
+Natura had no other remedy than to deny all that was laid to his
+charge:--he protested, as he might truly do, that he was so far from
+entertaining any criminal designs on any lady in that monastery, that
+he did not so much as know the face of any one of them; and pretended,
+that being only riding out for the benefit of the air, he found
+himself attacked by persons unknown, with whom he confessed he had
+fought in his own defence.
+
+But this availed not at all to his justification:--his own soldiers,
+who had been examined before himself, had confessed, that they were
+commanded by their officer to attend him on a certain enterprize, in
+which they were to behave with secresy and resolution; but said, they
+did not know of what sort it was, till they saw a woman come to the
+gate of the monastery, whom their captain presently took in his arms,
+but with what intent they could not pretend to say.
+
+A letter also was produced, which madame d' Ermand had dropt, and
+which had occasioned this discovery of the intrigue, as it contained
+the whole method by which she was to be taken away; and tho' there was
+no name subscribed, appearances were strong against Natura as the
+author, and tho' he offered to bring many witnesses to prove it was a
+hand very different from what he wrote, yet it served at least to
+prove that it was sent by some one person in the company, and that if
+he were not the principal in this conspiracy, yet being the agent and
+abettor, as it was plain he was, by his bringing his own soldiers, he
+could not be judged less guilty.
+
+After a long examination he was remanded to the exempt's house, till
+the sitting of the judges, which they told him would be in eight days;
+in which interval he was allowed to prepare what defence he had to
+make, and for that purpose advocates were allowed to come to him, but
+no other person whatever, not even his own servant, and he received
+attendance from those belonging to the exempt, who also fetched from
+his lodgings change of apparel, and all such necessaries as he had
+occasion for; care being taken to search every thing before it came to
+his hands, in order to prevent any letters being conveyed to him that
+way.
+
+In this melancholly situation did he pass his time; but that was
+little in regard to his apprehensions of the future:--as his case
+stood there was little expectation of any thing less than a shameful
+death, perhaps ushered in by tortures worse than even that:--his
+advocates, however, and it is likely his accusers too, were of opinion
+that he had been in reality no more than an agent in this business,
+and therefore gave him to understand, that if he laid open the whole
+truth, and declared the name of the person chiefly concerned, it would
+greatly mitigate the severity of the laws in such cases; but this he
+would by no means be prevailed upon to do, resolving rather to suffer
+every thing they could inflict upon him, than be guilty of so mean and
+dishonourable an action as breach of trust, even to a person
+indifferent, but to a friend villainous in the most superlative
+degree: alike unmoved by arguments, as inflexible to menaces or
+perswasions, he persisted in answering, that he was ignorant of what
+they aimed at:--that he knew nothing of madame d' Ermand himself, was
+an intire stranger to her, and equally so to the ill designs on her
+they mentioned, either on his own account, of that of any other
+person.
+
+He was neither so weak nor vain as to flatter himself his positiveness
+in denying what could be proved by so many witnesses, would be of any
+service at his trial; but as it was expected he should say something
+in his defence, and could say nothing else, without giving up his
+friend, he was determined not to depart from what he had alledged at
+first.
+
+The count d' Ermand, who possibly had a suspicion of the truth, as it
+seems he long had entertained some jealous thoughts of the baron d'
+Eyrac, who had taken all opportunities of testifying an uncommon
+gallantry to his wife, would have given almost a limb to satiate his
+revenge against that gentleman:--the soldiers had been re-examined
+several times concerning that other person who was with them at the
+monastery, and had made his escape; but as they had neither seen his
+face, nor heard his name, it was impossible for them to make any
+discoveries:--these poor wretches were afterwards put to the torture,
+but that had, nor indeed could have, any other effect, than to make
+them curse their officer, who had been the cause of their sufferings.
+
+In fine, monsieur d' Ermand, and the kindred of his wife, joined with
+the instigations of the clergy, who thought they had an equal right
+for revenge in this point, prevailed so far upon the civil
+magistrates, as to procure an order, that Natura should himself
+undergo the same tortures his soldiers had done, thereby to extort
+that confession from him they could no otherwise procure:--this,
+notwithstanding, they had the lenity to inform him of, the day before
+that which was prefixed for the execution, thinking perhaps, that the
+menace of what he was condemned to endure, would be sufficient: but
+tho' human nature could not but shrink under such apprehensions, yet
+did his fortitude remain unshaken, and he thought of nothing but how
+to arm himself, so as to bear all should be inflicted on him with
+courage.
+
+But there were no more than a few hours in which he had to meditate on
+what he had to do, when his affairs took a very different turn, and by
+the most unthought-of means imaginable: It was towards the close of
+day, when the wife of the exempt came into his chamber, and having
+locked the door, 'I am come, captain,' said she, 'to offer you life,
+liberty, and what is yet more, to put it in your power to avoid those
+dreadful tortures, which are preparing for you!--what would you do to
+gratify your preserver?'--The surprize Natura was in, did not hinder
+him from replying, that there was nothing with which he would not
+purchase such a deliverance, provided the terms were not inconsistent
+with his honour:--'No,' resumed she, 'I know by your behaviour since
+in custody, and the resolution with which you have withstood all the
+temptations laid before you, for the unravelling an affair, you have,
+it is the opinion of every one, been led into only by your friendship
+to some person, that you regard nothing so much as honour; what I have
+to propose will be no breach of it';--'but,' continued she, 'time is
+precious, and opportunities of speaking to you are scarce; therefore
+know, in a few words, that I am weary of my husband's ill usage,
+desire nothing so much as to go where I may never see him more; and if
+you will make me the companion of your flight, and swear to take care
+of me till I shall otherwise dispose of myself; I have disguises for
+both of us prepared, and this night you shall be free.'
+
+Natura had little need to hesitate if he should accept this
+proposal:--he saw there was at least a chance for escaping the dangers
+to which he was exposed; and should the woman's plot miscarry, and he
+detected of being an accomplice in it, his condition could not, even
+then, be worse than it was at present; he therefore embraced her with
+a fervor which she seemed very well pleased with, and assured her in
+the most solemn manner he would return all the obligations she
+conferred on him, by such ways as should be most agreeable to her. She
+then told him she had not slept for some time in the same bed with her
+husband, and therefore might easily come to him again as soon as the
+family were gone to their respective apartments; and having said this,
+went out of the room hastily, tho' not without returning his salute,
+and telling him he was worthy of greater risques than those she was
+about to run.
+
+He was no sooner left alone, than he began to reflect: on the
+capriciousness of his destiny, which to preserve him from suffering
+for a crime he was innocent of, was about to make him in reality
+guilty of one of the very same nature: it is likely, however, he was
+not troubled with many scruples on this head; or if any arose in his
+mind, they were soon dissipated in the consideration of what he owed
+to his own safety, which he yet could not greatly flatter himself with
+the hope of, as he was not ignorant how difficult it was for a
+delinquent to elude the diligence of those sent in search of him. The
+chance of such a thing notwithstanding was not to be neglected; and he
+waited with an impatience adequate to the occasion, for the hour in
+which he expected his deliverance.
+
+It was little more than eleven o'clock, when she came into the chamber
+in the habit of a country fellow, which so intirely disguised her,
+that till she spoke, he took her for one of those who attend the
+prisoners in the circumstances he then was, and imagined some accident
+had prevented the execution of her plot; but he was soon convinced of
+his error, by her speaking, and at the same time presenting him with a
+coat, wig, and every thing proper to make him pass for such as she
+appeared herself:--the reader may suppose he wasted not much time in
+equipping himself, or in making any idle compliments; it was scarce
+midnight, when they both got safely out of the house, the door of
+which she shut softly after her.
+
+She then proposed to him to go to the Fauxbourg, whence they might,
+without any suspicion, as passing for poor countrymen, get into the
+open road before day-break; but he would needs stop at the baron d'
+Eyrac's, judging with good reason that they might be more securely
+concealed in his house, till the search should be over, than to
+pretend to travel in any shape whatever. She, who knew not what
+obligations the baron had to be faithful to him in this point, at
+first opposed it; but he at length prevailed, and they went boldly to
+the door; the family not being all in bed, it was immediately opened,
+but in the dress they were, found some difficulty to be admitted to
+the baron, who, the servant told them, was asleep; but Natura, with an
+admirable presence of mind, replied, that he had brought a letter from
+a friend in the country of the utmost importance, and must be
+delivered into the baron's own hands directly; on which he was at last
+won to let them come into the hall, while he sent to let his lord
+know.
+
+Whether the baron had any suspicion of the truth, or not, is
+uncertain, but he ordered the men should be brought up; Natura,
+however, thought it most proper to speak to him alone, therefore left
+his companion below:--never was surprize greater than that of this
+nobleman, when the other discovered himself to him, and the means by
+which he had been set free. After the first demonstrations of joy and
+gratitude for the integrity he had shewn in resolving to endure every
+thing, rather than betray the trust reposed in him, it was judged
+necessary to send for his deliverer, to whom on her coming up, the
+baron made many compliments.
+
+On discoursing on what method was best for them to take, in order to
+prevent discovery, the baron would by no means suffer them to pursue
+that of endeavouring to quit France till the search would be made
+should be entirely over; he told them, he had a place where he could
+answer with his life for their concealment, which indeed was that he
+had provided for the countess d' Ermand, in case they had not been
+disappointed in their designs.--'There,' said he, 'you may remain, and
+be furnished with all things necessary;--I can come frequently to you,
+and inform you what passes, and when you may depart with safety, after
+we have contrived the means.'
+
+The exempt's wife, as well as Natura, highly approved of this offer;
+and the baron knowing any stay in his house might be dangerous both to
+himself and them, presently dressed himself, and went with them to the
+house he mentioned, where having seen them safe lodged, took his leave
+for that night, but seldom let a day pass without seeing them.
+
+This was doubtless the only asylum which could have protected them
+from the strict search was made the next day, the house of every
+person, with whom either Natura or the woman had the least
+acquaintance, was carefully examined; but this scrutiny was soon over
+in that part, they supposed them to have left the city, and officers
+were sent in pursuit of them every road they could be imagined to
+take; so that had they fled, they must unavoidably have been taken.
+But not to be too tedious, it was five weeks before the baron could
+think it safe for them to leave Paris; and then hearing their enemies
+had lost all hope of finding them, and that the general opinion was,
+that they were quite got off, he told Natura that he believed they now
+might venture to go, taking proper precautions. On taking leave, he
+compelled Natura to accept of bills to the value of his commission,
+which, as he said, being lost meerly on his account, it was his duty
+to re-imburse:--nothing could be more tender than the parting of these
+two faithful friends;--necessity, however, must be obeyed;--they
+separated, after having settled every thing between them, and mutually
+promised to keep a correspondence by letters.
+
+It was judged best, and safest for them, to keep still in the same
+disguise till they should be entirely out of the French dominions,
+which happily at length they were, without the least ill accident
+befalling them, none suspecting them for other than they appeared,
+though the search after them was very strict, and a great reward
+offered for apprehending them.--As soon as they arrived at Dover, both
+threw off their borrowed shapes; Natura was again the fine gentleman,
+and his companion a very agreeable woman, who was so well satisfied
+with what she had done, and the behaviour of Natura towards her, that
+she had lost nothing of her good looks by the fatigue of her journey.
+
+Here they waited some time for the arrival of his servant, who knew
+nothing what was become of his master, since he had made his escape
+from the exempt, till he was entirely out of the kingdom, but had, all
+this while, been kept in good heart by the baron, who still had told
+him he was safe and well, and that he should soon hear news of him to
+his satisfaction; this faithful domestic, whom they had no pretensions
+to detain, now came with all his baggage, and Natura returned to
+London, in an equipage, not at all inferior to that in which he had
+left it.
+
+The first thing he did was to place the exempt's wife in a handsome
+lodging, and then went to wait upon his father, who had been much
+alarmed at not having received any letter from him for a much longer
+time than he had been accustomed to be silent. The old gentleman was
+rejoiced to see him, after an absence of near six years, but sorry for
+the occasion, as his affairs were greatly perplexed, on account of the
+law-suits before mentioned, which being most of them in chancery, were
+like to be spun out to a tedious length; but Natura soon informed him
+that he was in a condition, which at present did not stand in need of
+any assistance from him, and that he was determined to enter into some
+business for his future support.
+
+But in the midst of these determinations, the remembrance of his
+unhappy contract with Harriot came into his mind; he thought he had
+reason to fear some interruption in his designs from the malice and
+wickedness of that woman: but being loth to renew the memory of his
+former follies, he forbore making any mention of it to his father,
+till that tender parent, not doubting but it would be a great
+satisfaction to him, to know himself entirely freed from all claims of
+the nature she had pretended to have on him, acquainted him, that
+after he was sent away, the first step he had taken, was to get the
+contract out of her hands.
+
+The transported Natura no sooner heard he had done so, than he cried
+out, 'By what means, dear sir, was she prevailed upon to relinquish a
+title, by which she certainly hoped to make one day a very great
+advantage?'
+
+'Indeed,' said the father, 'I know not whether all the efforts I made
+for that purpose, would have been effectual, if fortune had not
+seconded my design:--she withstood all the temptations I laid in her
+way, rejected the sum I offered, and only laughed at the menaces I
+made, when I found she was not to be won by gentle means; and I began
+to despair of success, so much as to give over all attempts that way,
+when I was told she was in custody of an officer of the _compter_, on
+account of some debts she had contracted:--on this your uncle put it
+into my head to charge her with several actions in fictitious names;
+so that being incapable of procuring bail, and going to be carried to
+prison, when I sent a person to her with an offer to discharge her
+from all her present incumbrances, on condition she gave up the
+contract, which I assured her, at the same time, she would not be the
+better for, it being my intention you should settle abroad for life.'
+
+'This,' continued he, 'in the exigence she then was, she thought it
+best to accept of, and I got clear of the matter, with much less
+expence than I had expected; her real debts not amounting to above
+half what I had once proposed to give her.'
+
+Natura was charmed to find himself delivered from all the scandal, and
+other vexations, with which he might otherwise have been persecuted
+his whole life long, both by herself and the emissaries she had always
+at hand, might have employed against him: nor was he much less
+delighted to hear that she had also received some part of the
+punishment her crimes deserved, in the disappointment of all her
+impudent and high-raised expectations.
+
+Having nothing now to disturb him in the prosecution of his purpose,
+he set about it with the utmost diligence; and as he had a
+considerable quantity of ready money by him to offer either by way of
+præmium, or purchase, there was not, indeed, any great danger of his
+continuing long without employment, nor that, so qualified, he might
+not also be able to chuse out of many, one which should be most
+agreeable to his inclinations.
+
+Accordingly he in a little time hearing of a genteel post under the
+government that was to be disposed on, he laid out part of his money
+in the purchase of it, and with the remainder set up the exempt's wife
+in a milliner's shop, in which, being a woman of a gay polite
+behaviour, she soon acquired great business, especially as she
+pretended to have left France on the score of religion, and went
+constantly every day to prayers, after having formally renounced the
+errors of the church of Rome: Natura visited her very often out of
+gratitude, and perhaps some sparks of a more warm passion; and they
+had many happy hours together, which the talk of their past adventures
+contributed to heighten, as afflictions once overcome, serve to
+enhance present happiness.
+
+Several matches were now proposed to Natura, but he rejected them all;
+whether it were that he had not seen the face capable of fixing his
+heart, or whether he was willing to wait the determination of his
+father's affairs, in order to marry to greater advantage, it is hard
+to say; tho' probably the latter was the true reason; for ambition now
+began to display itself in his bosom, and by much got the better of
+those fond emotions which a few years past had engrossed him: he now
+began to think that grandeur had charms beyond beauty, though far from
+being insensible of that too, he was not without other amours than
+that he still continued with the French woman: the raising his fortune
+was, however, his principal view, and for that purpose he neglected
+nothing tending to promote it; he made his court to those of the great
+men, who he knew could be serviceable to him with so much success,
+that he had many promises of their interest for a better post, as soon
+as opportunity presented.
+
+Fortune for a while seemed inclined to favour him in a lavish manner;
+his mother-in-law died, and with her many of the vexatious suits
+dropped, and others were compromised at an easy rate, so that his
+father was soon in a condition to make a settlement upon him
+sufficient to qualify him for a seat in parliament, which, on the
+first vacancy, thro' favour, he got into, though at that time the
+house was not crowded with placemen, as it since has been: in fine, he
+was beloved and caressed by persons of the highest rank, and every one
+looked upon him as a man who, in time, would make a very considerable
+figure in the world.
+
+His friends remonstrating that as he was twenty-nine, it was time for
+him to think of marriage, and a proposal being made on that account
+with a young lady, of an ancient and honourable family, who, besides a
+large fortune in her own hands, had the reputation of every other
+requisite to render that state agreeable, he hesitated not to embrace
+it:--he made his addresses to her, she accepted of them, and in as
+short a time as could be expected, consented to give him her
+hand;--the kindred on both sides were very well pleased, and tho' her
+family had some advantages in point of birth over his, yet as he
+seemed in a fair way of doing honour to it, there was not the least
+objection made; but articles were drawn, and a day appointed for the
+wedding.
+
+But how little dependance is to be placed on fortune! how precarious
+are the smiles of that uncertain goddess, when most secure of her
+promised favours, and just upon the point, as we imagine, of receiving
+all we have to wish from her, she often snatches away the expected
+good, and showers upon us the worst of mischiefs treasured in her
+store-house!--Some few days before that which was to crown his hopes,
+he happened in company to be discoursing of his travels, and
+mentioning some things he had seen in France, a gentleman who imagined
+he spoke too favourably of the chevalier St. George, and pretended he
+had also been there, took upon him to contradict almost all he said
+concerning that place and person: Natura knowing himself in the right,
+and being a little heated with wine, maintained the truth of what he
+alledged, with more impetuosity than policy perhaps would have
+suffered him to have done at another time; and the other no less
+warmly opposing, passion grew high on both sides;--the lie was given
+and returned;--each was no less quick with his sword than his
+repartee, several passes were made, but the company parted them: and
+though they stayed together, neither of them was reconciled, nor in
+good humour for what was past.
+
+In going home Natura and one gentleman kept together, as their way
+happened to be the same, when, see the wild effects of party-rage! all
+on a sudden, the person who had been his antagonist, and, it seems,
+had followed, came up to them, with his sword drawn, and told Natura
+he was a scoundrel, and a fool, for what he had said; his words, and
+the sight of his weapon, made him put himself immediately in a posture
+of defence, which indeed he had need of; for had he been less nimble,
+he had received the sword of the other in his body, before the
+gentleman who was with him could do any thing to separate them; nor
+were his efforts for that purpose sufficient to prevent them from
+engaging with a vehemence, which permitted neither of making use of
+much skill: it was however the chance of Natura to give his adversary
+a wound, which made him fall, as he imagined, dead; on which the
+disinterested person made the best of his way, as being afraid of
+being taken up by the watch, who were then just coming by:--Natura did
+the same, and thinking it improper to go home, went to the house of a
+friend, in whom he could confide, and who, on enquiry the next day,
+brought him an account, that the person with whom he had fought was
+dead, but had lived long enough to acquaint those who took him up, by
+whom he had received his hurt; and that warrants were already out for
+apprehending the murderer, as he was now called.
+
+What now was to be done! Natura found himself under the necessity of
+going directly out of the way, and by that means endanger the loss of
+his employment, and also of his intended bride; or by staying expose
+himself to a shameful trial at the Old Bailey, which, he had reason to
+fear, would not end in his favour, the deceased having many friends
+and relations at the bar; and the very person who had been witness of
+their combat, somewhat a-kin to him:--it was therefore his own
+inclination, as well as the advice of his friends, that prevailed on
+him to make his escape into some foreign part, while they were looking
+for him at home; which he accordingly did that same hour, taking post
+for Harwich, where, through the goodness of his horse, he arrived that
+night, and immediately embarked in a fishing-smack, which carried him
+into Holland.
+
+He had leisure now to reflect on his late adventure, which afforded
+the most melancholly retrospect; the happy situation he had been in,
+and the almost assured hopes of being continued in for life, made his
+present one appear yet worse, than in reality it was: he now looked on
+himself as doomed to be a vagrant all his days, driven from his native
+country for ever, and the society of all his friends, and torn beyond
+even a possibility of recovering, from a lady, to whom he was so near
+being united for ever, whom he loved, and whose fortune and kindred
+had given him just expectation of advancement in the world.
+
+These gloomy thoughts took him wholly up for some days, but he was not
+yet arrived at those years, in which misfortunes sink too deeply on
+the soul; these vexatious accidents by degrees lost much of their
+ferocity, and he began to consider how much beneath a man of courage
+it was to give way to despair at any event whatever, and that he ought
+to look forward, and endeavour to _retrieve_, not _lament_, the
+mischief that was past. He wrote to his father an exact account of
+every thing, and intreated his advice: he sent also a letter to the
+young lady, full of the most tender expressions, and pressures for the
+continuance of her affection; though this latter was more for the sake
+of form than any hope he had of being granted what he asked, or as he
+was circumstanced, any benefit he could have received from it, if
+obtained.
+
+The answer his father sent, gave him both pain and pleasure; it
+informed him, that the wounds he had given the person with whom he
+fought, were not mortal; that it was only the vast effusion of blood
+which had thrown him into a fainting, which occasioned the report of
+his death, and that he was now in a fair way of recovery; so that he,
+Natura, might return as soon as he pleased, there being no danger on
+account of the rencounter; but that the occasion of that quarrel being
+a party-affair, and represented in its worst colours by some private
+enemies, it had reached the ears of the ministry, who, looking on him
+as a disaffected person, had already disposed of his employment; he
+also informed him, that he must not flatter himself with being able
+ever hereafter to be thought qualified to hold any place or office
+under the government:--he also added, that the friends of his intended
+bride were so incensed against him, that they protested, they would
+sooner see her in her coffin, than in the arms of a man who had
+incurred the odious appellation of a _Jacobite_; and that she herself
+expressed her detestation of the principles he was now accused of,
+with no less virulence and contempt;--had torn the letter he had sent
+to her in a thousand pieces; and to shew how much she was in earnest,
+had accepted the addresses of a gentleman, who had been long his
+rival, and to whom it was expected she would soon be married.
+
+If Natura rejoiced to find himself cleared of having been the death of
+a fellow-creature, he was equally mortified at having rendered himself
+obnoxious to those who alone were capable of gratifying his ambition:
+as for the change in the lady's sentiments concerning him, he was
+under much less concern; he thought the affection she professed for
+him must have been very small, when a difference of opinion in
+state-affairs, and that too but supposed, could all at once erace it,
+and rather despised, than lamented, the bigotry of party-zeal, which
+had occasioned it:--his good sense made him know, that to deny all the
+good qualities of a person, meerly because those good qualities were
+not ornamented with the favours of fortune, was both unjust and mean;
+and the proof she gave of her weakness and ungenerosity in this point,
+intirely destroyed all the passion he once had for her, and
+consequently all regret for the loss of her.
+
+He could not, however, think of returning to England yet a while; his
+father's letter had given some hints, as if there was a design on
+foot, and he was confirmed soon after of the truth of it, for
+expelling him the house; and he thought it was best to spare his
+enemies that labour, and quit it of his own accord: and in this he
+found himself intirely right, when on writing to some persons of
+condition, with whom he had been most intimate, he found by their
+answers, that it was now known he had been in the French service,
+which both himself and his father had kept a secret, even from their
+nearest kindred; not there was any thing in it which could be
+construed into a crime, as the nations were then in alliance, but
+because as he could not possibly enjoy a commission there, without
+conforming to the ceremonies of the Romish church, it must infallibly
+be a hindrance to his advancement in a Protestant country. It is
+certain, Natura was of a temper to make good the proverb, _That when
+one is at Rome, one must do as they do at Rome_:--and though he had
+gone to hear _mass_, because it was his interest, and the necessity of
+his affairs obliging him in a manner to seek his bread at that time,
+yet was he far from approving the superstitions of that church; all
+that he could write, however, or his friends urge for him on this
+head, was ineffectual; he passed for a _papist_ and _jacobite_ with
+every body: pursuant therefore to his resolution of continuing abroad,
+till these discourses should be a little worn out, he wrote again to
+his father, and settled his affairs so as to receive remittances of
+money, at the several places to which he intended to go.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+  The power of fear over a mind, weak either by nature, or infirmities
+  of body: The danger of its leading to despair, is shewn by the
+  condition Natura was reduced to by the importunities of priests of
+  different perswasions. This chapter also demonstrates, the little
+  power people have of judging what is really best for them, and that
+  what has the appearance of the severest disappointment, is
+  frequently the greatest good.
+
+
+As to lose the memory of his disgrace, or at least all those gloomy
+reflections it had occasioned, was the chief motive which had made
+Natura resolve to travel a second time, it was a matter of
+indifference to him which way he went. He first took care to make
+himself master of all that was worth observation in Holland, where he
+found little to admire, except the Stadthouse, and the magnificence
+with which king William, after his accession to the crown of these
+kingdoms, had ornamented his palace at Loo; but the rough, unpolite
+behaviour of the people, disgusted him so much, that he stayed no
+longer among them than was necessary to see what the place afforded,
+and then passed on to Brussels, Antwerp, and, in fine, left no great
+city, either in Dutch or French Flanders unvisited; thence went into
+Germany, where his first route was to Hanover, having, it seems, a
+curiosity of seeing a prince, whose brows were one day to be incircled
+with the crown of England; but this country was, at that time, in so
+low and wretched a condition, that whether he looked on the buildings,
+the lands, or the appearance of the inhabitants, all equally presented
+a scene of poverty to his eyes; he therefore made what haste he could
+out of it, having found nothing, except the Elector himself, that gave
+him the least satisfaction. He was also at several other petty courts,
+all which served to inspire in him not the most favourable idea of
+Germany.
+
+At length he arrived at Vienna, a city pompous enough to those who had
+never seen Rome and Paris; but however it may yield to them in
+elegance of buildings, gardening, and other delicacies of life, it was
+yet more inferior in the manners of the people;--he perceived among
+the persons of quality, an affectation of grandeur, a state without
+greatness, and in the lower rank of gentry, a certain stiffness, even
+to the meanest, and an insufferable pride, which came pretty near
+ferocity:--the costly, but ill-contrived parades frequently made,
+discovered less their riches than their bad taste, and appeared the
+more ridiculous to Natura, as they were extolled for their
+magnificence and elegance; but, even here, as indeed all over Germany,
+the courts of Berlin and Dresden excepted, you see rather an _aim_ of
+attracting admiration and respect, than the _power_ of it. These,
+however, were the sentiments of Natura, others perhaps may judge
+differently.
+
+But whatever may be the deficiencies of Germany in matters of genius,
+wit, judgment, and manners, there is none in good eating, and good
+wine; and though their fashion of cookery is not altogether so polite,
+nor so agreeable to the palates of others as their own, yet it must be
+confessed, that in their way, they are very great epicures; but though
+they generally eat voraciously, they drink yet more; and so nimbly do
+they send the glass about, that a stranger finds it no small
+difficulty to maintain his sobriety among them.
+
+Natura's too great compliance with their intreaties in this point, had
+like to have proved fatal to him:--the strength of the wines, and
+drinking them in a much larger quantity than he had been accustomed
+to, so inflamed his blood, that he soon fell into a violent fever,
+which for some days gave those that attended him, little hopes of his
+recovery; but by the skill of his physician, joined to his youth, and
+the goodness of his constitution, the force of the distemper at last
+abated, yet could not be so intirely eradicated, as not to leave a
+certain pressure and debility upon the nerves, by some called a fever
+on the spirits, which seemed to threaten either an atrophy or
+consumption; his complexion grew pale and livid, and his strength and
+flesh visibly wasted; and what was yet worse, the vigour of his mind
+decayed, in proportion with that of his external frame, insomuch that,
+falling into a deep melancholy, he considered himself as on the brink
+of the grave, and expected nothing but dissolution every hour.
+
+While he continued in this languishing condition, he was frequently
+visited by the priests, who in some parts of Germany, particularly at
+Vienna, are infinitely more inveterate against Protestantism than at
+Paris, or even at Rome, though the _papal_ seat; as indeed any one may
+judge, who has heard of the many and cruel persecutions practised upon
+the poor Protestants by the emperors, in spite of the repeated
+obligations they have had to those powers who profess the doctrines of
+Calvin and Luther; but gratitude is no part of the characteristic of a
+German.
+
+These venerable distracters of the human mind, were perpetually
+ringing hell and damnation in his ears, in case he abjured not, before
+his death, the errors in which he had been educated, and continued in
+so many years, and by acts of penance and devotion, reconcile himself
+to the mother church; they pleaded the antiquity of their faith,
+brought all the fathers they could muster up, to prove that alone was
+truly orthodox, and that all dissenting from it was a sin not to be
+forgiven.
+
+On the other hand, the English ambassador's chaplain, who knew well
+enough what they were about, omitted nothing that might confirm him in
+the principles of the reformation, and convince him that the church of
+England, as by law established, had departed only from the errors
+which had crept into the primitive church, not from the church itself,
+and that all the superstitious doctrines now preached up by the Romish
+priests, were only so many impositions of their own, calculated to
+inrich themselves, and keep weak minds in awe.
+
+Natura, who had till now contented himself with understanding moral
+duties, and had never examined into matters of controversy between the
+two religions, now found both had so much to say in defence of their
+different modes of worship, that he became very much divided in his
+sentiments; and each remonstrating to him by turns, the danger of
+dying in a wrong belief, wrought so far upon the present weakness of
+his intellects, as to bring him into a fluctation of ideas, which
+might, in time, either have driven him into despair, or made him
+question the very fundamentals of a religion, the merits of which its
+professors seemed to place so much in things of meer form and
+ceremony.
+
+By this may be seen how greatly _christianity_ suffers by the unhappy
+divisions among the professors of it:--much it is to be wished, though
+little to be hoped, that both sides would be prevailed upon to recede
+a little from their present stiffness in opinion, or be at least less
+virulent in maintaining it; since each, by endeavouring to expose and
+confute what they look upon as an absurdity in the other, join in
+contributing to render the truth of the whole suspected, and not only
+give a handle to the avowed enemies, of depreciating and ridiculing
+all the sacred mysteries of religion, but also stagger the faith of a
+great many well-meaning people, and afford but a too plausible
+pretence for that sceptism which goes by the name of _free-thinking_,
+and is of late so much the fashion.
+
+In another situation, perhaps, Natura would have been little affected
+with any thing could have been said on this score; but health and
+sickness make a wide difference in our way of thinking:--when
+surrounded by the gay pleasures of life, and in the full vigour and
+capacity of enjoying them, we either do not reflect at all, or but
+cursorily on the evil day; but when cold imbecility steals upon us,
+either through age or accidents, and death and eternity stare us in
+the face, we have quite other sentiments, other wishes:--whoever
+firmly believes, that in leaving this life, we but step into another,
+either of happiness or misery, and that which ever it proves, will be
+without end, or possibility of change, and that the whole of future
+welfare depends on the road we take in going out of this world, will
+be very fearful lest he should chuse the wrong; and it is not
+therefore strange, that while, with equal force, the _papist_ pulled
+one way, and the _protestant_ another, the poor penitent should be
+involved in the most terrible uncertainty.
+
+Happy, therefore, was it, both for the recovery of his mind and body,
+that his physicians finding all their recipes had little effect,
+advised him to seek relief from the waters of the Spa, and as it was
+their opinion, they would be of more efficacy, when drank upon the
+spot, he accordingly took his journey thither, but by reason of his
+weakness, was obliged to be carried the whole way in a litter.
+
+It is very probable, that being eased of the perplexities the
+incessant admonitions of the priests of different opinions had given
+him, contributed as much as the waters to his amendment; but to which
+ever of these causes it may be imputed, it is certain that he every
+day became better, and as his strength of body returned, so did that
+of his mind, in proportion; with his apprehensions of death, his
+disquiets about matters of religion subsided also, and whenever any
+thing of that kind came cross his thoughts, it was but by starts, and
+was soon dissipated with other ideas, which many objects at this place
+presented him with.
+
+But that to which he was chiefly indebted for the recovery of his
+former gaiety of temper, was meeting with an English family, with whom
+he had been extremely intimate; the lady had come thither for the same
+purpose he had done, her husband being very tender of her, would needs
+accompany her, and they brought with them their only daughter, a young
+lady of great beauty, and not above eighteen, in hopes, as they said,
+of alleviating a certain melancholly, to which she was addicted,
+without any cause, at least any that was visible, for it.
+
+Natura had often seen the amiable Maria (for so she was called) but
+had never felt for her any of those pleasing, and equally painful,
+emotions, which a nearer conversation with her now inspired him
+with:--he had always thought her very handsome, but she now appeared
+perfectly adorable in his eyes:--the manner of her behaviour, that
+modest sweetness which appeared through her whole deportment, and
+seemed, as it were, a part of her soul, had for him irresistible
+charms; and as he very well knew the circumstances of her family, such
+as his friends could make no reasonable objections against, nor his
+own such as could be thought contemptible by those of her kindred, he
+attempted not to repel the satisfaction which he felt, in the hopes of
+being one day able to make an equal impression on her heart.
+
+The very first use he made of his intire recovery from his late
+indisposition, was an endeavour to convince her how much her presence
+had contributed to it, and that the supremest wish his soul could
+form, was to enjoy it with her in the nearest, and most tender union,
+as long as life continued.--She received the declarations he made her
+of his passion with great reserve, and yet more coldness; and affected
+to take them only for the effects of a gallantry, which she told him
+was far from being agreeable to a person of her humour: but he
+imputing her behaviour only to an excess of that extreme modesty which
+accompanied all her words and actions, was so far from being rebuffed
+at it, that he acquainted her parents with his inclination, and, at
+the same time, intreated their permission for prosecuting his
+addresses to her.
+
+Both of them heard his proposals with a joy which it was impossible
+for either, especially the mother of that lady, to conceal:--each
+cried out, almost at the same time, that the sentiments he expressed
+for their daughter, was an honour they hoped she had too much good
+sense not to accept with the utmost satisfaction, and added, that they
+would immediately lay their commands upon her, to receive him in the
+manner she ought to do.
+
+As their families and fortunes were pretty equivalent, and Maria,
+besides her being an heiress, had beauty enough to expect to marry,
+even above her rank, Natura could not keep himself from being a little
+astonished at the extravagance of pleasure they testified at the offer
+he had made: parents generally take some time to consider, before they
+give their assent to a proposal of this sort; and as he knew they were
+very well acquainted with the occasion of his leaving England this
+second time, and were of a party the most opposite that could be to
+that he was suspected to have favoured, their extreme readiness to
+dispose of their only daughter, and with her their whole estate, to
+him seemed the more strange, as he had been, ever since he conceived a
+passion for Maria, in the most terrible apprehension of meeting with a
+different reception from them, meerly on the account of his supposed
+principles.
+
+The transport, however, that so unexpected a condescension gave him,
+prevented him from examining too deeply what might be the motives that
+induced them to it, and he gave himself wholly up to love, gratitude,
+and the delightful thoughts of being in a short time possessed of all
+he at present wished, or imagined he ever should ask of Heaven.
+
+But how were all these rapturous expectations dashed, when soon after
+going to visit Maria, he found her lovely eyes half drowned in tears,
+and her whole frame in the utmost disorder:--'What, madam,' cried he,
+with a voice which denoted both grief and surprize, 'can have
+happened, to give you any cause of the disquiet I see in you!'--'You,'
+replied she, snatching away her hand, which he had taken, 'you alone
+are the cause;--what encouragement did I ever give you,' continued
+she, 'that should make you imagine the offers you have made my parents
+would be agreeable to me?--Did I ever authorize you to ask a consent
+from them, which I was determined never to grant myself, and which, I
+will suffer a thousand deaths rather than ratify.'
+
+The confusion Natura was in at these words was so great, that it
+prevented him from making any answer; but he looked on her in such a
+manner as made her ashamed of what she had said, and perhaps too of
+the passion that had so far transported her; and perceiving he still
+continued silent, 'I own myself obliged for the affection you express
+for me,' resumed she, with more mildness, 'though it is at present the
+greatest misfortune could have happened to me. Could I have thought
+you would have declared yourself in the manner you have done to my
+father and mother, I would have convinced you how impossible it would
+be for you to reap any advantage from it, and that by so doing you
+would only make me the most wretched creature in the world; but all is
+now too late, and I foresee the cruel consequence.'--Here her tears
+interrupted the passage of her words, and Natura having recollected
+himself, began to complain of the severity of his destiny, which
+compelled him to _love_ with the most violent passion a person who
+could only return it with an equal degree of hate.--'Love,' replied
+she, with a deep sigh, 'is not in our power;--let me therefore conjure
+you, by all that which you pretend to have for me, to proceed no
+farther in this business, nor endeavour to prevail on my parents to
+force an inclination, which no obligations to them, services from you,
+or length of time can ever influence in your favour; for be assured,
+that if you do, you will only see the hand should be given you at the
+altar, employed in cutting my own throat, or plunging a dagger in my
+breast.'
+
+With these words, and an air that had somewhat of wildness in it, she
+flung out of the room, leaving him in a consternation impossible to
+describe, almost to conceive; her mother came in immediately after,
+and judging by his countenance how her daughter had behaved, told him
+he must not regard the coyness of a young girl; that she doubted not
+but Maria would soon be convinced what was her true happiness; and
+that a little perseverance and assiduity on his side, and authority on
+theirs, would remove all the scruples, bashfulness alone had created
+in her: 'No, madam,' answered he, with some impatience, 'there is
+somewhat more than all this you have mentioned, against me;--there is
+a rooted detestation to me in the very soul of Maria, which as I
+cannot but despair of being ever able to remove, common reason bids me
+attempt no farther.'
+
+The mother of Maria appeared very much perplexed, and said a great
+deal to perswade him that his apprehensions were without foundation;
+but the young lady had expressed herself in terms too strong for him
+not to be perfectly assured she was in earnest; and being willing to
+ruminate a little on the affair, he took leave, though not without the
+other extorting a promise from him, of coming again the next day.
+
+Natura had not given himself much time to reflect, before he conceived
+great part of the truth:--he could not think either his person or
+qualifications so contemptible, as to inspire a heart unprepossessed
+by some other object, with an aversion such as Maria had expressed: he
+therefore concluded, she had disposed of her affections before she
+knew of his: it also seemed plain to him that her parents were not
+ignorant of her attachment, and being such as they could not approve
+of, it was that which had rendered them both so ready to snatch at his
+proposal, without any mention of those considerations they would
+otherwise naturally have had of jointure, settlements, and all those
+things, previous to marriage, between persons of condition.
+
+He was the more confirmed in this belief, when the father came to his
+lodgings the next morning; and without seeming to know any thing of
+what had passed between him, either with his wife, or Maria, asked, in
+a gay manner, how the latter had received his addresses? To which
+Natura answered in the same manner as he had done to her mother;
+adding only, that he could not avoid believing her heart was already
+engaged to some more worthy man, and was sorry his own unhappy passion
+had occasioned any interruption. The father left nothing unsaid that
+might dissipate such a conjecture, and affected to railly him on a
+jealousy which, he said, was common to lovers; and then told him a
+long story how himself had formerly suffered much by the same vain
+imagination. But all this was so far from making Natura doubt the
+truth of his conjectures, that, seeing through the artifice, he was
+the more convinced they were intirely right.
+
+He went, notwithstanding, in the afternoon, either because he had
+promised to do so, or because he could not all at once resolve to
+banish himself from a person he took so much pleasure in beholding,
+though now without hopes of ever being able to obtain:--being left
+alone with Maria, both of them remained in a kind of sullen silence
+for some minutes, till at last the force of his passion in spite of
+himself made him utter some complaints on the cruelty of fortune, and
+his own insensibility, which had denied him the opportunity of
+discovering the thousand charms he now found in her, till too late to
+have his adoration of them acceptable to her. 'I have not less
+reason,' said she, 'to accuse the chance which at this time brought us
+together, than you can possibly have; since the love you profess for
+me, and which I once more assure you I can never return, has laid me
+under the severest displeasure of my parents';--'but I had hopes,'
+continued she, 'after the declaration I made you yesterday, that you
+would have renounced all pretensions to me, and had generosity enough
+in your nature, not to have taken the advantage of my father and
+mother's power over me, to force me into a compliance, which must be
+fatal to one or both of us.'
+
+'No, madam,' answered he, much surprized, 'I am far from even a wish
+of becoming guilty of what you accuse me with;--dear as I prize your
+person, I would not attempt to purchase it at the expence of your
+peace of mind; nor could I be truly blessed in the enjoyment of the
+_one_, without the _other_;--it is only to Maria herself I would have
+been obliged, not to the authority of her parents.'
+
+'Will you then quit me,' cried she hastily, 'and let the act appear
+wholly your own?'--'I will,' replied he, after a pause, 'difficult as
+it is to do so, and irresolute and inconstant as it will make me
+seem.' 'That,' said she, 'will be an action truly deserving my esteem;
+and in return, know I am much more your friend in refusing your
+addresses, than either my parents in encouraging, or your own mistaken
+wishes in offering them':--'but,' pursued she, 'I beg you will enquire
+no farther, but leave me, and break off with my parents in the best
+manner you can.'
+
+Fain would he have obtained a farther explanation of words, which
+seemed to him to contain some mystery, as indeed they did; but she was
+no less inflexible to his intreaties on that score, than she had been
+to those of his love; and perceiving his presence gave her only pain,
+he went out of the house with an aking and agitated heart, but
+resolved to do as she desired and he had promised, whatever pangs it
+cost him.
+
+He had not gone above an hundred paces on his way home, before he was
+accosted by a man who seemed like an upper-servant in a gentleman's
+family, and who, with a low bow, delivered him a letter, which, on
+seeing directed to himself, he hastily opened, and found contained
+these lines:
+
+  Sir,
+
+  "If you have any thing in you of the gallantry, generosity, or
+  gratitude, for which your country is famed, come where the bearer
+  will conduct you, to a woman, who has suffered much on your
+  account, and can be extricated from an unhappy affair only by your
+  advice."
+
+Natura was little in a humour to pursue an adventure of the kind this
+seemed to be; but curiosity got the better of his spleen, and he bad
+the fellow lead the way, and he would follow; which he accordingly
+did, till they were out of the town, and from the sight of all the
+houses.
+
+Being come into a field which was a kind of an inclosure, and a
+theatre proper enough for the tragedy intended to be acted on it, the
+fellow turned back, and drew a pistol, which he instantly discharged
+at the head of Natura, crying at the same time, 'Maria sends you
+this.'--Heaven so directed the bullets, that the one passed by his
+ear, and the other only grazed upon his shoulder, without doing any
+farther damage, than taking away a small piece of his sleeve. It is
+easy to judge of his surprize, yet was it not so great as to disable
+him from drawing his sword in order to revenge himself on the
+assassin; but the wretch, in case his fire-arms should miscarry, had
+provided a falchion concealed under his coat, with which, the same
+instant, he ran furiously on Natura, and had certainly cleft him down,
+tho' perhaps in doing so, he might have received his own death's wound
+at the same time from the sword of his antagonist; but both these
+events were happily prevented by the peculiar interposition of Divine
+Providence: some reapers, who had lain asleep under an adjacent hedge,
+being roused with the noise of the pistol, ran to the combatants, and
+with their hooks beat down both their weapons; while at the same
+fortunate crisis, two gentlemen attended by three servants, who
+happening to cross a road which had a full prospect over the field,
+had seen, at a distance, all that had passed, and came galloping up to
+the assistance of Natura, who was then beginning to interrogate the
+villain on the occasion of this attempt; but he refused to give any
+satisfactory answer to what he said, so was dragged by the countrymen,
+and others, who by this time were gathered together, back into the
+town, and carried immediately before a magistrate, who, on his
+obstinately refusing to make any confession, committed him to prison.
+
+Natura, who imagined nothing more certain, than that Maria had set
+this fellow on to murder him, as the surest way to get rid of his
+addresses, went directly to the house where she lodged, full of a
+resentment equal to the detestable crime of which he thought her
+guilty;--he found her in the room with her father and mother, of whom
+he took little notice, but stepped forwards to the place where she was
+sitting; and seeing her a little surprized, which indeed was
+occasioned only by his sudden return, and the abrupt manner in which
+he entered:--'You find, madam,' said he, with a voice broke with rage,
+'your plot has miscarried;--Natura still lives, though it must be
+owned your emissary did all could be expected to obey your commands,
+for my destruction.'
+
+It is hard to say, whether Maria, or her parents, were in the greatest
+consternation at these words; but he soon unravelled the mystery, by
+relating the whole story, not omitting what the assassin said in
+presenting the pistol, and then as a confirmation throwed the letter
+he had received into Maria's lap, and at the same time shewed the
+passage one of the bullets had made through the sleeve of his
+coat:--the young lady no sooner cast her eyes upon the letter, than
+she gave a great shriek, and crying out, 'O Humphry, Humphry! every
+way my ruin!' immediately fell fainting on the floor; her father,
+without regarding the condition she was in, snatched up the paper, the
+hand-writing of which he presently recollected, as having, it seems,
+intercepted several wrote by the same person;--'Abandoned, infamous
+creature,' cried he;--'shame of thy sex and family,' added the mother,
+striking her breast in the utmost agony:--in fine, never was such a
+scene of distraction and despair!--Natura, injured as he had been,
+could not behold it without compassion;--he ran by turns to Maria,
+endeavouring to raise her,--then to her parents, beseeching them to
+moderate their passion,--then to her again:--'You are too generous,'
+said the father, 'let her die, happy had it been if she had perished
+in the cradle':--Just as he spoke these words she revived, and lifting
+up her eyes, 'O, I am no murd'ress,' cried she, 'guilty as I am, in
+this Heaven knows my innocence.'--'It is false, it is false,' said the
+father; 'but were it true, canst thou deny, thou most abandoned
+wretch, that thou wert also ignorant that the villain who wrote this
+letter had followed us to Spaw, and bring a second shame upon
+us?'--She answered to this only with her tears, which assuring him she
+had no defence to make on this article, his rage grew more inflamed;
+he loaded her with curses, and could not keep himself from spurning
+her with his feet, as she still lay groveling on the ground, and might
+perhaps have proceeded to greater violences, had not Natura, by main
+force, with-held him, while her mother, tho' little less incensed
+against her, dragged her in a manner out of the room, more dead than
+alive.
+
+The unhappy object removed from his sight, the provoked father grew
+somewhat more calm, and turning to Natura, 'You see now, sir,' said
+he, 'how unworthy this wretched girl is of that affection with which
+you once honoured her; but how shall I obtain your pardon for what the
+too great tenderness for an only child has made me guilty of to
+you;--all I can say is, that I hoped she had been reclaimed, and so
+far from even a wish to repeat her crimes, that she had only an utter
+detestation for the villain that had seduced her.'
+
+Natura knew very well how he ought to judge of this affair; but as he
+had an aversion to dissimulation, and was unwilling to add any thing
+to the affliction he was witness to, he said little in answer to the
+other's apology, but that he was extremely sorry for Maria, and the
+misfortunes she had brought on the family; and then took his leave as
+soon as decency would permit; but with a firm resolution to hold no
+farther conversation, wherever they should hereafter happen to meet,
+with persons who had all of them, in their several capacities, used
+him so ill.
+
+The assassin was soon after brought to a public trial, where tortures
+making him confess the truth, he acknowledged, that having been a
+servant in the family, the beauty of Maria had inspired him with
+desires, unbefitting the disparity between them;--that emboldened by
+an extraordinary goodness she shewed to him, he had declared his
+passion, and met with all the returns he wished;--that she became
+pregnant by him, and had made a vow to keep herself single, till the
+death of her father should leave her at liberty to marry him; but that
+an unlucky accident having discovered their amour, he was turned out
+of the house, and the grief Maria conceived at it occasioned an
+abortion; but that after her recovery she contrived means to meet him
+privately, and to support him with money, that he might not be obliged
+to go to service any more; that she had acquainted him with their
+coming to the Spa, and not only knew of his following them in disguise
+to that place, but contrived a rendezvous where they saw each other
+often, and he learned from her the addresses of Natura, and the
+positive commands laid on her by her parents of marrying him, in order
+to retrieve her honour and reputation; that as besides the extreme
+love he had for her, his own interest obliged him to hinder the match,
+if by any means he could; and finding no other than the death of his
+rival, he had attempted it by the way already mentioned: but cleared
+Maria, however, of all guilt on this score, who, he assured the court,
+knew nothing of his intentions of murder.
+
+The sentence passed on him was, to be hanged in chains, which was
+accordingly executed in a few days; though Natura, pitying his case,
+in consideration of the greatness of the temptation, laboured for a
+mitigation of his doom.--He never saw the unfortunate Maria
+afterwards, but heard she was in a condition little different from
+madness, which making her parents think it improper she should return
+to England, they conveyed her to Liege, where they placed her as a
+pensioner in the convent of English nuns, there to remain till time
+and reflection should make a change in her, fit to appear again in the
+world; which proceeding in them shewed, that whatever aversion some
+people have to _this_, or _that_ form of religion, they can
+countenance, nay, pretend to approve it, when it happens to prove for
+their convenience to do so.
+
+Natura was now intirely cured of his passion, but could not avoid
+feeling a very tender commiseration for her, who had been the unhappy
+object of it; he found also, on meditating on every passage of this
+adventure, that she was infinitely less to blame, in regard to him,
+than her parents had been; and that what he had accused, as cruel in
+her, was much more kind than the favour they had pretended for
+him.--When he reflected on the gulph of misery he had so narrowly
+escaped, he was filled with the most grateful sentiments to that
+Providence which had protected him; and also made sensible, that what
+we often pray for, as the greatest of blessings, would, if obtained,
+prove the severest curse:--a reflection highly necessary for all who
+desire any thing with too much ardency.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+  Shews that there is no one human advantage to which all others
+  should be sacrificed:--the force of ambition, and the folly of
+  suffering it to gain too great an ascendant over us;--public
+  grandeur little capable of atoning for private discontent; among
+  which jealousy, whether of love or honour, is the most tormenting.
+
+
+The desire of being well settled in the world is both natural and
+laudable; but then great care ought to be taken to moderate this
+passion, in order to prevent it from engrossing the mind too much; for
+it is the nature of ambition, not only to stop at nothing that tends
+to its gratification, but also to be ever craving new acquisitions,
+ever unsatisfied with the former.--One favourite point is no sooner
+gained, than another appears in view, and is pursued with the same
+eagerness:--what we once thought the _summum bonum_ of our happiness,
+seems nothing when we have attained to the possession of it, while
+that which is unaccomplished, fires us with impatience, and robs us of
+every enjoyment we might take in life.
+
+Natura having now been absent two years, thought the idle rumours
+concerning him, as to his principles in party-matters, would be pretty
+much silenced, so began to think of returning to England; he was the
+more encouraged to do so, as he found by his letters, that those in
+the ministry, who had appeared with most virulence against him, had
+been removed themselves, and that a considerable change in public
+affairs had happened. Accordingly, he set forward with all the
+expedition he could, feeling not the least regret for leaving a
+country he had never liked, nor where he had ever enjoyed any real
+satisfaction, and had been so near being plunged into the worst of
+misfortunes, that of an unhappy marriage:--no ill accident
+intervening, he arrived in England, and proceeded directly to London,
+where he was received with an infinity of joy by his father and
+sister, who happened at that time to come to town with her spouse, in
+order to place a young son they had at Westminster school.
+
+The better genius of Natura now took its turn, and prevailed over his
+ill one: the person whose turbulent zeal had occasioned his late
+misfortune, had since, being detected in some mal practice in other
+affairs, been cashiered from an office he held under the government,
+and was in the utmost disgrace himself: every body was now assured,
+that Natura had done no more than what became any man of spirit and
+honour; and those who before had condemned, now applauded his
+behaviour: in fine, every thing happened according to his wishes, and,
+to crown his happiness, he married about ten months after his arrival,
+a young beautiful lady, of his father's recommendation, and who had
+indeed all the qualifications that can render the conjugal state
+desirable.
+
+The promotion of a member of parliament to the house of peers for that
+county in which their estate lay, happening soon after, he stood for
+the vacant seat, and easily obtained it:--nothing now seemed wanting
+to compleat his perfect happiness, yet so restless is the heart of
+man, that gaining much, it yet craves for more; Natura had always a
+great passion for the court, meerly because it was a court, and gave
+an air of dignity to all belonging to it; he longed to make one among
+the shining throng; he was continually solliciting it, with an anxiety
+which deprived him of any true enjoyment of the blessings of his life;
+nor could all the arguments his father used to convince him of the
+vanity of his desires, nor the soft society of a most endearing and
+accomplished wife, render him easy under the many disappointments he
+received in the prosecution of this favourite aim.
+
+The death of his father soon after, however, filled his bosom with
+emotions which he had never felt before in any painful degree; he was
+for some time scarce able to support the thoughts of having lost so
+tender and affectionate a parent: but as nothing is so soon forgot as
+death, especially when alleviated by the enjoyment of a greater
+affluence of fortune, his grief wore off by pretty swift degrees, and
+he was beginning to renew his pursuits after preferment, with the same
+assiduity and ardency as ever, when his wife died in bringing into the
+world a son. This second subject of sorrow struck indeed much more to
+his heart than the former had done, as he now wanted that comforter he
+had found in her.--All the consolation he had was in that little
+pledge of their mutual affection she had left behind; and it was for
+the sake of that dear boy, at least he imagined it so, that his
+ambition of making a great figure in the world again, revived in him,
+if possible, with greater energy than ever.
+
+As he was now in possession of a very fine estate, had an agreeable
+person, rendered yet more so by all the advantages of education and
+travel, and not quite six-and-thirty, when he became a widower, his
+year of mourning was scarce expired, before all his friends and
+acquaintance began to talk to him of another wife, and few days past
+without proposals of that nature being made; but either the memory of
+the former amiable partner of his bed, or the experience he had in his
+own family of the ill effects that second marriages sometimes produce,
+made him deaf, for a long time, to any discourses on that head, though
+urged by those who, in other matters, had the greatest ascendant over
+him.
+
+Though he was far from being arrived at those years which render a man
+insensible of beauty, yet he was past those which had made him look on
+the enjoyment of it as the supremest bliss:--the fond desires that
+once engrossed him, had for some time given way to the more potent
+ardors of ambition;--he now made not love his _business_ but
+_amusement_; the amours he had were only transient, and merely to fill
+the vacancy of an idle hour: his thoughts were so wholly taken up with
+advancing himself, and becoming a man of consequence in the world,
+that it may be reasonably supposed, by his behaviour, and the manner
+in which he rejected all the offers made to him, that had he met with
+a woman, in whom all the perfections of the sex were centered, she
+would not have been able either to engage him to a serious attachment,
+or to have quitted those more darling pursuits, which the desire of
+greatness fired him with.
+
+Thus fortified by his present inclinations against all the charms of
+youth, of wit, of beauty, there was but one temptation he had not the
+power of withstanding, and that one his ill fate at length presented
+to him. A certain great person, who at that time was at the head of
+public affairs, had a neice, who for many private reasons, he found it
+necessary to dispose of in marriage: Natura was the man he happened to
+pitch upon, as one who seemed to him a very proper person, and
+accordingly made him the offer, accompanied with a promise of getting
+him into a great post, which he knew he had been for a long time, and
+was still, solliciting, though without any prospect of success,
+without his assistance.
+
+The young lady was not ugly, yet far from being mistress of charms
+capable of captivating a heart which had been filled with so many
+images of different beauties; but, as I have already said, love was
+not now the reigning passion of Natura's soul, and had she been much
+less amiable, the dowery she was to bring, sufficiently compensated
+for all other deficiencies, according to his present way of judging.
+
+He hesitated not a moment to accept the minister's proposal; and a
+long courtship, as things were ordered between them, being needless,
+he became again a husband, in a very few days, after the first mention
+had been made of it, and at the same time was put in possession of
+what was much more welcome to him than his bride, even tho' she had
+been endowed with every virtue, every grace.
+
+All for a time went smoothly on:--he saw himself in a rank and
+precedence, his birth could never have expected:--his wife's uncle
+loaded him with favours; he procured a commission of lieutenant in the
+guards for his younger brother by his mother-in-law, whom, in spite of
+the ill usage, with which both himself and his father had been treated
+by her, he had a very great affection for;--he also got employments
+for several others of his kindred;--his house was the rendezvous of
+the gay and titled world;--his friendship was courted by all his
+acquaintance, and his interest at court created him so many
+dependants, that his levee was little inferior to that of the minister
+himself.
+
+This full attainment of all he wished, and even more than he had ever
+dared to indulge the hope of, might well render him extremely
+contented;--he was indeed pleased to excess, but the gladness of his
+heart was so far a virtue in him, as it prevented him at first from
+shewing any tokens of that pride, which a sudden variation of fortune
+frequently excites.
+
+It is certain, his behaviour was such as gained him an equal share of
+love and respect; and he had this addition to his other blessings, of
+not having his advancement envied; a thing pretty rare about a court,
+where there are so many gaping after every office that falls.
+
+They say ambition is a lust that is never quenched; and that the
+enjoyment of much brings with it only an impatience for more; that
+fresh objects, and new acquisitions, still presenting themselves, the
+mind is ever restless, ever anxious in the endless pursuit.--It is
+very likely this maxim might indeed have been verified in the mind of
+Natura, after the hurry of transport for what he had already obtained
+had been a little worn off, and made way for other aims; but he had
+scarce given over congratulating himself on his success, before a
+strange alteration, and such as he had least dreaded of, happened in
+his humour, and rendered him wholly incapable of retaining the least
+relish for all the blessings he possessed, and in which he so lately
+placed the ultimate of his wishes.
+
+The compliments paid to him on his promotion and marriage, the giving
+and receiving visits from all his kindred and friends, together with
+the duties of his post, so much engrossed him for the first two or
+three months, that he had not time to give any attention to his
+domestic affairs, and happy would it have been for his peace if he had
+always continued in a total negligence in this point, as the fatal
+inspection plunged him into such distractions, as required many long
+years to compose.
+
+In fine, he now discovered such dispositions to gallantry in his wife,
+as inflamed him with jealousy, to such a degree as it would be
+impossible to describe;--not that he had ever been possessed of any
+extraordinary love or fondness on her account; but the injury which he
+imagined was offered to his honour, by the freedoms with which she
+entertained several of those young courtiers which frequented his
+house, made him in a short time become the most discontented man
+alive.
+
+Utterly impossible was it for him to conceal his disquiets; though the
+fears he had of displeasing the minister made him attempt it, as much
+as possible, and conscious of his ill dissimulation that way, the
+little notice she took of a chagrin he knew she could not but observe,
+very much added to it, as it seemed a certain proof of her
+indifference for him; a behaviour so widely different from the amiable
+tenderness of his former wife, dissipated all the little affection he
+had for her, and it was not long before she became even hateful to
+him; his jealousy however abated not with his love, her dishonour was
+his own, her person was his property by marriage, and the thoughts of
+any encroachment on his right were insupportable to him.
+
+Whether she was in fact as yet guilty of those violations of her duty,
+which his imagination incessantly suggested to him she was, neither
+himself, nor the world, were ever able to prove; but it is certain her
+conduct was such, in every shape towards him, as gave but too much
+room for suspicion in the least censorious, and which growing every
+day more disagreeable to him, he at length had not the power of
+feigning an inattention to it.--He remonstrated to her the value every
+woman, especially those in high life, ought to set on her
+reputation;--told her plainly, that the severest censures had been
+past upon her, and without seeming to believe them just himself,
+intreated her to act with more reserve for the future.
+
+All this, though delivered in the most gentle terms he could invent,
+had no other effect than to set her into an immoderate laughter:
+nothing could be more provoking, than the contempt with which she
+treated his advice; and on his insisting at last, in terms which she
+might think were somewhat too strong, on her being less frequently
+seen with some persons he mentioned to her, she answered in the most
+disdainful tone, that when she came to his years, she might, perhaps,
+look on the pleasures of life with the same eyes he did; but while
+youth and good humour lasted, she should deny herself no innocent
+indulgencies, and was resolved, let him and the world say what they
+would, not to anticipate old age and wrinkles.
+
+As Natura was not yet forty, in perfect health, and consequently not
+past the prime of manhood, this reflection cast upon his years, could
+not but add to his disgust of her that made it, and he replied with a
+spite which was very visible in his countenance, that whatever
+disparity there was between their ages, it would soon diminish by the
+course of life she followed, and which, if she persisted in, would, in
+a very little time, make her become an object below the voice of
+censure.
+
+They must know little of the sex, that do not know no affront can be
+so stinging as one offered to their beauty, even tho' conscious of
+having no great share of it; but the wife of Natura had heard too many
+flatteries, not to inspire her with the highest idea of her charms,
+which the little respect he now testified to have for them, did not at
+all abate, and only served to make her despise his stupidity, as she
+termed it.
+
+No measures after this were kept between them; she seemed to take a
+pleasure in every thing that gave him pain; she coquetted before his
+face with every handsome man that came in her way, and in fine gave
+herself such airs as the most patient husband could not have permitted
+her long to persist in. Making use of the authority the laws had given
+him, he, in a manner, forced her into the country, upwards of an
+hundred miles from London, though it was then in the depth of winter,
+and placed persons about her, with orders to prevent her from all
+means of returning, till he should judge it proper for her so to do.
+
+On this she wrote to her uncle, complaining of the hard treatment she
+received, and beseeching him to take some measures to oblige her
+husband to restore her liberty. The minister, who had at that time
+much greater concerns upon his hands on his own account, did not care
+to give himself any trouble about private family affairs; he only just
+mentioned to Natura the letter she had sent to him, and the purport of
+it; and on his relating to him the reasons that had compelled him to
+put this restraint on her behaviour, told him, he should not interfere
+between them; so that Natura found he had nothing to apprehend for
+what he had done.
+
+Finding this step had produced nothing for her purpose, she at last
+condescended to submit to her justly offended husband; and on her
+solemn and repeated promises of regulating her conduct for the future
+in such a manner as he should approve, he was prevailed upon by her
+seeming contrition, to consent to make trial how far her heart
+corresponded with her professions:--it was agreed, to prevent the town
+from inspecting too deeply on what had passed, that she should pretend
+her absence from town had been the effect of her own choice, and for
+giving the better colour, he went down himself, and brought her
+up.--They lived together, after this, much better than they had done
+for some months before their quarrel, and were now, in appearance,
+perfectly reconciled; I say, in appearance, for all was outward shew,
+neither of them had in their hearts the least true affection, nor
+could forgive the other for what had passed between them.
+
+The excessive constraint which both put upon themselves, in order to
+conceal the real sentiments of their hearts from each other, as well
+as from the world, could not but be extremely painful:--Natura
+suffered her as little as possible out of his sight, though he could
+have wished a possibility of avoiding her for ever, and was obliged to
+do all he could, to make that pass for a fondness of her presence,
+which was indeed only the effect of his jealousy of her behaviour in
+absence:--she affected to think herself happy in his company, for no
+other reason, than to win him to an assurance of her reformation, as
+might render him less observant than he had been of what she did, even
+at the time (as was afterwards discovered) when she seemed most sorry
+and angry with herself for having given him any cause of suspicion
+since their marriage.
+
+Both, in fine, endured all that could make marriage dreadful,
+especially Natura, who having with his former wife experienced all the
+felicity of that state, was the more wretched by the sad alternative;
+and as he could not sometimes forbear comparing the present with the
+past, fell frequently into perfect convulsions of grief and remorse,
+for having plunged himself into it.
+
+A perpetual dissimulation is what human nature finds among the things
+which are impossible to perform;--and I am pretty certain, that the
+most artful person that ever breathed, could not, at all times, and in
+all circumstances, restrain so far his real inclinations, as to give
+no indications of them to an observing eye; and it is scarce probable,
+but that the very attempt in Natura and his wife, gave rise to as many
+reflections on their conduct in this point, as there was too much room
+to make on others.
+
+It was indeed a kind of farce acted by this unhappy pair, in which
+both played their parts so aukwardly, that the real character would
+frequently peep out, and though each dissembled, yet neither was
+deceived; but as I said before, this could not last for ever; and the
+ice being once broke in some unguarded humour either on the one or the
+other side, I cannot pretend to affirm on which, the torrent of their
+mutual disgust burst out with the greater force, for having been so
+long pent up: it is hard to tell which testified the most virulence,
+or expressed themselves in the most bitter terms:--all that can be
+determined is, that those of Natura shewed most of _rage_, and those
+his wife made use of, most of _hatred_.
+
+After having fully vented all that was in their souls against each
+other, both became more calm; and agreed in this, as the only resource
+for ease in their present unhappy situation, to banish for the future
+all deceit between them, and never more pretend the least kindness or
+good-will to each other when in private, to lie in separate beds, and
+to be as seldom as possible alone together; but for the sake of both
+their reputations to continue in the same house, and before company to
+behave with reciprocal politeness.
+
+These terms rid Natura of a great part of that insupportable
+constraint he had been under, but gave not the least satisfaction, as
+to his jealousy of honour; he doubted not but she would be guilty of
+many things, injurious in the highest degree to their public
+character, and which yet it would not so well become him to exert his
+authority in opposing, and these reflections gave him the most
+terrible inquietude; which shews, that though _jealousy_ is called the
+child of _love_, it is very possible to feel all the tortures of the
+_one_, without being sensible of any of the douceurs of the _other_
+passion.
+
+How dearly now did Natura pay for the gratification of his
+ambition!--What availed his grandeur, the respect paid him by his
+equals, and the homage of the inferior world!--What the pride of
+having it in his power to confer favours, when he had himself a heart
+torn with the most fierce convulsions, and less capable of enjoying
+the goods of fortune, than the most abject of those indigent
+creatures, who petitioned for relief from him!--By day, by night,
+alone, or in company, he was haunted with ideas the most distracting
+to his peace.--A smile on the face of his wife, seemed to him to
+proceed from the joy of having made some new conquest; a grave or
+melancholly look, from a disappointment on the account of a favourite
+gallant: yet as her person was the least thing he was tenacious of,
+the behaviour of others gave him greater pain than any thing she could
+do herself;--whoever spoke handsomely of her, he imagined insulted
+him; and those who mentioned her not at all, he thought were sensible
+of her levity, and his misfortune:--every thing he saw or heard,
+seemed to him a sad memento of his dishonour; and though he could not
+assure himself she had in fact been guilty of a breach of her virtue,
+he was very certain she had been so of that reserve and modesty which
+is the most distinguishable characteristic of it, and took from him
+the power of vindicating her innocence, or his own honour even though
+he had believed them safe, as becomes a husband, whose wife is more
+cautious of her conduct in this point.
+
+Too delicate of the censure of the world, it gave him the utmost
+anxiety how to carry himself, so as not to afford any room to have it
+said he was either a jealous, or a too credulous husband; yet in spite
+of all his care, he incurred both these characters:--those who had
+heard of his sending her into the country, without being acquainted
+with the motives for his so doing, looked on him as the former; and
+those who saw her manner of behaviour, and the seeming politeness of
+his treatment of her, imagined him the latter:--so difficult is it for
+any one, who only sees the outside of things, to judge what they are
+in reality; yet the vanity of having it believed they are let into
+secrets, makes a great many people invent circumstances, and then
+relate for matters of fact, what are indeed no more than the
+suggestions of imagination, or, what is yet worse, the coinage of
+their own brain, without believing themselves what they take upon them
+to report to others.
+
+This undoubtedly happened on the score of Natura and his wife, and
+occasioned not only many idle stories at tea-table conversation, but
+also many oblique hints to be sometimes given to himself, which,
+perhaps, there was not the least grounds for, but which greatly added
+to his disquiets; as when we think we have reason to believe part, we
+are ready to give credit to all we hear, especially in cases of this
+nature; it being the peculiar property of jealousy, to force the mind
+to grasp with eagerness, at every thing that tends to render it more
+afflicted and perplexed.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+BOOK the Third.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+  Shews in what manner anger and revenge operate on the mind, and how
+  ambition is capable of stifling both, in a remarkable instance, that
+  _private injuries_, how great soever, may seem of no weight, when
+  _public grandeur_ requires they should be looked over.
+
+
+Nothing is so violent as anger in its first emotions, it takes the
+faculties by surprize, and rushes upon the soul like an impetuous
+torrent, bearing down all before it: its strength, however, is owing
+to its suddenness; for being raised by some new and unexpected
+accident or provocation, reason has no warning of its approach, and
+consequently is off her guard, and without any immediate power of
+acting: the sweetest, and most gentle disposition, is not always a
+sufficient defence for the mind, against the attacks of this furious
+passion, and may be hurried by it to deeds the most opposite to its
+own nature; but then as it is fierce, it is transient also; should its
+force continue, it would lose its name, and be no longer anger, but
+revenge; which, though the worst and most fiend-like propensity of a
+vicious inclination, is sometimes excited by circumstances, that seem
+in a great measure to alleviate the blackness of it:--repeated and
+unprovoked insults, friendship and love abused, injuries in our
+person, our fortune, or reputation, will sour the softest temper, and
+are apt to make us imagine it is an injustice to our selves, not to
+retaliate in kind, the ill treatment we receive. Religion, indeed,
+forbids us to take our own parts thus far, and philosophy teaches,
+that it is nobler to forgive, than punish wrongs; but every one is not
+so happy as to have either of these helps; and I do not find but those
+who boast both of them in the most superlative degree, stand in need
+of something more, to enable them to restrain this prevailing impulse;
+and that it is not so much to the precepts they receive from others,
+as to some dictates from within, that many people are indebted for the
+reputation of patience and forbearance.
+
+It is the peculiar providence of Heaven, as I took notice in the
+beginning of this work, that the more ignoble passions of human
+nature, are, generally speaking, opposites, and by that means serve as
+a curb to bridle the inordinancy of each other; so that, though _one
+alone_ would be pernicious to society, and render the person possessed
+of it obnoxious to the world, _many_ will prevent the hurt, and make
+the man himself tolerable.
+
+The adventure I am now going to relate, will prove that Natura had the
+greatest excitements, and the greatest justification both for wrath
+and revenge that could possibly be offered to any one man: yet did
+another passion, not more excusable than either of these, suppress all
+the turbulent emotions of both, and quench the boiling flames within
+his soul, insomuch as to make him appear all calmness and
+contentedness.
+
+But though I made use of the word passion to express the now
+prevailing propensity of Natura's soul, I do not think that ambition,
+strictly speaking, can come under that denomination:--to me it rather
+seems the effect of an assemblage of other passions, than a passion
+simple of itself, and natural to the mind of man; and I believe,
+whoever examines it to the fountain head, will find it takes its
+origin from pride and envy, and is nourished by self-love, nor ever
+appears in any great degree, where these do not abound.--Were it born
+with us, there would doubtless be some indications of it in
+childhood, but it is observable, that not till man arrives at
+maturity, and even not then, unless the sight of objects above himself
+excites it, he discovers the least sensation of any such emotion.--In
+fine, it is an inclination rarely known in youth, ordinarily declines
+in age, and never exerts itself with vigour, as in the middle stage of
+life, which I reckon to be from about five-and-twenty to fifty, or
+somewhat more, according to the strength of the natural stamina, or
+constitution.--But to go on with my history.
+
+Since Natura had been in what they call a settled state in the world,
+it had always been his custom to distinguish the anniversary of that
+day which gave him birth, by providing a polite entertainment for his
+friends and kindred: he had now attained to his fortieth year, and
+though it had been that in which he had known more poignant disquiets,
+than in any one of his whole life before; yet thinking that to neglect
+the observation of it now, would give occasion for remarks on his
+reasons for so doing, he resolved to treat it with the usual ceremony.
+
+It was in that delightful season of the year, when nature, adorned
+with all her charms, invites the senses to taste that regale in the
+open air, which the most elegant and best concerted entertainments
+within doors cannot atone for the want of. After dinner was over, the
+whole company which was pretty numerous, adjourned from the table to
+the garden, a small, but well ordered spot of ground, at the lower end
+of which was a green-house, furnished with many curious exotic plants.
+While Natura was shewing this collection to those of his guests, who
+had a taste that way, others were diverting themselves with walking in
+the alleys, or set down in arbors, according as their different
+fancies inclined, as it is common for people to divide themselves into
+little parties, when there are too many for all to share in a general
+conversation.
+
+As they were thus employed, the minister, who though he had not
+thought it beneath the dignity of his character to do honour to the
+birth-day of the husband of his neice, yet had his mind taken up with
+other things than the amusements of the place, took Natura aside on a
+sudden, and asked him if he had not a paper in his custody, which he
+had some time before put into his hands; to which the other answering
+in the affirmative, 'There are some things in it I do not well
+remember,' said the great man; 'and a thought just now occurs to me,
+in which they may be of use':--Natura then offered to fetch it; 'No,'
+replied the other, 'I will go with you, and we will examine it
+together.'
+
+There was no need of making any apology to the company, they being, as
+I have already said, dispersed in several parts of the garden; but had
+they not been so, the statesman was absolute master wherever he came,
+and no one would have taken umbrage at Natura's following him.
+
+They went hastily up stairs together, and the door of a room, thro'
+which they were to pass to Natura's study, being shut, he gave a push
+against it with his foot, and it being but slightly fastened,
+immediately flew open, and discovered a sight no less unexpected than
+shocking to both;--the wife, and own brother of Natura, on a couch,
+and in a posture which could leave no room to doubt of the motive
+which had induced them to take the opportunity of the company
+separating themselves, to retire, without being missed, which, but for
+this accident, they probably would not have been.
+
+It is easy to conceive what a husband must feel in so alarming a
+circumstance, nor will any one wonder that Natura behaved in the
+manner he did, in the first emotions of a rage, which might very well
+be justified by the cause that excited it.--Not having a sword on, he
+flew to the chimney, on each side of which hung a pistol; he snatched
+one off the hook, and was going to revenge the injury he had received
+on one or both the guilty persons, when the minister, stepping
+between, beat down that arm which held the instrument of death, crying
+at the same time, 'What, are you a madman!--would you to punish them
+expose yourself!'--The passion with which Natura was overwhelmed was
+too mighty for his breast; it stopped the passage of his words, and
+all he could bring out was 'villain!'--'whore'--while those he called
+so, made their escape from his fury, by running out of the room. In
+attempting to follow them he was still with-held; and the minister
+having with much ado got the pistol from him, began to expostulate
+with him, in order to disarm his mind from pursuing any future
+revenge, as he had done his hand from executing the present.
+
+'Consider,' said the statesman, 'that these are but slips of nature,
+that there are in this town a thousand husbands in the same
+situation:--indeed the affair happening with your own brother, very
+much enhances the crime and the provocation; but as the thing is done,
+and there is no remedy, it will but add to your disgrace to make it
+public.'
+
+Little would it have been in the power of all the arguments in the
+world, if made use of by any other person, to have given a check to
+that just indignation Natura was inflamed with: but as patience and
+moderation were prescribed him by one to whom he was indebted for all
+the grandeur he enjoyed, and by whose favour alone he could hope for
+the continuance, of it, he submitted to the task, difficult as it was,
+and consented to make no noise of the affair. The minister assured him
+he would oblige his brother to exchange the commission he was at
+present possessed of, for one in a regiment that was going to
+Gibraltar, 'which,' said he, 'will be a sufficient punishment for his
+crime, and at the same time rid you of the sight of a person who
+cannot but be now detestable to you;--as to your wife, I expect you
+will permit her to continue in your house, in consideration of her
+relation to me, but shall not interfere with the manner of your living
+together;--that shall be at your own discretion.'
+
+As neither of them imagined the lady, after what had happened, would
+have courage enough to go down to the company, it was agreed between
+them to make her excuse, by saying, a sudden disorder in her head had
+obliged her to absent herself.
+
+Natura cleared up his brow as much as it was possible for him to do in
+such a circumstance, and returned with the minister to his guests,
+among whom, as he supposed, he found neither his wife nor brother; as
+for the latter, much notice was not taken of his absence, but the
+ladies, by this time, were full of enquiries after her; on which he
+immediately made the pretence above-mentioned; but unluckily, one of
+the company having been bred to physic, urged permission to see her,
+in order to prescribe some recipe for her ailment.--Natura was now
+extremely at a loss what to do, till the minister, who never wanted an
+expedient, relieved him, by telling the doctor, that his neice had
+been accustomed to these kind of fits from her infancy, that it was
+only silence and repose which recovered her, which being now gone to
+take, any interruption would be of more prejudice than benefit.
+
+This passed very well, and no farther mention was made of her; but the
+accident occasioned the company to take leave much sooner than
+otherwise they would have done, very much to the ease of Natura, who
+had been in the most intolerable constraint, to behave so as to
+conceal the truth, and longed to be alone, to give a loose to the
+distracting passions of his soul.
+
+The more he ruminated on the wrongs he had sustained, the more
+difficult he found it to preserve that moderation the minister had
+enjoined, and he had promised: he had long but too much reason to
+believe his wife was false; but the thought that she had entered into
+a criminal conversation with his own brother, rendered the guilt
+doubly odious in them both.--Had not his own eyes convinced him of the
+horrid truth, he could have given credit to no other testimony, that a
+brother, whom he had always treated with the utmost affection, and
+whose fortune it had been his care to promote, should have dared to
+harbour even the most distant wish of dishonouring his wife. He
+seemed, in his eyes, the most culpable of the two, and thought the
+banishment intended for him much too small a punishment for so
+atrocious a crime. It is certain that this young gentleman had not
+only broke through the bands of duty, honour, gratitude, and every
+social obligation, but had also sinned against nature itself, by
+adding incest to adultery.--Natura could not indeed consider him as
+any thing but a monster, and that as such he ought to be cut off from
+the face of the earth; and neither reason nor humanity, could alledge
+any thing against the dictates of a revenge, which by the most
+unconcerned and disinterested person could not be called
+unjust.--Strongly did its emotions work within his soul, and he was
+more than once on the point of going in search of him, in order to
+satiate its most impatient thirst, but was as often restrained, by
+reflecting on the consequences.--'Suppose,' said he to himself, 'I
+should escape that death the law inflicts for murder, in consideration
+of the provocation, I cannot hope to preserve my employments.--I must
+retire from the world, live an obscure life the whole remainder of my
+days, and the whole shameful adventure being divulged, will render me
+the common topic of table conversation, and entail dishonour and
+contempt upon my son.'
+
+Thus did ambition get the better of resentment;--thus did the love of
+grandeur extirpate all regard of true honour, and the shame of private
+contempt from the world lie stifled in the pride of public homage.
+
+The minister in the mean time kept his word; he let the offending
+brother know it was his pleasure he should dispose of his commission
+in the guards, and purchase one in a regiment he named to him, which
+was very speedily to embark for Gibraltar: the young gentleman obeyed
+the injunction, and doubtless was not sorry to quit a place, where
+some accident or other, in spite of all the care he had resolved to
+take, might possibly bring him to the sight of a brother he had so
+greatly injured, the thoughts of whose just reproaches were more
+terrible to him, than any thing else that could befal him.
+
+The wife of Natura being also privately admonished by her uncle how to
+behave, kept her chamber for some days, not only to give the better
+colour to the pretence had been made of her indisposition, but also to
+avoid the presence of her husband, till the first emotions of his fury
+should be a little abated;--he, on the other hand, profited by this
+absence, to bring himself to a resolution how to behave, when the
+shock of seeing her should arrive:--as her crime was past recal,
+reproaches and remonstrances would be in vain to retrieve her honour,
+or his peace; and if they even should work her into penitence, what
+would it avail? unless to soften him into a pity, which would only
+serve to render him more uneasy, as there was now no possibility of
+living with her as a wife.--Having, therefore, well weighed and
+considered all these things, it seemed best to him to say nothing to
+her of what had happened, and indeed to avoid speaking to her at all,
+except in public.
+
+What she thought of a behaviour she had so little reason to expect,
+and what effect it produced on her future conduct, shall hereafter be
+related: I shall only say at present, that Natura gave himself no pain
+to consider what might be her sentiments on the occasion, as long as
+he found her uncle was perfectly satisfied with his manner of acting
+in this point, which he had no reason to doubt of, not only by the
+assurances he gave him in words of his being so, but by a more
+convincing and substantial proof, which was this; an envoy
+extraordinary being about to be sent to a foreign court, on a very
+important negociation, he had the honour of being recommended, as a
+gentleman every way qualified for the duties of that post.--The
+minister's choice of him was approved by the king and council, and he
+set out on his embassy, with an equipage and state, which, joined to
+the attention he gave to what he was employed in, greatly dissipated
+the chagrin of his private affairs, and he seemed to have forgot, for
+a time, not only the injuries he had received, but also even the
+persons from whom he had received them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+  Shews at what age men are most liable to the passion of grief: the
+  impatience of human nature under affliction, and the necessity there
+  is of exerting reason, to restrain the excesses it would otherwise
+  occasion.
+
+
+There are certain periods of time, in which the passions take the
+deepest root within us; what at one age makes but a slight impression,
+and is easily dissipated by different ideas, at another engrosses all
+the faculties, and becomes so much a part of the soul, as to require
+the utmost exertion of reason, and all the aids of philosophy and
+religion to eradicate.--Grief, for example, is one of those passions
+which, in extreme youth, we know little of, and even when we grow
+nearer to maturity, has rarely any great dominion, let the cause which
+excites it be never so interesting, or justifiable: it may indeed be
+poignant for a time, and drive us to all the excesses imputed to that
+passion; but then it is of short continuance, it dwells not on the
+mind, and the least appearance of a new object of satisfaction,
+banishes it entirely; we dry our tears, and remember no more what so
+lately we lamented, perhaps with the most noisy exclamations:--but it
+is not so when riper years give a solidity and firmness to the
+judgment;--then as we are less apt to grieve without a cause, so we
+are less able to refrain from grieving, when we have a real
+cause.--Grief may therefore be called a reasonable passion, tho' it
+becomes not a reasonable man to give way to it;--this, at first sight,
+may seem a paradox to many people, but may easily be solved, in my
+opinion, on a very little consideration;--as thus,--because to be
+sensible of our loss in the value of the thing for which we mourn, is
+a proof of our judgment, as to refrain that mourning for what is past
+retrieving, within the bounds of moderation, is the greatest proof we
+can give of our reason:--a dull insensibility is not a testimony,
+either of wisdom or virtue; we are not to bear afflictions like
+_statues_, but like men; that is, we are allowed to _feel_, but not to
+_repine_, or be _impatient_ under them:--few there are, however, who
+have the power of preserving this happy medium, as I before observed,
+tho' they are such as have the assistance both of precept and
+experience.
+
+In a word, all that can be expected from the best of men, when pressed
+with any heavy calamity, is to struggle with all his might to bear up
+beneath the weight with decency and resignation; and as grief never
+seizes strongly on the mind, till a sufficient number of years gives
+reason strength to combat with it, that consideration furnishes matter
+for praise and adoration of the all-wise and all-beneficent Author of
+our being, who has bestowed on us a certain comfort for all ills, if
+we neglect not to make use of it; so that no man can be unhappy,
+unless he will be so.
+
+Motives for grief which happen on a sudden merit excuse for the
+extravagancies they sometimes occasion, because they surprize us
+unawares, reason is off her guard, and it cannot be expected we should
+be armed against what we had no apprehensions of;--presence of mind is
+an excellent, but rare quality, and we shall see very few, even among
+the wisest men, who are such examples of it, as to behave in the first
+shock of some unforeseen misfortune, with the same moderation and
+calmness of temper, as they would have done, had they had previous
+warning of what was to befal them.
+
+Much, however, are the effects of this, as of all other passions,
+owing to constitution:--the robust and sanguine nature soon kindles,
+and is soon extinguished; whereas the phlegmatic is slow to be moved,
+and when so not easily settled into a calm: and tho' the difference of
+age makes a wide difference in our way of thinking, yet as there are
+old men at twenty, and boys at three-score, that rule is not without
+some exceptions. But to take nature in the general, and allowing for
+the different habits of body and complexion, we may be truly said to
+be most prone to particular passions at particular ages:--as in youth,
+love, hope, and joy;--in maturity, ambition, pride, and its attendant
+ostentation;--when more advanced in years, grief, fear, and
+despair;--and in old age, avarice, and a kind of very churlish dislike
+of every thing presented to us.
+
+But to return to Natura, from whose adventures I have digressed; but I
+hope forgiveness for it, as it was not only the history of the man I
+took upon me to relate, but also to point out, in his example, the
+various progress of the passions in a human mind.
+
+He acquitted himself of the important trust had been reposed in him,
+with all the diligence and discretion could be expected from him; and
+returned honoured with many rich presents from the prince to whom he
+had been sent, as a testimony of the sense he had of his abilities.
+
+But scarce had he time to receive the felicitations of his friends on
+this score, before an accident happened to him, which demanded a much
+more than equal share of condolance from them.--His son, his only son,
+the darling of his heart, was seized with a distemper in his head,
+which in a very few days baffled the art of medicine, and snatched
+him from the world.--What now availed his honours, his wealth, his
+every requisite for grandeur, or for pleasure?--He, for whose sake
+chiefly he had laboured to acquire them, was no more!--no second self
+remained to enjoy what he must one day leave behind him.--All of him
+was now collected in his own being, and with _that_ being must
+end.--Melancholly reflection!--yet not the worst that this unhappy
+incident inflicted:--his estate, all at least that had descended to
+him by inheritance, with the vast improvements he had made on it, must
+now devolve on a brother he had so much cause to hate, and whose very
+name but mentioned struck horror to his heart.
+
+The motives for his grief were great, it must be allowed, and such as
+demanded the utmost fortitude to sustain;--he certainly exerted all he
+was master of on this occasion; but, in spite of his efforts, nature
+got the upper hand, and rendered him inconsolable:--he burst not into
+any violent exclamations, but the silent sorrow preyed on his vitals,
+and reduced him, in a short time, almost to the shadow of what he had
+been.
+
+One of the most dangerous effects of melancholy is, the gloomy
+pleasure it gives to every thing that serves to indulge it:--darkness
+and solitude are its delight and nourishment, and the person possessed
+of it, naturally shuns and hates whatever might alleviate it;--the
+sight of his best friends now became irksome to him;--he not only
+loathed, but grew incapable of all business;--he shut himself in his
+closet, shunned conversation, was scarce prevailed on to take the
+necessary supports of nature, and seemed as if his soul was buried in
+the tomb of his son, and only a kind of vegetative life remained
+within him.
+
+His sister, who loved him very affectionately, and for whom he had
+always preserved the tenderest amity, being informed of his
+disconsolate condition, came to town, flattering herself with being
+able to dissipate, at least some part of his chagrin. To this end she
+brought with her all her children, some of whom he had never seen, and
+had frequently expressed by letter, the desire he had of embracing
+them, and the regret he had that the great affairs he was always
+constantly engaged in, would not permit him time to take a journey
+into the country where she lived.
+
+But how greatly did she deceive herself;--he was too far sunk in the
+lethargy of grief, to be roused out of it by all her kind
+endeavours;--on the contrary, the sight of those near and dear
+relatives she presented to him only added to his affliction, by
+reminding him in a more lively manner of his own loss; and the sad
+effect she found their presence had on him, obliged her to remove them
+immediately from his eyes.
+
+She could not, however, think of quitting him in a state so truly
+deplorable, and so unbecoming of his circumstances and character:--she
+remained in his house, would pursue him wherever he retired, and as
+she was a woman of excellent sense, as well as good-nature, invented a
+thousand little stratagems to divert his thoughts from the melancholly
+theme which had too much engrossed them, but had not the satisfaction
+to perceive that any thing she could say or do, occasioned the least
+movement of that fixed sullenness, which, by a long habit, appeared
+like a second nature in him.
+
+This poor lady found also other matters of surprize and discontent, on
+her staying in town, besides the sad situation of her brother's
+health:--as she had never been informed of the disunion between him
+and his wife, much less of the occasion of it, the behaviour of that
+lady filled her with the utmost astonishment:--to perceive she took no
+pains to alleviate his sorrows, never came into the room where he was,
+or even sent her woman with those common compliments, which he
+received from all who had the least acquaintance with him, would have
+afforded sufficient occasion for the speculation of a sister; yet was
+this manifest disregard, this failure in all the duties of a wife, a
+friend, a neighbour, little worthy of consideration, when put in
+comparison with her conduct in other points.
+
+After the adventure of her detection, finding the minister was
+resolved to support her, and that her husband durst not come to any
+open breach with her, she immediately began to throw aside all regard
+for decorum;--she seemed utterly to despise all sense of shame, and
+even to glory in a life of continual dissolution;--the company she
+kept of both sexes, were, for the most part, persons of abandoned
+characters: whether she indulged herself in a plurality of amours, is
+uncertain, though it was said she did so; but there was one man to
+whom she was most particularly attached;--this was a person who had
+formerly enjoyed a post under the government, but was turned out on
+the score of misbehaviour, and had now no other support than what he
+received from her:--with him she frequently passed whole nights, and
+took so little care in concealing the place of their meeting, that the
+sister of Natura easily found it out.
+
+On relating the discovery she had made to some of their relations,
+they advised her to tell her brother, imagining this glaring insult on
+his honour would effectually rouse him out of the stupidity he
+languished under:--she was of the same opinion, and took the first
+opportunity of letting Natura into the whole infamous affair, not
+without some apprehensions, that an excess of rage on hearing it,
+might hurry him into a contrary extreme; but her terrors on this head
+were presently dissipated, when having repeated many circumstances to
+corroborate the truth of what she said, there appeared not the least
+emotion in his countenance; and on her urging him to take some
+measures to do himself justice, or at least to put a stop to this
+licentiousness of a person whose dishonour was his own; all she could
+get from him was, that he had neither regard enough for her to take
+any pains for the reclaiming her, nor for the censure of the world on
+himself, and desired she would not trouble him any farther on this
+point.
+
+This strange insensibility afforded cause to fear his faculties were
+all too deeply absorbed in melancholy, for him ever to become a man of
+the world again, and as she truly loved him, gave both her, and all
+his other friends, an infinite concern.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+  The struggles which different passions occasion in the human breast,
+  are here exemplified; and that there is no one among them so strong,
+  but may be extirpated by another, excepting _revenge_, which knows
+  no period, but by gratification.
+
+
+Though it must be acknowledged, that the passions, generally speaking,
+operate according to the constitution, and seem, in a manner, wholly
+directed by it, yet there is one, above all, which actuates alike in
+all, and when once entertained, is scarce ever extinguished:--it may
+indeed lie dormant, for a time, but then it easily revives on the
+least occasion, and blazes out with greater violence than ever. I
+believe every one will understand I mean _revenge_, since there is no
+other emotion of the soul, but has its antedote: _grief_ and _joy_
+alternately succeed each other;--_hope_ has its period in
+possession;--_fear_ ceases, either by the cause being removed, or by a
+fatal certainty of some dreaded evil;--_ambition_ dies within us, on a
+just sense of the folly of pursuing it;--_hate_ is often vanquished by
+good offices;--even greedy _avarice_ may be glutted; and _love_ is,
+for the most part, fluctuating, and may be terminated by a thousand
+accidents.--_Revenge_ alone is implacable and eternal, not to be
+banished by any other passion whatsoever;--the effects of it are the
+same, invariable in every constitution; and whether the man be
+phlegmatic or sanguine, there will be no difference in his way of
+thinking in this point. The principles of religion and morality indeed
+may, and frequently do, hinder a man from putting into action what
+this cruel passion suggests, but neither of them can restrain him who
+has revenge in his heart, from wishing it were lawful for him to
+indulge it.
+
+This being so fixed a passion, it hardly ever gains entrance on the
+mind, till a sufficient number of years have given a solidity to the
+thoughts, and made us know for what we wish, and why we wish.--Every
+one, however, does not experience its force, and happy may those be
+accounted who are free from it, since it is not only the most
+unjustifiable and dangerous, but also the most restless and
+self-tormenting emotion of the soul.
+
+There are, notwithstanding, some kind of provocations, which it is
+scarce possible, nor indeed consistent with the justice we owe to
+ourselves, to bury wholly in oblivion; and likewise there are some
+kinds of revenge, which may deserve to be excused; of these, that
+which Natura put in practice, as shall presently be shewn, may be
+reckoned of the number.
+
+I doubt not, but my readers, as well as all those who were acquainted
+with him at that time, will believe, that in the situation I have
+described, he was for ever lost to the sense of any other passion,
+than that which so powerfully engrossed him, and from which all the
+endeavours hitherto made use of, had been ineffectual to rouse him.
+But it often happens, that what we least expect, comes most suddenly
+upon us, and proves that all human efforts are in vain, without the
+interposition of some supernatural power.
+
+I have already said, that the bad conduct of his wife had been
+repeated over and over to him without his discovering the least
+emotion at it; yet would not his sister cease urging him to resent it
+as became a man sensible of his dishonour, that is, to rid himself, by
+such ways as the law puts it in the power of a husband so injured, to
+get rid of her; and imagining that an ocular demonstration of her
+crime, would make a greater impression on him, than any report could
+do, she set about contriving some way to bring him where his own eyes
+might convince him of the truth of what he had been so often
+told:--but how to prevail on him to go out of his house, which he had
+not now seen the outside of for some months, was a difficulty not
+easily surmounted:--the obstinacy of grief disappointed all the little
+plots they laid for their purpose, and they were beginning to give
+over all thoughts of any future attempts, when chance accomplished the
+so-much desired work.
+
+He had ordered a monument to be erected over the grave of his beloved
+son; which, being finished, and he told that it was so, 'I will see,'
+said he, 'if it be done according to my directions.' Two or three of
+his kindred were present when he took this resolution, and one of them
+immediately recollecting, how they might make it of advantage to their
+design, said many things in praise of the structure; but added, that
+the scaffolding and rubbish the workmen had left, not being yet
+removed, he would have him defer seeing it, till it was cleaned. To
+this he having readily agreed, spies were placed, to observe the time
+and place, where the lady and her favourite lover had the next
+rendezvous. As neither of them had any great caution in their amour, a
+full account was soon brought to the sister of Natura, who, with
+several of their relations, came into his chamber, and told him that
+the tomb was now fit to be seen in all its beauty.
+
+On this he presently suffered himself to be dressed, and went with
+them; but they managed so well that, under pretence of calling on
+another friend, who, they said, had desired to be of their company in
+this melancholly entertainment, they led him to the house where his
+wife and enamorato were yet in bed. The sister of Natura having, by a
+large bribe, secured the woman of the house to her interest, they were
+all conducted to the very scene of guilt, and this much injured
+husband had a second testimony of the perfidy of his wife; but alas!
+the first had made too deep an impression on him to leave room for any
+great surprize; he only cooly turned away, and said to those who had
+brought him there, that they needed not have taken all this pains to
+make him a witness of what he was convinced of long before.
+
+His wife, however, was frighted, if not ashamed, and hid herself under
+the bedcloaths, while her gallant jumped, naked as he was, out of the
+window; but though Natura discovered very little emotion at all this,
+yet whether it was owing to the arguments of his friends, or that the
+air, after having been so long shut up from it, had an effect on him,
+they could not determine, but had the satisfaction to find that he
+consented an action in his name should be awarded against the lover,
+and proper means used for obtaining a bill of divorce from his wife.
+
+The real motive of this change in him none of them, however, could
+penetrate:--grief had for a while obliterated the thoughts of the
+injustice and ingratitude of his brother, but what he had now beheld
+reminding him of that shocking scene related in the first chapter of
+this book, all his long stifled wishes for revenge returned with
+greater force than ever; and thinking he could no way so fully gratify
+them, as by disappointing him of the estate he must enjoy at his
+decease, in case he died without issue, a divorce therefore would give
+him liberty to marry again; and as he was no more than three-and-forty
+years of age, had no reason to despair of having an heir, to cut
+entirely off the claim of so wicked a brother. Having once began to
+stir in the affair, it was soon brought to a conclusion.--The fact was
+incontestable, and proved by witnesses, whose credit left no room for
+cavil; a bill of divorce was granted on very easy terms, and the
+gallant fined in so large a penalty, that he was obliged to quit the
+kingdom, to avoid imprisonment for life.
+
+Thus did revenge produce an effect, which neither the precepts of
+religion, philosophy, or morality, joined with the most tender and
+pressing remonstrances of his nearest and dearest friends, could ever
+have brought about;--and this instance, in my judgment, proves to a
+demonstration, that it is so ordered by the all-wise Creator, that all
+the pernicious passions are at continual enmity, and, like
+counter-poisons, destroy the force of each other: and tho' it is
+certain, a man may be possessed of many passions at once, and those
+also may be of different natures, and tend to different aims, yet will
+there be a struggle, as it were, between them in the breast, and which
+ever happens to get predominance, will drive out the others in time,
+and reign alone sole master of the mind.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+  Contains a further definition of _revenge_, its force, effects, and
+  the chasm it leaves on the mind when once it ceases. The tranquility
+  of being entirely devoid of all passions; and the impossibility for
+  the soul to remain in that state of inactivity is also shewn; with
+  some remarks on human nature in general, when left to itself.
+
+
+I have already shewn, in the example of Natura, how not only
+resentment for injuries, but even the extremest and most justifiable
+_rage_, may be subjected to _ambition_, and afterwards how that
+_ambition_ may be quelled and totally extinguished by _grief_; and
+also that _grief_ itself, how violent soever it appears, may subside
+at the emotions of _revenge_.--This last and worst passion alone finds
+nothing capable of overcoming it, while the object remains in being.
+It is true, that we frequently in the hurry of resentment, threaten,
+and sometimes act every thing in our power, against the person who has
+offended us, yet on his submission and appearing sorry for what he has
+done, we not only forgive, but also forget all has past, and no longer
+bear him the least ill will; but then, this passion, by which we have
+been actuated, is not properly _revenge_, but _anger_, of which I have
+already sufficiently spoke, and, I flatter myself, proved how wide the
+difference is between these two emotions.
+
+Natura had no sooner taken it into his head to revenge himself in the
+manner above related, on his transgressing brother, than he resumed
+great part of his former chearfulness, conversed again in the world as
+he had been accustomed; nor, though he perceived his interest with the
+minister fall off ever since he had been divorced from his neice, and
+easily foresaw, that he would, from his friend, become in time his
+greatest enemy, yet it gave him little or no concern, so wholly were
+his thoughts and desires taken up with accomplishing what he had
+resolved.
+
+He was, however, for some time deliberating within himself to whom he
+should direct his addresses on this score; the general acquaintance he
+had in the world, brought many ladies into his mind, who seemed
+suitable matches for him; but then, as they were of equal birth and
+fortunes with himself, he reflected, that a long formal courtship
+would be expected, and he was now grown too indolent to take that
+trouble, as he was not excited by inclination to any of them, and had
+determined to enter a third time into the bonds of matrimony, meerly
+through the hope of depriving his brother of the estate.
+
+Besides, the accidents which had lately happened to him, had very much
+altered his way of thinking, and though he had shaken off great part
+of the chagrin they had occasioned, yet there still remained a certain
+languor and inactivity of mind, which destroyed all the relish he
+formerly had of the noisy pleasures of life:--he began now to despise
+that farce of grandeur he once testified so high a value for, and to
+look on things as they really deserved;--he found his interest with
+those at the helm of public affairs, was very much sunk, and he was so
+far from taking any steps to retrieve it, that he seldom went even to
+pay that court to them, which his station demanded from him;--he grew
+so weary of the post which he had, with the utmost eagerness, sought
+after, and thought himself happy in enjoying, that he never rested
+till he had disposed of it, which he did for a much less consideration
+than it was really worth, meerly because he would be in a state of
+perfect independency, and at full liberty to speak and act, according
+to the dictates of his conscience, or his inclination.
+
+He was no sooner eased of his attendance at court by this means, than
+he retired to his country seat, in which he now thought he found more
+satisfaction, than the town, with all its hurrying pleasures could
+afford; there he intended to pass the greatest part of the remainder
+of his days, with some woman of prudence and good nature, which were
+the two chief requisites he now wished to find in a wife.--There were
+several well-jointured widows in the county where he resided, and also
+young ladies of family and fortune, but he never made the least
+overtures to any of them, and behaved with that indifference to the
+sex, that it was the opinion of all who conversed with him, that he
+never designed to marry again, when at the same time, he thought of
+nothing more than to find a partner in that state, such as promised to
+prove what he desired.
+
+To this end he watched attentively the behaviour of all those he came
+in company with, and as he was master of a good deal of penetration,
+and also no small experience in the sex, and besides was not suspected
+to have any views that way, it is certain he had a good chance not to
+be deceived.
+
+It was not among the fine ladies, the celebrated beauties, nor the
+great fortunes, he sought himself a wife; but among those of a
+middling rank; he only wished to have one who might bring him
+children, and be addicted to no vice, or caprice, that should either
+scandalize him abroad, or render him uneasy at home, and in all his
+inspection, he found none who seemed so likely to answer his desires
+in every respect as a young maid called Lætitia; she was the daughter
+of a neighbouring yeoman, not disagreeable in her person, or
+behaviour, yet possessed of no accomplishments, but those which nature
+had bestowed: her father was an honest plain man, he had four sons and
+two daughters, who had been married some time, and had several
+children; Lætitia was his youngest, and promised to be no less
+fruitful than her sisters; and this last was the chief inducement
+which made Natura fix his choice upon her.
+
+Having resolved to seek no farther, he frequently went to the old
+man's house, pretending he took delight in country affairs, would walk
+with him about his grounds, and into his barns, and see the men who
+were at work in them. One day he took an opportunity of going when he
+knew he was abroad, designing to break his mind to the young Lætitia,
+who, being her father's housekeeper, he did not doubt finding at home:
+accordingly she was so; and, after some previous discourse, a little
+boy of one of her sisters, being playing about the room, 'This it a
+fine child,' said he; 'when do you design to marry, pretty Mrs.
+Lætitia?'--'Should you not like to be a mother of such diverting
+little pratlers?'--'It is time enough, sir,' replied she modestly,
+'for me to think of any such thing.'--'If you get a good husband,'
+resumed he, 'it cannot be too soon':--'Nor, if a bad one, too late,'
+cried she, 'as there are great odds on that side.'--'That is true,'
+said he, 'but I believe there are many ill husbands, who owe their
+being such, to the ill conduct of their wives':--'now I fancy,'
+continued he, 'whoever is so happy as to have you, will have no such
+excuse; for I firmly believe you have in you all the requisites to
+make the marriage state agreeable.' To this she only made a curtesy,
+and thanked him for his good opinion: 'I do assure you,' resumed he,
+'it is so sincere, that I should be glad to prove it, by making you my
+wife. What say you,' pursued he, 'could you be willing to accept of my
+addresses on that score?' With these words he took hold of her hand,
+and pressing it with a great deal of warmth, occasioned her to blush
+excessively.--The inability she was in of speaking, through the shame
+this question had excited in her, gave him an opportunity of
+prosecuting what he had begun, and saying many tender things, to
+convince her he was in earnest; but when at last she gave him an
+answer, it was only such as made him see she gave little credit to his
+professions.--Some people coming in on business to her father, and
+saying they would wait till he came home, obliged Natura to take his
+leave for that time, well satisfied in his mind, that he had declared
+himself, and not much doubting, but that in spite of this first
+shyness, she would easily be prevailed upon to correspond with his
+desires, when his perseverance in them, should have assured her of
+their sincerity.
+
+He was, notwithstanding, a good deal surprized, when, going several
+times after to the house, he could scarce see her, and never be able
+to exchange a word with her in private, so industriously did she avoid
+coming into his presence.--Such a behaviour, he thought, could proceed
+only from one of these two motives, either thro' an extraordinary
+dislike to his person, or through the fears of giving any indulgence
+to an inclination, which the disparity between them might make her
+mistake for a dishonourable one. Sometimes he was tempted to think the
+one, sometimes the other; but not being of a humour to endure
+suspense, he resolved to take effectual measures for coming at the
+certainty.
+
+He went one day about noon, and told the yeoman he was come to take a
+dinner with him, on which the other replied, that he did him a great
+deal of honour; but should have been glad to have been previously
+acquainted with it, in order to have been prepared to receive a
+gentleman of his condition.--'No,' said Natura, 'I chose to come upon
+you unawares, not only to prevent you from giving yourself any
+superfluous trouble on my account, but also because I would use a
+freedom, which should authorize you to treat me with the same;--we are
+neighbours,' continued he, 'and neighbours should be friends, and love
+one another.'
+
+Some other little chat on trivial affairs passed away the short time
+between the coming of Natura, and dinner being brought in; on which,
+the yeoman intreated him to sit down, and partake of such homely food
+as he found there.--'That I shall gladly do,' answered Natura, 'but I
+waited for your fair daughter; I hope we shall have her company. I do
+not know,' said the yeoman, 'I think they told me she was not very
+well, had got the head-ach, or some such ailment;--go, however,'
+pursued he, to a servant, 'and see if Lætitia can come down.'--'But,
+sir,' cried he, perceiving his guest discovered no inclination to
+place himself at the table, 'do not let us wait for her.'
+
+Natura on this sat down, and they both began to eat, when the person
+who had been sent to call Lætitia returned, and said, she begged to be
+excused, being very much indisposed, and unfit to be seen.--The old
+man seemed to take no notice, but pressed Natura to eat, and somewhat
+embarrassed him with the many apologies he made for the coarseness of
+his entertainment; to all which he gave but short answers, till the
+cloth was taken away, and they were alone.--Then, 'I could not wish to
+dine more to my satisfaction,' said he, 'if the sweetness of your meat
+had not been imbittered by your daughter's absence';--'to be plain,'
+continued he, 'I fear I am the disease which occasions her
+retirement.'--'You, sir!' cried the father, affecting a surprize,
+which he was not so well skilled in the art of dissimulation, to make
+appear so natural, but that Natura easily saw into the feint, and told
+him with a smile, that he found the _country_ had its arts as well as
+the _court:_--'but let us deal sincerely with each other,' pursued he,
+'I am very certain, it is from no other motive, than my being here,
+that your daughter refused to come to table; and I also faithfully
+believe you are no stranger to that motive:--be therefore free with
+me; and to encourage you to be so, I shall acquaint you, that I have
+made some overtures to Mrs. Lætitia,--that I like her, and that my
+frequent visits to you have been entirely on her account:--now, be as
+sincere with me, and let me know, whether the offers I made her will
+be approved.'
+
+The yeoman was a little dashed on Natura's speaking in this manner,
+and was some moments before he could recollect himself sufficiently to
+make any reply; and, when at last he had, all he could bring out was,
+'Sir, my girl is honest, and I hope will always continue so.'
+
+'I am far from doubting her virtue in the least,' answered Natura
+hastily, 'but I think I cannot give a greater testimony of the good
+opinion I have of her, than by offering to make her my wife.'--'Ah,
+sir,' cried the yeoman, interrupting him, 'you must excuse me, if I
+cannot flatter myself you have any thoughts of doing us that
+honour.--I am a mean man, of no parentage, and it is well known have
+brought up a large family by the sweat of my brow.'--'Lætitia is a
+poor country maid;--it is true, the girl is well enough, but has
+nothing,--nothing at all, alas! in her to balance for that vast
+disparity of birth and fortune between you.'
+
+'Talk no more of that,' said Natura, taking him by the hand, 'such as
+she is, I like her; and I once more assure you, that I never had any
+dishonourable intentions on her, but am ready to prove the contrary,
+by marrying her, as soon as she approves of me, and you agree to it.'
+
+The old man looked very earnestly on him all the while he was
+speaking, and knew not well whether he ought to give credit to what he
+said, or not,--Natura, perceiving his diffidence, continued, by
+sparing neither arguments, nor the most solemn imprecations, to remove
+it, till he was at last assured of a good fortune, which, as he said,
+he had thought too extraordinary to happen in his family. He then told
+Natura he would acquaint his daughter with the happiness he intended
+for her, and dispose her to receive it with that respect and gratitude
+that became her. On which Natura took his leave till the next day,
+when he found Lætitia did not make any excuse to avoid his presence,
+as she had lately done.--He addressed himself to her not in the same
+manner he would have done to a woman of condition, but yet in very
+tender and affectionate terms:--her behaviour to him was humble,
+modest, and obliging; and though she was not mistress of the politest
+expressions, yet what she said discovered she wanted not a fund of
+good sense and understanding, which, if cultivated by education, would
+have appeared very bright. He easily perceived, she took a great deal
+of pains to disguise the joy she conceived at this prospect of raising
+her fortune, but was too little accustomed to dissimulation, to do it
+effectually, and both the one and the other gave him much
+satisfaction.
+
+Circumstances being in the manner I related, it is not natural to
+suppose any long sollicitation was required.--Lætitia affected not an
+indifference she was free from, and Natura pressing for the speedy
+consummation of his wishes, a day was appointed for the celebration of
+the nuptials, and both the intended bride and bridegroom set
+themselves about making the necessary preparations usual in such
+cases.
+
+But see, how capable are our finest resolutions of being shaken by
+accidents!--the most assured of men may be compared to the leaf of a
+tree, which veers with every blast of wind, and is never long in one
+position.--Had any one told Natura he had taken all this pains for
+nothing, and that he would be more anxious to get off his promise of
+marrying Lætitia, than ever he had been to engage one from her for
+that purpose; he would have thought himself highly injured, and that
+the person who said this of him was utterly a stranger to his
+sentiments or character; yet so it happened, and the poor Letitia
+found all her hopes of grandeur vanish into air, when they seemed just
+on the point of being accomplished.--The occasion of this strange and
+sudden transition was as follows:
+
+Two days before that prefixed for his marriage, Natura received a
+packet from Gibralter, which brought him an account of the death of
+his brother.--That unfortunate young gentleman, being convinced by his
+sufferings, and perhaps too by his own remorse, and stings of
+conscience of the foulness of the crime he had been guilty of, fell
+into a languishing disorder, soon after his arrival in that country,
+which left those about him no expectations of his ever getting the
+better of.--Finding his dissolution near, he wrote a letter to Natura,
+full of contrition, and intreaties for forgiveness. This epistle
+accompanied that which related his death, and both together plunged
+Natura into very melancholly thoughts.--The offence his brother had
+been guilty of, was indeed great; but, when he remembered that he had
+repented, and was now no more, all resentment, all revenge, against
+him ceased with his existence, and a tender pity supplied their
+place:--what, while _living_, he never would have forgave, when _dead_
+lost great part of its atrocity, and he bewailed the fate of the
+transgressor, with unfeigned tears and lamentations.
+
+This event putting an end to the motive which had induced Natura to
+think of marriage, put an end also to his desires that way;--he was
+sorry he had gone so far with Lætitia, was loth to appear a deceiver
+in her eyes, or in those of her father; but thought it would be the
+extremest madness in him to prosecute his intent, as his beloved
+sister had a son, who would now be his heir, and only had desired to
+be the father of one himself to hinder _him_ from being so, whose
+crimes had rendered him unworthy of it.
+
+The emotions of this revenge having entirely subsided, he now had
+leisure to consider how oddly the world would think and talk of him,
+if he perpetrated a marriage with a girl such as Lætitia;--he almost
+wondered at himself, that the just displeasure he had conceived
+against his brother, should have transported him so far as to make him
+forgetful of what was owing to his own character; and when he
+reflected on the miseries, vexations, and infamy, his last marriage
+had involved him in, he trembled to think how near he had been to
+entering into a state, which tho' he had a very good opinion of
+Lætitia's virtue, might yet possibly, some way or other, have given
+him many uneasinesses.
+
+He was, however, very much embarrassed how to break with her
+handsomely; and it must be confessed, that after what had passed, this
+was no very easy matter to accomplish.--Make what pretence he would,
+he could not expect to escape the censure of an unstable fluctuating
+man.--This is indeed a character, which all men are willing, nay
+industrious, to avoid, yet what there are few men, but some time or
+other in their lives, give just reason to incur.--Natura very well
+knew, that to court a woman for marriage, and afterwards break his
+engagements with her, was a thing pretty common in the world; but
+then, it was thing he had always condemned in his own mind, and looked
+upon as most ungenerous and base:--besides, though he had made his
+addresses to Lætitia, meerly because he imagined she would prove a
+virtuous, obedient, and fruitful wife, and was not inflamed with any
+of those sentiments for her which are called love; yet, designing to
+marry her, he had set himself as much as possible to love her, and had
+really excited in his heart a kind of a tenderness, which made him
+unable to resolve on giving her the mortification of being forsaken,
+without feeling great part of the pain he was about to inflict on her.
+
+All he now wished was, that she might be possessed of as little warmth
+of inclination for him as he had known for her, and that the disparity
+of years between them, might have made her consent to the proposed
+marriage, intirely on the motive of interest, without any mixture of
+love, in order that the disappointment she was going to receive, might
+seem the less severe: as the regard he had for her made him earnestly
+wish this might be the case, he carefully recollected all the passages
+of her behaviour, her looks, her words, nay, the very accents of her
+voice, were re-examined, in hope to find some tokens of that happy
+indifference, which alone could make him easy in this affair; but all
+this retrospect afforded him no more than uncertain conjectures, and
+imaginations which frequently contradicted each other, and indeed
+served only to increase his doubts, and add to his disquiets.
+
+The mourning for his brother was, however, a very plausible pretence
+for delaying the marriage; and as he was willing the disappointment
+should come on by degrees, thinking by that means to soften the
+asperity of it, he contrived to let both father and daughter have room
+to guess the event before hand.--He seldom went to their house, and
+when he did, made very short visits, talked as if the necessity of his
+affairs would oblige him to leave the country, and settle again
+entirely in town:--rather avoided, than sought any opportunity of
+speaking to Lætitia in private, and in all his words and actions,
+discovered a coldness which could not but be very surprizing to them
+both, though they took not the least notice that they were so before
+him, but behaved towards him in the same manner, as when he appeared
+the most full of affection.
+
+This was a piece of prudence Natura had not expected from persons of
+their low education and way of life:--he had imagined, that either the
+one or the other of them would have upbraided this change in him, and
+by avowing a suspicion, that he had repented him of his promises,
+given him an opportunity either of seeming to resent it, or by some
+other method, of breaking off: but this way of proceeding frustrated
+his measures in that point, and he found himself under a necessity of
+speaking first, on a subject no less disagreeable to himself, than he
+knew it would be to those to whom his discourse should be directed.
+
+However, as there was no remedy, and he considered, that the longer to
+keep them in suspense, would only be adding to the cruelty of the
+disappointment; he sent one morning for the yeoman to come to his
+house, and after ushering in what he was about to say, with some
+reflections on the instability of human affairs, told him that some
+accidents had happened, which rendered it highly inconvenient for him
+to think of marrying;--that he had the utmost respect and good will
+for Lætitia, and that if there were not indissoluble impediments to
+hinder him from taking a wife, she should be still his choice, above
+any woman he knew in the world;--that he wished her happy with any
+other man, and to contribute to making her so, as also by way of
+atonement for his enforced leaving her, he would give her five hundred
+pounds, as an addition to her fortune.
+
+This was the substance of what he said; but though he delivered it in
+the softest terms he could possibly make use of, he could find it was
+not well received by the old man; his countenance, however, a little
+cleared up at the closure of it:--the five hundred pounds was somewhat
+of a sweetener to the bitter pill; and after expatiating, according to
+his way, on the ungenerosity of engaging a young maid's affection, and
+afterwards forsaking her, he threw in some shrewd hints, that as
+accidents had happened to change his mind as to marriage, others might
+also happen, which would have the same effect, in relation to the
+present he now seemed to intend for her.
+
+'To prevent that,' cried Natura hastily, 'you shall take it home with
+you'; and with these words turned to a cabinet, and took out the sum
+he had mentioned; after counting it over, he put it into a bag, and
+delivered it to the yeoman, saying at the same time, that though it
+might not be so proper to come to his house, yet if he would send to
+him in any exigence, he should find him ready to assist him; 'for you
+may depend,' added he, 'that though I cannot be your son, I shall
+always be your friend.'
+
+These words, and the money together, rendered the yeoman more content
+than Natura had expected he would be; and by that he hoped he knew his
+daughter had not imbibed any passion for him, which she would find
+much difficulty in getting rid of, and that this augmentation to her
+portion, would very well compensate for the loss of a husband, of more
+than twice her years.
+
+A small time evinced, that Natura had not been altogether mistaken in
+his conjectures.--Lætitia became the bride of a young wealthy grazier
+in a neighbouring town, with whom she removed soon after her marriage;
+and this event, so much desired by Natura, destroyed all the remains
+of disquiet, his nicety of honour, and love of justice, had occasioned
+in him.
+
+Being now wholly extricated from an adventure, which had given him
+much pain, and no less free from the emotions of any turbulent
+passion, he passed his days and nights in a most perfect and
+undisturbed tranquility; a situation of mind to which, for a long
+series of years, he had been an utter stranger.
+
+To desire, or pursue any thing with too much eagerness, is undoubtedly
+the greatest cruelty we can practise on ourselves; yet how impossible
+is it to avoid doing so, while the passions have any kind of dominion
+over us:--to _acquire_, and to _preserve_, make the sole business of
+our lives, and leave no leisure to _enjoy_ the goods of
+fortune:--still tost on the billows of passion, hurried from care to
+care the whole time of our existence here, is one continued scene of
+restlessness and variated disquiet.--Strange propensity in man!--even
+nature in us seems contradictory to herself!--we wish _long life_, yet
+shorten it by our own anxieties;--nothing is so dreadful as _death_,
+yet we hasten his approach by our intemperance and irregularity, and,
+what is more, we know all this, yet still run on in the same heady
+course.
+
+Natura had now, however, an interval, a happy chasm, between the
+extremes of pleasure and of pain;--contented with his lot, and neither
+aiming at more than he possessed, nor fearful of being deprived of
+what he had. He, for a time, seemed in a condition such as all wise
+men would wish to attain, tho' so few take proper methods for that
+purpose, that those who we see in it, may be said to owe their
+felicity rather to chance, than to any right endeavours of their own.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+  Contains a remarkable proof, that tho' the passions may operate with
+  greater velocity and vehemence in youth, yet they are infinitely
+  more strong and permanent, when the person is arrived at maturity,
+  and are then scarce ever eradicated. Love and friendship are then,
+  and not till then, truly worthy of the names they bear; and that the
+  _one_ between those of different sexes, is always the consequence of
+  the _other_.
+
+
+The inclination we have, and the pleasure it gives us to think well of
+our abilities, leads us frequently into the most gross mistakes,
+concerning the springs of action in our breasts. We are apt to ascribe
+to the strength of our reason, what is in reality the effect of one or
+other of the passions, sometimes even those of the worst kind, and
+which a sound judgment would most condemn, and endeavour to
+extirpate.--Man is a stranger to nothing, more than to himself;--the
+recesses of his own heart, are no less impenetrable to him, than the
+worlds beyond the moon;--he is blinded by vanity, and agitated by
+desires he knows not he is possessed of.
+
+It was not _reason_ but _revenge_, which dissipated the immoderate
+grief of Natura on the death of his son;--it was not _reason_ but
+_pride_, which made him see the inconveniences of marrying with
+Lætitia;--and yet doubtless he gave the praise of these events to the
+strength of his prudence: to that too he also ascribed the resolution
+he now took of living single during the remainder of his life; whereas
+it was in truth only owing to his being at present acquainted with no
+object capable of inspiring him with the tender passion.
+
+As he was now entirely free from all business, or avocation of any
+kind whatsoever, it came into his head to go and pass some part of the
+summer season with his sister:--he accordingly crossed the country to
+her seat, and was received with all imaginable demonstrations of joy,
+both by herself and husband.
+
+He found their family increased by the addition of a lady, who
+preferring a country to a town life, had desired to board with them,
+which was readily granted by the sister of Natura, not only as she was
+a relation of her husband, but also for the sake of having a companion
+so perfectly agreeable as this lady was in every respect.
+
+Charlotte, for so she was called, had been left a widow within three
+months after her marriage, and had never entertained any thoughts of
+entering into a second engagement, though her person, jointure, and
+accomplishments, had attracted many sollicitations on that score. She
+was about thirty years of age when Natura found her at his sister's;
+and through the chearfulness of her temper, and the goodness of her
+constitution, had preserved in her countenance all the bloom of
+fifteen.--The charms of her person, however, made no impression on
+Natura at his first acquaintance with her; he thought her a fine
+woman, as every one did who saw her, but her charms reached not his
+heart, nor gave him any emotions, either of pain or pleasure.
+
+But it was not for any longtime he remained in this state of
+insensibility.--Charlotte had graces which could not fail of conquest,
+sooner or later:--where those of her eyes wanted the power to move,
+her tongue came in to their assistance, and was sure of gaining the
+day:--there was something so resistless in her wit, and manner of
+conversation, that none but those by nature, or want of proper
+education, were too dull and stupid to understand, but must have felt
+an infinity of satisfaction in it.
+
+Besides all this, there was a sympathy of humour between this lady and
+Natura, which greatly contributed to make them pleased with each
+other:--both were virtuous by nature, by disposition gay and
+chearful:--both were equally lovers of reading; had a smattering of
+philosophy, were perfectly acquainted with the world, and knew what in
+it was truly worthy of being praised or contemned; and what rendered
+them still more conformable, was the aversion which each testified to
+marriage.--Natura's treatment from his wife, had made him speak with
+some bitterness against a state, which had involved him in so many
+perplexities; and Charlotte, though so short a time a wife, having
+been married against her inclination, and to a man who, it seems, knew
+not her real value, had found in it the beginning of disquiets, which
+prognosticated worse mischiefs, had not his death relieved her from
+them, and made her too thankful for the deliverance, to endure the
+thoughts of venturing a second time to give up her freedom.
+
+This parity of sentiments, inclinations, and dispositions, it was
+which, by degrees, endeared them to each other, without knowing they
+were so.
+
+Natura became at last impatient out of the company of Charlotte, and
+Charlotte found a restlessness in herself whenever Natura was absent;
+but this indeed happened but seldom:--the mutual desire they had of
+being together, made each of them industriously avoid all those
+parties of pleasure, in which both could not have a share:--Natura
+excused himself from accompanying his brother-in-law in any of those
+diversions where women were not admitted; and Charlotte always had
+some pretence for staying at home when the sister of Natura made her
+visits to the ladies of the country;--yet was this managed on both
+sides with such great decency and precaution, that neither the one nor
+the other perceived the motive which occasioned their being so rarely
+separated; much less had the family any notion of it.
+
+It is certain, that never any two persons were possessed of a more
+true and delicate passion for each other:--the flame which warmed
+their breasts, was meerly spiritual, and platonic;--the difference of
+sex was never considered:--Natura adored Charlotte, not because she
+was a lovely woman, but because he imagined somewhat angelic in her
+mind; and Charlotte loved Natura not because he had an agreeable
+person, but because she thought she discovered more charms in his
+soul, than in that of any other man or woman.
+
+The acquaintance between them soon grew into an intimacy, and that
+intimacy, by degrees, ripened into a friendship, which is the height
+and very essence of love, though neither of them would allow
+themselves to think it so: they made no scruple, however, of assuring
+each other, of their mutual esteem, and promised all the good offices
+in the power of either, with a freedom which they would not have done
+(especially Charlotte, who was naturally very reserved) had they been
+sensible to what lengths their present attachment might in time
+proceed.
+
+Winter now drew on, but Natura was too much rivetted to think of
+departing, and would doubtless have made some pretext for living
+altogether with his sister, had not an accident happened, which made
+his going a greater proof of the regard he had for Charlotte, than his
+staying could have done, and perhaps made him know the real sentiments
+he was possessed of on her account, much sooner than he should without
+it.
+
+That lady had some law-affairs, which required either herself, or some
+very faithful and diligent friend to attend. Term was approaching, and
+the brother-in-law of Natura had promised to take a journey to London
+for that purpose; but he unfortunately had been thrown from his horse
+in a hunting match, and broke his leg, and Charlotte seemed in a good
+deal of anxiety, who she should write to, in order to entrust with the
+care of her business, which she justly feared would suffer much, if
+left wholly to the lawyer's own management.
+
+Natura on this offered his service, and told her, if she would favour
+him with her confidence in this point, he would go directly to London,
+where she might depend on his diligence and fidelity in the forwarding
+her business:--as she had not the least doubt of either, she accepted
+this testimony of his friendship, with no other reluctance, than what
+the being long deprived of his conversation occasioned.--Her good
+sense, notwithstanding, got the better of that consideration, which
+she looked upon only at an indulgence to herself, and committed to his
+care all the papers necessary to be produced, in case he succeeded so
+well for her, as to bring the suit to a trial.
+
+The manner of their taking leave was only such as might be expected
+between two persons, who professed a friendly regard for each other;
+but Natura had no sooner set out on his journey, than he felt a
+heaviness at his heart, for having left the adorable Charlotte, which
+nothing but the consideration that he was employed on her business,
+and going to serve her could have asswaged.
+
+This was, indeed, a sweet consolation to him, and on his arrival in
+town, set himself to enquire into the causes of that delay she had
+complained of, with so much assiduity, that he easily found out she
+had not been well treated by her lawyers, and that one of them had
+even gone so far as to take fees from her adversary;--he therefore put
+the affair into other hands, and ordered matters so, that the trial
+could not, by any means, be put off till another time.
+
+Yet, in spite of all this diligence, it was the opinion of the
+council, that there was an absolute necessity for the lady to appear
+herself:--it is hard to say, whether Natura was more vexed or pleased
+at this intelligence; he was sorry that he could not, of himself,
+accomplish what he came about, and spare her the trouble of a journey
+he had found was very disagreeable to her, not only on account of her
+aversion to the town, and the ill season of the year for travelling,
+but also because the person she contended with was a near relation,
+and she was very sensible would engage many of their kindred to
+disswade her from doing herself that justice she was resolute to
+persist in her attempts for procuring.--The thoughts of the perplexity
+this would give her, it was that filled him with a good deal of
+trouble; but then the reflection, that he should have the happiness of
+seeing her again, on this account, much sooner than he could otherwise
+have done, gave him at least an equal share of satisfaction.
+
+The gentlemen of the long robe employed in her cause, and whose
+veracity and judgment he was well assured of, insisting she must come,
+put an end to his suspense, and he wrote to her for that purpose: the
+next post brought him an answer which, to his great surprize,
+expressed not the least uneasiness on the score of this journey, only
+acquainted him, that she had taken a place in the stage, should set
+out next morning, and in three days be in London; against which time,
+she begged he would be so good to provide her a commodious lodging,
+she being determined to go to none of her kindred, for the reason
+abovementioned.
+
+Being animated with exactly the same sentiments Natura was, that
+inclination which led him to wish her coming, influenced her also to
+be pleased with it, and rendered the fatigue of the journey, and those
+others she expected to find on her arrival, of no consequence, when
+balanced against the happiness she proposed, in re-enjoying the
+conversation of her aimable and worthy friend.
+
+But all this Natura was ignorant of; nor did his vanity suggest to him
+the least part of what passed in his favour in the bosom of his lovely
+Charlotte; but he needed no more than the knowledge she was coming to
+a place where he should have her company, with less interruption than
+he had hitherto the opportunity of, to make him the most transported
+man alive. As he had no house of his own in town to accommodate her
+with, he provided lodgings, and every thing necessary for her
+reception, with an alacrity worthy of his love, and the confidence she
+reposed in him; and went in his own coach to take her from the stage
+some miles on the road. She testified her gratitude for the care he
+took of her affairs, in the most obliging and polite acknowledgments;
+and he returned the thanks she gave him, with the sincerest
+assurances, that the thoughts of having it in his power to do her any
+little service, afforded him the most elevated pleasure he had ever
+known in his whole life.
+
+What they said to each other, however, on this score, was taken by
+each, more as the effects of gallantry and good breeding, than the
+real motives from which the expressions they both made use of, had
+their source:--equal was their tenderness, equal also was their
+diffidence, it being the peculiar property of a true and perfect love,
+always to fear, and never to hope too much.
+
+Natura had taken care to chuse her an apartment very near the place
+where he lodged himself, which luckily happened to be in an extreme
+airy and genteel part of the town; so that he had the pleasure of
+seeing her, not only every day, but almost every hour in the day, on
+one pretext or other, which his industrious passion dictated; and this
+almost continual being together, and, for the most part, without any
+other company, very much increased the freedom between them, though
+that freedom never went farther, even in a wish, on either side, for a
+long time at least, than that of a brother and sister.
+
+Though all imaginable diligence was used to bring the law-suit to an
+issue, those with whom Charlotte contested, found means to put it off
+for yet one more term, she was obliged to stay that time; but neither
+felt in herself, nor pretended to do so, any repugnance at it:--Natura
+had enough to do to conceal his joy on this occasion; and when he
+affected a concern for her being detained in a place she had so often
+declared an aversion for, he did it so awkwardly, that had she not
+been too much taken up with endeavouring to disguise her own
+sentiments on this account, she could not but have seen into his.
+
+As neither of them seemed now to take any delight in balls, plays,
+operas, masquerades, cards, or any of the town diversions, they passed
+all their evenings together, and, for the most part, alone, as I
+before observed;--their conversation was chiefly on serious topics,
+and such as might have been improving to the hearers, had any been
+permitted; and when they fell on matters which required a more gay and
+sprightly turn, their good humour never went beyond an innocent
+chearfulness, nor in the least transgressed the bounds of the
+strictest morality and modesty.
+
+How long this platonic intercourse would have continued, is uncertain;
+but the second term was near elapsed, the suit determined in favour of
+Charlotte, and her stay in town necessary but a very days before
+either of them entertained any other ideas, than such as I have
+mentioned. Natura then began to regret the diminution of the happiness
+he now enjoyed, and indeed of the total loss of it; for though he knew
+it would not be wondered at, that his complaisance should induce him
+to attend Charlotte in her journey to his sister's, yet he was at a
+loss for a pretence to remain there for any long time.--Charlotte, on
+the other hand, considered on the separation which, in all appearance,
+must shortly be between them, with a great deal of anxiety, and was
+even sorry the completion of her business had left her no excuse for
+staying in town, since she could not expect it either suited with his
+inclinations, or situation of affairs, to live always in the country.
+
+These cogitations rendered both very uneasy in their minds, yet
+neither of them took any steps to remedy a misfortune equally terrible
+to each; and the event had doubtless proved as they imagined, had not
+the latent fires which glowed in both their breasts, been kindled into
+a flame by foreign means, and not the least owing to themselves.
+
+One of those gentlemen who had been council for Charlotte, and had
+behaved with extraordinary zeal in her behalf, had been instigated
+thereto, more by the charms of her person, than the fees he received
+from her;--in fine, he was in love with her; but his passion was not
+of that delicate nature, which fills the mind with a thousand timid
+apprehensions, and chuses rather to endure the pains of a long
+smothered flame, than run the hazard of offending the adored object,
+by disclosing it.
+
+He had enquired into her family and fortune, and finding there was
+nothing of disparity between them, he declared his passion to her, and
+declared it in terms which seemed not to savour of any great fears of
+being rejected.--He was in his prime of life, had an agreeable person,
+and a good estate, the consciousness of which, together with his being
+accustomed to plead with success at the bar, made him not much doubt,
+but his eloquence and assurance would have the same effect on his
+mistress, as it frequently had on the judges: but the good opinion he
+had of himself, greatly deceived him in this point; he met with a
+rebuff from Charlotte, which might have deterred some men from
+prosecuting a courtship she seemed determined never to encourage: but
+though he was a little alarmed at it, he could not bring himself to
+think she was enough in earnest to make him desist: in every visit he
+paid her, he interlarded his discourse on business with professions of
+love, which at length so much teized her, that she told him plainly,
+she would sooner suffer her cause to be lost, than suffer herself to
+be continually persecuted with sollicitations, which she had ever
+avoided since her widowhood, and ever should do so.
+
+Natura came in one day just as the counsellor was going out of her
+apartment; he observed a great confusion in his face, and some
+emotions in her's, which shewed her mind a little ruffled from that
+happy composure he was accustomed to find it in. On his testifying the
+notice he took of this change in her countenance, 'It is strange
+thing,' said she, 'that people will believe nothing in their own
+disfavour!--I have told this man twenty times, that if I were disposed
+to think of a second marriage, which I do not believe I ever shall,
+the present sentiments I am possessed of, would never be reversed by
+any offer he could make me; yet will he still persist in his
+impertinent declarations.'
+
+There needed no more to convince Natura he had a rival; nor, as he
+knew Charlotte had nothing of coquetry in her humour, to make him also
+know she was not pleased with having attracted the affections of this
+new admirer: this gave him an inexpressible satisfaction; for tho', as
+yet, he had never once thought of making any addresses to her on the
+score of love, death was not half so terrible to him, as the idea of
+her encouraging them from any other man.
+
+'Then, madam,' cried he, looking on her in a manner she had never seen
+him do before, 'the councellor has declared a passion for you, and
+you have rejected him?'--'is it possible?'--'Possible!' interrupted
+she, 'can you believe it possible I should not do so, knowing, as you
+do, the fixed aversion I have to entering into any second
+engagement!'--'but were it less so,' continued she, after a pause, 'his
+sollicitations would be never the more agreeable to me.'
+
+Natura asked pardon for testifying any surprize, which he assured her
+was totally owing, either to this proof of the effect of her charms,
+'which,' said he, 'are capable of far greater conquests; or to your
+refusal of the councellor's offer, after the declarations you have
+made against a second marriage, but was excited in me meerly by the
+novelty of the thing, having heard nothing of it before.'
+
+'This had not been among the number of the few things I conceal from
+you,' answered she, 'if I had thought the repetition worthy of taking
+up any part of that time which I always pass with you on subjects more
+agreeable';--'besides,' continued she, 'it was always my opinion, that
+those women, who talk of the addresses made to them, are secretly
+pleased with them in their hearts, and like the love, tho' they may
+even despise the lover. For my part, I can feel no manner of
+satisfaction in relating to others, what I had rather be totally
+ignorant of myself.'
+
+Natura had here a very good opportunity of complimenting her on the
+excellency of her understanding, which set her above the vanities of
+the generality of her sex; and indeed he expressed himself with so
+much warmth on this occasion, that it even shocked her modesty, and
+she was obliged to desire him to change the conversation, and speak no
+more of a behaviour, which was not to be imputed to her good sense,
+but to her disposition.
+
+Never had Natura found it more difficult to obey her than now;--he
+could have expatiated for ever on the many and peculiar perfections
+both of her mind and person; but he perceived, that to indulge the
+darling theme, would be displeasing to her, and therefore forced
+himself to put a stop to the utterance of those dictates, with which
+his heart was now charged, even to an overflowing.
+
+Such was the effect of this incident on both: Natura, who till now had
+thought he loved only the _soul_ of his mistress, found how dear her
+lovely _person_ was also to him, by the knowledge that another was
+endeavouring to get possession of it; and Charlotte, by the secret
+satisfaction she felt on those indications Natura, in spite of his
+efforts to the contrary, had given of a more than ordinary admiration
+of her, discovered, for the first time, that he was indeed the only
+man whose love would not be displeasing to her.
+
+After Natura came home, and had leisure to meditate on this affair, he
+began with thinking how terrible it would be to him, to see Charlotte
+in the arms of a husband; and when he reflected, that such a thing
+might be possible, even though he doubted not the sincerity of her
+present aversion, the idea was scarce to be borne:--from this he
+naturally fell on figuring to himself how great a blessing that man
+would enjoy, who should always have the sweet society of so amiable a
+companion;--and this made him cry out, 'Why then, what hinders me from
+endeavouring to become that happy man?--If I resolved against any
+future marriage, it was when I knew not the adorable Charlotte, nor
+believed there was so excellent a woman in the world.'--In this
+rapturous imagination did he continue for a moment, but then the
+improbability of succeeding in any such attempt, struck him with an
+adequate despair.--'Though the uncommon merit of the woman I adore,'
+said he, 'compels me to change the resolution I had taken, there is
+not the same reason to prevail on her to recede from her's.--Past the
+bloom of life, and already twice a husband, can I flatter myself with
+the fond hope she will not reject the proposals I should make with the
+same scorn she did those of the councillor?'
+
+Charlotte, on the other hand, was engrossed by reflections vastly
+different from those she was accustomed to entertain:--never woman was
+more free from vanity, or thought less of the power of her charms, yet
+she could not hinder herself from thinking there was somewhat in the
+behaviour of Natura, in his last visit, that denoted a regard beyond
+an ordinary friendship for her.--This apprehension, at first, a little
+startled her, or at least she imagined it did so, and she said to
+herself, 'If he should really harbour any inclinations for me of that
+sort, how unhappy should I be in being obliged to break off my
+acquaintance with a person so every way agreeable to me; and to
+continue it, would be to countenance a passion I have determined never
+to give the least attention to.'--'Yet wherefore did I determine?'
+pursued she, with a sigh, 'but because I found the generality of men
+mere wandering, vague, inconstant creatures;--were guided only by
+fancy;--never consulted their judgment, whether the object they
+pretended to admire, had any real merit or not, and often too treated
+those worst who had the best claim to their esteem;--besides, one
+seldom finds a man whose person and qualifications are every way
+suited to one's liking:--Natura is certainly such as I should wish a
+husband to be, if I were inclined to marry again;--I have not taken a
+vow of celibacy, and have nobody to controul my actions':--'then,'
+said she again, 'what foolish imaginations comes into my head; perhaps
+he has not the least thought of me in the way I am dreaming of;--no,
+no, he has suffered too much by the imprudence of one woman, to put it
+in the power of another to treat him in the same manner;--be trembles
+at marriage;--I have heard him declare it, and I am deviating into a
+vanity I never before was guilty of.'
+
+She was debating in this fashion within herself, when Natura came to
+pay his morning visit: she blushed at his approach, conscious of the
+meditations she had been in on his account.--He, full of the
+sentiments I have described, saluted her with an air more grave and
+timid than he had been accustomed, and which all who are judges of the
+tender passion, know to be the surest symptom of it.--They sat down,
+and on his beginning to renew some discourse concerning the
+counsellor's pretensions, she desired him to forbear so disagreeable a
+topic, telling him at the same time, he could say nothing else she
+would not listen to with satisfaction.--'How, madam,' cried he, 'are
+you sure of that?--Alas, you little know what passes in my heart, or
+you would not permit me this toleration.' This might have been
+sufficient to make some women convinced of the truth; but Charlotte
+either fearful of being deceived by her own vanity, or willing he
+should be more explicit, answered, 'I have too high an opinion of your
+good sense, and too flattering an idea of your friendship to me, to
+imagine your heart will ever suggest any thing which would be
+offensive to me from your tongue.'
+
+'Suppose, madam,' said he, 'it should not be in my power to restrain
+my wishes in those bounds prescribed by you, to all who have the
+happiness of conversing with you; and that I were encroaching enough
+not to be content with the marks of friendship you are pleased to
+honour me':--'in fine,' continued he, 'suppose I were guilty of the
+very same presumption, you have so severely censured in the
+councellor!'
+
+'That is impossible,' replied she, 'since you are a foe professed to
+marriage, as well as myself';--she was about to add something more,
+but was prevented by emotions, which she attempted, but in vain, to
+conceal; and Natura saw enough to keep him from despairing he had
+forfeited her _esteem_ by aiming at her _love_.
+
+Having thus made a beginning, it was easy for him to prosecute a suit,
+which he soon discovered he had a friend in her bosom to plead in
+favour of:--in a word, he left her not, till he had obtained her
+permission to entertain her on the same theme, and to use his
+endeavours to prevail on her to exchange the friendship she confessed
+for him into a warmer passion.
+
+It would be altogether needless to make any repetition of the
+particulars of this courtship; the reader will easily believe, that
+both parties being animated with the same sentiments I have described,
+it could not be very tedious;--love had already done his work in their
+hearts, and required little the labour of the tongue. Charlotte had
+entirely compleated every thing appertaining to her law-suit, yet she
+seemed not in a hurry to quit the town; a business of a more tender
+nature now detained her;--she had resolved, or rather she could not
+help resolving, to give herself to Natura, and the shame of doing what
+she had so often, and so strenuously declared against, rendered the
+thoughts of returning into the country in a different state, from that
+with which she had left it, insupportable to her.
+
+After having agreed to the sollicitations of her importunate lover,
+she expressed her sentiments to him on this head; on which it was
+concluded, that their nuptials should be solemnized as privately as
+possible in London, and that they should set out immediately after for
+his country seat, where Charlotte, being utterly a stranger, would not
+be subjected to any of those little railleries, she must have
+expected, in a place where every one knew of the aversion she had
+testified for a second marriage.
+
+No cross accident intervening, what they designed was, in a short
+time, carried into execution;--never were any pair united by more
+indelible bonds; those of friendship sublimed into the most pure and
+virtuous tenderness, and a parity of principles, humours, and
+inclinations.
+
+Thus does passion triumph over the most seemingly fixed and determined
+resolution; and though it must be confessed, that in this instance,
+both had reason, from the real merits of the beloved object, to
+justify their choice, yet nature would certainly have had the same
+force, and worked the same effect, if excited only by meer fancy, and
+imaginary perfections.
+
+A Platonic and spiritual love, therefore, between persons of different
+sexes, can never continue for any length of time. Whatever ideas the
+_mind_ may conceive, they will at last conform to the craving of the
+_senses_; and the _soul_, though never so elevated, find itself
+incapable of enjoying a perfect satisfaction, without the
+participation of the _body_.--As inclination then is not always guided
+by a right judgment, nor circumstances always concur to render the
+indulging an amorous propensity either convenient, or lawful, how
+careful ought every one be, not to be deceived by a romantic
+imagination, so far as to engage in an affection which, sooner or
+later, will bring them to the same point that Natura and Charlotte
+experienced.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+  How the most powerful emotions of the _mind_ subside and grow weaker
+  in proportion, as the strength of the _body_ decays, is here
+  exemplified; and that such passions as remain after a certain age,
+  are not properly the incentives of nature, but of example, long
+  habitude or ill humour.
+
+
+The bride and bridegroom were received by all the friends, tenants,
+and dependants of Natura, with the greatest demonstrations of joy; and
+the behaviour of the amiable Charlotte was such as made every one
+cease to wonder that he had ventured again on marriage, after the
+disquiets he had experienced in that state.
+
+The kindred on neither side had nothing to condemn in the choice which
+each had made of the other; and though perhaps a motive of
+self-interest might make those nearest in blood, and consequently to
+the estates they should leave at their decease, wish such an union had
+not happened, yet none took the liberty to complain, or betray, by any
+part of their behaviour, the least dissatisfaction at it.--The sister
+and brother-in-law of Natura, it must be allowed, had the most cause,
+as they had a large family of children, who had a claim equally to the
+effects of both, in case they had died without issue; yet did not even
+they express any discontent, though Charlotte, within the first year
+of her marriage, brought two sons into the world, and a third in the
+next ensuing one, all which seemed likely to live, and enjoy their
+parents patrimony.
+
+What now was wanting to compleat the happiness of this worthy pair,
+equally loving and beloved by each other, respected by all who knew
+them, in need of no favours from any one, and blessed with the power
+of conferring them on as many as they found wanted, or merited their
+assistance.--Charlotte lost no part of her beauty, nor vivacity, by
+becoming a mother, nor did Natura find any decrease in the strength,
+or vigour, either of his mind or body, till he was past fifty-six
+years of age.--The same happy constitution had doubtless continued a
+much longer time in him, as nature had not been worn out by any
+excesses, or intemperance, if by unthinkingly drinking some cold
+water, when he was extremely hot, he had not thrown himself into a
+surfeit, which surfeit afterward terminated in an ague and fever,
+which remained on him a long time, and so greatly impaired all his
+faculties, as well as person, that he was scarce to be known, either
+by behaviour, or looks, for the man who, before that accident, had
+been infinitely regarded and esteemed for the politeness of the _one_,
+and the agreeableness of the _other_.
+
+His limbs grew feeble, his body thin, and his face pale and wan, his
+temper sour and sullen, seldom caring to speak, and when he did it was
+with peevishness and ill-nature;--every thing was to him an object of
+disquiet; nothing of delight; and he seemed, in all respects, like one
+who was weary of the world, and knew he was to leave it in a short
+time.
+
+It is so natural to feel repugnance at the thoughts of being what they
+call _no more_; that is, no more as to the knowledge and affections of
+this world; that even those persons who labour under the severest
+afflictions, wish rather to continue in them, than be eased by
+death:--they are pleased at any flattering hopes given of a
+prolongation of their present misery, and are struck with horror at
+the least mention of their life and pains being drawing to a
+period.--More irksome, doubtless, it must still be to those, who
+having every thing they could wish for here, find they must soon be
+torn from all the blessings they enjoy.--This is indeed a weakness;
+but it is a weakness of nature, and which neither religion nor
+philosophy are sufficient to arm us against; and the very endeavours
+we make to banish, or at least to conceal our disquiets on this score,
+occasion a certain peevishness in the sweetest temper, and make us
+behave with a kind of churlishness, even to those most dear to us.
+
+Few, indeed, care to confess this truth, tho' there are scarce any,
+who do not shew it in their behaviour, even at the very time they are
+forcing themselves to an affectation of indifference for life, and a
+resignation to the will of Heaven.
+
+The great skill of his physicians, however, and the yet greater care
+his tender consort took to see their prescriptions obeyed with the
+utmost exactitude, at length recovered Natura from the brink of the
+grave.--He was out of danger from the disease which had so long
+afflicted him; but though it had entirely left him, the attack had
+been too severe for a person at the age to which he was now arrived,
+to regain altogether the former man.--He had, in his sickness,
+contracted habits, which he was unable to throw off in health, and he
+could no more behave, than look, as he had done before.
+
+The mind would certainly be unalterable, and retain the same vigour it
+ever had in youth, even to extreme old age, could the constitution
+preserve itself entire.--It is that perishable part of us, which every
+little accident impairs, and wears away, preparing, as it were, by
+degrees, for a total dissolution, which hinders the nobler moiety of
+the human species from actuating in a proper manner:--those organs,
+which are the vehicles, through which its meanings shoot forth into
+action, being either shrivelled, abraded by long use, or clogged up
+with humours, shew the soul but in an imperfect manner, often disguise
+it wholly, and it is for want of a due consideration only, that we are
+so apt to condemn the _mind_, for what, in reality, is nothing but the
+incumbrances laid on it by the infirmities of the _body_.
+
+It is true, that as we grow older, the passions naturally subside; yet
+that they do so, is not owing to themselves, as I think may be easily
+proved by this argument.
+
+Every one will acknowledge, because he knows it by experience, that
+while he is possessed of _passions_, his _reason_ alone has the power
+of keeping them within the bounds of moderation; if then we have less
+of the _passions_ in old age, or rather, if they seem wholly
+extinguished in us, we ought to have a greater share of _reason_ than
+before; whereas, on the contrary, _reason_ itself becomes languid in
+the length of years, as well as the _passions_, it is supposed to have
+subdued: it is therefore meerly the imbecility of the organical
+faculties, and from no other cause, that we see the aged and infirm
+dead, in appearance, to those sensations, by which their youth was so
+strongly influenced.
+
+_Avarice_ is, indeed, frequently distinguishable in old men; but this
+I do not look upon as a _passion_ but a _propensity_, arising from
+ill-nature and self-love.--Gain, and the sordid pleasure of counting
+over money, and reckoning up rents and revenues, is the only lust of
+age; and since we cannot be so handsome, so vigorous, cannot indulge
+our appetites, like those who are younger, we take all manner of ways
+to be richer, and pride ourselves in the length of our bags, and the
+number of our tenants.
+
+I know it may be objected, that this vice is not confined to age, that
+youth is frequently very avaritious, and grasps at money with a very
+unbecoming eagerness:--this, I grant, is true; but, if we look into
+the conduct of such men in other respects, I believe we shall
+generally find their avarice proceeds from their prodigality;--they
+are lavish in the purchase of pleasures, and must therefore be
+parsimonious in acts of generosity and justice:--they are guilty of
+meanness in some things, only for the sake of making a great figure in
+others; and are not ashamed to be accounted niggards, where they ought
+to be liberal, in order to acquire the reputation of open-handedness,
+where it would better become them to be sparing.
+
+Natura, however, had never discovered any tendency to this vice,
+either in youth or age; yet did that peevishness, which the
+infirmities of his body had occasioned, make him behave sometimes, as
+if he were tainted with it.
+
+Charlotte observed this alteration in her husband's temper with an
+infinite concern; yet bore it with an equal patience;--making it her
+whole study to divert and sooth his ill humour:--he was not so lost to
+love and gratitude, and even reason too, as not to acknowledge the
+tender proofs he continually received of her unshaken affections, and
+would sometimes confess the errors he was guilty of, in point of
+behaviour towards her, and intreat her pardon; but then the least
+trifle would render him again forgetful of all he had said, and make
+him relapse into his former frowardness.
+
+It is certain, notwithstanding, that his love for her was the same as
+ever, though he could not shew it in the same manner; and to what can
+this be imputed, but to the effect which the ailments of his external
+frame had on his internal faculties.
+
+Though, as well as those about him, he found a decay within himself,
+which made him think he had not long to live; yet could he not be
+prevailed upon, for a great while, to settle his affairs after his
+decease, by making any will; and whenever it was mentioned to him,
+discovered a dissatisfaction, which at last made every one desist from
+urging any thing on that score.
+
+It was in vain that they had remonstrated to him, that the estate
+being to descend entire to his eldest son, the two youngest would be
+left without any provision, and consequently must be dependants on
+their brother, by his dying intestate:--in vain they pleaded, that
+taking so necessary a precaution for preserving the future peace of
+his family, would no way hasten his death, but, on the contrary,
+render the fatal hour, whenever it should arrive, less dreadful, he
+had only either answered not at all, or replied in such a fashion, as
+could give them no room to hope for his compliance.
+
+In this unhappy disposition did he continue between two and three
+years; but as his latter days came on, he grew much more calm and
+resigned, _reason_ began to recover its former dominion over him; and,
+when every one had left off all importunities on the account of his
+making a _will_, he, of himself, mentioned the necessity of it, and
+ordered a lawyer to be sent for to that end.
+
+Having settled all his affairs, relating to this world, in the most
+prudent manner, he began to prepare for another, with a zeal which
+shewed, that whatever notions people may have in health, concerning
+futurity, they become more convinced, in proportion as they grow
+nearer their dissolution.
+
+He finished his course in the sixty-third, or what is called the grand
+climacteric year of life;--had the blessing to retain the use of all
+his senses to the last; and as death had long before assailed, though
+not totally vanquished him, he was too much decayed by continual
+wastings, to feel any of those pangs, which persons who die in their
+full vigour must unavoidably go through, when the vital springs burst
+at once.
+
+He took leave of his dear wife and children with great serenity and
+composure of mind; and afterwards turned himself from them, and passed
+into eternity, as if falling into a gentle slumber.
+
+Thus have I attempted to trace nature in all her mazy windings, and
+shew life's progress thro' the passions, from the cradle to the
+grave.--The various adventures which happened to Natura, I thought,
+afforded a more ample field, than those of any one man I ever heard,
+or read of; and flatter myself, that the reader will find many
+instances, that may contribute to rectify his own conduct, by pointing
+out those things which ought to be avoided, or at least most carefully
+guarded against, and those which are worthy to be improved and
+imitated.
+
+
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Life's Progress Through The Passions
+by Eliza Fowler Haywood
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE'S PROGRESS THROUGH THE ***
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+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Life's Progress Through The Passions
+by Eliza Fowler Haywood
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Life's Progress Through The Passions
+       Or, The Adventures of Natura
+
+Author: Eliza Fowler Haywood
+
+Release Date: March 24, 2005 [EBook #15455]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE'S PROGRESS THROUGH THE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Richard Cohen and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net).
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="transcriber">
+  <p>
+    Transcriber's Note:
+  </p>
+  <ul>
+    <li>
+       Original spellings and inconsistent hyphenation have been kept, except that ...
+    </li>
+    <li>
+      Obvious <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note: Original has 'corrctions'">corrections</ins> have been marked.
+    </li>
+    <li>
+       Educated guesses have been made for
+       <ins class="unclear" title="Transcriber's Note: Original is unclear">unclear text</ins>.
+    </li>
+    <li>
+      Hyphens caused by a line break have been removed.
+    </li>
+  </ul>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+<div class="front">
+<a class="pb" name="pagei" id="pagei" title="i"></a>
+<div class="advert" id="foundlings">
+<h2>April 2, 1748.<br /></h2>
+<p>
+<i>The late great Demand for the</i>
+FORTUNATE FOUNDLINGS,
+<i>occasioning it to be out of Print sooner
+than was expected; this is to advertise
+the Public, that a new Edition of that
+Book is now in the Press, and will be
+published the Beginning of next Month.</i>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<a class="pb" name="pageii" id="pageii" title="ii"></a>
+
+<div class="titlepage">
+<div class="doctitle">
+<h1 class="titlePart">
+<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5em; font-size: small;">LIFE's</span><br />
+<span style="font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.5em;">PROGRESS</span><br />
+<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5em; font-size: x-small;">THROUGH THE</span><br />
+<span style="font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5em;">PASSIONS:</span><br />
+</h1>
+<p class="subtitlePart">
+<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5em; font-size: x-small;">OR, THE</span><br />
+<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5em; font-size: small;">ADVENTURES</span><br />
+<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5em; font-size: x-small;">OF</span><br />
+<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5em; font-size: small;" class="name">NATURA.</span>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="byline">
+By the <span style="font-variant: small-caps; letter-spacing: 0.5em;">Author</span> of<br />
+<i>The</i> FORTUNATE FOUNDLINGS.
+</p>
+
+<div class="docImprint">
+<img src="images/front.png" alt="Portrait of the printer" /><br />
+
+<span style="font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5em;">LONDON:</span><br /><br />
+
+Printed by <span style="font-variant: small-caps; letter-spacing: 0.5em;">T. Gardner</span>, and Sold at his
+Printing-Office, at <i>Cowley's Head</i>, opposite <i>St.
+Clement's Church</i>, in the <i>Strand</i>.<br />
+
+<span class="docDate">M,DCC,XLVIII.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="pageiii" id="pageiii" title="iii"></a>
+
+<div class="advert" id="spectator">
+<p>
+<i>Just Published by</i> <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">T. Gardner</span>,
+</p>
+<p>
+<i>In</i> <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Four</span> <i>Beautiful</i> <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Pocket Volumes</span>,<br />
+(Price Twelve Shillings bound.)<br />
+<i>Correctly printed from the</i> Octavo Edition,<br />
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+
+<p>
+<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The</i></span> &nbsp; <span style="letter-spacing: 0.5em; font-size: large;">FEMALE SPECTATOR,<br /></span>
+<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5em;">COMPLEAT.</span>
+</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>
+&lsquo;The great Encomiums bestowed on this
+  Work by some of the most distinguished
+  Judges, have been so frequently inserted
+  in all the public Papers, that it is presumed
+  no one can be unacquainted with
+  them, and therefore are thought needless
+  here to be particularized: But that so useful
+  a Work may be more universally read,
+  (especially by the younger and politer Sort
+  of Ladies, for whom it is more peculiarly
+  adapted,) it is now printed in the above-mentioned
+  Size, which will be less cumbersome
+  to them, and the Expence being
+  reduced to one half of what the Octavo
+  Edition sells at, it may be more easily purchased
+
+  The great Encomiums bestowed on this
+  Work by some of the most distinguished
+  Judges, have been so frequently inserted
+  in all the public Papers, that it is presumed
+  no one can be unacquainted with
+  them, and therefore are thought needless
+  here to be particularized: But that so useful
+  a Work may be more universally read,
+  (especially by the younger and politer Sort
+  of Ladies, for whom it is more peculiarly
+  adapted,) it is now printed in the above-mentioned
+  Size, which will be less cumbersome
+  to them, and the Expence being
+  reduced to one half of what the Octavo
+  Edition sells at, it may be more easily purchased&rsquo;
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+The above Work is printed in a larger Letter,
+in Octavo, Price 1<i>l.</i> 4<i>s.</i> bound.
+</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="pageiv" id="pageiv" title="iv"></a>
+
+<div class="contents" id="LPPCONTENTS"><h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+<div><h3><a href="#LPPINTRO">INTRODUCTION, Page 1.</a></h3></div>
+
+<div><h3><a href="#LPP1">BOOK the First.</a></h3>
+
+<div><h4><a href="#LPP11">CHAP. I.</a></h4>
+<p>
+Shews, in the example of <span class="name">Natura</span>, how from our
+very birth, the passions, to which the human soul
+is incident, are discoverable in us; and how far
+the organs of sense, or what is called the constitution,
+has an effect over us, <i>Page 4</i>.
+</p></div>
+
+<div><h4><a href="#LPP12">CHAP. II.</a></h4>
+<p>
+Contains some proofs by what swift degrees the passions
+gain an ascendant over the mind, and grow
+up in proportion with our reason, <i>Page 7</i>.
+</p></div>
+
+<div><h4><a href="#LPP13">CHAP. III.</a></h4>
+<p>
+The early influence which the difference of sex excites,
+is here exemplified, in the fond, but innocent
+affection of <span class="name">Natura</span> and <span class="name">Delia</span>, <i>Page 21</i>.
+</p></div>
+
+<div><h4><a href="#LPP14">CHAP. IV.</a></h4>
+<p>
+Shews, that till we arrive at a certain age, the
+impressions made on us are easily erased; and
+also that when those which bear the name of love
+are once rooted in the mind, there are no lengths
+to which we may not be transported by that passion,
+if great care is not taken to prevent its
+getting the ascendant over reason, <i>Page 27</i>.
+</p></div>
+
+<div><h4><a href="#LPP15">CHAP. V.</a></h4>
+<p>
+That to indulge any one fault, brings with it the
+temptation of committing others, is demonstrated
+
+<a class="pb" name="pagev" id="pagev" title="v"></a>
+
+by the behaviour of <span class="name">Natura</span>, and the misfortunes
+and disgrace, which an ill-judged shame had like
+to have involved him in, <i>Page 39</i>.
+</p></div>
+
+<div><h4><a href="#LPP16">CHAP. VI.</a></h4>
+<p>
+Shews the great force of natural affection, and the
+good effects it has over a grateful mind, <i>Page 51</i>.
+</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<div><h3><a href="#LPP2">BOOK the Second.</a></h3>
+
+<div><h4><a href="#LPP21">CHAP. I.</a></h4>
+<p>
+The inconsideration and instability of youth, when
+unrestrained by authority, is here exemplified, in
+an odd adventure <span class="name">Natura</span> embarked in with two
+nuns, after the death of his governor, <i>Page 63</i>.
+</p></div>
+
+<div><h4><a href="#LPP22">CHAP. II.</a></h4>
+<p>
+The pleasures of travelling described, and the improvement
+a sensible mind may receive from it:
+with some hints to the censorious, not to be too
+severe on errors, the circumstances of which they
+are ignorant of, occasioned by a remarkable instance
+of an involuntary slip of nature, <i>Page 99</i>.
+</p></div>
+
+<div><h4><a href="#LPP23">CHAP. III.</a></h4>
+<p>
+The uncertainty of human events displayed in many
+surprizing turns of fortune, which befel <span class="name">Natura</span>,
+on his endeavouring to settle himself in the world:
+with some proofs of the necessity of fortitude, as it may
+happen that actions, excited by the greatest
+virtue, may prove the source of evil, both to ourselves
+and others, <i>Page 108</i>.
+</p></div>
+
+<div><h4><a href="#LPP24">CHAP. IV.</a></h4>
+<p>
+The power of fear over a mind, weak either by nature,
+or infirmities of body: The danger of its
+leading to despair, is shewn by the condition <span class="name">Natura</span>
+was reduced to by the importunities of priests
+of different perswasions. This chapter also demonstrates,
+the little power people have of judging
+
+<a class="pb" name="pagevi" id="pagevi" title="vi"></a>
+
+what is really best for them, and that what has
+the appearance of the severest disappointment, is
+frequently the greatest good, <i>Page 135</i>.
+</p></div>
+
+<div><h4><a href="#LPP25">CHAP. V.</a></h4>
+<p>
+Shews that there is no one human advantage to
+which all others should be sacrificed: &mdash; the force
+of ambition, and the folly of suffering it to gain
+too great an ascendant over us: &mdash; public grandeur
+little capable of atoning for private discontent;
+among which jealousy, whether of love or
+honour, is the most tormenting, <i>Page 154</i>.
+</p></div>
+</div>
+
+<div><h3><a href="#LPP3">BOOK the Third.</a></h3>
+
+<div><h4><a href="#LPP31">CHAP. I.</a></h4>
+<p>
+Shews in what manner anger and revenge operate
+in the mind, and how ambition is capable of
+stifling both, in a remarkable instance, that <em>private
+injuries</em>, how great soever, may seem of no
+weight, when <em>public grandeur</em> requires they
+should be looked over, <i>Page 168</i>.
+</p></div>
+
+<div><h4><a href="#LPP32">CHAP. II.</a></h4>
+<p>
+Shews at what age men are most liable to the passion
+of grief: the impatience of human nature
+under affliction, and the necessity there is
+of exerting reason, to restrain the excesses it
+would otherwise occasion, <i>Page 178</i>.
+</p></div>
+
+<div><h4><a href="#LPP33">CHAP. III.</a></h4>
+<p>
+The struggles which different passions occasion in
+the human breast, are here exemplified; and that
+there is no one among them so strong, but may be
+extirpated by another, excepting <em>revenge</em>, which
+knows no period, but by gratification, <i>Page 185</i>.
+</p></div>
+
+<div><h4><a href="#LPP34">CHAP. IV.</a></h4>
+<p>
+Contains a further definition of <em>revenge</em>, its force,
+effects, and the chasm it leaves on the mind when
+
+<a class="pb" name="pagevii" id="pagevii" title="vii"></a>
+
+once it ceases. The tranquility of being entirely
+devoid of all passions; and the impossibility for
+the soul to remain in that state of inactivity is
+also shewn; with some remarks on human nature
+in general, when left to itself, <i>Page 190</i>.
+</p></div>
+
+<div><h4><a href="#LPP35">CHAP. V.</a></h4>
+<p>
+Contains a remarkable proof, that tho' the passions
+may operate with greater velocity and vehemence in
+youth, yet they are infinitely more strong and permanent,
+when the person is arrived at maturity,
+and are then scarce ever eradicated. Love and
+friendship are then, and not till then, truly worthy
+of the names they bear; and that the <em>one</em>
+between those of different sexes, is always the
+consequence of the <em>other</em>, <i>Page 206</i>.
+</p></div>
+
+<div><h4><a href="#LPP36">CHAP. VI.</a></h4>
+<p>
+How the most powerful emotions of the <em>mind</em> subside,
+and grow weaker in proportion as the
+strength of the <em>body</em> decays, is here exemplified;
+and that such passions as remain after a certain
+age, are not properly the incentives of nature but
+of example, long habitude, or ill humour, <i>Page
+224</i>.
+</p></div>
+
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="body">
+<a class="pb" name="page1" id="page1" title="1"></a>
+
+<div class="rule">
+  <img src="images/rule.png" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<h2>
+<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5em; font-size: small;">LIFE's</span><br />
+<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5em; font-size: x-large;">PROGRESS</span><br />
+<span style="font-size: x-small;">THROUGH THE</span><br />
+<span style="font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5em; font-size: x-large;">PASSIONS.</span><br />
+</h2>
+</div>
+<div class="intro" id="LPPINTRO">
+<h2>INTRODUCTION.</h2>
+
+<p>
+I have often heard it observed
+by the readers of biography, that
+the characters are generally too
+high painted; and that the <em>good</em>
+or <em>bad</em> qualities of the person
+pretended to be faithfully represented,
+are displayed in stronger
+colours than are to be found in nature. To
+this the lovers of hyperbole reply, that <em>virtue</em>
+cannot be drawn too beautiful, nor <em>vice</em> too
+deformed, in order to excite in us an ambition
+of imitating the <em>one</em>, and a horror at the
+thoughts of becoming any way like the <em>other</em>. &mdash;
+The argument at first, indeed, seems to have some
+weight, as there is nothing, not even precept
+itself, which so greatly contributes whether to rectify
+or improve the mind, as the prevalence of
+example: but then it ought to be considered, that
+if the pattern laid down before us, is so altogether
+
+<a class="pb" name="page2" id="page2" title="2"></a>
+
+angelic, as to render it impossible to be copied,
+emulation will be in danger of being swallowed up
+in an unprofitable admiration; and, on the other
+hand, if it appears so monstrously hideous as to
+take away all apprehensions of ever resembling
+it, we might be too apt to indulge ourselves in errors
+which would seem small in comparison with those
+presented to us. &mdash; There never yet was any one
+man, in whom all the <em>virtues</em>, or all the <em>vices</em>,
+were summed up; for, though reason and education
+may go a great way toward curbing the
+passions, yet I believe experience will inform,
+even the <em>best</em> of men, that they will sometimes
+launch out beyond their due bounds, in spite of
+all the care can be taken to restrain them; nor do
+I think the very <em>worst</em>, and most wicked, does
+not feel in himself, at some moments, a propensity
+to good, though it may be possible he never
+brings it into practice; at least, this was the opinion
+of the antients, as witness the poet's words:
+</p>
+
+<div class="lg">
+<span>All men are born with seeds of <em>good</em> and <em>ill</em>;</span><br />
+<span class="i2">And each shoot forth, in more or less degree:</span><br />
+<span><em>One</em> you may cultivate with care and skill,</span><br />
+<span class="i2">But from the <em>other</em> ne'er be wholly free.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>
+The human mind may, I think, be compared
+to a chequer-work, where light and shade appear
+by turns; and in proportion as either of these is
+most conspicuous, the man is alone worthy of
+praise or censure; for none there are can boast
+of being wholly bright.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+I believe by this the reader will be convinced
+he must not expect to see a faultless figure in
+the hero of the following pages; but to remove
+all possibility of a disappointment on that score,
+I shall farther declare, that I am an enemy to all
+
+<a class="pb" name="page3" id="page3" title="3"></a>
+
+<em>romances</em>, <em>novels</em>, and whatever carries the air of
+them, tho' disguised under different appellations;
+and as it is a <em>real</em>, not <em>fictitious</em> character I am
+about to present, I think myself obliged, for the
+reasons I have already given, as well as to gratify
+my own inclinations, to draw him such as he was,
+not such as some sanguine imaginations might with
+him to have been.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+I flatter myself, however, that <em>truth</em> will
+appear not altogether void of charms, and the adventures
+I take upon me to relate, not be less pleasing
+for being within the reach of probability, and
+such as might have happened to any other as well
+as the person they did. &mdash; Few there are, I am
+pretty certain, who will not find some resemblance
+of himself in one part or other of his life, among
+the many various and surprizing turns of fortune,
+which the subject of this little history experienced,
+as also be reminded in what manner the passions
+operate in every stage of life, and how far the constitution
+of the <em>outward frame</em> is concerned in the
+emotions of the <em>internal faculties</em>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+These are things surely very necessary to be
+considered, and when they are so, will, in a
+great measure, abate that unbecoming vehemence,
+with which people are apt to testify
+their admiration, or abhorrence of actions, which
+it very often happens would lose much of their
+<em>eclat</em> either way, were the secret springs that give
+them motion, seen into with the eyes of philosophy
+and reflection.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But this will be more clearly understood by a
+perusal of the facts herein contained, from which
+I will no longer detain in the attention of my reader.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page4" id="page4" title="4"></a>
+
+<div class="book" id="LPP1">
+<h2>BOOK the First.</h2>
+<div class="chapter" id="LPP11">
+<h3>CHAP. I.</h3>
+<div class="argument"><p>
+Shews, in the example of <span class="name">Natura</span>, how from our
+very birth, the passions, to which the human soul
+is incident, are discoverable in us; and how far
+the organs of sense, or what is called the constitution,
+has an effect over us.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>
+The origin of <span class="name">Natura</span> would perhaps
+require more time to trace than the benefit
+of the discovery would attone for:
+it shall therefore suffice to say, that his
+ancestors were neither of the highest rank: &mdash; that
+if no extraordinary action had signalized the
+names of any of them, so none of them had been
+guilty of crimes to entail infamy on their posterity:
+and that a moderate estate in the family had descended
+from father to son for many generations,
+without being either remarkably improved or embezzled.
+&mdash; His immediate parents were in very
+easy circumstances, and he being their first son,
+was welcomed into the world with a joy usual
+on such occasions. &mdash; I never heard that any prodigies
+preceded or accompanied his nativity; or
+that the planets, or his mother's cravings during
+her pregnancy, had sealed him with any particular
+mark or badge of distinction: but have been well
+assured he was a fine boy, sucked heartily of his mother's
+milk, and what they call a thriving child.
+His weaning, I am told, was attended by some little
+ailments, occasioned by his pining after the food
+to which he had been accustomed; but proper
+means being found to make him lose the memory
+
+<a class="pb" name="page5" id="page5" title="5"></a>
+
+of the breast, he soon recovered his flesh, increased
+in strength, and could go about the room at a
+year and some few months old, without the help
+of a leading-string.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Hitherto the passions, those powerful abettors,
+I had almost said sole authors of all human
+actions, operated but faintly, and could shew themselves
+only in proportion to the vigour of the animal
+frame. Yet latent as they are, an observing
+eye may easily discover them in each of their different
+propensities, even from the most early infancy.
+The eyes of <span class="name">Natura</span> on any new and pleasing
+object, would denote by their sparkling a sensation
+of joy: &mdash; <em>Fear</em> was visible in him by clinging
+to his nurse, and endeavouring to bury himself
+as it were in her bosom, at the sound of menaces
+he was not capable of understanding: &mdash;
+That <em>sorrow</em> has a place among the first emotions
+of the soul, was demonstrable by the sighs which
+frequently would heave his little heart, long before
+it was possible for him either to know or to imagine
+any motives for them: &mdash; That the seeds of
+<em>avarice</em> are born with us, by the eagerness with
+which he catched at money when presented to
+him, his clinching it fast in his hand, and the reluctance
+he expressed on being deprived of it: &mdash;
+That <em>anger</em>, and impatience of controul, are inherent
+to our nature, might be seen in his throwing
+down with vehemence any favourite toy, rather
+than yield to resign it; and that spite and revenge
+are also but too much so, by his putting in
+practice all such tricks as his young invention
+could furnish, to vex any of the family who had
+happened to cross him: &mdash; Even those tender inclinations,
+which afterwards bear the name of <em>amorous</em>,
+begin to peep out long before the difference
+of sex is thought on; as <span class="name">Natura</span> proved by the
+
+<a class="pb" name="page6" id="page6" title="6"></a>
+
+preference he gave the girls over the boys who
+came to play with him, and his readiness to part
+with any thing to them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In a word, there is not one of all the various
+emotions which agitate the breast in maturity,
+that may not be discerned almost from the birth,
+<em>hope</em>, <em>jealousy</em>, and <em>despair</em> excepted, which, tho'
+they bear the name in common with those
+other more natural dispositions of the mind, I look
+upon rather as consequentials of the passions, and
+arising from them, than properly passions themselves:
+but however that be, it is certain, that
+they are altogether dependant on a fixation of ideas,
+reflection, and comparison, and therefore can have
+no entrance in the soul, or at least cannot be
+awakened in it, till some degree of knowledge is
+attained.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus do the dispositions of the <em>infant</em> indicate
+the future <em>man</em>; and though we see, in the behaviour
+of persons when grown up, so vast a difference,
+yet as all children at first act alike, I think
+it may be reasonably supposed, that were it not
+for some change in the constitution, an equal similitude
+of will, desires, and sentiments, would continue
+among us through maturity and old age; at
+least I am perfectly perswaded it would do so,
+among all those who are born in the same climate,
+and educated in the same principles: for whatever
+may be said of a great genius, and natural endowments,
+there is certainly no real distinction between
+the <em>soul</em> of the man of <em>wit</em> and the <em>ideot</em>; and
+that disproportion, which we are apt to behold with
+so much wonder, is only in fact occasioned by
+some or other of those innumerable and hidden
+accidents, which from our first coming into the
+world, in a more or less degree, have, an effect
+
+<a class="pb" name="page7" id="page7" title="7"></a>
+
+upon the organs of sense; and they being the sole
+canals through which the spirit shews itself, according
+as they happen to be extended, contracted,
+or obstructed, the man must infallibly appear.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="LPP12">
+<h3>CHAP. II.</h3>
+<div class="argument"><p>
+Contains some proofs by what swift degrees the passions
+gain an ascendant over the mind, and grow
+up in proportion with our reason.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> had no sooner quitted the nursery,
+than he was put under the direction of the
+school, to which at first he was every day conducted
+either by a man or maid-servant; but when
+thought big enough to be trusted alone, would
+frequently play the truant, for which he generally
+received the discipline necessary on such occasions.
+&mdash; He took his learning notwithstanding as well
+as could be expected; &mdash; he had read the testament
+through at five years old, about seven was put
+into <span class="name">Latin</span>, and began the rudiments of <span class="name">Greek</span>
+before he had attained the age of nine.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As his understanding increased, the passions
+became stronger in proportion: and here is to be
+observed the wonderful wisdom of nature, or rather
+of the Great Author of nature, in the formation
+of the human system, that the passions given
+to us, especially those of the worst sort, are,
+for the most part, such opposites, that the one is
+a sufficient check upon the other. &mdash; The <em>pride</em> of
+treating those beneath us with contempt, is restrained
+by the <em>fear</em> of meeting the same usage
+from those above us. &mdash; A <em>sordid covetousness</em> is
+controlled by <em>ostentation</em>. &mdash; <em>Sloth</em> is roused by <em>ambition</em>,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page8" id="page8" title="8"></a>
+
+and so of the rest. &mdash; I have been told that
+when <span class="name">Natura</span>, by the enticements of his companions,
+and his own eagerness to pursue the sports
+suitable to his years, had been drawn in to neglect
+his studies, he <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note: Original has 'has'">had</ins> often ran home on a sudden,
+and denied himself both food and sleep, till he had not
+only finished the task assigned him by his school-master,
+but also exceeded what was expected from
+him, instigated by the ambition of praise, and hope
+of being removed to a higher form. &mdash; But at
+other times again his love of play has rendered
+him totally forgetful of every thing besides, and
+all emulation in him absorbed in pleasure. &mdash; Thus
+hurried, as the different propensities prevailed,
+from one extreme to the other; &mdash; never in a
+medium, but always doing either more or less than
+was required of him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In like manner was his <em>avarice</em> moderated by
+his <em>pity</em>; &mdash; an instance of which was this; &mdash; One
+morning having won at chuck-farthing, or some
+such game, all the money a poor boy was master
+of, and which he said had been given him to buy
+his breakfast, <span class="name">Natura</span> was so much melted at his
+tears and complaints, that he generously returned
+to him the whole of what he had lost. &mdash; Greatly
+is it to be wished, the same sentiments of compassion
+would influence some of riper years, and
+make them scorn to take the advantage chance
+sometimes affords of ruining their fellow-creatures;
+but the misfortune is, that when we arrive at the
+state of perfect manhood, the <em>worst</em> passions are
+apt to get the better of the more <em>noble</em>, as the prospect
+they present is more alluring to the eye of
+sense: all men (as I said before) being born with
+the same propensities, it is <em>virtue</em> alone, or in other
+words, a strict <em>morality</em>, which prevents them
+
+<a class="pb" name="page9" id="page9" title="9"></a>
+
+from actuating alike in all. &mdash; But to return to
+the young <span class="name">Natura</span>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He was scarce ten years old when his mother
+died; but was not sensible of the misfortune he
+sustained by the loss of her, though, as it afterwards
+proved, was the greatest could have happened
+to him: the remembrance of the tenderness
+with which she had used him, joined to the sight
+of all the family in tears, made him at first indeed
+utter some bitter lamentations; but the thoughts of
+a new suit of mourning, a dress he had never yet
+been in, soon dissipated his grief, and the sight of
+himself before the great glass, in a habit so altogether
+strange, and therefore pleasing to him,
+took off all anguish for the sad occasion. &mdash; So
+early do we begin to be sensible of a satisfaction
+in any thing that we imagine is an advantage to
+our persons, or will make us be taken notice of.
+&mdash; How it grows up with us, and how difficult it
+is to be eradicated, I appeal even to those of the
+most sour and cynical disposition.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Mr. <span class="name">Dryden</span> admirably describes this propensity
+in human nature in these lines:
+</p>
+
+<div class="lg">
+<span>Men are but children of a larger growth,</span><br />
+<span>Our appetites as prone to change as theirs,</span><br />
+<span>And full as craving too, and full as vain.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>
+A fondness for trifles is certainly no less
+conspicuous in age than youth; and we daily see
+it among persons of the best understanding, who
+wholly neglect every essential to real happiness in
+the pursuit of those very toys which children cry
+to be indulged in; even such as a bit of ribband,
+or the sound of a monosyllable tacked to the name;
+without considering that those badges of distinction,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page10" id="page10" title="10"></a>
+
+like bells about an ideot's neck, frequently serve
+only to render their folly more remarkable, and
+expose them to the contempt of the lookers on,
+who perhaps too, as nature is the same in all,
+want but the same opportunity to catch no less
+eagerly at the tawdry gewgaw.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> felt not the loss of his dear mother,
+till he beheld another in her place. His father
+entered into a second marriage before much more
+than half his year of widowhood was expired,
+with a lady, who, though pretty near his equal in
+years, had yet remains enough of beauty to render
+her extremely vain and affected, and fortune
+enough to make her no less proud. &mdash; These two
+qualities occasioned <span class="name">Natura</span> many rebuffs, to
+which he had not been acoustomed, and he felt
+them the more severely, as the name of mother
+had made him expect the same proofs of tenderness
+from this, who had the title, as he had remembered
+to have received from her who had been really so.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He endeavoured at first to insinuate himself
+into her favour by all those little flattering artifices
+which are so becoming in persons of his tender
+years, and which never fail to make an impression
+on a gentle and affable disposition; but
+finding his services not only rejected, but also rejected
+with scorn and moroseness, his spirit was
+too great to continue them for any long time; and
+all the assiduity he had shewn to gain her good-will,
+was on a sudden converted into a behaviour
+altogether the reverse: he was sure to turn the
+deaf ear to all the commands she laid upon him,
+and so far from doing any thing to please her, he
+seemed to take a delight in vexing her. This occasioning
+many complaints to his father, drew on him
+
+<a class="pb" name="page11" id="page11" title="11"></a>
+
+very severe chastisements both at home and abroad;
+but though while the smart remained, he made
+many promises of amendment in this point, the
+hatred he had now conceived against her, would
+not suffer him to keep them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+His sister, who was five years older than himself,
+and a girl of great prudence, took a good
+deal of pains to convince him how much it was
+both his interest and his duty to pay all manner of
+respect to a lady whom their father had thought fit
+to set over them; but all she could say on that
+head was thrown away, and he still replied, that
+since he could not make her love him, he should
+always hate her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This young lady had perhaps no less reason
+than her brother to be dissatisfied with the humour
+of their stepmother; and it was only the
+tender affection she had for him which made her
+feign a contentment at the treatment both of them
+received, in order to keep him within any manner
+of bounds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It may be reckoned among the misfortunes of
+<span class="name">Natura</span>, that he so soon lost the benefit of these
+kind remonstrances: his fair adviser having a
+considerable fortune, independent on her father,
+left her by a grandmother, who had also answered
+for her at the <em>font</em>, was courted by a gentleman,
+to whom neither herself nor family having any
+thing to object, she became a bride in a very few
+months, and went with her husband to a seat
+he had at a considerable distance in the country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This poor youth was now without any one,
+either to prevent him from doing a fault, or to
+conceal it when committed; on the contrary,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page12" id="page12" title="12"></a>
+
+his mother-in-law, having new-modelled all the family,
+and retained only such servants as thought
+it their duty to study nothing but to humour her,
+every little error in him was exaggerated, and he
+was represented to his father as incorrigible, perverse,
+and all that is disagreeable in nature.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+I will not take upon me to determine whether,
+or not, the old gentleman had altogether so
+ill an opinion of his son, as they endeavoured to
+inspire him with; but it is certain, that whatever
+his thoughts were on the matter, he found himself
+obliged for a quiet life to use him with a good
+deal of severity, which, either because he believed
+it unjust, or that it was disagreeable to his own
+disposition, he grew very weary of in a short time,
+and to put an end to it, resolved to send the child
+to a boarding-school, tho' he had always declared
+against that sort of education, and frequently said,
+that though these great schools might improve the
+learning, they were apt to corrupt the morals of
+youth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Finding himself, however, under a kind of
+necessity for so doing, nothing remained but the
+choice of a convenient place. The wife proposed
+some part of <span class="name">Yorkshire</span>, not only as the cheapest,
+but also that by reason of the distance, she should
+not have the trouble of him at home in the holidays;
+but to this it was not in her power to
+prevail on his father to consent, and after many
+disputes between them on it, <span class="name">Eton</span> was at length
+pitched upon.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> heard of his intended removal with a
+perfect indifference: &mdash; if the thoughts of parting
+from his father gave him any pain, it was balanced
+by those of being eased of the persecuting of his
+
+<a class="pb" name="page13" id="page13" title="13"></a>
+
+stepmother; but when all things were prepared
+for his journey, in which he was to be accompanied
+by an old relation, who was to give the necessary
+charge with him to those into whose care
+he should be committed, he was taken suddenly
+ill on the very day he had been to take leave of
+his kindred, and other friends in town.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+His distemper proved to be the small-pox, but
+being of a very favourable sort, he recovered in a
+short time, and lost nothing of his handsomeness
+by that so-much-dreaded enemy to the face: there
+remained, however, a little redness, which, till
+intirely worn off, it was judged improper he should
+be sent where it was likely there might be many
+young gentlemen, who having never experienced
+the same, would take umbrage at the sight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+During the time of his indisposition he had
+been attended by an old nurse, who had served
+in the same quality to his mother, and several
+others of her family. &mdash; The tenderness this good
+creature shewed to him, and the care she took to
+humour him in every thing, not only while he
+continued in a condition, in which it might have
+been dangerous to have put his spirits into the least
+agitation, but after he was grown well enough to
+walk abroad, had made him become extremely
+pettish and self-willed; which shews, that an over-indulgence
+to youth, is no less prejudicial, than
+too much austerity. &mdash; Happy is it for those who
+are brought up in a due proportion between these
+two extremes; for as nature will be apt to fall
+into a dejection, if pressed down with a constant,
+and uninterrupted severity, so it will infallibly become
+arrogant and assuming, if suffered always to
+pursue its own dictates. &mdash; Nothing is more evident,
+than that most of the irregularities we see
+
+<a class="pb" name="page14" id="page14" title="14"></a>
+
+practised in the world, are owing originally to a
+want of the medium I have been speaking of, in
+forming the mind while it is pliable to impression.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This was not, however, the case of <span class="name">Natura</span>;
+and though he would doubtless have been what
+we call a spoiled child, had he been for any length
+of time permitted to do just what he pleased, yet
+the nurse being discharged, he fell again under
+the jurisdiction of his mother-in-law, who had
+now more excuse than ever for treating him with severity.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+His father did not want understanding, but was
+a good deal more indolent than befits a parent. &mdash;
+He had always been accustomed to live at ease,
+and his natural aversion to all kinds of trouble,
+made him not inspect into the manners or temperament
+of his son, with that care he ought to
+have done. Whenever any complaints were made
+concerning his behaviour, he would chide, and
+sometimes beat him, but seldom examined how
+far he really merited those effects rather of others
+resentment than his own. Sometimes he would
+ask him questions on his progress in learning, and
+praise or dispraise, as he found occasion; but he
+never discoursed with him on any other topics, nor
+took any pleasure in instructing him in such things
+as are not to be taught in schools, but which much
+more contribute to enlarge the mind; so that had
+not <span class="name">Natura</span>'s own curiosity led him to examine
+into the sources, first causes, and motives of what
+he was obliged to read, he would have reaped no
+other benefit from his <span class="name">Greek</span> and <span class="name">Latin</span> authors,
+than meerly the knowledge of their language.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Here I cannot help taking notice, that whatever
+inconveniences it may occasion, curiosity is
+
+<a class="pb" name="page15" id="page15" title="15"></a>
+
+one of the greatest advantages we receive from nature;
+it is that indeed from which all our knowledge
+is derived. &mdash; Were it not for this propensity
+in ourselves, the sun, the moon, and all the darling
+constellations which adorn the hemisphere,
+would roll above our heads in vain: contented to
+behold their shine, and feel their warmth, but
+ignorant of their motion and influence on all beneath,
+half that admiration due to the Divine Architect,
+would lye dormant in us. &mdash; Did not curiosity
+excite us to examine into the nature of vegetables,
+their amazing rise, their progress, their
+deaths and resurrections in the seasons allotted for
+these alternatives, we should enjoy the fruits of the
+earth indeed, but enjoy them only in common
+with the animals that feed upon it, or perhaps
+with less relish than they do, as it is agreed their
+organs of sensation have a greater share of poignancy
+than ours. &mdash; What is it but <em>curiosity</em> which
+renders study either pleasing or profitable to us?
+&mdash; The facts we read of would soon slip through
+the memory, or if they retained any place in it,
+could be of little advantage, without being acquainted
+with the motives which occasioned them.
+By <em>curiosity</em> we <em>examine</em>, by <em>examining</em> we <em>compare</em>,
+and by <em>comparing</em> we are alone enabled to form a
+right <em>judgment</em>, whether of things or persons.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+We are told indeed of many jealousies, discontents,
+and quarrels, which have been occasioned
+by this passion, among those who might otherwise
+have lived in perfect harmony; and a man or
+woman, who has the character of being too inquisitive,
+is shunned as dangerous to society. &mdash;
+But what commendable quality is there that may
+not be perverted, or what <em>virtue</em> whose extreme
+does not border on a <em>vice</em>? &mdash; Even <em>devotion</em> itself
+should have its bounds, or it will launch into <em>bigotry</em>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page16" id="page16" title="16"></a>
+
+and <em>enthusiasm</em>; &mdash; <em>love</em>, the most <em>generous</em>
+and <em>gentle</em> of all the passions, when ill-placed, or
+unprescribed, degenerates into the very <em>worst</em>; &mdash;
+<em>justice</em> may be pursued till it becomes <em>cruelty</em>; &mdash;
+<em>emulation</em> indulged till it grows up to <em>envy</em>; &mdash;
+<em>frugality</em> to the most sordid <em>avarice</em>; and <em>courage</em>
+to a brutal <em>rashness</em>; &mdash; and so I am ready to allow
+that <em>curiosity</em>, from whence all the <em>good</em> in us originally
+arises, may also be productive of the <em>greatest
+mischiefs</em>, when not, like every other emotion of
+the soul, kept within its due limits, and suffered
+to exert itself only on warrantable objects.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It should therefore be the first care of every
+one to regulate this propensity in himself, as well
+as of those under whose tuition he may happen to
+be, whether parents or governors. &mdash; Nature, and
+the writings of learned men, who from time to
+time have commented on all that has happened in
+nature, certainly afford sufficient matter to gratify
+the most enquiring mind, without descending to
+such mean trifling inquisitions, as can no way improve
+itself, and may be of prejudice to others.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+I have dwelt the longer on this head, because
+it seems to me, that on the <em>well</em>, or <em>ill direction</em> of
+that curiosity, which is inherent to us all, depends,
+in a great measure, the peace and happiness of
+society.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span>, like all children, uncircumscribed by
+precept, had not only a desire of prying into those
+things which it was his advantage to know, but
+also into those which he had much better have
+been totally ignorant of, and which the discovery
+of his being too well skilled in, frequently occasioned
+him much ill will, especially when he was
+found to have too far dived into those little secrets
+
+<a class="pb" name="page17" id="page17" title="17"></a>
+
+which will ever be among servants in large families.
+But reason was not ripe enough in him
+to enable him to distinguish between what were
+proper subjects for the exercise of this passion,
+and what were not so.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That impediment, however, which had hitherto
+retarded his departure being removed, he
+now set out for <span class="name">Eton</span>, under the conduct of the
+abovementioned kinsman, who placed him in a
+boarding-house very near the school, and took his
+leave, after having given him such admonitions as
+he thought necessary for a person of his years,
+when more intrusted to himself than he before
+had been.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But <span class="name">Natura</span> was not yet arrived at an age
+wherein it could be expected he should reap much
+benefit from advice. A settled resolution, and
+the power of judging what is our real interest to
+do, are the perfections of maturity, and happy is
+it for the few who even then attain them. &mdash; <em>Precept</em>
+must be constantly and artfully instilled to
+make any impression on the mind, and is rarely
+fixed there, till experience confirms it; therefore,
+as both these were wanting to form his behaviour,
+what could be hoped from it, but such a one as
+was conformable to the various passions which
+agitate human nature, and which every day grow
+stronger in us, at least till they have attained a
+certain crisis, after which they decay, in proportion
+as they increased.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As <em>wrath</em> is one of the most violent emotions
+of the soul, so I think it is one of the first that
+breaks out into effects: it owes its birth indeed to
+<em>pride</em>; for we are never angry, unless touched
+by a real, or imaginary insult; but, by the offspring
+
+<a class="pb" name="page18" id="page18" title="18"></a>
+
+chiefly is the parent seen. <em>Pride</em> seldom,
+I believe it may be said, <em>never</em>, wholly dies in us,
+tho' it may be concealed; whereas <em>wrath</em> diminishes
+as our <em>reason</em> increases, and seems intirely
+evaporated after the heat of youth is over: when
+a man therefore has divested himself of the <em>one</em>,
+no tokens are left to distinguish the <em>other</em>. &mdash;
+Sometimes, indeed, we shall see an extreme impetuosity,
+even to old age, but then, it is out of
+the ordinary course of nature, and besides, the person
+possessed of it must be endued with a small
+share of sound understanding, to give any marks
+of such a propensity remaining in him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is with the utmost justice, that by the system
+of the <em>christian</em> religion, <em>pride</em> is intitled the
+original sin, not only as it was that of the fallen
+angels, but also as it is certainly the fountain-head
+from which all our other vices are derived. &mdash; It
+is by the dictates of this pernicious passion we are
+inflamed with <em>wrath</em>, and wild ambition, &mdash; instigated
+to covetousness, &mdash; to envy, &mdash; to revenge,
+and in fine, to stop at nothing which tends to
+self-gratification, be our desires of what kind soever.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+During the school hours, <span class="name">Natura</span>, as well as
+the other young gentlemen, was under too much
+awe of the master to give any loose to his temper;
+but when these were over, and they went
+together into the fields, or any other place to divert
+themselves, frequent quarrels among them
+ensued; but above all between those who boarded
+in the same house; little jealousies concerning
+some imaginary preference given to the one more
+than the other, occasioned many bitter taunts and
+fleers, which sometimes rose to blows and bloody
+noses; so that the good people with whom they
+
+<a class="pb" name="page19" id="page19" title="19"></a>
+
+were, had enough to do, to keep them in any tolerable
+decorum.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There is also another branch of <em>pride</em> which
+is visible in all youth, before consideration takes
+place, and that is, treating with contempt whoever
+seems our inferior. &mdash; A boy who was allowed
+less money, or wore plainer cloaths, was sure
+to be the jest of all the rest. <span class="name">Natura</span> was equally
+guilty of this fault with his companions; but when
+the sarcasms became too severe, and the object of
+them appeared any way dejected, his generosity
+often got the better of his arrogance, and he would
+take part with the weakest side, even till he drew
+on himself part of those reflections he averted
+from the other; but this never happened without
+his resenting it with the utmost violence;
+for patience and forbearance were virtues not to
+be expected in this stage of life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He was a great lover of gaming, whether of
+chucking, tossing up for money, or cards, and extremely
+ill-humoured and quarrelsome whenever
+luck was not on his side; which shews, that whatever
+people may pretend, avarice is at the bottom,
+and occasions all the fondness so many testify
+for play.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As for the other ordinary diversions of youth,
+none could pursue them with more eagerness, nor
+was less deterred by any ill accident which befel
+either himself, or any of his companions; one
+of whom having been near drowning before his
+face, as they were swimming together, the sight
+did not hinder him from plunging into the same
+stream every day; nor could he be prevailed upon
+from ringing, as often as he had an opportunity,
+though he had been thrown one day by the breaking
+
+<a class="pb" name="page20" id="page20" title="20"></a>
+
+of the bell-rope, a great height from the
+ground, and in the fall dislocated his shoulder,
+and bruised his body all over. &mdash; But it is not to
+be wondered at, that boys should remember the
+misfortunes their pleasures have brought on them
+no longer than the smart continues, when men
+of the ripest, and sometimes most advanced years,
+are not to be warned from the gratification of
+their passions, by the worst, and most frequently
+repeated ills.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He, notwithstanding, made a very good progress
+in those things in which he was instructed,
+which as yet were only <span class="name">Latin</span> and <span class="name">Greek</span>; and
+when the time of breaking up arrived, and he
+returned to his father's house, none who examined
+him concerning his learning, could <ins class="unclear" title="Transcriber's Note: Original is missing the first letter">suspect</ins> there
+was either any want of application in himself, or
+care in his master.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+His three months of absence having rendered
+him a kind of stranger at home, his mother-in-law
+used him with somewhat more civility, and
+his father seemed highly satisfied with him; all
+his kindred and friends caressed him, and made
+him many little presents of such things as befitted
+his years; but that which crowned his felicity,
+was the company of a young girl, a near relation
+of his stepmother's, who was come to pass some
+time with her, and see <span class="name">London</span>, which she had
+never been in before.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page21" id="page21" title="21"></a>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="LPP13">
+<h3>CHAP. III.</h3>
+<div class="argument"><p>
+The early influence which the difference of sex excites,
+is here exemplified in the fond but innocent
+affection of <span class="name">Natura</span> and <span class="name">Delia</span>.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> being much of the same age with
+<span class="name">Delia</span> (for so I shall call her) and both equally
+playful, spirituous, and good-natured, it is hard
+to say which of them took the greatest delight in
+the society of the other. <span class="name">Natura</span> was never well
+out of the presence of <span class="name">Delia</span>, nor <span class="name">Delia</span> contented
+but when <span class="name">Natura</span> was with her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In walking, dancing, playing at cards, these
+amiable children were always partners; and it
+was remarkable, that in the latter of these diversions,
+<span class="name">Natura</span> was never uneasy at losing his money
+to <span class="name">Delia</span>, nor resented any little railleries she
+treated him with on account of his ill luck, or
+want of skill in the game, as he had been accustomed
+to do whenever he received the like from
+any of his companions. &mdash; So forcibly does the
+difference of sex operate, even before that difference
+is considered.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> was yet too young by much, to
+know wherefore he found in himself this complaisance,
+or how it came to pass, that he so
+much preferred a beautiful and good-humoured
+girl, to a boy possessed of the same qualifications;
+but he was not ignorant that he did so, and has
+often wondered (as he afterwards confessed) what
+it was that made him feel so much pleasure,
+whenever, in innocently romping together, he
+
+<a class="pb" name="page22" id="page22" title="22"></a>
+
+happened to catch hold of her in his arms;
+and what strange impulse it was, that rendered
+him so reluctant to part with her out of that posture,
+that she was obliged to struggle with all her
+strength to disengage herself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Hence it is plain, that the passion of love is
+part of our composition, implanted in the soul for
+the propagation of the world; and we ought not,
+in my opinion, to be too severe on the errors
+which, meerly and abstracted from any other motive
+than itself, it sometimes influences us to be
+guilty of. &mdash; The laws, indeed, which prohibit
+any amorous intercourse between the sexes, unless
+authored by the solemnities of marriage, are
+without all question, excellently well calculated
+for the good of society, because without such a
+restriction, there would be no such thing as order
+in the world. I am therefore far from thinking
+lightly of that truly sacred institution, when I say,
+that there are some cases, in which the pair so offending,
+merit rather our pity, than that abhorrence
+which those of a more rigid virtue, colder constitution,
+or less under the power of temptation,
+are apt to testify on such occasion.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Rarely, however, it happens, that love is
+guilty of any thing capable of being condemned,
+even by the most austere; most of the faults
+committed under that sanction, being in reality
+instigated by some other passion, such as avarice
+and ambition in the one sex, and a flame which
+is too often confounded and mistaken for a pure
+affection in the other. &mdash; Yet such is the ill-judging,
+or careless determination of the world, that
+without making any allowances for circumstances,
+it censures all indiscriminately alike.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page23" id="page23" title="23"></a>
+
+<p>
+The time prefixed for <span class="name">Natura</span>'s remaining
+with his father being but fourteen days, as they
+grew near expired, the family began to talk of his
+going, and orders were given to bespeak a place
+for him in the stage-coach: he had been extremely
+pleased with <span class="name">Eton</span>, nor had he met with
+any cause of disgust, either at the school or house
+where he was boarded, yet did the thoughts of
+returning thither give him as much disquiet as his
+young heart was capable of conceiving. &mdash; The
+parting from <span class="name">Delia</span> was terrible to him, and the
+nearer the cruel moment approached, the more his
+anxiety increased. &mdash; She seemed also grieved to
+lose so agreeable a companion, and would often
+tell him she wished he was to stay as long as <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note: Original has 'she she'">
+she</ins> did.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Though nothing could be more innocent
+than these declarations on both sides, yet what
+she said had such an effect on <span class="name">Natura</span>, that he
+resolved to delay his return to <span class="name">Eton</span> as long as
+possible; and that passion which he already felt
+the symptoms of, though equally ignorant of their
+nature or end, being always fertile in invention,
+put a stratagem into his head, which he flattered
+himself would succeed for a somewhat farther continuance
+of his present happiness.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The day before that prefixed for his going, he
+pretended a violent pain in his head and stomach,
+and to give the greater credit to his pretended
+indisposition, would eat nothing; and as it drew
+toward evening, cried out he was very sick, and
+must go to bed. &mdash; His father, who had the most
+tender affection for him, could not think of sending
+him away in that condition. &mdash; He went in
+the morning to his bedside, and finding him, as
+he imagined, a little feverish, presently ordered a
+
+<a class="pb" name="page24" id="page24" title="24"></a>
+
+physician, who did not fail to countenance the
+young gentleman's contrivance, either that he
+really thought him out of order, or that he had
+rendered himself so in good earnest, through abstaining
+from food, a thing very uncommon with
+him. A prescription was sent to the apothecary
+for him, and a certain regimen directed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But poor <span class="name">Natura</span> soon found this did not answer
+his purpose: &mdash; he was in the same house indeed
+with his beloved <span class="name">Delia</span>, but had not the
+pleasure of her company, nor even that of barely
+seeing her, she being forbid going near his chamber,
+on account of the apprehensions they had
+that his complaint might terminate in a fever, and
+endanger her health.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This, however, was more than he knew, and
+resentment for her supposed indifference, joined
+with the weariness of living in the manner he
+did, made him resolve to grow well again, and
+chuse to go to <span class="name">Eton</span>, rather than suffer so much
+for one who seemed so little to regard him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Accordingly, when they brought him
+something had been ordered for him to take, he
+refused it, saying, he had not occasion for any
+more physic, and immediately got up, and dressed
+himself, in spite of all the servant that attended
+him could do to prevent it. &mdash; Word being carried
+to his father of what he was doing, he imagined
+him delirious, and immediately got up, and
+went into his room, nor though he found him
+intirely cool, could be perswaded from his first
+opinion. &mdash; The doctor was again sent for, who
+unwilling to lose his perquisite, made a long harangue
+on the nature of internal fevers, and very
+learnedly proved, or seemed to prove, that they
+
+<a class="pb" name="page25" id="page25" title="25"></a>
+
+might operate so far as to affect the brain, without
+the least outward symptom.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> could not forbear laughing within
+himself, to hear this great man so much mistaken;
+but when they told him he must take his physic,
+and go to bed, or at least be confined to his chamber,
+he absolutely refused both, and said he was
+as well as ever he was in his life. &mdash; All he said,
+however, availed nothing, and his father was
+about to make use of his authority to force him
+to obedience to the doctor's prescription, when
+finding no other way to avoid it, he fell on his
+knees, and with tears in his eyes, confessed he
+had only counterfeited sickness, to delay being
+sent to <span class="name">Eton</span> again; begged his father to forgive
+him; said he was sorry for having attempted to
+deceive him, but was ready to go whenever he
+pleased.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The father was strangely amazed at the trick
+had been put upon him; and after some severe
+reprimands on the occasion, asked what he had
+to complain of at <span class="name">Eton</span>, that had rendered him so
+unwilling to return. <span class="name">Natura</span> hesitated at this
+demand, but could not find in his heart to forge
+any unjust accusation concerning his usage at that
+place, and at last said, that indeed it was only
+because he had a mind to stay a little longer at
+home with him. On which he told him he was
+an idle boy, but he must not expect that wheedle
+would serve his turn; for since he was not sick,
+he must go to school the next day: <span class="name">Natura</span> renewed
+his intreaties for pardon, and assured him
+he now desired nothing more than to do as he
+commanded.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This story made a great noise in the family,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page26" id="page26" title="26"></a>
+
+and the mother-in-law did not fail to represent it
+in its worst colours to every one that came to the
+house; but <span class="name">Natura</span> having obtained forgiveness
+from his father, did not give himself much trouble
+as to the rest. &mdash; <span class="name">Delia</span> seemed rejoiced to see
+him come down stairs again, but he looked shy
+upon her, and told her he could not have thought
+she would have been so unkind as not to have
+come to see him; but on her acquainting him
+with the reason of her absence, and protesting
+it was not her fault, he grew as fond of her as
+ever; and among a great many other tender expressions,
+<q>I wish,</q> said he, <q>I were a man, and you
+a woman.</q> &mdash; <q>Why?</q> returned she; <q>because,</q> cried
+he, <q>we would be married.</q> &mdash; <q>O fye,</q> answered
+the little coquet, <q>I should hate you, if you thought of
+any such thing; for I will never be married.</q> Then
+turned away with an affected scornfulness, and yet
+looked kindly enough upon him from the corner
+of one eye. &mdash; <q>I am sure,</q> resumed he, <q>if you loved
+me as well as I do you, you would like to be married
+to me, for then we should be always together.</q> &mdash; He
+was going on with something farther in this innocent
+courtship, when some one or other of the
+family, coming into the room, broke it off; and
+whether it was resumed afterwards, or not, I cannot
+pretend to determine, nor whether he had
+opportunity to take any particular leave of her before
+his departure, which happened, as his father
+had threatened, the succeeding day.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page27" id="page27" title="27"></a>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="LPP14">
+<h3>CHAP. IV.</h3>
+<div class="argument"><p>
+Shews, that till we arrive at a certain age, the
+impressions made on us are easily erased; and
+also that when those which bear the name of love
+are once rooted in the mind, there are no lengths
+to which we may not be transported by that passion,
+if great care is not taken to prevent its
+getting the ascendant over reason.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>
+The change of scene did not make any change
+in the sentiments of our young lover: <span class="name">Delia</span>
+was always in his head, and none of the diversions
+he took with his companions could banish
+her from his thoughts; yet did she not so wholly
+engross his attention, as to render him remiss in
+his studies; his ambition, as I said before, would
+not suffer him to neglect the means of acquiring
+praise, and nothing was so insupportable to him
+as to find at any time another boy had merited a
+greater share of it: by which we may perceive
+that this very passion, unruly as it is, and in spite
+of the mischiefs it sometimes occasions, is also
+bestowed upon us for our emolument; and when
+properly directed, is the greatest excitement to all
+that is noble and generous, <span class="name">Natura</span> seldom had
+the mortification of seeing any of the same standing
+with himself placed above him; and whenever
+such an accident happened, he was sure to
+retrieve it by an extraordinary assiduity.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But to shew that love and business are not
+wholly incompatible, his attachment to <span class="name">Delia</span> did
+not take him off his learning, nor did his application
+to learning make him forgetful of <span class="name">Delia</span>.
+
+<a class="pb" name="page28" id="page28" title="28"></a>
+
+He frequently thought of her, wished to see her,
+and longed for the next breaking-up, that he might
+re-enjoy that satisfaction, as he knew she intended
+to stay the whole winter at his father's; but now
+arrived the time to prove the inconstancy of
+human nature: he became acquainted with some
+other little misses, and by degrees found charms
+in them, which made those he had observed in
+<span class="name">Delia</span> appear less admirable in his eyes; the fondness
+he had felt for her being in reality instigated
+chiefly by being the only one of his own age he
+had conversed with, a more general acquaintance
+with others not only wore off the impression she
+had made, but also kept him from receiving too
+deep a one from the particular perfections of any
+of those he now was pleased with: &mdash; it is likely,
+however, that the sight of her might have revived
+in him some part of his former tenderness, had he
+found her, as he expected he should, on his next
+coming to <span class="name">London</span>: but an elder sister she had in
+the country, happening to die, she was sent for
+home, in order to console their mother for that
+loss; so that he had not any trial on that account;
+and tho' he thought he should have been glad of
+her society, during his stay in town, yet her absence
+gave him small anxiety; and the variety of
+company which came to the house on account of
+the baptism of a little son his mother-in-law had
+lately brought into the world, very well atoned
+for the want of <span class="name">Delia</span>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nothing material happening to him during
+his stay in town at this time, nor in any other of
+the many visits he made his father while he continued
+at <span class="name">Eton</span>, I shall pass over those years, and
+only say, that as he grew nearer to manhood, his
+passions gathered strength in proportion; and tho'
+he increased in knowledge, yet it was not that
+
+<a class="pb" name="page29" id="page29" title="29"></a>
+
+sort of knowledge which enables us to judge of
+the emotions we feel within ourselves, or to set
+curbs on those, which to indulge renders us liable
+to inconveniences.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+All those propensities, of which he gave such
+early indications, and which I attempted to describe
+in the beginning of this book, now displayed
+themselves with greater vigour, and according as
+exterior objects presented, or circumstances excited,
+ruled with alternate sway: sparing sometimes
+to niggardliness, at others profusely liberal; &mdash; now
+pleased, now angry; &mdash; submissive this moment,
+arrogant and assuming the next; &mdash; seldom in a
+perfect calm, and frequently agitated to excess. &mdash;
+Hence arose contests and quarrels, even with those
+whose company in some humours he was most delighted
+with; &mdash; insolence to such whose way of
+thinking did not happen to tally with his own,
+and as partial an attachment to those who either
+did, or pretended to enter into his sentiments.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But as it was only in trivial matters, and such
+as were meerly boyish, he yet had opportunity of
+exercising the passions, his behaviour only served
+to shew what man would be, when arrived at
+maturity, if not restrained by precept.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He had attained to little more than sixteen
+years of age, when he had gone through all the
+learning of the school, and was what they call
+fit for the university, to which his father not intending
+him for the study of any particular science,
+did not think it necessary to send him, but rather
+to bestow on him those other accomplishments,
+which are immediately expected from a gentleman
+of an estate; such as fencing, dancing, and music,
+and accordingly provided masters to instruct
+
+<a class="pb" name="page30" id="page30" title="30"></a>
+
+him in each, as soon as he came home, which
+was about the time of life I mentioned.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As he was now past the age of being treated as
+a meer child, and also knew better how it would
+become him to behave to the wife of his father,
+his mother-in-law seemed to live with him in harmony
+enough, and the family at least was not divided
+into parties as it had been, and eighteen or
+nineteen months past over, without any rub in
+our young gentleman's tranquility.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Since his childish affection for <span class="name">Delia</span>, he had
+not been possessed of what could be called a strong
+inclination for any particular female; though, as
+many incidents in his life afterwards proved, he
+had a no less amorous propensity than any of his
+sex, and was equally capable of going the greatest
+lengths for its gratification.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He was but just turned of nineteen, when happening
+to pass by the playhouse one evening, he
+took it into his head to go in, and see the last act
+of a very celebrated tragedy acted that night. &mdash;
+But it was not the poet's or the player's art which
+so much engaged his attention, as the numerous
+and gay assembly which filled every part of the
+house. &mdash; He was in the back bench of one of the
+front boxes, from which he had a full prospect of
+all who sat below: &mdash; but in throwing his eyes
+around on every dazzling belle, he found none so
+agreeable to him as a young lady who was placed
+in the next division of the box: &mdash; her age did
+not seem to exceed his own, and tho' less splendid
+in garb and jewels than several who sat near her,
+had something in her eyes and air, that, in his opinion,
+at least, infinitely exceeded them all.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page31" id="page31" title="31"></a>
+
+<p>
+When the curtain dropt, and every one was
+crowding out as fast they could, he lost not sight
+of her; and finding when they came out to the
+door, that she, and a companion she had with
+her, somewhat older than herself, seemed distressed
+for chairs, which by reason of the great concourse,
+seemed difficult to be got, he took the
+opportunity, in a very polite manner, to offer
+himself for their protector, as he perceived they
+had neither friend nor servant with them. They
+accepted it with a great deal of seeming modesty,
+and he conducted them through a passage belonging
+to the house which he knew was less thronged,
+and thence put them into a hackney coach, having
+first obtained their permission to attend them
+to their lodgings, or wherever else they pleased to
+be set down.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When they arrived at the place to which they
+gave the coachman a direction, he would have
+taken leave of them at the door; but they joined
+in entreating him, that since he had been at the
+pains of bringing them safe home, he would come
+in and refresh himself with such as their apartment
+could supply: there required little invitation to a
+thing his heart so sincerely wished, tho' his fears
+of being thought too presuming, would not suffer
+him to ask it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He went up stairs, and found rooms decently
+furnished, and a maid-servant immediately spread
+the table with a genteel cold collation; but what
+he looked upon as the most elegant part of the
+entertainment, was the agreeable chit-chat during
+the time of supper, and a song the lady who had
+so much attracted him, gave him, at her friend's
+request, after the cloth was taken away.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page32" id="page32" title="32"></a>
+
+<p>
+It growing late, his fears of offending where
+he already had such an inclination to oblige,
+made him about to take his leave; but could not
+do it without intreating permission to wait on
+them the next day, to receive pardon, as he said,
+for having by his long stay, broke in upon the
+hours should have been devoted to repose. Tho'
+this compliment, and indeed all the others he had
+made, were directed to both, the regard his eyes
+paid to the youngest, easily shewed the preference
+he secretly gave to her; and as neither of these
+women wanted experience in such affairs, knew
+very well how to make the most of any advantage.
+<q>If this lodging were mine,</q> replied the eldest
+briskly, <q>I should have anticipated the request you
+make; but as I am only a guest, and take part of
+my friend's bed to-night on account of the hour,
+will take upon me to say, she ought not to refuse
+greater favours to so accomplished a gentleman, and
+from whom we have received so much civility.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> did not fail to answer this gallantry
+in a proper manner, and departed highly satisfied
+with his adventure; tho' <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note: Original has 'probaby'">probably</ins> could
+find less reasons for being so, than those with
+whom he thought it the greatest happiness of his
+life to have become acquainted.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Wonderful are the workings of love on a
+young heart: pleasure has the same effect as pain,
+and permits as little rest: it was not in the power
+of <span class="name">Natura</span> to close his eyes for a long time after
+he went to bed. &mdash; He recollected every thing the
+dear creature had said; &mdash; in what manner she
+looked, when speaking such or such a thing; &mdash;
+how inchanting she sang, and what a genteelness
+accompanied all she did: &mdash; when he fell into a
+slumber, it was only to bring her more perfectly
+
+<a class="pb" name="page33" id="page33" title="33"></a>
+
+into his mind; whatever had past in the few
+hours he had been with her, returned, with additional
+graces on her part, and her idea had in sleep
+all the effect her real presence could have had in
+waking.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With what care did he dress himself the next
+day: &mdash; what fears was he not possessed of, lest all
+about him should not be exact: &mdash; never yet had
+he consulted the great glass with such assiduity; &mdash;
+never till now examined how far he had been indebted
+to nature for personal endowments.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+His impatience would have carried him to pay
+a morning visit, but he feared that would be too
+great a freedom, and therefore restrained himself
+till after dinner, though what he eat could scarce
+be called so; the food his <em>mind</em> languished for, being
+wanting, the body was too complaisant to indulge
+itself. &mdash; After rising from table, not a minute
+passed without looking on his watch, and at
+the same time cursing the tedious seconds, which
+seemed to him increased from sixty to six hundred.
+&mdash; The hour of five at length put an end to his
+suspence, and he took his way to the dear, well-remembered
+mansion of his adorable.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He found her at home, and in a careless, but
+most becoming dishabillee; the other lady was
+still with her; and told him she had tarried thus
+long with Miss <span class="name">Harriot</span>, for so she called her,
+meerly to participate of the pleasure of his good
+company. <span class="name">Harriot</span>, in a gay manner, accused her
+of envy, and both having a good share of wit,
+the conversation might have been pleasing enough
+to a man less prepossessed than <span class="name">Natura</span>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The tea equipage was set, and the ceremony
+
+<a class="pb" name="page34" id="page34" title="34"></a>
+
+of that being over, cards were proposed; as they
+were three, <span class="name">Ombre</span> was the game, at which they
+played some hours, and <span class="name">Natura</span> was asked to sup.
+&mdash; After what I have said, I believe the reader
+has no occasion to be told that he complied with
+a pleasure which was but too visible in his eyes.
+&mdash; The time passed insensibly on, or at least seemed
+to do so to the friend of <span class="name">Harriot</span>, till the watchman
+reminding her it was past eleven, she started
+up, and pretending a surprize, that the night was
+so far advanced, told <span class="name">Natura</span> that she must exact
+a second proof of that gallantry he had shewn the
+night before, for she had not courage to go either
+in a chair or a coach alone at that late hour: &mdash; this
+doubtless was what he would have offered, had
+she been silent on the occasion; and a coach being
+ordered to the door, he took leave of miss
+<span class="name">Harriot</span>, though not till he had obtained leave to
+testify his respects in some future visits.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Had <span class="name">Natura</span> appeared to have more experience
+of the town, the lady he gallanted home would
+certainly not have entertained him with the discourse
+she did; but his extreme youth, and the
+modest manner of his behaviour on the first sight
+of him, convinced them he was a person such as
+they wished to have in their power, and to that
+end had concerted measures between themselves,
+to perfect the conquest which, it was easy to perceive,
+one of them had begun to make over him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Harriot</span> being the person with whom they
+found he was enamoured, it was the business of
+the other to do for her what, it may be supposed,
+she would have done for her on the like occasion.
+&mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span> was no sooner in the coach with
+her, than she began to magnify the charms of her
+fair friend, but above all extolled her virtue, her
+
+<a class="pb" name="page35" id="page35" title="35"></a>
+
+prudence, and good humour: &mdash; then, as if only
+to give a proof of her patience and fortitude, that
+her parents dying when she was an infant, had
+left her with a vast fortune in the hands of a
+guardian, who attempting to defraud her of the
+greatest part, she was now at law with him, <q>and
+is obliged to live, till the affair is decided,</q> said this
+artful woman, <q>in the narrow manner you see, &mdash;
+without a coach, &mdash; without any equipage; and yet
+she bears it all with chearfulness: &mdash; she has a multiplicity
+of admirers,</q> added she, <q>but she assures all
+of them, that she will never marry, till she knows
+what present she shall be able to give with herself
+to the man she shall make choice of.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Till now <span class="name">Natura</span> had never asked himself
+the question how far his passion for <span class="name">Harriot</span> extended,
+or with what view he should address her;
+but when he heard she was a woman of condition,
+and would have a fortune answerable to her birth,
+he began to think it would be happy for him if
+he could obtain her love on the most honourable
+terms.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It would be too tedious to relate all the particulars
+of his courtship; so I shall only say, that
+humble and timid as the first emotions of a sincere
+passion are, he was emboldened, by the extraordinary
+complaisance of <span class="name">Harriot</span>, to declare it to
+her in a few days. &mdash; The art with which she
+managed on this occasion, might have deceived
+the most knowing in the sex; it is not, therefore,
+surprizing, that he should be caught in a snare,
+which, though ruinous as it had like to have been,
+had in it allurements scarce possible to be withstood
+at his time of life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was by such degrees as the most modest virgin
+
+<a class="pb" name="page36" id="page36" title="36"></a>
+
+need not blush to own, that she confessed herself
+sensible of an equal tenderness for him; and nothing
+is more strange, than that in the transport
+he was in, at the condescensions she made him,
+that he did not immediately press for the consummation
+of his happiness by marriage; but
+tho' he wished for nothing so much, yet he was
+with-held by the fears of his father, who he
+thought would not approve of such a step, as the
+fortune he imagined she had a right to, was yet
+undetermined, and himself, tho' an elder son, and
+the undoubted heir of a very good estate, at present
+wholly dependant on him. &mdash; He communicated
+his sentiments to <span class="name">Harriot</span> on this head with
+the utmost sincerity, protesting at the same time
+that he should never enjoy a moment's tranquility
+till he could call her his own.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She seemed to approve of the caution he testified;
+&mdash; said it was such as she had always resolved religiously
+to observe herself; <q>tho' I know
+not,</q> cried she, looking on him with the most passionate
+air, <q>how far I might have been tempted to
+break thro' all for your sake; but it is well one of
+us is wise enough to foresee and tremble at the consequences
+of a marriage between two persons whose
+fortunes are unestablished.</q> &mdash; Then, finding he
+made her no other answer than some kisses, accompanied
+with a strenuous embrace, she went
+on; <q>there is a way,</q> resumed she, <q>to secure us to
+each other, without danger of disobliging any body;
+and that is by a contract: I never can be easy,
+while I think there is a possibility of your transferring
+your affection to some other, and if you love
+me with half that degree of tenderness you pretend,
+you cannot but feel the same anxiety.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> was charmed with this proposition,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page37" id="page37" title="37"></a>
+
+and it was agreed between them, that her lawyer
+should draw up double contracts in form,
+which should be signed and delivered interchangeably
+by both parties. Accordingly, the very next
+day, the fatal papers were prepared, and he subscribed
+his name to that which was to remain in
+her custody, as she did her's to that given to
+him. Each being witnessed by the woman with
+whom he first became acquainted with her, and
+another person called into the room for that
+purpose.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> now considering her as his wife,
+thought himself intitled to take greater liberties
+than he had ever presumed to do before, and she
+had also a kind of a pretence for permitting them,
+till at last there remained nothing more for him
+to ask, or her to grant.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Enjoyment made no abatement in his passion;
+his fondness was rather increased by it, and
+he never thought himself happy, but when with
+her; he went to her almost every night, and
+sometimes passed all night with her, having made
+an interest with one of the servants, who let him
+in at whatever hour he came: &mdash; so totally did she
+engross his mind, that he seemed to have not the
+least attention for any thing beside: nor was the
+time he wasted with her all the prejudice she did
+him: &mdash; all the allowance made him by his father
+for cloaths and other expences, he dissipated in
+treats and presents to her, running in debt for
+every thing he had occasion for.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But this was insufficient for her expectations;
+she wanted a sum of money, and pretending that
+her law-suit required a hundred guineas immediately,
+and that some remittances she was to
+
+<a class="pb" name="page38" id="page38" title="38"></a>
+
+have from the country would come too late, told
+him he must raise it for her some way or other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This demand was a kind of thunder-stroke to
+<span class="name">Natura</span>; not but he doated on her enough to have
+sacrificed infinitely more to her desires, if in his
+power; but what she asked seemed so wholly out
+of reach, that he knew not any way by which
+there was the least probability of attaining it. The
+embarrassment that appeared in his countenance
+made her see it was not so easy for him to grant,
+as it was for her to ask. <q>I should have wanted
+courage,</q> said she, <q>to have made you this request,
+had I not considered that what is mine must one
+day be yours, and it will be your own unhappiness
+as well as mine, should my cause miscarry for want
+of means to carry it on.</q> &mdash; <q>Severe necessity!</q> added
+she, letting fall some tears, <q>that reduces me to intreat
+favours where I could wish only to bestow them.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+These words destroyed all the remains of prudence
+his love had left in him; he embraced her,
+kissed away her tears, and assured her that though,
+as he was under age, and had but a small allowance
+from his father, it was not at this time very
+easy for him to comply with her demand, yet she
+might depend upon him for the money the next
+day, let it cost what it would, or whatever should
+be the consequence.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He left her that night much sooner than was
+his custom, in order to consult within himself on
+the means of fulfilling his promise to her, which,
+to have failed in, would have been more terrible
+to him than death.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page39" id="page39" title="39"></a>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="LPP15">
+<h3>CHAP. V.</h3>
+<div class="argument"><p>
+That to indulge any one fault, brings with it
+the temptation of committing others, is demonstrated
+by the behaviour of <span class="name">Natura</span>, and the misfortunes
+and disgrace which an ill-judged shame had like
+to have involved him in.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>
+Never had <span class="name">Natura</span> experienced so cruel a
+night; a thousand stratagems came into his
+head, but for some reason or other all seemed alike
+impracticable, and the morning found him in no
+more easy a situation. &mdash; He put on his cloaths
+hastily, and resolved to go to all the acquaintance
+he had in the world, and try the friendship of
+each, by borrowing what sums he thought they
+might be able to spare: but first, going into his
+father's closet, as was his custom every morning
+to pay his duty to him, he found a person with
+him who was paying him a large sum of money:
+the sight of what he so much wanted filled him
+with inexpressible agitations: &mdash; he would have
+given almost a limb to have had in his possession
+so much of that shining ore as <span class="name">Harriot</span> expected
+from him; and wished that some sudden accident,
+even to the falling of the house, would happen,
+that in the confusion he might seize on some
+part of the treasure he saw before him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The person, after the affair which brought
+him there was over, took leave of the father of
+<span class="name">Natura</span>, who having thrown the money into his
+bureau, to a large heap was there before, waited
+on him down stairs, without staying to lock the
+drawer.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page40" id="page40" title="40"></a>
+
+<p>
+Often had <span class="name">Natura</span> been present when his father
+received larger sums than this, and doubtless
+had the same opportunity as now to make himself
+master of some part, or all of it; but never till
+this unhappy exigence had the least temptation to
+do so. &mdash; It came into his head that the accident
+was perfectly providential, and that he ought not
+to neglect the only means by which he could perform
+his promise; &mdash; that his father could very well
+spare the sum he wanted, and that it was only taking
+before the time what by inheritance must be
+his own hereafter. &mdash; In this imagination he opened
+the drawer, and was about to pursue his intention,
+when he recollected that the money would
+certainly be missed, and either the fault be laid
+upon some innocent person, who might suffer for
+his crime; or he himself would be suspected of a
+thing, which, in this second thought, he found so
+mean and wicked, that he was shocked almost
+to death, for having been capable of even a wish
+to be guilty of it. &mdash; He shut the drawer again, &mdash;
+turned himself away, and was in the utmost confusion
+of mind, when his father returned into the
+room; which shews that there is a native honesty
+in the human nature, which nothing but a long
+practice of base actions can wholly eradicate: and
+I dare believe that even those we see most hardened
+in vice, have felt severe struggles within
+themselves at first, and have often looked back
+upon the paths of virtue, wishing, tho' fruitlesly,
+to return.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span>, however, did not give over his
+pursuit of the means of performing his promise:
+on the contrary, he thought himself obliged by
+all the ties of love, honour, and even self-interest,
+to do it; but difficult as he believed the task
+would be, he found it much more so than he could
+
+<a class="pb" name="page41" id="page41" title="41"></a>
+
+even have imagined: his intimacy being only
+with such, as being much of his own age, and like
+him were at an allowance from their parents or
+guardians, it was not in the power of any of
+them to contribute a large sum toward making
+up that he wanted; the most he got from any
+one being no more than five guineas, and all he
+raised among the whole amounted to no more
+than twenty, and some odd pounds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Distracted with his ill fortune, he ventured
+to go to an uncle he had by the mother's side,
+and after many complaints of his father's parsimony,
+told him, that having been drawn into
+some expences, which, though not extravagant,
+were more than his little purse could supply, he
+had broke into some money given him to pay his
+taylor, whom he feared would demand it of his
+father, and he knew not how far the ill-will of
+his mother-in-law might exaggerate the matter;
+concluding with an humble petition for twenty
+guineas, which he told him he would faithfully
+return by degrees.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As <span class="name">Natura</span> had the character of a sober youth,
+the good old gentleman was moved by the distress
+he saw him in, and readily granted his request,
+tho' not without some admonitions to confine
+for the future his expences to his allowance, be
+it ever so small.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus <span class="name">Natura</span> having with all his diligence not
+been able to raise quite half of the sum in question,
+was quite distracted what to do, and as he
+afterwards owned, more than once repented him
+of those scruples which had prevented him from
+serving himself at once out of his father's purse;
+tho' had the same opportunity again presented itself,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page42" id="page42" title="42"></a>
+
+it is scarce possible to believe by the rest of
+his behaviour, that he would have made use of
+it, or if he had, that he could have survived the
+shame and remorse it would have caused in him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In his desperation he ran at last to the house
+of a noted money-scrivener, a great acquaintance
+of the family, and in his whose hands his father
+frequently reposed his ready cash: to this man he
+communicates his distress, and easily prevails
+with him to let him have fifty pounds, on giving him
+a note to pay him an hundred for it when he
+should come of age, his father having said he
+would then make a settlement on him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This, however, was still somewhat short of
+what <span class="name">Harriot</span> had demanded; but he left his
+watch at a pawn-broker's for the rest; and having
+compleated the sum, went transported with joy,
+and threw it into the lap of that idol of his soul;
+after which, he was for some days perfectly at
+ease, indulging himself with all he at present
+wished for, and losing no time in thought of what
+might happen to interrupt his happiness.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But while he battened in the sun-shine of his
+pleasures, storms of vexation were gathering over
+his head, which, when he least expected such a
+shock, poured all their force upon him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The first time his uncle happened to see his
+father, he fell on the topic of the necessity there
+was for young gentlemen born to estates, and educated
+in a liberal manner, to be enabled to keep
+his equals company; adding, that if the parsimony
+of a parent, denied them an allowance,
+agreeable to their rank, it might either drive them
+to ill courses, or force them to associate themselves
+
+<a class="pb" name="page43" id="page43" title="43"></a>
+
+only with mean, low-bred people, among whom
+they might lose all the politeness had been inculcated
+into them. The father of <span class="name">Natura</span>, well
+knowing he had nothing to answer for on this
+account, never suspected this discourse was directed
+to him in particular, and joined in his brother-in-law's
+opinion, heartily blaming those parents,
+who, by being too sparing to their children, destroyed
+all natural affection in them, and gave
+them some sort of an excuse for wishing for their
+death: &mdash; he thanked God he was not of that disposition,
+and then told him what he allowed <span class="foreign">per</span>
+quarter to <span class="name">Natura</span>, <q>with which,</q> added he, <q>I believe
+he is intirely satisfied.</q> The other replying, that
+indeed he thought it more than sufficient, the conversation
+dropped; but what sentiments he now
+began to conceive of his nephew it is easy to conceive;
+the father however thought no farther of
+this, till soon after the scrivener came to wait on
+him: &mdash; he was a perfect honest man, and had
+lent <span class="name">Natura</span> the money meerly to prevent his applying
+to some other person, who possibly might
+have taken advantage of his thoughtlessness, so far
+as even to have brought on his utter ruin, too
+many such examples daily happening in the world:
+to deter him also from going on in this course, he
+demanded that exorbitant interest for his money
+abovementioned, which, notwithstanding, as he
+assured his father, in relating to him the whole
+transaction, he was far from any intention to
+make him pay.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Never was astonishment greater than that in
+which the father of <span class="name">Natura</span> was now involved;
+&mdash; the discourse of his brother-in-law now came
+fresh into his mind, and he recollected some words
+which, tho' he did not observe at the time they
+were spoken, now convinced him had a meaning
+
+<a class="pb" name="page44" id="page44" title="44"></a>
+
+which he could not have imagined there was any
+room for. &mdash; He had no sooner parted from the
+scrivener, than he flew to that gentleman, and
+having related to him what had passed between him
+and the scrivener, conjured him, if he could give
+him any farther lights into the affair, not to keep
+him in ignorance: on which the other thought it
+his duty to conceal nothing, either of the complaints,
+or request had been made him by his nephew:
+&mdash; after some exclamations on the extravagance
+and thoughtlessness of youth, the afflicted
+father went in search of more discoveries, which
+he found it but too easy to make among the
+tradesmen, all of whom he found had been unpaid
+for some time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It would be needless to go about to make any
+description of the confusion of mind he was in:
+&mdash; he shut himself in his closet, uncertain for some
+time how he should proceed; at last, as he considered
+there was not a possibility of reclaiming
+his son from whatever vice had led him thus all
+at once into such extravagancies, without first
+knowing what kind of vice it was; he resolved
+to talk to him, and penetrate, if possible, into the
+source of this evil.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Accordingly the next morning he went
+into the chamber where <span class="name">Natura</span> was yet in bed;
+and began to entertain him in the manner he had
+proposed to himself: &mdash; first, he let him know,
+that he was not unacquainted with every step he
+had taken for raising a sum, which he could not
+conceive he had any occasion for, as well as his
+having with-held the money he had given him to
+discharge his tradesmen's bills: &mdash; then proceeded
+to set before his eyes the folly and danger of having
+hid, at his years, any secrets from a parent;
+
+<a class="pb" name="page45" id="page45" title="45"></a>
+
+concluding with telling him, he had yet a heart
+capable or forgiving what was past, provided he
+would behave in a different manner for the future.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+What <span class="name">Natura</span> felt at finding so much of
+what he had done revealed to his father, was
+greatly alleviated, by perceiving that the main
+thing, his engagement with <span class="name">Harriot</span>, was a secret
+to him: &mdash; he did not fail to make large promises
+of being a better &#339;conomist, nor to express the
+most dutiful gratitude for the pardon the good
+old gentleman so readily offered; but this he told
+him was not sufficient to deserve a re-establishment
+in his favour, he must also give him a faithful
+account by what company, and for what purposes
+he had been induced to such ill husbandry;
+<q>for,</q> added he, <q>without a sincere confession of the
+motives of our past transactions, there can be little
+assurances of future amendment.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> to this only answered, that it was
+impossible to recount the particulars of his expences,
+and made so many evasions, on his father's
+still continuing to press his being more explicit,
+that he easily perceived there would be no coming
+at the truth by gentle means; and therefore,
+throwing off at once a tenderness so ineffectual,
+he assumed all the authority of an offended parent,
+and told the trembling <span class="name">Natura</span>, that since
+he knew not how to behave as a <em>son</em>, he should
+cease to be a <em>father</em>, in every thing but in his authority:
+&mdash; <q>be assured,</q> said be, <q>I shall take sure
+measures to prevent you from bringing either ruin
+or disgrace upon a family of which you are the first
+profligate: &mdash; this chamber must be your prison,
+till I have considered in what fashion I shall dispose
+of you.</q>
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page46" id="page46" title="46"></a>
+
+<p>
+With these words he flung out of the room,
+locking the door after him; so that when <span class="name">Natura</span>
+rose, as he immediately did, he found himself
+indeed under confinement, which seemed so
+shameful a thing to him, that he was ready to tear
+himself in pieces: &mdash; it was not the grief of having
+offended so good a father, but the disgrace of
+the punishment inflicted on him, which gave him
+the most poignant anguish, and far from feeling
+any true contrition, he was all rage and madness,
+which having no means to vent in words, discovered
+itself in sullenness: &mdash; when the servant to
+whom he intrusted the key came in to bring him
+food, he refused to eat, and could scarce restrain
+himself from throwing in the man's face what he
+had brought.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is certain, that while under this circumstance,
+he was agitated at once by every different
+unruly passion: &mdash; pride, anger, spleen, thinking
+himself a man, at finding the treatment of a <em>boy</em>,
+made him almost hate the person from whom he
+received it. &mdash; The apprehensions what farther
+meaning might be couched in the menace with
+which his father left him, threw him sometimes
+into a terror little different from convulsive; &mdash;
+but above all, his impatience for seeing his dear
+<span class="name">Harriot</span>, and the surprize, the grief, and perhaps
+the resentment, he imagined she must feel on his
+absenting himself, drove him into a kind of despair.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In fine, unable to sustain the violence of his
+agitations, on the third night, regardless of what
+consequences might ensue from giving this additional
+cause of displeasure to his father, he found
+means to push back the lock of his chamber, and
+flew down stairs, and out at the street-door with
+
+<a class="pb" name="page47" id="page47" title="47"></a>
+
+so much speed, that it would have been impossible
+to have stopped him, had any one heard him,
+which none happened to do, it being midnight,
+and all the family in a sound sleep.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That he went directly to the lodgings of
+<span class="name">Harriot</span>, I believe my reader will make no doubt;
+but perhaps her character does not yet enough
+appear, to give any suspicion of the reception he
+found there.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In effect, she was no other than one of those
+common creatures, who procure a miserable subsistance
+by the prostitution of their charms; and
+as nature had not been sparing to her on that
+score, and she was yet young, though less so than
+she appeared thro' art, she wanted not a number
+of gallants, who all contributed, more or less,
+to her living in the manner she did: several of these
+had happened to come when <span class="name">Natura</span> was with
+her; but she having had the precaution to acquaint
+them with her design of drawing in this young
+spark for a husband, they took the cue she gave
+them, each passing before him either for a cousin,
+or one of the lawyers employed in her pretended
+suit.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was with one of these equally happy, tho'
+less deluded rivals of <span class="name">Natura</span>, that finding he did
+not come, she had agreed to pass this night; and
+her maid, as the servants of such women, for the
+most part, imitate their mistresses, happened to be
+at the door, either about to introduce, or let out
+a lover of her own; &mdash; the sight of a man at that
+time of night, with one who belonged to his beloved,
+immediately fired <span class="name">Natura</span> with jealousy: &mdash;
+he seized the fellow by the collar, and in a voice
+hoarse with rage, asked him what business he had
+
+<a class="pb" name="page48" id="page48" title="48"></a>
+
+there? To which the other replied only with a
+blow on the face, the wench shrieked out, but
+<span class="name">Natura</span> was either stronger or more nimble than
+his competitor; he presently tripped up his heels,
+and ran up stairs. &mdash; <span class="name">Harriot</span> and her lover hearing
+somewhat of a scuffle, the latter started out
+of bed, and opened the chamber-door, in order
+to listen what had occasioned it, just as <span class="name">Natura</span>
+had reached the stair-case. &mdash; If his soul was inflamed
+before, what must it now have been, to
+see a man in his shirt, and just risen from the arms
+of <span class="name">Harriot</span>, who still lay trembling in bed: &mdash; he
+flew upon him like an incensed lion; but the
+other being more robust, soon disengaged himself
+and snatching his sword, which lay on a table
+near the door, was going to put an end to the life
+of his disturber; when <span class="name">Harriot</span> cried out, <q>Hold!
+hold! &mdash; for heaven's sake! &mdash; It is my husband!</q>
+&mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span> having no weapon wherewith he might
+defend himself, or hurt his adversary, revenge
+gave way to self-preservation; and only saying,
+<q>husband, no; &mdash; I will die rather than be the husband
+of so vile a woman,</q> run down with the same
+precipitation he had come up.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Impossible it is to describe the condition of
+his mind when got into the street: &mdash; his once
+violent affection was now converted into the extremest
+hatred and contempt; &mdash; he detested not
+only <span class="name">Harriot</span>, and the whole sex, but even himself,
+for having been made the dupe of so unworthy
+a creature, and could have tore out his own
+heart, for having joined with her in deceiving
+him. &mdash; Having wandered about some time, giving
+a loose to his fury, the considerations of what
+he should do, at last took their turn: &mdash; home he
+could not go, the servant who used to admit him
+knew nothing of his being out, and he durst not
+
+<a class="pb" name="page49" id="page49" title="49"></a>
+
+alarm the family by knocking at the door, having
+passed by several times, and found all fast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In this perplexity, as he went through a street
+he had not been used to frequent, he saw a door
+open, and a great light in a kind of hall, with
+servants attending: &mdash; he asked one of them to
+whom it belonged, and was told it was a gaming-house,
+on which he went in, not with any desire
+of playing, but to pass away some time; finding
+a great deal of company there, he notwithstanding
+engaged himself at one of the tables, and tho'
+he was not in a humour which would permit him
+to exert much skill, he won considerably.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The company did not break up till five in the
+morning, and he then growing drowsy, and yet
+unable to find any excuse to make to his father,
+he could not think of seeing his face, so went to a
+bagnio to take that repose he had sufficient need
+of, the fatigues of his mind having never suffered
+him to enjoy any sound sleep, since his father's
+discovery of the extravagance he had been guilty
+of.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On his awaking, the transaction of the preceding
+night returned to his remembrance with all
+its galling circumstances, and the more he reflected
+on his disobedience to his father, the less he
+could endure the thoughts of coming into his
+presence: &mdash; in fine, that shame which so often
+prevents people from doing amiss, was now the
+motive which restrained him from doing what he
+ought to have done. &mdash; Had he immediately gone
+home, thrown himself at his father's feet, and
+confessed the truth, his youthful errors had <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note: Original has 'doubt-ess'">doubtless</ins>
+merited forgiveness; but this, though he knew
+<ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note: Original has 't'">it</ins> was both his duty, and his interest, he could not
+
+<a class="pb" name="page50" id="page50" title="50"></a>
+
+prevail on himself to do; and to avoid the rebukes
+he was sensible were due to his transgressions,
+he resolved to hide himself as long as he
+could from the faces of all those who had a
+right to make them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In fine, he led the life of a perfect vagabond,
+sculking from one place to another, and keeping
+company with none but gamesters, rakes, and
+sharpers, falling into all manner of dissolution;
+and whenever his reason remonstrated any thing to
+him on these vicious courses, he would then, to
+banish remorse for one fault, fly to others, yet
+worse, and more destructive.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is true, he often looked back upon his <em>former</em>
+behaviour, and was struck with horror
+at comparing it with the <em>present</em>; &mdash; the reflection
+too how much his mother-in-law might take advantage
+of the just displeasure of his father against
+him, to prejudice him in his future fortune, even
+to cause him to be disinherited, sometimes most
+cruelly alarmed him; yet, not all this, nor the
+wants he was plunged in on an ill run at play,
+(which was the sole means by which he subsisted)
+were sufficient to bring him to do that which he now
+even wished to do, tired with the conversation of
+those profligates, and secretly shocked at the scenes
+of libertinism he was a daily witness of.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+His thoughts thus divided and perplexed,
+he at length fell into a kind of despair; and not caring
+what became of himself, he resolved to enter on
+board some ship, and never see <span class="name">England</span> again,
+unless fortune should do more than he had reason
+to hope for in his favour.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page51" id="page51" title="51"></a>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="LPP16">
+<h3>CHAP. VI.</h3>
+<div class="argument"><p>
+Shews the great force of natural affection and the
+good effects it has over a grateful mind.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>
+If children could be sensible of parental tenderness,
+or knew what racking cares attend every
+misdoing of an offending offspring, the heart of
+<span class="name">Natura</span> would have been so much touched with
+what his father endured on his account, as to have
+enabled him to have got the better of that guilty
+shame, which alone hindered him from submitting
+to him; but conscious of deferring only the severest
+reproofs, he could not flatter himself there was a
+hope of ever being reinstated in that affection he
+had once possessed, and was too proud to content
+himself with less.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That afflicted parent being informed of his
+son's flight, spared no cost or pains to find out the
+place of his retreat; but all his enquiries were in
+vain, and he was wholly in the dark, till it came
+into his head to search a little escritore which
+stood in his chamber, and of which he had taken
+away the key: on breaking it open, he found the
+counterpart of his contract with <span class="name">Harriot</span>, and by
+that discovery was no longer at a loss for the motives
+which had obliged his son to raise money,
+not doubting but the woman was either extremely
+indigent; or a jilt: but to think the heir of his
+estate had been so weak as to enter into so solemn
+and irretrievable an engagement, with a person
+of either of these characters, gave him an inexpressible
+disquiet. All his endeavours were now
+bent on finding her out, not in the least questioning
+
+<a class="pb" name="page52" id="page52" title="52"></a>
+
+but his son was with her: the task was pretty
+difficult, the contract discovering no more of her
+than her name, and the parish in which she lived;
+yet did the emissaries he employed at last surmount
+it: they brought him word not only of the
+exact place where she lodged, but also of her character,
+as they learned it from the neighbours;
+they heard also that a young gentleman, whose
+description answered that of <span class="name">Natura</span>, had been
+often seen with her, and that she had given out
+she was married to him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The father having received this information,
+consulted with his brother-in-law what course was
+to be taken, and both being of opinion, that
+should any enquiry be made concerning <span class="name">Natura</span>,
+it would only oblige them to quit their lodgings,
+and fly to some place where, perhaps, it would
+be more difficult to trace them; it was agreed to
+get a lord chief justice's warrant, and search her
+lodgings, without giving any previous alarm.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This was no sooner resolved than put in execution:
+the father and uncle, attended by proper
+officers, burst into the house, and examined
+carefully every part of it; but not finding him,
+they sought, and perfectly perswaded <span class="name">Harriot</span>
+could give intelligence of him, they threatened
+her severely, and here she displayed herself in her
+proper colours; &mdash; nothing ever behaved with
+greater impudence: &mdash; she told them, that she
+knew nothing of the fool they wanted; but if
+she could find him, would make him know what
+the obligations between them exacted from him:
+in fine, it was easy for them to perceive, there
+was nothing satisfactory to be obtained from her,
+and they departed with akeing hearts, but left
+not the street without securing to their interest a
+
+<a class="pb" name="page53" id="page53" title="53"></a>
+
+person in the neighbourhood, who promised to
+keep a continual eye upon her door, and if they
+ever saw the young gentleman go in, to send them
+immediate notice.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is needless to acquaint the reader how fruitless
+this precaution was: <span class="name">Natura</span> was far from
+any inclination ever more to enter that detested
+house, and in that desponding humour, already
+mentioned, had certainly left the kingdom, and
+compleated his utter undoing, if Providence had
+not averted his design, by the most unexpected
+means.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He was at <span class="name">Wapping</span>, in the company of some
+persons who used the sea, in order to get into
+some ship, he cared not in what station, when
+a young man, clerk to an eminent merchant of
+his father's acquaintance, happened to come in,
+to enquire after the master of a vessel, by whom
+some goods belonging to his master were to be
+shipped: he had often seen <span class="name">Natura</span>, and though
+much altered by his late way of living, knew
+him to be the person whom he had heard so great
+a search had been made after: he took no notice
+of him however, as he found the other bent earnestly
+in discourse did not observe him, but privately
+informed himself of all he could relating to
+his business there, and as soon as he came home
+acquainted his master with the discovery he had
+made, who did not fail to let his father know it
+directly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is hard to say, whether joy at hearing of
+his son, or grief at hearing he was in so miserable
+a condition, was most predominant in him; but
+the first emotions of both being a little moderated,
+the consideration of what was to be done,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page54" id="page54" title="54"></a>
+
+took place: &mdash; the clerk having found out that he
+was lodged in an obscure house at that place, in
+order to get on board the first ship that sailed, the
+father would needs go himself, and the merchant
+offering to accompany him in their little journey,
+a plan of proceeding was formed between them,
+which was executed in the following manner.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+They went together into a tavern, and sent
+to the house the clerk had directed, under pretence,
+that hearing a young man was there who had an inclination
+for the sea, a master of a ship would be glad
+to treat with him on that affair. &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span>, happily
+for him, not having yet an opportunity of engaging
+himself, obeyed the summons, and followed
+the messenger: &mdash; his father withdrew into another
+room, but so near as to hear what passed, and
+there was only the merchant to receive him; but
+the sight of one he so little expected in that place,
+and whom he knew was so intimate in their family,
+threw him into a most terrible consternation.
+He started back, and had certainly quitted
+the house, if the merchant, aware of his intention,
+had not catched hold of him, and getting
+between him and the door, compelled him to sit
+down while he talked to him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He began with asking what had induced him to
+think of leaving <span class="name">England</span> in the manner he was going
+to do; &mdash; reminded him of the estate to which
+he was born, the family from which he was descended,
+and the education which he had received;
+and then set before his eyes the tenderness with
+which his father had used him, the grief to which
+he had exposed him, and above all the madness of
+his present intentions: &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span> knew all this
+as well as he that remonstrated to him; but as
+he had not been capable of listening to his own
+
+<a class="pb" name="page55" id="page55" title="55"></a>
+
+reflections on that head, all that was said had not
+the least effect upon him, and the merchant could
+get no other answer from him, than that as things
+had happened, he had no other course to take.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The truth was, that as he could not imagine
+by what means the merchant was apprized of his
+design, he thought his father was also not ignorant
+of it; and as he did not vouchsafe either to
+come in person, or send any message to him from
+himself, and perhaps was even ignorant that the
+merchant had any intention of reclaiming him, he
+looked upon it as a confirmation of his having intirely
+thrown off all care of him, and in this supposition
+he became more resolute than ever in his mind,
+to go where he never might be heard of more.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>What though,</q> said the merchant, <q>you have
+been guilty of some youthful extravagancies, I am
+perfectly assured there requires no more than your
+submitting to intreat forgiveness, to receive: come,</q>
+continued he, <q>I will undertake to be your mediator,
+and dare answer I shall prevail.</q> &mdash; <q>No, sir,</q> replied
+Natura, <q>I am conscious of having offended beyond
+all possibility of a pardon; &mdash; nor can I ever bear
+to see my father again.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The merchant laboured all he could to overcome
+this mingled pride and shame, which he
+perceived was the only obstacle to his return to
+duty; but to no purpose, <span class="name">Natura</span> continued obstinate
+and inflexible, till his father, having no longer
+patience to keep himself concealed, rushed into
+the room, and looking on his son with a countenance
+which, in spite of all the severity he had
+endeavoured to assume, betrayed only tenderness
+and grief. &mdash; <q>So, young man,</q> said he, <q>you think it
+then my place to seek a reconciliation, and are perhaps
+
+<a class="pb" name="page56" id="page56" title="56"></a>
+
+too stubborn to accept forgiveness, even though
+I should condescend to offer it.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> was so thunderstruck at the appearance
+of his father, and the manner in which
+he accosted him, that he was far from being able
+to speak one word, but threw himself at his feet,
+with a look which testified nothing but confusion:
+that action, however, denoting that he had not
+altogether forgot himself, melted the father's
+heart; he raised him, and forcing him to sit down
+in a chair close by him; <q>Well, <span class="name">Natura</span>,</q> said he,
+<q>you have been disobedient to an excess; I wish it
+were possible for your distresses to have given you a
+remorse in proportion; &mdash; I am still a <em>father</em>, if
+you can be a <em>son.</em></q> &mdash; He would have proceeded, but
+was not able: &mdash; the meagre aspect, dejected air,
+and wretched appearance of a son so dear to him,
+threw him into a condition which destroyed all
+the power of maintaining that reserve which he
+thought necessary to his character.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span>, on the other hand, was so overcome
+with the unhoped-for gentleness of his behaviour,
+that he burst into a flood of tears. &mdash;
+Filial gratitude and love, joined with the thoughts
+of what he had done to deserve a far different
+treatment, so overwhelmed his heart, that he
+could express himself no other way than by falling
+on his knees a second time, and embracing
+the legs of his father, with a transport, I know
+not whether to say of grief or joy; continued in
+that posture for a considerable time, overwhelmed
+at once with shame, with gratitude, and love: &mdash;
+at length, gaining the power of utterance, &mdash; <q>O sir,</q>
+cried he, <q>how unworthy am I of your goodness!</q> &mdash;
+but then recollecting as it were somewhat more;
+<q>yet sure,</q> pursued he, <q>it is not possible you can forgive
+
+<a class="pb" name="page57" id="page57" title="57"></a>
+
+me all. &mdash; I have been guilty of worse than, perhaps,
+you yet have been informed of: &mdash; I am a
+wretch who have devoted myself to infamy and destruction,
+and you cannot, nay ought not to forgive me.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The father was indeed very much alarmed
+at this expression, as fearing it imported his
+distresses had drove him to be guilty of some
+crime of which the law takes cognizance. &mdash; <q>I
+hope,</q> said he, <q>your having signed a contract with
+an abandoned prostitute, is the worst action of
+your life?</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is impossible to describe the pleasure with
+which <span class="name">Natura</span> found his father was apprized
+of this affair, without being obliged to relate
+it himself, as he was now determined to have
+done: &mdash; all his obduracy being now intirely
+vanquished, and converted into the most tender,
+affectionate, and dutiful submission.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>Can there be a worse?</q> replied he, renewing
+his embraces, <q>and can you know it, and yet vouchsafe
+to look on me as your son!</q> &mdash; <q>If your penitence
+be sincere,</q> said the good old gentleman, <q>I neither
+can, nor ought refuse to pardon all: &mdash; but rise,</q>
+continued he, <q>and freely give this worthy friend
+and myself, the satisfaction we require; &mdash; a full
+confession of all your misbehaviour, is the only attonement
+you can make, and that I can expect from
+you: &mdash; remember I have signed your pardon for all
+that is past, but shall not include in it any future
+acts of disobedience, among which, dissimulation, evasion
+or concealment, in what I demand to be laid
+open, I shall look upon as of the worst and most
+incorrigible kind.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He needed not have laid so strong an injunction
+on the now truly contrite <span class="name">Natura</span>; &mdash; he
+
+<a class="pb" name="page58" id="page58" title="58"></a>
+
+disguised nothing of what he had done, even to
+the mean arts of gaming, to which he had been
+obliged to have recourse after his voluntary banishment
+from all his friends; and then painted
+the horrors he conceived at the things he daily
+saw, and the despair which had induced him
+to leave <span class="name">England</span>, in such lively colours, that
+not only his father, but the merchant, were affected
+by it, even to the letting fall some tears.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But not to be too tedious in this part of my
+narration, never was there a more perfect reconciliation:
+&mdash; the father till now knew not how
+much he loved his son, nor the son before
+felt half that dutiful affection and esteem for his
+father.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It now remained to conclude how the
+forgiven youth was to be disposed: &mdash; there were two reasons
+which rendered it imprudent for him to go
+home; first, on the score of his mother-in-law,
+who being better informed than her husband could
+have wished, of the errors of his son, he feared
+would have behaved to him in a fashion which,
+he easily foresaw, would be attended with many
+inconveniences; even perhaps to the driving him
+back into his late vicious courses; and secondly,
+on that of the contract, which it would be more
+difficult to get <span class="name">Harriot</span> to relinquish, if <span class="name">Natura</span>
+were known to be re-established in his father's
+favour, than if concealed and supposed still in disgrace
+with him. &mdash; The generous merchant made
+an offer of an apartment in his house; but <span class="name">Natura</span>,
+who had not seen his sister of a long time,
+proposed a visit to her; as thinking the society of
+that dear and prudent relation, would not only
+console, but establish him in virtue.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page59" id="page59" title="59"></a>
+
+<p>
+The father listened to both, and after some
+little deliberation, told his son, that he approved
+of his going to his sister for a month or two, or
+three, at his own option; <q>but,</q> said he, <q>it is not
+fit a young man like you should bury yourself for any
+long time in the country; &mdash; you are now of a right
+age to travel, and I would have you enlarge your
+understanding by the sight of foreign manners and
+customs: &mdash; I would, therefore, have you make a
+short visit to my daughter, after which, accept of
+my friend's invitation, and in the mean time I shall
+prepare things proper for your making the tour of
+<span class="name">Europe</span>, under a governor who may keep you in due
+limits.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Had <span class="name">Natura</span> never offended his father, the utmost
+he could have wished from his indulgence,
+was a proposal of this kind: &mdash; he was in a perfect
+extasy, and knew not how sufficiently to express
+his gratitude and satisfaction; on talking, however,
+more particularly on the affair, it was agreed
+he should go first to the merchant's, in order to
+be new cloathed, and recover some part of those
+good looks his late dissolute way of life had so
+much impaired.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Every thing being settled so much to the advantage
+of <span class="name">Natura</span>, even a few hours made some
+alteration in his countenance; so greatly does the
+ease of the mind contribute to the welfare of the
+body! &mdash; he parted not till night from this indulgent
+parent, when he went home with the merchant,
+and had the next day tradesmen of all kinds
+sent for, who had orders to provide, in their several
+ways, every thing necessary for a young gentleman
+born to the estate he was. &mdash; As youth is little regardless
+of futurity, he forgot, for a time, what
+consequences might possibly attend his contract
+
+<a class="pb" name="page60" id="page60" title="60"></a>
+
+with <span class="name">Harriot</span>, and was as perfectly at ease, as if
+no such thing had ever happened. When fully
+equipped, he went down into that country where
+his sister lived, and if the least thought of his former
+transactions remained in him, they were
+now intirely dissipated, by the kind reception he
+there met with, and the entertainments made for
+him by the neighbouring gentry.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But his heart being bent on his travels, and
+receiving a letter from his father, wherein he acquainted
+him that all things were ready for his
+departure, he took leave of the country, after a
+stay of about nine weeks, and returned to the
+merchant's, where his father soon came to see
+him, and told him, he had provided a governor
+for him, who had served several of the sons of the
+nobility in that capacity, and was perfectly acquainted
+with the languages and manners of the
+countries through which they were to pass.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This tender parent moreover acquainted him,
+that having consulted the lawyers, on the score of
+that unhappy obligation he had laid himself under
+to <span class="name">Harriot</span>, and finding they had given it as their
+assured opinion, that it was drawn up in the most
+binding and authentic manner, he had offered
+that creature a hundred guineas to give up her
+claim; but she had obstinately rejected his proposal,
+and seemed determined to compel him to
+the performance of his contract; or in case he
+married any other woman, to prosecute him for
+the moiety of whatever portion he should receive
+with her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The mention of this woman, who had given
+<span class="name">Natura</span> so much disquiet, and who indeed had
+been the primary cause of all his follies and misfortunes,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page61" id="page61" title="61"></a>
+
+together with the thoughts of what future
+inconveniencies she might involve him in,
+both on the account of his fortune and reputation,
+made him relapse into his former agitations, and
+afterwards rendered him extremely pensive, and
+he could not forbear crying out, that he would
+chuse rather to abandon <span class="name">England</span> for ever, and,
+pass the whole remainder of his days in foreign
+climates, than yield to become the prey any way
+of so wicked, so infamous a wretch, <q>whom,</q> said
+he, <q>I shall never think on, without hating myself
+for having ever loved.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The good-natured merchant, as well as his
+father, perceiving these reflections began to take
+too much root in him, joined in endeavouring
+to alleviate the asperity of them, by telling him,
+that it was their opinion, as indeed it seemed highly
+probable, that when he was once gone, she
+would be more easily prevailed upon; especially
+as the reconciliation between him and his father
+was to be kept an inviolable secret. The old
+gentleman also added, in order to make him easy,
+that how exorbitant soever she might be in her
+demands, and whatever it should cost, though it
+were the half of his estate, he would rid him of
+the contract; which second proof of paternal affection,
+renewed in <span class="name">Natura</span>, as well it might,
+fresh sentiments of love, joy, and duty; and the
+same promise being again and again reiterated,
+he soon resumed his former chearfulness, and
+thought of nothing but the new scenes he was
+going to pass through.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In fine, not many days elapsed before he departed,
+with his governor and one footman, who
+had been an antient servant in the family. &mdash; As
+their first route was to <span class="name">France</span>, they went in the
+
+<a class="pb" name="page62" id="page62" title="62"></a>
+
+<span class="name">Dover</span> stage, and thence embarked for <span class="name">Calais</span>,
+without any thing material happening, except it
+were, that on sight of the ocean, <span class="name">Natura</span> was fired
+with a devout rhapsody at the thoughts of finding
+himself upon it, in a manner so vastly different
+from that in which, but a few months since,
+his despair had led him to project; and the resolution
+he made within himself never to be guilty
+of any thing hereafter, which should occasion a
+blush on his own face, or incur the displeasure of
+a father, to whom he looked upon himself as
+much more indebted, for the forgiveness he had
+received, than for being the author of his existence.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So great an effect has mercy and benevolence
+over a heart not hardened by a long practice of
+vice! How far <span class="name">Natura</span> persevered in these good
+intentions, we shall hereafter see; but the very
+ability of forming them, shews that there is a native
+gratitude and generosity in the human mind,
+which, in spite of the prevalence of unruly passions,
+will, at sometimes, shine forth, even in
+the most thoughtless and inconsiderate.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page63" id="page63" title="63"></a>
+
+<div class="book" id="LPP2">
+<h2>BOOK the Second.</h2>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="LPP21">
+<h3>CHAP. I.</h3>
+<div class="argument"><p>
+The inconsideration and instability of youth; when
+unrestrained by authority, is here exemplified, in
+an odd adventure <span class="name">Natura</span> embarked in with two
+nuns, after the death of his governor.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>
+Novelty has charms for persons of all
+ages, but more especially in youth, when
+manhood is unripened by maturity, when all the
+passions are afloat, and reason not sufficiently established
+in her throne by experience and reflection,
+the mind is fluctuating, easily carried down
+the stream of every different inclination that invites,
+and seldom or never has a constant bent.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+From seventeen or eighteen to one or two
+and twenty, I look upon to be that season of life
+in which all the errors we commit, will admit of
+most excuse, because we are then at an age to
+think ourselves men, without the power of acting
+as becomes reasonable men. It was in the
+midst of this dangerous time, that <span class="name">Natura</span> set out
+in order to make the tour of <span class="name">Europe</span>, and his governor
+dying soon after their arrival in <span class="name">Paris</span>,
+our young traveller was left to himself, and at liberty
+to pursue whatever he had a fancy for.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The death of this gentleman was in effect a
+very great misfortune to <span class="name">Natura</span>; but as at his
+time of life we are all too apt to be impatient under
+
+<a class="pb" name="page64" id="page64" title="64"></a>
+
+any restraint, tho' never so mild and reasonable,
+he did not consider it in that light; and
+therefore less lamented his loss, than his good nature
+would have made him do, had he been the
+companion of his travels in any other <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note: Original has 'staton'">station</ins> than
+that of governor, the very name of which implied
+a right of direction over his behaviour, and
+a power delegated by his father of circumscribing
+every thing he did. I believe, whoever looks
+back upon himself at that age, will be convinced
+by the retrospect, that there was nothing wonderful
+in <span class="name">Natura</span>'s imagining he had now discretion
+enough to regulate his conduct, without being
+under the controul of any person whatever; and
+could not, for that reason, be much afflicted at
+being eased of a subordination not at all agreeable
+to his humour, and which he thought he
+had not the least occasion for.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The baron d' <span class="name">Eyrac</span> had often invited him to
+pass some days with him, at a fine villa he had
+about some ten leagues from <span class="name">Paris</span>; but his governor
+not having approved that visit, he had hitherto
+declined it. &mdash; He now, however, took it
+into his head to go, and as the distance was so
+short, went on horseback, attended by his footman,
+with a portmanteau containing some linnen
+and cloaths, his intention being to remain there
+while the baron stayed, which, as he was informed,
+would be three weeks, or a month; &mdash;
+it being then the season for hunting, and that
+part of the country well suited for the diversion.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He had been on a party of pleasure a considerable
+way on this road before, so thought he had
+no occasion for a guide, and that he should easily
+be directed to the house; but it so happened that
+being got about twenty miles from <span class="name">Paris</span> he missed
+
+<a class="pb" name="page65" id="page65" title="65"></a>
+
+his route, and took one the direct contrary,
+and which at last brought him to the entrance of
+a very thick wood: &mdash; there was not the least appearance
+of any human creature, nor the <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note: Original has 'habita-tation'">habitation</ins>
+of one, and he was beginning to consult
+with his servant whether to go back, or proceed
+till they should arrive at some town or village for
+refreshment, when all at once there fell the most
+terrible shower of hail and rain, accompanied
+with thunder, that ever was heard; &mdash; this determined
+them to go into the wood for shelter:
+&mdash; the storm continued till night, and it was
+then so dark, that they could distinguish nothing:
+&mdash; they wandered, however, leading their horses
+in their hands, for it was impossible to ride, hoping
+to find some path, by which they might extricate
+themselves out of that horrid labyrinth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Some hours were passed in this perplexed situation,
+and <span class="name">Natura</span> expected no better than to
+remain there till morning, when he heard a voice
+at a little distance, cry, <q>Who goes there?</q> Never had
+any music been half so pleasing to the ears of <span class="name">Natura</span>.
+<q>Friends,</q> replied he, <q>and travellers, that have lost
+their way.</q> On this the person who had spoke, drew
+nearer, and asked whither they were bent. <span class="name">Natura</span>
+told him to the villa of the baron d' <span class="name">Eyrac</span>.
+<q>The baron d' <span class="name">Eyrac</span>,</q> said the other, <q>he lives twelve
+miles on the other side the wood, and that is five
+miles over.</q> &mdash; He then asked if there were no
+town near, to which he could direct them. &mdash; <q>No,</q>
+replied the other, <q>but there is a little village where
+is one inn, and that is above half a league off: &mdash;
+you will never find your way to it; but if you will
+pay me, I will guide you.</q> <span class="name">Natura</span> wished no more,
+and having agreed with him for his hire, followed
+where he led.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page66" id="page66" title="66"></a>
+
+<p>
+Nothing that was ever called an inn, had
+so much the shew of wretchedness; nor could it
+be expected otherwise, for being far from any
+great road, it was frequented only by shepherds,
+and others the meanest sort of peasants, who
+worked in the adjacent grounds, or tended the
+cattle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In this miserable place was <span class="name">Natura</span> obliged to
+take up his lodging: &mdash; he lay down, indeed,
+on the ragged dirty mattress, but durst not take
+off his cloaths, so noisome was every thing about
+him: &mdash; fatigued as he was, he could not close
+his eyes till towards day, but had not slept above
+two hours before the peasant who had served him
+as a guide, and had also stayed at the inn, came
+into his room, and waked him abruptly, telling
+him the lady abbess desired to speak with him. &mdash;
+<span class="name">Natura</span> was much vexed at this disturbance, and
+not sufficiently awaked to recollect himself, only
+cried peevishly, <q>What have I to do with abbesses,</q>
+and then turned to sleep again.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On his second waking, his footman acquainted
+him, that a priest waited to see him: &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span>
+then remembered what the peasant had said, but
+could not conceive what business these holy people
+had with him; he went down however immediately,
+and was saluted by a reverend gentleman,
+who told him, that the lady abbess of a
+neighbouring monastery (whose almoner he was)
+hearing from one of her shepherds the distress he
+had been in, had sent to intreat he would come,
+and refresh himself with what her convent afforded.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> was now ashamed of having been so
+rough with the peasant, but well atoned for it
+
+<a class="pb" name="page67" id="page67" title="67"></a>
+
+by the handsome apology he now made; after
+which he told the almoner, that he would receive
+the abbess's commands as soon as he was
+in a condition to be seen by her. &mdash; This was
+what good manners exacted from him, tho' in
+truth he had no inclination for a visit, in which
+he proposed so little satisfaction.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He then made his servant open the portmanteau,
+and give him such things as were proper
+to equip him for this visit; and while he was
+dressing, was informed by his host, that this abbess
+was a woman of quality, very rich, and owned
+the village they were in, and several others, which
+brought her in more rent.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+If the vanity so natural to a young heart, made
+<span class="name">Natura</span>, on this information, pleased and proud
+of the consideration such a lady had for him while
+unknown, how much more cause had he to be
+so, when being shewn by the same peasant into
+the monastery, he was brought into a parlour,
+magnificently furnished, and no sooner had sat
+down, than a very beautiful woman, whom he
+soon found was the lady abbess, appeared behind
+the grate, and welcomed him with the most elegant
+compliments.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He had never been in a monastery before, and
+had a notion that all the nuns, especially the abbesses,
+were ill-natured old women: he was therefore
+so much surprized at the sight of this lady, that
+he had scarce power to return the politeness she
+treated him with. &mdash; Her age exceeded not twenty-four;
+she was fair to an excess, had fine-turned
+features, and an air which her ecclesiastic habit
+could not deprive of its freedom; but the enchanting
+manner of her conversation, her wit,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page68" id="page68" title="68"></a>
+
+and the gaiety that accompanied all she said,
+so much astonished and transported him, that he
+cried out, without knowing that he did so, <q>Good
+God! &mdash; is it possible a monastery can contain such
+charms!</q> &mdash; She affected to treat the admiration
+he expressed, as no other than meer <span class="foreign">bagatelle</span>;
+but how serious a satisfaction she took in it, a
+very little time discovered.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>A monastery,</q> said she, <q>is not so frightful a solitude
+as you, being a stranger to the manners of
+this country, have perhaps painted to yourself: &mdash;
+I have companions in whom I believe you will find
+some agreements.</q> &mdash; She then rung a bell, and ordered
+an attending nun, or what they call a lay-sister,
+to call some of the sisterhood, whose names
+she mentioned; and presently came two nuns,
+with a third lady in a different habit; the least
+handsome of these might have passed for a beauty,
+but she that was the most so I shall call <span class="name">Elgidia</span>;
+she was sister to the abbess, but wanted a good
+many of her years, and being intended for a monastic
+life by their parents, had been sent there
+as a pensioner, till she should be prevailed upon to
+take the veil.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The abbess, having learned from <span class="name">Natura</span> that
+he was from <span class="name">England</span>, told them, in a few words,
+what she knew of him, and the motive of the
+invitation she had made him; then desired they
+would entertain him till her return, having some
+affair, which called her thence for a small time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As <span class="name">Elgidia</span> appeared by her dress to be more
+a woman of this world than her companions, he
+directed his discourse chiefly to her; but whether
+it were that she had less gaiety in her temper, or
+that she was that moment taken up with some
+
+<a class="pb" name="page69" id="page69" title="69"></a>
+
+very serious thought, <span class="name">Natura</span> could not be certain,
+but he found her much less communicative,
+than either of those, whose profession seemed to
+exact greater reserve.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As <span class="name">Natura</span> spoke <span class="name">French</span> perfectly well, and
+delivered all he said with a great deal of ease, they
+were very much pleased with his conversation;
+and yet more so, when, at the return of the abbess,
+that wit and spirit they before found in him,
+seemed to have gained an additional vigour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The truth is, the first sight of this beautiful
+abbess had very much struck him; and a certain
+prepossession in her favour, had rendered him not
+so quick-sighted as he might otherwise have been
+to the charms of her sister: &mdash; not that he was
+absolutely in love with her, nor entertained the
+least wish in prejudice to the sanctity of her order;
+it was rather an <em>admiration</em> he was possessed with
+on her account, which the surprize, at finding
+her person and manner so widely different from
+what he had expected, contributed very much to
+excite in him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The breakfast, which consisted of chocolate,
+tea, coffee, rich cakes, and sweetmeats, was served
+upon the <span class="name">Turnabout</span>; but the abbess told him,
+that their monastery had greater privileges than
+any other in <span class="name">France</span>; for they were not restrained
+from entertaining their kindred and friends,
+tho' of a different sex, within the grate; <q>as you
+shall experience,</q> said she, with the most obliging
+air, <q>if you will favour us with your company at
+dinner.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nothing could be more pleasing to <span class="name">Natura</span>
+than this invitation, and it cannot, therefore, be
+
+<a class="pb" name="page70" id="page70" title="70"></a>
+
+supposed he hesitated much to comply with it;
+however, as the hour of their devotion drew
+nigh, and forms must be observed, he was desired
+to take a tour round about the village till
+twelve, at which time they told him dinner would
+be on the table.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He was still in so much amazement at what
+he had seen and heard, that he was not sorry at
+having an opportunity of being alone, to reflect
+on all had passed; but the deeper he entered into
+thought, the more strange it still seemed to him;
+till happening accidentally to fall into some discourse
+with a gentleman in the village, he was
+told by him, that the nunnery they were in sight
+of, was called, <span class="name">Le Convent de Riche Dames</span>; that
+none but women of condition entered themselves
+into it, and that they enjoyed liberties little different
+from those that live in the world: &mdash; <q>It is
+true,</q> said this person, <q>the gay manner in which
+they behave, has drawn many reflections on their
+order, yet I know not but they may be equally innocent
+with those of the most rigid.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This was enough to shew <span class="name">Natura</span>, that the
+civilities he received, were only such as any stranger,
+who appeared of some rank, might be treated
+with, as well as himself; and served to abate
+that little vanity which, without this information,
+might have gained ground in his heart; at
+least it did so for the present: what reasons he
+founds afterwards for the indulging it, the reader
+will anon be enabled to judge.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He was not, however, without a good deal of
+impatience for the hour appointed for his return,
+which being arrived, the portress admitted him
+into a fine room behind the grate, where he found
+
+<a class="pb" name="page71" id="page71" title="71"></a>
+
+the abbess, <span class="name">Elgidia</span>, the two nuns he had seen in
+the morning, and another, which, it seems, were
+all the abbess thought proper should be present.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The table was elegantly served, and the richness
+of the wines, helped very much to exhilerate
+the spirits of the company. &mdash; <span class="name">Elgidia</span> alone
+spoke little, tho' what she said was greatly to
+the purpose, and discovered that it was not for
+want either of sentiment or words she retained so
+great a taciturnity. &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span> saying somewhat,
+that shewed he took notice how singular she was
+in this point, the abbess replied, that her sister did
+not like a convent, that the comedy, the opera,
+and ball, had more charms for her than devotion.
+On which <span class="name">Natura</span> made some feint attempts to
+justify a <span class="foreign">goûte</span> for those public diversions, but was
+silenced by the abbess, who maintained the only
+true felicities of life were religion and friendship.
+<q>What then do you make of love, madam?</q> cried he
+briskly: <q>love, the first command of Heaven, and
+the support of this great universe: &mdash; love, which
+gives a relish to every other joy, and</q> &mdash; he was going
+on, but the abbess interrupted him, <q>Hold! &mdash;
+Hold!</q> said she, <q>this is not a discourse fit for these
+sacred precincts.</q> &mdash; But these words were uttered
+in a sound, and accompanied with a look, which
+wholly took away their austerity, and it was easy
+for <span class="name">Natura</span> to perceive by the manner in which
+they were spoke, as well as by a sigh, which
+escaped <span class="name">Elgidia</span> at the same time, that neither of
+these ladies were in reality enemies to the passion
+he was defending.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Some little time after dinner was over, <span class="name">Natura</span>
+was about to take his leave; but the abbess
+told him, that she had formed a design to punish
+
+<a class="pb" name="page72" id="page72" title="72"></a>
+
+him for pretending to espouse the cause of love;
+<q>and that is,</q> said she, <q>by detaining you in a place,
+where you must never speak, nor hear a word, in
+favour of it</q>: &mdash; <q>we have,</q> continued she, <q>a little
+apartment adjoining to the monastery, tho' not in
+it, which serves to accommodate such friends as
+visit us, and are too far from home to return the
+same day: &mdash; you must not refuse to pass at least
+one night in it; and I dare promise you, that you
+will not find yourself worse lodged, than the preceding
+one: &mdash; your servant may also lie in the
+same house, and I will send your horses to a neighbouring
+farmer; who will take care of them.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The manner in which this request was urged,
+had somewhat in it too obliging, for <span class="name">Natura</span> to
+have denied, in good manners, even if his inclinations
+had been opposite; but indeed he was
+too much charmed with the conversation of the
+lovely abbess, and her fair associates, to be desirous
+of quitting it. &mdash; He not only stayed that
+night, but also, on their continuing to ask it,
+many succeeding ones. &mdash; He lay in the apartment
+above-mentioned, breakfasted, dined, and
+supped in the convent, as if a pensioner in the
+place, always in the same company, and ambitious
+of no other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The gallantries with which he treated the
+abbess, were as tender as innocence would permit;
+nor did he presume to harbour any views
+of being happier with her than he was at present.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But see! the strange caprice of love! It was
+not through a coldness of constitution, nor any
+confederations of her quality and function, which
+rendered him so content with enjoying no more
+
+<a class="pb" name="page73" id="page73" title="73"></a>
+
+of her than her conversation; nor that hindered
+him from taking advantage of many advances she
+made him, whenever they were alone, of becoming
+more particular; but it was the progress <span class="name">Elgidia</span>
+every day made in his esteem: &mdash; the more
+he saw that beautiful young lady, the more he
+thought her charming; and every time she spoke
+discovered to him a new fund of wit, and sweetness
+of disposition: &mdash; it was not in her power to erase
+the first impression her sister had made on him,
+but it was to stop the admiration he had for her
+from growing up into a passion: &mdash; whenever
+he saw either of them alone, he thought her most
+amiable he was with; and when they were together,
+he was divided between both.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+For upwards of a month did he continue in
+the same place, and in the same situation of
+mind; but then either the abbess's own good
+sense, or the advice of some friend, remonstrating
+to her, that so long a stay of a young gentleman,
+who was known to be not of her kindred, might
+occasion discourses to her disreputation, and that
+of the monastery in general; she took the opportunity
+one day, when he was making an offer of
+going, as he frequently did, to speak to him in
+this manner:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>I know not how,</q> said she, <q>to part with you, and
+I flatter myself you think of going, rather because
+you imagine your tarrying here for any length of
+time, might be inconvenient for us, than because
+you are tired of the reception you have found here.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>Ah madam!</q> cried he, <q>be assured I could live
+for ever here; &mdash; and that I only grieve that such
+a hope is impossible. &mdash; If what you now say is sincere,</q>
+answered she, <q>you may at least prolong the
+
+<a class="pb" name="page74" id="page74" title="74"></a>
+
+happiness we at present enjoy: &mdash; but I shall put
+you to the proof,</q> continued she, looking on him
+with eyes in which the most eager passion was visibly
+painted, &mdash; <q>to hush the tongue of censure, you
+shall remove to a town about seven miles distant,
+where there are many good houses, in one of which
+you may lodge, under pretence of liking the air of
+this country, and visit us, as other of our friends
+do, as frequently as you please, without endangering
+any remarks, even though you should stay
+with us three or four nights at a time.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Natura was so ravished at this proposal,
+and the kind, almost fond manner, in which it
+was made, that he catched hold of her hand, and
+kissed it, with a vehemence not conformable to
+a <span class="name">Platonic</span> affection: &mdash; she seemed, however, far
+from being offended at his boldness, which had
+perhaps proceeded to greater lengths, had not
+<span class="name">Elgidia</span> at that instant come into the room. &mdash;
+The abbess was a little disconcerted, but to conceal
+it as well as she could, <q>sister,</q> said she, <q>I have
+made our guest the proposal I mentioned to you this
+morning, and leave you to second it</q>: with these
+words she withdrew.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Elgidia</span> appeared in little less confusion
+than her sister had done; but <span class="name">Natura</span> was in infinitely
+more than either of them. &mdash; The sudden
+sight of her who possessed at least half of his affections,
+just in the moment he was in a kind of
+rapture with another, struck him like the ghost of
+a departed mistress; and tho' he had never made
+any declaration of love either to the one or the
+other, yet his heart reproached him with a secret
+perfidy, and he durst scarce lift his eyes
+to her face, when with a timid voice he at last
+said, <q>Madam, may I hope you take any interest in
+
+<a class="pb" name="page75" id="page75" title="75"></a>
+
+what your sister has been speaking of?</q> &mdash; <q>You may
+be sure I do,</q> replied she, <q>in all that concerns the
+abbess; as to my farther sentiments on your staying
+or going, they can be of no consequence to you.</q> &mdash;
+<q>How, madam!</q> resumed he, by this time a little
+re-assured, <q>of no consequence! You know nothing
+of my heart, if you know it not incapable of forming
+the least wish but to please you.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said many other tender and gallant things to
+her, in order to engage her to add her commands
+to those of the abbess; but, either the belief that
+he was wholly devoted to that lady, or the natural
+reserve of her temper, would suffer her to
+let him draw no more from her, than that she
+should share in the happiness her sister proposed
+to herself, in his continuing so near them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But tho' <span class="name">Elgidia</span> could command her words,
+she could not have so much power over her eyes
+as to keep them from betraying a tenderness not
+inferior to that of her sister; and <span class="name">Natura</span> had
+the satisfaction of finding he was beloved by both
+these amiable women, without thinking himself
+so far attached to either, as not to be able to break
+off whenever he pleased.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But to what end tended all this gallantry! to
+what purpose was all this waste of time, in an
+amour, which either had no aim in view, or
+if it had, must be such a one, as must turn to
+the confusion of the persons concerned in it! &mdash;
+These indeed are questions any one might naturally
+ask, but could not have been resolved by
+<span class="name">Natura</span>, who took a pleasure in prosecuting the
+adventure, and neither examined what he proposed
+by it himself, or considered what consequences
+might ensue; and herein he but acted as most
+
+<a class="pb" name="page76" id="page76" title="76"></a>
+
+others do of his age, who rarely give themselves
+the pains of consulting what <em>may</em>, or <em>will be</em>, when
+pleased with what <em>is</em>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He went to the place the abbess had directed,
+but imagined he should be very much at a loss
+for amusement, being wholly a stranger to every
+body. He would doubtless have been so, had his
+retreat been in any other country than <span class="name">France</span>;
+but as it is the peculiar characteristic of that nation
+to entertain at first sight with the same freedom
+and communicativeness of a long acquaintance,
+he soon found himself neither without company
+nor diversion: &mdash; whether he had an inclination
+to hunt, or dance, or play, he always met
+with persons ready to join in the party, so that
+the intervals he passed there, between his visits to
+the monastery, seemed not at all tedious to him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The ladies, however, were far from being forgotten
+by him; ten days had not elapsed, before
+he returned to renew, or rather to improve, the
+impression he had both given and received. &mdash; The
+abbess appeared all life and spirit at his return, but
+<span class="name">Elgidia</span> was more melancholly than when he left
+her; but it was a melancholly which had in it
+somewhat of a soft languor, which was very engaging
+to <span class="name">Natura</span>, especially as he had reason to
+believe, by several looks and expressions, which in
+some unguarded moments fell from her, that he
+had the greatest interest in it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The oftener he saw her, the more he was
+confirmed in this conjecture; but as he could not
+be assured of it, never treated her in a manner
+which should give her room to guess what his
+thoughts were, for fear of meeting with a rebuff,
+which would have been too mortifying to his vanity:
+
+<a class="pb" name="page77" id="page77" title="77"></a>
+
+&mdash; but as the belief of being beloved by
+her, rendered her insensibly more dear to him;
+the regards he paid her, and the sighs which frequently
+issued from his breast when he approached
+her, did not escape the notice of the quick-sighted
+abbess; and disdaining a competitorship in a heart
+she thought she had wholly engrossed, resolved to
+be more plain than hitherto she had been, in order
+to bring him to declare himself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With this view she led him one day into the
+garden, and being seated in a close arbour, where
+there was no danger of being overheard, &mdash; <q>Natura,</q>
+said she, <q>I doubt not but you may perceive, by the
+civilities I have treated you with, that you are not
+indifferent to me; but as you cannot be sensible to
+how great a degree my regard for you extends, it
+remains that I confess to you there is but one thing
+wanting to compleat the intire conquest of my heart</q>;
+<q>and that is,</q> continued she, fixing her eyes intently
+on his face, <q>that you will cease for the future to
+pay those extraordinary assiduities to <span class="name">Elgidia</span> you
+have lately done.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+How much soever <span class="name">Natura</span> was transported at
+the beginning of this discourse, the closure of it
+gave him an inexpressible shock, insomuch that
+he was wholly unable to make any reply, to testify
+the sense he had of the obligation she conferred
+on him. <q>I see,</q> said she, <q>the too great influence
+my sister has over you leaves me no room to
+hope any thing from you: &mdash; I did not think the sacrifice
+I exacted from you so great, that the purchase
+of my heart would not have atoned for it;
+but since I find it is otherwise, I repent I put you
+to the trial.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In speaking these words she rose up, and flew
+
+<a class="pb" name="page78" id="page78" title="78"></a>
+
+out of the arbour: the confusion <span class="name">Natura</span> was in,
+prevented him from endeavouring to detain her;
+and before he could resolve with himself how to
+behave in so critical a conjuncture, she was out of
+sight. &mdash; Whatever tenderness he had for the other,
+he could not bear the thoughts of having offended
+this lady: the confession she had just made him,
+seemed to deserve all his gratitude; and tho' the
+price she demanded for her heart was too excessive
+for him to comply with, yet he resolved to make his
+peace with her the first time he found her alone,
+on the best terms he could.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This was an opportunity, however, not so
+easily attained as he had imagined: &mdash; the abbess
+conceived so much spite at the little inclination he
+had testified to comply with her demand, that she
+kept one or other of the nuns with her the whole
+remainder of that day, and he could only tell her
+by his eyes how desirous he was of coming to an
+eclaircisement.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But as if this was a day destined to produce
+nothing but extraordinary events, perceiving the
+abbess industriously avoided speaking to him, he
+had retired into the parlour to ruminate on the affair,
+when <span class="name">Elgidia</span> came in to him, and with somewhat
+more gaiety than she was accustomed to,
+cried, <q>What, alone, <span class="name">Natura</span>! but I suppose you attend
+my sister, and I will not be any interruption</q>;
+and then turned to go out of the room. All the
+discontent he was in for the displeasure he found
+he had given the abbess, could not keep him from
+getting between her and the door: &mdash; <q>I have no
+other way to convince you of the injustice of your suspicion,</q>
+said he, <q>than to detain you here; tho' perhaps,</q>
+added he, looking on her with an unfeigned
+tenderness, <q>while I am clearing myself in one article,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page79" id="page79" title="79"></a>
+
+it may not be in my power to prevent betraying
+my guilt in another, which it may be you will find
+yet less worthy of forgiveness.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>I know not,</q> replied she, with a smile too enchanting
+to be resisted, <q>that I ever gave you any
+tokens of a rigid disposition; and besides, I am inclined
+to have so good an opinion of you, that I look
+on your giving me any cause of offence, as one of the
+things out of your power.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Emboldened by these words, <q>Suppose, madam,</q>
+returned he, <q>I should confess to you that I
+was indulging the most passionate tenderness for the
+beautiful <span class="name">Elgidia!</span> &mdash; that her sweet idea is always
+present with me, and that I sometimes am presuming
+enough to cherish the hopes of not being hated
+by her</q>: &mdash; <q>tell me,</q> continued he, <q>what punishment
+does this criminal deserve?</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>To be treated in the same manner,</q> answered she
+blushing, <q>if he is sincere; and to be made know
+that he cannot have formed any designs upon the
+heart of <span class="name">Elgidia</span>, which <span class="name">Elgidia</span> has not equally harboured
+upon that of <span class="name">Natura</span>.</q> &mdash; A declaration so
+unexpected might very well transport a young
+man, even beyond himself, and all considerations
+whatever: &mdash; forgetful of the respect due to her
+quality and virtue, and regardless of the place they
+were in, he seized her in his arms, and almost
+smothered her with kisses, before she could disengage
+herself; at length, breaking from him, <q>It is
+not by such testimonies as these,</q> said she, <q>that I expected
+you should repay the acknowledgment I have
+made; but by a full laying open your bosom, as to
+what passes in it, in regard to my sister: &mdash; I know
+very well she loves you, and am apt to believe she has
+not been more discreet than myself in concealing it
+
+<a class="pb" name="page80" id="page80" title="80"></a>
+
+from you; but am altogether at a loss as to the returns
+you may have made her passion.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> now really loving her, hesitated
+not to do as she desired; neither making any secret
+of the admiration which the abbess had raised
+in him at first sight, nor the discourse she
+had lately entertained him with, and the injunction
+she had laid upon him. <span class="name">Elgidia</span> took this as
+so great a proof of his affection, that she made no
+scruple to ratify the confession she had made him
+by all the endearments that innocence would permit:
+&mdash; after which, they consulted together how
+he should behave to the abbess, whose temper being
+violent, it was not proper to drive to extremes;
+and it was therefore agreed between
+them, that he should continue to treat her with a
+shew of tenderness: <span class="name">Elgidia</span> even proposed,
+that he should renounce her, in case the other continue
+to insist upon it; but <span class="name">Natura</span> could not
+consent his insincerity should go so far.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+They parted, mutually content with each
+other; and <span class="name">Natura</span> himself believed his inclinations
+were now fixed, by the assurance <span class="name">Elgidia</span>
+had given him of the most true and perfect passion
+that ever was: but how little do we know
+of our own hearts at his years! the next time he
+saw the abbess alone, he relapsed into the same
+fluctuating state as before, and found too much
+charms in the kindness she expressed for him, to
+be able to withdraw himself intirely from her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That lady, who loved to an excess, could
+not be any long time without affording him the
+means of reconciliation; and the next morning,
+as soon as breakfast was over, descended alone
+into the garden, giving him a look at the same
+
+<a class="pb" name="page81" id="page81" title="81"></a>
+
+time, which commanded him to follow: &mdash; he
+did so, and perceiving she took her way to the
+same arbour they had been in before, he went in
+soon after her, affecting, rather than feeling, a
+timidity in approaching her. <q>Well, <span class="name">Natura</span>,</q> said
+she, <q>have you yet examined your heart sufficiently,
+to know whether the full possession of mine, can atone
+for your breaking with my sister</q>; &mdash; to which
+he replied, that as he had no engagements with
+<span class="name">Elgidia</span>, nor had ever any other thoughts of her,
+than such as were excited by that respect due to
+her sex and rank, he was wholly ignorant in what
+manner it was exacted from him to behave: &mdash;
+<q>but,</q> added he, <q>if vowing that from the first moment
+I beheld your charms, I became absolutely devoted
+to you, may deserve any part of that affection
+you are pleased to flatter me with, I am ready to
+give you all the assurances in the power of words.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This asseveration could not be called altogether
+false, because he had really a latent inclination in
+him towards her, which all the tenderness he had
+for <span class="name">Elgidia</span> could not eradicate; and this it was
+that gave all he said such an air of sincerity as
+won upon the abbess, to believe her jealousy had
+misinterpreted the looks she had sometimes seen
+him give her sister, and at length made her desist
+from reproaching him on that score.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The tranquility of her mind being restored,
+she gave a loose to the violence of her passion, in
+such caresses as might well make the person who
+received them forgetful of all other obligations: &mdash;
+in these transporting moments the lovely abbess
+had his whole soul: &mdash; he now, unasked, abjured
+not only <span class="name">Elgidia</span>, but all the sex beside, and even
+wondered at himself for having ever entertained
+
+<a class="pb" name="page82" id="page82" title="82"></a>
+
+a wish beyond the happiness he enjoyed at present.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The abbess was too well versed in the affairs
+of love, not to be highly satisfied with the proofs
+he gave of his, than which, it is certain, nothing
+for the time could be more sincere or ardent;
+death was it to them both to put an end to this inchanting
+scene, but as they were seen to go into
+the garden soon after one another, and too long a
+stay together might occasion a suspicion of the
+cause, they were obliged to separate, though not
+without a promise of meeting in the same place
+at night, after the nuns were all retired to their
+respective chambers.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The abbess passed through a back-way into
+the chapel, it being near the time of prayers,
+and <span class="name">Natura</span> returned by the great walk into the
+outward cloister, where <span class="name">Elgidia</span> seeing him at a
+distance, and alone, waited his coming, to know
+of him how he had proceeded with her sister. &mdash;
+<span class="name">Natura</span>, yet full of the abbess and the favours he
+had received from her, would have gladly dispenced
+with this interview; but she was too
+near, before he perceived her, for him to draw
+back with decency.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Far from suspecting any change in him, and
+judging of his integrity by her own, <q>I was impatient,</q>
+said she, <q>to hear the event of your conversation
+with the abbess; tell me therefore in a few
+words, for the bell rings to chapel, whether you
+have succeeded so far as to stifle all jealousies of
+me?</q> <q>Yes, madam,</q> replied he, recovering himself
+as well as he could from his confusion, <q>we may be
+easy for the future, as to that particular.</q> &mdash; <q>I long
+for the particulars of your discourse</q> resumed she,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page83" id="page83" title="83"></a>
+
+<q>but cannot now stay to be informed; meet me in
+the garden after the sisterhood are in bed</q>; <q>this,</q>
+continued she, putting a key into his hand, <q>will
+admit you by the gate that leads to the road: &mdash;
+do not fail to be there at nine.</q> &mdash; The haste
+she was in to be gone, would not have permitted him
+time to make any answer, if he had been provided
+with one, and he could only just kiss her
+hand as she turned from him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But what was the dilemma he was now involved
+in! the hour, and place she appointed,
+were the very same in which he was to meet the
+abbess! impossible was it for him to gratify both,
+and not very easy to deceive either: &mdash; he went
+back into the garden, ruminating what course he
+should take in so intricate an affair; at first he
+thought of writing a little billet, and slipping it
+into <span class="name">Elgidia</span>'s hand, acquainting her that the abbess
+had commanded him to attend her in the
+garden at the time she mentioned, and telling her
+that he thought it necessary to obey, to prevent
+all future suspicion: &mdash; but he rejected this design,
+not only as that young lady might possibly
+have the curiosity to conceal herself behind the
+arbour, and would then be a witness of things it
+was no way proper she should be informed of,
+but also because his heart reproached him for having
+already done more than he could answer,
+and forbad him to deceive her any farther; in
+fine, that he might be guilty of perfidy to neither,
+he resolved to quit both, at least for that
+night, but knew not yet on what he should determine
+for the future.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Divine service being over, he repaired to the
+parlour, where, after they were sat down to dinner,
+he said, addressing himself to the abbess, that
+
+<a class="pb" name="page84" id="page84" title="84"></a>
+
+having sent his servant that morning to his lodgings,
+he had received letters of the utmost importance,
+which required immediate answers;
+and that he must be obliged for that reason to take
+his leave; <q>though with what regret,</q> added he, <q>it
+is easy to perceive, by the long stay I always make
+here.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The abbess insisted upon it, that he should not
+go; &mdash; told him he might write what he pleased
+there without interruption; and that his man
+might carry his dispatches to the post: but all she
+urged could not prevail, and both that lady and
+her sister had the mortification to hear him give
+orders that his own horse should be got ready
+with all expedition; as for his servant he was left
+behind for a few hours, on the account of packing
+up some things he had brought him in the
+design of staying a longer time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In fine, he went away, with a promise of returning
+in a short time. The abbess was inwardly
+fretted at the disappointment, but imagined it
+was only occasioned by the motive he pretended, till
+a young nun who was her confidante in all things,
+and had happened to cross the cloyster when <span class="name">Natura</span>
+and <span class="name">Elgidia</span> were talking together before
+prayers, and had seen him kiss her hand, informed
+her of this passage, and added, of her own conjecture,
+that the abrupt departure of <span class="name">Natura</span> was
+owing to somewhat that lady had said to him: &mdash;
+there needed no more to inflame the passionate and
+jealous abbess; she doubted not of being betrayed,
+and flew directly to her sister's chamber, accused
+her of being guilty of the most criminal intercourse
+with a stranger, and threatened if she did
+not confess the whole truth to her, and swear never
+to see him more, she would send an account
+
+<a class="pb" name="page85" id="page85" title="85"></a>
+
+of her behaviour to their parents, who would not
+fail to thrust her into a less commodious convent,
+and compel her to take the veil directly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The mild and timid disposition of <span class="name">Elgidia</span>,
+could not sustain this shock; she immediately
+fainted away, and help being called to bring her to
+herself, in opening her bosom a paper fell out of
+it, which the abbess snatching up, ran to her
+chamber to examine, and found it contained these
+words:
+</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>
+&lsquo;To prevent my dear angel from being surprized
+   at my sudden departure, know that it is
+   to avoid the abbess, who obliged me to give
+   her a promise of meeting her this night in the
+   garden: &mdash; at my next visit you shall be informed
+   at full of all that passed between us in the
+   morning. Adieu.
+</p>
+<p class="signed"><span class="name">Natura</span>.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+As <span class="name">Natura</span> had no opportunity to make an excuse
+to <span class="name">Elgidia</span>, he had slipt this billet into her
+hand on taking leave; and though no more was
+meant by it than to make her easy till his return,
+there was sufficient in the expression not only to
+convince the abbess that her sister was indeed her
+rival, but also to make her think herself had been
+the dupe to their amour. &mdash; Impossible would it
+be to describe the force of those passions, which, in
+this dreadful instant, overwhelmed her soul; so I
+shall only say, it was as great as woman could
+sustain, and which the impatience of venting on
+their proper object, put it into her head to go to
+him in a disguise, and upbraid his perfidy. As
+she seldom listened to any dictates, but those of
+her passion, this design was no sooner formed than
+preparations were made for the execution, nor
+
+<a class="pb" name="page86" id="page86" title="86"></a>
+
+could all her confidante urged, on the danger and
+scandal of the attempt, deter her from it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There was a fellow who was frequently employed
+about the monastery, in whom she could
+confide: &mdash; him she sent to a farmer, with orders
+to hire three horses, one for herself, another for
+her confidante, who, in spite of all her apprehensions
+on that account, she would needs make
+accompany her, and the third for the man, who
+was to attend them as a valet, the little road they
+had to travel. This fellow was directed to bring
+the horses about ten o'clock at night, at which
+time it would be dark, to the corner of a wall at
+the farther end of the garden, when she and her
+companion were to mount, and away on this wild
+expedition.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But while the abbess was busy on her project,
+<span class="name">Elgidia</span> had also another, though of somewhat a
+less desperate kind; her sister's temper gave her
+but too much reason to believe she would revenge
+herself on her by all the ways in her power;
+and trembling at the thoughts of being exposed to
+her parents, and the censure of the world, as the
+other had threatened, which she knew no way to
+avoid, but by <span class="name">Natura</span> making up this quarrel;
+and tho' she knew it could only be done by his
+renouncing all pretensions to herself, yet she rather
+chose to lose the man she loved, than her
+reputation. As she knew not whether the abbess
+would delay the gratification of her malice any
+longer than the next morning, she resolved to send
+for <span class="name">Natura</span> that same night, in order to engage
+him to a second reconciliation with her sister, let
+the terms be never so cruel to herself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She had no sooner laid this plot, than she ran
+
+<a class="pb" name="page87" id="page87" title="87"></a>
+
+to see if the servant he had left behind was yet
+gone, and finding he was not, bad him wait a
+little, that she might send a letter by him to his
+master. The contents of her epistle were as follow:
+</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p>
+&lsquo;Something has happened, which lays me
+   under a necessity of speaking to you this night:
+   &mdash; the only consolation I have under the severest
+   of all afflictions, is, that I did not take
+   back the key I gave you in the morning: I beg
+   you will make use of it, and let me find you
+   in the close arbour as soon as the darkness will
+   permit your entrance unobserved: &mdash; fail not,
+   if you have any regard for the honour, the
+   peace, and even the life of the unfortunate
+</p>
+<p class="signed"> <span class="name">Elgidia</span>.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> had no sooner received this billet
+from the hands of his servant, than all his tenderness
+for the fair authoress of it revived in him,
+which, joined to his impatient curiosity for the
+knowledge of the accident she mentioned, easily
+determined him to do as she desired.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He set out at the close of day; but the moon
+rising immediately after, shone so extremely bright
+as proved her, no less than the sun, an enemy to
+the design he was at present engaged in; he was
+therefore obliged to wait till that planet had withdrawn
+her light, before he durst approach the
+convent.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The abbess and her companion having dressed
+themselves in riding habits, went at the above-mentioned
+hour to the gate where they expected
+
+<a class="pb" name="page88" id="page88" title="88"></a>
+
+the man and horses were attending their coming;
+but there was not the least appearance of any. &mdash;
+the abbess, emboldened by her impatience and despair,
+would needs venture out some paces beyond
+the gate, to listen if she could hear any
+sound of what she wanted, but had not long continued
+in that posture, before she discovered by the
+twinkling light of the stars, two men on horseback,
+galloping directly to the place where she
+stood: &mdash; impossible was it for her to discern what
+sort of persons they were, but easy to know, as
+there were two men, and no more than two horses,
+that they were not those she looked for; on
+which she ran with all the haste she could back
+into the garden, and clapping the gate after her,
+in her fright stopped not till she was almost at the
+entrance of the cloyster: &mdash; both she and her
+companion were out of breath; but when they
+had a little recovered it, the latter took the liberty
+of railying her on the terror she had been in,
+at the sight of two persons, who were, doubtless,
+only pursuing their own affairs, without any
+thought or notice of them: &mdash; the abbess acknowledged
+the pleasantry was just, and returned
+again to the gate, which having opened, they
+found two horses tied to a tree, at a little distance
+from it, without any person to look after them.
+She imagined they belonged to the farmer, but
+could not guess wherefore there was not a third,
+or how it happened that the man was not with
+them. &mdash; The two lady-adventurers waited in
+hopes of seeing their attendant with another
+horse, till the abbess, fearing the night would be
+too far spent for the execution of her design, and
+grown quite wild with rage and vexation, resolved
+to go without a guide; and accordingly
+she, and the young nun that was with her,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page89" id="page89" title="89"></a>
+
+mounted the horses they found there, and rode
+away.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Little did this distracted woman imagine to
+whom she was indebted for the means of conveying
+herself where she wished to be; for in effect
+these horses were <span class="name">Natura</span>'s, and it was no other
+than himself, attended by his man, who had put
+her into that fright, which occasioned her running
+so far back into the garden, as gave him
+time to enter, without being either seen or heard
+by her: &mdash; he was no sooner within the gate,
+than his servant tied the horses to a tree, as has
+been related, and retired to a more convenient
+place, either to lye down to sleep, or on some
+other occasion. &mdash; Thus did an accident which had
+like to have broken all <span class="name">Elgidia</span>'s measures, turn
+wholly to the advantage of them, and she found
+as much satisfaction, as a person in her situation
+could possibly take, in finding <span class="name">Natura</span> so punctual
+to the summons she had sent:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was with a flood of tears she related to him
+all that had passed between the furious abbess and
+herself after his departure, and concluded her discourse
+with beseeching him to see her in the
+morning, and omit nothing that might pacify
+her, <q>even,</q> said she, <q>to forswear ever speaking to
+me more.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> was touched to the very soul
+at the grief he saw her in, and equally with the tender
+consideration she had for him; and now more
+devoted to her than ever, would have done any
+thing to prove the sincerity of his passion, but
+that which she demanded of him: &mdash; it was in
+vain she urged the impossibility of keeping a correspondence
+together under the same roof with
+
+<a class="pb" name="page90" id="page90" title="90"></a>
+
+a rival who had all the power in her own hands;
+or that she represented how much better it would
+be for both to break off so dangerous an intercourse
+of themselves, before the rage of the abbess
+should put her upon doing it, in a manner which
+might involve them all in destruction: &mdash; all the
+arguments she made use of, only served to render
+him more amorous, and consequently less able to
+part with her. &mdash; The difference he found between
+these two sisters; the outrageous temper of the
+one, compared with the prudence, sweetness, and
+gentleness of the other, rendered the comparison
+almost odious to him; and as he could not but
+acknowledge the impractibility of maintaining a
+conversation with the latter, without the participation
+of the former; nor though he should even
+consent to divide himself between them, would
+either of them be content, he told <span class="name">Elgidia</span>, that
+the only way to solve these difficulties, was, for
+her to fly from the monastery, and be the partner
+of his fortune, as she was the mistress of his heart.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Such a proposition made her start! &mdash; to abandon
+all her friends, and put herself wholly in the
+power of a stranger, of whose fortune, family,
+or fidelity, she could not be assured, gave her very
+just alarms; but whatever was her reluctance at
+the first mention of such an enterprize, the extreme
+passion she had for him, rendered all her
+apprehensions, by degrees, less formidable: &mdash; he
+told her he had no other wishes, than such as were
+dictated by honour; &mdash; that he would marry her
+as soon as they should arrive at a place where
+the ceremony could be performed with safety: &mdash;
+that he was heir to a considerable estate after his
+father's death, that on his return to <span class="name">England</span> he
+should have a handsome settlement out of it, and
+
+<a class="pb" name="page91" id="page91" title="91"></a>
+
+that his present allowance was sufficient to keep
+them above want. &mdash; People easily believe what
+they wish, especially from the mouth of a beloved
+person. &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span> indeed had uttered no untruths
+as to his circumstances, but as to the main point,
+his marrying her, it is impossible to judge whether
+in that he was sincere, because he knew not himself
+whether he was so, tho' in the vehemence of
+his present inclinations he might imagine he did
+so, and at that time really meant as he said.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Be that as it may, <span class="name">Elgidia</span> suffered herself to
+be won by his perswasions; and being so, the
+present opportunity was not to be lost. &mdash; He had
+horses at the gate, could conduct her, he said,
+where she might be concealed till they got quite
+out of the reach of her kindred, and failed not
+to remonstrate, that if she delayed, but even till
+the next morning, not only the jealousy of the
+abbess, but a thousand other accidents, might separate
+them for ever.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As the lovers past their time in this manner,
+the distracted abbess was prosecuting her journey,
+in quest of him she had left behind: as the way
+she had to go was so short, there was no great
+danger of any mischief attending it, neither did
+any happen; but how great was her confusion!
+when arriving at the house where <span class="name">Natura</span> lodged,
+she was told he went out in the evening, on the
+receipt of a billet brought him by his servant. &mdash;
+This disappointment destroyed all the remains of
+temperance had been left in her; she presently
+guessed the billet came from no other than <span class="name">Elgidia</span>,
+doubted not but they were together, and
+figured in her mind a scene of tenderness between
+them so cruel to her imagination, that frenzy itself
+scarce exceeded what she endured: &mdash; she
+
+<a class="pb" name="page92" id="page92" title="92"></a>
+
+rode back with even more precipitation than she
+had set out, and being alighted at the gate thro'
+the great walk, supposing <span class="name">Elgidia</span> had brought him
+into her chamber, where, if she found them,
+thought of nothing, but sacrificing one or both
+of them to her resentment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In this situation of mind, it cannot be imagined
+she had any thought about the horses; but
+her companion having more the power of reflection,
+and judging them to be the farmer's, thought
+it best to tye them to a tree within the garden,
+that so they might be secured, and sent to him in
+the morning; which having done, and shut the
+gate, she was going to follow the abbess, when
+she met her coming back: &mdash; <q>I have considered,</q>
+said she, <q>that my perfidious sister would rather chuse
+the close arbour for her rendezvous, than her own
+chamber, where there would be more danger of being
+overheard by the nuns who lie near her; &mdash; go
+you therefore,</q> continued she, <q>and wait me in my
+apartment, while I search the garden.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The nun obeyed, glad to be eased of this nocturnal
+attendance, and the abbess drew near, as
+softly as she could, to the arbour; and standing
+behind the covert of the greens of which it was
+composed, heard the consent <span class="name">Elgidia</span> gave to accompany
+<span class="name">Natura</span>, and saw her quit him, with a
+promise of returning, as soon as she had put on
+a habit somewhat more proper for travelling.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Had she followed the first dictates of her passion
+in this stabbing circumstance, she had either
+pursued her sister, and inflicted on her all that vindictive
+malice could suggest, or run into the arbour,
+and discharged some part of her fury on
+<span class="name">Natura</span>: &mdash; each alike shared her resentment, but
+
+<a class="pb" name="page93" id="page93" title="93"></a>
+
+divided between both, lost its effects on either: &mdash;
+a revenge more pleasing, and less unbecoming of
+a female mind, at length got the better of those
+furious resolves; &mdash; she thought, that as every
+thing favoured such a design, and she was equipped
+for the purpose, to take the place of her sister,
+would afford her an exquisite triumph over the
+disappointment she should occasion them: accordingly,
+after staying long enough to encourage the
+deception, she came round the arbour, and entered
+at the passage by which <span class="name">Elgidia</span> had gone
+out: &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span>, not doubting but it was his beloved,
+took her in his arms, saying, <q>How transporting
+is the expedition you have made in your
+return; and indeed we had need of it, for the
+night is far exhausted, and it is necessary you
+should be out of this part of the country before
+day-break.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The abbess answered not to what he said, but
+gave him her hand; on which he led her towards
+the gate, entertaining her with the most endearing
+expressions as they walked, to all which she was
+still dumb. <span class="name">Natura</span> was not surprized at it, as
+imagining she was too much engrossed by the
+thoughts of what she was about to do, to be
+able to speak: &mdash; but how great was his mortification,
+when having opened the gate, he found
+his servant, who having missed the horses, was
+just come back from a fruitless search of them.
+&mdash; He drew his sword, and had not the fellow
+stept nimbly aside, had certainly killed him: &mdash;
+while he was venting his passion in the severest
+terms, the abbess shut the gate upon him, and
+locked it with her own key, which, leaving in
+the lock, the one he had made use of, could now
+be of no service. &mdash; A caprice he had so little
+reason to expect in <span class="name">Elgidia</span>, might very well surprize
+
+<a class="pb" name="page94" id="page94" title="94"></a>
+
+him, especially at a time when both had
+so much cause to be more grave! &mdash; he called to
+her, he complained, he even reproached the unkindness,
+and ill-manners of this treatment, while
+the abbess indulged on the other side the most
+spiteful pleasure in his vexation.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She left him railing at fate and womankind,
+without convincing him of his error, when as
+she was going to the monastery, she met <span class="name">Elgidia</span>
+just coming out, and directing her steps
+towards the arbour: &mdash; they were in the same path,
+and facing each other: &mdash; <span class="name">Elgidia</span>, full of the
+fears which usually attend actions of the nature
+she was about to do, no sooner perceived the
+form of a woman, and habited in the same manner
+as herself, than she took it for a spirit; and
+terrified almost to death, cried out, <q>a ghost! a
+ghost!</q> and ran, shrieking, with all her force to
+the cloyster, resolved, as much as it then was in
+her power to resolve on any thing, to desist from
+her enterprise. &mdash; She made no stop, till she got
+into her chamber, where she threw herself on the
+bed, in a condition not to be described.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The abbess was so well satisfied with the success
+of this last stratagem, that it greatly abated
+the thoughts of taking any further revenge: &mdash;
+she went laughing to her confidante, and told her
+the whole story, who congratulated her upon it,
+and said, that in her opinion, she might take it
+as a peculiar providence of Heaven, that had disappointed
+her first design, which could only have
+increased her confusion, and probably brought a
+lasting scandal on the order. The abbess wanted
+not reason, when her passion would permit her
+to exert it, and could not help confessing the
+truth of what the other remonstrated: &mdash; she now
+
+<a class="pb" name="page95" id="page95" title="95"></a>
+
+easily saw they were <span class="name">Natura</span>'s horses they had
+made use of, but how it came to pass that those
+she had bespoke, or the man she had ordered to
+bring them, happened to fail, remained a point
+yet to be discussed: &mdash; the morning, however,
+cleared it up; &mdash; the fellow acquainted her, that
+the farmer had no horses at home, and that as he
+was coming to let her know it, he saw two men
+at the gate, one of whom entered, so that he
+imagined she had provided herself elsewhere: &mdash;
+she then bad him turn out <span class="name">Natura</span>'s horses, which
+the nun having said how she had disposed of them,
+not thinking herself obliged to take any care of
+what belonged to a man, who had treated her
+with so much ingratitude.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> was all this time in the utmost
+perplexity, not only at the usage he imagined had
+been given him by <span class="name">Elgidia</span>, but also for the loss
+of his horses; and at being told when he came
+home, that two women, in riding habits, well
+mounted, but without any attendants, had been
+to enquire for him: &mdash; all these things, the meaning
+of any one of which he was not able to fathom,
+so filled his head, that he could not take
+any repose: &mdash; pretty early in the morning, a
+letter was brought him from <span class="name">Elgidia</span>, which he
+hastily opened, but found nothing in it, but what
+served to heighten his amazement and discontent.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She told him that she could not dispense with
+letting him know the occasion of her breach of
+promise; that intending nothing more than to
+perform it, she was hastening to the arbour,
+when, in the middle of the garden, she was met
+by an apparition, which, as near as she could discern,
+had the resemblance of herself; &mdash; that the
+
+<a class="pb" name="page96" id="page96" title="96"></a>
+
+terror she was in had obliged her to retire; and
+that as she could look on what she had seen, as
+no other than a warning from Heaven, she had
+determined to use her utmost endeavours for extinguishing
+a passion obnoxious to its will; to
+which end she desired he would make no farther
+attempts to engage her to an act so contrary to
+her duty, or even ever to see her more.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> had so little notion of spirits and
+ghosts, that at first he took this story only as a
+pretence, to cover a levity he had not suspected
+her to be guilty of; but when he reflected on the
+silence of the person he had taken for her, and the
+description of those who had been to enquire for
+him, he began to imagine, as he had not the
+least thought of the abbess, that something supernatural
+had indeed walked the garden that night,
+and had also been at his own lodgings in order to
+perplex him more: &mdash; a thousand little tales he
+had been told in his infancy, concerning the tricks
+played on mortals by those shadowy beings, now
+came fresh into his mind; and as the belief of
+what <span class="name">Elgidia</span> had wrote gained ground in him,
+was not far from being of her opinion, that it was
+a warning from Providence, and to repent of having
+attempted to snatch from the altar a woman devoted to it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is doubtless accidents such as this, that have
+given rise to so many stories of apparitions, as
+have been propagated in the world; and had not
+<span class="name">Natura</span> been afterwards informed of the whole
+truth, it is likely he would have been as great a
+defender of these ideas, as any who are accounted
+superstitious: &mdash; but however that might have
+been, it wrought so strongly on his mind at present,
+that joined with the considerations of those
+
+<a class="pb" name="page97" id="page97" title="97"></a>
+
+perpetual perplexities which must infallibly attend
+an ecclesiastical intrigue; besides, those which the
+abbess would involve him in, made him resolve
+to obey <span class="name">Elgidia</span>'s commands, and pursue the matter
+no farther, but go directly to the baron d' <span class="name">Eyrac</span>'s,
+who he heard was still at his country-house.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The loss of his horses, however, very much
+vexed him; he bought them, because he preferred
+that way of travelling to a post-chaise: they
+had cost him forty <span class="foreign">louis d'ores</span> in <span class="name">Paris</span>, and
+knew not whether the country he was in would
+afford him any so fit for his purpose: &mdash; he was
+just sending his man to enquire where others were
+to be had, when his own were at the door, without
+the least damage done either to themselves
+or saddles: &mdash; the farmer who had the care of
+them while he was at the monastery, found them
+wandering in the field, and easily knowing to
+whom they belonged, brought them home.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This was some consolation to him for the
+loss of his mistresses; and he began to resolve
+seriously on his departure; but thinking it would
+be the highest ungenerosity to quit the convent,
+without acknowledging the favours he had
+received there, he wrote a letter to the abbess,
+full of gratitude and civility, telling her, that tho'
+the necessity of his affairs required he should take
+an eternal leave of that place, he should always
+preserve the memory of those honours he had received
+in it. &mdash; To <span class="name">Elgidia</span> he wrote in much the
+same strain she had done to him, and concluded
+with desiring her to believe it was to Heaven alone
+he could resign her. Those letters he sent by his
+man, and ordered him to leave them with the
+portress, to avoid any answers which might have
+
+<a class="pb" name="page98" id="page98" title="98"></a>
+
+drawn him into a longer correspondence than he
+desired, or perhaps even have occasioned a revival
+of those inclinations in him, which he was now
+convinced of the folly and danger of.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This was the first proof he gave of a firmness
+of resolution, and was indeed as great a one as
+could have been expected from a man of the age
+he was: &mdash; it must be owned, that at that time
+love is the strongest passion of the soul, and as
+neither <span class="name">Elgidia</span> nor the abbess wanted charms to
+inspire it, and he had been but too sensible of the
+force of both, to be able, I say, to tear himself
+away in the manner he now did, was a piece of
+heroism, which I with every one in the like circumstance
+may have power to imitate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He hired another horse and guide, that he might
+not lose his way a second time, and departed the
+same day for the baron's, where he was received
+by that young nobleman with the utmost kindness
+as well as politeness, and found so much in his
+conversation, and those who came to visit him,
+and the continual amusements of that place, as
+made him soon forget all he had partook in the
+monastery: &mdash; he remained there while the baron
+stayed, and then came with him to <span class="name">Paris</span>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On his return he frequented the same company,
+and pursued the same pleasures he had done before;
+but as nothing extraordinary befel him, I
+shall not enter into particulars, my design being
+only to relate such adventures as gave an opportunity
+for the passions to exert themselves in influencing
+the conduct of his life.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page99" id="page99" title="99"></a>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="LPP22">
+<h3>CHAP. II.</h3>
+<div class="argument"><p>
+The pleasures of travelling described, and the improvement
+a sensible mind may receive from it:
+with some hints to the censorious, not to be too
+severe on errors, the circumstances of which they
+are ignorant of, occasioned by a remarkable instance
+of an involuntary slip of nature.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>
+Of all the countries <span class="name">Natura</span> intended to see,
+<span class="name">Italy</span> was that of which he had entertained
+the most favourable idea: &mdash; his curiosity led him
+to convince himself whether it really deserved to
+be intitled <em>the garden of the world</em>; and therefore
+it was thither he resolved to make his next progress.
+&mdash; Being told that in so long a journey he
+would find an excessive expence, as well as incommodity,
+in travelling on horseback, by reason he
+must be obliged to hire a guide from one place to
+another, he sold his horses, and after having hired
+a post-chaise, took leave of his acquaintance, and
+of a place where he had enjoyed all the pleasures
+agreeable to a youthful taste.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He went by the way of <span class="name">Burgundy</span>, and passing
+through <span class="name">Dijon</span> proceeded to <span class="name">Lyons</span>, where the
+sight of the ruins of some <span class="name">Roman</span> palaces yet remaining
+there, the fine churches, and beautiful
+prospect that city affords, being situated at the
+confluence of the rivers <span class="name">Rhone</span> and <span class="name">Soane</span>, tempted
+him to stay some days. &mdash; He was one evening
+sitting with his landlord in the inn-yard, when
+a post-chaise came in, out of which alighted a
+gentleman and a lady, just by the place where
+they were. &mdash; The man got up with all the obsequiousness
+
+<a class="pb" name="page100" id="page100" title="100"></a>
+
+of persons of his calling, to bid them
+welcome, and shew them into a room: &mdash; the
+lady, in passing, looked earnestly at <span class="name">Natura</span>, and
+his eyes were no less attached on her: he thought
+he saw in her face features he was perfectly acquainted
+with, but could not, at that instant, recollect
+where he had been so. Not so with her,
+she easily remembered him, and in less than half
+an hour he received an invitation by his name
+from these new guests to sup with them, which
+he accepted of with great politeness, but said at
+the same time, he could not imagine to whom he
+was obliged for that honour. &mdash; On his coming
+into the room, <q>Difference of habit,</q> said the lady,
+smiling, <q>joined with the little probability there was
+of meeting me in this place, may well disguise me
+from your knowledge; but these impediments to remembrance,
+are not on your account; monsieur <span class="name">Natura</span>
+is the same in person at <span class="name">Lyons</span>, as at the convent
+of <span class="name">Riche Dames</span>, though perhaps,</q> added she,
+<q>somewhat changed in mind.</q> There needed no
+more to make him know she was one of the two
+nuns who always dined, when he was there, with
+the abbess, and was her particular confidante. &mdash;
+<q>By what miracle, madam, are you here?</q> cried he:
+<q>by such another,</q> answered she, <q>as might have
+brought <span class="name">Elgidia</span> here, had not an unlucky spirit put
+other thoughts into her head.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She then proceeded to inform him, that loving,
+and being equally beloved by the gentleman
+who was with her, she had made her escape with
+him from the monastery, and was going with
+him into one of the <span class="name">Protestant</span> cantons of <span class="name">Switzerland</span>,
+of which he was a native, and where
+they were certain of being safe from any prosecutions,
+either from her kindred, or the church.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page101" id="page101" title="101"></a>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span>, after having made his compliments
+to the gentleman on the occasion, enquired
+of her concerning the abbess and <span class="name">Elgidia</span>; on
+which she informed him of all the particulars related
+in the preceding chapter; adding, that after
+the receipt of the two letters he had sent, the
+sisters came to a mutual understanding, each confessed
+her foible to the other, and the cause of
+their quarrel being for ever removed, a sincere
+reconciliation between them ensued.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As gratitude is natural to the soul, and never
+is erased but by the worst passions that can obtrude
+upon the human mind, <span class="name">Natura</span> had enough
+for these ladies to make him extremely glad no
+worse consequences had attended their acquaintance
+with him, but was extremely merry, as
+they were all indeed, at the story of the supposed
+spirit: &mdash; they passed the best part of the night
+together in very entertaining discourses, and the
+next day the two lovers proceeded on their journey
+to <span class="name">Switzerland</span>, as <span class="name">Natura</span> the following one
+did his to <span class="name">Avignon</span>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Here again he halted for some time, to feast
+his eyes, and give subject for future contemplation,
+on the magnificent buildings, fine gardens,
+churches, and other curiosities, which he was told
+of, gave him a sample, tho' infinitely short, of
+what he would find in <span class="name">Rome</span>; &mdash; the grandeur
+in which the nobility lived, the elegance and politeness
+in the houses of even the lowest rank of
+gentry, and the masquerades, balls, and other
+public diversions, which every night afforded,
+made him already see that neither the pleasures,
+nor the delicacies of life were confined to <span class="name">Paris</span>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The desire of novelty is inherent to a youthful
+
+<a class="pb" name="page102" id="page102" title="102"></a>
+
+heart, and nothing so much gratifies that passion
+as travelling: &mdash; variety succeeds variety; &mdash;
+whether you climb the craggy mountains, or traverse
+the flowery vale; &mdash; whether thick woods
+set limits to the light, or the wide common yields
+unbounded prospect; &mdash; whether the ocean rolls
+in solemn state before you, or gentle streams run
+purling by your side, nature in all her different
+shapes delights; each progressive day brings with
+it fresh matter to admire, and every stage you
+come to presents at night customs and manners
+new and unknown before.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The stupendous mountains of the <span class="name">Alps</span>, after
+the plains and soft embowered recesses of <span class="name">Avignon</span>,
+gave perhaps a no less grateful sensation to
+the mind of <span class="name">Natura</span>: he wanted indeed such a companion
+as death had deprived him of in his good
+governor, to instruct him how to improve contemplation,
+and to moralize on the amazing and
+different objects he beheld; yet as his thoughts
+were now wholly at liberty, and his reason unclouded
+by any passions of what kind soever, he
+did not fail to make reflections suitable to the
+different occasions.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Whoever has seen <span class="name">Rome</span> will acknowledge
+he must find sufficient there to exercise all his
+faculties; but though the architecture, and the
+paintings which ornament that august city might
+have engrossed his whole attention, the many venerable
+reliques which were shewn him of old
+<span class="name">Rome</span>, appeared yet more lovely in his eyes;
+which shews the charms antiquity has for persons
+even of the most gay dispositions: but this, according
+to my opinion, is greatly owing to the
+prejudice of education, which forces us as it were
+to an admiration of the antients, meerly because
+
+<a class="pb" name="page103" id="page103" title="103"></a>
+
+they are so, and not that they are in any essential
+respect always deserving that vast preference given
+them over the moderns: &mdash; this may be easily
+proved by the exorbitant prices some of our virtuoso's
+give for pieces of old copper, which are
+reckoned the most valuable, as the inscriptions
+or figures on them are least legible.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span>, however, was not so absorbed in
+his admiration of the ruined corner of a bath, or
+the half-demolished portico of an amphitheatre,
+as to neglect those entertainments which more affect
+the senses, and consequently give the most
+natural delight; &mdash; the exquisite music performed
+at the churches, carried him there much oftener
+than devotion would have done, and rarely did
+he fail the opera at night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As the <span class="name">Romans</span> are allowed to be the best bred
+people upon earth, especially to strangers, be they
+of what country or perswasion soever, neither the
+being an <span class="name">Englishman</span> or a <span class="name">Protestant</span> hindered him
+from making very good acquaintance, and receiving
+the greatest civilities from them; but the person
+to whom he was most obliged, and who indeed
+had taken a particular fancy to him, was the
+younger son of the family of <span class="name">Caranna</span>: this nobleman,
+knowing his taste for music, would frequently
+take him with him to his box at the
+opera-house, most persons of condition having
+little closets or boxes to themselves, of which
+every one keeps his own key, and none can be
+admitted but by it: &mdash; nothing can be more indulging,
+as there are curtains to draw before
+them, and the seats are made in such a manner
+that the person may lie down at his ease.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The signior of <span class="name">Caranna</span> being otherwise engaged
+
+<a class="pb" name="page104" id="page104" title="104"></a>
+
+one night, when a celebrated piece was to
+be performed, he lent his key to <span class="name">Natura</span>, unknowing
+that his wife, who had also one, had made a
+compliment of her's to a young lady of her acquaintance.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> by some accident being delayed
+from going till after the opera began, on entering
+was surprized to find a very beautiful young person
+there, stretched on the sopha: &mdash; as he had
+been told the box would be intirely empty, he
+knew not whether he ought to retire or go forward
+and seat himself by her: &mdash; this consideration
+kept him some minutes in the posture he was
+in, and perceiving she was too much taken up
+with the music, either to have heard him open
+the door, or see him after he came in, he had the
+opportunity of feasting his eyes, with gazing on
+the thousand charms she was mistress of; all
+which were displayed to a great advantage by the
+shadowy light which gleamed from the stage thro'
+a thin crimson taffety curtain, which she had
+drawn before her, to the end she might neither be
+seen by others, nor see any thing herself which
+might take off her attention from the music.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In fine, he drew near, and had placed himself
+close by her before she observed him; but no
+sooner did so, than she started, and appeared in
+some confusion: he made a handsome apology for
+the intrusion, which he assured her, with a great
+deal of truth, was wholly owing to chance, and
+said he would withdraw, if his presence would
+be any interruption to the pleasure she proposed:
+&mdash; she seemed obliged to him for the offer, but
+told him she would not abuse the proof he gave
+of his complaisance by accepting it; on which
+he bowed, and continued in his place.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page105" id="page105" title="105"></a>
+
+<p>
+Both the music, and the words, seemed intended
+to lull the soul into a forgetfulness of all
+beside, and fill it only with soft ideas: &mdash; it had
+at least this effect upon the lady, who had closed
+her eyes, and was in reality lost to every other
+sense than that of hearing. &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span>, either was,
+or pretended to be, equally transported, and sunk
+insensibly upon her bosom, without any opposition
+on her part: &mdash; she had possibly even forgot she
+was not alone, and when an air full of the most
+inchanting tenderness was singing, was so much
+dissolved in extasy, that crying out, <q>O God, 'tis
+insupportable!</q> she threw her arms over <span class="name">Natura</span>'s
+neck, who was still in the same posture I just
+mentioned; &mdash; he spoke not a word, but was not
+so absorbed in the gratification of one faculty, as
+to let slip the gratification of the others: &mdash; he
+seized the lucky moment; &mdash; he pressed her close,
+and in this trance of thought, this total absence
+of mind, stole himself, as it were, into the possession
+of a bliss, which the assiduity of whole
+years would perhaps never have been able to
+obtain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Reason and thought at last returned; she
+opened her eyes, she knew to what the rapture
+she had been in had exposed her, and was struck
+with the most poignant shame and horror: &mdash; she
+broke with all her force from that strict embrace
+in which he had continued to hold her; and being
+withdrawn to the farther corner of the closet,
+&mdash; <q>What have I done,</q> cried she, <q>What have I
+done!</q> &mdash; these words she repeated several times,
+and accompanied them with tears, wringing her
+hands, and every testimony of remorse. &mdash; It was
+in vain for him to attempt to pacify her, much
+less to prevail on her to suffer any second proofs
+of his tenderness; &mdash; she would not even give him
+
+<a class="pb" name="page106" id="page106" title="106"></a>
+
+leave to touch her hand, and on his offering it,
+pushed him back, saying, <q>No, stranger! you have
+taken the advantage of my <em>insensibility</em> but shall
+never triumph over my <em>reason</em>, which enables me to
+hate you, &mdash; to fly from you for ever, as from a
+serpent.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> said every thing that love and wit
+could inspire, to reconcile her to what had past;
+but she remained inflexible, and only condescended
+to request him to leave the place before the
+opera was ended, that they might not be seen
+coming out together, and that he would tell signior
+<span class="name">Carrana</span>, that having unexpectedly found a
+lady in the box, he had withdrawn without entering.
+&mdash; He then begged she would entertain a
+more favourable opinion of an action, which her
+beauty, the bewitching softness of the entertainment,
+and the place they were in, had all concurred
+to make him guilty of; but she would
+listen to nothing on that head, insisted on his never
+taking the least notice of her, wherever they
+might chance to meet; and only told him,
+that tho' she was unalterably fixed in this resolution,
+yet he might depend upon it she hated him less
+than she did herself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Finding she was not to be moved, he obeyed
+her commands, and straight went out of the box,
+more amazed at the oddness of the adventure,
+than can be well expressed; and yet more so,
+when he afterwards heard she was the wife of a
+person of great condition, was in the first month
+of her marriage with him, and had the reputation
+of a woman of strict virtue.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As this false step was meerly accidental, wholly
+unpremeditated on either side, and by what can
+be judged by the character of the lady, and her
+
+<a class="pb" name="page107" id="page107" title="107"></a>
+
+behaviour afterwards, was no more on her part
+than a surprize on the senses, in which the mind
+was not consulted, and had not the least share, I
+know not whether it may not more justly be called
+a slip of unguarded nature, than a real crime
+in her; and as for <span class="name">Natura</span>, though certainly the
+most guilty of the two, whoever considers his
+youth, his constitution, and above all the greatness
+of the temptation, which presented itself before
+him, will allow, that he must either have
+been <em>more</em>, or <em>less</em>, than <em>man</em>, to have behaved
+otherwise than he did.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Let the most severely virtuous, who happily
+have never fallen into the same error, but figure
+to themselves the circumstances of this transgressing
+pair, and well consider in what manner nature
+must operate, when thus powerfully excited,
+and if they are not rendered totally incapable of
+any soft sensations, by an uncommon frigidity of
+constitution, they will cease either to wonder at,
+or too cruelly condemn, the effects of so irresistible
+an impulse.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Were it not for the precepts of religion and
+morality, the fears of scandal, and shame of offending
+against law and custom, man would undoubtedly
+think himself intitled to the same privileges
+which the brute creation in this point enjoy
+above him; and it is not therefore strange, that
+whenever reason nods, as it sometimes will do,
+even in those who are most careful to preserve
+themselves under its subjection, that the senses
+ever craving, ever impatient for gratification,
+should readily snatch the opportunity of indulging
+themselves, and which it is observable they ordinarily
+do to the greater excess, by so much the
+longer, and the more strictly they have been kept
+under restraint.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page108" id="page108" title="108"></a>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="LPP23">
+<h3>CHAP. III.</h3>
+<div class="argument"><p>
+The uncertainty of human events displayed in many
+surprizing turns of fortune, which befel <span class="name">Natura</span>,
+on his endeavouring to settle himself in the world:
+with some proofs of the necessity of fortitude, as
+it may happen that actions, excited by the greatest
+virtue, may prove the source of evil, both to ourselves
+and others.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> stayed but six months in <span class="name">Rome</span>, and
+then passed on to <span class="name">Florence</span>, where having
+seen all the curiosities that place afforded, he only
+waited to receive some remittances from his father,
+after which he intended to cross the <span class="name">Appenines</span>
+to <span class="name">Bolognio</span>, then proceed to <span class="name">Venice</span>, and so
+through the <span class="name">Tirolose</span> to <span class="name">Vienna</span>, and flattered himself
+with having time enough to visit all the different
+courts which compose the mighty empire of <span class="name">Germany</span>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+These remittances were delayed much longer
+than he had expected, and when they arrived,
+were accompanied by a positive command from
+his father to put an end to his travels, and return
+to <span class="name">England</span> with all the expedition he could. &mdash;
+His surprize at so unlooked for an order, would
+have been equal to the mortification it gave him,
+if he had not received a letter from his sister at
+the same time, which informed him, that his being
+so suddenly recalled was wholly owing to the
+misfortunes in which their family was at present
+involved: &mdash; that soon after his departure, their
+father had discovered an intercourse between his
+wife and a person who pretended to be a relation,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page109" id="page109" title="109"></a>
+
+no way to the honour of either of them; &mdash; that
+frequent quarrels had at length separated them;
+&mdash; that he was engaged in a law-suit with her,
+and also in several others, with people to whom
+she, in revenge, as it was supposed, had given
+bonds, dated before marriage, for very great sums
+of money, pretended to have been borrowed of
+them by her; &mdash; that tho' the imposition was too
+gross not to be easily seen through, yet the forms
+of the courts of judicature could not be dispensed
+with, and the continual demands made upon him
+had laid him under such inconveniencies as obliged
+him even to lessen the number of his servants,
+and retrench his table: &mdash; she added, that
+he spoke of his dear <span class="name">Natura</span> with the utmost tenderness,
+and was under a very great concern that
+the necessity of his affairs would not permit to
+send him any more such supplies as were requisite
+for the prosecution of his travels.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> at first felt a very great shock at
+this account; but it is the peculiar blessing of
+youth, not to be for any length of time affected
+with misfortunes; his melancholly soon dissipated,
+and he thought of nothing more than compliance
+with the command he had received, and also
+to perform it in the cheapest manner he could. &mdash;
+On speaking of his intentions of returning home,
+he was advised to go to <span class="name">Leghorn</span>, which being a
+very great port, it would be no difficulty to find
+a ship bound for <span class="name">Holland</span> or <span class="name">England</span>, in which
+he might take his passage at an easy rate. He
+had certainly taken this method, but meeting with
+an <span class="name">English</span> gentleman, who was on his travels, and
+had not yet been at <span class="name">Rome</span>, was perswaded by him
+to go back, on his offering to bear the whole expences
+of that route, for the pleasure of his company.
+&mdash; After a stay of two or three months
+
+<a class="pb" name="page110" id="page110" title="110"></a>
+
+there, they pursued their journey to <span class="name">Paris</span>, where
+<span class="name">Natura</span> renewed all the former acquaintance he
+had there: &mdash; the baron d' <span class="name">Eyrac</span>, with whom he
+had contracted an intimate friendship, and from
+whom he concealed nothing of his affairs, was
+extremely concerned to hear the occasion of his
+being recalled so much sooner than he had expected,
+and made him an offer which suited very
+well with <span class="name">Natura</span>'s inclination to accept: it was
+this.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That an old officer in the army having obtained
+leave to dispose of his commission, <span class="name">Natura</span>
+should become the purchaser; and to enable him
+to do so, the baron would advance a sum of money,
+to be returned at several easy payments, as
+he received the profits arising from his troop.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Love and gallantry had already had their turns
+with <span class="name">Natura</span>; ambition, and the pride of being
+in an independent state, began now to work in
+him: &mdash; as <span class="name">France</span> was in alliance with <span class="name">England</span>,
+there was neither shame nor danger in entering
+into her service: &mdash; besides, he considered, that
+as his father was no longer in a condition to supply
+him with money abroad, he could not expect
+any settlement to be made on him at home that
+would be answerable to his former expectations;
+&mdash; and that by a captain's pay, joined to some
+assistance he might hope to receive sometimes
+from <span class="name">England</span>, he should be enabled to make a
+very good figure in the world, till the misfortunes
+of his family should be retrieved, and if they never
+were so, he should at least have a provision
+for life, in a country he was not weary of.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He therefore made no hesitation of accepting
+this proof of the baron's friendship, who immediately
+
+<a class="pb" name="page111" id="page111" title="111"></a>
+
+went about making good his promise; and
+what with his money, and the great interest he
+had, both with the court and army, <span class="name">Natura</span> was
+dispensed with, for not having been in the service
+before; and in a very few days saw himself at the
+head of a troop of horse.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+His father, to whom he wrote an account of
+the step he had taken, with his motives for it,
+was far from being offended at it; tho' he told
+him it added to his trouble, to think his eldest son
+should be compelled, by his having entered into
+a second marriage, to have recourse to any avocation
+whatever for bread; but concluded with
+telling him, that in the severe necessity of their
+present circumstances, he could not have pitched
+on any thing more agreeable to his inclinations,
+or more honourable in itself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This letter served to compose all the disquiets
+<span class="name">Natura</span> had of disobliging a parent, for whom
+he retained the most tender, as well as dutiful regard,
+ever since the kind forgiveness be received
+from him at <span class="name">Wapping</span>, which shews the great effect
+of lenity over a mind, where gratitude and generosity
+are not wholly extinguished; which, as I
+before observed, they never are, but by a long
+habitude of vice.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He was now as happy as he had any need to
+wish to be, enjoying all the pleasures of life in
+a reasonable way, and rarely transgressing the
+bounds of moderation; and when at any time,
+through the prevalence of example, or the force
+of his own passions, he was hurried to some little
+excesses, they were never such as could incur the
+censure of dishonourable or mean. He was punctual
+to his payments with the baron, and had the
+
+<a class="pb" name="page112" id="page112" title="112"></a>
+
+satisfaction of seeing himself intirely out of debt
+at three years end; which manner of behaviour
+so endeared him to that gentleman, that few
+friendships are to be found more sincere, than that
+which subsisted between them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But as good sometimes arises out of evil, so
+what is in itself a real happiness, is not always
+without consequences altogether the reverse; as it
+proved to <span class="name">Natura</span>, who from the most contented
+situation, all owing to the baron's friendship, was,
+on a sudden, by that very friendship, thrown into
+one of the greatest trouble and danger.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+One morning, as he was dressing, the baron
+entered his chamber, with a countenance which
+before he spoke, denoted he had somewhat of importance
+to communicate: &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span> easily perceived
+it, and to put him out of pain, ordered his
+valet to leave the room; on which the other immediately
+told him, he was come to desire a proof
+of that sincere good-will he had professed for him.
+&mdash; <q>I should,</q> replied he, <q>be the most unworthy of
+mankind, if I had not in reality much more than
+is in the power of words to express, and not look on
+an opportunity given by you of testifying it, equal
+to any favour you have bestowed on me.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The baron was at present in too much agitation
+of spirit to answer this compliment as he
+would have done at another time; and made
+haste to inform him, that the countess d' <span class="name">Ermand</span>,
+who on some misunderstanding with her husband,
+had been confined in a monastery for several
+months, without any hopes of obtaining her
+release, had found means to convey a letter to
+him, earnestly requesting he would assist her in
+her escape: &mdash; <q>she has acquainted me,</q> continued
+
+<a class="pb" name="page113" id="page113" title="113"></a>
+
+he, <q>with the plot she has laid; &mdash; there is nothing
+impracticable in it; but I cannot do what she desires
+without the help of some trusty friend, and it
+is you alone I dare rely upon, in a business, which,
+if not carefully concealed, as well as resolutely acted,
+may be of very ill consequence.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> did not greatly relish this piece of
+knight-errantry; but as he thought he ought to
+refuse nothing to the baron, hesitated not to assure
+him of the most ready compliance; on which the
+other told him, he must get two or three of his
+soldiers, who, disguised like peasants, but well
+mounted, and their swords concealed under their
+cloaths, must attend the expedition, and be at
+hand in case they should meet with any resistance,
+which, however, he said he did not apprehend,
+it being but ten small miles to the monastery, the
+road but little frequented, and the time agreed
+upon for the execution of the project twelve at
+night; so there was no great danger of any
+interruption, unless some unfortunate accident
+should happen. &mdash; <q>The lady,</q> continued he, <q>informs
+me she has observed the place where the portress
+constantly hangs up the key of the outer gate
+every night, and when the nuns are gone into the
+chapel to their midnight devotions, can easily slip
+out: &mdash; we have only therefore to be there exactly
+at the time, and be ready to receive her; and as for
+the rest, I have already provided a place where she
+may remain undiscovered, till something can be done
+for her.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The baron added many things concerning the
+ill treatment she had received; but <span class="name">Natura</span> did
+not give himself any trouble to examine into
+the merits of the cause, it was sufficient for him
+to do what he requested of him; and that night
+
+<a class="pb" name="page114" id="page114" title="114"></a>
+
+being the same had been appointed by the lady
+for the business to be done, he went immediately
+about preparing for it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Accordingly, he selected from out of his
+troop three who seemed most proper to be employed
+in such an enterprize, and after having
+sworn them to secrecy in whatever they saw, or
+should happen, though without acquainting them
+with the main of the affair, or mentioning the
+baron d' <span class="name">Eyrac</span>, told them in what manner they
+were to disguise themselves, and ordered they
+should attend him at the <span class="name">Fauxbourg</span>, a little after
+ten o'clock the same night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Rejoiced at an opportunity of obliging their
+officer, especially as they doubted not of being
+well gratified, each gave a thousand oaths instead
+of the one required of him, to be both punctual
+and faithful in the discharge of the trust reposed
+in him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In fine, all was conducted with a care and caution
+becoming of the gratitude and esteem <span class="name">Natura</span>
+had for the baron, and as if he had himself
+approved of this undertaking, which, as I before
+observed, he could not do in his heart.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The two gentlemen, muffled up in their cloaks
+and vizarded, repaired to the <span class="name">Fauxbourg</span>, at the
+appointed time, where they found the soldiers on
+the post allotted for them by their officer; on
+which they all rode off together, and arrived before
+the walls of the monastery some few minutes
+before twelve, at which hour precisely the gate
+was opened, and a woman appeared at it. &mdash; To
+prevent the loss of time, it had been concluded,
+that the baron should not dismount, but <span class="name">Natura</span>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page115" id="page115" title="115"></a>
+
+perform the office of an equerry, in placing her
+behind him: just as he had alighted, and taken
+her in his arms, in order to perform that office, a
+great noise was heard; and in an instant, our adventurers
+found themselves surrounded by more
+than a dozen armed men, who rushed upon them
+from the covert of a wood: &mdash; the lady shrieked,
+and ran back into the convent, on <span class="name">Natura</span>'s letting
+her go, in order to draw his sword against
+these antagonists, who seemed resolute, either to
+kill or take him and his associates prisoners: &mdash; the
+fight was obstinate on both sides, tho' the baron
+finding his design defeated, had not entered into
+it at first, but trusted to the goodness of his horse
+for his escape, if his consideration for <span class="name">Natura</span>,
+who being on foot, must have been immediately
+seized, had not prevented him. &mdash; At length, however,
+having received two or three wounds, and
+convinced of the impossibility of maintaining their
+ground against such an inequality of numbers, self-preservation
+prevailed; he broke thro' those that
+encompassed him, and setting spurs to his horse,
+had the good fortune to avoid the mischief which
+he knew must inevitably befal those he left behind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The three troopers gallantly defended their
+captain for some time, nor was he idle in making
+those who approached him too near, feel the sharpness
+of his sword; but not being able to get on
+horseback, all his courage, or that of his men,
+could not prevent him, and them, from being
+made prisoners. Several of the conquering party
+being officers of justice, they conducted them to
+<span class="name">Paris</span>, where the soldiers were disposed of in the
+common goal, but <span class="name">Natura</span> who was known, was
+committed to the care of an exempt, who treated
+him with the good manners his station demanded;
+
+<a class="pb" name="page116" id="page116" title="116"></a>
+
+he had received a pretty deep wound in the shoulder,
+and a surgeon was presently sent for; but
+no artery nor sinew being touched, no ill consequence
+was like to attend it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It may be imagined he passed the remainder
+of this night in a good deal of disquiet, as having
+lived long enough in <span class="name">France</span> to know that an attempt
+of the nature he had been engaged in would
+find little mercy from the law. &mdash; A good part of
+the next day was passed, before they carried him
+to the magistrate, whose office it was to examine
+into such causes, his adversaries not having
+prepared their accusation; the heads of which
+were, that he had attempted a rape upon a married
+woman of quality; that he had contrived,
+with other persons, to take her out of the monastery,
+and had come with an armed force for
+that purpose. These articles having been deposed
+upon oath, the magistrate told him his crime was
+of a double nature, that he had violated both the
+civil and ecclesiastic laws; but as his office extended
+no farther than the former, he had only to
+demand of him what defence he had to make for
+himself in that part.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> had no other remedy than to deny
+all that was laid to his charge: &mdash; he protested,
+as he might truly do, that he was so far from entertaining
+any criminal designs on any lady in that
+monastery, that he did not so much as know the
+face of any one of them; and pretended, that being
+only riding out for the benefit of the air, he
+found himself attacked by persons unknown, with
+whom he confessed he had fought in his own defence.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But this availed not at all to his justification:
+
+<a class="pb" name="page117" id="page117" title="117"></a>
+
+&mdash; his own soldiers, who had been examined before
+himself, had confessed, that they were commanded
+by their officer to attend him on a certain
+enterprize, in which they were to behave with
+secresy and resolution; but said, they did not
+know of what sort it was, till they saw a woman
+come to the gate of the monastery, whom their
+captain presently took in his arms, but with what
+intent they could not pretend to say.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A letter also was produced, which madame
+d' <span class="name">Ermand</span> had dropt, and which had occasioned
+this discovery of the intrigue, as it contained
+the whole method by which she was to be
+taken away; and tho' there was no name subscribed,
+appearances were strong against <span class="name">Natura</span>
+as the author, and tho' he offered to bring many
+witnesses to prove it was a hand very different
+from what he wrote, yet it served at least to
+prove that it was sent by some one person in the
+company, and that if he were not the principal in
+this conspiracy, yet being the agent and abettor,
+as it was plain he was, by his bringing his own
+soldiers, he could not be judged less guilty.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After a long examination he was remanded
+to the exempt's house, till the sitting of the judges,
+which they told him would be in eight days; in
+which interval he was allowed to prepare what
+defence he had to make, and for that purpose advocates
+were allowed to come to him, but no
+other person whatever, not even his own servant,
+and he received attendance from those belonging
+to the exempt, who also fetched from his
+lodgings change of apparel, and all such necessaries
+as he had occasion for; care being taken to
+search every thing before it came to his hands, in
+
+<a class="pb" name="page118" id="page118" title="118"></a>
+
+order to prevent any letters being conveyed to him
+that way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In this melancholly situation did he pass his
+time; but that was little in regard to his apprehensions
+of the future: &mdash; as his case stood there
+was little expectation of any thing less than a
+shameful death, perhaps ushered in by tortures
+worse than even that: &mdash; his advocates, however,
+and it is likely his accusers too, were of opinion
+that he had been in reality no more than an agent
+in this business, and therefore gave him to understand,
+that if he laid open the whole truth, and
+declared the name of the person chiefly concerned,
+it would greatly mitigate the severity of the laws
+in such cases; but this he would by no means be
+prevailed upon to do, resolving rather to suffer
+every thing they could inflict upon him, than be
+guilty of so mean and dishonourable an action as
+breach of trust, even to a person indifferent, but
+to a friend villainous in the most superlative degree:
+alike unmoved by arguments, as inflexible
+to menaces or perswasions, he persisted in answering,
+that he was ignorant of what they aimed at:
+&mdash; that he knew nothing of madame d' <span class="name">Ermand</span>
+himself, was an intire stranger to her, and equally
+so to the ill designs on her they mentioned,
+either on his own account, of that of any other
+person.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He was neither so weak nor vain as to flatter
+himself his positiveness in denying what could be
+proved by so many witnesses, would be of any
+service at his trial; but as it was expected he
+should say something in his defence, and could
+say nothing else, without giving up his friend, he
+was determined not to depart from what he had
+alledged at first.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page119" id="page119" title="119"></a>
+
+<p>
+The count d' <span class="name">Ermand</span>, who possibly had a
+suspicion of the truth, as it seems he long had
+entertained some jealous thoughts of the baron
+d' <span class="name">Eyrac</span>, who had taken all opportunities of testifying
+an uncommon gallantry to his wife, would
+have given almost a limb to satiate his revenge
+against that gentleman: &mdash; the soldiers had been
+re-examined several times concerning that other
+person who was with them at the monastery, and
+had made his escape; but as they had neither seen
+his face, nor heard his name, it was impossible for
+them to make any discoveries: &mdash; these poor
+wretches were afterwards put to the torture, but
+that had, nor indeed could have, any other effect,
+than to make them curse their officer, who had
+been the cause of their sufferings.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In fine, monsieur d' <span class="name">Ermand</span>, and the kindred
+of his wife, joined with the instigations of the
+clergy, who thought they had an equal right for
+revenge in this point, prevailed so far upon the
+civil magistrates, as to procure an order, that
+<span class="name">Natura</span> should himself undergo the same tortures
+his soldiers had done, thereby to extort that confession
+from him they could no otherwise procure:
+&mdash; this, notwithstanding, they had the lenity
+to inform him of, the day before that which
+was prefixed for the execution, thinking perhaps,
+that the menace of what he was condemned to
+endure, would be sufficient: but tho' human
+nature could not but shrink under such apprehensions,
+yet did his fortitude remain unshaken,
+and he thought of nothing but how to arm himself,
+so as to bear all should be inflicted on him
+with courage.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But there were no more than a few hours
+in which he had to meditate on what he had to
+
+<a class="pb" name="page120" id="page120" title="120"></a>
+
+do, when his affairs took a very different turn,
+and by the most unthought-of means imaginable:
+It was towards the close of day, when the wife
+of the exempt came into his chamber, and having
+locked the door, <q>I am come, captain,</q> said she, <q>to
+offer you life, liberty, and what is yet more, to put
+it in your power to avoid those dreadful tortures,
+which are preparing for you! &mdash; what would you
+do to gratify your preserver?</q> &mdash; The surprize <span class="name">Natura</span>
+was in, did not hinder him from replying,
+that there was nothing with which he would not
+purchase such a deliverance, provided the terms
+were not inconsistent with his honour: &mdash; <q>No,</q>
+resumed she, <q>I know by your behaviour since in
+custody, and the resolution with which you have
+withstood all the temptations laid before you, for
+the unravelling an affair, you have, it is the opinion
+of every one, been led into only by your friendship
+to some person, that you regard nothing so much as
+honour; what I have to propose will be no breach
+of it</q>; &mdash; <q>but,</q> continued she, <q>time is precious, and
+opportunities of speaking to you are scarce; therefore
+know, in a few words, that I am weary of
+my husband's ill usage, desire nothing so much as
+to go where I may never see him more; and if you
+will make me the companion of your flight, and
+swear to take care of me till I shall otherwise dispose
+of myself; I have disguises for both of us prepared,
+and this night you shall be free.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> had little need to hesitate if he
+should accept this proposal: &mdash; he saw there was
+at least a chance for escaping the dangers to which
+he was exposed; and should the woman's plot miscarry,
+and he detected of being an accomplice in
+it, his condition could not, even then, be worse
+than it was at present; he therefore embraced her
+with a fervor which she seemed very well pleased
+
+<a class="pb" name="page121" id="page121" title="121"></a>
+
+with, and assured her in the most solemn manner
+he would return all the obligations she conferred on
+him, by such ways as should be most agreeable to
+her. She then told him she had not slept for some
+time in the same bed with her husband, and therefore
+might easily come to him again as soon as
+the family were gone to their respective apartments;
+and having said this, went out of the
+room hastily, tho' not without returning his salute,
+and telling him he was worthy of greater
+risques than those she was about to run.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He was no sooner left alone, than he began to
+reflect: on the capriciousness of his destiny, which
+to preserve him from suffering for a crime he was
+innocent of, was about to make him in reality
+guilty of one of the very same nature: it is likely,
+however, he was not troubled with many scruples
+on this head; or if any arose in his mind,
+they were soon dissipated in the consideration of
+what he owed to his own safety, which he yet
+could not greatly flatter himself with the hope of,
+as he was not ignorant how difficult it was for a
+delinquent to elude the diligence of those sent in
+search of him. The chance of such a thing notwithstanding
+was not to be neglected; and he
+waited with an impatience adequate to the occasion,
+for the hour in which he expected his deliverance.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was little more than eleven o'clock, when
+she came into the chamber in the habit of a country
+fellow, which so intirely disguised her, that till
+she spoke, he took her for one of those who attend
+the prisoners in the circumstances he then
+was, and imagined some accident had prevented
+the execution of her plot; but he was soon convinced
+of his error, by her speaking, and at the
+
+<a class="pb" name="page122" id="page122" title="122"></a>
+
+same time presenting him with a coat, wig, and
+every thing proper to make him pass for such as
+she appeared herself: &mdash; the reader may suppose
+he wasted not much time in equipping himself,
+or in making any idle compliments; it was scarce
+midnight, when they both got safely out of the
+house, the door of which she shut softly after
+her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She then proposed to him to go to the <span class="name">Fauxbourg</span>,
+whence they might, without any suspicion,
+as passing for poor countrymen, get into the open
+road before day-break; but he would needs stop
+at the baron d' <span class="name">Eyrac</span>'s, judging with good reason
+that they might be more securely concealed in his
+house, till the search should be over, than to pretend
+to travel in any shape whatever. She, who
+knew not what obligations the baron had to be
+faithful to him in this point, at first opposed it;
+but he at length prevailed, and they went boldly
+to the door; the family not being all in bed, it
+was immediately opened, but in the dress they
+were, found some difficulty to be admitted to the
+baron, who, the servant told them, was asleep;
+but <span class="name">Natura</span>, with an admirable presence of mind,
+replied, that he had brought a letter from a friend
+in the country of the utmost importance, and must
+be delivered into the baron's own hands directly;
+on which he was at last won to let them come
+into the hall, while he sent to let his lord know.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Whether the baron had any suspicion of the
+truth, or not, is uncertain, but he ordered the
+men should be brought up; <span class="name">Natura</span>, however,
+thought it most proper to speak to him alone,
+therefore left his companion below: &mdash; never was
+surprize greater than that of this nobleman, when
+the other discovered himself to him, and the means
+
+<a class="pb" name="page123" id="page123" title="123"></a>
+
+by which he had been set free. After the first demonstrations
+of joy and gratitude for the integrity
+he had shewn in resolving to endure every thing,
+rather than betray the trust reposed in him,
+it was judged necessary to send for his deliverer, to whom
+on her coming up, the baron made many compliments.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On discoursing on what method was best for
+them to take, in order to prevent discovery, the
+baron would by no means suffer them to pursue
+that of endeavouring to quit <span class="name">France</span> till the search
+would be made should be entirely over; he told
+them, he had a place where he could answer with
+his life for their concealment, which indeed was
+that he had provided for the countess d' <span class="name">Ermand</span>,
+in case they had not been disappointed in their
+designs. &mdash; <q>There,</q> said he, <q>you may remain, and
+be furnished with all things necessary; &mdash; I can
+come frequently to you, and inform you what passes,
+and when you may depart with safety, after we
+have contrived the means.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The exempt's wife, as well as <span class="name">Natura</span>, highly
+approved of this offer; and the baron knowing
+any stay in his house might be dangerous both to
+himself and them, presently dressed himself, and
+went with them to the house he mentioned, where
+having seen them safe lodged, took his leave for
+that night, but seldom let a day pass without seeing
+them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This was doubtless the only asylum which
+could have protected them from the strict search
+was made the next day, the house of every person,
+with whom either <span class="name">Natura</span> or the woman
+had the least acquaintance, was carefully examined;
+but this scrutiny was soon over in that part,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page124" id="page124" title="124"></a>
+
+they supposed them to have left the city, and
+officers were sent in pursuit of them every road
+they could be imagined to take; so that had they
+fled, they must unavoidably have been taken. But
+not to be too tedious, it was five weeks before the
+baron could think it safe for them to leave <span class="name">Paris</span>;
+and then hearing their enemies had lost all hope of
+finding them, and that the general opinion was,
+that they were quite got off, he told <span class="name">Natura</span>
+that he believed they now might venture to go,
+taking proper precautions. On taking leave, he
+compelled <span class="name">Natura</span> to accept of bills to the value
+of his commission, which, as he said, being lost
+meerly on his account, it was his duty to re-imburse:
+&mdash; nothing could be more tender than the
+parting of these two faithful friends; &mdash; necessity,
+however, must be obeyed; &mdash; they separated,
+after having settled every thing between them,
+and mutually promised to keep a correspondence
+by letters.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was judged best, and safest for them, to keep
+still in the same disguise till they should be entirely
+out of the <span class="name">French</span> dominions, which happily
+at length they were, without the least ill accident
+befalling them, none suspecting them for
+other than they appeared, though the search after
+them was very strict, and a great reward offered
+for apprehending them. &mdash; As soon as they arrived
+at <span class="name">Dover</span>, both threw off their borrowed shapes;
+<span class="name">Natura</span> was again the fine gentleman, and his
+companion a very agreeable woman, who was so
+well satisfied with what she had done, and the
+behaviour of <span class="name">Natura</span> towards her, that she had
+lost nothing of her good looks by the fatigue of
+her journey.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Here they waited some time for the arrival of
+
+<a class="pb" name="page125" id="page125" title="125"></a>
+
+his servant, who knew nothing what was become
+of his master, since he had made his escape from
+the exempt, till he was entirely out of the kingdom,
+but had, all this while, been kept in good
+heart by the baron, who still had told him he was
+safe and well, and that he should soon hear news
+of him to his satisfaction; this faithful domestic,
+whom they had no pretensions to detain, now
+came with all his baggage, and <span class="name">Natura</span> returned
+to <span class="name">London</span>, in an equipage, not at all inferior to
+that in which he had left it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The first thing he did was to place the exempt's
+wife in a handsome lodging, and then went
+to wait upon his father, who had been much
+alarmed at not having received any letter from
+him for a much longer time than he had been accustomed
+to be silent. The old gentleman was
+rejoiced to see him, after an absence of near six
+years, but sorry for the occasion, as his affairs
+were greatly perplexed, on account of the law-suits
+before mentioned, which being most of them
+in chancery, were like to be spun out to a tedious
+length; but <span class="name">Natura</span> soon informed him that he
+was in a condition, which at present did not stand
+in need of any assistance from him, and that he
+was determined to enter into some business for his
+future support.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But in the midst of these determinations, the
+remembrance of his unhappy contract with <span class="name">Harriot</span>
+came into his mind; he thought he had reason
+to fear some interruption in his designs from
+the malice and wickedness of that woman: but
+being loth to renew the memory of his former
+follies, he forbore making any mention of it to
+his father, till that tender parent, not doubting
+but it would be a great satisfaction to him, to
+
+<a class="pb" name="page126" id="page126" title="126"></a>
+
+know himself entirely freed from all claims of the
+nature she had pretended to have on him, acquainted
+him, that after he was sent away, the
+first step he had taken, was to get the contract
+out of her hands.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The transported <span class="name">Natura</span> no sooner heard he
+had done so, than he cried out, <q>By what means,
+dear sir, was she prevailed upon to relinquish a
+title, by which she certainly hoped to make one day
+a very great advantage?</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>Indeed,</q> said the father, <q>I know not whether all
+the efforts I made for that purpose, would have
+been effectual, if fortune had not seconded my design:
+&mdash; she withstood all the temptations I laid in
+her way, rejected the sum I offered, and only
+laughed at the menaces I made, when I found she
+was not to be won by gentle means; and I began
+to despair of success, so much as to give over all
+attempts that way, when I was told she was in
+custody of an officer of the <em>compter</em>, on account of
+some debts she had contracted: &mdash; on this your uncle
+put it into my head to charge her with several
+actions in fictitious names; so that being incapable
+of procuring bail, and going to be carried to prison,
+when I sent a person to her with an offer to discharge
+her from all her present incumbrances, on
+condition she gave up the contract, which I assured
+her, at the same time, she would not be the better
+for, it being my intention you should settle abroad
+for life.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>This,</q> continued he, <q>in the exigence she then
+was, she thought it best to accept of, and I got
+clear of the matter, with much less expence than
+I had expected; her real debts not amounting to
+above half what I had once proposed to give her.</q>
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page127" id="page127" title="127"></a>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> was charmed to find himself delivered
+from all the scandal, and other vexations,
+with which he might otherwise have been persecuted
+his whole life long, both by herself and
+the emissaries she had always at hand, might have
+employed against him: nor was he much less delighted
+to hear that she had also received some
+part of the punishment her crimes deserved, in
+the disappointment of all her impudent and high-raised
+expectations.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Having nothing now to disturb him in the
+prosecution of his purpose, he set about it with
+the utmost diligence; and as he had a considerable
+quantity of ready money by him to offer either
+by way of præmium, or purchase, there was
+not, indeed, any great danger of his continuing
+long without employment, nor that, so qualified,
+he might not also be able to chuse out of many,
+one which should be most agreeable to his inclinations.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Accordingly he in a little time hearing of a
+genteel post under the government that was to be
+disposed on, he laid out part of his money in the
+purchase of it, and with the remainder set up the
+exempt's wife in a milliner's shop, in which, being
+a woman of a gay polite behaviour, she soon
+acquired great business, especially as she pretended
+to have left <span class="name">France</span> on the score of religion, and
+went constantly every day to prayers, after having
+formally renounced the errors of the church of
+<span class="name">Rome</span>: <span class="name">Natura</span> visited her very often out of gratitude,
+and perhaps some sparks of a more warm
+passion; and they had many happy hours together,
+which the talk of their past adventures contributed
+to heighten, as afflictions once overcome,
+serve to <ins class="unclear" title="Transcriber's Note: Original is unclear">enhance</ins> present happiness.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page128" id="page128" title="128"></a>
+
+<p>
+Several matches were now proposed to <span class="name">Natura</span>,
+but he rejected them all; whether it were
+that he had not seen the face capable of fixing
+his heart, or whether he was willing to wait the
+determination of his father's affairs, in order to
+marry to greater advantage, it is hard to say;
+tho' probably the latter was the true reason; for
+ambition now began to display itself in his bosom,
+and by much got the better of those fond
+emotions which a few years past had engrossed
+him: he now began to think that grandeur had
+charms beyond beauty, though far from being insensible
+of that too, he was not without other
+amours than that he still continued with the <span class="name">French</span>
+woman: the raising his fortune was, however,
+his principal view, and for that purpose he neglected
+nothing tending to promote it; he made
+his court to those of the great men, who he knew
+could be serviceable to him with so much success,
+that he had many promises of their interest for a
+better post, as soon as opportunity presented.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Fortune for a while seemed inclined to favour
+him in a lavish manner; his mother-in-law
+died, and with her many of the vexatious suits
+dropped, and others were compromised at an easy
+rate, so that his father was soon in a condition to
+make a settlement upon him sufficient to qualify
+him for a seat in parliament, which, on the first
+vacancy, thro' favour, he got into, though at that
+time the house was not crowded with placemen,
+as it since has been: in fine, he was beloved and
+caressed by persons of the highest rank, and every
+one looked upon him as a man who, in time,
+would make a very considerable figure in the
+world.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+His friends remonstrating that as he was twenty-nine,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page129" id="page129" title="129"></a>
+
+it was time for him to think of marriage,
+and a proposal being made on that account with
+a young lady, of an ancient and honourable family,
+who, besides a large fortune in her own
+hands, had the reputation of every other requisite
+to render that state agreeable, he hesitated
+not to embrace it: &mdash; he made his addresses to
+her, she accepted of them, and in as short a time
+as could be expected, consented to give him her
+hand; &mdash; the kindred on both sides were very well
+pleased, and tho' her family had some advantages
+in point of birth over his, yet as he seemed
+in a fair way of doing honour to it, there was
+not the least objection made; but articles were
+drawn, and a day appointed for the wedding.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But how little dependance is to be placed on
+fortune! how precarious are the smiles of that uncertain
+goddess, when most secure of her promised
+favours, and just upon the point, as we imagine,
+of receiving all we have to wish from her, she
+often snatches away the expected good, and showers
+upon us the worst of mischiefs treasured in her
+store-house! &mdash; Some few days before that which
+was to crown his hopes, he happened in company
+to be discoursing of his travels, and mentioning
+some things he had seen in <span class="name">France</span>, a gentleman
+who imagined he spoke too favourably of the chevalier
+<span class="name">St. George</span>, and pretended he had also been
+there, took upon him to contradict almost all he
+said concerning that place and person: <span class="name">Natura</span>
+knowing himself in the right, and being a little
+heated with wine, maintained the truth of what
+he alledged, with more impetuosity than policy
+perhaps would have suffered him to have done at
+another time; and the other no less warmly opposing,
+passion grew high on both sides; &mdash; the
+lie was given and returned; &mdash; each was no less
+
+<a class="pb" name="page130" id="page130" title="130"></a>
+
+quick with his sword than his repartee, several
+passes were made, but the company parted them:
+and though they stayed together, neither of them
+was reconciled, nor in good humour for what was
+past.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In going home <span class="name">Natura</span> and one gentleman kept
+together, as their way happened to be the same,
+when, see the wild effects of party-rage! all on
+a sudden, the person who had been his antagonist,
+and, it seems, had followed, came up to them,
+with his sword drawn, and told <span class="name">Natura</span> he was a
+scoundrel, and a fool, for what he had said; his
+words, and the sight of his weapon, made him
+put himself immediately in a posture of defence,
+which indeed he had need of; for had he been
+less nimble, he had received the sword of the
+other in his body, before the gentleman who
+was with him could do any thing to separate
+them; nor were his efforts for that purpose sufficient
+to prevent them from engaging with a
+vehemence, which permitted neither of making
+use of much skill: it was however the chance of
+<span class="name">Natura</span> to give his adversary a wound, which
+made him fall, as he imagined, dead; on which
+the disinterested person made the best of his way,
+as being afraid of being taken up by the watch,
+who were then just coming by: &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span> did
+the same, and thinking it improper to go home,
+went to the house of a friend, in whom he could
+confide, and who, on enquiry the next day,
+brought him an account, that the person with
+whom he had fought was dead, but had lived
+long enough to acquaint those who took him up,
+by whom he had received his hurt; and that
+warrants were already out for apprehending the
+murderer, as he was now called.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page131" id="page131" title="131"></a>
+
+<p>
+What now was to be done! <span class="name">Natura</span> found
+himself under the necessity of going directly out
+of the way, and by that means endanger the loss
+of his employment, and also of his intended
+bride; or by staying expose himself to a shameful
+trial at the <span class="name">Old Bailey</span>, which, he had reason to
+fear, would not end in his favour, the deceased
+having many friends and relations at the bar; and
+the very person who had been witness of their
+combat, somewhat a-kin to him: &mdash; it was therefore
+his own inclination, as well as the advice of
+his friends, that prevailed on him to make his
+escape into some foreign part, while they were
+looking for him at home; which he accordingly
+did that same hour, taking post for <span class="name">Harwich</span>,
+where, through the goodness of his horse, he arrived
+that night, and immediately embarked in
+a fishing-smack, which carried him into <span class="name">Holland</span>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He had leisure now to reflect on his late adventure,
+which afforded the most melancholly retrospect;
+the happy situation he had been in, and
+the almost assured hopes of being continued in
+for life, made his present one appear yet worse,
+than in reality it was: he now looked on himself
+as doomed to be a vagrant all his days, driven
+from his native country for ever, and the society
+of all his friends, and torn beyond even a possibility
+of recovering, from a lady, to whom he
+was so near being united for ever, whom he loved,
+and whose fortune and kindred had given
+him just expectation of advancement in the world.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+These gloomy thoughts took him wholly up
+for some days, but he was not yet arrived at those
+years, in which misfortunes sink too deeply on
+the soul; these vexatious accidents by degrees lost
+much of their ferocity, and he began to consider
+
+<a class="pb" name="page132" id="page132" title="132"></a>
+
+how much beneath a man of courage it was to
+give way to despair at any event whatever, and
+that he ought to look forward, and endeavour to
+<em>retrieve</em>, not <em>lament</em>, the mischief that was past.
+He wrote to his father an exact account of every
+thing, and intreated his advice: he sent also a
+letter to the young lady, full of the most tender
+expressions, and pressures for the continuance of
+her affection; though this latter was more for the
+sake of form than any hope he had of being granted
+what he asked, or as he was circumstanced,
+any benefit he could have received from it, if
+obtained.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The answer his father sent, gave him both
+pain and pleasure; it informed him, that the
+wounds he had given the person with whom he
+fought, were not mortal; that it was only the
+vast effusion of blood which had thrown him into
+a fainting, which occasioned the report of his
+death, and that he was now in a fair way of recovery;
+so that he, <span class="name">Natura</span>, might return as soon
+as he pleased, there being no danger on account
+of the rencounter; but that the occasion of that
+quarrel being a party-affair, and represented in its
+worst colours by some private enemies, it had
+reached the ears of the ministry, who, looking
+on him as a <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note: Original has 'dissaffected'">disaffected</ins> person, had already disposed
+of his employment; he also informed him,
+that he must not flatter himself with being able
+ever hereafter to be thought qualified to hold any
+place or office under the government: &mdash; he also
+added, that the friends of his intended bride were
+so incensed against him, that they protested, they
+would sooner see her in her coffin, than in the
+arms of a man who had incurred the odious appellation
+of a <em>Jacobite</em>; and that she herself expressed
+
+<a class="pb" name="page133" id="page133" title="133"></a>
+
+her detestation of the principles he was
+now accused of, with no less virulence and contempt;
+&mdash; had torn the letter he had sent to her
+in a thousand pieces; and to shew how much she
+was in earnest, had accepted the addresses of a
+gentleman, who had been long his rival, and to
+whom it was expected she would soon be married.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+If <span class="name">Natura</span> rejoiced to find himself cleared of
+having been the death of a fellow-creature, he
+was equally mortified at having rendered himself
+obnoxious to those who alone were capable of
+gratifying his ambition: as for the change in the
+lady's sentiments concerning him, he was under
+much less concern; he thought the affection she
+professed for him must have been very small, when
+a difference of opinion in state-affairs, and that too
+but supposed, could all at once erace it, and rather
+despised, than lamented, the bigotry of party-zeal,
+which had occasioned it: &mdash; his good sense
+made him know, that to deny all the good qualities
+of a person, meerly because those good qualities
+were not ornamented with the favours of
+fortune, was both unjust and mean; and the
+proof she gave of her weakness and ungenerosity
+in this point, intirely destroyed all the passion he
+once had for her, and consequently all regret for
+the loss of her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He could not, however, think of returning to
+<span class="name">England</span> yet a while; his father's letter had given
+some hints, as if there was a design on foot, and
+he was confirmed soon after of the truth of it,
+for expelling him the house; and he thought it
+was best to spare his enemies that labour, and
+quit it of his own accord: and in this he found
+himself intirely right, when on writing to some
+persons of condition, with whom he had been
+
+<a class="pb" name="page134" id="page134" title="134"></a>
+
+most intimate, he found by their answers, that it
+was now known he had been in the <span class="name">French</span> service,
+which both himself and his father had kept
+a secret, even from their nearest kindred; not
+there was any thing in it which could be construed
+into a crime, as the nations were then in
+alliance, but because as he could not possibly enjoy
+a commission there, without conforming to
+the ceremonies of the <span class="name">Romish</span> church, it must infallibly
+be a hindrance to his advancement in a
+<span class="name">Protestant</span> country. It is certain, <span class="name">Natura</span> was of a
+temper to make good the proverb, <em>That when one
+is at <span class="name">Rome</span>, one must do as they do at <span class="name">Rome</span></em>: &mdash;
+and though he had gone to hear <em>mass</em>, because it
+was his interest, and the necessity of his affairs
+obliging him in a manner to seek his bread at that
+time, yet was he far from approving the superstitions
+of that church; all that he could write,
+however, or his friends urge for him on this head,
+was ineffectual; he passed for a <em>papist</em> and <em>jacobite</em>
+with every body: pursuant therefore to his
+resolution of continuing abroad, till these discourses
+should be a little worn out, he wrote
+again to his father, and settled his affairs so as to
+receive remittances of money, at the several places
+to which he intended to go.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page135" id="page135" title="135"></a>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="LPP24">
+<h3>CHAP. IV.</h3>
+<div class="argument"><p>
+The power of fear over a mind, weak either by nature,
+or infirmities of body: The danger of its
+leading to despair, is shewn by the condition <span class="name">Natura</span>
+was reduced to by the importunities of priests
+of different perswasions. This chapter also demonstrates,
+the little power people have of judging
+what is really best for them, and that what has
+the appearance of the severest disappointment, is
+frequently the greatest good.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>
+As to lose the memory of his disgrace, or at
+least all those gloomy reflections it had occasioned,
+was the chief motive which had made
+<span class="name">Natura</span> resolve to travel a second time, it was a
+matter of indifference to him which way he
+went. He first took care to make himself master
+of all that was worth observation in <span class="name">Holland</span>,
+where he found little to admire, except the <span class="name">Stadthouse</span>,
+and the magnificence with which king <span class="name">William</span>,
+after his accession to the crown of these
+kingdoms, had ornamented his palace at <span class="name">Loo</span>;
+but the rough, unpolite behaviour of the people,
+disgusted him so much, that he stayed no longer
+among them than was necessary to see what the
+place afforded, and then passed on to <span class="name">Brussels</span>,
+<span class="name">Antwerp</span>, and, in fine, left no great city, either
+in <span class="name">Dutch</span> or <span class="name">French Flanders</span> unvisited; thence
+went into <span class="name">Germany</span>, where his first route was to
+<span class="name">Hanover</span>, having, it seems, a curiosity of seeing
+a prince, whose brows were one day to be incircled
+with the crown of <span class="name">England</span>; but this country
+was, at that time, in so low and wretched a
+condition, that whether he looked on the buildings,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page136" id="page136" title="136"></a>
+
+the lands, or the appearance of the inhabitants,
+all equally presented a scene of poverty to
+his eyes; he therefore made what haste he could
+out of it, having found nothing, except the Elector
+himself, that gave him the least satisfaction.
+He was also at several other petty courts, all
+which served to inspire in him not the most favourable
+idea of <span class="name">Germany</span>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At length he arrived at <span class="name">Vienna</span>, a city pompous
+enough to those who had never seen <span class="name">Rome</span>
+and <span class="name">Paris</span>; but however it may yield to them in
+elegance of buildings, gardening, and other delicacies
+of life, it was yet more inferior in the manners
+of the people; &mdash; he perceived among the
+persons of quality, an affectation of grandeur, a
+state without greatness, and in the lower rank of
+gentry, a certain stiffness, even to the meanest,
+and an insufferable pride, which came pretty near
+ferocity: &mdash; the costly, but ill-contrived parades
+frequently made, discovered less their riches
+than their bad taste, and appeared the more ridiculous
+to <span class="name">Natura</span>, as they were extolled for their
+magnificence and elegance; but, even here, as
+indeed all over <span class="name">Germany</span>, the courts of <span class="name">Berlin</span>
+and <span class="name">Dresden</span> excepted, you see rather an <em>aim</em> of
+attracting admiration and respect, than the <em>power</em>
+of it. These, however, were the sentiments of
+<span class="name">Natura</span>, others perhaps may judge differently.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But whatever may be the deficiencies of <span class="name">Germany</span>
+in matters of genius, wit, judgment, and
+manners, there is none in good eating, and good
+wine; and though their fashion of cookery is
+not altogether so polite, nor so agreeable to the
+palates of others as their own, yet it must be
+confessed, that in their way, they are very great
+epicures; but though they generally eat voraciously,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page137" id="page137" title="137"></a>
+
+they drink yet more; and so nimbly do
+they send the glass about, that a stranger finds it
+no small difficulty to maintain his sobriety among
+them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span>'s too great compliance with their
+intreaties in this point, had like to have proved
+fatal to him: &mdash; the strength of the wines, and
+drinking them in a much larger quantity than he
+had been accustomed to, so inflamed his blood,
+that he soon fell into a violent fever, which for
+some days gave those that attended him, little
+hopes of his recovery; but by the skill of his
+physician, joined to his youth, and the goodness
+of his constitution, the force of the distemper
+at last abated, yet could not be so intirely eradicated,
+as not to leave a certain pressure and debility
+upon the nerves, by some called a fever on
+the spirits, which seemed to threaten either an
+atrophy or consumption; his complexion grew
+pale and livid, and his strength and flesh visibly
+wasted; and what was yet worse, the vigour of
+his mind decayed, in proportion with that of
+his external frame, insomuch that, falling into a
+deep melancholy, he considered himself as on the
+brink of the grave, and expected nothing but dissolution
+every hour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While he continued in this languishing condition,
+he was frequently visited by the priests, who
+in some parts of <span class="name">Germany</span>, particularly at <span class="name">Vienna</span>,
+are infinitely more inveterate against <span class="name">Protestantism</span>
+than at <span class="name">Paris</span>, or even at <span class="name">Rome</span>, though the
+<em>papal</em> seat; as indeed any one may judge, who has
+heard of the many and cruel persecutions practised
+upon the poor <span class="name">Protestants</span> by the emperors,
+in spite of the repeated obligations they have had
+to those powers who profess the doctrines of <span class="name">Calvin</span>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page138" id="page138" title="138"></a>
+
+and <span class="name">Luther</span>; but gratitude is no part of the
+characteristic of a <span class="name">German</span>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+These venerable distracters of the human
+mind, were perpetually ringing hell and damnation
+in his ears, in case he abjured not, before
+his death, the errors in which he had been educated,
+and continued in so many years, and by
+acts of penance and devotion, reconcile himself
+to the mother church; they pleaded the antiquity
+of their faith, brought all the fathers they could
+muster up, to prove that alone was truly orthodox,
+and that all dissenting from it was a sin not
+to be forgiven.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On the other hand, the <span class="name">English</span> ambassador's
+chaplain, who knew well enough what they were
+about, omitted nothing that might confirm him
+in the principles of the reformation, and convince
+him that the church of <span class="name">England</span>, as by law
+established, had departed only from the errors
+which had crept into the primitive church, not
+from the church itself, and that all the superstitious
+doctrines now preached up by the <span class="name">Romish</span>
+priests, were only so many impositions of their
+own, calculated to inrich themselves, and keep
+weak minds in awe.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span>, who had till now contented himself
+with understanding moral duties, and had never
+examined into matters of controversy between the
+two religions, now found both had so much to
+say in defence of their different modes of worship,
+that he became very much divided in his
+sentiments; and each remonstrating to him by
+turns, the danger of dying in a wrong belief,
+wrought so far upon the present weakness of his
+intellects, as to bring him into a fluctation of
+
+<a class="pb" name="page139" id="page139" title="139"></a>
+
+ideas, which might, in time, either have driven
+him into despair, or made him question the very
+fundamentals of a religion, the merits of which
+its professors seemed to place so much in things
+of meer form and ceremony.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+By this may be seen how greatly <em>christianity</em>
+suffers by the unhappy divisions among the professors
+of it: &mdash; much it is to be wished, though
+little to be hoped, that both sides would be prevailed
+upon to recede a little from their present
+stiffness in opinion, or be at least less virulent in
+maintaining it; since each, by endeavouring to
+expose and confute what they look upon as an
+absurdity in the other, join in contributing to
+render the truth of the whole suspected, and not
+only give a handle to the avowed enemies, of depreciating
+and ridiculing all the sacred mysteries
+of religion, but also stagger the faith of a great
+many well-meaning people, and afford but a too
+plausible pretence for that sceptism which goes by
+the name of <em>free-thinking</em>, and is of late
+so much the fashion.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In another situation, perhaps, <span class="name">Natura</span> would
+have been little affected with any thing could
+have been said on this score; but health and sickness
+make a wide difference in our way of thinking:
+&mdash; when surrounded by the gay pleasures of
+life, and in the full vigour and capacity of enjoying
+them, we either do not reflect at all, or but
+cursorily on the evil day; but when cold imbecility
+steals upon us, either through age or accidents,
+and death and eternity stare us in the face,
+we have quite other sentiments, other wishes: &mdash;
+whoever firmly believes, that in leaving this life,
+we but step into another, either of happiness or
+misery, and that which ever it proves, will be
+
+<a class="pb" name="page140" id="page140" title="140"></a>
+
+without end, or possibility of change, and that the
+whole of future welfare depends on the road we
+take in going out of this world, will be very
+fearful lest he should chuse the wrong; and it is
+not therefore strange, that while, with equal force,
+the <em>papist</em> pulled one way, and the <em>protestant</em> another,
+the poor penitent should be involved in the
+most terrible uncertainty.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Happy, therefore, was it, both for the recovery
+of his mind and body, that his physicians
+finding all their recipes had little effect, advised
+him to seek relief from the waters of the <span class="name">Spa</span>,
+and as it was their opinion, they would be of
+more efficacy, when drank upon the spot, he accordingly
+took his journey thither, but by reason
+of his weakness, was obliged to be carried the
+whole way in a litter.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is very probable, that being eased of the
+perplexities the incessant admonitions of the priests
+of different opinions had given him, contributed
+as much as the waters to his amendment; but to
+which ever of these causes it may be imputed, it
+is certain that he every day became better, and as
+his strength of body returned, so did that of his
+mind, in proportion; with his apprehensions of
+death, his disquiets about matters of religion subsided
+also, and whenever any thing of that kind
+came cross his thoughts, it was but by starts, and
+was soon dissipated with other ideas, which many
+objects at this place presented him with.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But that to which he was chiefly indebted for
+the recovery of his former gaiety of temper, was
+meeting with an <span class="name">English</span> family, with whom he
+had been extremely intimate; the lady had come
+thither for the same purpose he had done, her husband
+
+<a class="pb" name="page141" id="page141" title="141"></a>
+
+being very tender of her, would needs accompany
+her, and they brought with them their
+only daughter, a young lady of great beauty, and
+not above eighteen, in hopes, as they said, of alleviating
+a certain melancholly, to which she was
+addicted, without any cause, at least any that was
+visible, for it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> had often seen the amiable <span class="name">Maria</span>
+(for so she was called) but had never felt for her
+any of those pleasing, and equally painful, emotions,
+which a nearer conversation with her now
+inspired him with: &mdash; he had always thought her
+very handsome, but she now appeared perfectly
+adorable in his eyes: &mdash; the manner of her behaviour,
+that modest sweetness which appeared
+through her whole deportment, and seemed, as it
+were, a part of her soul, had for him irresistible
+charms; and as he very well knew the circumstances
+of her <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note: Original has 'family such,'">family, such</ins> as his friends could
+make no reasonable objections against, nor his
+own such as could be thought contemptible by
+those of her kindred, he attempted not to repel
+the satisfaction which he felt, in the hopes of being
+one day able to make an equal impression on
+her heart.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The very first use he made of his intire recovery
+from his late indisposition, was an endeavour
+to convince her how much her presence had
+contributed to it, and that the supremest wish his
+soul could form, was to enjoy it with her in the
+nearest, and most tender union, as long as life
+continued. &mdash; She received the declarations he
+made her of his passion with great reserve, and
+yet more coldness; and affected to take them
+only for the effects of a gallantry, which she
+told him was far from being agreeable to a person
+
+<a class="pb" name="page142" id="page142" title="142"></a>
+
+of her humour: but he imputing her behaviour
+only to an excess of that extreme modesty which
+accompanied all her words and actions, was so far
+from being rebuffed at it, that he acquainted her
+parents with his inclination, and, at the same
+time, intreated their permission for prosecuting
+his addresses to her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Both of them heard his proposals with a joy
+which it was impossible for either, especially the
+mother of that lady, to conceal: &mdash; each cried
+out, almost at the same time, that the sentiments
+he expressed for their daughter, was an honour
+they hoped she had too much good sense not to
+accept with the utmost satisfaction, and added,
+that they would immediately lay their commands
+upon her, to receive him in the manner she ought
+to do.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As their families and fortunes were pretty equivalent,
+and <span class="name">Maria</span>, besides her being an heiress,
+had beauty enough to expect to marry, even above
+her rank, <span class="name">Natura</span> could not keep himself from
+being a little astonished at the extravagance of
+pleasure they testified at the offer he had made:
+parents generally take some time to consider, before
+they give their assent to a proposal of this sort;
+and as he knew they were very well acquainted
+with the occasion of his leaving <span class="name">England</span> this second
+time, and were of a party the most opposite
+that could be to that he was suspected to
+have favoured, their extreme readiness to dispose
+of their only daughter, and with her their
+whole estate, to him seemed the more strange,
+as he had been, ever since he conceived a passion
+for <span class="name">Maria</span>, in the most terrible apprehension
+of meeting with a different reception from
+
+<a class="pb" name="page143" id="page143" title="143"></a>
+
+them, meerly on the account of his supposed
+principles.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The transport, however, that so unexpected a
+condescension gave him, prevented him from examining
+too deeply what might be the motives
+that induced them to it, and he gave himself
+wholly up to love, gratitude, and the delightful
+thoughts of being in a short time possessed of all
+he at present wished, or imagined he ever should
+ask of Heaven.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But how were all these rapturous expectations
+dashed, when soon after going to visit <span class="name">Maria</span>, he
+found her lovely eyes half drowned in tears, and
+her whole frame in the utmost disorder: &mdash; <q>What,
+madam,</q> cried he, with a voice which denoted both
+grief and surprize, <q>can have happened, to give you
+any cause of the disquiet I see in you!</q> &mdash; <q>You,</q>
+replied she, snatching away her hand, which he
+had taken, <q>you alone are the cause; &mdash; what encouragement
+did I ever give you,</q> continued she,
+<q>that should make you imagine the offers you have
+made my parents would be agreeable to me? &mdash; Did
+I ever authorize you to ask a consent from them,
+which I was determined never to grant myself, and
+which, I will suffer a thousand deaths rather than
+ratify.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The confusion <span class="name">Natura</span> was in at these words
+was so great, that it prevented him from making
+any answer; but he looked on her in such a manner
+as made her ashamed of what she had said,
+and perhaps too of the passion that had so far
+transported her; and perceiving he still continued
+silent, <q>I own myself obliged for the affection you
+express for me,</q> resumed she, with more mildness,
+<q>though it is at present the greatest misfortune could
+
+<a class="pb" name="page144" id="page144" title="144"></a>
+
+have happened to me. Could I have thought you
+would have declared yourself in the manner you have
+done to my father and mother, I would have convinced
+you how impossible it would be for you to reap
+any advantage from it, and that by so doing you
+would only make me the most wretched creature in
+the world; but all is now too late, and I foresee
+the cruel consequence.</q> &mdash; Here her tears interrupted
+the passage of her words, and <span class="name">Natura</span> having recollected
+himself, began to complain of the severity
+of his destiny, which compelled him to <em>love</em> with
+the most violent passion a person who could only
+return it with an equal degree of hate. &mdash; <q>Love,</q>
+replied she, with a deep sigh, <q>is not in our power;
+&mdash; let me therefore conjure you, by all that which
+you pretend to have for me, to proceed no farther
+in this business, nor endeavour to prevail on my
+parents to force an inclination, which no obligations
+to them, services from you, or length of time can
+ever influence in your favour; for be assured, that
+if you do, you will only see the hand should be given
+you at the altar, employed in cutting my own throat,
+or plunging a dagger in my breast.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With these words, and an air that had somewhat
+of wildness in it, she flung out of the room,
+leaving him in a consternation impossible to describe,
+almost to conceive; her mother came in
+immediately after, and judging by his countenance
+how her daughter had behaved, told him he must
+not regard the coyness of a young girl; that she
+doubted not but <span class="name">Maria</span> would soon be convinced
+what was her true happiness; and that a little
+perseverance and assiduity on his side, and authority
+on theirs, would remove all the scruples,
+bashfulness alone had created in her: <q>No, madam,</q>
+answered he, with some impatience, <q>there
+is somewhat more than all this you have mentioned,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page145" id="page145" title="145"></a>
+
+against me; &mdash; there is a rooted detestation to me
+in the very soul of <span class="name">Maria</span>, which as I cannot but
+despair of being ever able to remove, common reason
+bids me attempt no farther.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The mother of <span class="name">Maria</span> appeared very much
+perplexed, and said a great deal to perswade him
+that his apprehensions were without foundation;
+but the young lady had expressed herself in terms
+too strong for him not to be perfectly assured she
+was in earnest; and being willing to ruminate a
+little on the affair, he took leave, though not
+without the other extorting a promise from him,
+of coming again the next day.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> had not given himself much time
+to reflect, before he conceived great part of the
+truth: &mdash; he could not think either his person or
+qualifications so contemptible, as to inspire a heart
+unprepossessed by some other object, with an aversion
+such as <span class="name">Maria</span> had expressed: he therefore
+concluded, she had disposed of her affections before
+she knew of his: it also seemed plain to him
+that her parents were not ignorant of her attachment,
+and being such as they could not approve
+of, it was that which had rendered them both so
+ready to snatch at his proposal, without any mention
+of those considerations they would otherwise
+naturally have had of jointure, settlements, and all
+those things, previous to marriage, between persons
+of condition.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He was the more confirmed in this belief,
+when the father came to his lodgings the next
+morning; and without seeming to know any
+thing of what had passed between him, either
+with his wife, or <span class="name">Maria</span>, asked, in a gay manner,
+how the latter had received his addresses?
+
+<a class="pb" name="page146" id="page146" title="146"></a>
+
+To which <span class="name">Natura</span> answered in the same manner
+as he had done to her mother; adding only,
+that he could not avoid believing her heart was
+already engaged to some more worthy man, and
+was sorry his own unhappy passion had occasioned
+any interruption. The father left nothing unsaid
+that might dissipate such a conjecture, and
+affected to railly him on a jealousy which, he
+said, was common to lovers; and then told him
+a long story how himself had formerly suffered
+much by the same vain imagination. But all
+this was so far from making <span class="name">Natura</span> doubt the
+truth of his conjectures, that, seeing through the
+artifice, he was the more convinced they were
+intirely right.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He went, notwithstanding, in the afternoon,
+either because he had promised to do so, or because
+he could not all at once resolve to banish
+himself from a person he took so much pleasure
+in beholding, though now without hopes of ever
+being able to obtain: &mdash; being left alone with
+<span class="name">Maria</span>, both of them remained in a kind of sullen
+silence for some minutes, till at last the force
+of his passion in spite of himself made him utter
+some complaints on the cruelty of fortune, and
+his own insensibility, which had denied him the
+opportunity of discovering the thousand charms he
+now found in her, till too late to have his adoration
+of them acceptable to her. <q>I have not less
+reason,</q> said she, <q>to accuse the chance which at
+this time brought us together, than you can possibly
+have; since the love you profess for me, and
+which I once more assure you I can never return,
+has laid me under the severest displeasure of my
+parents</q>; &mdash; <q>but I had hopes,</q> continued she, <q>after
+the declaration I made you yesterday, that you
+would have renounced all pretensions to me, and had
+
+<a class="pb" name="page147" id="page147" title="147"></a>
+
+generosity enough in your nature, not to have taken
+the advantage of my father and mother's power
+over me, to force me into a compliance, which must
+be fatal to one or both of us.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>No, madam,</q> answered he, much surprized, <q>I
+am far from even a wish of becoming guilty of what
+you accuse me with; &mdash; dear as I prize your person,
+I would not attempt to purchase it at the expence
+of your peace of mind; nor could I be truly
+blessed in the enjoyment of the <em>one</em>, without the
+<em>other</em>; &mdash; it is only to <span class="name">Maria</span> herself I would have
+been obliged, not to the authority of her parents.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>Will you then quit me,</q> cried she hastily, <q>and let
+the act appear wholly your own?</q> &mdash; <q>I will,</q> replied
+he, after a pause, <q>difficult as it is to do so,
+and irresolute and inconstant as it will make me
+seem.</q> <q>That,</q> said she, <q>will be an action truly deserving
+my esteem; and in return, know I am much
+more your friend in refusing your addresses, than
+either my parents in encouraging, or your own mistaken
+wishes in offering them</q>: &mdash; <q>but,</q> pursued she,
+<q>I beg you will enquire no farther, but leave me,
+and break off with my parents in the best manner
+you can.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Fain would he have obtained a farther explanation
+of words, which seemed to him to contain
+some mystery, as indeed they did; but she
+was no less inflexible to his intreaties on that
+score, than she had been to those of his love;
+and perceiving his presence gave her only pain,
+he went out of the house with an aking and agitated
+heart, but resolved to do as she desired and
+he had promised, whatever pangs it cost him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He had not gone above an hundred paces on
+
+<a class="pb" name="page148" id="page148" title="148"></a>
+
+his way home, before he was accosted by a man
+who seemed like an upper-servant in a gentleman's
+family, and who, with a low bow, delivered him
+a letter, which, on seeing directed to himself, he
+hastily opened, and found contained these lines:
+</p>
+
+<div class="letter">
+<p class="salute">Sir,</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;If you have any thing in you of the gallantry,
+   generosity, or gratitude, for which your
+   country is famed, come where the bearer will
+   conduct you, to a woman, who has suffered
+   much on your account, and can be extricated
+   from an unhappy affair only by your advice.&rdquo;
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> was little in a humour to pursue
+an adventure of the kind this seemed to be; but
+curiosity got the better of his spleen, and he bad
+the fellow lead the way, and he would follow;
+which he accordingly did, till they were out of
+the town, and from the sight of all the houses.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Being come into a field which was a kind of
+an inclosure, and a theatre proper enough for the
+tragedy intended to be acted on it, the fellow
+turned back, and drew a pistol, which he instantly
+discharged at the head of <span class="name">Natura</span>, crying at the
+same time, <q><span class="name">Maria</span> sends you this.</q> &mdash; Heaven so
+directed the bullets, that the one passed by his ear,
+and the other only grazed upon his shoulder, without
+doing any farther damage, than taking away
+a small piece of his sleeve. It is easy to judge of
+his surprize, yet was it not so great as to disable
+him from drawing his sword in order to revenge
+himself on the assassin; but the wretch, in case
+his fire-arms should miscarry, had provided a
+falchion concealed under his coat, with which,
+the same instant, he ran furiously on <span class="name">Natura</span>,
+and had certainly cleft him down, tho' perhaps in
+
+<a class="pb" name="page149" id="page149" title="149"></a>
+
+doing so, he might have received his own death's
+wound at the same time from the sword of his antagonist;
+but both these events were happily prevented
+by the peculiar interposition of Divine
+Providence: some reapers, who had lain asleep
+under an adjacent hedge, being roused with the
+noise of the pistol, ran to the combatants, and
+with their hooks beat down both their weapons;
+while at the same fortunate crisis, two gentlemen
+attended by three servants, who happening to cross
+a road which had a full prospect over the field, had
+seen, at a distance, all that had passed, and came
+galloping up to the assistance of <span class="name">Natura</span>, who was
+then beginning to interrogate the villain on the
+occasion of this attempt; but he refused to give
+any satisfactory answer to what he said, so was
+dragged by the countrymen, and others, who by
+this time were gathered together, back into the
+town, and carried immediately before a magistrate,
+who, on his obstinately refusing to make
+any confession, committed him to prison.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span>, who imagined nothing more certain,
+than that <span class="name">Maria</span> had set this fellow on to
+murder him, as the surest way to get rid of his
+addresses, went directly to the house where she
+lodged, full of a resentment equal to the detestable
+crime of which he thought her guilty; &mdash; he
+found her in the room with her father and mother,
+of whom he took little notice, but stepped
+forwards to the place where she was sitting; and
+seeing her a little surprized, which indeed was occasioned
+only by his sudden return, and the abrupt
+manner in which he entered: &mdash; <q>You find, madam,</q>
+said he, with a voice broke with rage, <q>your
+plot has miscarried; &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span> still lives, though
+it must be owned your emissary did all could be expected
+to obey your commands, for my destruction.</q>
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page150" id="page150" title="150"></a>
+
+<p>
+It is hard to say, whether <span class="name">Maria</span>, or her parents,
+were in the greatest consternation at these
+words; but he soon unravelled the mystery, by
+relating the whole story, not omitting what the
+assassin said in presenting the pistol, and then as a
+confirmation throwed the letter he had received
+into <span class="name">Maria</span>'s lap, and at the same time shewed
+the passage one of the bullets had made through
+the sleeve of his coat: &mdash; the young lady no sooner
+cast her eyes upon the letter, than she gave a great
+shriek, and crying out, <q>O <span class="name">Humphry</span>, <span class="name">Humphry</span>!
+every way my ruin!</q> immediately fell fainting on
+the floor; her father, without regarding the condition
+she was in, snatched up the paper, the
+hand-writing of which he presently recollected,
+as having, it seems, intercepted several wrote by
+the same person; &mdash; <q>Abandoned, infamous creature,</q>
+cried he; &mdash; <q>shame of thy sex and family,</q> added
+the mother, striking her breast in the utmost agony:
+&mdash; in fine, never was such a scene of distraction
+and despair! &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span>, injured as he had
+been, could not behold it without compassion; &mdash;
+he ran by turns to <span class="name">Maria</span>, endeavouring to raise
+her, &mdash; then to her parents, beseeching them to
+moderate their passion, &mdash; then to her again: &mdash;
+<q>You are too generous,</q> said the father, <q>let her die,
+happy had it been if she had perished in the cradle</q>:
+&mdash; Just as he spoke these words she revived, and
+lifting up her eyes, <q>O, I am no murd'ress,</q> cried
+she, <q>guilty as I am, in this Heaven knows my innocence.</q>
+&mdash; <q>It is false, it is false,</q> said the father;
+<q>but were it true, canst thou deny, thou most abandoned
+wretch, that thou wert also ignorant that the
+villain who wrote this letter had followed us to
+<span class="name">Spaw</span>, and bring a second shame upon us?</q> &mdash; She
+answered to this only with her tears, which assuring
+him she had no defence to make on this article,
+his rage grew more inflamed; he loaded
+
+<a class="pb" name="page151" id="page151" title="151"></a>
+
+her with curses, and could not keep himself from
+spurning her with his feet, as she still lay groveling
+on the ground, and might perhaps have proceeded
+to greater violences, had not <span class="name">Natura</span>, by
+main force, with-held him, while her mother,
+tho' little less incensed against her, dragged her
+in a manner out of the room, more dead than
+alive.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The unhappy object removed from his sight,
+the provoked father grew somewhat more calm,
+and turning to <span class="name">Natura</span>, <q>You see now, sir,</q> said he,
+<q>how unworthy this wretched girl is of that affection
+with which you once honoured her; but how
+shall I obtain your pardon for what the too great
+tenderness for an only child has made me guilty of
+to you; &mdash; all I can say is, that I hoped she had
+been reclaimed, and so far from even a wish to repeat
+her crimes, that she had only an utter detestation
+for the villain that had seduced her.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> knew very well how he ought to
+judge of this affair; but as he had an aversion to
+dissimulation, and was unwilling to add any thing
+to the affliction he was witness to, he said little
+in answer to the other's apology, but that he was
+extremely sorry for <span class="name">Maria</span>, and the misfortunes
+she had brought on the family; and then took
+his leave as soon as decency would permit; but
+with a firm resolution to hold no farther conversation,
+wherever they should hereafter happen to
+meet, with persons who had all of them, in their
+several capacities, used him so ill.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The assassin was soon after brought to a public
+trial, where tortures making him confess the
+truth, he acknowledged, that having been a servant
+in the family, the beauty of <span class="name">Maria</span> had inspired
+
+<a class="pb" name="page152" id="page152" title="152"></a>
+
+him with desires, unbefitting the disparity
+between them; &mdash; that emboldened by an extraordinary
+goodness she shewed to him, he had declared
+his passion, and met with all the returns he
+wished; &mdash; that she became pregnant by him, and
+had made a vow to keep herself single, till the
+death of her father should leave her at liberty to
+marry him; but that an unlucky accident having
+discovered their amour, he was turned out of the
+house, and the grief <span class="name">Maria</span> conceived at it occasioned
+an abortion; but that after her recovery
+she contrived means to meet him privately, and to
+support him with money, that he might not be
+obliged to go to service any more; that she had
+acquainted him with their coming to the <span class="name">Spa</span>,
+and not only knew of his following them in disguise
+to that place, but contrived a rendezvous
+where they saw each other often, and he learned
+from her the addresses of <span class="name">Natura</span>, and the positive
+commands laid on her by her parents of marrying
+him, in order to retrieve her honour and reputation;
+that as besides the extreme love he had
+for her, his own interest obliged him to hinder
+the match, if by any means he could; and finding
+no other than the death of his rival, he had
+attempted it by the way already mentioned: but
+cleared <span class="name">Maria</span>, however, of all guilt on this
+score, who, he assured the court, knew nothing
+of his intentions of murder.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The sentence passed on him was, to be hanged
+in chains, which was accordingly executed in a
+few days; though <span class="name">Natura</span>, pitying his case, in
+consideration of the greatness of the temptation,
+laboured for a mitigation of his doom. &mdash; He never
+saw the unfortunate <span class="name">Maria</span> afterwards, but
+heard she was in a condition little different from
+madness, which making her parents think it improper
+
+<a class="pb" name="page153" id="page153" title="153"></a>
+
+she should return to <span class="name">England</span>, they conveyed
+her to <span class="name">Liege</span>, where they placed her as a
+pensioner in the convent of <span class="name">English</span> nuns, there
+to remain till time and reflection should make a
+change in her, fit to appear again in the world;
+which proceeding in them shewed, that whatever
+aversion some people have to <em>this</em>, or <em>that</em> form
+of religion, they can countenance, nay, pretend
+to approve it, when it happens to prove for their
+convenience to do so.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> was now intirely cured of his passion,
+but could not avoid feeling a very tender
+commiseration for her, who had been the unhappy
+object of it; he found also, on meditating on
+every passage of this adventure, that she was infinitely
+less to blame, in regard to him, than her
+parents had been; and that what he had accused,
+as cruel in her, was much more kind than the
+favour they had pretended for him. &mdash; When he
+reflected on the gulph of misery he had so narrowly
+escaped, he was filled with the most grateful
+sentiments to that Providence which had protected
+him; and also made sensible, that what
+we often pray for, as the greatest of blessings,
+would, if obtained, prove the severest curse: &mdash;
+a reflection highly necessary for all who desire any
+thing with too much ardency.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page154" id="page154" title="154"></a>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="LPP25">
+<h3>CHAP. V.</h3>
+<div class="argument"><p>
+Shews that there is no one human advantage to
+which all others should be sacrificed: &mdash; the force
+of ambition, and the folly of suffering it to gain
+too great an ascendant over us; &mdash; public grandeur
+little capable of atoning for private discontent;
+among which jealousy, whether of love or
+honour, is the most tormenting.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>
+The desire of being well settled in the world
+is both natural and laudable; but then great
+care ought to be taken to moderate this passion,
+in order to prevent it from engrossing the mind
+too much; for it is the nature of ambition, not
+only to stop at nothing that tends to its gratification,
+but also to be ever craving new acquisitions,
+ever unsatisfied with the former. &mdash; One
+favourite point is no sooner gained, than another
+appears in view, and is pursued with the same
+eagerness: &mdash; what we once thought the <em>summum
+bonum</em> of our happiness, seems nothing when we
+have attained to the possession of it, while that
+which is unaccomplished, fires us with impatience,
+and robs us of every enjoyment we might take in life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> having now been absent two years,
+thought the idle rumours concerning him, as to
+his principles in party-matters, would be pretty
+much silenced, so began to think of returning to
+<span class="name">England</span>; he was the more encouraged to do so,
+as he found by his letters, that those in the ministry,
+who had appeared with most virulence
+against him, had been removed themselves, and
+
+<a class="pb" name="page155" id="page155" title="155"></a>
+
+that a considerable change in public affairs had
+happened. Accordingly, he set forward with all
+the expedition he could, feeling not the least regret
+for leaving a country he had never liked, nor
+where he had ever enjoyed any real satisfaction,
+and had been so near being plunged into the worst
+of misfortunes, that of an unhappy marriage: &mdash;
+no ill accident intervening, he arrived in <span class="name">England</span>,
+and proceeded directly to <span class="name">London</span>, where he was
+received with an infinity of joy by his father and
+sister, who happened at that time to come to
+town with her spouse, in order to place a young
+son they had at <span class="name">Westminster</span> school.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The better genius of <span class="name">Natura</span> now took its
+turn, and prevailed over his ill one: the person
+whose turbulent zeal had occasioned his late misfortune,
+had since, being detected in some mal
+practice in other affairs, been cashiered from an
+office he held under the government, and was in
+the utmost disgrace himself: every body was now
+assured, that <span class="name">Natura</span> had done no more than what
+became any man of spirit and honour; and those
+who before had condemned, now applauded his
+behaviour: in fine, every thing happened according
+to his wishes, and, to crown his happiness,
+he married about ten months after his arrival, a
+young beautiful lady, of his father's recommendation,
+and who had indeed all the qualifications
+that can render the conjugal state desirable.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The promotion of a member of parliament to
+the house of peers for that county in which their
+estate lay, happening soon after, he stood for the
+vacant seat, and easily obtained it: &mdash; nothing
+now seemed wanting to compleat his perfect happiness,
+yet so restless is the heart of man, that
+gaining much, it yet craves for more; <span class="name">Natura</span>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page156" id="page156" title="156"></a>
+
+had always a great passion for the court, meerly
+because it was a court, and gave an air of dignity
+to all belonging to it; he longed to make one
+among the shining throng; he was continually
+solliciting it, with an anxiety which deprived him
+of any true enjoyment of the blessings of his life;
+nor could all the arguments his father used to convince
+him of the vanity of his desires, nor the
+soft society of a most endearing and accomplished
+wife, render him easy under the many disappointments
+he received in the prosecution of this favourite
+aim.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The death of his father soon after, however,
+filled his bosom with emotions which he had never
+felt before in any painful degree; he was for
+some time scarce able to support the thoughts of
+having lost so tender and affectionate a parent:
+but as nothing is so soon forgot as death, especially
+when alleviated by the enjoyment of a greater
+affluence of fortune, his grief wore off by
+pretty swift degrees, and he was beginning to renew
+his pursuits after preferment, with the same
+assiduity and ardency as ever, when his wife died
+in bringing into the world a son. This second
+subject of sorrow struck indeed much more to
+his heart than the former had done, as he now
+wanted that comforter he had found in her. &mdash; All
+the consolation he had was in that little pledge of
+their mutual affection she had left behind; and
+it was for the sake of that dear boy, at least he
+imagined it so, that his ambition of making a
+great figure in the world again, revived in him,
+if possible, with greater energy than ever.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As he was now in possession of a very fine
+estate, had an agreeable person, rendered yet more
+so by all the advantages of education and travel,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page157" id="page157" title="157"></a>
+
+and not quite six-and-thirty, when he became a
+widower, his year of mourning was scarce expired,
+before all his friends and acquaintance began
+to talk to him of another wife, and few days past
+without proposals of that nature being made; but
+either the memory of the former amiable partner
+of his bed, or the experience he had in his own
+family of the ill effects that second marriages sometimes
+produce, made him deaf, for a long time,
+to any discourses on that head, though urged by
+those who, in other matters, had the greatest ascendant
+over him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Though he was far from being arrived at
+those years which render a man insensible of beauty,
+yet he was past those which had made him
+look on the enjoyment of it as the supremest
+bliss: &mdash; the fond desires that once engrossed him,
+had for some time given way to the more potent
+ardors of ambition; &mdash; he now made not love his
+<em>business</em> but <em>amusement</em>; the amours he had were
+only transient, and merely to fill the vacancy of
+an idle hour: his thoughts were so wholly taken
+up with advancing himself, and becoming a man
+of consequence in the world, that it may be reasonably
+supposed, by his behaviour, and the manner
+in which he rejected all the offers made to
+him, that had he met with a woman, in whom
+all the perfections of the sex were centered, she
+would not have been able either to engage him
+to a serious attachment, or to have quitted those
+more darling pursuits, which the desire of greatness
+fired him with.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus fortified by his present inclinations against
+all the charms of youth, of wit, of beauty,
+there was but one temptation he had not the
+power of withstanding, and that one his ill fate
+
+<a class="pb" name="page158" id="page158" title="158"></a>
+
+at length presented to him. A certain great person,
+who at that time was at the head of public
+affairs, had a neice, who for many private reasons,
+he found it necessary to dispose of in marriage:
+<span class="name">Natura</span> was the man he happened to pitch
+upon, as one who seemed to him a very proper
+person, and accordingly made him the offer, accompanied
+with a promise of getting him into
+a great post, which he knew he had been for a
+long time, and was still, solliciting, though without
+any prospect of success, without his assistance.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The young lady was not ugly, yet far from
+being mistress of charms capable of captivating a
+heart which had been filled with so many images
+of different beauties; but, as I have already said,
+love was not now the reigning passion of <span class="name">Natura</span>'s
+soul, and had she been much less amiable, the
+dowery she was to bring, sufficiently compensated
+for all other deficiencies, according to his present
+way of judging.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He hesitated not a moment to accept the minister's
+proposal; and a long courtship, as things
+were ordered between them, being needless, he became
+again a husband, in a very few days, after
+the first mention had been made of it, and at the
+same time was put in possession of what was much
+more welcome to him than his bride, even tho'
+she had been endowed with every virtue, every
+grace.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+All for a time went smoothly on: &mdash; he saw
+himself in a rank and precedence, his birth could
+never have expected: &mdash; his wife's uncle loaded
+him with favours; he procured a commission of
+lieutenant in the guards for his younger brother
+by his mother-in-law, whom, in spite of the ill
+
+<a class="pb" name="page159" id="page159" title="159"></a>
+
+usage, with which both himself and his father had
+been treated by her, he had a very great affection
+for; &mdash; he also got employments for several others
+of his kindred; &mdash; his house was the rendezvous
+of the gay and titled world; &mdash; his friendship was
+courted by all his acquaintance, and his interest
+at court created him so many dependants, that his
+levee was little inferior to that of the minister
+himself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This full attainment of all he wished, and
+even more than he had ever dared to indulge the
+hope of, might well render him extremely contented;
+&mdash; he was indeed pleased to excess, but
+the gladness of his heart was so far a virtue in
+him, as it prevented him at first from shewing any
+tokens of that pride, which a sudden variation of
+fortune frequently excites.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is certain, his behaviour was such as gained
+him an equal share of love and respect; and he
+had this addition to his other blessings, of not
+having his advancement envied; a thing pretty
+rare about a court, where there are so many gaping
+after every office that falls.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+They say ambition is a lust that is never
+quenched; and that the enjoyment of much
+brings with it only an impatience for more;
+that fresh objects, and new acquisitions, still presenting
+themselves, the mind is ever restless, ever
+anxious in the endless pursuit. &mdash; It is very likely
+this maxim might indeed have been verified in
+the mind of <span class="name">Natura</span>, after the hurry of transport
+for what he had already obtained had been a little
+worn off, and made way for other aims; but he
+had scarce given over congratulating himself on
+his success, before a strange alteration, and such
+
+<a class="pb" name="page160" id="page160" title="160"></a>
+
+as he had least dreaded of, happened in his humour,
+and rendered him wholly incapable of retaining
+the least relish for all the blessings he possessed,
+and in which he so lately placed the ultimate
+of his wishes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The compliments paid to him on his promotion
+and marriage, the giving and receiving visits
+from all his kindred and friends, together
+with the duties of his post, so much engrossed
+him for the first two or three months, that he had
+not time to give any attention to his domestic affairs,
+and happy would it have been for his peace
+if he had always continued in a total negligence
+in this point, as the fatal inspection plunged him
+into such distractions, as required many long years
+to compose.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In fine, he now discovered such dispositions to
+gallantry in his wife, as inflamed him with jealousy,
+to such a degree as it would be impossible
+to describe; &mdash; not that he had ever been possessed
+of any extraordinary love or fondness on her
+account; but the injury which he imagined was
+offered to his honour, by the freedoms with which
+she entertained several of those young courtiers
+which frequented his house, made him in a short
+time become the most discontented man alive.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Utterly impossible was it for him to conceal
+his disquiets; though the fears he had of
+displeasing the minister made him attempt it, as
+much as possible, and conscious of his ill dissimulation
+that way, the little notice she took of
+a chagrin he knew she could not but observe,
+very much added to it, as it seemed a certain
+proof of her indifference for him; a behaviour
+so widely different from the amiable tenderness
+
+<a class="pb" name="page161" id="page161" title="161"></a>
+
+of his former wife, dissipated all the little affection
+he had for her, and it was not long before she became
+even hateful to him; his jealousy however
+abated not with his love, her dishonour was his
+own, her person was his property by marriage,
+and the thoughts of any encroachment on his
+right were insupportable to him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Whether she was in fact as yet guilty of
+those violations of her duty, which his imagination
+incessantly suggested to him she was, neither
+himself, nor the world, were ever able to prove;
+but it is certain her conduct was such, in every
+shape towards him, as gave but too much room
+for suspicion in the least censorious, and which
+growing every day more disagreeable to him, he
+at length had not the power of feigning an inattention
+to it. &mdash; He remonstrated to her the value
+every woman, especially those in high life, ought
+to set on her reputation; &mdash; told her plainly,
+that the severest censures had been past upon her, and
+without seeming to believe them just himself,
+intreated her to act with more reserve for the
+future.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+All this, though delivered in the most gentle
+terms he could invent, had no other effect than
+to set her into an immoderate laughter: nothing
+could be more provoking, than the contempt with
+which she treated his advice; and on his insisting
+at last, in terms which she might think were
+somewhat too strong, on her being less frequently
+seen with some persons he mentioned to her, she
+answered in the most disdainful tone, that when
+she came to his years, she might, perhaps, look on
+the pleasures of life with the same eyes he did;
+but while youth and good humour lasted, she
+should deny herself no innocent indulgencies,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page162" id="page162" title="162"></a>
+
+and was resolved, let him and the world say
+what they would, not to anticipate old age and
+wrinkles.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As <span class="name">Natura</span> was not yet forty, in perfect health,
+and consequently not past the prime of manhood,
+this reflection cast upon his years, could not but
+add to his disgust of her that made it, and he replied
+with a spite which was very visible in his
+countenance, that whatever disparity there was
+between their ages, it would soon diminish by the
+course of life she followed, and which, if she persisted
+in, would, in a very little time, make her
+become an object below the voice of censure.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+They must know little of the sex, that do
+not know no affront can be so stinging as one
+offered to their beauty, even tho' conscious of <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note: Original has 'ha-ing'">having</ins>
+no great share of it; but the wife of <span class="name">Natura</span>
+had heard too many flatteries, not to inspire her
+with the highest idea of her charms, which the little
+respect he now testified to have for them, did
+not at all abate, and only served to make her
+despise his stupidity, as she termed it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+No measures after this were kept between
+them; she seemed to take a pleasure in every
+thing that gave him pain; she coquetted before
+his face with every handsome man that came in
+her way, and in fine gave herself such airs as the
+most patient husband could not have permitted
+her long to persist in. Making use of the authority
+the laws had given him, he, in a manner,
+forced her into the country, upwards of an hundred
+miles from <span class="name">London</span>, though it was then in
+the depth of winter, and placed persons about
+her, with orders to prevent her from all means
+
+<a class="pb" name="page163" id="page163" title="163"></a>
+
+of returning, till he should judge it proper for her
+so to do.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On this she wrote to her uncle, complaining
+of the hard treatment she received, and beseeching
+him to take some measures to oblige her husband
+to restore her liberty. The minister, who had at
+that time much greater concerns upon his hands
+on his own account, did not care to give himself
+any trouble about private family affairs; he only
+just mentioned to <span class="name">Natura</span> the letter she had sent
+to him, and the purport of it; and on his relating
+to him the reasons that had compelled him to put
+this restraint on her behaviour, told him, he
+should not interfere between them; so that <span class="name">Natura</span>
+found he had nothing to apprehend for what
+he had done.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Finding this step had produced nothing for
+her purpose, she at last condescended to submit to
+her justly offended husband; and on her solemn
+and repeated promises of regulating her conduct
+for the future in such a manner as he should approve,
+he was prevailed upon by her seeming contrition,
+to consent to make trial how far her heart
+corresponded with her professions: &mdash; it was agreed,
+to prevent the town from inspecting too
+deeply on what had passed, that she should pretend
+her absence from town had been the effect
+of her own choice, and for giving the better colour,
+he went down himself, and brought her up.
+&mdash; They lived together, after this, much better
+than they had done for some months before their
+quarrel, and were now, in appearance, perfectly
+reconciled; I say, in appearance, for all was outward
+shew, neither of them had in their hearts
+the least true affection, nor could forgive the
+other for what had passed between them.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page164" id="page164" title="164"></a>
+
+<p>
+The excessive constraint which both put upon
+themselves, in order to conceal the real sentiments
+of their hearts from each other, as well as
+from the world, could not but be extremely painful:
+&mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span> suffered her as little as possible
+out of his sight, though he could have wished a
+possibility of avoiding her for ever, and was obliged
+to do all he could, to make that pass for a
+fondness of her presence, which was indeed only
+the effect of his jealousy of her behaviour in absence:
+&mdash; she affected to think herself happy in
+his company, for no other reason, than to win
+him to an assurance of her reformation, as might
+render him less observant than he had been of
+what she did, even at the time (as was afterwards
+discovered) when she seemed most sorry and angry
+with herself for having given him any cause of
+suspicion since their marriage.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Both, in fine, endured all that could make
+marriage dreadful, especially <span class="name">Natura</span>, who having
+with his former wife experienced all the felicity of
+that state, was the more wretched by the sad alternative;
+and as he could not sometimes forbear
+comparing the present with the past, fell frequently
+into perfect convulsions of grief and remorse,
+for having plunged himself into it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A perpetual dissimulation is what human
+nature finds among the things which are impossible
+to perform; &mdash; and I am pretty certain, that
+the most artful person that ever breathed, could
+not, at all times, and in all circumstances, restrain
+so far his real inclinations, as to give no
+indications of them to an observing eye; and it
+is scarce probable, but that the very attempt in
+<span class="name">Natura</span> and his wife, gave rise to as many reflections
+
+<a class="pb" name="page165" id="page165" title="165"></a>
+
+on their conduct in this point, as there was
+too much room to make on others.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was indeed a kind of farce acted by this
+unhappy pair, in which both played their parts
+so aukwardly, that the real character would frequently
+peep out, and though each dissembled,
+yet neither was deceived; but as I said before,
+this could not last for ever; and the ice being
+once broke in some unguarded humour either on
+the one or the other side, I cannot pretend to affirm
+on which, the torrent of their mutual disgust
+burst out with the greater force, for having
+been so long pent up: it is hard to tell which testified
+the most virulence, or expressed themselves
+in the most bitter terms: &mdash; all that can be determined
+is, that those of <span class="name">Natura</span> shewed most of
+<em>rage</em>, and those his wife made use of, most of
+<em>hatred</em>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After having fully vented all that was in
+their souls against each other, both became more
+calm; and agreed in this, as the only resource for
+ease in their present unhappy situation, to banish
+for the future all deceit between them, and never
+more pretend the least kindness or good-will to
+each other when in private, to lie in separate beds,
+and to be as seldom as possible alone together;
+but for the sake of both their reputations to continue
+in the same house, and before company to
+behave with reciprocal politeness.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+These terms rid <span class="name">Natura</span> of a great part of
+that insupportable constraint he had been under,
+but gave not the least satisfaction, as to his jealousy
+of honour; he doubted not but she would be
+guilty of many things, injurious in the highest
+degree to their public character, and which yet it
+
+<a class="pb" name="page166" id="page166" title="166"></a>
+
+would not so well become him to exert his authority
+in opposing, and these reflections gave him
+the most terrible inquietude; which shews, that
+though <em>jealousy</em> is called the child of <em>love</em>, it is
+very possible to feel all the tortures of the <em>one</em>,
+without being sensible of any of the douceurs of
+the <em>other</em> passion.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+How dearly now did <span class="name">Natura</span> pay for the gratification
+of his ambition! &mdash; What availed his
+grandeur, the respect paid him by his equals, and
+the homage of the inferior world! &mdash; What the
+pride of having it in his power to confer favours,
+when he had himself a heart torn with the most
+fierce convulsions, and less capable of enjoying
+the goods of fortune, than the most abject of those
+indigent creatures, who petitioned for relief from
+him! &mdash; By day, by night, alone, or in company,
+he was haunted with ideas the most distracting to
+his peace. &mdash; A smile on the face of his wife,
+seemed to him to proceed from the joy of having
+made some new conquest; a grave or melancholly
+look, from a disappointment on the account of
+a favourite gallant: yet as her person was the least
+thing he was tenacious of, the behaviour of others
+gave him greater pain than any thing she could
+do herself; &mdash; whoever spoke handsomely of her,
+he imagined insulted him; and those who mentioned
+her not at all, he thought were sensible of
+her levity, and his misfortune: &mdash; every thing he
+saw or heard, seemed to him a sad memento of
+his dishonour; and though he could not assure
+himself she had in fact been guilty of a breach of
+her virtue, he was very certain she had been so
+of that reserve and modesty which is the most distinguishable
+characteristic of it, and took from
+him the power of vindicating her innocence, or
+his own honour even though he had believed
+
+<a class="pb" name="page167" id="page167" title="167"></a>
+
+them safe, as becomes a husband, whose wife is
+more cautious of her conduct in this point.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Too delicate of the censure of the world, it
+gave him the utmost anxiety how to carry himself,
+so as not to afford any room to have it said
+he was either a jealous, or a too credulous husband;
+yet in spite of all his care, he incurred
+both these characters: &mdash; those who had heard of
+his sending her into the country, without being
+acquainted with the motives for his so doing,
+looked on him as the former; and those who saw
+her manner of behaviour, and the seeming politeness
+of his treatment of her, imagined him the
+latter: &mdash; so difficult is it for any one, who only
+sees the outside of things, to judge what they
+are in reality; yet the vanity of having it believed
+they are let into secrets, makes a great many
+people invent circumstances, and then relate
+for matters of fact, what are indeed no more than the
+suggestions of imagination, or, what is yet worse,
+the coinage of their own brain, without believing
+themselves what they take upon them to report
+to others.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This undoubtedly happened on the score of
+<span class="name">Natura</span> and his wife, and occasioned not only
+many idle stories at tea-table conversation, but also
+many oblique hints to be sometimes given to
+himself, which, perhaps, there was not the least
+grounds for, but which greatly added to his disquiets;
+as when we think we have reason to believe
+part, we are ready to give credit to all we
+hear, especially in cases of this nature; it being
+the peculiar property of jealousy, to force the
+mind to grasp with eagerness, at every thing that
+tends to render it more afflicted and perplexed.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page168" id="page168" title="168"></a>
+
+<div class="book" id="LPP3">
+<h2>BOOK the Third.</h2>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="LPP31">
+<h3>CHAP. I.</h3>
+<div class="argument"><p>
+Shews in what manner anger and revenge operate
+on the mind, and how ambition is capable of
+stifling both, in a remarkable instance, that <em>private
+injuries</em>, how great soever, may seem of no
+weight, when <em>public grandeur</em> requires they
+should be looked over.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>
+Nothing is so violent as anger in its first
+emotions, it takes the faculties by surprize,
+and rushes upon the soul like an impetuous torrent,
+bearing down all before it: its strength,
+however, is owing to its suddenness; for being
+raised by some new and unexpected accident or
+provocation, reason has no warning of its approach,
+and consequently is off her guard, and
+without any immediate power of acting: the
+sweetest, and most gentle disposition, is not always
+a sufficient defence for the mind, against
+the attacks of this furious passion, and may be
+hurried by it to deeds the most opposite to its
+own nature; but then as it is fierce, it is transient
+also; should its force continue, it would lose
+its name, and be no longer anger, but revenge;
+which, though the worst and most fiend-like
+propensity of a vicious inclination, is sometimes
+excited by circumstances, that seem in a great
+measure to alleviate the blackness of it: &mdash; repeated
+
+<a class="pb" name="page169" id="page169" title="169"></a>
+
+and unprovoked insults, friendship and
+love abused, injuries in our person, our fortune,
+or reputation, will sour the softest temper, and
+are apt to make us imagine it is an injustice to our
+selves, not to retaliate in kind, the ill treatment
+we receive. Religion, indeed, forbids us to take
+our own parts thus far, and philosophy teaches,
+that it is nobler to forgive, than punish wrongs;
+but every one is not so happy as to have either
+of these helps; and I do not find but those who
+boast both of them in the most superlative degree,
+stand in need of something more, to enable
+them to restrain this prevailing impulse; and that
+it is not so much to the precepts they receive
+from others, as to some dictates from within,
+that many people are indebted for the reputation
+of patience and forbearance.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is the peculiar providence of Heaven, as I
+took notice in the beginning of this work, that
+the more ignoble passions of human nature, are,
+generally speaking, opposites, and by that means
+serve as a curb to bridle the inordinancy of each
+other; so that, though <em>one alone</em> would be pernicious
+to society, and render the person possessed
+of it obnoxious to the world, <em>many</em> will prevent
+the hurt, and make the man himself tolerable.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The adventure I am now going to relate, will
+prove that <span class="name">Natura</span> had the greatest excitements,
+and the greatest justification both for wrath and
+revenge that could possibly be offered to any one
+man: yet did another passion, not more excusable
+than either of these, suppress all the turbulent
+emotions of both, and quench the boiling flames
+within his soul, insomuch as to make him appear
+all calmness and contentedness.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page170" id="page170" title="170"></a>
+
+<p>
+But though I made use of the word passion to
+express the now prevailing propensity of <span class="name">Natura</span>'s
+soul, I do not think that ambition, strictly speaking,
+can come under that denomination: &mdash; to
+me it rather seems the effect of an assemblage
+of other passions, than a passion simple of itself,
+and natural to the mind of man; and I believe,
+whoever examines it to the fountain head, will
+find it takes its origin from pride and envy, and
+is nourished by self-love, nor ever appears in any
+great degree, where these do not abound. &mdash;
+Were it born with us, there would doubtless be
+some indications of it in childhood, but it is observable,
+that not till man arrives at maturity, and
+even not then, unless the sight of objects above
+himself excites it, he discovers the least sensation of
+any such emotion. &mdash; In fine, it is an inclination
+rarely known in youth, ordinarily declines in age,
+and never exerts itself with vigour, as in the middle
+stage of life, which I reckon to be from about
+five-and-twenty to fifty, or somewhat more, according
+to the strength of the natural stamina, or
+constitution. &mdash; But to go on with my history.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Since <span class="name">Natura</span> had been in what they call a
+settled state in the world, it had always been his
+custom to distinguish the anniversary of that day
+which gave him birth, by providing a polite entertainment
+for his friends and kindred: he had
+now attained to his fortieth year, and though it
+had been that in which he had known more
+poignant disquiets, than in any one of his whole
+life before; yet thinking that to neglect the observation
+of it now, would give occasion for remarks
+on his reasons for so doing, he resolved to
+treat it with the usual ceremony.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was in that delightful season of the year,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page171" id="page171" title="171"></a>
+
+when nature, adorned with all her charms, invites
+the senses to taste that regale in the open air,
+which the most elegant and best concerted entertainments
+within doors cannot atone for the want
+of. After dinner was over, the whole company
+which was pretty numerous, adjourned from the
+table to the garden, a small, but well ordered
+spot of ground, at the lower end of which was
+a green-house, furnished with many curious exotic
+plants. While <span class="name">Natura</span> was shewing this collection
+to those of his guests, who had a taste
+that way, others were diverting themselves with
+walking in the alleys, or set down in arbors, according
+as their different fancies inclined, as it is
+common for people to divide themselves into little
+parties, when there are too many for all to
+share in a general conversation.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As they were thus employed, the minister, who
+though he had not thought it beneath the dignity
+of his character to do honour to the birth-day of
+the husband of his neice, yet had his mind taken
+up with other things than the amusements of the
+place, took <span class="name">Natura</span> aside on a sudden, and asked
+him if he had not a paper in his custody, which
+he had some time before put into his hands; to
+which the other answering in the affirmative,
+<q>There are some things in it I do not well remember,</q>
+said the great man; <q>and a thought just now occurs
+to me, in which they may be of use</q>: &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span>
+then offered to fetch it; <q>No,</q> replied the other, <q>I
+will go with you, and we will examine it together.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There was no need of making any apology
+to the company, they being, as I have already said,
+dispersed in several parts of the garden; but had
+they not been so, the statesman was absolute master
+
+<a class="pb" name="page172" id="page172" title="172"></a>
+
+wherever he came, and no one would have
+taken umbrage at <span class="name">Natura</span>'s following him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+They went hastily up stairs together, and the
+door of a room, thro' which they were to pass to
+<span class="name">Natura</span>'s study, being shut, he gave a push against
+it with his foot, and it being but <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note: Original has 'slighty'">slightly</ins> fastened,
+immediately flew open, and discovered a sight no
+less unexpected than shocking to both; &mdash; the
+wife, and own brother of <span class="name">Natura</span>, on a couch,
+and in a posture which could leave no room to
+doubt of the motive which had induced them to
+take the opportunity of the company separating
+themselves, to retire, without being missed,
+which, but for this accident, they probably would
+not have been.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is easy to conceive what a husband must
+feel in so alarming a circumstance, nor will any
+one wonder that <span class="name">Natura</span> behaved in the manner
+he did, in the first emotions of a rage, which
+might very well be justified by the cause that excited
+it. &mdash; Not having a sword on, he flew to the
+chimney, on each side of which hung a pistol;
+he snatched one off the hook, and was going to
+revenge the injury he had received on one or both
+the guilty persons, when the minister, stepping
+between, beat down that arm which held the instrument
+of death, crying at the same time, <q>What,
+are you a madman! &mdash; would you to punish them expose
+yourself!</q> &mdash; The passion with which <span class="name">Natura</span>
+was overwhelmed was too mighty for his breast;
+it stopped the passage of his words, and all he
+could bring out was <q>villain!</q> &mdash; <q>whore</q> &mdash; while
+those he called so, made their escape from his
+fury, by running out of the room. In attempting
+to follow them he was still with-held; and
+the minister having with much ado got the pistol
+
+<a class="pb" name="page173" id="page173" title="173"></a>
+
+from him, began to expostulate with him, in order
+to disarm his mind from pursuing any future revenge,
+as he had done his hand from executing
+the present.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>Consider,</q> said the statesman, <q>that these are but
+slips of nature, that there are in this town a thousand
+husbands in the same situation: &mdash; indeed the
+affair happening with your own brother, very much
+enhances the crime and the provocation; but as the
+thing is done, and there is no remedy, it will but
+add to your disgrace to make it public.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Little would it have been in the power of
+all the arguments in the world, if made use of by
+any other person, to have given a check to that
+just indignation <span class="name">Natura</span> was inflamed with: but
+as patience and moderation were prescribed him
+by one to whom he was indebted for all the grandeur
+he enjoyed, and by whose favour alone he
+could hope for the continuance, of it, he submitted
+to the task, difficult as it was, and consented
+to make no noise of the affair. The minister assured
+him he would oblige his brother to exchange
+the commission he was at present possessed of, for
+one in a regiment that was going to <span class="name">Gibraltar</span>,
+<q>which,</q> said he, <q>will be a sufficient punishment for
+his crime, and at the same time rid you of the sight
+of a person who cannot but be now detestable to you;
+&mdash; as to your wife, I expect you will permit her to
+continue in your house, in consideration of her relation
+to me, but shall not interfere with the manner
+of your living together; &mdash; that shall be at your
+own discretion.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As neither of them imagined the lady, after
+what had happened, would have courage enough
+to go down to the company, it was agreed between
+
+<a class="pb" name="page174" id="page174" title="174"></a>
+
+them to make her excuse, by saying, a sudden
+disorder in her head had obliged her to absent
+herself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> cleared up his brow as much as it
+was possible for him to do in such a circumstance,
+and returned with the minister to his guests, among
+whom, as he supposed, he found neither his wife
+nor brother; as for the latter, much notice was
+not taken of his absence, but the ladies, by this
+time, were full of enquiries after her; on which
+he immediately made the pretence above-mentioned;
+but unluckily, one of the company having
+been bred to physic, urged permission to
+see her, in order to prescribe some recipe for her
+ailment. &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span> was now extremely at a loss
+what to do, till the minister, who never wanted
+an expedient, relieved him, by telling the doctor,
+that his neice had been accustomed to these kind
+of fits from her infancy, that it was only silence
+and repose which recovered her, which being now
+gone to take, any interruption would be of more
+prejudice than benefit.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This passed very well, and no farther mention
+was made of her; but the accident occasioned
+the company to take leave much sooner than
+otherwise they would have done, very much to
+the ease of <span class="name">Natura</span>, who had been in the most intolerable
+constraint, to behave so as to conceal
+the truth, and longed to be alone, to give a loose
+to the distracting passions of his soul.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The more he ruminated on the wrongs he
+had sustained, the more difficult he found it to
+preserve that moderation the minister had enjoined,
+and he had promised: he had long but
+too much reason to believe his wife was false;
+
+<a class="pb" name="page175" id="page175" title="175"></a>
+
+but the thought that she had entered into a criminal
+conversation with his own brother, rendered
+the guilt doubly odious in them both. &mdash;
+Had not his own eyes convinced him of the horrid
+truth, he could have given credit to no other
+testimony, that a brother, whom he had always
+treated with the utmost affection, and whose fortune
+it had been his care to promote, should have
+dared to harbour even the most distant wish of
+dishonouring his wife. He seemed, in his eyes,
+the most culpable of the two, and thought the
+banishment intended for him much too small a
+punishment for so atrocious a crime. It is certain
+that this young gentleman had not only broke
+through the bands of duty, honour, gratitude, and
+every social obligation, but had also sinned against
+nature itself, by adding incest to adultery. &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span>
+could not indeed consider him as any thing
+but a monster, and that as such he ought to be
+cut off from the face of the earth; and neither
+reason nor humanity, could alledge any thing
+against the dictates of a revenge, which by the
+most unconcerned and disinterested person could
+not be called unjust. &mdash; Strongly did its emotions
+work within his soul, and he was more than once
+on the point of going in search of him, in order
+to satiate its most impatient thirst, but was as
+often restrained, by reflecting on the consequences.
+&mdash; <q>Suppose,</q> said he to himself, <q>I should escape
+that death the law inflicts for murder, in consideration
+of the provocation, I cannot hope to preserve
+my employments. &mdash; I must retire from the world,
+live an obscure life the whole remainder of my days,
+and the whole shameful adventure being divulged,
+will render me the common topic of table conversation,
+and entail dishonour and contempt upon my
+son.</q>
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page176" id="page176" title="176"></a>
+
+<p>
+Thus did ambition get the better of resentment;
+&mdash; thus did the love of grandeur extirpate
+all regard of true honour, and the shame of private
+contempt from the world lie stifled in the
+pride of public homage.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The minister in the mean time kept his word;
+he let the offending brother know it was his pleasure
+he should dispose of his commission in the
+guards, and purchase one in a regiment he named
+to him, which was very speedily to embark for
+<span class="name">Gibraltar</span>: the young gentleman obeyed the injunction,
+and doubtless was not sorry to quit a
+place, where some accident or other, in spite of
+all the care he had resolved to take, might possibly
+bring him to the sight of a brother he had
+so greatly injured, the thoughts of whose just
+reproaches were more terrible to him, than any
+thing else that could befal him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The wife of <span class="name">Natura</span> being also privately admonished
+by her uncle how to behave, kept her
+chamber for some days, not only to give the better
+colour to the pretence had been made of her
+indisposition, but also to avoid the presence of
+her husband, till the first emotions of his fury
+should be a little abated; &mdash; he, on the other
+hand, profited by this absence, to bring himself
+to a resolution how to behave, when the shock
+of seeing her should arrive: &mdash; as her crime was
+past recal, reproaches and remonstrances would be
+in vain to retrieve her honour, or his peace; and
+if they even should work her into penitence, what
+would it avail? unless to soften him into a pity,
+which would only serve to render him more uneasy,
+as there was now no possibility of living
+with her as a wife. &mdash; Having, therefore, well
+weighed and considered all these things, it seemed
+
+<a class="pb" name="page177" id="page177" title="177"></a>
+
+best to him to say nothing to her of what had
+happened, and indeed to avoid speaking to her at
+all, except in public.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+What she thought of a behaviour she had so
+little reason to expect, and what effect it produced
+on her future conduct, shall hereafter be related:
+I shall only say at present, that <span class="name">Natura</span>
+gave himself no pain to consider what might be
+her sentiments on the occasion, as long as he
+found her uncle was perfectly satisfied with his
+manner of acting in this point, which he had no
+reason to doubt of, not only by the assurances he
+gave him in words of his being so, but by a
+more convincing and substantial proof, which
+was this; an envoy extraordinary being about to
+be sent to a foreign court, on a very important
+negociation, he had the honour of being recommended,
+as a gentleman every way qualified for
+the duties of that post. &mdash; The minister's choice
+of him was approved by the king and council,
+and he set out on his embassy, with an equipage
+and state, which, joined to the attention he gave
+to what he was employed in, greatly dissipated
+the chagrin of his private affairs, and he seemed
+to have forgot, for a time, not only the injuries
+he had received, but also even the persons from
+whom he had received them.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page178" id="page178" title="178"></a>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="LPP32">
+<h3>CHAP. II.</h3>
+<div class="argument"><p>
+Shews at what age men are most liable to the passion
+of grief: the impatience of human nature
+under affliction, and the necessity there is
+of exerting reason, to restrain the excesses it
+would otherwise occasion.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>
+There are certain periods of time, in which
+the passions take the deepest root within us;
+what at one age makes but a slight impression,
+and is easily dissipated by different ideas, at another
+engrosses all the faculties, and becomes so
+much a part of the soul, as to require the utmost
+exertion of reason, and all the aids of philosophy
+and religion to eradicate. &mdash; Grief, for example,
+is one of those passions which, in extreme youth,
+we know little of, and even when we grow nearer
+to maturity, has rarely any great dominion,
+let the cause which excites it be never so interesting,
+or justifiable: it may indeed be poignant for
+a time, and drive us to all the excesses imputed
+to that passion; but then it is of short continuance,
+it dwells not on the mind, and the least
+appearance of a new object of satisfaction, banishes
+it entirely; we dry our tears, and remember
+no more what so lately we lamented, perhaps
+with the most noisy exclamations: &mdash; but it is
+not so when riper years give a solidity and firmness
+to the judgment; &mdash; then as we are less apt
+to grieve without a cause, so we are less able to
+refrain from grieving, when we have a real cause.
+&mdash; Grief may therefore be called a reasonable
+passion, tho' it becomes not a reasonable man to
+give way to it; &mdash; this, at first sight, may seem
+
+<a class="pb" name="page179" id="page179" title="179"></a>
+
+a paradox to many people, but may easily be solved,
+in my opinion, on a very little consideration;
+&mdash; as thus, &mdash; because to be sensible of our
+loss in the value of the thing for which we mourn,
+is a proof of our judgment, as to refrain that
+mourning for what is past retrieving, within the
+bounds of moderation, is the greatest proof we
+can give of our reason: &mdash; a dull insensibility is
+not a testimony, either of wisdom or virtue; we
+are not to bear afflictions like <em>statues</em>, but like
+men; that is, we are allowed to <em>feel</em>, but not to
+<em>repine</em>, or be <em>impatient</em> under them: &mdash; few there
+are, however, who have the power of preserving
+this happy medium, as I before observed, tho' they
+are such as have the assistance both of precept
+and experience.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In a word, all that can be expected from the best
+of men, when pressed with any heavy calamity,
+is to struggle with all his might to bear up beneath
+the weight with decency and resignation; and as
+grief never seizes strongly on the mind, till a sufficient
+number of years gives reason strength to
+combat with it, that consideration furnishes matter
+for praise and adoration of the all-wise and all-beneficent
+Author of our being, who has bestowed
+on us a certain comfort for all ills, if we neglect
+not to make use of it; so that no man can be unhappy,
+unless he will be so.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Motives for grief which happen on a sudden
+merit excuse for the extravagancies they sometimes
+occasion, because they surprize us unawares,
+reason is off her guard, and it cannot be
+expected we should be armed against what we had
+no apprehensions of; &mdash; presence of mind is an
+excellent, but rare quality, and we shall see very
+few, even among the wisest men, who are such
+
+<a class="pb" name="page180" id="page180" title="180"></a>
+
+examples of it, as to behave in the first shock of
+some unforeseen misfortune, with the same moderation
+and calmness of temper, as they would
+have done, had they had previous warning of what
+was to befal them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Much, however, are the effects of this, as of
+all other passions, owing to constitution: &mdash; the
+robust and sanguine nature soon kindles, and
+is soon extinguished; whereas the phlegmatic is
+slow to be moved, and when so not easily settled
+into a calm: and tho' the difference of age makes
+a wide difference in our way of thinking, yet as
+there are old men at twenty, and boys at three-score,
+that rule is not without some exceptions.
+But to take nature in the general, and allowing
+for the different habits of body and complexion,
+we may be truly said to be most prone to particular
+passions at particular ages: &mdash; as in youth, love,
+hope, and joy; &mdash; in maturity, ambition, pride,
+and its attendant ostentation; &mdash; when more advanced
+in years, grief, fear, and despair; &mdash; and in
+old age, avarice, and a kind of very churlish
+dislike of every thing presented to us.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But to return to <span class="name">Natura</span>, from whose adventures
+I have digressed; but I hope forgiveness for
+it, as it was not only the history of the man I
+took upon me to relate, but also to point out, in
+his example, the various progress of the passions
+in a human mind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He acquitted himself of the important trust had
+been reposed in him, with all the diligence and
+discretion could be expected from him; and returned
+honoured with many rich presents from
+the prince to whom he had been sent, as a testimony
+of the sense he had of his abilities.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page181" id="page181" title="181"></a>
+
+<p>
+But scarce had he time to receive the felicitations
+of his friends on this score, before an accident
+happened to him, which demanded a much
+more than equal share of condolance from them.
+&mdash; His son, his only son, the darling of his heart,
+was seized with a distemper in his head, which
+in a very few days baffled the art of medicine,
+and snatched him from the world. &mdash; What now availed
+his honours, his wealth, his every requisite
+for grandeur, or for pleasure? &mdash; He, for
+whose sake chiefly he had laboured to acquire
+them, was no more! &mdash; no second self remained
+to enjoy what he must one day leave behind him.
+&mdash; All of him was now collected in his own being,
+and with <em>that</em> being must end. &mdash; Melancholly
+reflection! &mdash; yet not the worst that this unhappy
+incident inflicted: &mdash; his estate, all at least that
+had descended to him by inheritance, with the
+vast improvements he had made on it, must now
+devolve on a brother he had so much cause to
+hate, and whose very name but mentioned struck
+horror to his heart.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The motives for his grief were great, it must
+be allowed, and such as demanded the utmost fortitude
+to sustain; &mdash; he certainly exerted all he
+was master of on this occasion; but, in spite of
+his efforts, nature got the upper hand, and rendered
+him inconsolable: &mdash; he burst not into any
+violent exclamations, but the silent sorrow preyed
+on his vitals, and reduced him, in a short time,
+almost to the shadow of what he had been.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+One of the most dangerous effects of melancholy
+is, the gloomy pleasure it gives to every
+thing that serves to indulge it: &mdash; darkness and
+solitude are its delight and nourishment, and the
+person possessed of it, naturally shuns and hates
+
+<a class="pb" name="page182" id="page182" title="182"></a>
+
+whatever might alleviate it; &mdash; the sight of his
+best friends now became irksome to him; &mdash; he
+not only loathed, but grew incapable of all business;
+&mdash; he shut himself in his closet, shunned
+conversation, was scarce prevailed on to take the
+necessary supports of nature, and seemed as if his
+soul was buried in the tomb of his son, and only
+a kind of vegetative life remained within him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+His sister, who loved him very affectionately,
+and for whom he had always preserved the tenderest
+amity, being informed of his disconsolate
+condition, came to town, flattering herself with
+being able to dissipate, at least some part of his
+chagrin. To this end she brought with her all
+her children, some of whom he had never seen,
+and had frequently expressed by letter, the desire
+he had of embracing them, and the regret he had
+that the great affairs he was always constantly engaged
+in, would not permit him time to take a
+journey into the country where she lived.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But how greatly did she deceive herself; &mdash;
+he was too far sunk in the lethargy of grief, to
+be roused out of it by all her kind endeavours;
+&mdash; on the contrary, the sight of those near and
+dear relatives she presented to him only added to
+his affliction, by reminding him in a more lively
+manner of his own loss; and the sad effect she
+found their presence had on him, obliged her to
+remove them immediately from his eyes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She could not, however, think of quitting
+him in a state so truly deplorable, and so unbecoming
+of his circumstances and character: &mdash; she
+remained in his house, would pursue him <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note: Original has 'where-ever'">wherever</ins>
+he retired, and as she was a woman of excellent
+sense, as well as good-nature, invented a
+
+<a class="pb" name="page183" id="page183" title="183"></a>
+
+thousand little stratagems to divert his thoughts
+from the melancholly theme which had too much
+engrossed them, but had not the satisfaction to
+perceive that any thing she could say or do, occasioned
+the least movement of that fixed sullenness,
+which, by a long habit, appeared like a second
+nature in him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This poor lady found also other matters of surprize
+and discontent, on her staying in town, besides
+the sad situation of her brother's health: &mdash;
+as she had never been informed of the disunion
+between him and his wife, much less of the occasion
+of it, the behaviour of that lady filled her
+with the utmost astonishment: &mdash; to perceive she
+took no pains to alleviate his sorrows, never came
+into the room where he was, or even sent her
+woman with those common compliments, which
+he received from all who had the least acquaintance
+with him, would have afforded sufficient
+occasion for the speculation of a sister; yet was
+this manifest disregard, this failure in all the duties
+of a wife, a friend, a neighbour, little worthy
+of consideration, when put in comparison with
+her conduct in other points.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After the adventure of her detection, finding
+the minister was resolved to support her, and that
+her husband durst not come to any open breach
+with her, she immediately began to throw aside
+all regard for decorum; &mdash; she seemed utterly to
+despise all sense of shame, and even to glory in a
+life of continual dissolution; &mdash; the company she
+kept of both sexes, were, for the most part, persons
+of abandoned characters: whether she indulged
+herself in a plurality of amours, is uncertain,
+though it was said she did so; but there
+was one man to whom she was most particularly
+
+<a class="pb" name="page184" id="page184" title="184"></a>
+
+attached; &mdash; this was a person who had formerly
+enjoyed a post under the government, but was
+turned out on the score of misbehaviour, and had
+now no other support than what he received from
+her: &mdash; with him she frequently passed whole
+nights, and took so little care in concealing the
+place of their meeting, that the sister of <span class="name">Natura</span>
+easily found it out.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On relating the discovery she had made to some
+of their relations, they advised her to tell her
+brother, imagining this glaring insult on his honour
+would effectually rouse him out of the stupidity
+he languished under: &mdash; she was of the
+same opinion, and took the first opportunity of
+letting <span class="name">Natura</span> into the whole infamous affair,
+not without some apprehensions, that an excess of
+rage on hearing it, might hurry him into a contrary
+extreme; but her terrors on this head were
+presently dissipated, when having repeated many
+circumstances to corroborate the truth of what
+she said, there appeared not the least emotion in
+his countenance; and on her urging him to take
+some measures to do himself justice, or at least to
+put a stop to this licentiousness of a person whose
+dishonour was his own; all she could get from
+him was, that he had neither regard enough for
+her to take any pains for the reclaiming her, nor
+for the censure of the world on himself, and desired
+she would not trouble him any farther on
+this point.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This strange insensibility afforded cause to
+fear his faculties were all too deeply absorbed in
+melancholy, for him ever to become a man of
+the world again, and as she truly loved him, gave
+both her, and all his other friends, an infinite
+concern.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page185" id="page185" title="185"></a>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="LPP33">
+<h3>CHAP. III.</h3>
+<div class="argument"><p>
+The struggles which different passions occasion in
+the human breast, are here exemplified; and that
+there is no one among them so strong, but may be
+extirpated by another, excepting <em>revenge</em>, which
+knows no period, but by gratification.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>
+Though it must be acknowledged, that the
+passions, generally speaking, operate according
+to the constitution, and seem, in a manner,
+wholly directed by it, yet there is one, above all,
+which actuates alike in all, and when once entertained,
+is scarce ever extinguished: &mdash; it may indeed
+lie dormant, for a time, but then it easily
+revives on the least occasion, and blazes out
+with greater violence than ever. I believe every one
+will understand I mean <em>revenge</em>, since there is no
+other emotion of the soul, but has its antedote:
+<em>grief</em> and <em>joy</em> alternately succeed each other; &mdash;
+<em>hope</em> has its period in possession; &mdash; <em>fear</em> ceases,
+either by the cause being removed, or by a fatal
+certainty of some dreaded evil; &mdash; <em>ambition</em> dies
+within us, on a just sense of the folly of pursuing
+it; &mdash; <em>hate</em> is often vanquished by good offices; &mdash;
+even greedy <em>avarice</em> may be glutted; and <em>love</em> is,
+for the most part, fluctuating, and may be terminated
+by a thousand accidents. &mdash; <em>Revenge</em> alone
+is implacable and eternal, not to be banished
+by any other passion whatsoever; &mdash; the effects
+of it are the same, invariable in every constitution;
+and whether the man be phlegmatic or sanguine,
+there will be no difference in his way of
+thinking in this point. The principles of religion
+and morality indeed may, and frequently do, hinder
+
+<a class="pb" name="page186" id="page186" title="186"></a>
+
+a man from putting into action what this
+cruel passion suggests, but neither of them can
+restrain him who has revenge in his heart, from
+wishing it were lawful for him to indulge it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This being so fixed a passion, it hardly ever
+gains entrance on the mind, till a sufficient number
+of years have given a solidity to the thoughts,
+and made us know for what we wish, and why
+we wish. &mdash; Every one, however, does not experience
+its force, and happy may those be accounted
+who are free from it, since it is not only
+the most unjustifiable and dangerous, but also the
+most restless and self-tormenting emotion of the
+soul.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There are, notwithstanding, some kind of
+provocations, which it is scarce possible, nor indeed
+consistent with the justice we owe to ourselves,
+to bury wholly in oblivion; and likewise
+there are some kinds of revenge, which may deserve
+to be excused; of these, that which <span class="name">Natura</span>
+put in practice, as shall presently be shewn,
+may be reckoned of the number.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+I doubt not, but my readers, as well as all
+those who were acquainted with him at that time,
+will believe, that in the situation I have described,
+he was for ever lost to the sense of any other passion,
+than that which so powerfully engrossed
+him, and from which all the endeavours hitherto
+made use of, had been ineffectual to rouse him.
+But it often happens, that what we least expect,
+comes most suddenly upon us, and proves that all
+human efforts are in vain, without the interposition
+of some supernatural power.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+I have already said, that the bad conduct of
+
+<a class="pb" name="page187" id="page187" title="187"></a>
+
+his wife had been repeated over and over to him
+without his discovering the least emotion at it;
+yet would not his sister cease urging him to resent
+it as became a man sensible of his dishonour, that
+is, to rid himself, by such ways as the law puts it
+in the power of a husband so injured, to get rid
+of her; and imagining that an ocular demonstration
+of her crime, would make a greater impression
+on him, than any report could do, she set
+about contriving some way to bring him where
+his own eyes might convince him of the truth of
+what he had been so often told: &mdash; but how to
+prevail on him to go out of his house, which he
+had not now seen the outside of for some months,
+was a difficulty not easily surmounted: &mdash; the obstinacy
+of grief disappointed all the little plots they
+laid for their purpose, and they were beginning
+to give over all thoughts of any future attempts,
+when chance accomplished the so-much desired
+work.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He had ordered a monument to be erected over
+the grave of his beloved son; which, being finished,
+and he told that it was so, <q>I will see,</q> said
+he, <q>if it be done according to my directions.</q> Two
+or three of his kindred were present when he took
+this resolution, and one of them immediately recollecting,
+how they might make it of advantage
+to their design, said many things in praise of the
+structure; but added, that the scaffolding and rubbish
+the workmen had left, not being yet removed,
+he would have him defer seeing it, till it was
+cleaned. To this he having readily agreed, spies
+were placed, to observe the time and place, where
+the lady and her favourite lover had the next rendezvous.
+As neither of them had any great caution
+in their amour, a full account was soon
+brought to the sister of <span class="name">Natura</span>, who, with several
+
+<a class="pb" name="page188" id="page188" title="188"></a>
+
+of their relations, came into his chamber,
+and told him that the tomb was now fit to be
+seen in all its beauty.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On this he presently suffered himself to be
+dressed, and went with them; but they managed
+so well that, under pretence of calling on another
+friend, who, they said, had desired to be of their
+company in this melancholly entertainment, they
+led him to the house where his wife and enamorato
+were yet in bed. The sister of <span class="name">Natura</span> having,
+by a large bribe, secured the woman of
+the house to her interest, they were all conducted
+to the very scene of guilt, and this much injured
+husband had a second testimony of the perfidy
+of his wife; but alas! the first had made
+too deep an impression on him to leave room for
+any great surprize; he only cooly turned away,
+and said to those who had brought him there,
+that they needed not have taken all this pains to
+make him a witness of what he was convinced
+of long before.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+His wife, however, was frighted, if not ashamed,
+and hid herself under the bedcloaths, while
+her gallant jumped, naked as he was, out of the
+window; but though <span class="name">Natura</span> discovered very
+little emotion at all this, yet whether it was owing
+to the arguments of his friends, or that the
+air, after having been so long shut up from it,
+had an effect on him, they could not determine,
+but had the satisfaction to find that he consented
+an action in his name should be awarded against
+the lover, and proper means used for obtaining a
+bill of divorce from his wife.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The real motive of this change in him none
+of them, however, could penetrate: &mdash; grief had
+
+<a class="pb" name="page189" id="page189" title="189"></a>
+
+for a while obliterated the thoughts of the injustice
+and ingratitude of his brother, but what
+he had now beheld reminding him of that shocking
+scene related in the first chapter of this book,
+all his long stifled wishes for revenge returned
+with greater force than ever; and thinking he
+could no way so fully gratify them, as by disappointing
+him of the estate he must enjoy at his
+decease, in case he died without issue, a divorce
+therefore would give him liberty to marry again;
+and as he was no more than three-and-forty years
+of age, had no reason to despair of having an
+heir, to cut entirely off the claim of so wicked
+a brother. Having once began to stir in the affair,
+it was soon brought to a conclusion. &mdash; The
+fact was incontestable, and proved by witnesses,
+whose credit left no room for cavil; a bill of divorce
+was granted on very easy terms, and the
+gallant fined in so large a penalty, that he was
+obliged to quit the kingdom, to avoid imprisonment
+for life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus did revenge produce an effect, which
+neither the precepts of religion, philosophy, or
+morality, joined with the most tender and pressing
+remonstrances of his nearest and dearest friends,
+could ever have brought about; &mdash; and this instance,
+in my judgment, proves to a demonstration,
+that it is so ordered by the all-wise Creator,
+that all the pernicious passions are at continual
+enmity, and, like counter-poisons, destroy the
+force of each other: and tho' it is certain, a man
+may be possessed of many passions at once, and
+those also may be of different natures, and tend to
+different aims, yet will there be a struggle, as it
+were, between them in the breast, and which ever
+happens to get predominance, will drive out the
+others in time, and reign alone sole master of the
+mind.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page190" id="page190" title="190"></a>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="LPP34">
+<h3>CHAP. IV.</h3>
+<div class="argument"><p>
+Contains a further definition of <em>revenge</em>, its force,
+effects, and the chasm it leaves on the mind when
+once it ceases. The tranquility of being entirely
+devoid of all passions; and the impossibility for
+the soul to remain in that state of inactivity is
+also shewn; with some remarks on human nature
+in general, when left to itself.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>
+I have already shewn, in the example of <span class="name">Natura</span>,
+how not only resentment for injuries, but
+even the extremest and most justifiable <em>rage</em>, may
+be subjected to <em>ambition</em>, and afterwards how that
+<em>ambition</em> may be quelled and totally extinguished
+by <em>grief</em>; and also that <em>grief</em> itself, how violent
+soever it appears, may subside at the emotions of
+<em>revenge</em>. &mdash; This last and worst passion alone finds
+nothing capable of overcoming it, while the object
+remains in being. It is true, that we frequently
+in the hurry of resentment, threaten, and sometimes
+act every thing in our power, against the
+person who has offended us, yet on his submission
+and appearing sorry for what he has done, we
+not only forgive, but also forget all has past, and
+no longer bear him the least ill will; but then,
+this passion, by which we have been actuated, is
+not properly <em>revenge</em>, but <em>anger</em>, of which I have
+already sufficiently spoke, and, I flatter myself,
+proved how wide the difference is between these
+two emotions.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> had no sooner taken it into his
+head to revenge himself in the manner above related,
+on his transgressing brother, than he resumed
+
+<a class="pb" name="page191" id="page191" title="191"></a>
+
+great part of his former chearfulness, conversed
+again in the world as he had been accustomed;
+nor, though he perceived his interest
+with the minister fall off ever since he had been
+divorced from his neice, and easily foresaw, that
+he would, from his friend, become in time his
+greatest enemy, yet it gave him little or no concern,
+so wholly were his thoughts and desires
+taken up with accomplishing what he had resolved.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He was, however, for some time deliberating
+within himself to whom he should direct his addresses
+on this score; the general acquaintance he
+had in the world, brought many ladies into his
+mind, who seemed suitable matches for him; but
+then, as they were of equal birth and fortunes
+with himself, he reflected, that a long formal
+courtship would be expected, and he was now
+grown too indolent to take that trouble, as he
+was not excited by inclination to any of them,
+and had determined to enter a third time into the
+bonds of matrimony, meerly through the hope of
+depriving his brother of the estate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Besides, the accidents which had lately happened
+to him, had very much altered his way of
+thinking, and though he had shaken off great part
+of the chagrin they had occasioned, yet there still
+remained a certain languor and inactivity of
+mind, which destroyed all the relish he formerly
+had of the noisy pleasures of life: &mdash; he began
+now to despise that farce of grandeur he once
+testified so high a value for, and to look on things
+as they really deserved; &mdash; he found his interest
+with those at the helm of public affairs, was very
+much sunk, and he was so far from taking any
+steps to retrieve it, that he seldom went even to
+
+<a class="pb" name="page192" id="page192" title="192"></a>
+
+pay that court to them, which his station demanded
+from him; &mdash; he grew so weary of the
+post which he had, with the utmost eagerness,
+sought after, and thought himself happy in enjoying,
+that he never rested till he had disposed
+of it, which he did for a much less consideration
+than it was really worth, meerly because he would
+be in a state of perfect independency, and at full
+liberty to speak and act, according to the dictates
+of his conscience, or his inclination.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He was no sooner eased of his attendance at
+court by this means, than he retired to his country
+seat, in which he now thought he found more
+satisfaction, than the town, with all its hurrying
+pleasures could afford; there he intended to pass
+the greatest part of the remainder of his days,
+with some woman of prudence and good nature,
+which were the two chief requisites he now wished
+to find in a wife. &mdash; There were several well-jointured
+widows in the county where he resided,
+and also young ladies of family and fortune, but
+he never made the least overtures to any of them,
+and behaved with that indifference to the sex,
+that it was the opinion of all who conversed with
+him, that he never designed to marry again, when
+at the same time, he thought of nothing more
+than to find a partner in that state, such as promised
+to prove what he desired.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+To this end he watched attentively the behaviour
+of all those he came in company with, and
+as he was master of a good deal of penetration, and
+also no small experience in the sex, and besides
+was not suspected to have any views that
+way, it is certain he had a good chance not to
+be deceived.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page193" id="page193" title="193"></a>
+
+<p>
+It was not among the fine ladies, the celebrated
+beauties, nor the great fortunes, he sought
+himself a wife; but among those of a middling
+rank; he only wished to have one who might
+bring him children, and be addicted to no vice,
+or caprice, that should either scandalize him abroad,
+or render him uneasy at home, and in all
+his inspection, he found none who seemed so likely
+to answer his desires in every respect as a young
+maid called <span class="name">Lætitia</span>; she was the daughter of a
+neighbouring yeoman, not disagreeable in her
+person, or behaviour, yet possessed of no accomplishments,
+but those which nature had bestowed:
+her father was an honest plain man, he had four
+sons and two daughters, who had been married
+some time, and had several children; <span class="name">Lætitia</span> was
+his youngest, and promised to be no less fruitful
+than her sisters; and this last was the chief inducement
+which made <span class="name">Natura</span> fix his choice
+upon her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Having resolved to seek no farther, he frequently
+went to the old man's house, pretending
+he took delight in country affairs, would walk
+with him about his grounds, and into his barns,
+and see the men who were at work in them.
+One day he took an opportunity of going when
+he knew he was abroad, designing to break his
+mind to the young <span class="name">Lætitia</span>, who, being her father's
+housekeeper, he did not doubt finding at
+home: accordingly she was so; and, after some
+previous discourse, a little boy of one of her sisters,
+being playing about the room, <q>This it a fine
+child,</q> said he; <q>when do you design to marry, pretty
+Mrs. <span class="name">Lætitia</span>?</q> &mdash; <q>Should you not like to be a mother
+of such diverting little pratlers?</q> &mdash; <q>It is time
+enough, sir,</q> replied she modestly, <q>for me to think
+of any such thing.</q> &mdash; <q>If you get a good husband,</q> resumed
+
+<a class="pb" name="page194" id="page194" title="194"></a>
+
+he, <q>it cannot be too soon</q>: &mdash; <q>Nor, if a bad
+one, too late,</q> cried she, <q>as there are great odds on
+that side.</q> &mdash; <q>That is true,</q> said he, <q>but I believe
+there are many ill husbands, who owe their being
+such, to the ill conduct of their wives</q>: &mdash; <q>now I
+fancy,</q> continued he, <q>whoever is so happy as to
+have you, will have no such excuse; for I firmly
+believe you have in you all the requisites to make
+the marriage state agreeable.</q> To this she only
+made a curtesy, and thanked him for his good
+opinion: <q>I do assure you,</q> resumed he, <q>it is so sincere,
+that I should be glad to prove it, by making
+you my wife. What say you,</q> pursued he, <q>could
+you be willing to accept of my addresses on that score?</q>
+With these words he took hold of her hand, and
+pressing it with a great deal of warmth, occasioned
+her to blush excessively. &mdash; The inability
+she was in of speaking, through the shame this
+question had excited in her, gave him an opportunity
+of prosecuting what he had begun, and
+saying many tender things, to convince her he
+was in earnest; but when at last she gave him
+an answer, it was only such as made him see
+she gave little credit to his professions. &mdash; Some
+people coming in on business to her father, and
+saying they would wait till he came home, obliged
+<span class="name">Natura</span> to take his leave for that time, well
+satisfied in his mind, that he had declared himself,
+and not much doubting, but that in spite of
+this first shyness, she would easily be prevailed
+upon to correspond with his desires, when his perseverance
+in them, should have assured her of
+their sincerity.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He was, notwithstanding, a good deal surprized,
+when, going several times after to the house,
+he could scarce see her, and never be able to exchange
+a word with her in private, so industriously
+
+<a class="pb" name="page195" id="page195" title="195"></a>
+
+did she avoid coming into his presence. &mdash;
+Such a behaviour, he thought, could proceed
+only from one of these two motives, either thro'
+an extraordinary dislike to his person, or through
+the fears of giving any indulgence to an inclination,
+which the disparity between them might
+make her mistake for a dishonourable one. Sometimes
+he was tempted to think the one, sometimes
+the other; but not being of a humour to
+endure suspense, he resolved to take effectual
+measures for coming at the certainty.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He went one day about noon, and told the
+yeoman he was come to take a dinner with him,
+on which the other replied, that he did him a
+great deal of honour; but should have been glad
+to have been previously acquainted with it, in
+order to have been prepared to receive a gentleman
+of his condition. &mdash; <q>No,</q> said <span class="name">Natura</span>, <q>I chose
+to come upon you unawares, not only to prevent you
+from giving yourself any superfluous trouble on my
+account, but also because I would use a freedom,
+which should authorize you to treat me with the
+same; &mdash; we are neighbours,</q> continued he, <q>and
+neighbours should be friends, and love one another.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Some other little chat on trivial affairs passed
+away the short time between the coming of <span class="name">Natura</span>,
+and dinner being brought in; on which,
+the yeoman intreated him to sit down, and partake
+of such homely food as he found there. &mdash;
+<q>That I shall gladly do,</q> answered <span class="name">Natura</span>, <q>but I
+waited for your fair daughter; I hope we shall
+have her company. I do <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note: Original has 'not,'">not</ins> know,</q> said the yeoman,
+<q>I think they told me she was not very well,
+had got the head-ach, or some such ailment; &mdash; go,
+however,</q> pursued he, to a servant, <q>and see if <span class="name">Lætitia</span>
+can come down.</q> &mdash; <q>But, sir,</q> cried he, perceiving
+
+<a class="pb" name="page196" id="page196" title="196"></a>
+
+his guest discovered no inclination to
+place himself at the table, <q>do not let us wait for her.</q></p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> on this sat down, and they both
+began to eat, when the person who had been sent
+to call <span class="name">Lætitia</span> returned, and said, she begged to
+be excused, being very much indisposed, and unfit
+to be seen. &mdash; The old man seemed to take
+no notice, but pressed <span class="name">Natura</span> to eat, and somewhat
+embarrassed him with the many apologies he
+made for the coarseness of his entertainment; to
+all which he gave but short answers, till the
+cloth was taken away, and they were alone. &mdash;
+Then, <q>I could not wish to dine more to my satisfaction,</q>
+said he, <q>if the sweetness of your meat had not
+been imbittered by your daughter's absence</q>; &mdash; <q>to
+be plain,</q> continued he, <q>I fear I am the disease
+which occasions her retirement.</q> &mdash; <q>You, sir!</q> cried
+the father, affecting a surprize, which he was not
+so well skilled in the art of dissimulation, to make
+appear so natural, but that <span class="name">Natura</span> easily saw into
+the feint, and told him with a smile, that he
+found the <em>country</em> had its arts as well as the <em>court:</em>
+&mdash; <q>but let us deal sincerely with each other,</q> pursued
+he, <q>I am very certain, it is from no other motive,
+than my being here, that your daughter refused
+to come to table; and I also faithfully believe
+you are no stranger to that motive: &mdash; be therefore
+free with me; and to encourage you to be so, I shall
+acquaint you, that I have made some overtures to
+Mrs. <span class="name">Lætitia</span>, &mdash; that I like her, and that my frequent
+visits to you have been entirely on her account:
+&mdash; now, be as sincere with me, and let me know,
+whether the offers I made her will be approved.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The yeoman was a little dashed on <span class="name">Natura</span>'s
+speaking in this manner, and was some moments
+
+<a class="pb" name="page197" id="page197" title="197"></a>
+
+before he could recollect himself sufficiently to
+make any reply; and, when at last he had, all he
+could bring out was, <q>Sir, my girl is honest, and I
+hope will always continue so.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>I am far from doubting her virtue in the least,</q>
+answered <span class="name">Natura</span> hastily, <q>but I think I cannot give
+a greater testimony of the good opinion I have of
+her, than by offering to make her my wife.</q> &mdash; <q>Ah,
+sir,</q> cried the yeoman, interrupting him, <q>you must
+excuse me, if I cannot flatter myself you have any
+thoughts of doing us that honour. &mdash; I am a mean
+man, of no parentage, and it is well known have
+brought up a large family by the sweat of my brow.</q>
+&mdash; <q><span class="name">Lætitia</span> is a poor country maid; &mdash; it is true, the
+girl is well enough, but has nothing, &mdash; nothing at
+all, alas! in her to balance for that vast disparity
+of birth and fortune between you.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>Talk no more of that,</q> said <span class="name">Natura</span>, taking him
+by the hand, <q>such as she is, I like her; and I once
+more assure you, that I never had any dishonourable
+intentions on her, but am ready to prove the contrary,
+by marrying her, as soon as she approves of
+me, and you agree to it.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The old man looked very earnestly on him
+all the while he was speaking, and knew not well
+whether he ought to give credit to what he said,
+or not, &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span>, perceiving his diffidence, continued,
+by sparing neither arguments, nor the most
+solemn imprecations, to remove it, till he was at
+last assured of a good fortune, which, as he said,
+he had thought too extraordinary to happen in
+his family. He then told <span class="name">Natura</span> he would acquaint
+his daughter with the happiness he intended
+for her, and dispose her to receive it with that
+respect and gratitude that became her. On which
+
+<a class="pb" name="page198" id="page198" title="198"></a>
+
+<span class="name">Natura</span> took his leave till the next day, when he
+found <span class="name">Lætitia</span> did not make any excuse to avoid
+his presence, as she had lately done. &mdash; He addressed
+himself to her not in the same manner he
+would have done to a woman of condition, but
+yet in very tender and affectionate terms: &mdash; her
+behaviour to him was humble, modest, and obliging;
+and though she was not mistress of the politest
+expressions, yet what she said discovered she
+wanted not a fund of good sense and understanding,
+which, if cultivated by education, would
+have appeared very bright. He easily perceived,
+she took a great deal of pains to disguise the joy
+she conceived at this prospect of raising her fortune,
+but was too little accustomed to dissimulation,
+to do it effectually, and both the one and
+the other gave him much satisfaction.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Circumstances being in the manner I related,
+it is not natural to suppose any long sollicitation
+was required. &mdash; <span class="name">Lætitia</span> affected not an
+indifference she was free from, and <span class="name">Natura</span> pressing
+for the speedy consummation of his wishes,
+a day was appointed for the celebration of the
+nuptials, and both the intended bride and bridegroom
+set themselves about making the necessary
+preparations usual in such cases.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But see, how capable are our finest resolutions
+of being shaken by accidents! &mdash; the most
+assured of men may be compared to the leaf of a
+tree, which veers with every blast of wind, and
+is never long in one position. &mdash; Had any one
+told <span class="name">Natura</span> he had taken all this pains for nothing,
+and that he would be more anxious to
+get off his promise of marrying <span class="name">Lætitia</span>, than ever
+he had been to engage one from her for that
+purpose; he would have thought himself highly
+
+<a class="pb" name="page199" id="page199" title="199"></a>
+
+injured, and that the person who said this of him
+was utterly a stranger to his sentiments or character;
+yet so it happened, and the poor <span class="name">Letitia</span>
+found all her hopes of grandeur vanish into air,
+when they seemed just on the point of being accomplished.
+&mdash; The occasion of this strange and
+sudden transition was as follows:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Two days before that prefixed for his marriage,
+<span class="name">Natura</span> received a packet from <span class="name">Gibralter</span>,
+which brought him an account of the death of
+his brother. &mdash; That unfortunate young gentleman,
+being convinced by his sufferings, and
+perhaps too by his own remorse, and stings of
+conscience of the foulness of the crime he had
+been guilty of, fell into a languishing disorder,
+soon after his arrival in that country, which
+left those about him no expectations of his ever
+getting the better of. &mdash; Finding his dissolution
+near, he wrote a letter to <span class="name">Natura</span>, full of contrition,
+and intreaties for forgiveness. This epistle
+accompanied that which related his death, and
+both together plunged <span class="name">Natura</span> into very melancholly
+thoughts. &mdash; The offence his brother had
+been guilty of, was indeed great; but, when he
+remembered that he had repented, and was now
+no more, all resentment, all revenge, against him
+ceased with his existence, and a tender pity supplied
+their place: &mdash; what, while <em>living</em>, he never
+would have forgave, when <em>dead</em> lost great part of
+its atrocity, and he bewailed the fate of the transgressor,
+with unfeigned tears and lamentations.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This event putting an end to the motive
+which had induced <span class="name">Natura</span> to think of marriage,
+put an end also to his desires that way; &mdash; he was
+sorry he had gone so far with <span class="name">Lætitia</span>, was loth
+to appear a deceiver in her eyes, or in those of
+
+<a class="pb" name="page200" id="page200" title="200"></a>
+
+her father; but thought it would be the extremest
+madness in him to prosecute his intent, as
+his beloved sister had a son, who would now be
+his heir, and only had desired to be the father of
+one himself to hinder <em>him</em> from being so, whose
+crimes had rendered him unworthy of it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The emotions of this revenge having entirely
+subsided, he now had leisure to consider how <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note: Original has 'od-ly'">oddly</ins>
+the world would think and talk of him, if he
+perpetrated a marriage with a girl such as <span class="name">Lætitia</span>;
+&mdash; he almost wondered at himself, that the
+just displeasure he had conceived against his brother,
+should have transported him so far as to
+make him forgetful of what was owing to his
+own character; and when he reflected on the
+<ins class="unclear" title="Transcriber's Note: Original is unclear">miseries</ins>, vexations, and infamy, his last marriage
+had involved him in, he trembled to think how
+near he had been to entering into a state, which
+tho' he had a very good opinion of <span class="name">Lætitia</span>'s virtue,
+might yet possibly, some way or other, have
+given him many uneasinesses.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He was, however, very much embarrassed how
+to break with her handsomely; and it must be
+confessed, that after what had passed, this was no
+very easy matter to accomplish. &mdash; Make what
+pretence he would, he could not expect to escape
+the censure of an unstable fluctuating man. &mdash;
+This is indeed a character, which all men are
+willing, nay industrious, to avoid, yet what there
+are few men, but some time or other in their
+lives, give just reason to incur. &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span> very
+well knew, that to court a woman for marriage,
+and afterwards break his engagements with
+her, was a thing pretty common in the world;
+but then, it was thing he had always condemned
+in his own mind, and looked upon as
+
+<a class="pb" name="page201" id="page201" title="201"></a>
+
+most ungenerous and base: &mdash; besides, though he
+had made his addresses to <span class="name">Lætitia</span>, meerly because
+he imagined she would prove a virtuous, obedient,
+and fruitful wife, and was not inflamed with any
+of those sentiments for her which are called love;
+yet, designing to marry her, he had set himself as
+much as possible to love her, and had really excited
+in his heart a kind of a tenderness, which
+made him unable to resolve on giving her the
+mortification of being forsaken, without feeling
+great part of the pain he was about to inflict on her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+All he now wished was, that she might be
+possessed of as little warmth of inclination for him
+as he had known for her, and that the disparity
+of years between them, might have made her consent
+to the proposed marriage, intirely on the
+motive of interest, without any mixture of
+love, in order that the disappointment she was going to
+receive, might seem the less severe: as the regard
+he had for her made him earnestly wish this might
+be the case, he carefully recollected all the passages
+of her behaviour, her looks, her words, nay,
+the very accents of her voice, were re-examined,
+in hope to find some tokens of that happy indifference,
+which alone could make him easy in
+this affair; but all this retrospect afforded him no
+more than uncertain conjectures, and imaginations
+which frequently contradicted each other,
+and indeed served only to increase his doubts,
+and add to his disquiets.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The mourning for his brother was, however,
+a very plausible pretence for delaying the marriage;
+and as he was willing the disappointment
+should come on by degrees, thinking by that
+means to soften the asperity of it, he contrived
+
+<a class="pb" name="page202" id="page202" title="202"></a>
+
+to let both father and daughter have room to guess
+the event before hand. &mdash; He seldom went to
+their house, and when he did, made very short
+visits, talked as if the necessity of his affairs would
+oblige him to leave the country, and settle again
+entirely in town: &mdash; rather avoided, than sought
+any opportunity of speaking to <span class="name">Lætitia</span> in private,
+and in all his words and actions, discovered a
+coldness which could not but be very surprizing
+to them both, though they took not the least notice
+that they were so before him, but behaved
+towards him in the same manner, as when he
+appeared the most full of affection.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This was a piece of prudence <span class="name">Natura</span> had not
+expected from persons of their low education and
+way of life: &mdash; he had imagined, that either the
+one or the other of them would have upbraided
+this change in him, and by avowing a suspicion,
+that he had repented him of his promises, given
+him an opportunity either of seeming to resent it,
+or by some other method, of breaking off: but
+this way of proceeding frustrated his measures in
+that point, and he found himself under a necessity
+of speaking first, on a subject no less disagreeable
+to himself, than he knew it would be to those to
+whom his discourse should be directed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+However, as there was no remedy, and he
+considered, that the longer to keep them in suspense,
+would only be adding to the cruelty of
+the disappointment; he sent one morning for the
+yeoman to come to his house, and after ushering
+in what he was about to say, with some reflections
+on the instability of human affairs, told him
+that some accidents had happened, which rendered
+it highly inconvenient for him to think of
+marrying; &mdash; that he had the utmost respect and
+
+<a class="pb" name="page203" id="page203" title="203"></a>
+
+good will for <span class="name">Lætitia</span>, and that if there were not
+indissoluble impediments to hinder him from taking
+a wife, she should be still his choice, above
+any woman he knew in the world; &mdash; that he
+wished her happy with any other man, and to
+contribute to making her so, as also by way of
+atonement for his enforced leaving her, he would
+give her five hundred pounds, as an addition to
+her fortune.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This was the substance of what he said; but
+though he delivered it in the softest terms he
+could possibly make use of, he could find it was
+not well received by the old man; his countenance,
+however, a little cleared up at the closure
+of it: &mdash; the five hundred pounds was somewhat
+of a sweetener to the bitter pill; and after expatiating,
+according to his way, on the ungenerosity
+of engaging a young maid's affection, and
+afterwards forsaking her, he threw in some
+shrewd hints, that as accidents had happened to
+change his mind as to marriage, others might also
+happen, which would have the same effect, in relation
+to the present he now seemed to intend
+for her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>To prevent that,</q> cried <span class="name">Natura</span> hastily, <q>you shall
+take it home with you</q>; and with these words
+turned to a cabinet, and took out the sum he had
+mentioned; after counting it over, he put it into
+a bag, and delivered it to the yeoman, saying at
+the same time, that though it might not be so
+proper to come to his house, yet if he would
+send to him in any exigence, he should find him
+ready to assist him; <q>for you may depend,</q> added he,
+<q>that though I cannot be your son, I shall always be
+your friend.</q>
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page204" id="page204" title="204"></a>
+
+<p>
+These words, and the money together, rendered
+the yeoman more content than <span class="name">Natura</span> had
+expected he would be; and by that he hoped he
+knew his daughter had not imbibed any passion
+for him, which she would find much difficulty
+in getting rid of, and that this augmentation to her
+portion, would very well compensate for the loss
+of a husband, of more than twice her years.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A small time evinced, that <span class="name">Natura</span> had not
+been altogether mistaken in his conjectures. &mdash;
+<span class="name">Lætitia</span> became the bride of a young wealthy
+grazier in a neighbouring town, with whom she
+removed soon after her marriage; and this event,
+so much desired by <span class="name">Natura</span>, destroyed all the remains
+of disquiet, his nicety of honour, and love
+of justice, had occasioned in him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Being now wholly extricated from an adventure,
+which had given him much pain, and
+no less free from the emotions of any turbulent
+passion, he passed his days and nights in a most
+perfect and undisturbed tranquility; a situation of
+mind to which, for a long series of years, he
+had been an utter stranger.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+To desire, or pursue any thing with too much
+eagerness, is undoubtedly the greatest cruelty we
+can practise on ourselves; yet how impossible
+is it to avoid doing so, while the passions have
+any kind of dominion over us: &mdash; to <em>acquire</em>, and
+to <em>preserve</em>, make the sole business of our lives,
+and leave no leisure to <em>enjoy</em> the goods of fortune:
+&mdash; still tost on the billows of passion, hurried
+from care to care the whole time of our existence
+here, is one continued scene of restlessness
+and variated disquiet. &mdash; Strange propensity
+
+<a class="pb" name="page205" id="page205" title="205"></a>
+
+in man! &mdash; even nature in us seems contradictory
+to herself! &mdash; we wish <em>long life</em>, yet shorten
+it by our own anxieties; &mdash; nothing is so
+dreadful as <em>death</em>, yet we hasten his approach by
+our intemperance and irregularity, and, what is
+more, we know all this, yet still run on in the
+same heady course.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> had now, however, an interval, a
+happy chasm, between the extremes of pleasure
+and of pain; &mdash; contented with his lot, and neither
+aiming at more than he possessed, nor fearful
+of being deprived of what he had. He, for
+a time, seemed in a condition such as all wise
+men would wish to attain, tho' so few take proper
+methods for that purpose, that those who
+we see in it, may be said to owe their felicity rather
+to chance, than to any right endeavours of
+their own.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page206" id="page206" title="206"></a>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="LPP35">
+<h3>CHAP. V.</h3>
+<div class="argument"><p>
+Contains a remarkable proof, that tho' the passions
+may operate with greater velocity and vehemence in
+youth, yet they are infinitely more strong and permanent,
+when the person is arrived at maturity,
+and are then scarce ever eradicated. Love and
+friendship are then, and not till then, truly worthy
+of the names they bear; and that the <em>one</em>
+between those of different sexes, is always the
+consequence of the <em>other</em>.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>
+The inclination we have, and the pleasure it
+gives us to think well of our abilities, leads us
+frequently into the most gross mistakes, concerning
+the springs of action in our breasts. We
+are apt to ascribe to the strength of our reason,
+what is in reality the effect of one or other of
+the passions, sometimes even those of the worst
+kind, and which a sound judgment would most
+condemn, and endeavour to extirpate. &mdash; Man is
+a stranger to nothing, more than to himself; &mdash;
+the recesses of his own heart, are no less impenetrable
+to him, than the worlds beyond the
+moon; &mdash; he is blinded by vanity, and agitated
+by desires he knows not he is possessed of.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was not <em>reason</em> but <em>revenge</em>, which dissipated
+the immoderate grief of <span class="name">Natura</span> on the death
+of his son; &mdash; it was not <em>reason</em> but <em>pride</em>, which
+made him see the inconveniences of marrying with
+<span class="name">Lætitia</span>; &mdash; and yet doubtless he gave the praise
+of these events to the strength of his prudence:
+to that too he also ascribed the resolution he now
+took of living single during the remainder of his
+
+<a class="pb" name="page207" id="page207" title="207"></a>
+
+life; whereas it was in truth only owing to his
+being at present acquainted with no object capable
+of inspiring him with the tender passion.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As he was now entirely free from all business,
+or avocation of any kind whatsoever, it came into
+his head to go and pass some part of the summer
+season with his sister: &mdash; he accordingly crossed
+the country to her seat, and was received with
+all imaginable demonstrations of joy, both by herself
+and husband.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He found their family increased by the addition
+of a lady, who preferring a country to a
+town life, had desired to board with them, which
+was readily granted by the sister of <span class="name">Natura</span>, not
+only as she was a relation of her husband, but also
+for the sake of having a companion so perfectly
+agreeable as this lady was in every respect.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Charlotte</span>, for so she was called, had
+been left a widow within three months after her
+marriage, and had never entertained any thoughts
+of entering into a second engagement, though her
+person, jointure, and accomplishments, had attracted
+many sollicitations on that score. She was
+about thirty years of age when <span class="name">Natura</span> found her
+at his sister's; and through the chearfulness of
+her temper, and the goodness of her constitution,
+had preserved in her countenance all the bloom of
+fifteen. &mdash; The charms of her person, however,
+made no impression on <span class="name">Natura</span> at his first acquaintance
+with her; he thought her a fine woman,
+as every one did who saw her, but her
+charms reached not his heart, nor gave him any
+emotions, either of pain or pleasure.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But it was not for any longtime he remained
+
+<a class="pb" name="page208" id="page208" title="208"></a>
+
+in this state of insensibility. &mdash; <span class="name">Charlotte</span> had graces
+which could not fail of conquest, sooner or
+later: &mdash; where those of her eyes wanted the
+power to move, her tongue came in to their assistance,
+and was sure of gaining the day: &mdash; there
+was something so resistless in her wit, and manner
+of conversation, that none but those by nature,
+or want of proper education, were too dull
+and stupid to understand, but must have felt an
+infinity of satisfaction in it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Besides all this, there was a sympathy of humour
+between this lady and <span class="name">Natura</span>, which greatly
+contributed to make them pleased with each
+other: &mdash; both were virtuous by nature, by disposition
+gay and chearful: &mdash; both were equally
+lovers of reading; had a smattering of philosophy,
+were perfectly acquainted with the world,
+and knew what in it was truly worthy of being
+praised or contemned; and what rendered them
+still more conformable, was the aversion which
+each testified to marriage. &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span>'s treatment
+from his wife, had made him speak with some
+bitterness against a state, which had involved him
+in so many perplexities; and <span class="name">Charlotte</span>, though so
+short a time a wife, having been married against
+her inclination, and to a man who, it seems,
+knew not her real value, had found in it the beginning
+of disquiets, which prognosticated worse
+mischiefs, had not his death relieved her from
+them, and made her too thankful for the deliverance,
+to endure the thoughts of venturing a second
+time to give up her freedom.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This parity of sentiments, inclinations, and
+dispositions, it was which, by degrees, endeared
+them to each other, without knowing they were
+so.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page209" id="page209" title="209"></a>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> became at last impatient out of the
+company of <span class="name">Charlotte</span>, and <span class="name">Charlotte</span> found a restlessness
+in herself whenever <span class="name">Natura</span> was absent;
+but this indeed happened but seldom: &mdash; the mutual
+desire they had of being together, made each
+of them industriously avoid all those parties of
+pleasure, in which both could not have a share:
+&mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span> excused himself from accompanying
+his brother-in-law in any of those diversions where
+women were not admitted; and <span class="name">Charlotte</span> always
+had some pretence for staying at home when the
+sister of <span class="name">Natura</span> made her visits to the ladies of
+the country; &mdash; yet was this managed on both
+sides with such great decency and precaution,
+that neither the one nor the other perceived the
+motive which occasioned their being so rarely
+separated; much less had the family any notion
+of it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is certain, that never any two persons were
+possessed of a more true and delicate passion for
+each other: &mdash; the flame which warmed their
+breasts, was meerly spiritual, and platonic; &mdash; the
+difference of sex was never considered: &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span>
+adored <span class="name">Charlotte</span>, not because she was a lovely
+woman, but because he imagined somewhat angelic
+in her mind; and <span class="name">Charlotte</span> loved <span class="name">Natura</span>
+not because he had an agreeable person, but because
+she thought she discovered more charms in
+his soul, than in that of any other man or woman.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The acquaintance between them soon grew
+into an intimacy, and that intimacy, by degrees,
+ripened into a friendship, which is the height and
+very essence of love, though neither of them
+would allow themselves to think it so: they
+made no scruple, however, of assuring each other,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page210" id="page210" title="210"></a>
+
+of their mutual esteem, and promised all the good
+offices in the power of either, with a freedom
+which they would not have done (especially <span class="name">Charlotte</span>,
+who was naturally very reserved) had they
+been sensible to what lengths their present attachment
+might in time proceed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Winter now drew on, but <span class="name">Natura</span> was too
+much rivetted to think of departing, and would
+doubtless have made some pretext for living altogether
+with his sister, had not an accident happened,
+which made his going a greater proof of
+the regard he had for <span class="name">Charlotte</span>, than his staying
+could have done, and perhaps made him know
+the real sentiments he was possessed of on her account,
+much sooner than he should without it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That lady had some law-affairs, which required
+either herself, or some very faithful and
+diligent friend to attend. Term was approaching,
+and the brother-in-law of <span class="name">Natura</span> had promised
+to take a journey to <span class="name">London</span> for that purpose;
+but he unfortunately had been thrown from
+his horse in a hunting match, and broke his leg,
+and <span class="name">Charlotte</span> seemed in a good deal of anxiety,
+who she should write to, in order to entrust with
+the care of her business, which she justly feared
+would suffer much, if left wholly to the lawyer's
+own management.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> on this offered his service, and told
+her, if she would favour him with her confidence
+in this point, he would go directly to <span class="name">London</span>,
+where she might depend on his diligence
+and fidelity in the forwarding her business: &mdash; as
+she had not the least doubt of either, she accepted
+this testimony of his friendship, with no other
+
+<a class="pb" name="page211" id="page211" title="211"></a>
+
+reluctance, than what the being long deprived of
+his conversation occasioned. &mdash; Her good sense,
+notwithstanding, got the better of that consideration,
+which she looked upon only at an indulgence
+to herself, and committed to his care all
+the papers necessary to be produced, in case he
+succeeded so well for her, as to bring the suit to
+a trial.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The manner of their taking leave was only
+such as might be expected between two persons,
+who professed a friendly regard for each other;
+but <span class="name">Natura</span> had no sooner set out on his journey,
+than he felt a heaviness at his heart, for having
+left the adorable <span class="name">Charlotte</span>, which nothing but the
+consideration that he was employed on her business,
+and going to serve her could have asswaged.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This was, indeed, a sweet consolation to him,
+and on his arrival in town, set himself to enquire
+into the causes of that delay she had complained
+of, with so much assiduity, that he easily
+found out she had not been well treated by her
+lawyers, and that one of them had even gone so
+far as to take fees from her adversary; &mdash; he
+therefore put the affair into other hands, and ordered
+matters so, that the trial could not, by any
+means, be put off till another time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Yet, in spite of all this diligence, it was the
+opinion of the council, that there was an absolute
+necessity for the lady to appear herself: &mdash;
+it is hard to say, whether <span class="name">Natura</span> was more vexed
+or pleased at this intelligence; he was sorry that
+he could not, of himself, accomplish what he
+came about, and spare her the trouble of a journey
+he had found was very disagreeable to her,
+
+<a class="pb" name="page212" id="page212" title="212"></a>
+
+not only on account of her aversion to the town,
+and the ill season of the year for travelling, but
+also because the person she contended with was a
+near relation, and she was very sensible would engage
+many of their kindred to disswade her from
+doing herself that justice she was resolute to persist
+in her attempts for procuring. &mdash; The thoughts
+of the perplexity this would give her, it was
+that filled him with a good deal of trouble; but
+then the reflection, that he should have the happiness
+of seeing her again, on this account, much
+sooner than he could otherwise have done, gave
+him at least an equal share of satisfaction.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The gentlemen of the long robe employed in
+her cause, and whose veracity and judgment he
+was well assured of, insisting she must come,
+put an end to his suspense, and he wrote to her
+for that purpose: the next post brought him an
+answer which, to his great surprize, expressed
+not the least uneasiness on the score of this journey,
+only acquainted him, that she had taken a
+place in the stage, should set out next morning,
+and in three days be in <span class="name">London</span>; against which
+time, she begged he would be so good to provide
+her a commodious lodging, she being determined
+to go to none of her kindred, for the reason
+abovementioned.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Being animated with exactly the same sentiments
+<span class="name">Natura</span> was, that inclination which led
+him to wish her coming, influenced her also to
+be pleased with it, and rendered the fatigue of
+the journey, and those others she expected to
+find on her arrival, of no consequence, when balanced
+against the happiness she proposed, in re-enjoying
+the conversation of her aimable and
+worthy friend.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page213" id="page213" title="213"></a>
+
+<p>
+But all this <span class="name">Natura</span> was ignorant of; nor did
+his vanity suggest to him the least part of what
+passed in his favour in the bosom of his lovely
+<span class="name">Charlotte</span>; but he needed no more than the
+knowledge she was coming to a place where he
+should have her company, with less interruption
+than he had hitherto the opportunity of, to make
+him the most transported man alive. As he had
+no house of his own in town to accommodate
+her with, he provided lodgings, and every thing
+necessary for her reception, with an alacrity worthy
+of his love, and the confidence she reposed
+in him; and went in his own coach to take her
+from the stage some miles on the road. She
+testified her gratitude for the care he took of her
+affairs, in the most obliging and polite acknowledgments;
+and he returned the thanks she gave
+him, with the sincerest assurances, that the thoughts
+of having it in his power to do her any little service,
+afforded him the most elevated pleasure he
+had ever known in his whole life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+What they said to each other, however, on
+this score, was taken by each, more as the effects
+of gallantry and good breeding, than the real motives
+from which the expressions they both made
+use of, had their source: &mdash; equal was their tenderness,
+equal also was their diffidence, it being
+the peculiar property of a true and perfect love,
+always to fear, and never to hope too much.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> had taken care to chuse her an apartment
+very near the place where he lodged
+himself, which luckily happened to be in an extreme
+airy and genteel part of the town; so that
+he had the pleasure of seeing her, not only every
+day, but almost every hour in the day, on one
+
+<a class="pb" name="page214" id="page214" title="214"></a>
+
+pretext or other, which his industrious passion
+dictated; and this almost continual being together,
+and, for the most part, without any other
+company, very much increased the freedom between
+them, though that freedom never went
+farther, even in a wish, on either side, for a long
+time at least, than that of a brother and sister.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Though all imaginable diligence was used
+to bring the law-suit to an issue, those with whom
+<span class="name">Charlotte</span> contested, found means to put it off for
+yet one more term, she was obliged to stay that
+time; but neither felt in herself, nor pretended
+to do so, any repugnance at it: &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span> had
+enough to do to conceal his joy on this occasion;
+and when he affected a concern for her
+being detained in a place she had so often declared
+an aversion for, he did it so awkwardly, that
+had she not been too much taken up with endeavouring
+to disguise her own sentiments on this
+account, she could not but have seen into his.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As neither of them seemed now to take any
+delight in balls, plays, operas, masquerades, cards,
+or any of the town diversions, they passed all
+their evenings together, and, for the most part,
+alone, as I before observed; &mdash; their conversation
+was chiefly on serious topics, and such as
+might have been improving to the hearers, had
+any been permitted; and when they fell on matters
+which required a more gay and sprightly
+turn, their good humour never went beyond an
+innocent chearfulness, nor in the least transgressed
+the bounds of the strictest morality and modesty.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+How long this platonic intercourse would
+have continued, is uncertain; but the second
+
+<a class="pb" name="page215" id="page215" title="215"></a>
+
+term was near elapsed, the suit determined in favour
+of <span class="name">Charlotte</span>, and her stay in town necessary
+but a very days before either of them entertained
+any other ideas, than such as I have mentioned.
+<span class="name">Natura</span> then began to regret the diminution
+of the happiness he now enjoyed, and indeed
+of the total loss of it; for though he knew
+it would not be wondered at, that his complaisance
+should induce him to attend <span class="name">Charlotte</span> in
+her journey to his sister's, yet he was at a loss
+for a pretence to remain there for any long time.
+&mdash; <span class="name">Charlotte</span>, on the other hand, considered on
+the separation which, in all appearance, must
+shortly be between them, with a great deal of
+anxiety, and was even sorry the completion of
+her business had left her no excuse for staying in
+town, since she could not expect it either suited
+with his inclinations, or situation of affairs, to
+live always in the country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+These cogitations rendered both very uneasy
+in their minds, yet neither of them took any
+steps to remedy a misfortune equally terrible to
+each; and the event had doubtless proved as they
+imagined, had not the latent fires which glowed
+in both their breasts, been kindled into a flame by
+foreign means, and not the least owing to themselves.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+One of those gentlemen who had been council
+for <span class="name">Charlotte</span>, and had behaved with extraordinary
+zeal in her behalf, had been instigated
+thereto, more by the charms of her person, than
+the fees he received from her; &mdash; in fine, he was
+in love with her; but his passion was not of that
+delicate nature, which fills the mind with a thousand
+timid apprehensions, and chuses rather to
+endure the pains of a long smothered flame, than
+
+<a class="pb" name="page216" id="page216" title="216"></a>
+
+run the hazard of offending the adored object, by
+disclosing it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He had enquired into her family and fortune,
+and finding there was nothing of disparity between
+them, he declared his passion to her, and
+declared it in terms which seemed not to savour
+of any great fears of being rejected. &mdash; He was
+in his prime of life, had an agreeable person, and
+a good estate, the consciousness of which, together
+with his being accustomed to plead with success
+at the bar, made him not much doubt, but
+his eloquence and assurance would have the same
+effect on his mistress, as it frequently had on
+the judges: but the good opinion he had of himself,
+greatly deceived him in this point; he met
+with a rebuff from <span class="name">Charlotte</span>, which might have
+deterred some men from prosecuting a courtship
+she seemed determined never to encourage: but
+though he was a little alarmed at it, he could
+not bring himself to think she was enough in earnest
+to make him desist: in every visit he paid
+her, he interlarded his discourse on business with
+professions of love, which at length so much
+teized her, that she told him plainly, she would
+sooner suffer her cause to be lost, than suffer
+herself to be continually persecuted with sollicitations,
+which she had ever avoided since her
+widowhood, and ever should do so.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> came in one day just as the counsellor
+was going out of her apartment; he observed
+a great confusion in his face, and some emotions
+in her's, which shewed her mind a little
+ruffled from that happy composure he was accustomed
+to find it in. On his testifying the notice
+he took of this change in her countenance,
+<q>It is strange thing,</q> said she, <q>that people will believe
+
+<a class="pb" name="page217" id="page217" title="217"></a>
+
+nothing in their own disfavour! &mdash; I have
+told this man twenty times, that if I were disposed
+to think of a second marriage, which I do not believe
+I ever shall, the present sentiments I am possessed
+of, would never be reversed by any offer he
+could make me; yet will he still persist in his impertinent
+declarations.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There needed no more to convince <span class="name">Natura</span>
+he had a rival; nor, as he knew <span class="name">Charlotte</span> had
+nothing of coquetry in her humour, to make him
+also know she was not pleased with having attracted
+the affections of this new admirer: this
+gave him an inexpressible satisfaction; for tho',
+as yet, he had never once thought of making
+any addresses to her on the score of love, death
+was not half so terrible to him, as the idea of
+her encouraging them from any other man.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>Then, madam,</q> cried he, looking on her in a
+manner she had never seen him do before, <q>the
+councellor has declared a passion for you, and you
+have rejected him?</q> &mdash; <q>is it possible?</q> &mdash; <q>Possible!</q>
+interrupted she, <q>can you believe it possible I should
+not do so, knowing, as you do, the fixed aversion
+I have to entering into any second engagement!</q>
+&mdash; <q>but were it less so,</q> continued she, after a
+pause, <q>his sollicitations would be never the more
+agreeable to me.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> asked pardon for testifying any surprize,
+which he assured her was totally owing,
+either to this proof of the effect of her charms,
+<q>which,</q> said he, <q>are capable of far greater conquests;
+or to your refusal of the councellor's offer, after
+the declarations you have made against a second
+marriage, but was excited in me meerly by the novelty
+
+<a class="pb" name="page218" id="page218" title="218"></a>
+
+of the thing, having heard nothing of it before.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>This had not been among the number of the few
+things I conceal from you,</q> answered she, <q>if I had
+thought the repetition worthy of taking up any part
+of that time which I always pass with you on subjects
+more agreeable</q>; &mdash; <q>besides,</q> continued she, <q>it
+was always my opinion, that those women, who talk
+of the addresses made to them, are secretly pleased
+with them in their hearts, and like the love, tho'
+they may even despise the lover. For my part, I
+can feel no manner of satisfaction in relating to
+others, what I had rather be totally ignorant of
+myself.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span> had here a very good opportunity
+of complimenting her on the excellency of her
+understanding, which set her above the vanities
+of the generality of her sex; and indeed he expressed
+himself with so much warmth on this occasion,
+that it even shocked her modesty, and
+she was obliged to desire him to change the conversation,
+and speak no more of a behaviour,
+which was not to be imputed to her good sense,
+but to her disposition.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Never had <span class="name">Natura</span> found it more difficult to
+obey her than now; &mdash; he could have expatiated
+for ever on the many and peculiar perfections
+both of her mind and person; but he perceived,
+that to indulge the darling theme, would
+be displeasing to her, and therefore forced himself
+to put a stop to the utterance of those dictates,
+with which his heart was now charged,
+even to an overflowing.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Such was the effect of this incident on both:
+
+<a class="pb" name="page219" id="page219" title="219"></a>
+
+<span class="name">Natura</span>, who till now had thought he loved only
+the <em>soul</em> of his mistress, found how dear her lovely
+<em>person</em> was also to him, by the knowledge that
+another was endeavouring to get possession of it;
+and <span class="name">Charlotte</span>, by the secret satisfaction she felt
+on those indications <span class="name">Natura</span>, in spite of his efforts
+to the contrary, had given of a more than ordinary
+admiration of her, discovered, for the first
+time, that he was indeed the only man whose love
+would not be displeasing to her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After <span class="name">Natura</span> came home, and had leisure
+to meditate on this affair, he began with thinking
+how terrible it would be to him, to see <span class="name">Charlotte</span>
+in the arms of a husband; and when he reflected,
+that such a thing might be possible, even
+though he doubted not the sincerity of her present
+aversion, the idea was scarce to be borne: &mdash;
+from this he naturally fell on figuring to himself
+how great a blessing that man would enjoy, who
+should always have the sweet society of so amiable
+a companion; &mdash; and this made him cry out,
+<q>Why then, what hinders me from endeavouring to
+become that happy man? &mdash; If I resolved against
+any future marriage, it was when I knew not the
+adorable <span class="name">Charlotte</span>, nor believed there was so excellent
+a woman in the world.</q> &mdash; In this rapturous
+imagination did he continue for a moment, but
+then the improbability of succeeding in any such
+attempt, struck him with an adequate despair. &mdash;
+<q>Though the uncommon merit of the woman I adore,</q>
+said he, <q>compels me to change the resolution I had
+taken, there is not the same reason to prevail on
+her to recede from her's. &mdash; Past the bloom of life,
+and already twice a husband, can I flatter myself
+with the fond hope she will not reject the proposals
+I should make with the same scorn she did those of
+the councillor?</q>
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page220" id="page220" title="220"></a>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Charlotte</span>, on the other hand, was engrossed
+by reflections vastly different from those
+she was accustomed to entertain: &mdash; never woman
+was more free from vanity, or thought less
+of the power of her charms, yet she could not
+hinder herself from thinking there was somewhat
+in the behaviour of <span class="name">Natura</span>, in his last visit, that
+denoted a regard beyond an ordinary friendship
+for her. &mdash; This apprehension, at first, a little
+startled her, or at least she imagined it did so,
+and she said to herself, <q>If he should really harbour
+any inclinations for me of that sort, how unhappy
+should I be in being obliged to break off my acquaintance
+with a person so every way agreeable to me;
+and to continue it, would be to countenance a passion
+I have determined never to give the least attention
+to.</q> &mdash; <q>Yet wherefore did I determine?</q> pursued
+she, with a sigh, <q>but because I found the generality
+of men mere wandering, vague, inconstant creatures;
+&mdash; were guided only by fancy; &mdash; never consulted
+their judgment, whether the object they pretended
+to admire, had any real merit or not, and often
+too treated those worst who had the best claim
+to their esteem; &mdash; besides, one seldom finds a man
+whose person and qualifications are every way suited
+to one's liking: &mdash; <span class="name">Natura</span> is certainly such as I
+should wish a husband to be, if I were inclined to
+marry again; &mdash; I have not taken a vow of celibacy,
+and have nobody to controul my actions</q>: &mdash;
+<q>then,</q> said she again, <q>what foolish imaginations
+comes into my head; perhaps he has not the least
+thought of me in the way I am dreaming of; &mdash; no,
+no, he has suffered too much by the imprudence of
+one woman, to put it in the power of another to
+treat him in the same manner; &mdash; be trembles at
+marriage; &mdash; I have heard him declare it, and
+I am deviating into a vanity I never before was
+guilty of.</q>
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page221" id="page221" title="221"></a>
+
+<p>
+She was debating in this fashion within herself,
+when <span class="name">Natura</span> came to pay his morning visit:
+she blushed at his approach, conscious of the
+meditations she had been in on his account. &mdash;
+He, full of the sentiments I have described, saluted
+her with an air more grave and timid than he
+had been accustomed, and which all who are
+judges of the tender passion, know to be the surest
+symptom of it. &mdash; They sat down, and on
+his beginning to renew some discourse concerning
+the counsellor's pretensions, she desired him
+to forbear so disagreeable a topic, telling him at
+the same time, he could say nothing else she
+would not listen to with satisfaction. &mdash; <q>How,
+madam,</q> cried he, <q>are you sure of that? &mdash; Alas,
+you little know what passes in my heart, or you
+would not permit me this toleration.</q> This might
+have been sufficient to make some women convinced
+of the truth; but <span class="name">Charlotte</span> either fearful
+of being deceived by her own vanity, or willing
+he should be more explicit, answered, <q>I have too
+high an opinion of your good sense, and too flattering
+an idea of your friendship to me, to imagine
+your heart will ever suggest any thing which would
+be offensive to me from your tongue.</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>Suppose, madam,</q> said he, <q>it should not be in my
+power to restrain my wishes in those bounds prescribed
+by you, to all who have the happiness of conversing
+with you; and that I were encroaching
+enough not to be content with the marks of friendship
+you are pleased to honour me</q>: &mdash; <q>in fine,</q> continued
+he, <q>suppose I were guilty of the very same
+presumption, you have so severely censured in the
+councellor!</q>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<q>That is impossible,</q> replied she, <q>since you are a
+foe professed to marriage, as well as myself</q>; &mdash; she
+
+<a class="pb" name="page222" id="page222" title="222"></a>
+
+was about to add something more, but was prevented
+by emotions, which she attempted, but in
+vain, to conceal; and <span class="name">Natura</span> saw enough to
+keep him from despairing he had forfeited her
+<em>esteem</em> by aiming at her <em>love</em>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Having thus made a beginning, it was easy
+for him to prosecute a suit, which he soon discovered
+he had a friend in her bosom to plead in
+favour of: &mdash; in a word, he left her not, till he
+had obtained her permission to entertain her on
+the same theme, and to use his endeavours to prevail
+on her to exchange the friendship she confessed
+for him into a warmer passion.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It would be altogether needless to make any
+repetition of the particulars of this courtship; the
+reader will easily believe, that both parties being
+animated with the same sentiments I have described,
+it could not be very tedious; &mdash; love had
+already done his work in their hearts, and required
+little the labour of the tongue. <span class="name">Charlotte</span> had
+entirely compleated every thing appertaining to
+her law-suit, yet she seemed not in a hurry to quit
+the town; a business of a more tender nature
+now detained her; &mdash; she had resolved, or rather
+she could not help resolving, to give herself
+to <span class="name">Natura</span>, and the shame of doing what she
+had so often, and so strenuously declared against,
+rendered the thoughts of returning into the country
+in a different state, from that with which she
+had left it, insupportable to her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After having agreed to the sollicitations of
+her importunate lover, she expressed her sentiments
+to him on this head; on which it was concluded,
+that their nuptials should be solemnized
+as privately as possible in <span class="name">London</span>, and that they
+
+<a class="pb" name="page223" id="page223" title="223"></a>
+
+should set out immediately after for his country seat,
+where <span class="name">Charlotte</span>, being utterly a stranger, would
+not be subjected to any of those little railleries,
+she must have expected, in a place where every
+one knew of the aversion she had testified for a
+second marriage.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+No cross accident intervening, what they designed
+was, in a short time, carried into execution;
+&mdash; never were any pair united by more indelible
+bonds; those of friendship sublimed into
+the most pure and virtuous tenderness, and a parity
+of principles, humours, and inclinations.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus does passion triumph over the most
+seemingly fixed and determined resolution; and
+though it must be confessed, that in this instance,
+both had reason, from the real merits of the beloved
+object, to justify their choice, yet nature
+would certainly have had the same force, and
+worked the same effect, if excited only by meer
+fancy, and imaginary perfections.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+A Platonic and spiritual love, therefore,
+between persons of different sexes, can never continue
+for any length of time. Whatever ideas
+the <em>mind</em> may conceive, they will at last conform
+to the craving of the <em>senses</em>; and the <em>soul</em>, though
+never so elevated, find itself incapable of enjoying
+a perfect satisfaction, without the participation
+of the <em>body</em>. &mdash; As inclination then is not
+always guided by a right judgment, nor circumstances
+always concur to render the indulging an
+amorous propensity either convenient, or lawful,
+how careful ought every one be, not to be deceived
+by a romantic imagination, so far as to engage
+in an affection which, sooner or later, will
+bring them to the same point that <span class="name">Natura</span> and
+<span class="name">Charlotte</span> experienced.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<a class="pb" name="page224" id="page224" title="224"></a>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="LPP36">
+<h3>CHAP. VI.</h3>
+<div class="argument"><p>
+How the most powerful emotions of the <em>mind</em> subside
+and grow weaker in proportion, as the
+strength of the <em>body</em> decays, is here exemplified;
+and that such passions as remain after a certain
+age, are not properly the incentives of nature,
+but of example, long habitude or ill humour.
+</p></div>
+
+<p>
+The bride and bridegroom were received by
+all the friends, tenants, and dependants of
+<span class="name">Natura</span>, with the greatest demonstrations of joy;
+and the behaviour of the amiable <span class="name">Charlotte</span> was
+such as made every one cease to wonder that he
+had ventured again on marriage, after the disquiets
+he had experienced in that state.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The kindred on neither side had nothing to
+condemn in the choice which each had made of
+the other; and though perhaps a motive of self-interest
+might make those nearest in blood, and
+consequently to the estates they should leave at
+their decease, wish such an union had not happened,
+yet none took the liberty to complain, or
+<ins class="unclear" title="Transcriber's Note: Original is unclear">betray</ins>, by any part of their behaviour, the least
+dissatisfaction at it. &mdash; The sister and brother-in-law
+of <span class="name">Natura</span>, it must be allowed, had the most
+cause, as they had a large family of children,
+who had a claim equally to the effects of both,
+in case they had died without issue; yet did not
+even they express any discontent, though <span class="name">Charlotte</span>,
+within the first year of her marriage, brought
+two sons into the world, and a third in the next
+ensuing one, all which seemed likely to live, and
+enjoy their parents patrimony.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page225" id="page225" title="225"></a>
+
+<p>
+What now was wanting to compleat the
+happiness of this worthy pair, equally loving and
+beloved by each other, respected by all who knew
+them, in need of no favours from any one, and
+blessed with the power of conferring them on as
+many as they found wanted, or merited their assistance.
+&mdash; <span class="name">Charlotte</span> lost no part of her beauty,
+nor vivacity, by becoming a mother, nor did <span class="name">Natura</span>
+find any decrease in the strength, or vigour,
+either of his mind or body, till he was past fifty-six
+years of age. &mdash; The same happy constitution
+had doubtless continued a much longer time in
+him, as nature had not been worn out by any excesses,
+or intemperance, if by unthinkingly drinking
+some cold water, when he was extremely hot, he
+had not thrown himself into a surfeit, which surfeit
+afterward terminated in an ague and fever,
+which remained on him a long time, and so greatly
+impaired all his faculties, as well as person,
+that he was scarce to be known, either by behaviour,
+or looks, for the man who, before that
+accident, had been infinitely regarded and esteemed
+for the politeness of the <em>one</em>, and the agreeableness
+of the <em>other</em>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+His limbs grew feeble, his body thin, and his
+face pale and wan, his temper sour and sullen,
+seldom caring to speak, and when he did it was
+with peevishness and ill-nature; &mdash; every thing
+was to him an object of disquiet; nothing of delight;
+and he seemed, in all respects, like one
+who was weary of the world, and knew he was
+to leave it in a short time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is so natural to feel repugnance at the
+thoughts of being what they call <em>no more</em>; that is,
+no more as to the knowledge and affections of
+
+<a class="pb" name="page226" id="page226" title="226"></a>
+
+this world; that even those persons who labour
+under the severest afflictions, wish rather to continue
+in them, than be eased by death: &mdash; they
+are pleased at any flattering hopes given of a prolongation
+of their present misery, and are struck
+with horror at the least mention of their life and
+pains being drawing to a period. &mdash; More irksome,
+doubtless, it must still be to those, who
+having every thing they could wish for here, find
+they must soon be torn from all the blessings they
+enjoy. &mdash; This is indeed a weakness; but it is a
+weakness of nature, and which neither religion
+nor philosophy are sufficient to arm us against;
+and the very endeavours we make to banish, or at
+least to conceal our disquiets on this score, occasion
+a certain peevishness in the sweetest temper,
+and make us behave with a kind of churlishness,
+even to those most dear to us.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Few, indeed, care to confess this truth, tho'
+there are scarce any, who do not shew it in
+their behaviour, even at the very time they are
+forcing themselves to an affectation of indifference
+for life, and a resignation to the will of Heaven.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The great skill of his physicians, however, and
+the yet greater care his tender consort took to
+see their prescriptions obeyed with the utmost exactitude,
+at length recovered <span class="name">Natura</span> from the
+brink of the grave. &mdash; He was out of danger from
+the disease which had so long afflicted him; but
+though it had entirely left him, the attack had
+been too severe for a person at the age to which
+he was now arrived, to regain altogether the former
+man. &mdash; He had, in his sickness, contracted
+habits, which he was unable to throw off in
+health, and he could no more behave, than look,
+as he had done before.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page227" id="page227" title="227"></a>
+
+<p>
+The mind would certainly be unalterable, and
+retain the same vigour it ever had in youth, even
+to extreme old age, could the constitution preserve
+itself entire. &mdash; It is that perishable part of
+us, which every little accident impairs, and wears
+away, preparing, as it were, by degrees, for a total
+dissolution, which hinders the nobler moiety
+of the human species from actuating in a proper
+manner: &mdash; those organs, which are the vehicles,
+through which its meanings shoot forth into action,
+being either shrivelled, abraded by long use,
+or clogged up with humours, shew the soul but
+in an imperfect manner, often disguise it wholly,
+and it is for want of a due consideration only,
+that we are so apt to condemn the <em>mind</em>, for
+what, in reality, is nothing but the incumbrances
+laid on it by the infirmities of the <em>body</em>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is true, that as we grow older, the passions
+naturally subside; yet that they do so, is not owing
+to themselves, as I think may be easily proved
+by this argument.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Every one will acknowledge, because he
+knows it by experience, that while he is possessed
+of <em>passions</em>, his <em>reason</em> alone has the power of
+keeping them within the bounds of moderation;
+if then we have less of the <em>passions</em> in old age, or
+rather, if they seem wholly extinguished in us,
+we ought to have a greater share of <em>reason</em> than
+before; whereas, on the contrary, <em>reason</em> itself
+becomes languid in the length of years, as well
+as the <em>passions</em>, it is supposed to have subdued:
+it is therefore meerly the imbecility of the organical
+faculties, and from no other cause, that we
+see the aged and infirm dead, in appearance, to
+those sensations, by which their youth was so
+strongly influenced.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page228" id="page228" title="228"></a>
+
+<p>
+<em>Avarice</em> is, indeed, frequently distinguishable
+in old men; but this I do not look upon as
+a <em>passion</em> but a <em>propensity</em>, arising from ill-nature
+and self-love. &mdash; Gain, and the sordid pleasure
+of counting over money, and reckoning up rents
+and revenues, is the only lust of age; and since
+we cannot be so handsome, so vigorous, cannot
+indulge our appetites, like those who are younger,
+we take all manner of ways to be richer, and
+pride ourselves in the length of our bags, and the
+number of our tenants.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+I know it may be objected, that this vice is
+not confined to age, that youth is frequently very
+avaritious, and grasps at money with a very unbecoming
+eagerness: &mdash; this, I grant, is true;
+but, if we look into the conduct of such men in
+other respects, I believe we shall generally find
+their avarice proceeds from their prodigality; &mdash;
+they are lavish in the purchase of pleasures, and
+must therefore be parsimonious in acts of generosity
+and justice: &mdash; they are guilty of meanness
+in some things, only for the sake of making a
+great figure in others; and are not ashamed to
+be accounted niggards, where they ought to be
+liberal, in order to acquire the reputation of open-handedness,
+where it would better become them to be sparing.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Natura</span>, however, had never discovered
+any tendency to this vice, either in youth or age;
+yet did that peevishness, which the infirmities of
+his body had occasioned, make him behave sometimes,
+as if he were tainted with it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="name">Charlotte</span> observed this alteration in her
+husband's temper with an infinite concern; yet
+bore it with an equal patience; &mdash; making it her
+
+<a class="pb" name="page229" id="page229" title="229"></a>
+
+whole study to divert and sooth his ill humour:
+&mdash; he was not so lost to love and gratitude, and
+even reason too, as not to acknowledge the tender
+proofs he continually received of her unshaken
+affections, and would sometimes confess the
+errors he was guilty of, in point of behaviour towards
+her, and intreat her pardon; but then the
+least trifle would render him again forgetful of all
+he had said, and make him relapse into his former frowardness.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It is certain, notwithstanding, that his love
+<ins class="unclear" title="Transcriber's Note: Original is unclear">for</ins> her was the same as ever, though he could
+not shew it in the same manner; and to what
+can this be imputed, but to the effect which the
+ailments of his external frame had on his internal
+faculties.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Though, as well as those about him, he
+found a decay within himself, which made him
+think he had not long to live; yet could he not
+be prevailed upon, for a great while, to settle his
+affairs after his decease, by making any will;
+and whenever it was mentioned to him, discovered
+a dissatisfaction, which at last made every
+one desist from urging any thing on that score.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It was in vain that they had remonstrated to
+him, that the estate being to descend entire to
+his eldest son, the two youngest would be left
+without any provision, and consequently must be
+dependants on their brother, by his dying intestate:
+&mdash; in vain they pleaded, that taking so necessary
+a precaution for preserving the future peace
+of his family, would no way hasten his death,
+but, on the contrary, render the fatal hour,
+whenever it should arrive, less dreadful, he had
+
+<a class="pb" name="page230" id="page230" title="230"></a>
+
+only either answered not at all, or replied in such
+a fashion, as could give them no room to hope
+for his compliance.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In this unhappy disposition did he continue between
+two and three years; but as his latter days
+came on, he grew much more calm and resigned,
+<em>reason</em> began to recover its former dominion over
+him; and, when every one had left off all
+importunities on the account of his making a
+<em>will</em>, he, of himself, mentioned the necessity of
+it, and ordered a lawyer to be sent for to that
+end.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Having settled all his affairs, relating to this
+world, in the most prudent manner, he began to
+prepare for another, with a zeal which shewed,
+that whatever notions people may have in health,
+concerning futurity, they become more convinced,
+in proportion as they grow nearer their dissolution.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He finished his course in the sixty-third, or
+what is called the grand climacteric year of life;
+&mdash; had the blessing to retain the use of all his senses
+to the last; and as death had long before assailed,
+though not totally vanquished him, he was
+too much decayed by continual wastings, to feel
+any of those pangs, which persons who die in
+their full vigour must unavoidably go through,
+when the vital springs burst at once.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He took leave of his dear wife and children
+with great serenity and composure of mind; and
+afterwards turned himself from them, and passed
+into eternity, as if falling into a gentle slumber.
+</p>
+
+
+<a class="pb" name="page231" id="page231" title="231"></a>
+
+<p>
+Thus have I attempted to trace nature in all
+her mazy windings, and shew life's progress thro'
+the passions, from the cradle to the grave. &mdash; The
+various adventures which happened to <span class="name">Natura</span>, I
+thought, afforded a more ample field, than those
+of any one man I ever heard, or read of; and
+flatter myself, that the reader will find many instances,
+that may contribute to rectify his own
+conduct, by pointing out those things which
+ought to be avoided, or at least most carefully
+guarded against, and those which are worthy to
+be improved and imitated.
+</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+<p class="trailer"><span style="font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.5em;">FINIS.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Life's Progress Through The Passions
+by Eliza Fowler Haywood
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Life's Progress Through The Passions
+by Eliza Fowler Haywood
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Life's Progress Through The Passions
+       Or, The Adventures of Natura
+
+Author: Eliza Fowler Haywood
+
+Release Date: March 24, 2005 [EBook #15455]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE'S PROGRESS THROUGH THE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Richard Cohen and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net).
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Transcriber's Note:
+
++ Original spellings and inconsistent hyphenation have been kept,
+  except that ...
+
++ Obvious corrections have been made silently. The original text
+  can be found in the HTML or the XML version.
+
++ Educated guesses have been made for unclear text. The original
+  text can be found in the HTML or the XML version.
+
++ Hyphens caused by a line break have been removed.
+
++ Italics were used widely in the original, and have been retained
+  in the HTML file. In this text file, they have only been kept when
+  used for _emphasis_, or for 'direct speech'.
+]
+
+
+April 2, 1748.
+
+The late great Demand for the FORTUNATE FOUNDLINGS, occasioning it to
+be out of Print sooner than was expected; this is to advertise the
+Public, that a new Edition of that Book is now in the Press, and will
+be published the Beginning of next Month.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+LIFE's
+PROGRESS
+THROUGH THE
+PASSIONS:
+
+OR, THE
+ADVENTURES
+OF
+NATURA.
+
+
+By the Author of
+The FORTUNATE FOUNDLINGS.
+
+[Illustration: Portrait of the printer]
+
+LONDON:
+Printed by T. Gardner, and Sold at his Printing-Office, at Cowley's
+Head, opposite St. Clement's Church, in the Strand.
+M,DCC,XLVIII.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Just Published by T. Gardner,
+
+In Four Beautiful Pocket Volumes,
+(Price Twelve Shillings bound.)
+Correctly printed from the Octavo Edition,
+(With New Engraved Frontispieces,)
+
+The FEMALE SPECTATOR,
+COMPLEAT.
+
+  'The great Encomiums bestowed on this Work by some of the most
+  distinguished Judges, have been so frequently inserted in all the
+  public Papers, that it is presumed no one can be unacquainted with
+  them, and therefore are thought needless here to be
+  particularized: But that so useful a Work may be more universally
+  read, (especially by the younger and politer Sort of Ladies, for
+  whom it is more peculiarly adapted,) it is now printed in the
+  above-mentioned Size, which will be less cumbersome to them, and
+  the Expence being reduced to one half of what the Octavo Edition
+  sells at, it may be more easily purchased The great Encomiums
+  bestowed on this Work by some of the most distinguished Judges,
+  have been so frequently inserted in all the public Papers, that it
+  is presumed no one can be unacquainted with them, and therefore
+  are thought needless here to be particularized: But that so useful
+  a Work may be more universally read, (especially by the younger
+  and politer Sort of Ladies, for whom it is more peculiarly
+  adapted,) it is now printed in the above-mentioned Size, which
+  will be less cumbersome to them, and the Expence being reduced to
+  one half of what the Octavo Edition sells at, it may be more
+  easily purchased'
+
+The above Work is printed in a larger Letter, in Octavo, Price 1l. 4s.
+bound.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+INTRODUCTION, Page 1.
+
+
+BOOK the First.
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+Shews, in the example of Natura, how from our very birth, the
+passions, to which the human soul is incident, are discoverable in us;
+and how far the organs of sense, or what is called the constitution,
+has an effect over us, Page 4.
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+Contains some proofs by what swift degrees the passions gain an
+ascendant over the mind, and grow up in proportion with our reason,
+Page 7.
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+The early influence which the difference of sex excites, is here
+exemplified, in the fond, but innocent affection of Natura and Delia,
+Page 21.
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+Shews, that till we arrive at a certain age, the impressions made on
+us are easily erased; and also that when those which bear the name of
+love are once rooted in the mind, there are no lengths to which we may
+not be transported by that passion, if great care is not taken to
+prevent its getting the ascendant over reason, Page 27.
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+That to indulge any one fault, brings with it the temptation of
+committing others, is demonstrated by the behaviour of Natura, and the
+misfortunes and disgrace, which an ill-judged shame had like to have
+involved him in, Page 39.
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+Shews the great force of natural affection, and the good effects it
+has over a grateful mind, Page 51.
+
+
+BOOK the Second.
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+The inconsideration and instability of youth, when unrestrained by
+authority, is here exemplified, in an odd adventure Natura embarked in
+with two nuns, after the death of his governor, Page 63.
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+The pleasures of travelling described, and the improvement a sensible
+mind may receive from it: with some hints to the censorious, not to be
+too severe on errors, the circumstances of which they are ignorant of,
+occasioned by a remarkable instance of an involuntary slip of nature,
+Page 99.
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+The uncertainty of human events displayed in many surprizing turns of
+fortune, which befel Natura, on his endeavouring to settle himself in
+the world: with some proofs of the necessity of fortitude, as it may
+happen that actions, excited by the greatest virtue, may prove the
+source of evil, both to ourselves and others, Page 108.
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+The power of fear over a mind, weak either by nature, or infirmities
+of body: The danger of its leading to despair, is shewn by the
+condition Natura was reduced to by the importunities of priests of
+different perswasions. This chapter also demonstrates, the little
+power people have of judging what is really best for them, and that
+what has the appearance of the severest disappointment, is frequently
+the greatest good, Page 135.
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+Shews that there is no one human advantage to which all others should
+be sacrificed:--the force of ambition, and the folly of suffering it
+to gain too great an ascendant over us:--public grandeur little
+capable of atoning for private discontent; among which jealousy,
+whether of love or honour, is the most tormenting, Page 154.
+
+
+BOOK the Third.
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+Shews in what manner anger and revenge operate in the mind, and how
+ambition is capable of stifling both, in a remarkable instance, that
+_private injuries_, how great soever, may seem of no weight, when
+_public grandeur_ requires they should be looked over, Page 168.
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+Shews at what age men are most liable to the passion of grief: the
+impatience of human nature under affliction, and the necessity there
+is of exerting reason, to restrain the excesses it would otherwise
+occasion, Page 178.
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+The struggles which different passions occasion in the human breast,
+are here exemplified; and that there is no one among them so strong,
+but may be extirpated by another, excepting _revenge_, which knows no
+period, but by gratification, Page 185.
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+Contains a further definition of _revenge_, its force, effects, and
+the chasm it leaves on the mind when once it ceases. The tranquility
+of being entirely devoid of all passions; and the impossibility for
+the soul to remain in that state of inactivity is also shewn; with
+some remarks on human nature in general, when left to itself, Page
+190.
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+Contains a remarkable proof, that tho' the passions may operate with
+greater velocity and vehemence in youth, yet they are infinitely more
+strong and permanent, when the person is arrived at maturity, and are
+then scarce ever eradicated. Love and friendship are then, and not
+till then, truly worthy of the names they bear; and that the _one_
+between those of different sexes, is always the consequence of the
+_other_, Page 206.
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+How the most powerful emotions of the _mind_ subside, and grow weaker
+in proportion as the strength of the _body_ decays, is here
+exemplified; and that such passions as remain after a certain age, are
+not properly the incentives of nature but of example, long habitude,
+or ill humour, Page 224.
+
+
+
+
+LIFE's
+PROGRESS
+THROUGH THE
+PASSIONS.
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+I have often heard it observed by the readers of biography, that the
+characters are generally too high painted; and that the _good_ or
+_bad_ qualities of the person pretended to be faithfully represented,
+are displayed in stronger colours than are to be found in nature. To
+this the lovers of hyperbole reply, that _virtue_ cannot be drawn too
+beautiful, nor _vice_ too deformed, in order to excite in us an
+ambition of imitating the _one_, and a horror at the thoughts of
+becoming any way like the _other_.--The argument at first, indeed,
+seems to have some weight, as there is nothing, not even precept
+itself, which so greatly contributes whether to rectify or improve the
+mind, as the prevalence of example: but then it ought to be
+considered, that if the pattern laid down before us, is so altogether
+angelic, as to render it impossible to be copied, emulation will be in
+danger of being swallowed up in an unprofitable admiration; and, on
+the other hand, if it appears so monstrously hideous as to take away
+all apprehensions of ever resembling it, we might be too apt to
+indulge ourselves in errors which would seem small in comparison with
+those presented to us.--There never yet was any one man, in whom all
+the _virtues_, or all the _vices_, were summed up; for, though reason
+and education may go a great way toward curbing the passions, yet I
+believe experience will inform, even the _best_ of men, that they will
+sometimes launch out beyond their due bounds, in spite of all the care
+can be taken to restrain them; nor do I think the very _worst_, and
+most wicked, does not feel in himself, at some moments, a propensity
+to good, though it may be possible he never brings it into practice;
+at least, this was the opinion of the antients, as witness the poet's
+words:
+
+  All men are born with seeds of _good_ and _ill_;
+    And each shoot forth, in more or less degree:
+  _One_ you may cultivate with care and skill,
+    But from the _other_ ne'er be wholly free.
+
+The human mind may, I think, be compared to a chequer-work, where
+light and shade appear by turns; and in proportion as either of these
+is most conspicuous, the man is alone worthy of praise or censure; for
+none there are can boast of being wholly bright.
+
+I believe by this the reader will be convinced he must not expect to
+see a faultless figure in the hero of the following pages; but to
+remove all possibility of a disappointment on that score, I shall
+farther declare, that I am an enemy to all _romances_, _novels_, and
+whatever carries the air of them, tho' disguised under different
+appellations; and as it is a _real_, not _fictitious_ character I am
+about to present, I think myself obliged, for the reasons I have
+already given, as well as to gratify my own inclinations, to draw him
+such as he was, not such as some sanguine imaginations might with him
+to have been.
+
+I flatter myself, however, that _truth_ will appear not altogether
+void of charms, and the adventures I take upon me to relate, not be
+less pleasing for being within the reach of probability, and such as
+might have happened to any other as well as the person they did.--Few
+there are, I am pretty certain, who will not find some resemblance of
+himself in one part or other of his life, among the many various and
+surprizing turns of fortune, which the subject of this little history
+experienced, as also be reminded in what manner the passions operate
+in every stage of life, and how far the constitution of the _outward
+frame_ is concerned in the emotions of the _internal faculties_.
+
+These are things surely very necessary to be considered, and when they
+are so, will, in a great measure, abate that unbecoming vehemence,
+with which people are apt to testify their admiration, or abhorrence
+of actions, which it very often happens would lose much of their
+_eclat_ either way, were the secret springs that give them motion,
+seen into with the eyes of philosophy and reflection.
+
+But this will be more clearly understood by a perusal of the facts
+herein contained, from which I will no longer detain in the attention
+of my reader.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+BOOK the First.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+  Shews, in the example of Natura, how from our very birth, the
+  passions, to which the human soul is incident, are discoverable in
+  us; and how far the organs of sense, or what is called the
+  constitution, has an effect over us.
+
+
+The origin of Natura would perhaps require more time to trace than the
+benefit of the discovery would attone for: it shall therefore suffice
+to say, that his ancestors were neither of the highest rank:--that if
+no extraordinary action had signalized the names of any of them, so
+none of them had been guilty of crimes to entail infamy on their
+posterity: and that a moderate estate in the family had descended from
+father to son for many generations, without being either remarkably
+improved or embezzled.--His immediate parents were in very easy
+circumstances, and he being their first son, was welcomed into the
+world with a joy usual on such occasions.--I never heard that any
+prodigies preceded or accompanied his nativity; or that the planets,
+or his mother's cravings during her pregnancy, had sealed him with any
+particular mark or badge of distinction: but have been well assured he
+was a fine boy, sucked heartily of his mother's milk, and what they
+call a thriving child. His weaning, I am told, was attended by some
+little ailments, occasioned by his pining after the food to which he
+had been accustomed; but proper means being found to make him lose the
+memory of the breast, he soon recovered his flesh, increased in
+strength, and could go about the room at a year and some few months
+old, without the help of a leading-string.
+
+Hitherto the passions, those powerful abettors, I had almost said sole
+authors of all human actions, operated but faintly, and could shew
+themselves only in proportion to the vigour of the animal frame. Yet
+latent as they are, an observing eye may easily discover them in each
+of their different propensities, even from the most early infancy. The
+eyes of Natura on any new and pleasing object, would denote by their
+sparkling a sensation of joy:--_Fear_ was visible in him by clinging to
+his nurse, and endeavouring to bury himself as it were in her bosom, at
+the sound of menaces he was not capable of understanding:--That
+_sorrow_ has a place among the first emotions of the soul, was
+demonstrable by the sighs which frequently would heave his little
+heart, long before it was possible for him either to know or to imagine
+any motives for them:--That the seeds of _avarice_ are born with us, by
+the eagerness with which he catched at money when presented to him,
+his clinching it fast in his hand, and the reluctance he expressed on
+being deprived of it:--That _anger_, and impatience of controul, are
+inherent to our nature, might be seen in his throwing down with
+vehemence any favourite toy, rather than yield to resign it; and that
+spite and revenge are also but too much so, by his putting in practice
+all such tricks as his young invention could furnish, to vex any of the
+family who had happened to cross him:--Even those tender inclinations,
+which afterwards bear the name of _amorous_, begin to peep out long
+before the difference of sex is thought on; as Natura proved by the
+preference he gave the girls over the boys who came to play with him,
+and his readiness to part with any thing to them.
+
+In a word, there is not one of all the various emotions which agitate
+the breast in maturity, that may not be discerned almost from the
+birth, _hope_, _jealousy_, and _despair_ excepted, which, tho' they
+bear the name in common with those other more natural dispositions of
+the mind, I look upon rather as consequentials of the passions, and
+arising from them, than properly passions themselves: but however that
+be, it is certain, that they are altogether dependant on a fixation of
+ideas, reflection, and comparison, and therefore can have no entrance
+in the soul, or at least cannot be awakened in it, till some degree of
+knowledge is attained.
+
+Thus do the dispositions of the _infant_ indicate the future _man_;
+and though we see, in the behaviour of persons when grown up, so vast
+a difference, yet as all children at first act alike, I think it may
+be reasonably supposed, that were it not for some change in the
+constitution, an equal similitude of will, desires, and sentiments,
+would continue among us through maturity and old age; at least I am
+perfectly perswaded it would do so, among all those who are born in
+the same climate, and educated in the same principles: for whatever
+may be said of a great genius, and natural endowments, there is
+certainly no real distinction between the _soul_ of the man of _wit_
+and the _ideot_; and that disproportion, which we are apt to behold
+with so much wonder, is only in fact occasioned by some or other of
+those innumerable and hidden accidents, which from our first coming
+into the world, in a more or less degree, have, an effect upon the
+organs of sense; and they being the sole canals through which the
+spirit shews itself, according as they happen to be extended,
+contracted, or obstructed, the man must infallibly appear.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+  Contains some proofs by what swift degrees the passions gain an
+  ascendant over the mind, and grow up in proportion with our reason.
+
+
+Natura had no sooner quitted the nursery, than he was put under the
+direction of the school, to which at first he was every day conducted
+either by a man or maid-servant; but when thought big enough to be
+trusted alone, would frequently play the truant, for which he
+generally received the discipline necessary on such occasions.--He
+took his learning notwithstanding as well as could be expected;--he
+had read the testament through at five years old, about seven was put
+into Latin, and began the rudiments of Greek before he had attained
+the age of nine.
+
+As his understanding increased, the passions became stronger in
+proportion: and here is to be observed the wonderful wisdom of nature,
+or rather of the Great Author of nature, in the formation of the human
+system, that the passions given to us, especially those of the worst
+sort, are, for the most part, such opposites, that the one is a
+sufficient check upon the other.--The _pride_ of treating those
+beneath us with contempt, is restrained by the _fear_ of meeting the
+same usage from those above us.--A _sordid covetousness_ is controlled
+by _ostentation_.--_Sloth_ is roused by _ambition_, and so of the
+rest.--I have been told that when Natura, by the enticements of his
+companions, and his own eagerness to pursue the sports suitable to his
+years, had been drawn in to neglect his studies, he had often ran home
+on a sudden, and denied himself both food and sleep, till he had not
+only finished the task assigned him by his school-master, but also
+exceeded what was expected from him, instigated by the ambition of
+praise, and hope of being removed to a higher form.--But at other
+times again his love of play has rendered him totally forgetful of
+every thing besides, and all emulation in him absorbed in
+pleasure.--Thus hurried, as the different propensities prevailed, from
+one extreme to the other;--never in a medium, but always doing either
+more or less than was required of him.
+
+In like manner was his _avarice_ moderated by his _pity_;--an instance
+of which was this;--One morning having won at chuck-farthing, or some
+such game, all the money a poor boy was master of, and which he said
+had been given him to buy his breakfast, Natura was so much melted at
+his tears and complaints, that he generously returned to him the whole
+of what he had lost.--Greatly is it to be wished, the same sentiments
+of compassion would influence some of riper years, and make them scorn
+to take the advantage chance sometimes affords of ruining their
+fellow-creatures; but the misfortune is, that when we arrive at the
+state of perfect manhood, the _worst_ passions are apt to get the
+better of the more _noble_, as the prospect they present is more
+alluring to the eye of sense: all men (as I said before) being born
+with the same propensities, it is _virtue_ alone, or in other words, a
+strict _morality_, which prevents them from actuating alike in
+all.--But to return to the young Natura.
+
+He was scarce ten years old when his mother died; but was not sensible
+of the misfortune he sustained by the loss of her, though, as it
+afterwards proved, was the greatest could have happened to him: the
+remembrance of the tenderness with which she had used him, joined to
+the sight of all the family in tears, made him at first indeed utter
+some bitter lamentations; but the thoughts of a new suit of mourning,
+a dress he had never yet been in, soon dissipated his grief, and the
+sight of himself before the great glass, in a habit so altogether
+strange, and therefore pleasing to him, took off all anguish for the
+sad occasion.--So early do we begin to be sensible of a satisfaction
+in any thing that we imagine is an advantage to our persons, or will
+make us be taken notice of.--How it grows up with us, and how
+difficult it is to be eradicated, I appeal even to those of the most
+sour and cynical disposition.
+
+Mr. Dryden admirably describes this propensity in human nature in
+these lines:
+
+  Men are but children of a larger growth,
+  Our appetites as prone to change as theirs,
+  And full as craving too, and full as vain.
+
+A fondness for trifles is certainly no less conspicuous in age than
+youth; and we daily see it among persons of the best understanding,
+who wholly neglect every essential to real happiness in the pursuit of
+those very toys which children cry to be indulged in; even such as a
+bit of ribband, or the sound of a monosyllable tacked to the name;
+without considering that those badges of distinction, like bells about
+an ideot's neck, frequently serve only to render their folly more
+remarkable, and expose them to the contempt of the lookers on, who
+perhaps too, as nature is the same in all, want but the same
+opportunity to catch no less eagerly at the tawdry gewgaw.
+
+Natura felt not the loss of his dear mother, till he beheld another in
+her place. His father entered into a second marriage before much more
+than half his year of widowhood was expired, with a lady, who, though
+pretty near his equal in years, had yet remains enough of beauty to
+render her extremely vain and affected, and fortune enough to make her
+no less proud.--These two qualities occasioned Natura many rebuffs, to
+which he had not been acoustomed, and he felt them the more severely,
+as the name of mother had made him expect the same proofs of
+tenderness from this, who had the title, as he had remembered to have
+received from her who had been really so.
+
+He endeavoured at first to insinuate himself into her favour by all
+those little flattering artifices which are so becoming in persons of
+his tender years, and which never fail to make an impression on a
+gentle and affable disposition; but finding his services not only
+rejected, but also rejected with scorn and moroseness, his spirit was
+too great to continue them for any long time; and all the assiduity he
+had shewn to gain her good-will, was on a sudden converted into a
+behaviour altogether the reverse: he was sure to turn the deaf ear to
+all the commands she laid upon him, and so far from doing any thing to
+please her, he seemed to take a delight in vexing her. This
+occasioning many complaints to his father, drew on him very severe
+chastisements both at home and abroad; but though while the smart
+remained, he made many promises of amendment in this point, the hatred
+he had now conceived against her, would not suffer him to keep them.
+
+His sister, who was five years older than himself, and a girl of great
+prudence, took a good deal of pains to convince him how much it was
+both his interest and his duty to pay all manner of respect to a lady
+whom their father had thought fit to set over them; but all she could
+say on that head was thrown away, and he still replied, that since he
+could not make her love him, he should always hate her.
+
+This young lady had perhaps no less reason than her brother to be
+dissatisfied with the humour of their stepmother; and it was only the
+tender affection she had for him which made her feign a contentment at
+the treatment both of them received, in order to keep him within any
+manner of bounds.
+
+It may be reckoned among the misfortunes of Natura, that he so soon
+lost the benefit of these kind remonstrances: his fair adviser having
+a considerable fortune, independent on her father, left her by a
+grandmother, who had also answered for her at the _font_, was courted
+by a gentleman, to whom neither herself nor family having any thing to
+object, she became a bride in a very few months, and went with her
+husband to a seat he had at a considerable distance in the country.
+
+This poor youth was now without any one, either to prevent him from
+doing a fault, or to conceal it when committed; on the contrary, his
+mother-in-law, having new-modelled all the family, and retained only
+such servants as thought it their duty to study nothing but to humour
+her, every little error in him was exaggerated, and he was represented
+to his father as incorrigible, perverse, and all that is disagreeable
+in nature.
+
+I will not take upon me to determine whether, or not, the old
+gentleman had altogether so ill an opinion of his son, as they
+endeavoured to inspire him with; but it is certain, that whatever his
+thoughts were on the matter, he found himself obliged for a quiet life
+to use him with a good deal of severity, which, either because he
+believed it unjust, or that it was disagreeable to his own
+disposition, he grew very weary of in a short time, and to put an end
+to it, resolved to send the child to a boarding-school, tho' he had
+always declared against that sort of education, and frequently said,
+that though these great schools might improve the learning, they were
+apt to corrupt the morals of youth.
+
+Finding himself, however, under a kind of necessity for so doing,
+nothing remained but the choice of a convenient place. The wife
+proposed some part of Yorkshire, not only as the cheapest, but also
+that by reason of the distance, she should not have the trouble of him
+at home in the holidays; but to this it was not in her power to
+prevail on his father to consent, and after many disputes between them
+on it, Eton was at length pitched upon.
+
+Natura heard of his intended removal with a perfect indifference:--if
+the thoughts of parting from his father gave him any pain, it was
+balanced by those of being eased of the persecuting of his stepmother;
+but when all things were prepared for his journey, in which he was to
+be accompanied by an old relation, who was to give the necessary
+charge with him to those into whose care he should be committed, he
+was taken suddenly ill on the very day he had been to take leave of
+his kindred, and other friends in town.
+
+His distemper proved to be the small-pox, but being of a very
+favourable sort, he recovered in a short time, and lost nothing of his
+handsomeness by that so-much-dreaded enemy to the face: there
+remained, however, a little redness, which, till intirely worn off, it
+was judged improper he should be sent where it was likely there might
+be many young gentlemen, who having never experienced the same, would
+take umbrage at the sight.
+
+During the time of his indisposition he had been attended by an old
+nurse, who had served in the same quality to his mother, and several
+others of her family.--The tenderness this good creature shewed to
+him, and the care she took to humour him in every thing, not only
+while he continued in a condition, in which it might have been
+dangerous to have put his spirits into the least agitation, but after
+he was grown well enough to walk abroad, had made him become extremely
+pettish and self-willed; which shews, that an over-indulgence to
+youth, is no less prejudicial, than too much austerity.--Happy is it
+for those who are brought up in a due proportion between these two
+extremes; for as nature will be apt to fall into a dejection, if
+pressed down with a constant, and uninterrupted severity, so it will
+infallibly become arrogant and assuming, if suffered always to pursue
+its own dictates.--Nothing is more evident, than that most of the
+irregularities we see practised in the world, are owing originally to
+a want of the medium I have been speaking of, in forming the mind
+while it is pliable to impression.
+
+This was not, however, the case of Natura; and though he would
+doubtless have been what we call a spoiled child, had he been for any
+length of time permitted to do just what he pleased, yet the nurse
+being discharged, he fell again under the jurisdiction of his
+mother-in-law, who had now more excuse than ever for treating him with
+severity.
+
+His father did not want understanding, but was a good deal more
+indolent than befits a parent.--He had always been accustomed to live
+at ease, and his natural aversion to all kinds of trouble, made him
+not inspect into the manners or temperament of his son, with that care
+he ought to have done. Whenever any complaints were made concerning
+his behaviour, he would chide, and sometimes beat him, but seldom
+examined how far he really merited those effects rather of others
+resentment than his own. Sometimes he would ask him questions on his
+progress in learning, and praise or dispraise, as he found occasion;
+but he never discoursed with him on any other topics, nor took any
+pleasure in instructing him in such things as are not to be taught in
+schools, but which much more contribute to enlarge the mind; so that
+had not Natura's own curiosity led him to examine into the sources,
+first causes, and motives of what he was obliged to read, he would
+have reaped no other benefit from his Greek and Latin authors, than
+meerly the knowledge of their language.
+
+Here I cannot help taking notice, that whatever inconveniences it may
+occasion, curiosity is one of the greatest advantages we receive from
+nature; it is that indeed from which all our knowledge is
+derived.--Were it not for this propensity in ourselves, the sun, the
+moon, and all the darling constellations which adorn the hemisphere,
+would roll above our heads in vain: contented to behold their shine,
+and feel their warmth, but ignorant of their motion and influence on
+all beneath, half that admiration due to the Divine Architect, would
+lye dormant in us.--Did not curiosity excite us to examine into the
+nature of vegetables, their amazing rise, their progress, their deaths
+and resurrections in the seasons allotted for these alternatives, we
+should enjoy the fruits of the earth indeed, but enjoy them only in
+common with the animals that feed upon it, or perhaps with less relish
+than they do, as it is agreed their organs of sensation have a greater
+share of poignancy than ours.--What is it but _curiosity_ which
+renders study either pleasing or profitable to us?--The facts we read
+of would soon slip through the memory, or if they retained any place
+in it, could be of little advantage, without being acquainted with the
+motives which occasioned them. By _curiosity_ we _examine_, by
+_examining_ we _compare_, and by _comparing_ we are alone enabled to
+form a right _judgment_, whether of things or persons.
+
+We are told indeed of many jealousies, discontents, and quarrels,
+which have been occasioned by this passion, among those who might
+otherwise have lived in perfect harmony; and a man or woman, who has
+the character of being too inquisitive, is shunned as dangerous to
+society.--But what commendable quality is there that may not be
+perverted, or what _virtue_ whose extreme does not border on a
+_vice_?--Even _devotion_ itself should have its bounds, or it will
+launch into _bigotry_ and _enthusiasm_;--_love_, the most _generous_
+and _gentle_ of all the passions, when ill-placed, or unprescribed,
+degenerates into the very _worst_;--_justice_ may be pursued till it
+becomes _cruelty_;--_emulation_ indulged till it grows up to
+_envy_;--_frugality_ to the most sordid _avarice_; and _courage_ to a
+brutal _rashness_;--and so I am ready to allow that _curiosity_, from
+whence all the _good_ in us originally arises, may also be productive
+of the _greatest mischiefs_, when not, like every other emotion of the
+soul, kept within its due limits, and suffered to exert itself only on
+warrantable objects.
+
+It should therefore be the first care of every one to regulate this
+propensity in himself, as well as of those under whose tuition he may
+happen to be, whether parents or governors.--Nature, and the writings
+of learned men, who from time to time have commented on all that has
+happened in nature, certainly afford sufficient matter to gratify the
+most enquiring mind, without descending to such mean trifling
+inquisitions, as can no way improve itself, and may be of prejudice to
+others.
+
+I have dwelt the longer on this head, because it seems to me, that on
+the _well_, or _ill direction_ of that curiosity, which is inherent to
+us all, depends, in a great measure, the peace and happiness of
+society.
+
+Natura, like all children, uncircumscribed by precept, had not only a
+desire of prying into those things which it was his advantage to know,
+but also into those which he had much better have been totally
+ignorant of, and which the discovery of his being too well skilled in,
+frequently occasioned him much ill will, especially when he was found
+to have too far dived into those little secrets which will ever be
+among servants in large families. But reason was not ripe enough in
+him to enable him to distinguish between what were proper subjects for
+the exercise of this passion, and what were not so.
+
+That impediment, however, which had hitherto retarded his departure
+being removed, he now set out for Eton, under the conduct of the
+abovementioned kinsman, who placed him in a boarding-house very near
+the school, and took his leave, after having given him such
+admonitions as he thought necessary for a person of his years, when
+more intrusted to himself than he before had been.
+
+But Natura was not yet arrived at an age wherein it could be expected
+he should reap much benefit from advice. A settled resolution, and the
+power of judging what is our real interest to do, are the perfections
+of maturity, and happy is it for the few who even then attain
+them.--_Precept_ must be constantly and artfully instilled to make any
+impression on the mind, and is rarely fixed there, till experience
+confirms it; therefore, as both these were wanting to form his
+behaviour, what could be hoped from it, but such a one as was
+conformable to the various passions which agitate human nature, and
+which every day grow stronger in us, at least till they have attained
+a certain crisis, after which they decay, in proportion as they
+increased.
+
+As _wrath_ is one of the most violent emotions of the soul, so I think
+it is one of the first that breaks out into effects: it owes its birth
+indeed to _pride_; for we are never angry, unless touched by a real,
+or imaginary insult; but, by the offspring chiefly is the parent seen.
+_Pride_ seldom, I believe it may be said, _never_, wholly dies in us,
+tho' it may be concealed; whereas _wrath_ diminishes as our _reason_
+increases, and seems intirely evaporated after the heat of youth is
+over: when a man therefore has divested himself of the _one_, no
+tokens are left to distinguish the _other_.--Sometimes, indeed, we
+shall see an extreme impetuosity, even to old age, but then, it is out
+of the ordinary course of nature, and besides, the person possessed of
+it must be endued with a small share of sound understanding, to give
+any marks of such a propensity remaining in him.
+
+It is with the utmost justice, that by the system of the _christian_
+religion, _pride_ is intitled the original sin, not only as it was
+that of the fallen angels, but also as it is certainly the
+fountain-head from which all our other vices are derived.--It is by
+the dictates of this pernicious passion we are inflamed with _wrath_,
+and wild ambition,--instigated to covetousness,--to envy,--to revenge,
+and in fine, to stop at nothing which tends to self-gratification, be
+our desires of what kind soever.
+
+During the school hours, Natura, as well as the other young gentlemen,
+was under too much awe of the master to give any loose to his temper;
+but when these were over, and they went together into the fields, or
+any other place to divert themselves, frequent quarrels among them
+ensued; but above all between those who boarded in the same house;
+little jealousies concerning some imaginary preference given to the
+one more than the other, occasioned many bitter taunts and fleers,
+which sometimes rose to blows and bloody noses; so that the good
+people with whom they were, had enough to do, to keep them in any
+tolerable decorum.
+
+There is also another branch of _pride_ which is visible in all youth,
+before consideration takes place, and that is, treating with contempt
+whoever seems our inferior.--A boy who was allowed less money, or wore
+plainer cloaths, was sure to be the jest of all the rest. Natura was
+equally guilty of this fault with his companions; but when the
+sarcasms became too severe, and the object of them appeared any way
+dejected, his generosity often got the better of his arrogance, and he
+would take part with the weakest side, even till he drew on himself
+part of those reflections he averted from the other; but this never
+happened without his resenting it with the utmost violence; for
+patience and forbearance were virtues not to be expected in this stage
+of life.
+
+He was a great lover of gaming, whether of chucking, tossing up for
+money, or cards, and extremely ill-humoured and quarrelsome whenever
+luck was not on his side; which shews, that whatever people may
+pretend, avarice is at the bottom, and occasions all the fondness so
+many testify for play.
+
+As for the other ordinary diversions of youth, none could pursue them
+with more eagerness, nor was less deterred by any ill accident which
+befel either himself, or any of his companions; one of whom having
+been near drowning before his face, as they were swimming together,
+the sight did not hinder him from plunging into the same stream every
+day; nor could he be prevailed upon from ringing, as often as he had
+an opportunity, though he had been thrown one day by the breaking of
+the bell-rope, a great height from the ground, and in the fall
+dislocated his shoulder, and bruised his body all over.--But it is not
+to be wondered at, that boys should remember the misfortunes their
+pleasures have brought on them no longer than the smart continues,
+when men of the ripest, and sometimes most advanced years, are not to
+be warned from the gratification of their passions, by the worst, and
+most frequently repeated ills.
+
+He, notwithstanding, made a very good progress in those things in
+which he was instructed, which as yet were only Latin and Greek; and
+when the time of breaking up arrived, and he returned to his father's
+house, none who examined him concerning his learning, could suspect
+there was either any want of application in himself, or care in his
+master.
+
+His three months of absence having rendered him a kind of stranger at
+home, his mother-in-law used him with somewhat more civility, and his
+father seemed highly satisfied with him; all his kindred and friends
+caressed him, and made him many little presents of such things as
+befitted his years; but that which crowned his felicity, was the
+company of a young girl, a near relation of his stepmother's, who was
+come to pass some time with her, and see London, which she had never
+been in before.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+  The early influence which the difference of sex excites, is here
+  exemplified in the fond but innocent affection of Natura and Delia.
+
+
+Natura being much of the same age with Delia (for so I shall call her)
+and both equally playful, spirituous, and good-natured, it is hard to
+say which of them took the greatest delight in the society of the
+other. Natura was never well out of the presence of Delia, nor Delia
+contented but when Natura was with her.
+
+In walking, dancing, playing at cards, these amiable children were
+always partners; and it was remarkable, that in the latter of these
+diversions, Natura was never uneasy at losing his money to Delia, nor
+resented any little railleries she treated him with on account of his
+ill luck, or want of skill in the game, as he had been accustomed to
+do whenever he received the like from any of his companions.--So
+forcibly does the difference of sex operate, even before that
+difference is considered.
+
+Natura was yet too young by much, to know wherefore he found in
+himself this complaisance, or how it came to pass, that he so much
+preferred a beautiful and good-humoured girl, to a boy possessed of
+the same qualifications; but he was not ignorant that he did so, and
+has often wondered (as he afterwards confessed) what it was that made
+him feel so much pleasure, whenever, in innocently romping together,
+he happened to catch hold of her in his arms; and what strange impulse
+it was, that rendered him so reluctant to part with her out of that
+posture, that she was obliged to struggle with all her strength to
+disengage herself.
+
+Hence it is plain, that the passion of love is part of our
+composition, implanted in the soul for the propagation of the world;
+and we ought not, in my opinion, to be too severe on the errors which,
+meerly and abstracted from any other motive than itself, it sometimes
+influences us to be guilty of.--The laws, indeed, which prohibit any
+amorous intercourse between the sexes, unless authored by the
+solemnities of marriage, are without all question, excellently well
+calculated for the good of society, because without such a
+restriction, there would be no such thing as order in the world. I am
+therefore far from thinking lightly of that truly sacred institution,
+when I say, that there are some cases, in which the pair so offending,
+merit rather our pity, than that abhorrence which those of a more
+rigid virtue, colder constitution, or less under the power of
+temptation, are apt to testify on such occasion.
+
+Rarely, however, it happens, that love is guilty of any thing capable
+of being condemned, even by the most austere; most of the faults
+committed under that sanction, being in reality instigated by some
+other passion, such as avarice and ambition in the one sex, and a
+flame which is too often confounded and mistaken for a pure affection
+in the other.--Yet such is the ill-judging, or careless determination
+of the world, that without making any allowances for circumstances, it
+censures all indiscriminately alike.
+
+The time prefixed for Natura's remaining with his father being but
+fourteen days, as they grew near expired, the family began to talk of
+his going, and orders were given to bespeak a place for him in the
+stage-coach: he had been extremely pleased with Eton, nor had he met
+with any cause of disgust, either at the school or house where he was
+boarded, yet did the thoughts of returning thither give him as much
+disquiet as his young heart was capable of conceiving.--The parting
+from Delia was terrible to him, and the nearer the cruel moment
+approached, the more his anxiety increased.--She seemed also grieved
+to lose so agreeable a companion, and would often tell him she wished
+he was to stay as long as she did.
+
+Though nothing could be more innocent than these declarations on both
+sides, yet what she said had such an effect on Natura, that he
+resolved to delay his return to Eton as long as possible; and that
+passion which he already felt the symptoms of, though equally ignorant
+of their nature or end, being always fertile in invention, put a
+stratagem into his head, which he flattered himself would succeed for
+a somewhat farther continuance of his present happiness.
+
+The day before that prefixed for his going, he pretended a violent
+pain in his head and stomach, and to give the greater credit to his
+pretended indisposition, would eat nothing; and as it drew toward
+evening, cried out he was very sick, and must go to bed.--His father,
+who had the most tender affection for him, could not think of sending
+him away in that condition.--He went in the morning to his bedside,
+and finding him, as he imagined, a little feverish, presently ordered
+a physician, who did not fail to countenance the young gentleman's
+contrivance, either that he really thought him out of order, or that
+he had rendered himself so in good earnest, through abstaining from
+food, a thing very uncommon with him. A prescription was sent to the
+apothecary for him, and a certain regimen directed.
+
+But poor Natura soon found this did not answer his purpose:--he was in
+the same house indeed with his beloved Delia, but had not the pleasure
+of her company, nor even that of barely seeing her, she being forbid
+going near his chamber, on account of the apprehensions they had that
+his complaint might terminate in a fever, and endanger her health.
+
+This, however, was more than he knew, and resentment for her supposed
+indifference, joined with the weariness of living in the manner he
+did, made him resolve to grow well again, and chuse to go to Eton,
+rather than suffer so much for one who seemed so little to regard him.
+
+Accordingly, when they brought him something had been ordered for him
+to take, he refused it, saying, he had not occasion for any more
+physic, and immediately got up, and dressed himself, in spite of all
+the servant that attended him could do to prevent it.--Word being
+carried to his father of what he was doing, he imagined him delirious,
+and immediately got up, and went into his room, nor though he found
+him intirely cool, could be perswaded from his first opinion.--The
+doctor was again sent for, who unwilling to lose his perquisite, made
+a long harangue on the nature of internal fevers, and very learnedly
+proved, or seemed to prove, that they might operate so far as to
+affect the brain, without the least outward symptom.
+
+Natura could not forbear laughing within himself, to hear this great
+man so much mistaken; but when they told him he must take his physic,
+and go to bed, or at least be confined to his chamber, he absolutely
+refused both, and said he was as well as ever he was in his life.--All
+he said, however, availed nothing, and his father was about to make
+use of his authority to force him to obedience to the doctor's
+prescription, when finding no other way to avoid it, he fell on his
+knees, and with tears in his eyes, confessed he had only counterfeited
+sickness, to delay being sent to Eton again; begged his father to
+forgive him; said he was sorry for having attempted to deceive him,
+but was ready to go whenever he pleased.
+
+The father was strangely amazed at the trick had been put upon him;
+and after some severe reprimands on the occasion, asked what he had to
+complain of at Eton, that had rendered him so unwilling to return.
+Natura hesitated at this demand, but could not find in his heart to
+forge any unjust accusation concerning his usage at that place, and at
+last said, that indeed it was only because he had a mind to stay a
+little longer at home with him. On which he told him he was an idle
+boy, but he must not expect that wheedle would serve his turn; for
+since he was not sick, he must go to school the next day: Natura
+renewed his intreaties for pardon, and assured him he now desired
+nothing more than to do as he commanded.
+
+This story made a great noise in the family, and the mother-in-law did
+not fail to represent it in its worst colours to every one that came
+to the house; but Natura having obtained forgiveness from his father,
+did not give himself much trouble as to the rest.--Delia seemed
+rejoiced to see him come down stairs again, but he looked shy upon
+her, and told her he could not have thought she would have been so
+unkind as not to have come to see him; but on her acquainting him with
+the reason of her absence, and protesting it was not her fault, he
+grew as fond of her as ever; and among a great many other tender
+expressions, 'I wish,' said he, 'I were a man, and you a
+woman.'--'Why?' returned she; 'because,' cried he, 'we would be
+married.'--'O fye,' answered the little coquet, 'I should hate you, if
+you thought of any such thing; for I will never be married.' Then
+turned away with an affected scornfulness, and yet looked kindly
+enough upon him from the corner of one eye.--'I am sure,' resumed he,
+'if you loved me as well as I do you, you would like to be married to
+me, for then we should be always together.'--He was going on with
+something farther in this innocent courtship, when some one or other
+of the family, coming into the room, broke it off; and whether it was
+resumed afterwards, or not, I cannot pretend to determine, nor whether
+he had opportunity to take any particular leave of her before his
+departure, which happened, as his father had threatened, the
+succeeding day.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+  Shews, that till we arrive at a certain age, the impressions made on
+  us are easily erased; and also that when those which bear the name
+  of love are once rooted in the mind, there are no lengths to which
+  we may not be transported by that passion, if great care is not
+  taken to prevent its getting the ascendant over reason.
+
+
+The change of scene did not make any change in the sentiments of our
+young lover: Delia was always in his head, and none of the diversions
+he took with his companions could banish her from his thoughts; yet
+did she not so wholly engross his attention, as to render him remiss
+in his studies; his ambition, as I said before, would not suffer him
+to neglect the means of acquiring praise, and nothing was so
+insupportable to him as to find at any time another boy had merited a
+greater share of it: by which we may perceive that this very passion,
+unruly as it is, and in spite of the mischiefs it sometimes occasions,
+is also bestowed upon us for our emolument; and when properly
+directed, is the greatest excitement to all that is noble and
+generous, Natura seldom had the mortification of seeing any of the
+same standing with himself placed above him; and whenever such an
+accident happened, he was sure to retrieve it by an extraordinary
+assiduity.
+
+But to shew that love and business are not wholly incompatible, his
+attachment to Delia did not take him off his learning, nor did his
+application to learning make him forgetful of Delia. He frequently
+thought of her, wished to see her, and longed for the next
+breaking-up, that he might re-enjoy that satisfaction, as he knew she
+intended to stay the whole winter at his father's; but now arrived the
+time to prove the inconstancy of human nature: he became acquainted
+with some other little misses, and by degrees found charms in them,
+which made those he had observed in Delia appear less admirable in his
+eyes; the fondness he had felt for her being in reality instigated
+chiefly by being the only one of his own age he had conversed with, a
+more general acquaintance with others not only wore off the impression
+she had made, but also kept him from receiving too deep a one from the
+particular perfections of any of those he now was pleased with:--it is
+likely, however, that the sight of her might have revived in him some
+part of his former tenderness, had he found her, as he expected he
+should, on his next coming to London: but an elder sister she had in
+the country, happening to die, she was sent for home, in order to
+console their mother for that loss; so that he had not any trial on
+that account; and tho' he thought he should have been glad of her
+society, during his stay in town, yet her absence gave him small
+anxiety; and the variety of company which came to the house on account
+of the baptism of a little son his mother-in-law had lately brought
+into the world, very well atoned for the want of Delia.
+
+Nothing material happening to him during his stay in town at this
+time, nor in any other of the many visits he made his father while he
+continued at Eton, I shall pass over those years, and only say, that
+as he grew nearer to manhood, his passions gathered strength in
+proportion; and tho' he increased in knowledge, yet it was not that
+sort of knowledge which enables us to judge of the emotions we feel
+within ourselves, or to set curbs on those, which to indulge renders
+us liable to inconveniences.
+
+All those propensities, of which he gave such early indications, and
+which I attempted to describe in the beginning of this book, now
+displayed themselves with greater vigour, and according as exterior
+objects presented, or circumstances excited, ruled with alternate
+sway: sparing sometimes to niggardliness, at others profusely
+liberal;--now pleased, now angry;--submissive this moment, arrogant
+and assuming the next;--seldom in a perfect calm, and frequently
+agitated to excess.--Hence arose contests and quarrels, even with
+those whose company in some humours he was most delighted
+with;--insolence to such whose way of thinking did not happen to tally
+with his own, and as partial an attachment to those who either did, or
+pretended to enter into his sentiments.
+
+But as it was only in trivial matters, and such as were meerly boyish,
+he yet had opportunity of exercising the passions, his behaviour only
+served to shew what man would be, when arrived at maturity, if not
+restrained by precept.
+
+He had attained to little more than sixteen years of age, when he had
+gone through all the learning of the school, and was what they call
+fit for the university, to which his father not intending him for the
+study of any particular science, did not think it necessary to send
+him, but rather to bestow on him those other accomplishments, which
+are immediately expected from a gentleman of an estate; such as
+fencing, dancing, and music, and accordingly provided masters to
+instruct him in each, as soon as he came home, which was about the
+time of life I mentioned.
+
+As he was now past the age of being treated as a meer child, and also
+knew better how it would become him to behave to the wife of his
+father, his mother-in-law seemed to live with him in harmony enough,
+and the family at least was not divided into parties as it had been,
+and eighteen or nineteen months past over, without any rub in our
+young gentleman's tranquility.
+
+Since his childish affection for Delia, he had not been possessed of
+what could be called a strong inclination for any particular female;
+though, as many incidents in his life afterwards proved, he had a no
+less amorous propensity than any of his sex, and was equally capable
+of going the greatest lengths for its gratification.
+
+He was but just turned of nineteen, when happening to pass by the
+playhouse one evening, he took it into his head to go in, and see the
+last act of a very celebrated tragedy acted that night.--But it was
+not the poet's or the player's art which so much engaged his
+attention, as the numerous and gay assembly which filled every part of
+the house.--He was in the back bench of one of the front boxes, from
+which he had a full prospect of all who sat below:--but in throwing
+his eyes around on every dazzling belle, he found none so agreeable to
+him as a young lady who was placed in the next division of the
+box:--her age did not seem to exceed his own, and tho' less splendid
+in garb and jewels than several who sat near her, had something in her
+eyes and air, that, in his opinion, at least, infinitely exceeded them
+all.
+
+When the curtain dropt, and every one was crowding out as fast they
+could, he lost not sight of her; and finding when they came out to the
+door, that she, and a companion she had with her, somewhat older than
+herself, seemed distressed for chairs, which by reason of the great
+concourse, seemed difficult to be got, he took the opportunity, in a
+very polite manner, to offer himself for their protector, as he
+perceived they had neither friend nor servant with them. They accepted
+it with a great deal of seeming modesty, and he conducted them through
+a passage belonging to the house which he knew was less thronged, and
+thence put them into a hackney coach, having first obtained their
+permission to attend them to their lodgings, or wherever else they
+pleased to be set down.
+
+When they arrived at the place to which they gave the coachman a
+direction, he would have taken leave of them at the door; but they
+joined in entreating him, that since he had been at the pains of
+bringing them safe home, he would come in and refresh himself with
+such as their apartment could supply: there required little invitation
+to a thing his heart so sincerely wished, tho' his fears of being
+thought too presuming, would not suffer him to ask it.
+
+He went up stairs, and found rooms decently furnished, and a
+maid-servant immediately spread the table with a genteel cold
+collation; but what he looked upon as the most elegant part of the
+entertainment, was the agreeable chit-chat during the time of supper,
+and a song the lady who had so much attracted him, gave him, at her
+friend's request, after the cloth was taken away.
+
+It growing late, his fears of offending where he already had such an
+inclination to oblige, made him about to take his leave; but could not
+do it without intreating permission to wait on them the next day, to
+receive pardon, as he said, for having by his long stay, broke in upon
+the hours should have been devoted to repose. Tho' this compliment,
+and indeed all the others he had made, were directed to both, the
+regard his eyes paid to the youngest, easily shewed the preference he
+secretly gave to her; and as neither of these women wanted experience
+in such affairs, knew very well how to make the most of any advantage.
+'If this lodging were mine,' replied the eldest briskly, 'I should
+have anticipated the request you make; but as I am only a guest, and
+take part of my friend's bed to-night on account of the hour, will
+take upon me to say, she ought not to refuse greater favours to so
+accomplished a gentleman, and from whom we have received so much
+civility.'
+
+Natura did not fail to answer this gallantry in a proper manner, and
+departed highly satisfied with his adventure; tho' probably could find
+less reasons for being so, than those with whom he thought it the
+greatest happiness of his life to have become acquainted.
+
+Wonderful are the workings of love on a young heart: pleasure has the
+same effect as pain, and permits as little rest: it was not in the
+power of Natura to close his eyes for a long time after he went to
+bed.--He recollected every thing the dear creature had said;--in what
+manner she looked, when speaking such or such a thing;--how inchanting
+she sang, and what a genteelness accompanied all she did:--when he
+fell into a slumber, it was only to bring her more perfectly into his
+mind; whatever had past in the few hours he had been with her,
+returned, with additional graces on her part, and her idea had in
+sleep all the effect her real presence could have had in waking.
+
+With what care did he dress himself the next day:--what fears was he
+not possessed of, lest all about him should not be exact:--never yet
+had he consulted the great glass with such assiduity;--never till now
+examined how far he had been indebted to nature for personal
+endowments.
+
+His impatience would have carried him to pay a morning visit, but he
+feared that would be too great a freedom, and therefore restrained
+himself till after dinner, though what he eat could scarce be called
+so; the food his _mind_ languished for, being wanting, the body was
+too complaisant to indulge itself.--After rising from table, not a
+minute passed without looking on his watch, and at the same time
+cursing the tedious seconds, which seemed to him increased from sixty
+to six hundred.--The hour of five at length put an end to his
+suspence, and he took his way to the dear, well-remembered mansion of
+his adorable.
+
+He found her at home, and in a careless, but most becoming
+dishabillee; the other lady was still with her; and told him she had
+tarried thus long with Miss Harriot, for so she called her, meerly to
+participate of the pleasure of his good company. Harriot, in a gay
+manner, accused her of envy, and both having a good share of wit, the
+conversation might have been pleasing enough to a man less
+prepossessed than Natura.
+
+The tea equipage was set, and the ceremony of that being over, cards
+were proposed; as they were three, Ombre was the game, at which they
+played some hours, and Natura was asked to sup.--After what I have
+said, I believe the reader has no occasion to be told that he complied
+with a pleasure which was but too visible in his eyes.--The time
+passed insensibly on, or at least seemed to do so to the friend of
+Harriot, till the watchman reminding her it was past eleven, she
+started up, and pretending a surprize, that the night was so far
+advanced, told Natura that she must exact a second proof of that
+gallantry he had shewn the night before, for she had not courage to go
+either in a chair or a coach alone at that late hour:--this doubtless
+was what he would have offered, had she been silent on the occasion;
+and a coach being ordered to the door, he took leave of miss Harriot,
+though not till he had obtained leave to testify his respects in some
+future visits.
+
+Had Natura appeared to have more experience of the town, the lady he
+gallanted home would certainly not have entertained him with the
+discourse she did; but his extreme youth, and the modest manner of his
+behaviour on the first sight of him, convinced them he was a person
+such as they wished to have in their power, and to that end had
+concerted measures between themselves, to perfect the conquest which,
+it was easy to perceive, one of them had begun to make over him.
+
+Harriot being the person with whom they found he was enamoured, it was
+the business of the other to do for her what, it may be supposed, she
+would have done for her on the like occasion.--Natura was no sooner in
+the coach with her, than she began to magnify the charms of her fair
+friend, but above all extolled her virtue, her prudence, and good
+humour:--then, as if only to give a proof of her patience and
+fortitude, that her parents dying when she was an infant, had left her
+with a vast fortune in the hands of a guardian, who attempting to
+defraud her of the greatest part, she was now at law with him, 'and is
+obliged to live, till the affair is decided,' said this artful woman,
+'in the narrow manner you see,--without a coach,--without any
+equipage; and yet she bears it all with chearfulness:--she has a
+multiplicity of admirers,' added she, 'but she assures all of them,
+that she will never marry, till she knows what present she shall be
+able to give with herself to the man she shall make choice of.'
+
+Till now Natura had never asked himself the question how far his
+passion for Harriot extended, or with what view he should address her;
+but when he heard she was a woman of condition, and would have a
+fortune answerable to her birth, he began to think it would be happy
+for him if he could obtain her love on the most honourable terms.
+
+It would be too tedious to relate all the particulars of his
+courtship; so I shall only say, that humble and timid as the first
+emotions of a sincere passion are, he was emboldened, by the
+extraordinary complaisance of Harriot, to declare it to her in a few
+days.--The art with which she managed on this occasion, might have
+deceived the most knowing in the sex; it is not, therefore,
+surprizing, that he should be caught in a snare, which, though ruinous
+as it had like to have been, had in it allurements scarce possible to
+be withstood at his time of life.
+
+It was by such degrees as the most modest virgin need not blush to
+own, that she confessed herself sensible of an equal tenderness for
+him; and nothing is more strange, than that in the transport he was
+in, at the condescensions she made him, that he did not immediately
+press for the consummation of his happiness by marriage; but tho' he
+wished for nothing so much, yet he was with-held by the fears of his
+father, who he thought would not approve of such a step, as the
+fortune he imagined she had a right to, was yet undetermined, and
+himself, tho' an elder son, and the undoubted heir of a very good
+estate, at present wholly dependant on him.--He communicated his
+sentiments to Harriot on this head with the utmost sincerity,
+protesting at the same time that he should never enjoy a moment's
+tranquility till he could call her his own.
+
+She seemed to approve of the caution he testified;--said it was such
+as she had always resolved religiously to observe herself; 'tho' I
+know not,' cried she, looking on him with the most passionate air,
+'how far I might have been tempted to break thro' all for your sake;
+but it is well one of us is wise enough to foresee and tremble at the
+consequences of a marriage between two persons whose fortunes are
+unestablished.'--Then, finding he made her no other answer than some
+kisses, accompanied with a strenuous embrace, she went on; 'there is a
+way,' resumed she, 'to secure us to each other, without danger of
+disobliging any body; and that is by a contract: I never can be easy,
+while I think there is a possibility of your transferring your
+affection to some other, and if you love me with half that degree of
+tenderness you pretend, you cannot but feel the same anxiety.'
+
+Natura was charmed with this proposition, and it was agreed between
+them, that her lawyer should draw up double contracts in form, which
+should be signed and delivered interchangeably by both parties.
+Accordingly, the very next day, the fatal papers were prepared, and he
+subscribed his name to that which was to remain in her custody, as she
+did her's to that given to him. Each being witnessed by the woman with
+whom he first became acquainted with her, and another person called
+into the room for that purpose.
+
+Natura now considering her as his wife, thought himself intitled to
+take greater liberties than he had ever presumed to do before, and she
+had also a kind of a pretence for permitting them, till at last there
+remained nothing more for him to ask, or her to grant.
+
+Enjoyment made no abatement in his passion; his fondness was rather
+increased by it, and he never thought himself happy, but when with
+her; he went to her almost every night, and sometimes passed all night
+with her, having made an interest with one of the servants, who let
+him in at whatever hour he came:--so totally did she engross his mind,
+that he seemed to have not the least attention for any thing beside:
+nor was the time he wasted with her all the prejudice she did
+him:--all the allowance made him by his father for cloaths and other
+expences, he dissipated in treats and presents to her, running in debt
+for every thing he had occasion for.
+
+But this was insufficient for her expectations; she wanted a sum of
+money, and pretending that her law-suit required a hundred guineas
+immediately, and that some remittances she was to have from the
+country would come too late, told him he must raise it for her some
+way or other.
+
+This demand was a kind of thunder-stroke to Natura; not but he doated
+on her enough to have sacrificed infinitely more to her desires, if in
+his power; but what she asked seemed so wholly out of reach, that he
+knew not any way by which there was the least probability of attaining
+it. The embarrassment that appeared in his countenance made her see it
+was not so easy for him to grant, as it was for her to ask. 'I should
+have wanted courage,' said she, 'to have made you this request, had I
+not considered that what is mine must one day be yours, and it will be
+your own unhappiness as well as mine, should my cause miscarry for
+want of means to carry it on.'--'Severe necessity!' added she, letting
+fall some tears, 'that reduces me to intreat favours where I could
+wish only to bestow them.'
+
+These words destroyed all the remains of prudence his love had left in
+him; he embraced her, kissed away her tears, and assured her that
+though, as he was under age, and had but a small allowance from his
+father, it was not at this time very easy for him to comply with her
+demand, yet she might depend upon him for the money the next day, let
+it cost what it would, or whatever should be the consequence.
+
+He left her that night much sooner than was his custom, in order to
+consult within himself on the means of fulfilling his promise to her,
+which, to have failed in, would have been more terrible to him than
+death.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+  That to indulge any one fault, brings with it the temptation of
+  committing others, is demonstrated by the behaviour of Natura, and
+  the misfortunes and disgrace which an ill-judged shame had like to
+  have involved him in.
+
+
+Never had Natura experienced so cruel a night; a thousand stratagems
+came into his head, but for some reason or other all seemed alike
+impracticable, and the morning found him in no more easy a
+situation.--He put on his cloaths hastily, and resolved to go to all
+the acquaintance he had in the world, and try the friendship of each,
+by borrowing what sums he thought they might be able to spare: but
+first, going into his father's closet, as was his custom every morning
+to pay his duty to him, he found a person with him who was paying him
+a large sum of money: the sight of what he so much wanted filled him
+with inexpressible agitations:--he would have given almost a limb to
+have had in his possession so much of that shining ore as Harriot
+expected from him; and wished that some sudden accident, even to the
+falling of the house, would happen, that in the confusion he might
+seize on some part of the treasure he saw before him.
+
+The person, after the affair which brought him there was over, took
+leave of the father of Natura, who having thrown the money into his
+bureau, to a large heap was there before, waited on him down stairs,
+without staying to lock the drawer.
+
+Often had Natura been present when his father received larger sums
+than this, and doubtless had the same opportunity as now to make
+himself master of some part, or all of it; but never till this unhappy
+exigence had the least temptation to do so.--It came into his head
+that the accident was perfectly providential, and that he ought not to
+neglect the only means by which he could perform his promise;--that
+his father could very well spare the sum he wanted, and that it was
+only taking before the time what by inheritance must be his own
+hereafter.--In this imagination he opened the drawer, and was about to
+pursue his intention, when he recollected that the money would
+certainly be missed, and either the fault be laid upon some innocent
+person, who might suffer for his crime; or he himself would be
+suspected of a thing, which, in this second thought, he found so mean
+and wicked, that he was shocked almost to death, for having been
+capable of even a wish to be guilty of it.--He shut the drawer
+again,--turned himself away, and was in the utmost confusion of mind,
+when his father returned into the room; which shews that there is a
+native honesty in the human nature, which nothing but a long practice
+of base actions can wholly eradicate: and I dare believe that even
+those we see most hardened in vice, have felt severe struggles within
+themselves at first, and have often looked back upon the paths of
+virtue, wishing, tho' fruitlesly, to return.
+
+Natura, however, did not give over his pursuit of the means of
+performing his promise: on the contrary, he thought himself obliged by
+all the ties of love, honour, and even self-interest, to do it; but
+difficult as he believed the task would be, he found it much more so
+than he could even have imagined: his intimacy being only with such,
+as being much of his own age, and like him were at an allowance from
+their parents or guardians, it was not in the power of any of them to
+contribute a large sum toward making up that he wanted; the most he
+got from any one being no more than five guineas, and all he raised
+among the whole amounted to no more than twenty, and some odd pounds.
+
+Distracted with his ill fortune, he ventured to go to an uncle he had
+by the mother's side, and after many complaints of his father's
+parsimony, told him, that having been drawn into some expences, which,
+though not extravagant, were more than his little purse could supply,
+he had broke into some money given him to pay his taylor, whom he
+feared would demand it of his father, and he knew not how far the
+ill-will of his mother-in-law might exaggerate the matter; concluding
+with an humble petition for twenty guineas, which he told him he would
+faithfully return by degrees.
+
+As Natura had the character of a sober youth, the good old gentleman
+was moved by the distress he saw him in, and readily granted his
+request, tho' not without some admonitions to confine for the future
+his expences to his allowance, be it ever so small.
+
+Thus Natura having with all his diligence not been able to raise quite
+half of the sum in question, was quite distracted what to do, and as
+he afterwards owned, more than once repented him of those scruples
+which had prevented him from serving himself at once out of his
+father's purse; tho' had the same opportunity again presented itself,
+it is scarce possible to believe by the rest of his behaviour, that he
+would have made use of it, or if he had, that he could have survived
+the shame and remorse it would have caused in him.
+
+In his desperation he ran at last to the house of a noted
+money-scrivener, a great acquaintance of the family, and in his whose
+hands his father frequently reposed his ready cash: to this man he
+communicates his distress, and easily prevails with him to let him
+have fifty pounds, on giving him a note to pay him an hundred for it
+when he should come of age, his father having said he would then make
+a settlement on him.
+
+This, however, was still somewhat short of what Harriot had demanded;
+but he left his watch at a pawn-broker's for the rest; and having
+compleated the sum, went transported with joy, and threw it into the
+lap of that idol of his soul; after which, he was for some days
+perfectly at ease, indulging himself with all he at present wished
+for, and losing no time in thought of what might happen to interrupt
+his happiness.
+
+But while he battened in the sun-shine of his pleasures, storms of
+vexation were gathering over his head, which, when he least expected
+such a shock, poured all their force upon him.
+
+The first time his uncle happened to see his father, he fell on the
+topic of the necessity there was for young gentlemen born to estates,
+and educated in a liberal manner, to be enabled to keep his equals
+company; adding, that if the parsimony of a parent, denied them an
+allowance, agreeable to their rank, it might either drive them to ill
+courses, or force them to associate themselves only with mean,
+low-bred people, among whom they might lose all the politeness had
+been inculcated into them. The father of Natura, well knowing he had
+nothing to answer for on this account, never suspected this discourse
+was directed to him in particular, and joined in his brother-in-law's
+opinion, heartily blaming those parents, who, by being too sparing to
+their children, destroyed all natural affection in them, and gave them
+some sort of an excuse for wishing for their death:--he thanked God he
+was not of that disposition, and then told him what he allowed per
+quarter to Natura, 'with which,' added he, 'I believe he is intirely
+satisfied.' The other replying, that indeed he thought it more than
+sufficient, the conversation dropped; but what sentiments he now began
+to conceive of his nephew it is easy to conceive; the father however
+thought no farther of this, till soon after the scrivener came to wait
+on him:--he was a perfect honest man, and had lent Natura the money
+meerly to prevent his applying to some other person, who possibly
+might have taken advantage of his thoughtlessness, so far as even to
+have brought on his utter ruin, too many such examples daily happening
+in the world: to deter him also from going on in this course, he
+demanded that exorbitant interest for his money abovementioned, which,
+notwithstanding, as he assured his father, in relating to him the
+whole transaction, he was far from any intention to make him pay.
+
+Never was astonishment greater than that in which the father of Natura
+was now involved;--the discourse of his brother-in-law now came fresh
+into his mind, and he recollected some words which, tho' he did not
+observe at the time they were spoken, now convinced him had a meaning
+which he could not have imagined there was any room for.--He had no
+sooner parted from the scrivener, than he flew to that gentleman, and
+having related to him what had passed between him and the scrivener,
+conjured him, if he could give him any farther lights into the affair,
+not to keep him in ignorance: on which the other thought it his duty
+to conceal nothing, either of the complaints, or request had been made
+him by his nephew:--after some exclamations on the extravagance and
+thoughtlessness of youth, the afflicted father went in search of more
+discoveries, which he found it but too easy to make among the
+tradesmen, all of whom he found had been unpaid for some time.
+
+It would be needless to go about to make any description of the
+confusion of mind he was in:--he shut himself in his closet, uncertain
+for some time how he should proceed; at last, as he considered there
+was not a possibility of reclaiming his son from whatever vice had led
+him thus all at once into such extravagancies, without first knowing
+what kind of vice it was; he resolved to talk to him, and penetrate,
+if possible, into the source of this evil.
+
+Accordingly the next morning he went into the chamber where Natura was
+yet in bed; and began to entertain him in the manner he had proposed
+to himself:--first, he let him know, that he was not unacquainted with
+every step he had taken for raising a sum, which he could not conceive
+he had any occasion for, as well as his having with-held the money he
+had given him to discharge his tradesmen's bills:--then proceeded to
+set before his eyes the folly and danger of having hid, at his years,
+any secrets from a parent; concluding with telling him, he had yet a
+heart capable or forgiving what was past, provided he would behave in
+a different manner for the future.
+
+What Natura felt at finding so much of what he had done revealed to
+his father, was greatly alleviated, by perceiving that the main thing,
+his engagement with Harriot, was a secret to him:--he did not fail to
+make large promises of being a better oeconomist, nor to express the
+most dutiful gratitude for the pardon the good old gentleman so
+readily offered; but this he told him was not sufficient to deserve a
+re-establishment in his favour, he must also give him a faithful
+account by what company, and for what purposes he had been induced to
+such ill husbandry; 'for,' added he, 'without a sincere confession of
+the motives of our past transactions, there can be little assurances
+of future amendment.'
+
+Natura to this only answered, that it was impossible to recount the
+particulars of his expences, and made so many evasions, on his
+father's still continuing to press his being more explicit, that he
+easily perceived there would be no coming at the truth by gentle
+means; and therefore, throwing off at once a tenderness so
+ineffectual, he assumed all the authority of an offended parent, and
+told the trembling Natura, that since he knew not how to behave as a
+_son_, he should cease to be a _father_, in every thing but in his
+authority:--'be assured,' said be, 'I shall take sure measures to
+prevent you from bringing either ruin or disgrace upon a family of
+which you are the first profligate:--this chamber must be your prison,
+till I have considered in what fashion I shall dispose of you.'
+
+With these words he flung out of the room, locking the door after him;
+so that when Natura rose, as he immediately did, he found himself
+indeed under confinement, which seemed so shameful a thing to him, that
+he was ready to tear himself in pieces:--it was not the grief of having
+offended so good a father, but the disgrace of the punishment inflicted
+on him, which gave him the most poignant anguish, and far from feeling
+any true contrition, he was all rage and madness, which having no means
+to vent in words, discovered itself in sullenness:--when the servant to
+whom he intrusted the key came in to bring him food, he refused to eat,
+and could scarce restrain himself from throwing in the man's face what
+he had brought.
+
+It is certain, that while under this circumstance, he was agitated at
+once by every different unruly passion:--pride, anger, spleen,
+thinking himself a man, at finding the treatment of a _boy_, made him
+almost hate the person from whom he received it.--The apprehensions
+what farther meaning might be couched in the menace with which his
+father left him, threw him sometimes into a terror little different
+from convulsive;--but above all, his impatience for seeing his dear
+Harriot, and the surprize, the grief, and perhaps the resentment, he
+imagined she must feel on his absenting himself, drove him into a kind
+of despair.
+
+In fine, unable to sustain the violence of his agitations, on the
+third night, regardless of what consequences might ensue from giving
+this additional cause of displeasure to his father, he found means to
+push back the lock of his chamber, and flew down stairs, and out at
+the street-door with so much speed, that it would have been impossible
+to have stopped him, had any one heard him, which none happened to do,
+it being midnight, and all the family in a sound sleep.
+
+That he went directly to the lodgings of Harriot, I believe my reader
+will make no doubt; but perhaps her character does not yet enough
+appear, to give any suspicion of the reception he found there.
+
+In effect, she was no other than one of those common creatures, who
+procure a miserable subsistance by the prostitution of their charms;
+and as nature had not been sparing to her on that score, and she was
+yet young, though less so than she appeared thro' art, she wanted not
+a number of gallants, who all contributed, more or less, to her living
+in the manner she did: several of these had happened to come when
+Natura was with her; but she having had the precaution to acquaint
+them with her design of drawing in this young spark for a husband,
+they took the cue she gave them, each passing before him either for a
+cousin, or one of the lawyers employed in her pretended suit.
+
+It was with one of these equally happy, tho' less deluded rivals of
+Natura, that finding he did not come, she had agreed to pass this
+night; and her maid, as the servants of such women, for the most part,
+imitate their mistresses, happened to be at the door, either about to
+introduce, or let out a lover of her own;--the sight of a man at that
+time of night, with one who belonged to his beloved, immediately fired
+Natura with jealousy:--he seized the fellow by the collar, and in a
+voice hoarse with rage, asked him what business he had there? To which
+the other replied only with a blow on the face, the wench shrieked out,
+but Natura was either stronger or more nimble than his competitor; he
+presently tripped up his heels, and ran up stairs.--Harriot and her
+lover hearing somewhat of a scuffle, the latter started out of bed, and
+opened the chamber-door, in order to listen what had occasioned it,
+just as Natura had reached the stair-case.--If his soul was inflamed
+before, what must it now have been, to see a man in his shirt, and just
+risen from the arms of Harriot, who still lay trembling in bed:--he
+flew upon him like an incensed lion; but the other being more robust,
+soon disengaged himself and snatching his sword, which lay on a table
+near the door, was going to put an end to the life of his disturber;
+when Harriot cried out, 'Hold! hold!--for heaven's sake!--It is my
+husband!'--Natura having no weapon wherewith he might defend himself,
+or hurt his adversary, revenge gave way to self-preservation; and only
+saying, 'husband, no;--I will die rather than be the husband of so vile
+a woman,' run down with the same precipitation he had come up.
+
+Impossible it is to describe the condition of his mind when got into
+the street:--his once violent affection was now converted into the
+extremest hatred and contempt;--he detested not only Harriot, and the
+whole sex, but even himself, for having been made the dupe of so
+unworthy a creature, and could have tore out his own heart, for having
+joined with her in deceiving him.--Having wandered about some time,
+giving a loose to his fury, the considerations of what he should do,
+at last took their turn:--home he could not go, the servant who used
+to admit him knew nothing of his being out, and he durst not alarm the
+family by knocking at the door, having passed by several times, and
+found all fast.
+
+In this perplexity, as he went through a street he had not been used
+to frequent, he saw a door open, and a great light in a kind of hall,
+with servants attending:--he asked one of them to whom it belonged,
+and was told it was a gaming-house, on which he went in, not with any
+desire of playing, but to pass away some time; finding a great deal of
+company there, he notwithstanding engaged himself at one of the
+tables, and tho' he was not in a humour which would permit him to
+exert much skill, he won considerably.
+
+The company did not break up till five in the morning, and he then
+growing drowsy, and yet unable to find any excuse to make to his
+father, he could not think of seeing his face, so went to a bagnio to
+take that repose he had sufficient need of, the fatigues of his mind
+having never suffered him to enjoy any sound sleep, since his father's
+discovery of the extravagance he had been guilty of.
+
+On his awaking, the transaction of the preceding night returned to his
+remembrance with all its galling circumstances, and the more he
+reflected on his disobedience to his father, the less he could endure
+the thoughts of coming into his presence:--in fine, that shame which
+so often prevents people from doing amiss, was now the motive which
+restrained him from doing what he ought to have done.--Had he
+immediately gone home, thrown himself at his father's feet, and
+confessed the truth, his youthful errors had doubtless merited
+forgiveness; but this, though he knew it was both his duty, and his
+interest, he could not prevail on himself to do; and to avoid the
+rebukes he was sensible were due to his transgressions, he resolved to
+hide himself as long as he could from the faces of all those who had a
+right to make them.
+
+In fine, he led the life of a perfect vagabond, sculking from one
+place to another, and keeping company with none but gamesters, rakes,
+and sharpers, falling into all manner of dissolution; and whenever his
+reason remonstrated any thing to him on these vicious courses, he
+would then, to banish remorse for one fault, fly to others, yet worse,
+and more destructive.
+
+It is true, he often looked back upon his _former_ behaviour, and was
+struck with horror at comparing it with the _present_;--the reflection
+too how much his mother-in-law might take advantage of the just
+displeasure of his father against him, to prejudice him in his future
+fortune, even to cause him to be disinherited, sometimes most cruelly
+alarmed him; yet, not all this, nor the wants he was plunged in on an
+ill run at play, (which was the sole means by which he subsisted) were
+sufficient to bring him to do that which he now even wished to do,
+tired with the conversation of those profligates, and secretly shocked
+at the scenes of libertinism he was a daily witness of.
+
+His thoughts thus divided and perplexed, he at length fell into a kind
+of despair; and not caring what became of himself, he resolved to
+enter on board some ship, and never see England again, unless fortune
+should do more than he had reason to hope for in his favour.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+  Shews the great force of natural affection and the good effects it
+  has over a grateful mind.
+
+
+If children could be sensible of parental tenderness, or knew what
+racking cares attend every misdoing of an offending offspring, the
+heart of Natura would have been so much touched with what his father
+endured on his account, as to have enabled him to have got the better
+of that guilty shame, which alone hindered him from submitting to him;
+but conscious of deferring only the severest reproofs, he could not
+flatter himself there was a hope of ever being reinstated in that
+affection he had once possessed, and was too proud to content himself
+with less.
+
+That afflicted parent being informed of his son's flight, spared no
+cost or pains to find out the place of his retreat; but all his
+enquiries were in vain, and he was wholly in the dark, till it came
+into his head to search a little escritore which stood in his chamber,
+and of which he had taken away the key: on breaking it open, he found
+the counterpart of his contract with Harriot, and by that discovery
+was no longer at a loss for the motives which had obliged his son to
+raise money, not doubting but the woman was either extremely indigent;
+or a jilt: but to think the heir of his estate had been so weak as to
+enter into so solemn and irretrievable an engagement, with a person of
+either of these characters, gave him an inexpressible disquiet. All
+his endeavours were now bent on finding her out, not in the least
+questioning but his son was with her: the task was pretty difficult,
+the contract discovering no more of her than her name, and the parish
+in which she lived; yet did the emissaries he employed at last
+surmount it: they brought him word not only of the exact place where
+she lodged, but also of her character, as they learned it from the
+neighbours; they heard also that a young gentleman, whose description
+answered that of Natura, had been often seen with her, and that she
+had given out she was married to him.
+
+The father having received this information, consulted with his
+brother-in-law what course was to be taken, and both being of opinion,
+that should any enquiry be made concerning Natura, it would only
+oblige them to quit their lodgings, and fly to some place where,
+perhaps, it would be more difficult to trace them; it was agreed to
+get a lord chief justice's warrant, and search her lodgings, without
+giving any previous alarm.
+
+This was no sooner resolved than put in execution: the father and
+uncle, attended by proper officers, burst into the house, and examined
+carefully every part of it; but not finding him, they sought, and
+perfectly perswaded Harriot could give intelligence of him, they
+threatened her severely, and here she displayed herself in her proper
+colours;--nothing ever behaved with greater impudence:--she told them,
+that she knew nothing of the fool they wanted; but if she could find
+him, would make him know what the obligations between them exacted
+from him: in fine, it was easy for them to perceive, there was nothing
+satisfactory to be obtained from her, and they departed with akeing
+hearts, but left not the street without securing to their interest a
+person in the neighbourhood, who promised to keep a continual eye upon
+her door, and if they ever saw the young gentleman go in, to send them
+immediate notice.
+
+It is needless to acquaint the reader how fruitless this precaution
+was: Natura was far from any inclination ever more to enter that
+detested house, and in that desponding humour, already mentioned, had
+certainly left the kingdom, and compleated his utter undoing, if
+Providence had not averted his design, by the most unexpected means.
+
+He was at Wapping, in the company of some persons who used the sea, in
+order to get into some ship, he cared not in what station, when a
+young man, clerk to an eminent merchant of his father's acquaintance,
+happened to come in, to enquire after the master of a vessel, by whom
+some goods belonging to his master were to be shipped: he had often
+seen Natura, and though much altered by his late way of living, knew
+him to be the person whom he had heard so great a search had been made
+after: he took no notice of him however, as he found the other bent
+earnestly in discourse did not observe him, but privately informed
+himself of all he could relating to his business there, and as soon as
+he came home acquainted his master with the discovery he had made, who
+did not fail to let his father know it directly.
+
+It is hard to say, whether joy at hearing of his son, or grief at
+hearing he was in so miserable a condition, was most predominant in
+him; but the first emotions of both being a little moderated, the
+consideration of what was to be done, took place:--the clerk having
+found out that he was lodged in an obscure house at that place, in
+order to get on board the first ship that sailed, the father would
+needs go himself, and the merchant offering to accompany him in their
+little journey, a plan of proceeding was formed between them, which
+was executed in the following manner.
+
+They went together into a tavern, and sent to the house the clerk had
+directed, under pretence, that hearing a young man was there who had
+an inclination for the sea, a master of a ship would be glad to treat
+with him on that affair.--Natura, happily for him, not having yet an
+opportunity of engaging himself, obeyed the summons, and followed the
+messenger:--his father withdrew into another room, but so near as to
+hear what passed, and there was only the merchant to receive him; but
+the sight of one he so little expected in that place, and whom he knew
+was so intimate in their family, threw him into a most terrible
+consternation. He started back, and had certainly quitted the house,
+if the merchant, aware of his intention, had not catched hold of him,
+and getting between him and the door, compelled him to sit down while
+he talked to him.
+
+He began with asking what had induced him to think of leaving England
+in the manner he was going to do;--reminded him of the estate to which
+he was born, the family from which he was descended, and the education
+which he had received; and then set before his eyes the tenderness
+with which his father had used him, the grief to which he had exposed
+him, and above all the madness of his present intentions:--Natura knew
+all this as well as he that remonstrated to him; but as he had not
+been capable of listening to his own reflections on that head, all
+that was said had not the least effect upon him, and the merchant
+could get no other answer from him, than that as things had happened,
+he had no other course to take.
+
+The truth was, that as he could not imagine by what means the merchant
+was apprized of his design, he thought his father was also not
+ignorant of it; and as he did not vouchsafe either to come in person,
+or send any message to him from himself, and perhaps was even ignorant
+that the merchant had any intention of reclaiming him, he looked upon
+it as a confirmation of his having intirely thrown off all care of
+him, and in this supposition he became more resolute than ever in his
+mind, to go where he never might be heard of more.
+
+'What though,' said the merchant, 'you have been guilty of some
+youthful extravagancies, I am perfectly assured there requires no more
+than your submitting to intreat forgiveness, to receive: come,'
+continued he, 'I will undertake to be your mediator, and dare answer I
+shall prevail.'--'No, sir,' replied Natura, 'I am conscious of having
+offended beyond all possibility of a pardon;--nor can I ever bear to
+see my father again.'
+
+The merchant laboured all he could to overcome this mingled pride and
+shame, which he perceived was the only obstacle to his return to duty;
+but to no purpose, Natura continued obstinate and inflexible, till his
+father, having no longer patience to keep himself concealed, rushed
+into the room, and looking on his son with a countenance which, in
+spite of all the severity he had endeavoured to assume, betrayed only
+tenderness and grief.--'So, young man,' said he, 'you think it then my
+place to seek a reconciliation, and are perhaps too stubborn to accept
+forgiveness, even though I should condescend to offer it.'
+
+Natura was so thunderstruck at the appearance of his father, and the
+manner in which he accosted him, that he was far from being able to
+speak one word, but threw himself at his feet, with a look which
+testified nothing but confusion: that action, however, denoting that
+he had not altogether forgot himself, melted the father's heart; he
+raised him, and forcing him to sit down in a chair close by him;
+'Well, Natura,' said he, 'you have been disobedient to an excess; I
+wish it were possible for your distresses to have given you a remorse
+in proportion;--I am still a _father_, if you can be a _son._'--He
+would have proceeded, but was not able:--the meagre aspect, dejected
+air, and wretched appearance of a son so dear to him, threw him into a
+condition which destroyed all the power of maintaining that reserve
+which he thought necessary to his character.
+
+Natura, on the other hand, was so overcome with the unhoped-for
+gentleness of his behaviour, that he burst into a flood of
+tears.--Filial gratitude and love, joined with the thoughts of what he
+had done to deserve a far different treatment, so overwhelmed his
+heart, that he could express himself no other way than by falling on
+his knees a second time, and embracing the legs of his father, with a
+transport, I know not whether to say of grief or joy; continued in
+that posture for a considerable time, overwhelmed at once with shame,
+with gratitude, and love:--at length, gaining the power of
+utterance,--'O sir,' cried he, 'how unworthy am I of your
+goodness!'--but then recollecting as it were somewhat more; 'yet
+sure,' pursued he, 'it is not possible you can forgive me all.--I have
+been guilty of worse than, perhaps, you yet have been informed of:--I
+am a wretch who have devoted myself to infamy and destruction, and you
+cannot, nay ought not to forgive me.'
+
+The father was indeed very much alarmed at this expression, as fearing
+it imported his distresses had drove him to be guilty of some crime of
+which the law takes cognizance.--'I hope,' said he, 'your having
+signed a contract with an abandoned prostitute, is the worst action of
+your life?'
+
+It is impossible to describe the pleasure with which Natura found his
+father was apprized of this affair, without being obliged to relate it
+himself, as he was now determined to have done:--all his obduracy
+being now intirely vanquished, and converted into the most tender,
+affectionate, and dutiful submission.
+
+'Can there be a worse?' replied he, renewing his embraces, 'and can
+you know it, and yet vouchsafe to look on me as your son!'--'If your
+penitence be sincere,' said the good old gentleman, 'I neither can,
+nor ought refuse to pardon all:--but rise,' continued he, 'and freely
+give this worthy friend and myself, the satisfaction we require;--a
+full confession of all your misbehaviour, is the only attonement you
+can make, and that I can expect from you:--remember I have signed your
+pardon for all that is past, but shall not include in it any future
+acts of disobedience, among which, dissimulation, evasion or
+concealment, in what I demand to be laid open, I shall look upon as of
+the worst and most incorrigible kind.'
+
+He needed not have laid so strong an injunction on the now truly
+contrite Natura;--he disguised nothing of what he had done, even to
+the mean arts of gaming, to which he had been obliged to have recourse
+after his voluntary banishment from all his friends; and then painted
+the horrors he conceived at the things he daily saw, and the despair
+which had induced him to leave England, in such lively colours, that
+not only his father, but the merchant, were affected by it, even to
+the letting fall some tears.
+
+But not to be too tedious in this part of my narration, never was
+there a more perfect reconciliation:--the father till now knew not how
+much he loved his son, nor the son before felt half that dutiful
+affection and esteem for his father.
+
+It now remained to conclude how the forgiven youth was to be
+disposed:--there were two reasons which rendered it imprudent for him
+to go home; first, on the score of his mother-in-law, who being better
+informed than her husband could have wished, of the errors of his son,
+he feared would have behaved to him in a fashion which, he easily
+foresaw, would be attended with many inconveniences; even perhaps to
+the driving him back into his late vicious courses; and secondly, on
+that of the contract, which it would be more difficult to get Harriot
+to relinquish, if Natura were known to be re-established in his
+father's favour, than if concealed and supposed still in disgrace with
+him.--The generous merchant made an offer of an apartment in his
+house; but Natura, who had not seen his sister of a long time,
+proposed a visit to her; as thinking the society of that dear and
+prudent relation, would not only console, but establish him in virtue.
+
+The father listened to both, and after some little deliberation, told
+his son, that he approved of his going to his sister for a month or
+two, or three, at his own option; 'but,' said he, 'it is not fit a
+young man like you should bury yourself for any long time in the
+country;--you are now of a right age to travel, and I would have you
+enlarge your understanding by the sight of foreign manners and
+customs:--I would, therefore, have you make a short visit to my
+daughter, after which, accept of my friend's invitation, and in the
+mean time I shall prepare things proper for your making the tour of
+Europe, under a governor who may keep you in due limits.'
+
+Had Natura never offended his father, the utmost he could have wished
+from his indulgence, was a proposal of this kind:--he was in a perfect
+extasy, and knew not how sufficiently to express his gratitude and
+satisfaction; on talking, however, more particularly on the affair, it
+was agreed he should go first to the merchant's, in order to be new
+cloathed, and recover some part of those good looks his late dissolute
+way of life had so much impaired.
+
+Every thing being settled so much to the advantage of Natura, even a
+few hours made some alteration in his countenance; so greatly does the
+ease of the mind contribute to the welfare of the body!--he parted not
+till night from this indulgent parent, when he went home with the
+merchant, and had the next day tradesmen of all kinds sent for, who
+had orders to provide, in their several ways, every thing necessary
+for a young gentleman born to the estate he was.--As youth is little
+regardless of futurity, he forgot, for a time, what consequences might
+possibly attend his contract with Harriot, and was as perfectly at
+ease, as if no such thing had ever happened. When fully equipped, he
+went down into that country where his sister lived, and if the least
+thought of his former transactions remained in him, they were now
+intirely dissipated, by the kind reception he there met with, and the
+entertainments made for him by the neighbouring gentry.
+
+But his heart being bent on his travels, and receiving a letter from
+his father, wherein he acquainted him that all things were ready for
+his departure, he took leave of the country, after a stay of about
+nine weeks, and returned to the merchant's, where his father soon came
+to see him, and told him, he had provided a governor for him, who had
+served several of the sons of the nobility in that capacity, and was
+perfectly acquainted with the languages and manners of the countries
+through which they were to pass.
+
+This tender parent moreover acquainted him, that having consulted the
+lawyers, on the score of that unhappy obligation he had laid himself
+under to Harriot, and finding they had given it as their assured
+opinion, that it was drawn up in the most binding and authentic
+manner, he had offered that creature a hundred guineas to give up her
+claim; but she had obstinately rejected his proposal, and seemed
+determined to compel him to the performance of his contract; or in
+case he married any other woman, to prosecute him for the moiety of
+whatever portion he should receive with her.
+
+The mention of this woman, who had given Natura so much disquiet, and
+who indeed had been the primary cause of all his follies and
+misfortunes, together with the thoughts of what future inconveniencies
+she might involve him in, both on the account of his fortune and
+reputation, made him relapse into his former agitations, and
+afterwards rendered him extremely pensive, and he could not forbear
+crying out, that he would chuse rather to abandon England for ever,
+and, pass the whole remainder of his days in foreign climates, than
+yield to become the prey any way of so wicked, so infamous a wretch,
+'whom,' said he, 'I shall never think on, without hating myself for
+having ever loved.'
+
+The good-natured merchant, as well as his father, perceiving these
+reflections began to take too much root in him, joined in endeavouring
+to alleviate the asperity of them, by telling him, that it was their
+opinion, as indeed it seemed highly probable, that when he was once
+gone, she would be more easily prevailed upon; especially as the
+reconciliation between him and his father was to be kept an inviolable
+secret. The old gentleman also added, in order to make him easy, that
+how exorbitant soever she might be in her demands, and whatever it
+should cost, though it were the half of his estate, he would rid him
+of the contract; which second proof of paternal affection, renewed in
+Natura, as well it might, fresh sentiments of love, joy, and duty; and
+the same promise being again and again reiterated, he soon resumed his
+former chearfulness, and thought of nothing but the new scenes he was
+going to pass through.
+
+In fine, not many days elapsed before he departed, with his governor
+and one footman, who had been an antient servant in the family.--As
+their first route was to France, they went in the Dover stage, and
+thence embarked for Calais, without any thing material happening,
+except it were, that on sight of the ocean, Natura was fired with a
+devout rhapsody at the thoughts of finding himself upon it, in a
+manner so vastly different from that in which, but a few months since,
+his despair had led him to project; and the resolution he made within
+himself never to be guilty of any thing hereafter, which should
+occasion a blush on his own face, or incur the displeasure of a
+father, to whom he looked upon himself as much more indebted, for the
+forgiveness he had received, than for being the author of his
+existence.
+
+So great an effect has mercy and benevolence over a heart not hardened
+by a long practice of vice! How far Natura persevered in these good
+intentions, we shall hereafter see; but the very ability of forming
+them, shews that there is a native gratitude and generosity in the
+human mind, which, in spite of the prevalence of unruly passions,
+will, at sometimes, shine forth, even in the most thoughtless and
+inconsiderate.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+BOOK the Second.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+  The inconsideration and instability of youth; when unrestrained by
+  authority, is here exemplified, in an odd adventure Natura embarked
+  in with two nuns, after the death of his governor.
+
+
+Novelty has charms for persons of all ages, but more especially in
+youth, when manhood is unripened by maturity, when all the passions
+are afloat, and reason not sufficiently established in her throne by
+experience and reflection, the mind is fluctuating, easily carried
+down the stream of every different inclination that invites, and
+seldom or never has a constant bent.
+
+From seventeen or eighteen to one or two and twenty, I look upon to be
+that season of life in which all the errors we commit, will admit of
+most excuse, because we are then at an age to think ourselves men,
+without the power of acting as becomes reasonable men. It was in the
+midst of this dangerous time, that Natura set out in order to make the
+tour of Europe, and his governor dying soon after their arrival in
+Paris, our young traveller was left to himself, and at liberty to
+pursue whatever he had a fancy for.
+
+The death of this gentleman was in effect a very great misfortune to
+Natura; but as at his time of life we are all too apt to be impatient
+under any restraint, tho' never so mild and reasonable, he did not
+consider it in that light; and therefore less lamented his loss, than
+his good nature would have made him do, had he been the companion of
+his travels in any other station than that of governor, the very name
+of which implied a right of direction over his behaviour, and a power
+delegated by his father of circumscribing every thing he did. I
+believe, whoever looks back upon himself at that age, will be
+convinced by the retrospect, that there was nothing wonderful in
+Natura's imagining he had now discretion enough to regulate his
+conduct, without being under the controul of any person whatever; and
+could not, for that reason, be much afflicted at being eased of a
+subordination not at all agreeable to his humour, and which he thought
+he had not the least occasion for.
+
+The baron d' Eyrac had often invited him to pass some days with him,
+at a fine villa he had about some ten leagues from Paris; but his
+governor not having approved that visit, he had hitherto declined
+it.--He now, however, took it into his head to go, and as the distance
+was so short, went on horseback, attended by his footman, with a
+portmanteau containing some linnen and cloaths, his intention being to
+remain there while the baron stayed, which, as he was informed, would
+be three weeks, or a month;--it being then the season for hunting, and
+that part of the country well suited for the diversion.
+
+He had been on a party of pleasure a considerable way on this road
+before, so thought he had no occasion for a guide, and that he should
+easily be directed to the house; but it so happened that being got
+about twenty miles from Paris he missed his route, and took one the
+direct contrary, and which at last brought him to the entrance of a
+very thick wood:--there was not the least appearance of any human
+creature, nor the habitation of one, and he was beginning to consult
+with his servant whether to go back, or proceed till they should
+arrive at some town or village for refreshment, when all at once there
+fell the most terrible shower of hail and rain, accompanied with
+thunder, that ever was heard;--this determined them to go into the
+wood for shelter:--the storm continued till night, and it was then so
+dark, that they could distinguish nothing:--they wandered, however,
+leading their horses in their hands, for it was impossible to ride,
+hoping to find some path, by which they might extricate themselves out
+of that horrid labyrinth.
+
+Some hours were passed in this perplexed situation, and Natura
+expected no better than to remain there till morning, when he heard a
+voice at a little distance, cry, 'Who goes there?' Never had any music
+been half so pleasing to the ears of Natura. 'Friends,' replied he,
+'and travellers, that have lost their way.' On this the person who had
+spoke, drew nearer, and asked whither they were bent. Natura told him
+to the villa of the baron d' Eyrac. 'The baron d' Eyrac,' said the
+other, 'he lives twelve miles on the other side the wood, and that is
+five miles over.'--He then asked if there were no town near, to which
+he could direct them.--'No,' replied the other, 'but there is a little
+village where is one inn, and that is above half a league off:--you
+will never find your way to it; but if you will pay me, I will guide
+you.' Natura wished no more, and having agreed with him for his hire,
+followed where he led.
+
+Nothing that was ever called an inn, had so much the shew of
+wretchedness; nor could it be expected otherwise, for being far from
+any great road, it was frequented only by shepherds, and others the
+meanest sort of peasants, who worked in the adjacent grounds, or
+tended the cattle.
+
+In this miserable place was Natura obliged to take up his lodging:--he
+lay down, indeed, on the ragged dirty mattress, but durst not take off
+his cloaths, so noisome was every thing about him:--fatigued as he
+was, he could not close his eyes till towards day, but had not slept
+above two hours before the peasant who had served him as a guide, and
+had also stayed at the inn, came into his room, and waked him
+abruptly, telling him the lady abbess desired to speak with
+him.--Natura was much vexed at this disturbance, and not sufficiently
+awaked to recollect himself, only cried peevishly, 'What have I to do
+with abbesses,' and then turned to sleep again.
+
+On his second waking, his footman acquainted him, that a priest waited
+to see him:--Natura then remembered what the peasant had said, but
+could not conceive what business these holy people had with him; he
+went down however immediately, and was saluted by a reverend
+gentleman, who told him, that the lady abbess of a neighbouring
+monastery (whose almoner he was) hearing from one of her shepherds the
+distress he had been in, had sent to intreat he would come, and
+refresh himself with what her convent afforded.
+
+Natura was now ashamed of having been so rough with the peasant, but
+well atoned for it by the handsome apology he now made; after which he
+told the almoner, that he would receive the abbess's commands as soon
+as he was in a condition to be seen by her.--This was what good
+manners exacted from him, tho' in truth he had no inclination for a
+visit, in which he proposed so little satisfaction.
+
+He then made his servant open the portmanteau, and give him such
+things as were proper to equip him for this visit; and while he was
+dressing, was informed by his host, that this abbess was a woman of
+quality, very rich, and owned the village they were in, and several
+others, which brought her in more rent.
+
+If the vanity so natural to a young heart, made Natura, on this
+information, pleased and proud of the consideration such a lady had
+for him while unknown, how much more cause had he to be so, when being
+shewn by the same peasant into the monastery, he was brought into a
+parlour, magnificently furnished, and no sooner had sat down, than a
+very beautiful woman, whom he soon found was the lady abbess, appeared
+behind the grate, and welcomed him with the most elegant compliments.
+
+He had never been in a monastery before, and had a notion that all the
+nuns, especially the abbesses, were ill-natured old women: he was
+therefore so much surprized at the sight of this lady, that he had
+scarce power to return the politeness she treated him with.--Her age
+exceeded not twenty-four; she was fair to an excess, had fine-turned
+features, and an air which her ecclesiastic habit could not deprive of
+its freedom; but the enchanting manner of her conversation, her wit,
+and the gaiety that accompanied all she said, so much astonished and
+transported him, that he cried out, without knowing that he did so,
+'Good God!--is it possible a monastery can contain such charms!'--She
+affected to treat the admiration he expressed, as no other than meer
+bagatelle; but how serious a satisfaction she took in it, a very
+little time discovered.
+
+'A monastery,' said she, 'is not so frightful a solitude as you, being
+a stranger to the manners of this country, have perhaps painted to
+yourself:--I have companions in whom I believe you will find some
+agreements.'--She then rung a bell, and ordered an attending nun, or
+what they call a lay-sister, to call some of the sisterhood, whose
+names she mentioned; and presently came two nuns, with a third lady in
+a different habit; the least handsome of these might have passed for a
+beauty, but she that was the most so I shall call Elgidia; she was
+sister to the abbess, but wanted a good many of her years, and being
+intended for a monastic life by their parents, had been sent there as
+a pensioner, till she should be prevailed upon to take the veil.
+
+The abbess, having learned from Natura that he was from England, told
+them, in a few words, what she knew of him, and the motive of the
+invitation she had made him; then desired they would entertain him
+till her return, having some affair, which called her thence for a
+small time.
+
+As Elgidia appeared by her dress to be more a woman of this world than
+her companions, he directed his discourse chiefly to her; but whether
+it were that she had less gaiety in her temper, or that she was that
+moment taken up with some very serious thought, Natura could not be
+certain, but he found her much less communicative, than either of
+those, whose profession seemed to exact greater reserve.
+
+As Natura spoke French perfectly well, and delivered all he said with
+a great deal of ease, they were very much pleased with his
+conversation; and yet more so, when, at the return of the abbess, that
+wit and spirit they before found in him, seemed to have gained an
+additional vigour.
+
+The truth is, the first sight of this beautiful abbess had very much
+struck him; and a certain prepossession in her favour, had rendered
+him not so quick-sighted as he might otherwise have been to the charms
+of her sister:--not that he was absolutely in love with her, nor
+entertained the least wish in prejudice to the sanctity of her order;
+it was rather an _admiration_ he was possessed with on her account,
+which the surprize, at finding her person and manner so widely
+different from what he had expected, contributed very much to excite
+in him.
+
+The breakfast, which consisted of chocolate, tea, coffee, rich cakes,
+and sweetmeats, was served upon the Turnabout; but the abbess told
+him, that their monastery had greater privileges than any other in
+France; for they were not restrained from entertaining their kindred
+and friends, tho' of a different sex, within the grate; 'as you shall
+experience,' said she, with the most obliging air, 'if you will favour
+us with your company at dinner.'
+
+Nothing could be more pleasing to Natura than this invitation, and it
+cannot, therefore, be supposed he hesitated much to comply with it;
+however, as the hour of their devotion drew nigh, and forms must be
+observed, he was desired to take a tour round about the village till
+twelve, at which time they told him dinner would be on the table.
+
+He was still in so much amazement at what he had seen and heard, that
+he was not sorry at having an opportunity of being alone, to reflect
+on all had passed; but the deeper he entered into thought, the more
+strange it still seemed to him; till happening accidentally to fall
+into some discourse with a gentleman in the village, he was told by
+him, that the nunnery they were in sight of, was called, Le Convent de
+Riche Dames; that none but women of condition entered themselves into
+it, and that they enjoyed liberties little different from those that
+live in the world:--'It is true,' said this person, 'the gay manner in
+which they behave, has drawn many reflections on their order, yet I
+know not but they may be equally innocent with those of the most
+rigid.'
+
+This was enough to shew Natura, that the civilities he received, were
+only such as any stranger, who appeared of some rank, might be treated
+with, as well as himself; and served to abate that little vanity
+which, without this information, might have gained ground in his
+heart; at least it did so for the present: what reasons he founds
+afterwards for the indulging it, the reader will anon be enabled to
+judge.
+
+He was not, however, without a good deal of impatience for the hour
+appointed for his return, which being arrived, the portress admitted
+him into a fine room behind the grate, where he found the abbess,
+Elgidia, the two nuns he had seen in the morning, and another, which,
+it seems, were all the abbess thought proper should be present.
+
+The table was elegantly served, and the richness of the wines, helped
+very much to exhilerate the spirits of the company.--Elgidia alone
+spoke little, tho' what she said was greatly to the purpose, and
+discovered that it was not for want either of sentiment or words she
+retained so great a taciturnity.--Natura saying somewhat, that shewed
+he took notice how singular she was in this point, the abbess replied,
+that her sister did not like a convent, that the comedy, the opera,
+and ball, had more charms for her than devotion. On which Natura made
+some feint attempts to justify a goute for those public diversions,
+but was silenced by the abbess, who maintained the only true
+felicities of life were religion and friendship. 'What then do you
+make of love, madam?' cried he briskly: 'love, the first command of
+Heaven, and the support of this great universe:--love, which gives a
+relish to every other joy, and'--he was going on, but the abbess
+interrupted him, 'Hold!--Hold!' said she, 'this is not a discourse fit
+for these sacred precincts.'--But these words were uttered in a sound,
+and accompanied with a look, which wholly took away their austerity,
+and it was easy for Natura to perceive by the manner in which they
+were spoke, as well as by a sigh, which escaped Elgidia at the same
+time, that neither of these ladies were in reality enemies to the
+passion he was defending.
+
+Some little time after dinner was over, Natura was about to take his
+leave; but the abbess told him, that she had formed a design to punish
+him for pretending to espouse the cause of love; 'and that is,' said
+she, 'by detaining you in a place, where you must never speak, nor
+hear a word, in favour of it':--'we have,' continued she, 'a little
+apartment adjoining to the monastery, tho' not in it, which serves to
+accommodate such friends as visit us, and are too far from home to
+return the same day:--you must not refuse to pass at least one night
+in it; and I dare promise you, that you will not find yourself worse
+lodged, than the preceding one:--your servant may also lie in the same
+house, and I will send your horses to a neighbouring farmer; who will
+take care of them.'
+
+The manner in which this request was urged, had somewhat in it too
+obliging, for Natura to have denied, in good manners, even if his
+inclinations had been opposite; but indeed he was too much charmed
+with the conversation of the lovely abbess, and her fair associates,
+to be desirous of quitting it.--He not only stayed that night, but
+also, on their continuing to ask it, many succeeding ones.--He lay in
+the apartment above-mentioned, breakfasted, dined, and supped in the
+convent, as if a pensioner in the place, always in the same company,
+and ambitious of no other.
+
+The gallantries with which he treated the abbess, were as tender as
+innocence would permit; nor did he presume to harbour any views of
+being happier with her than he was at present.
+
+But see! the strange caprice of love! It was not through a coldness of
+constitution, nor any confederations of her quality and function,
+which rendered him so content with enjoying no more of her than her
+conversation; nor that hindered him from taking advantage of many
+advances she made him, whenever they were alone, of becoming more
+particular; but it was the progress Elgidia every day made in his
+esteem:--the more he saw that beautiful young lady, the more he
+thought her charming; and every time she spoke discovered to him a new
+fund of wit, and sweetness of disposition:--it was not in her power to
+erase the first impression her sister had made on him, but it was to
+stop the admiration he had for her from growing up into a
+passion:--whenever he saw either of them alone, he thought her most
+amiable he was with; and when they were together, he was divided
+between both.
+
+For upwards of a month did he continue in the same place, and in the
+same situation of mind; but then either the abbess's own good sense,
+or the advice of some friend, remonstrating to her, that so long a
+stay of a young gentleman, who was known to be not of her kindred,
+might occasion discourses to her disreputation, and that of the
+monastery in general; she took the opportunity one day, when he was
+making an offer of going, as he frequently did, to speak to him in
+this manner:
+
+'I know not how,' said she, 'to part with you, and I flatter myself
+you think of going, rather because you imagine your tarrying here for
+any length of time, might be inconvenient for us, than because you are
+tired of the reception you have found here.'
+
+'Ah madam!' cried he, 'be assured I could live for ever here;--and
+that I only grieve that such a hope is impossible.--If what you now
+say is sincere,' answered she, 'you may at least prolong the happiness
+we at present enjoy:--but I shall put you to the proof,' continued
+she, looking on him with eyes in which the most eager passion was
+visibly painted,--'to hush the tongue of censure, you shall remove to
+a town about seven miles distant, where there are many good houses, in
+one of which you may lodge, under pretence of liking the air of this
+country, and visit us, as other of our friends do, as frequently as
+you please, without endangering any remarks, even though you should
+stay with us three or four nights at a time.'
+
+Natura was so ravished at this proposal, and the kind, almost fond
+manner, in which it was made, that he catched hold of her hand, and
+kissed it, with a vehemence not conformable to a Platonic
+affection:--she seemed, however, far from being offended at his
+boldness, which had perhaps proceeded to greater lengths, had not
+Elgidia at that instant come into the room.--The abbess was a little
+disconcerted, but to conceal it as well as she could, 'sister,' said
+she, 'I have made our guest the proposal I mentioned to you this
+morning, and leave you to second it': with these words she withdrew.
+
+Elgidia appeared in little less confusion than her sister had done;
+but Natura was in infinitely more than either of them.--The sudden
+sight of her who possessed at least half of his affections, just in
+the moment he was in a kind of rapture with another, struck him like
+the ghost of a departed mistress; and tho' he had never made any
+declaration of love either to the one or the other, yet his heart
+reproached him with a secret perfidy, and he durst scarce lift his
+eyes to her face, when with a timid voice he at last said, 'Madam, may
+I hope you take any interest in what your sister has been speaking
+of?'--'You may be sure I do,' replied she, 'in all that concerns the
+abbess; as to my farther sentiments on your staying or going, they can
+be of no consequence to you.'--'How, madam!' resumed he, by this time
+a little re-assured, 'of no consequence! You know nothing of my heart,
+if you know it not incapable of forming the least wish but to please
+you.'
+
+He said many other tender and gallant things to her, in order to
+engage her to add her commands to those of the abbess; but, either the
+belief that he was wholly devoted to that lady, or the natural reserve
+of her temper, would suffer her to let him draw no more from her, than
+that she should share in the happiness her sister proposed to herself,
+in his continuing so near them.
+
+But tho' Elgidia could command her words, she could not have so much
+power over her eyes as to keep them from betraying a tenderness not
+inferior to that of her sister; and Natura had the satisfaction of
+finding he was beloved by both these amiable women, without thinking
+himself so far attached to either, as not to be able to break off
+whenever he pleased.
+
+But to what end tended all this gallantry! to what purpose was all
+this waste of time, in an amour, which either had no aim in view, or
+if it had, must be such a one, as must turn to the confusion of the
+persons concerned in it!--These indeed are questions any one might
+naturally ask, but could not have been resolved by Natura, who took a
+pleasure in prosecuting the adventure, and neither examined what he
+proposed by it himself, or considered what consequences might ensue;
+and herein he but acted as most others do of his age, who rarely give
+themselves the pains of consulting what _may_, or _will be_, when
+pleased with what _is_.
+
+He went to the place the abbess had directed, but imagined he should
+be very much at a loss for amusement, being wholly a stranger to every
+body. He would doubtless have been so, had his retreat been in any
+other country than France; but as it is the peculiar characteristic of
+that nation to entertain at first sight with the same freedom and
+communicativeness of a long acquaintance, he soon found himself
+neither without company nor diversion:--whether he had an inclination
+to hunt, or dance, or play, he always met with persons ready to join
+in the party, so that the intervals he passed there, between his
+visits to the monastery, seemed not at all tedious to him.
+
+The ladies, however, were far from being forgotten by him; ten days
+had not elapsed, before he returned to renew, or rather to improve,
+the impression he had both given and received.--The abbess appeared
+all life and spirit at his return, but Elgidia was more melancholly
+than when he left her; but it was a melancholly which had in it
+somewhat of a soft languor, which was very engaging to Natura,
+especially as he had reason to believe, by several looks and
+expressions, which in some unguarded moments fell from her, that he
+had the greatest interest in it.
+
+The oftener he saw her, the more he was confirmed in this conjecture;
+but as he could not be assured of it, never treated her in a manner
+which should give her room to guess what his thoughts were, for fear
+of meeting with a rebuff, which would have been too mortifying to his
+vanity:--but as the belief of being beloved by her, rendered her
+insensibly more dear to him; the regards he paid her, and the sighs
+which frequently issued from his breast when he approached her, did
+not escape the notice of the quick-sighted abbess; and disdaining a
+competitorship in a heart she thought she had wholly engrossed,
+resolved to be more plain than hitherto she had been, in order to
+bring him to declare himself.
+
+With this view she led him one day into the garden, and being seated in
+a close arbour, where there was no danger of being overheard,--'Natura,'
+said she, 'I doubt not but you may perceive, by the civilities I have
+treated you with, that you are not indifferent to me; but as you cannot
+be sensible to how great a degree my regard for you extends, it remains
+that I confess to you there is but one thing wanting to compleat the
+intire conquest of my heart'; 'and that is,' continued she, fixing her
+eyes intently on his face, 'that you will cease for the future to pay
+those extraordinary assiduities to Elgidia you have lately done.'
+
+How much soever Natura was transported at the beginning of this
+discourse, the closure of it gave him an inexpressible shock, insomuch
+that he was wholly unable to make any reply, to testify the sense he
+had of the obligation she conferred on him. 'I see,' said she, 'the
+too great influence my sister has over you leaves me no room to hope
+any thing from you:--I did not think the sacrifice I exacted from you
+so great, that the purchase of my heart would not have atoned for it;
+but since I find it is otherwise, I repent I put you to the trial.'
+
+In speaking these words she rose up, and flew out of the arbour: the
+confusion Natura was in, prevented him from endeavouring to detain
+her; and before he could resolve with himself how to behave in so
+critical a conjuncture, she was out of sight.--Whatever tenderness he
+had for the other, he could not bear the thoughts of having offended
+this lady: the confession she had just made him, seemed to deserve all
+his gratitude; and tho' the price she demanded for her heart was too
+excessive for him to comply with, yet he resolved to make his peace
+with her the first time he found her alone, on the best terms he
+could.
+
+This was an opportunity, however, not so easily attained as he had
+imagined:--the abbess conceived so much spite at the little
+inclination he had testified to comply with her demand, that she kept
+one or other of the nuns with her the whole remainder of that day, and
+he could only tell her by his eyes how desirous he was of coming to an
+eclaircisement.
+
+But as if this was a day destined to produce nothing but extraordinary
+events, perceiving the abbess industriously avoided speaking to him,
+he had retired into the parlour to ruminate on the affair, when
+Elgidia came in to him, and with somewhat more gaiety than she was
+accustomed to, cried, 'What, alone, Natura! but I suppose you attend
+my sister, and I will not be any interruption'; and then turned to go
+out of the room. All the discontent he was in for the displeasure he
+found he had given the abbess, could not keep him from getting between
+her and the door:--'I have no other way to convince you of the
+injustice of your suspicion,' said he, 'than to detain you here; tho'
+perhaps,' added he, looking on her with an unfeigned tenderness,
+'while I am clearing myself in one article, it may not be in my power
+to prevent betraying my guilt in another, which it may be you will
+find yet less worthy of forgiveness.'
+
+'I know not,' replied she, with a smile too enchanting to be resisted,
+'that I ever gave you any tokens of a rigid disposition; and besides,
+I am inclined to have so good an opinion of you, that I look on your
+giving me any cause of offence, as one of the things out of your
+power.'
+
+Emboldened by these words, 'Suppose, madam,' returned he, 'I should
+confess to you that I was indulging the most passionate tenderness for
+the beautiful Elgidia!--that her sweet idea is always present with me,
+and that I sometimes am presuming enough to cherish the hopes of not
+being hated by her':--'tell me,' continued he, 'what punishment does
+this criminal deserve?'
+
+'To be treated in the same manner,' answered she blushing, 'if he is
+sincere; and to be made know that he cannot have formed any designs
+upon the heart of Elgidia, which Elgidia has not equally harboured
+upon that of Natura.'--A declaration so unexpected might very well
+transport a young man, even beyond himself, and all considerations
+whatever:--forgetful of the respect due to her quality and virtue, and
+regardless of the place they were in, he seized her in his arms, and
+almost smothered her with kisses, before she could disengage herself;
+at length, breaking from him, 'It is not by such testimonies as
+these,' said she, 'that I expected you should repay the acknowledgment
+I have made; but by a full laying open your bosom, as to what passes
+in it, in regard to my sister:--I know very well she loves you, and am
+apt to believe she has not been more discreet than myself in
+concealing it from you; but am altogether at a loss as to the returns
+you may have made her passion.'
+
+Natura now really loving her, hesitated not to do as she desired;
+neither making any secret of the admiration which the abbess had
+raised in him at first sight, nor the discourse she had lately
+entertained him with, and the injunction she had laid upon him.
+Elgidia took this as so great a proof of his affection, that she made
+no scruple to ratify the confession she had made him by all the
+endearments that innocence would permit:--after which, they consulted
+together how he should behave to the abbess, whose temper being
+violent, it was not proper to drive to extremes; and it was therefore
+agreed between them, that he should continue to treat her with a shew
+of tenderness: Elgidia even proposed, that he should renounce her, in
+case the other continue to insist upon it; but Natura could not
+consent his insincerity should go so far.
+
+They parted, mutually content with each other; and Natura himself
+believed his inclinations were now fixed, by the assurance Elgidia had
+given him of the most true and perfect passion that ever was: but how
+little do we know of our own hearts at his years! the next time he saw
+the abbess alone, he relapsed into the same fluctuating state as
+before, and found too much charms in the kindness she expressed for
+him, to be able to withdraw himself intirely from her.
+
+That lady, who loved to an excess, could not be any long time without
+affording him the means of reconciliation; and the next morning, as
+soon as breakfast was over, descended alone into the garden, giving
+him a look at the same time, which commanded him to follow:--he did
+so, and perceiving she took her way to the same arbour they had been
+in before, he went in soon after her, affecting, rather than feeling,
+a timidity in approaching her. 'Well, Natura,' said she, 'have you yet
+examined your heart sufficiently, to know whether the full possession
+of mine, can atone for your breaking with my sister';--to which he
+replied, that as he had no engagements with Elgidia, nor had ever any
+other thoughts of her, than such as were excited by that respect due
+to her sex and rank, he was wholly ignorant in what manner it was
+exacted from him to behave:--'but,' added he, 'if vowing that from the
+first moment I beheld your charms, I became absolutely devoted to you,
+may deserve any part of that affection you are pleased to flatter me
+with, I am ready to give you all the assurances in the power of
+words.'
+
+This asseveration could not be called altogether false, because he had
+really a latent inclination in him towards her, which all the
+tenderness he had for Elgidia could not eradicate; and this it was
+that gave all he said such an air of sincerity as won upon the abbess,
+to believe her jealousy had misinterpreted the looks she had sometimes
+seen him give her sister, and at length made her desist from
+reproaching him on that score.
+
+The tranquility of her mind being restored, she gave a loose to the
+violence of her passion, in such caresses as might well make the
+person who received them forgetful of all other obligations:--in these
+transporting moments the lovely abbess had his whole soul:--he now,
+unasked, abjured not only Elgidia, but all the sex beside, and even
+wondered at himself for having ever entertained a wish beyond the
+happiness he enjoyed at present.
+
+The abbess was too well versed in the affairs of love, not to be
+highly satisfied with the proofs he gave of his, than which, it is
+certain, nothing for the time could be more sincere or ardent; death
+was it to them both to put an end to this inchanting scene, but as
+they were seen to go into the garden soon after one another, and too
+long a stay together might occasion a suspicion of the cause, they
+were obliged to separate, though not without a promise of meeting in
+the same place at night, after the nuns were all retired to their
+respective chambers.
+
+The abbess passed through a back-way into the chapel, it being near
+the time of prayers, and Natura returned by the great walk into the
+outward cloister, where Elgidia seeing him at a distance, and alone,
+waited his coming, to know of him how he had proceeded with her
+sister.--Natura, yet full of the abbess and the favours he had
+received from her, would have gladly dispenced with this interview;
+but she was too near, before he perceived her, for him to draw back
+with decency.
+
+Far from suspecting any change in him, and judging of his integrity by
+her own, 'I was impatient,' said she, 'to hear the event of your
+conversation with the abbess; tell me therefore in a few words, for
+the bell rings to chapel, whether you have succeeded so far as to
+stifle all jealousies of me?' 'Yes, madam,' replied he, recovering
+himself as well as he could from his confusion, 'we may be easy for
+the future, as to that particular.'--'I long for the particulars of
+your discourse' resumed she, 'but cannot now stay to be informed; meet
+me in the garden after the sisterhood are in bed'; 'this,' continued
+she, putting a key into his hand, 'will admit you by the gate that
+leads to the road:--do not fail to be there at nine.'--The haste she
+was in to be gone, would not have permitted him time to make any
+answer, if he had been provided with one, and he could only just kiss
+her hand as she turned from him.
+
+But what was the dilemma he was now involved in! the hour, and place
+she appointed, were the very same in which he was to meet the abbess!
+impossible was it for him to gratify both, and not very easy to
+deceive either:--he went back into the garden, ruminating what course
+he should take in so intricate an affair; at first he thought of
+writing a little billet, and slipping it into Elgidia's hand,
+acquainting her that the abbess had commanded him to attend her in the
+garden at the time she mentioned, and telling her that he thought it
+necessary to obey, to prevent all future suspicion:--but he rejected
+this design, not only as that young lady might possibly have the
+curiosity to conceal herself behind the arbour, and would then be a
+witness of things it was no way proper she should be informed of, but
+also because his heart reproached him for having already done more
+than he could answer, and forbad him to deceive her any farther; in
+fine, that he might be guilty of perfidy to neither, he resolved to
+quit both, at least for that night, but knew not yet on what he should
+determine for the future.
+
+Divine service being over, he repaired to the parlour, where, after
+they were sat down to dinner, he said, addressing himself to the
+abbess, that having sent his servant that morning to his lodgings, he
+had received letters of the utmost importance, which required
+immediate answers; and that he must be obliged for that reason to take
+his leave; 'though with what regret,' added he, 'it is easy to
+perceive, by the long stay I always make here.'
+
+The abbess insisted upon it, that he should not go;--told him he might
+write what he pleased there without interruption; and that his man
+might carry his dispatches to the post: but all she urged could not
+prevail, and both that lady and her sister had the mortification to
+hear him give orders that his own horse should be got ready with all
+expedition; as for his servant he was left behind for a few hours, on
+the account of packing up some things he had brought him in the design
+of staying a longer time.
+
+In fine, he went away, with a promise of returning in a short time.
+The abbess was inwardly fretted at the disappointment, but imagined it
+was only occasioned by the motive he pretended, till a young nun who
+was her confidante in all things, and had happened to cross the
+cloyster when Natura and Elgidia were talking together before prayers,
+and had seen him kiss her hand, informed her of this passage, and
+added, of her own conjecture, that the abrupt departure of Natura was
+owing to somewhat that lady had said to him:--there needed no more to
+inflame the passionate and jealous abbess; she doubted not of being
+betrayed, and flew directly to her sister's chamber, accused her of
+being guilty of the most criminal intercourse with a stranger, and
+threatened if she did not confess the whole truth to her, and swear
+never to see him more, she would send an account of her behaviour to
+their parents, who would not fail to thrust her into a less commodious
+convent, and compel her to take the veil directly.
+
+The mild and timid disposition of Elgidia, could not sustain this
+shock; she immediately fainted away, and help being called to bring
+her to herself, in opening her bosom a paper fell out of it, which the
+abbess snatching up, ran to her chamber to examine, and found it
+contained these words:
+
+  'To prevent my dear angel from being surprized at my sudden
+  departure, know that it is to avoid the abbess, who obliged me to
+  give her a promise of meeting her this night in the garden:--at my
+  next visit you shall be informed at full of all that passed
+  between us in the morning. Adieu.
+
+                                                             Natura.
+
+As Natura had no opportunity to make an excuse to Elgidia, he had
+slipt this billet into her hand on taking leave; and though no more
+was meant by it than to make her easy till his return, there was
+sufficient in the expression not only to convince the abbess that her
+sister was indeed her rival, but also to make her think herself had
+been the dupe to their amour.--Impossible would it be to describe the
+force of those passions, which, in this dreadful instant, overwhelmed
+her soul; so I shall only say, it was as great as woman could sustain,
+and which the impatience of venting on their proper object, put it
+into her head to go to him in a disguise, and upbraid his perfidy. As
+she seldom listened to any dictates, but those of her passion, this
+design was no sooner formed than preparations were made for the
+execution, nor could all her confidante urged, on the danger and
+scandal of the attempt, deter her from it.
+
+There was a fellow who was frequently employed about the monastery, in
+whom she could confide:--him she sent to a farmer, with orders to hire
+three horses, one for herself, another for her confidante, who, in
+spite of all her apprehensions on that account, she would needs make
+accompany her, and the third for the man, who was to attend them as a
+valet, the little road they had to travel. This fellow was directed to
+bring the horses about ten o'clock at night, at which time it would be
+dark, to the corner of a wall at the farther end of the garden, when
+she and her companion were to mount, and away on this wild expedition.
+
+But while the abbess was busy on her project, Elgidia had also
+another, though of somewhat a less desperate kind; her sister's temper
+gave her but too much reason to believe she would revenge herself on
+her by all the ways in her power; and trembling at the thoughts of
+being exposed to her parents, and the censure of the world, as the
+other had threatened, which she knew no way to avoid, but by Natura
+making up this quarrel; and tho' she knew it could only be done by his
+renouncing all pretensions to herself, yet she rather chose to lose
+the man she loved, than her reputation. As she knew not whether the
+abbess would delay the gratification of her malice any longer than the
+next morning, she resolved to send for Natura that same night, in
+order to engage him to a second reconciliation with her sister, let
+the terms be never so cruel to herself.
+
+She had no sooner laid this plot, than she ran to see if the servant
+he had left behind was yet gone, and finding he was not, bad him wait
+a little, that she might send a letter by him to his master. The
+contents of her epistle were as follow:
+
+  'Something has happened, which lays me under a necessity of
+  speaking to you this night:--the only consolation I have under the
+  severest of all afflictions, is, that I did not take back the key
+  I gave you in the morning: I beg you will make use of it, and let
+  me find you in the close arbour as soon as the darkness will
+  permit your entrance unobserved:--fail not, if you have any regard
+  for the honour, the peace, and even the life of the unfortunate
+
+                                                            Elgidia.
+
+Natura had no sooner received this billet from the hands of his
+servant, than all his tenderness for the fair authoress of it revived
+in him, which, joined to his impatient curiosity for the knowledge of
+the accident she mentioned, easily determined him to do as she
+desired.
+
+He set out at the close of day; but the moon rising immediately after,
+shone so extremely bright as proved her, no less than the sun, an
+enemy to the design he was at present engaged in; he was therefore
+obliged to wait till that planet had withdrawn her light, before he
+durst approach the convent.
+
+The abbess and her companion having dressed themselves in riding
+habits, went at the above-mentioned hour to the gate where they
+expected the man and horses were attending their coming; but there was
+not the least appearance of any.--the abbess, emboldened by her
+impatience and despair, would needs venture out some paces beyond the
+gate, to listen if she could hear any sound of what she wanted, but
+had not long continued in that posture, before she discovered by the
+twinkling light of the stars, two men on horseback, galloping directly
+to the place where she stood:--impossible was it for her to discern
+what sort of persons they were, but easy to know, as there were two
+men, and no more than two horses, that they were not those she looked
+for; on which she ran with all the haste she could back into the
+garden, and clapping the gate after her, in her fright stopped not
+till she was almost at the entrance of the cloyster:--both she and her
+companion were out of breath; but when they had a little recovered it,
+the latter took the liberty of railying her on the terror she had been
+in, at the sight of two persons, who were, doubtless, only pursuing
+their own affairs, without any thought or notice of them:--the abbess
+acknowledged the pleasantry was just, and returned again to the gate,
+which having opened, they found two horses tied to a tree, at a little
+distance from it, without any person to look after them. She imagined
+they belonged to the farmer, but could not guess wherefore there was
+not a third, or how it happened that the man was not with them.--The
+two lady-adventurers waited in hopes of seeing their attendant with
+another horse, till the abbess, fearing the night would be too far
+spent for the execution of her design, and grown quite wild with rage
+and vexation, resolved to go without a guide; and accordingly she, and
+the young nun that was with her, mounted the horses they found there,
+and rode away.
+
+Little did this distracted woman imagine to whom she was indebted for
+the means of conveying herself where she wished to be; for in effect
+these horses were Natura's, and it was no other than himself, attended
+by his man, who had put her into that fright, which occasioned her
+running so far back into the garden, as gave him time to enter,
+without being either seen or heard by her:--he was no sooner within
+the gate, than his servant tied the horses to a tree, as has been
+related, and retired to a more convenient place, either to lye down to
+sleep, or on some other occasion.--Thus did an accident which had like
+to have broken all Elgidia's measures, turn wholly to the advantage of
+them, and she found as much satisfaction, as a person in her situation
+could possibly take, in finding Natura so punctual to the summons she
+had sent:
+
+It was with a flood of tears she related to him all that had passed
+between the furious abbess and herself after his departure, and
+concluded her discourse with beseeching him to see her in the morning,
+and omit nothing that might pacify her, 'even,' said she, 'to forswear
+ever speaking to me more.'
+
+Natura was touched to the very soul at the grief he saw her in, and
+equally with the tender consideration she had for him; and now more
+devoted to her than ever, would have done any thing to prove the
+sincerity of his passion, but that which she demanded of him:--it was
+in vain she urged the impossibility of keeping a correspondence
+together under the same roof with a rival who had all the power in her
+own hands; or that she represented how much better it would be for
+both to break off so dangerous an intercourse of themselves, before
+the rage of the abbess should put her upon doing it, in a manner which
+might involve them all in destruction:--all the arguments she made use
+of, only served to render him more amorous, and consequently less able
+to part with her.--The difference he found between these two sisters;
+the outrageous temper of the one, compared with the prudence,
+sweetness, and gentleness of the other, rendered the comparison almost
+odious to him; and as he could not but acknowledge the impractibility
+of maintaining a conversation with the latter, without the
+participation of the former; nor though he should even consent to
+divide himself between them, would either of them be content, he told
+Elgidia, that the only way to solve these difficulties, was, for her
+to fly from the monastery, and be the partner of his fortune, as she
+was the mistress of his heart.
+
+Such a proposition made her start!--to abandon all her friends, and
+put herself wholly in the power of a stranger, of whose fortune,
+family, or fidelity, she could not be assured, gave her very just
+alarms; but whatever was her reluctance at the first mention of such
+an enterprize, the extreme passion she had for him, rendered all her
+apprehensions, by degrees, less formidable:--he told her he had no
+other wishes, than such as were dictated by honour;--that he would
+marry her as soon as they should arrive at a place where the ceremony
+could be performed with safety:--that he was heir to a considerable
+estate after his father's death, that on his return to England he
+should have a handsome settlement out of it, and that his present
+allowance was sufficient to keep them above want.--People easily
+believe what they wish, especially from the mouth of a beloved
+person.--Natura indeed had uttered no untruths as to his
+circumstances, but as to the main point, his marrying her, it is
+impossible to judge whether in that he was sincere, because he knew
+not himself whether he was so, tho' in the vehemence of his present
+inclinations he might imagine he did so, and at that time really meant
+as he said.
+
+Be that as it may, Elgidia suffered herself to be won by his
+perswasions; and being so, the present opportunity was not to be
+lost.--He had horses at the gate, could conduct her, he said, where
+she might be concealed till they got quite out of the reach of her
+kindred, and failed not to remonstrate, that if she delayed, but even
+till the next morning, not only the jealousy of the abbess, but a
+thousand other accidents, might separate them for ever.
+
+As the lovers past their time in this manner, the distracted abbess
+was prosecuting her journey, in quest of him she had left behind: as
+the way she had to go was so short, there was no great danger of any
+mischief attending it, neither did any happen; but how great was her
+confusion! when arriving at the house where Natura lodged, she was
+told he went out in the evening, on the receipt of a billet brought
+him by his servant.--This disappointment destroyed all the remains of
+temperance had been left in her; she presently guessed the billet came
+from no other than Elgidia, doubted not but they were together, and
+figured in her mind a scene of tenderness between them so cruel to her
+imagination, that frenzy itself scarce exceeded what she endured:--she
+rode back with even more precipitation than she had set out, and being
+alighted at the gate thro' the great walk, supposing Elgidia had
+brought him into her chamber, where, if she found them, thought of
+nothing, but sacrificing one or both of them to her resentment.
+
+In this situation of mind, it cannot be imagined she had any thought
+about the horses; but her companion having more the power of
+reflection, and judging them to be the farmer's, thought it best to
+tye them to a tree within the garden, that so they might be secured,
+and sent to him in the morning; which having done, and shut the gate,
+she was going to follow the abbess, when she met her coming back:--'I
+have considered,' said she, 'that my perfidious sister would rather
+chuse the close arbour for her rendezvous, than her own chamber, where
+there would be more danger of being overheard by the nuns who lie near
+her;--go you therefore,' continued she, 'and wait me in my apartment,
+while I search the garden.'
+
+The nun obeyed, glad to be eased of this nocturnal attendance, and the
+abbess drew near, as softly as she could, to the arbour; and standing
+behind the covert of the greens of which it was composed, heard the
+consent Elgidia gave to accompany Natura, and saw her quit him, with a
+promise of returning, as soon as she had put on a habit somewhat more
+proper for travelling.
+
+Had she followed the first dictates of her passion in this stabbing
+circumstance, she had either pursued her sister, and inflicted on her
+all that vindictive malice could suggest, or run into the arbour, and
+discharged some part of her fury on Natura:--each alike shared her
+resentment, but divided between both, lost its effects on either:--a
+revenge more pleasing, and less unbecoming of a female mind, at length
+got the better of those furious resolves;--she thought, that as every
+thing favoured such a design, and she was equipped for the purpose, to
+take the place of her sister, would afford her an exquisite triumph
+over the disappointment she should occasion them: accordingly, after
+staying long enough to encourage the deception, she came round the
+arbour, and entered at the passage by which Elgidia had gone
+out:--Natura, not doubting but it was his beloved, took her in his
+arms, saying, 'How transporting is the expedition you have made in
+your return; and indeed we had need of it, for the night is far
+exhausted, and it is necessary you should be out of this part of the
+country before day-break.'
+
+The abbess answered not to what he said, but gave him her hand; on
+which he led her towards the gate, entertaining her with the most
+endearing expressions as they walked, to all which she was still dumb.
+Natura was not surprized at it, as imagining she was too much
+engrossed by the thoughts of what she was about to do, to be able to
+speak:--but how great was his mortification, when having opened the
+gate, he found his servant, who having missed the horses, was just
+come back from a fruitless search of them.--He drew his sword, and had
+not the fellow stept nimbly aside, had certainly killed him:--while he
+was venting his passion in the severest terms, the abbess shut the
+gate upon him, and locked it with her own key, which, leaving in the
+lock, the one he had made use of, could now be of no service.--A
+caprice he had so little reason to expect in Elgidia, might very well
+surprize him, especially at a time when both had so much cause to be
+more grave!--he called to her, he complained, he even reproached the
+unkindness, and ill-manners of this treatment, while the abbess
+indulged on the other side the most spiteful pleasure in his vexation.
+
+She left him railing at fate and womankind, without convincing him of
+his error, when as she was going to the monastery, she met Elgidia
+just coming out, and directing her steps towards the arbour:--they
+were in the same path, and facing each other:--Elgidia, full of the
+fears which usually attend actions of the nature she was about to do,
+no sooner perceived the form of a woman, and habited in the same
+manner as herself, than she took it for a spirit; and terrified almost
+to death, cried out, 'a ghost! a ghost!' and ran, shrieking, with all
+her force to the cloyster, resolved, as much as it then was in her
+power to resolve on any thing, to desist from her enterprise.--She
+made no stop, till she got into her chamber, where she threw herself
+on the bed, in a condition not to be described.
+
+The abbess was so well satisfied with the success of this last
+stratagem, that it greatly abated the thoughts of taking any further
+revenge:--she went laughing to her confidante, and told her the whole
+story, who congratulated her upon it, and said, that in her opinion,
+she might take it as a peculiar providence of Heaven, that had
+disappointed her first design, which could only have increased her
+confusion, and probably brought a lasting scandal on the order. The
+abbess wanted not reason, when her passion would permit her to exert
+it, and could not help confessing the truth of what the other
+remonstrated:--she now easily saw they were Natura's horses they had
+made use of, but how it came to pass that those she had bespoke, or
+the man she had ordered to bring them, happened to fail, remained a
+point yet to be discussed:--the morning, however, cleared it up;--the
+fellow acquainted her, that the farmer had no horses at home, and that
+as he was coming to let her know it, he saw two men at the gate, one
+of whom entered, so that he imagined she had provided herself
+elsewhere:--she then bad him turn out Natura's horses, which the nun
+having said how she had disposed of them, not thinking herself obliged
+to take any care of what belonged to a man, who had treated her with
+so much ingratitude.
+
+Natura was all this time in the utmost perplexity, not only at the
+usage he imagined had been given him by Elgidia, but also for the loss
+of his horses; and at being told when he came home, that two women, in
+riding habits, well mounted, but without any attendants, had been to
+enquire for him:--all these things, the meaning of any one of which he
+was not able to fathom, so filled his head, that he could not take any
+repose:--pretty early in the morning, a letter was brought him from
+Elgidia, which he hastily opened, but found nothing in it, but what
+served to heighten his amazement and discontent.
+
+She told him that she could not dispense with letting him know the
+occasion of her breach of promise; that intending nothing more than to
+perform it, she was hastening to the arbour, when, in the middle of
+the garden, she was met by an apparition, which, as near as she could
+discern, had the resemblance of herself;--that the terror she was in
+had obliged her to retire; and that as she could look on what she had
+seen, as no other than a warning from Heaven, she had determined to
+use her utmost endeavours for extinguishing a passion obnoxious to its
+will; to which end she desired he would make no farther attempts to
+engage her to an act so contrary to her duty, or even ever to see her
+more.
+
+Natura had so little notion of spirits and ghosts, that at first he
+took this story only as a pretence, to cover a levity he had not
+suspected her to be guilty of; but when he reflected on the silence of
+the person he had taken for her, and the description of those who had
+been to enquire for him, he began to imagine, as he had not the least
+thought of the abbess, that something supernatural had indeed walked
+the garden that night, and had also been at his own lodgings in order
+to perplex him more:--a thousand little tales he had been told in his
+infancy, concerning the tricks played on mortals by those shadowy
+beings, now came fresh into his mind; and as the belief of what
+Elgidia had wrote gained ground in him, was not far from being of her
+opinion, that it was a warning from Providence, and to repent of
+having attempted to snatch from the altar a woman devoted to it.
+
+It is doubtless accidents such as this, that have given rise to so
+many stories of apparitions, as have been propagated in the world; and
+had not Natura been afterwards informed of the whole truth, it is
+likely he would have been as great a defender of these ideas, as any
+who are accounted superstitious:--but however that might have been, it
+wrought so strongly on his mind at present, that joined with the
+considerations of those perpetual perplexities which must infallibly
+attend an ecclesiastical intrigue; besides, those which the abbess
+would involve him in, made him resolve to obey Elgidia's commands, and
+pursue the matter no farther, but go directly to the baron d' Eyrac's,
+who he heard was still at his country-house.
+
+The loss of his horses, however, very much vexed him; he bought them,
+because he preferred that way of travelling to a post-chaise: they had
+cost him forty louis d'ores in Paris, and knew not whether the country
+he was in would afford him any so fit for his purpose:--he was just
+sending his man to enquire where others were to be had, when his own
+were at the door, without the least damage done either to themselves
+or saddles:--the farmer who had the care of them while he was at the
+monastery, found them wandering in the field, and easily knowing to
+whom they belonged, brought them home.
+
+This was some consolation to him for the loss of his mistresses; and
+he began to resolve seriously on his departure; but thinking it would
+be the highest ungenerosity to quit the convent, without acknowledging
+the favours he had received there, he wrote a letter to the abbess,
+full of gratitude and civility, telling her, that tho' the necessity
+of his affairs required he should take an eternal leave of that place,
+he should always preserve the memory of those honours he had received
+in it.--To Elgidia he wrote in much the same strain she had done to
+him, and concluded with desiring her to believe it was to Heaven alone
+he could resign her. Those letters he sent by his man, and ordered him
+to leave them with the portress, to avoid any answers which might have
+drawn him into a longer correspondence than he desired, or perhaps
+even have occasioned a revival of those inclinations in him, which he
+was now convinced of the folly and danger of.
+
+This was the first proof he gave of a firmness of resolution, and was
+indeed as great a one as could have been expected from a man of the
+age he was:--it must be owned, that at that time love is the strongest
+passion of the soul, and as neither Elgidia nor the abbess wanted
+charms to inspire it, and he had been but too sensible of the force of
+both, to be able, I say, to tear himself away in the manner he now
+did, was a piece of heroism, which I with every one in the like
+circumstance may have power to imitate.
+
+He hired another horse and guide, that he might not lose his way a
+second time, and departed the same day for the baron's, where he was
+received by that young nobleman with the utmost kindness as well as
+politeness, and found so much in his conversation, and those who came
+to visit him, and the continual amusements of that place, as made him
+soon forget all he had partook in the monastery:--he remained there
+while the baron stayed, and then came with him to Paris.
+
+On his return he frequented the same company, and pursued the same
+pleasures he had done before; but as nothing extraordinary befel him,
+I shall not enter into particulars, my design being only to relate
+such adventures as gave an opportunity for the passions to exert
+themselves in influencing the conduct of his life.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+  The pleasures of travelling described, and the improvement a
+  sensible mind may receive from it: with some hints to the
+  censorious, not to be too severe on errors, the circumstances of
+  which they are ignorant of, occasioned by a remarkable instance of
+  an involuntary slip of nature.
+
+
+Of all the countries Natura intended to see, Italy was that of which
+he had entertained the most favourable idea:--his curiosity led him to
+convince himself whether it really deserved to be intitled _the garden
+of the world_; and therefore it was thither he resolved to make his
+next progress.--Being told that in so long a journey he would find an
+excessive expence, as well as incommodity, in travelling on horseback,
+by reason he must be obliged to hire a guide from one place to
+another, he sold his horses, and after having hired a post-chaise,
+took leave of his acquaintance, and of a place where he had enjoyed
+all the pleasures agreeable to a youthful taste.
+
+He went by the way of Burgundy, and passing through Dijon proceeded to
+Lyons, where the sight of the ruins of some Roman palaces yet
+remaining there, the fine churches, and beautiful prospect that city
+affords, being situated at the confluence of the rivers Rhone and
+Soane, tempted him to stay some days.--He was one evening sitting with
+his landlord in the inn-yard, when a post-chaise came in, out of which
+alighted a gentleman and a lady, just by the place where they
+were.--The man got up with all the obsequiousness of persons of his
+calling, to bid them welcome, and shew them into a room:--the lady, in
+passing, looked earnestly at Natura, and his eyes were no less
+attached on her: he thought he saw in her face features he was
+perfectly acquainted with, but could not, at that instant, recollect
+where he had been so. Not so with her, she easily remembered him, and
+in less than half an hour he received an invitation by his name from
+these new guests to sup with them, which he accepted of with great
+politeness, but said at the same time, he could not imagine to whom he
+was obliged for that honour.--On his coming into the room, 'Difference
+of habit,' said the lady, smiling, 'joined with the little probability
+there was of meeting me in this place, may well disguise me from your
+knowledge; but these impediments to remembrance, are not on your
+account; monsieur Natura is the same in person at Lyons, as at the
+convent of Riche Dames, though perhaps,' added she, 'somewhat changed
+in mind.' There needed no more to make him know she was one of the two
+nuns who always dined, when he was there, with the abbess, and was her
+particular confidante.--'By what miracle, madam, are you here?' cried
+he: 'by such another,' answered she, 'as might have brought Elgidia
+here, had not an unlucky spirit put other thoughts into her head.'
+
+She then proceeded to inform him, that loving, and being equally
+beloved by the gentleman who was with her, she had made her escape
+with him from the monastery, and was going with him into one of the
+Protestant cantons of Switzerland, of which he was a native, and where
+they were certain of being safe from any prosecutions, either from her
+kindred, or the church.
+
+Natura, after having made his compliments to the gentleman on the
+occasion, enquired of her concerning the abbess and Elgidia; on which
+she informed him of all the particulars related in the preceding
+chapter; adding, that after the receipt of the two letters he had
+sent, the sisters came to a mutual understanding, each confessed her
+foible to the other, and the cause of their quarrel being for ever
+removed, a sincere reconciliation between them ensued.
+
+As gratitude is natural to the soul, and never is erased but by the
+worst passions that can obtrude upon the human mind, Natura had enough
+for these ladies to make him extremely glad no worse consequences had
+attended their acquaintance with him, but was extremely merry, as they
+were all indeed, at the story of the supposed spirit:--they passed the
+best part of the night together in very entertaining discourses, and
+the next day the two lovers proceeded on their journey to Switzerland,
+as Natura the following one did his to Avignon.
+
+Here again he halted for some time, to feast his eyes, and give
+subject for future contemplation, on the magnificent buildings, fine
+gardens, churches, and other curiosities, which he was told of, gave
+him a sample, tho' infinitely short, of what he would find in
+Rome;--the grandeur in which the nobility lived, the elegance and
+politeness in the houses of even the lowest rank of gentry, and the
+masquerades, balls, and other public diversions, which every night
+afforded, made him already see that neither the pleasures, nor the
+delicacies of life were confined to Paris.
+
+The desire of novelty is inherent to a youthful heart, and nothing so
+much gratifies that passion as travelling:--variety succeeds
+variety;--whether you climb the craggy mountains, or traverse the
+flowery vale;--whether thick woods set limits to the light, or the
+wide common yields unbounded prospect;--whether the ocean rolls in
+solemn state before you, or gentle streams run purling by your side,
+nature in all her different shapes delights; each progressive day
+brings with it fresh matter to admire, and every stage you come to
+presents at night customs and manners new and unknown before.
+
+The stupendous mountains of the Alps, after the plains and soft
+embowered recesses of Avignon, gave perhaps a no less grateful
+sensation to the mind of Natura: he wanted indeed such a companion as
+death had deprived him of in his good governor, to instruct him how to
+improve contemplation, and to moralize on the amazing and different
+objects he beheld; yet as his thoughts were now wholly at liberty, and
+his reason unclouded by any passions of what kind soever, he did not
+fail to make reflections suitable to the different occasions.
+
+Whoever has seen Rome will acknowledge he must find sufficient there
+to exercise all his faculties; but though the architecture, and the
+paintings which ornament that august city might have engrossed his
+whole attention, the many venerable reliques which were shewn him of
+old Rome, appeared yet more lovely in his eyes; which shews the charms
+antiquity has for persons even of the most gay dispositions: but this,
+according to my opinion, is greatly owing to the prejudice of
+education, which forces us as it were to an admiration of the
+antients, meerly because they are so, and not that they are in any
+essential respect always deserving that vast preference given them
+over the moderns:--this may be easily proved by the exorbitant prices
+some of our virtuoso's give for pieces of old copper, which are
+reckoned the most valuable, as the inscriptions or figures on them are
+least legible.
+
+Natura, however, was not so absorbed in his admiration of the ruined
+corner of a bath, or the half-demolished portico of an amphitheatre,
+as to neglect those entertainments which more affect the senses, and
+consequently give the most natural delight;--the exquisite music
+performed at the churches, carried him there much oftener than
+devotion would have done, and rarely did he fail the opera at night.
+
+As the Romans are allowed to be the best bred people upon earth,
+especially to strangers, be they of what country or perswasion soever,
+neither the being an Englishman or a Protestant hindered him from
+making very good acquaintance, and receiving the greatest civilities
+from them; but the person to whom he was most obliged, and who indeed
+had taken a particular fancy to him, was the younger son of the family
+of Caranna: this nobleman, knowing his taste for music, would
+frequently take him with him to his box at the opera-house, most
+persons of condition having little closets or boxes to themselves, of
+which every one keeps his own key, and none can be admitted but by
+it:--nothing can be more indulging, as there are curtains to draw
+before them, and the seats are made in such a manner that the person
+may lie down at his ease.
+
+The signior of Caranna being otherwise engaged one night, when a
+celebrated piece was to be performed, he lent his key to Natura,
+unknowing that his wife, who had also one, had made a compliment of
+her's to a young lady of her acquaintance.
+
+Natura by some accident being delayed from going till after the opera
+began, on entering was surprized to find a very beautiful young person
+there, stretched on the sopha:--as he had been told the box would be
+intirely empty, he knew not whether he ought to retire or go forward
+and seat himself by her:--this consideration kept him some minutes in
+the posture he was in, and perceiving she was too much taken up with
+the music, either to have heard him open the door, or see him after he
+came in, he had the opportunity of feasting his eyes, with gazing on
+the thousand charms she was mistress of; all which were displayed to a
+great advantage by the shadowy light which gleamed from the stage
+thro' a thin crimson taffety curtain, which she had drawn before her,
+to the end she might neither be seen by others, nor see any thing
+herself which might take off her attention from the music.
+
+In fine, he drew near, and had placed himself close by her before she
+observed him; but no sooner did so, than she started, and appeared in
+some confusion: he made a handsome apology for the intrusion, which he
+assured her, with a great deal of truth, was wholly owing to chance,
+and said he would withdraw, if his presence would be any interruption
+to the pleasure she proposed:--she seemed obliged to him for the
+offer, but told him she would not abuse the proof he gave of his
+complaisance by accepting it; on which he bowed, and continued in his
+place.
+
+Both the music, and the words, seemed intended to lull the soul into a
+forgetfulness of all beside, and fill it only with soft ideas:--it had
+at least this effect upon the lady, who had closed her eyes, and was
+in reality lost to every other sense than that of hearing.--Natura,
+either was, or pretended to be, equally transported, and sunk
+insensibly upon her bosom, without any opposition on her part:--she
+had possibly even forgot she was not alone, and when an air full of
+the most inchanting tenderness was singing, was so much dissolved in
+extasy, that crying out, 'O God, 'tis insupportable!' she threw her
+arms over Natura's neck, who was still in the same posture I just
+mentioned;--he spoke not a word, but was not so absorbed in the
+gratification of one faculty, as to let slip the gratification of the
+others:--he seized the lucky moment;--he pressed her close, and in
+this trance of thought, this total absence of mind, stole himself, as
+it were, into the possession of a bliss, which the assiduity of whole
+years would perhaps never have been able to obtain.
+
+Reason and thought at last returned; she opened her eyes, she knew to
+what the rapture she had been in had exposed her, and was struck with
+the most poignant shame and horror:--she broke with all her force from
+that strict embrace in which he had continued to hold her; and being
+withdrawn to the farther corner of the closet,--'What have I done,'
+cried she, 'What have I done!'--these words she repeated several
+times, and accompanied them with tears, wringing her hands, and every
+testimony of remorse.--It was in vain for him to attempt to pacify
+her, much less to prevail on her to suffer any second proofs of his
+tenderness;--she would not even give him leave to touch her hand, and
+on his offering it, pushed him back, saying, 'No, stranger! you have
+taken the advantage of my _insensibility_ but shall never triumph over
+my _reason_, which enables me to hate you,--to fly from you for ever,
+as from a serpent.'
+
+Natura said every thing that love and wit could inspire, to reconcile
+her to what had past; but she remained inflexible, and only
+condescended to request him to leave the place before the opera was
+ended, that they might not be seen coming out together, and that he
+would tell signior Carrana, that having unexpectedly found a lady in
+the box, he had withdrawn without entering.--He then begged she would
+entertain a more favourable opinion of an action, which her beauty,
+the bewitching softness of the entertainment, and the place they were
+in, had all concurred to make him guilty of; but she would listen to
+nothing on that head, insisted on his never taking the least notice of
+her, wherever they might chance to meet; and only told him, that tho'
+she was unalterably fixed in this resolution, yet he might depend upon
+it she hated him less than she did herself.
+
+Finding she was not to be moved, he obeyed her commands, and straight
+went out of the box, more amazed at the oddness of the adventure, than
+can be well expressed; and yet more so, when he afterwards heard she
+was the wife of a person of great condition, was in the first month of
+her marriage with him, and had the reputation of a woman of strict
+virtue.
+
+As this false step was meerly accidental, wholly unpremeditated on
+either side, and by what can be judged by the character of the lady,
+and her behaviour afterwards, was no more on her part than a surprize
+on the senses, in which the mind was not consulted, and had not the
+least share, I know not whether it may not more justly be called a
+slip of unguarded nature, than a real crime in her; and as for Natura,
+though certainly the most guilty of the two, whoever considers his
+youth, his constitution, and above all the greatness of the
+temptation, which presented itself before him, will allow, that he
+must either have been _more_, or _less_, than _man_, to have behaved
+otherwise than he did.
+
+Let the most severely virtuous, who happily have never fallen into the
+same error, but figure to themselves the circumstances of this
+transgressing pair, and well consider in what manner nature must
+operate, when thus powerfully excited, and if they are not rendered
+totally incapable of any soft sensations, by an uncommon frigidity of
+constitution, they will cease either to wonder at, or too cruelly
+condemn, the effects of so irresistible an impulse.
+
+Were it not for the precepts of religion and morality, the fears of
+scandal, and shame of offending against law and custom, man would
+undoubtedly think himself intitled to the same privileges which the
+brute creation in this point enjoy above him; and it is not therefore
+strange, that whenever reason nods, as it sometimes will do, even in
+those who are most careful to preserve themselves under its
+subjection, that the senses ever craving, ever impatient for
+gratification, should readily snatch the opportunity of indulging
+themselves, and which it is observable they ordinarily do to the
+greater excess, by so much the longer, and the more strictly they have
+been kept under restraint.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+  The uncertainty of human events displayed in many surprizing turns
+  of fortune, which befel Natura, on his endeavouring to settle
+  himself in the world: with some proofs of the necessity of
+  fortitude, as it may happen that actions, excited by the greatest
+  virtue, may prove the source of evil, both to ourselves and others.
+
+
+Natura stayed but six months in Rome, and then passed on to Florence,
+where having seen all the curiosities that place afforded, he only
+waited to receive some remittances from his father, after which he
+intended to cross the Appenines to Bolognio, then proceed to Venice,
+and so through the Tirolose to Vienna, and flattered himself with
+having time enough to visit all the different courts which compose the
+mighty empire of Germany.
+
+These remittances were delayed much longer than he had expected, and
+when they arrived, were accompanied by a positive command from his
+father to put an end to his travels, and return to England with all
+the expedition he could.--His surprize at so unlooked for an order,
+would have been equal to the mortification it gave him, if he had not
+received a letter from his sister at the same time, which informed
+him, that his being so suddenly recalled was wholly owing to the
+misfortunes in which their family was at present involved:--that soon
+after his departure, their father had discovered an intercourse
+between his wife and a person who pretended to be a relation, no way
+to the honour of either of them;--that frequent quarrels had at length
+separated them;--that he was engaged in a law-suit with her, and also
+in several others, with people to whom she, in revenge, as it was
+supposed, had given bonds, dated before marriage, for very great sums
+of money, pretended to have been borrowed of them by her;--that tho'
+the imposition was too gross not to be easily seen through, yet the
+forms of the courts of judicature could not be dispensed with, and the
+continual demands made upon him had laid him under such
+inconveniencies as obliged him even to lessen the number of his
+servants, and retrench his table:--she added, that he spoke of his
+dear Natura with the utmost tenderness, and was under a very great
+concern that the necessity of his affairs would not permit to send him
+any more such supplies as were requisite for the prosecution of his
+travels.
+
+Natura at first felt a very great shock at this account; but it is the
+peculiar blessing of youth, not to be for any length of time affected
+with misfortunes; his melancholly soon dissipated, and he thought of
+nothing more than compliance with the command he had received, and
+also to perform it in the cheapest manner he could.--On speaking of
+his intentions of returning home, he was advised to go to Leghorn,
+which being a very great port, it would be no difficulty to find a
+ship bound for Holland or England, in which he might take his passage
+at an easy rate. He had certainly taken this method, but meeting with
+an English gentleman, who was on his travels, and had not yet been at
+Rome, was perswaded by him to go back, on his offering to bear the
+whole expences of that route, for the pleasure of his company.--After
+a stay of two or three months there, they pursued their journey to
+Paris, where Natura renewed all the former acquaintance he had
+there:--the baron d' Eyrac, with whom he had contracted an intimate
+friendship, and from whom he concealed nothing of his affairs, was
+extremely concerned to hear the occasion of his being recalled so much
+sooner than he had expected, and made him an offer which suited very
+well with Natura's inclination to accept: it was this.
+
+That an old officer in the army having obtained leave to dispose of
+his commission, Natura should become the purchaser; and to enable him
+to do so, the baron would advance a sum of money, to be returned at
+several easy payments, as he received the profits arising from his
+troop.
+
+Love and gallantry had already had their turns with Natura; ambition,
+and the pride of being in an independent state, began now to work in
+him:--as France was in alliance with England, there was neither shame
+nor danger in entering into her service:--besides, he considered, that
+as his father was no longer in a condition to supply him with money
+abroad, he could not expect any settlement to be made on him at home
+that would be answerable to his former expectations;--and that by a
+captain's pay, joined to some assistance he might hope to receive
+sometimes from England, he should be enabled to make a very good
+figure in the world, till the misfortunes of his family should be
+retrieved, and if they never were so, he should at least have a
+provision for life, in a country he was not weary of.
+
+He therefore made no hesitation of accepting this proof of the baron's
+friendship, who immediately went about making good his promise; and
+what with his money, and the great interest he had, both with the
+court and army, Natura was dispensed with, for not having been in the
+service before; and in a very few days saw himself at the head of a
+troop of horse.
+
+His father, to whom he wrote an account of the step he had taken, with
+his motives for it, was far from being offended at it; tho' he told
+him it added to his trouble, to think his eldest son should be
+compelled, by his having entered into a second marriage, to have
+recourse to any avocation whatever for bread; but concluded with
+telling him, that in the severe necessity of their present
+circumstances, he could not have pitched on any thing more agreeable
+to his inclinations, or more honourable in itself.
+
+This letter served to compose all the disquiets Natura had of
+disobliging a parent, for whom he retained the most tender, as well as
+dutiful regard, ever since the kind forgiveness be received from him
+at Wapping, which shews the great effect of lenity over a mind, where
+gratitude and generosity are not wholly extinguished; which, as I
+before observed, they never are, but by a long habitude of vice.
+
+He was now as happy as he had any need to wish to be, enjoying all the
+pleasures of life in a reasonable way, and rarely transgressing the
+bounds of moderation; and when at any time, through the prevalence of
+example, or the force of his own passions, he was hurried to some
+little excesses, they were never such as could incur the censure of
+dishonourable or mean. He was punctual to his payments with the baron,
+and had the satisfaction of seeing himself intirely out of debt at
+three years end; which manner of behaviour so endeared him to that
+gentleman, that few friendships are to be found more sincere, than
+that which subsisted between them.
+
+But as good sometimes arises out of evil, so what is in itself a real
+happiness, is not always without consequences altogether the reverse;
+as it proved to Natura, who from the most contented situation, all
+owing to the baron's friendship, was, on a sudden, by that very
+friendship, thrown into one of the greatest trouble and danger.
+
+One morning, as he was dressing, the baron entered his chamber, with a
+countenance which before he spoke, denoted he had somewhat of
+importance to communicate:--Natura easily perceived it, and to put him
+out of pain, ordered his valet to leave the room; on which the other
+immediately told him, he was come to desire a proof of that sincere
+good-will he had professed for him.--'I should,' replied he, 'be the
+most unworthy of mankind, if I had not in reality much more than is in
+the power of words to express, and not look on an opportunity given by
+you of testifying it, equal to any favour you have bestowed on me.'
+
+The baron was at present in too much agitation of spirit to answer
+this compliment as he would have done at another time; and made haste
+to inform him, that the countess d' Ermand, who on some
+misunderstanding with her husband, had been confined in a monastery
+for several months, without any hopes of obtaining her release, had
+found means to convey a letter to him, earnestly requesting he would
+assist her in her escape:--'she has acquainted me,' continued he,
+'with the plot she has laid;--there is nothing impracticable in it;
+but I cannot do what she desires without the help of some trusty
+friend, and it is you alone I dare rely upon, in a business, which, if
+not carefully concealed, as well as resolutely acted, may be of very
+ill consequence.'
+
+Natura did not greatly relish this piece of knight-errantry; but as he
+thought he ought to refuse nothing to the baron, hesitated not to
+assure him of the most ready compliance; on which the other told him,
+he must get two or three of his soldiers, who, disguised like
+peasants, but well mounted, and their swords concealed under their
+cloaths, must attend the expedition, and be at hand in case they
+should meet with any resistance, which, however, he said he did not
+apprehend, it being but ten small miles to the monastery, the road but
+little frequented, and the time agreed upon for the execution of the
+project twelve at night; so there was no great danger of any
+interruption, unless some unfortunate accident should happen.--'The
+lady,' continued he, 'informs me she has observed the place where the
+portress constantly hangs up the key of the outer gate every night,
+and when the nuns are gone into the chapel to their midnight
+devotions, can easily slip out:--we have only therefore to be there
+exactly at the time, and be ready to receive her; and as for the rest,
+I have already provided a place where she may remain undiscovered,
+till something can be done for her.'
+
+The baron added many things concerning the ill treatment she had
+received; but Natura did not give himself any trouble to examine into
+the merits of the cause, it was sufficient for him to do what he
+requested of him; and that night being the same had been appointed by
+the lady for the business to be done, he went immediately about
+preparing for it.
+
+Accordingly, he selected from out of his troop three who seemed most
+proper to be employed in such an enterprize, and after having sworn
+them to secrecy in whatever they saw, or should happen, though without
+acquainting them with the main of the affair, or mentioning the baron
+d' Eyrac, told them in what manner they were to disguise themselves,
+and ordered they should attend him at the Fauxbourg, a little after
+ten o'clock the same night.
+
+Rejoiced at an opportunity of obliging their officer, especially as
+they doubted not of being well gratified, each gave a thousand oaths
+instead of the one required of him, to be both punctual and faithful
+in the discharge of the trust reposed in him.
+
+In fine, all was conducted with a care and caution becoming of the
+gratitude and esteem Natura had for the baron, and as if he had
+himself approved of this undertaking, which, as I before observed, he
+could not do in his heart.
+
+The two gentlemen, muffled up in their cloaks and vizarded, repaired
+to the Fauxbourg, at the appointed time, where they found the soldiers
+on the post allotted for them by their officer; on which they all rode
+off together, and arrived before the walls of the monastery some few
+minutes before twelve, at which hour precisely the gate was opened,
+and a woman appeared at it.--To prevent the loss of time, it had been
+concluded, that the baron should not dismount, but Natura perform the
+office of an equerry, in placing her behind him: just as he had
+alighted, and taken her in his arms, in order to perform that office,
+a great noise was heard; and in an instant, our adventurers found
+themselves surrounded by more than a dozen armed men, who rushed upon
+them from the covert of a wood:--the lady shrieked, and ran back into
+the convent, on Natura's letting her go, in order to draw his sword
+against these antagonists, who seemed resolute, either to kill or take
+him and his associates prisoners:--the fight was obstinate on both
+sides, tho' the baron finding his design defeated, had not entered
+into it at first, but trusted to the goodness of his horse for his
+escape, if his consideration for Natura, who being on foot, must have
+been immediately seized, had not prevented him.--At length, however,
+having received two or three wounds, and convinced of the
+impossibility of maintaining their ground against such an inequality
+of numbers, self-preservation prevailed; he broke thro' those that
+encompassed him, and setting spurs to his horse, had the good fortune
+to avoid the mischief which he knew must inevitably befal those he
+left behind.
+
+The three troopers gallantly defended their captain for some time, nor
+was he idle in making those who approached him too near, feel the
+sharpness of his sword; but not being able to get on horseback, all
+his courage, or that of his men, could not prevent him, and them, from
+being made prisoners. Several of the conquering party being officers
+of justice, they conducted them to Paris, where the soldiers were
+disposed of in the common goal, but Natura who was known, was
+committed to the care of an exempt, who treated him with the good
+manners his station demanded; he had received a pretty deep wound in
+the shoulder, and a surgeon was presently sent for; but no artery nor
+sinew being touched, no ill consequence was like to attend it.
+
+It may be imagined he passed the remainder of this night in a good
+deal of disquiet, as having lived long enough in France to know that
+an attempt of the nature he had been engaged in would find little
+mercy from the law.--A good part of the next day was passed, before
+they carried him to the magistrate, whose office it was to examine
+into such causes, his adversaries not having prepared their
+accusation; the heads of which were, that he had attempted a rape upon
+a married woman of quality; that he had contrived, with other persons,
+to take her out of the monastery, and had come with an armed force for
+that purpose. These articles having been deposed upon oath, the
+magistrate told him his crime was of a double nature, that he had
+violated both the civil and ecclesiastic laws; but as his office
+extended no farther than the former, he had only to demand of him what
+defence he had to make for himself in that part.
+
+Natura had no other remedy than to deny all that was laid to his
+charge:--he protested, as he might truly do, that he was so far from
+entertaining any criminal designs on any lady in that monastery, that
+he did not so much as know the face of any one of them; and pretended,
+that being only riding out for the benefit of the air, he found
+himself attacked by persons unknown, with whom he confessed he had
+fought in his own defence.
+
+But this availed not at all to his justification:--his own soldiers,
+who had been examined before himself, had confessed, that they were
+commanded by their officer to attend him on a certain enterprize, in
+which they were to behave with secresy and resolution; but said, they
+did not know of what sort it was, till they saw a woman come to the
+gate of the monastery, whom their captain presently took in his arms,
+but with what intent they could not pretend to say.
+
+A letter also was produced, which madame d' Ermand had dropt, and
+which had occasioned this discovery of the intrigue, as it contained
+the whole method by which she was to be taken away; and tho' there was
+no name subscribed, appearances were strong against Natura as the
+author, and tho' he offered to bring many witnesses to prove it was a
+hand very different from what he wrote, yet it served at least to
+prove that it was sent by some one person in the company, and that if
+he were not the principal in this conspiracy, yet being the agent and
+abettor, as it was plain he was, by his bringing his own soldiers, he
+could not be judged less guilty.
+
+After a long examination he was remanded to the exempt's house, till
+the sitting of the judges, which they told him would be in eight days;
+in which interval he was allowed to prepare what defence he had to
+make, and for that purpose advocates were allowed to come to him, but
+no other person whatever, not even his own servant, and he received
+attendance from those belonging to the exempt, who also fetched from
+his lodgings change of apparel, and all such necessaries as he had
+occasion for; care being taken to search every thing before it came to
+his hands, in order to prevent any letters being conveyed to him that
+way.
+
+In this melancholly situation did he pass his time; but that was
+little in regard to his apprehensions of the future:--as his case
+stood there was little expectation of any thing less than a shameful
+death, perhaps ushered in by tortures worse than even that:--his
+advocates, however, and it is likely his accusers too, were of opinion
+that he had been in reality no more than an agent in this business,
+and therefore gave him to understand, that if he laid open the whole
+truth, and declared the name of the person chiefly concerned, it would
+greatly mitigate the severity of the laws in such cases; but this he
+would by no means be prevailed upon to do, resolving rather to suffer
+every thing they could inflict upon him, than be guilty of so mean and
+dishonourable an action as breach of trust, even to a person
+indifferent, but to a friend villainous in the most superlative
+degree: alike unmoved by arguments, as inflexible to menaces or
+perswasions, he persisted in answering, that he was ignorant of what
+they aimed at:--that he knew nothing of madame d' Ermand himself, was
+an intire stranger to her, and equally so to the ill designs on her
+they mentioned, either on his own account, of that of any other
+person.
+
+He was neither so weak nor vain as to flatter himself his positiveness
+in denying what could be proved by so many witnesses, would be of any
+service at his trial; but as it was expected he should say something
+in his defence, and could say nothing else, without giving up his
+friend, he was determined not to depart from what he had alledged at
+first.
+
+The count d' Ermand, who possibly had a suspicion of the truth, as it
+seems he long had entertained some jealous thoughts of the baron d'
+Eyrac, who had taken all opportunities of testifying an uncommon
+gallantry to his wife, would have given almost a limb to satiate his
+revenge against that gentleman:--the soldiers had been re-examined
+several times concerning that other person who was with them at the
+monastery, and had made his escape; but as they had neither seen his
+face, nor heard his name, it was impossible for them to make any
+discoveries:--these poor wretches were afterwards put to the torture,
+but that had, nor indeed could have, any other effect, than to make
+them curse their officer, who had been the cause of their sufferings.
+
+In fine, monsieur d' Ermand, and the kindred of his wife, joined with
+the instigations of the clergy, who thought they had an equal right
+for revenge in this point, prevailed so far upon the civil
+magistrates, as to procure an order, that Natura should himself
+undergo the same tortures his soldiers had done, thereby to extort
+that confession from him they could no otherwise procure:--this,
+notwithstanding, they had the lenity to inform him of, the day before
+that which was prefixed for the execution, thinking perhaps, that the
+menace of what he was condemned to endure, would be sufficient: but
+tho' human nature could not but shrink under such apprehensions, yet
+did his fortitude remain unshaken, and he thought of nothing but how
+to arm himself, so as to bear all should be inflicted on him with
+courage.
+
+But there were no more than a few hours in which he had to meditate on
+what he had to do, when his affairs took a very different turn, and by
+the most unthought-of means imaginable: It was towards the close of
+day, when the wife of the exempt came into his chamber, and having
+locked the door, 'I am come, captain,' said she, 'to offer you life,
+liberty, and what is yet more, to put it in your power to avoid those
+dreadful tortures, which are preparing for you!--what would you do to
+gratify your preserver?'--The surprize Natura was in, did not hinder
+him from replying, that there was nothing with which he would not
+purchase such a deliverance, provided the terms were not inconsistent
+with his honour:--'No,' resumed she, 'I know by your behaviour since
+in custody, and the resolution with which you have withstood all the
+temptations laid before you, for the unravelling an affair, you have,
+it is the opinion of every one, been led into only by your friendship
+to some person, that you regard nothing so much as honour; what I have
+to propose will be no breach of it';--'but,' continued she, 'time is
+precious, and opportunities of speaking to you are scarce; therefore
+know, in a few words, that I am weary of my husband's ill usage,
+desire nothing so much as to go where I may never see him more; and if
+you will make me the companion of your flight, and swear to take care
+of me till I shall otherwise dispose of myself; I have disguises for
+both of us prepared, and this night you shall be free.'
+
+Natura had little need to hesitate if he should accept this
+proposal:--he saw there was at least a chance for escaping the dangers
+to which he was exposed; and should the woman's plot miscarry, and he
+detected of being an accomplice in it, his condition could not, even
+then, be worse than it was at present; he therefore embraced her with
+a fervor which she seemed very well pleased with, and assured her in
+the most solemn manner he would return all the obligations she
+conferred on him, by such ways as should be most agreeable to her. She
+then told him she had not slept for some time in the same bed with her
+husband, and therefore might easily come to him again as soon as the
+family were gone to their respective apartments; and having said this,
+went out of the room hastily, tho' not without returning his salute,
+and telling him he was worthy of greater risques than those she was
+about to run.
+
+He was no sooner left alone, than he began to reflect: on the
+capriciousness of his destiny, which to preserve him from suffering
+for a crime he was innocent of, was about to make him in reality
+guilty of one of the very same nature: it is likely, however, he was
+not troubled with many scruples on this head; or if any arose in his
+mind, they were soon dissipated in the consideration of what he owed
+to his own safety, which he yet could not greatly flatter himself with
+the hope of, as he was not ignorant how difficult it was for a
+delinquent to elude the diligence of those sent in search of him. The
+chance of such a thing notwithstanding was not to be neglected; and he
+waited with an impatience adequate to the occasion, for the hour in
+which he expected his deliverance.
+
+It was little more than eleven o'clock, when she came into the chamber
+in the habit of a country fellow, which so intirely disguised her,
+that till she spoke, he took her for one of those who attend the
+prisoners in the circumstances he then was, and imagined some accident
+had prevented the execution of her plot; but he was soon convinced of
+his error, by her speaking, and at the same time presenting him with a
+coat, wig, and every thing proper to make him pass for such as she
+appeared herself:--the reader may suppose he wasted not much time in
+equipping himself, or in making any idle compliments; it was scarce
+midnight, when they both got safely out of the house, the door of
+which she shut softly after her.
+
+She then proposed to him to go to the Fauxbourg, whence they might,
+without any suspicion, as passing for poor countrymen, get into the
+open road before day-break; but he would needs stop at the baron d'
+Eyrac's, judging with good reason that they might be more securely
+concealed in his house, till the search should be over, than to
+pretend to travel in any shape whatever. She, who knew not what
+obligations the baron had to be faithful to him in this point, at
+first opposed it; but he at length prevailed, and they went boldly to
+the door; the family not being all in bed, it was immediately opened,
+but in the dress they were, found some difficulty to be admitted to
+the baron, who, the servant told them, was asleep; but Natura, with an
+admirable presence of mind, replied, that he had brought a letter from
+a friend in the country of the utmost importance, and must be
+delivered into the baron's own hands directly; on which he was at last
+won to let them come into the hall, while he sent to let his lord
+know.
+
+Whether the baron had any suspicion of the truth, or not, is
+uncertain, but he ordered the men should be brought up; Natura,
+however, thought it most proper to speak to him alone, therefore left
+his companion below:--never was surprize greater than that of this
+nobleman, when the other discovered himself to him, and the means by
+which he had been set free. After the first demonstrations of joy and
+gratitude for the integrity he had shewn in resolving to endure every
+thing, rather than betray the trust reposed in him, it was judged
+necessary to send for his deliverer, to whom on her coming up, the
+baron made many compliments.
+
+On discoursing on what method was best for them to take, in order to
+prevent discovery, the baron would by no means suffer them to pursue
+that of endeavouring to quit France till the search would be made
+should be entirely over; he told them, he had a place where he could
+answer with his life for their concealment, which indeed was that he
+had provided for the countess d' Ermand, in case they had not been
+disappointed in their designs.--'There,' said he, 'you may remain, and
+be furnished with all things necessary;--I can come frequently to you,
+and inform you what passes, and when you may depart with safety, after
+we have contrived the means.'
+
+The exempt's wife, as well as Natura, highly approved of this offer;
+and the baron knowing any stay in his house might be dangerous both to
+himself and them, presently dressed himself, and went with them to the
+house he mentioned, where having seen them safe lodged, took his leave
+for that night, but seldom let a day pass without seeing them.
+
+This was doubtless the only asylum which could have protected them
+from the strict search was made the next day, the house of every
+person, with whom either Natura or the woman had the least
+acquaintance, was carefully examined; but this scrutiny was soon over
+in that part, they supposed them to have left the city, and officers
+were sent in pursuit of them every road they could be imagined to
+take; so that had they fled, they must unavoidably have been taken.
+But not to be too tedious, it was five weeks before the baron could
+think it safe for them to leave Paris; and then hearing their enemies
+had lost all hope of finding them, and that the general opinion was,
+that they were quite got off, he told Natura that he believed they now
+might venture to go, taking proper precautions. On taking leave, he
+compelled Natura to accept of bills to the value of his commission,
+which, as he said, being lost meerly on his account, it was his duty
+to re-imburse:--nothing could be more tender than the parting of these
+two faithful friends;--necessity, however, must be obeyed;--they
+separated, after having settled every thing between them, and mutually
+promised to keep a correspondence by letters.
+
+It was judged best, and safest for them, to keep still in the same
+disguise till they should be entirely out of the French dominions,
+which happily at length they were, without the least ill accident
+befalling them, none suspecting them for other than they appeared,
+though the search after them was very strict, and a great reward
+offered for apprehending them.--As soon as they arrived at Dover, both
+threw off their borrowed shapes; Natura was again the fine gentleman,
+and his companion a very agreeable woman, who was so well satisfied
+with what she had done, and the behaviour of Natura towards her, that
+she had lost nothing of her good looks by the fatigue of her journey.
+
+Here they waited some time for the arrival of his servant, who knew
+nothing what was become of his master, since he had made his escape
+from the exempt, till he was entirely out of the kingdom, but had, all
+this while, been kept in good heart by the baron, who still had told
+him he was safe and well, and that he should soon hear news of him to
+his satisfaction; this faithful domestic, whom they had no pretensions
+to detain, now came with all his baggage, and Natura returned to
+London, in an equipage, not at all inferior to that in which he had
+left it.
+
+The first thing he did was to place the exempt's wife in a handsome
+lodging, and then went to wait upon his father, who had been much
+alarmed at not having received any letter from him for a much longer
+time than he had been accustomed to be silent. The old gentleman was
+rejoiced to see him, after an absence of near six years, but sorry for
+the occasion, as his affairs were greatly perplexed, on account of the
+law-suits before mentioned, which being most of them in chancery, were
+like to be spun out to a tedious length; but Natura soon informed him
+that he was in a condition, which at present did not stand in need of
+any assistance from him, and that he was determined to enter into some
+business for his future support.
+
+But in the midst of these determinations, the remembrance of his
+unhappy contract with Harriot came into his mind; he thought he had
+reason to fear some interruption in his designs from the malice and
+wickedness of that woman: but being loth to renew the memory of his
+former follies, he forbore making any mention of it to his father,
+till that tender parent, not doubting but it would be a great
+satisfaction to him, to know himself entirely freed from all claims of
+the nature she had pretended to have on him, acquainted him, that
+after he was sent away, the first step he had taken, was to get the
+contract out of her hands.
+
+The transported Natura no sooner heard he had done so, than he cried
+out, 'By what means, dear sir, was she prevailed upon to relinquish a
+title, by which she certainly hoped to make one day a very great
+advantage?'
+
+'Indeed,' said the father, 'I know not whether all the efforts I made
+for that purpose, would have been effectual, if fortune had not
+seconded my design:--she withstood all the temptations I laid in her
+way, rejected the sum I offered, and only laughed at the menaces I
+made, when I found she was not to be won by gentle means; and I began
+to despair of success, so much as to give over all attempts that way,
+when I was told she was in custody of an officer of the _compter_, on
+account of some debts she had contracted:--on this your uncle put it
+into my head to charge her with several actions in fictitious names;
+so that being incapable of procuring bail, and going to be carried to
+prison, when I sent a person to her with an offer to discharge her
+from all her present incumbrances, on condition she gave up the
+contract, which I assured her, at the same time, she would not be the
+better for, it being my intention you should settle abroad for life.'
+
+'This,' continued he, 'in the exigence she then was, she thought it
+best to accept of, and I got clear of the matter, with much less
+expence than I had expected; her real debts not amounting to above
+half what I had once proposed to give her.'
+
+Natura was charmed to find himself delivered from all the scandal, and
+other vexations, with which he might otherwise have been persecuted
+his whole life long, both by herself and the emissaries she had always
+at hand, might have employed against him: nor was he much less
+delighted to hear that she had also received some part of the
+punishment her crimes deserved, in the disappointment of all her
+impudent and high-raised expectations.
+
+Having nothing now to disturb him in the prosecution of his purpose,
+he set about it with the utmost diligence; and as he had a
+considerable quantity of ready money by him to offer either by way of
+praemium, or purchase, there was not, indeed, any great danger of his
+continuing long without employment, nor that, so qualified, he might
+not also be able to chuse out of many, one which should be most
+agreeable to his inclinations.
+
+Accordingly he in a little time hearing of a genteel post under the
+government that was to be disposed on, he laid out part of his money
+in the purchase of it, and with the remainder set up the exempt's wife
+in a milliner's shop, in which, being a woman of a gay polite
+behaviour, she soon acquired great business, especially as she
+pretended to have left France on the score of religion, and went
+constantly every day to prayers, after having formally renounced the
+errors of the church of Rome: Natura visited her very often out of
+gratitude, and perhaps some sparks of a more warm passion; and they
+had many happy hours together, which the talk of their past adventures
+contributed to heighten, as afflictions once overcome, serve to
+enhance present happiness.
+
+Several matches were now proposed to Natura, but he rejected them all;
+whether it were that he had not seen the face capable of fixing his
+heart, or whether he was willing to wait the determination of his
+father's affairs, in order to marry to greater advantage, it is hard
+to say; tho' probably the latter was the true reason; for ambition now
+began to display itself in his bosom, and by much got the better of
+those fond emotions which a few years past had engrossed him: he now
+began to think that grandeur had charms beyond beauty, though far from
+being insensible of that too, he was not without other amours than
+that he still continued with the French woman: the raising his fortune
+was, however, his principal view, and for that purpose he neglected
+nothing tending to promote it; he made his court to those of the great
+men, who he knew could be serviceable to him with so much success,
+that he had many promises of their interest for a better post, as soon
+as opportunity presented.
+
+Fortune for a while seemed inclined to favour him in a lavish manner;
+his mother-in-law died, and with her many of the vexatious suits
+dropped, and others were compromised at an easy rate, so that his
+father was soon in a condition to make a settlement upon him
+sufficient to qualify him for a seat in parliament, which, on the
+first vacancy, thro' favour, he got into, though at that time the
+house was not crowded with placemen, as it since has been: in fine, he
+was beloved and caressed by persons of the highest rank, and every one
+looked upon him as a man who, in time, would make a very considerable
+figure in the world.
+
+His friends remonstrating that as he was twenty-nine, it was time for
+him to think of marriage, and a proposal being made on that account
+with a young lady, of an ancient and honourable family, who, besides a
+large fortune in her own hands, had the reputation of every other
+requisite to render that state agreeable, he hesitated not to embrace
+it:--he made his addresses to her, she accepted of them, and in as
+short a time as could be expected, consented to give him her
+hand;--the kindred on both sides were very well pleased, and tho' her
+family had some advantages in point of birth over his, yet as he
+seemed in a fair way of doing honour to it, there was not the least
+objection made; but articles were drawn, and a day appointed for the
+wedding.
+
+But how little dependance is to be placed on fortune! how precarious
+are the smiles of that uncertain goddess, when most secure of her
+promised favours, and just upon the point, as we imagine, of receiving
+all we have to wish from her, she often snatches away the expected
+good, and showers upon us the worst of mischiefs treasured in her
+store-house!--Some few days before that which was to crown his hopes,
+he happened in company to be discoursing of his travels, and
+mentioning some things he had seen in France, a gentleman who imagined
+he spoke too favourably of the chevalier St. George, and pretended he
+had also been there, took upon him to contradict almost all he said
+concerning that place and person: Natura knowing himself in the right,
+and being a little heated with wine, maintained the truth of what he
+alledged, with more impetuosity than policy perhaps would have
+suffered him to have done at another time; and the other no less
+warmly opposing, passion grew high on both sides;--the lie was given
+and returned;--each was no less quick with his sword than his
+repartee, several passes were made, but the company parted them: and
+though they stayed together, neither of them was reconciled, nor in
+good humour for what was past.
+
+In going home Natura and one gentleman kept together, as their way
+happened to be the same, when, see the wild effects of party-rage! all
+on a sudden, the person who had been his antagonist, and, it seems,
+had followed, came up to them, with his sword drawn, and told Natura
+he was a scoundrel, and a fool, for what he had said; his words, and
+the sight of his weapon, made him put himself immediately in a posture
+of defence, which indeed he had need of; for had he been less nimble,
+he had received the sword of the other in his body, before the
+gentleman who was with him could do any thing to separate them; nor
+were his efforts for that purpose sufficient to prevent them from
+engaging with a vehemence, which permitted neither of making use of
+much skill: it was however the chance of Natura to give his adversary
+a wound, which made him fall, as he imagined, dead; on which the
+disinterested person made the best of his way, as being afraid of
+being taken up by the watch, who were then just coming by:--Natura did
+the same, and thinking it improper to go home, went to the house of a
+friend, in whom he could confide, and who, on enquiry the next day,
+brought him an account, that the person with whom he had fought was
+dead, but had lived long enough to acquaint those who took him up, by
+whom he had received his hurt; and that warrants were already out for
+apprehending the murderer, as he was now called.
+
+What now was to be done! Natura found himself under the necessity of
+going directly out of the way, and by that means endanger the loss of
+his employment, and also of his intended bride; or by staying expose
+himself to a shameful trial at the Old Bailey, which, he had reason to
+fear, would not end in his favour, the deceased having many friends
+and relations at the bar; and the very person who had been witness of
+their combat, somewhat a-kin to him:--it was therefore his own
+inclination, as well as the advice of his friends, that prevailed on
+him to make his escape into some foreign part, while they were looking
+for him at home; which he accordingly did that same hour, taking post
+for Harwich, where, through the goodness of his horse, he arrived that
+night, and immediately embarked in a fishing-smack, which carried him
+into Holland.
+
+He had leisure now to reflect on his late adventure, which afforded
+the most melancholly retrospect; the happy situation he had been in,
+and the almost assured hopes of being continued in for life, made his
+present one appear yet worse, than in reality it was: he now looked on
+himself as doomed to be a vagrant all his days, driven from his native
+country for ever, and the society of all his friends, and torn beyond
+even a possibility of recovering, from a lady, to whom he was so near
+being united for ever, whom he loved, and whose fortune and kindred
+had given him just expectation of advancement in the world.
+
+These gloomy thoughts took him wholly up for some days, but he was not
+yet arrived at those years, in which misfortunes sink too deeply on
+the soul; these vexatious accidents by degrees lost much of their
+ferocity, and he began to consider how much beneath a man of courage
+it was to give way to despair at any event whatever, and that he ought
+to look forward, and endeavour to _retrieve_, not _lament_, the
+mischief that was past. He wrote to his father an exact account of
+every thing, and intreated his advice: he sent also a letter to the
+young lady, full of the most tender expressions, and pressures for the
+continuance of her affection; though this latter was more for the sake
+of form than any hope he had of being granted what he asked, or as he
+was circumstanced, any benefit he could have received from it, if
+obtained.
+
+The answer his father sent, gave him both pain and pleasure; it
+informed him, that the wounds he had given the person with whom he
+fought, were not mortal; that it was only the vast effusion of blood
+which had thrown him into a fainting, which occasioned the report of
+his death, and that he was now in a fair way of recovery; so that he,
+Natura, might return as soon as he pleased, there being no danger on
+account of the rencounter; but that the occasion of that quarrel being
+a party-affair, and represented in its worst colours by some private
+enemies, it had reached the ears of the ministry, who, looking on him
+as a disaffected person, had already disposed of his employment; he
+also informed him, that he must not flatter himself with being able
+ever hereafter to be thought qualified to hold any place or office
+under the government:--he also added, that the friends of his intended
+bride were so incensed against him, that they protested, they would
+sooner see her in her coffin, than in the arms of a man who had
+incurred the odious appellation of a _Jacobite_; and that she herself
+expressed her detestation of the principles he was now accused of,
+with no less virulence and contempt;--had torn the letter he had sent
+to her in a thousand pieces; and to shew how much she was in earnest,
+had accepted the addresses of a gentleman, who had been long his
+rival, and to whom it was expected she would soon be married.
+
+If Natura rejoiced to find himself cleared of having been the death of
+a fellow-creature, he was equally mortified at having rendered himself
+obnoxious to those who alone were capable of gratifying his ambition:
+as for the change in the lady's sentiments concerning him, he was
+under much less concern; he thought the affection she professed for
+him must have been very small, when a difference of opinion in
+state-affairs, and that too but supposed, could all at once erace it,
+and rather despised, than lamented, the bigotry of party-zeal, which
+had occasioned it:--his good sense made him know, that to deny all the
+good qualities of a person, meerly because those good qualities were
+not ornamented with the favours of fortune, was both unjust and mean;
+and the proof she gave of her weakness and ungenerosity in this point,
+intirely destroyed all the passion he once had for her, and
+consequently all regret for the loss of her.
+
+He could not, however, think of returning to England yet a while; his
+father's letter had given some hints, as if there was a design on
+foot, and he was confirmed soon after of the truth of it, for
+expelling him the house; and he thought it was best to spare his
+enemies that labour, and quit it of his own accord: and in this he
+found himself intirely right, when on writing to some persons of
+condition, with whom he had been most intimate, he found by their
+answers, that it was now known he had been in the French service,
+which both himself and his father had kept a secret, even from their
+nearest kindred; not there was any thing in it which could be
+construed into a crime, as the nations were then in alliance, but
+because as he could not possibly enjoy a commission there, without
+conforming to the ceremonies of the Romish church, it must infallibly
+be a hindrance to his advancement in a Protestant country. It is
+certain, Natura was of a temper to make good the proverb, _That when
+one is at Rome, one must do as they do at Rome_:--and though he had
+gone to hear _mass_, because it was his interest, and the necessity of
+his affairs obliging him in a manner to seek his bread at that time,
+yet was he far from approving the superstitions of that church; all
+that he could write, however, or his friends urge for him on this
+head, was ineffectual; he passed for a _papist_ and _jacobite_ with
+every body: pursuant therefore to his resolution of continuing abroad,
+till these discourses should be a little worn out, he wrote again to
+his father, and settled his affairs so as to receive remittances of
+money, at the several places to which he intended to go.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+  The power of fear over a mind, weak either by nature, or infirmities
+  of body: The danger of its leading to despair, is shewn by the
+  condition Natura was reduced to by the importunities of priests of
+  different perswasions. This chapter also demonstrates, the little
+  power people have of judging what is really best for them, and that
+  what has the appearance of the severest disappointment, is
+  frequently the greatest good.
+
+
+As to lose the memory of his disgrace, or at least all those gloomy
+reflections it had occasioned, was the chief motive which had made
+Natura resolve to travel a second time, it was a matter of
+indifference to him which way he went. He first took care to make
+himself master of all that was worth observation in Holland, where he
+found little to admire, except the Stadthouse, and the magnificence
+with which king William, after his accession to the crown of these
+kingdoms, had ornamented his palace at Loo; but the rough, unpolite
+behaviour of the people, disgusted him so much, that he stayed no
+longer among them than was necessary to see what the place afforded,
+and then passed on to Brussels, Antwerp, and, in fine, left no great
+city, either in Dutch or French Flanders unvisited; thence went into
+Germany, where his first route was to Hanover, having, it seems, a
+curiosity of seeing a prince, whose brows were one day to be incircled
+with the crown of England; but this country was, at that time, in so
+low and wretched a condition, that whether he looked on the buildings,
+the lands, or the appearance of the inhabitants, all equally presented
+a scene of poverty to his eyes; he therefore made what haste he could
+out of it, having found nothing, except the Elector himself, that gave
+him the least satisfaction. He was also at several other petty courts,
+all which served to inspire in him not the most favourable idea of
+Germany.
+
+At length he arrived at Vienna, a city pompous enough to those who had
+never seen Rome and Paris; but however it may yield to them in
+elegance of buildings, gardening, and other delicacies of life, it was
+yet more inferior in the manners of the people;--he perceived among
+the persons of quality, an affectation of grandeur, a state without
+greatness, and in the lower rank of gentry, a certain stiffness, even
+to the meanest, and an insufferable pride, which came pretty near
+ferocity:--the costly, but ill-contrived parades frequently made,
+discovered less their riches than their bad taste, and appeared the
+more ridiculous to Natura, as they were extolled for their
+magnificence and elegance; but, even here, as indeed all over Germany,
+the courts of Berlin and Dresden excepted, you see rather an _aim_ of
+attracting admiration and respect, than the _power_ of it. These,
+however, were the sentiments of Natura, others perhaps may judge
+differently.
+
+But whatever may be the deficiencies of Germany in matters of genius,
+wit, judgment, and manners, there is none in good eating, and good
+wine; and though their fashion of cookery is not altogether so polite,
+nor so agreeable to the palates of others as their own, yet it must be
+confessed, that in their way, they are very great epicures; but though
+they generally eat voraciously, they drink yet more; and so nimbly do
+they send the glass about, that a stranger finds it no small
+difficulty to maintain his sobriety among them.
+
+Natura's too great compliance with their intreaties in this point, had
+like to have proved fatal to him:--the strength of the wines, and
+drinking them in a much larger quantity than he had been accustomed
+to, so inflamed his blood, that he soon fell into a violent fever,
+which for some days gave those that attended him, little hopes of his
+recovery; but by the skill of his physician, joined to his youth, and
+the goodness of his constitution, the force of the distemper at last
+abated, yet could not be so intirely eradicated, as not to leave a
+certain pressure and debility upon the nerves, by some called a fever
+on the spirits, which seemed to threaten either an atrophy or
+consumption; his complexion grew pale and livid, and his strength and
+flesh visibly wasted; and what was yet worse, the vigour of his mind
+decayed, in proportion with that of his external frame, insomuch that,
+falling into a deep melancholy, he considered himself as on the brink
+of the grave, and expected nothing but dissolution every hour.
+
+While he continued in this languishing condition, he was frequently
+visited by the priests, who in some parts of Germany, particularly at
+Vienna, are infinitely more inveterate against Protestantism than at
+Paris, or even at Rome, though the _papal_ seat; as indeed any one may
+judge, who has heard of the many and cruel persecutions practised upon
+the poor Protestants by the emperors, in spite of the repeated
+obligations they have had to those powers who profess the doctrines of
+Calvin and Luther; but gratitude is no part of the characteristic of a
+German.
+
+These venerable distracters of the human mind, were perpetually
+ringing hell and damnation in his ears, in case he abjured not, before
+his death, the errors in which he had been educated, and continued in
+so many years, and by acts of penance and devotion, reconcile himself
+to the mother church; they pleaded the antiquity of their faith,
+brought all the fathers they could muster up, to prove that alone was
+truly orthodox, and that all dissenting from it was a sin not to be
+forgiven.
+
+On the other hand, the English ambassador's chaplain, who knew well
+enough what they were about, omitted nothing that might confirm him in
+the principles of the reformation, and convince him that the church of
+England, as by law established, had departed only from the errors
+which had crept into the primitive church, not from the church itself,
+and that all the superstitious doctrines now preached up by the Romish
+priests, were only so many impositions of their own, calculated to
+inrich themselves, and keep weak minds in awe.
+
+Natura, who had till now contented himself with understanding moral
+duties, and had never examined into matters of controversy between the
+two religions, now found both had so much to say in defence of their
+different modes of worship, that he became very much divided in his
+sentiments; and each remonstrating to him by turns, the danger of
+dying in a wrong belief, wrought so far upon the present weakness of
+his intellects, as to bring him into a fluctation of ideas, which
+might, in time, either have driven him into despair, or made him
+question the very fundamentals of a religion, the merits of which its
+professors seemed to place so much in things of meer form and
+ceremony.
+
+By this may be seen how greatly _christianity_ suffers by the unhappy
+divisions among the professors of it:--much it is to be wished, though
+little to be hoped, that both sides would be prevailed upon to recede
+a little from their present stiffness in opinion, or be at least less
+virulent in maintaining it; since each, by endeavouring to expose and
+confute what they look upon as an absurdity in the other, join in
+contributing to render the truth of the whole suspected, and not only
+give a handle to the avowed enemies, of depreciating and ridiculing
+all the sacred mysteries of religion, but also stagger the faith of a
+great many well-meaning people, and afford but a too plausible
+pretence for that sceptism which goes by the name of _free-thinking_,
+and is of late so much the fashion.
+
+In another situation, perhaps, Natura would have been little affected
+with any thing could have been said on this score; but health and
+sickness make a wide difference in our way of thinking:--when
+surrounded by the gay pleasures of life, and in the full vigour and
+capacity of enjoying them, we either do not reflect at all, or but
+cursorily on the evil day; but when cold imbecility steals upon us,
+either through age or accidents, and death and eternity stare us in
+the face, we have quite other sentiments, other wishes:--whoever
+firmly believes, that in leaving this life, we but step into another,
+either of happiness or misery, and that which ever it proves, will be
+without end, or possibility of change, and that the whole of future
+welfare depends on the road we take in going out of this world, will
+be very fearful lest he should chuse the wrong; and it is not
+therefore strange, that while, with equal force, the _papist_ pulled
+one way, and the _protestant_ another, the poor penitent should be
+involved in the most terrible uncertainty.
+
+Happy, therefore, was it, both for the recovery of his mind and body,
+that his physicians finding all their recipes had little effect,
+advised him to seek relief from the waters of the Spa, and as it was
+their opinion, they would be of more efficacy, when drank upon the
+spot, he accordingly took his journey thither, but by reason of his
+weakness, was obliged to be carried the whole way in a litter.
+
+It is very probable, that being eased of the perplexities the
+incessant admonitions of the priests of different opinions had given
+him, contributed as much as the waters to his amendment; but to which
+ever of these causes it may be imputed, it is certain that he every
+day became better, and as his strength of body returned, so did that
+of his mind, in proportion; with his apprehensions of death, his
+disquiets about matters of religion subsided also, and whenever any
+thing of that kind came cross his thoughts, it was but by starts, and
+was soon dissipated with other ideas, which many objects at this place
+presented him with.
+
+But that to which he was chiefly indebted for the recovery of his
+former gaiety of temper, was meeting with an English family, with whom
+he had been extremely intimate; the lady had come thither for the same
+purpose he had done, her husband being very tender of her, would needs
+accompany her, and they brought with them their only daughter, a young
+lady of great beauty, and not above eighteen, in hopes, as they said,
+of alleviating a certain melancholly, to which she was addicted,
+without any cause, at least any that was visible, for it.
+
+Natura had often seen the amiable Maria (for so she was called) but
+had never felt for her any of those pleasing, and equally painful,
+emotions, which a nearer conversation with her now inspired him
+with:--he had always thought her very handsome, but she now appeared
+perfectly adorable in his eyes:--the manner of her behaviour, that
+modest sweetness which appeared through her whole deportment, and
+seemed, as it were, a part of her soul, had for him irresistible
+charms; and as he very well knew the circumstances of her family, such
+as his friends could make no reasonable objections against, nor his
+own such as could be thought contemptible by those of her kindred, he
+attempted not to repel the satisfaction which he felt, in the hopes of
+being one day able to make an equal impression on her heart.
+
+The very first use he made of his intire recovery from his late
+indisposition, was an endeavour to convince her how much her presence
+had contributed to it, and that the supremest wish his soul could
+form, was to enjoy it with her in the nearest, and most tender union,
+as long as life continued.--She received the declarations he made her
+of his passion with great reserve, and yet more coldness; and affected
+to take them only for the effects of a gallantry, which she told him
+was far from being agreeable to a person of her humour: but he
+imputing her behaviour only to an excess of that extreme modesty which
+accompanied all her words and actions, was so far from being rebuffed
+at it, that he acquainted her parents with his inclination, and, at
+the same time, intreated their permission for prosecuting his
+addresses to her.
+
+Both of them heard his proposals with a joy which it was impossible
+for either, especially the mother of that lady, to conceal:--each
+cried out, almost at the same time, that the sentiments he expressed
+for their daughter, was an honour they hoped she had too much good
+sense not to accept with the utmost satisfaction, and added, that they
+would immediately lay their commands upon her, to receive him in the
+manner she ought to do.
+
+As their families and fortunes were pretty equivalent, and Maria,
+besides her being an heiress, had beauty enough to expect to marry,
+even above her rank, Natura could not keep himself from being a little
+astonished at the extravagance of pleasure they testified at the offer
+he had made: parents generally take some time to consider, before they
+give their assent to a proposal of this sort; and as he knew they were
+very well acquainted with the occasion of his leaving England this
+second time, and were of a party the most opposite that could be to
+that he was suspected to have favoured, their extreme readiness to
+dispose of their only daughter, and with her their whole estate, to
+him seemed the more strange, as he had been, ever since he conceived a
+passion for Maria, in the most terrible apprehension of meeting with a
+different reception from them, meerly on the account of his supposed
+principles.
+
+The transport, however, that so unexpected a condescension gave him,
+prevented him from examining too deeply what might be the motives that
+induced them to it, and he gave himself wholly up to love, gratitude,
+and the delightful thoughts of being in a short time possessed of all
+he at present wished, or imagined he ever should ask of Heaven.
+
+But how were all these rapturous expectations dashed, when soon after
+going to visit Maria, he found her lovely eyes half drowned in tears,
+and her whole frame in the utmost disorder:--'What, madam,' cried he,
+with a voice which denoted both grief and surprize, 'can have
+happened, to give you any cause of the disquiet I see in you!'--'You,'
+replied she, snatching away her hand, which he had taken, 'you alone
+are the cause;--what encouragement did I ever give you,' continued
+she, 'that should make you imagine the offers you have made my parents
+would be agreeable to me?--Did I ever authorize you to ask a consent
+from them, which I was determined never to grant myself, and which, I
+will suffer a thousand deaths rather than ratify.'
+
+The confusion Natura was in at these words was so great, that it
+prevented him from making any answer; but he looked on her in such a
+manner as made her ashamed of what she had said, and perhaps too of
+the passion that had so far transported her; and perceiving he still
+continued silent, 'I own myself obliged for the affection you express
+for me,' resumed she, with more mildness, 'though it is at present the
+greatest misfortune could have happened to me. Could I have thought
+you would have declared yourself in the manner you have done to my
+father and mother, I would have convinced you how impossible it would
+be for you to reap any advantage from it, and that by so doing you
+would only make me the most wretched creature in the world; but all is
+now too late, and I foresee the cruel consequence.'--Here her tears
+interrupted the passage of her words, and Natura having recollected
+himself, began to complain of the severity of his destiny, which
+compelled him to _love_ with the most violent passion a person who
+could only return it with an equal degree of hate.--'Love,' replied
+she, with a deep sigh, 'is not in our power;--let me therefore conjure
+you, by all that which you pretend to have for me, to proceed no
+farther in this business, nor endeavour to prevail on my parents to
+force an inclination, which no obligations to them, services from you,
+or length of time can ever influence in your favour; for be assured,
+that if you do, you will only see the hand should be given you at the
+altar, employed in cutting my own throat, or plunging a dagger in my
+breast.'
+
+With these words, and an air that had somewhat of wildness in it, she
+flung out of the room, leaving him in a consternation impossible to
+describe, almost to conceive; her mother came in immediately after,
+and judging by his countenance how her daughter had behaved, told him
+he must not regard the coyness of a young girl; that she doubted not
+but Maria would soon be convinced what was her true happiness; and
+that a little perseverance and assiduity on his side, and authority on
+theirs, would remove all the scruples, bashfulness alone had created
+in her: 'No, madam,' answered he, with some impatience, 'there is
+somewhat more than all this you have mentioned, against me;--there is
+a rooted detestation to me in the very soul of Maria, which as I
+cannot but despair of being ever able to remove, common reason bids me
+attempt no farther.'
+
+The mother of Maria appeared very much perplexed, and said a great
+deal to perswade him that his apprehensions were without foundation;
+but the young lady had expressed herself in terms too strong for him
+not to be perfectly assured she was in earnest; and being willing to
+ruminate a little on the affair, he took leave, though not without the
+other extorting a promise from him, of coming again the next day.
+
+Natura had not given himself much time to reflect, before he conceived
+great part of the truth:--he could not think either his person or
+qualifications so contemptible, as to inspire a heart unprepossessed
+by some other object, with an aversion such as Maria had expressed: he
+therefore concluded, she had disposed of her affections before she
+knew of his: it also seemed plain to him that her parents were not
+ignorant of her attachment, and being such as they could not approve
+of, it was that which had rendered them both so ready to snatch at his
+proposal, without any mention of those considerations they would
+otherwise naturally have had of jointure, settlements, and all those
+things, previous to marriage, between persons of condition.
+
+He was the more confirmed in this belief, when the father came to his
+lodgings the next morning; and without seeming to know any thing of
+what had passed between him, either with his wife, or Maria, asked, in
+a gay manner, how the latter had received his addresses? To which
+Natura answered in the same manner as he had done to her mother;
+adding only, that he could not avoid believing her heart was already
+engaged to some more worthy man, and was sorry his own unhappy passion
+had occasioned any interruption. The father left nothing unsaid that
+might dissipate such a conjecture, and affected to railly him on a
+jealousy which, he said, was common to lovers; and then told him a
+long story how himself had formerly suffered much by the same vain
+imagination. But all this was so far from making Natura doubt the
+truth of his conjectures, that, seeing through the artifice, he was
+the more convinced they were intirely right.
+
+He went, notwithstanding, in the afternoon, either because he had
+promised to do so, or because he could not all at once resolve to
+banish himself from a person he took so much pleasure in beholding,
+though now without hopes of ever being able to obtain:--being left
+alone with Maria, both of them remained in a kind of sullen silence
+for some minutes, till at last the force of his passion in spite of
+himself made him utter some complaints on the cruelty of fortune, and
+his own insensibility, which had denied him the opportunity of
+discovering the thousand charms he now found in her, till too late to
+have his adoration of them acceptable to her. 'I have not less
+reason,' said she, 'to accuse the chance which at this time brought us
+together, than you can possibly have; since the love you profess for
+me, and which I once more assure you I can never return, has laid me
+under the severest displeasure of my parents';--'but I had hopes,'
+continued she, 'after the declaration I made you yesterday, that you
+would have renounced all pretensions to me, and had generosity enough
+in your nature, not to have taken the advantage of my father and
+mother's power over me, to force me into a compliance, which must be
+fatal to one or both of us.'
+
+'No, madam,' answered he, much surprized, 'I am far from even a wish
+of becoming guilty of what you accuse me with;--dear as I prize your
+person, I would not attempt to purchase it at the expence of your
+peace of mind; nor could I be truly blessed in the enjoyment of the
+_one_, without the _other_;--it is only to Maria herself I would have
+been obliged, not to the authority of her parents.'
+
+'Will you then quit me,' cried she hastily, 'and let the act appear
+wholly your own?'--'I will,' replied he, after a pause, 'difficult as
+it is to do so, and irresolute and inconstant as it will make me
+seem.' 'That,' said she, 'will be an action truly deserving my esteem;
+and in return, know I am much more your friend in refusing your
+addresses, than either my parents in encouraging, or your own mistaken
+wishes in offering them':--'but,' pursued she, 'I beg you will enquire
+no farther, but leave me, and break off with my parents in the best
+manner you can.'
+
+Fain would he have obtained a farther explanation of words, which
+seemed to him to contain some mystery, as indeed they did; but she was
+no less inflexible to his intreaties on that score, than she had been
+to those of his love; and perceiving his presence gave her only pain,
+he went out of the house with an aking and agitated heart, but
+resolved to do as she desired and he had promised, whatever pangs it
+cost him.
+
+He had not gone above an hundred paces on his way home, before he was
+accosted by a man who seemed like an upper-servant in a gentleman's
+family, and who, with a low bow, delivered him a letter, which, on
+seeing directed to himself, he hastily opened, and found contained
+these lines:
+
+  Sir,
+
+  "If you have any thing in you of the gallantry, generosity, or
+  gratitude, for which your country is famed, come where the bearer
+  will conduct you, to a woman, who has suffered much on your
+  account, and can be extricated from an unhappy affair only by your
+  advice."
+
+Natura was little in a humour to pursue an adventure of the kind this
+seemed to be; but curiosity got the better of his spleen, and he bad
+the fellow lead the way, and he would follow; which he accordingly
+did, till they were out of the town, and from the sight of all the
+houses.
+
+Being come into a field which was a kind of an inclosure, and a
+theatre proper enough for the tragedy intended to be acted on it, the
+fellow turned back, and drew a pistol, which he instantly discharged
+at the head of Natura, crying at the same time, 'Maria sends you
+this.'--Heaven so directed the bullets, that the one passed by his
+ear, and the other only grazed upon his shoulder, without doing any
+farther damage, than taking away a small piece of his sleeve. It is
+easy to judge of his surprize, yet was it not so great as to disable
+him from drawing his sword in order to revenge himself on the
+assassin; but the wretch, in case his fire-arms should miscarry, had
+provided a falchion concealed under his coat, with which, the same
+instant, he ran furiously on Natura, and had certainly cleft him down,
+tho' perhaps in doing so, he might have received his own death's wound
+at the same time from the sword of his antagonist; but both these
+events were happily prevented by the peculiar interposition of Divine
+Providence: some reapers, who had lain asleep under an adjacent hedge,
+being roused with the noise of the pistol, ran to the combatants, and
+with their hooks beat down both their weapons; while at the same
+fortunate crisis, two gentlemen attended by three servants, who
+happening to cross a road which had a full prospect over the field,
+had seen, at a distance, all that had passed, and came galloping up to
+the assistance of Natura, who was then beginning to interrogate the
+villain on the occasion of this attempt; but he refused to give any
+satisfactory answer to what he said, so was dragged by the countrymen,
+and others, who by this time were gathered together, back into the
+town, and carried immediately before a magistrate, who, on his
+obstinately refusing to make any confession, committed him to prison.
+
+Natura, who imagined nothing more certain, than that Maria had set
+this fellow on to murder him, as the surest way to get rid of his
+addresses, went directly to the house where she lodged, full of a
+resentment equal to the detestable crime of which he thought her
+guilty;--he found her in the room with her father and mother, of whom
+he took little notice, but stepped forwards to the place where she was
+sitting; and seeing her a little surprized, which indeed was
+occasioned only by his sudden return, and the abrupt manner in which
+he entered:--'You find, madam,' said he, with a voice broke with rage,
+'your plot has miscarried;--Natura still lives, though it must be
+owned your emissary did all could be expected to obey your commands,
+for my destruction.'
+
+It is hard to say, whether Maria, or her parents, were in the greatest
+consternation at these words; but he soon unravelled the mystery, by
+relating the whole story, not omitting what the assassin said in
+presenting the pistol, and then as a confirmation throwed the letter
+he had received into Maria's lap, and at the same time shewed the
+passage one of the bullets had made through the sleeve of his
+coat:--the young lady no sooner cast her eyes upon the letter, than
+she gave a great shriek, and crying out, 'O Humphry, Humphry! every
+way my ruin!' immediately fell fainting on the floor; her father,
+without regarding the condition she was in, snatched up the paper, the
+hand-writing of which he presently recollected, as having, it seems,
+intercepted several wrote by the same person;--'Abandoned, infamous
+creature,' cried he;--'shame of thy sex and family,' added the mother,
+striking her breast in the utmost agony:--in fine, never was such a
+scene of distraction and despair!--Natura, injured as he had been,
+could not behold it without compassion;--he ran by turns to Maria,
+endeavouring to raise her,--then to her parents, beseeching them to
+moderate their passion,--then to her again:--'You are too generous,'
+said the father, 'let her die, happy had it been if she had perished
+in the cradle':--Just as he spoke these words she revived, and lifting
+up her eyes, 'O, I am no murd'ress,' cried she, 'guilty as I am, in
+this Heaven knows my innocence.'--'It is false, it is false,' said the
+father; 'but were it true, canst thou deny, thou most abandoned
+wretch, that thou wert also ignorant that the villain who wrote this
+letter had followed us to Spaw, and bring a second shame upon
+us?'--She answered to this only with her tears, which assuring him she
+had no defence to make on this article, his rage grew more inflamed;
+he loaded her with curses, and could not keep himself from spurning
+her with his feet, as she still lay groveling on the ground, and might
+perhaps have proceeded to greater violences, had not Natura, by main
+force, with-held him, while her mother, tho' little less incensed
+against her, dragged her in a manner out of the room, more dead than
+alive.
+
+The unhappy object removed from his sight, the provoked father grew
+somewhat more calm, and turning to Natura, 'You see now, sir,' said
+he, 'how unworthy this wretched girl is of that affection with which
+you once honoured her; but how shall I obtain your pardon for what the
+too great tenderness for an only child has made me guilty of to
+you;--all I can say is, that I hoped she had been reclaimed, and so
+far from even a wish to repeat her crimes, that she had only an utter
+detestation for the villain that had seduced her.'
+
+Natura knew very well how he ought to judge of this affair; but as he
+had an aversion to dissimulation, and was unwilling to add any thing
+to the affliction he was witness to, he said little in answer to the
+other's apology, but that he was extremely sorry for Maria, and the
+misfortunes she had brought on the family; and then took his leave as
+soon as decency would permit; but with a firm resolution to hold no
+farther conversation, wherever they should hereafter happen to meet,
+with persons who had all of them, in their several capacities, used
+him so ill.
+
+The assassin was soon after brought to a public trial, where tortures
+making him confess the truth, he acknowledged, that having been a
+servant in the family, the beauty of Maria had inspired him with
+desires, unbefitting the disparity between them;--that emboldened by
+an extraordinary goodness she shewed to him, he had declared his
+passion, and met with all the returns he wished;--that she became
+pregnant by him, and had made a vow to keep herself single, till the
+death of her father should leave her at liberty to marry him; but that
+an unlucky accident having discovered their amour, he was turned out
+of the house, and the grief Maria conceived at it occasioned an
+abortion; but that after her recovery she contrived means to meet him
+privately, and to support him with money, that he might not be obliged
+to go to service any more; that she had acquainted him with their
+coming to the Spa, and not only knew of his following them in disguise
+to that place, but contrived a rendezvous where they saw each other
+often, and he learned from her the addresses of Natura, and the
+positive commands laid on her by her parents of marrying him, in order
+to retrieve her honour and reputation; that as besides the extreme
+love he had for her, his own interest obliged him to hinder the match,
+if by any means he could; and finding no other than the death of his
+rival, he had attempted it by the way already mentioned: but cleared
+Maria, however, of all guilt on this score, who, he assured the court,
+knew nothing of his intentions of murder.
+
+The sentence passed on him was, to be hanged in chains, which was
+accordingly executed in a few days; though Natura, pitying his case,
+in consideration of the greatness of the temptation, laboured for a
+mitigation of his doom.--He never saw the unfortunate Maria
+afterwards, but heard she was in a condition little different from
+madness, which making her parents think it improper she should return
+to England, they conveyed her to Liege, where they placed her as a
+pensioner in the convent of English nuns, there to remain till time
+and reflection should make a change in her, fit to appear again in the
+world; which proceeding in them shewed, that whatever aversion some
+people have to _this_, or _that_ form of religion, they can
+countenance, nay, pretend to approve it, when it happens to prove for
+their convenience to do so.
+
+Natura was now intirely cured of his passion, but could not avoid
+feeling a very tender commiseration for her, who had been the unhappy
+object of it; he found also, on meditating on every passage of this
+adventure, that she was infinitely less to blame, in regard to him,
+than her parents had been; and that what he had accused, as cruel in
+her, was much more kind than the favour they had pretended for
+him.--When he reflected on the gulph of misery he had so narrowly
+escaped, he was filled with the most grateful sentiments to that
+Providence which had protected him; and also made sensible, that what
+we often pray for, as the greatest of blessings, would, if obtained,
+prove the severest curse:--a reflection highly necessary for all who
+desire any thing with too much ardency.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+  Shews that there is no one human advantage to which all others
+  should be sacrificed:--the force of ambition, and the folly of
+  suffering it to gain too great an ascendant over us;--public
+  grandeur little capable of atoning for private discontent; among
+  which jealousy, whether of love or honour, is the most tormenting.
+
+
+The desire of being well settled in the world is both natural and
+laudable; but then great care ought to be taken to moderate this
+passion, in order to prevent it from engrossing the mind too much; for
+it is the nature of ambition, not only to stop at nothing that tends
+to its gratification, but also to be ever craving new acquisitions,
+ever unsatisfied with the former.--One favourite point is no sooner
+gained, than another appears in view, and is pursued with the same
+eagerness:--what we once thought the _summum bonum_ of our happiness,
+seems nothing when we have attained to the possession of it, while
+that which is unaccomplished, fires us with impatience, and robs us of
+every enjoyment we might take in life.
+
+Natura having now been absent two years, thought the idle rumours
+concerning him, as to his principles in party-matters, would be pretty
+much silenced, so began to think of returning to England; he was the
+more encouraged to do so, as he found by his letters, that those in
+the ministry, who had appeared with most virulence against him, had
+been removed themselves, and that a considerable change in public
+affairs had happened. Accordingly, he set forward with all the
+expedition he could, feeling not the least regret for leaving a
+country he had never liked, nor where he had ever enjoyed any real
+satisfaction, and had been so near being plunged into the worst of
+misfortunes, that of an unhappy marriage:--no ill accident
+intervening, he arrived in England, and proceeded directly to London,
+where he was received with an infinity of joy by his father and
+sister, who happened at that time to come to town with her spouse, in
+order to place a young son they had at Westminster school.
+
+The better genius of Natura now took its turn, and prevailed over his
+ill one: the person whose turbulent zeal had occasioned his late
+misfortune, had since, being detected in some mal practice in other
+affairs, been cashiered from an office he held under the government,
+and was in the utmost disgrace himself: every body was now assured,
+that Natura had done no more than what became any man of spirit and
+honour; and those who before had condemned, now applauded his
+behaviour: in fine, every thing happened according to his wishes, and,
+to crown his happiness, he married about ten months after his arrival,
+a young beautiful lady, of his father's recommendation, and who had
+indeed all the qualifications that can render the conjugal state
+desirable.
+
+The promotion of a member of parliament to the house of peers for that
+county in which their estate lay, happening soon after, he stood for
+the vacant seat, and easily obtained it:--nothing now seemed wanting
+to compleat his perfect happiness, yet so restless is the heart of
+man, that gaining much, it yet craves for more; Natura had always a
+great passion for the court, meerly because it was a court, and gave
+an air of dignity to all belonging to it; he longed to make one among
+the shining throng; he was continually solliciting it, with an anxiety
+which deprived him of any true enjoyment of the blessings of his life;
+nor could all the arguments his father used to convince him of the
+vanity of his desires, nor the soft society of a most endearing and
+accomplished wife, render him easy under the many disappointments he
+received in the prosecution of this favourite aim.
+
+The death of his father soon after, however, filled his bosom with
+emotions which he had never felt before in any painful degree; he was
+for some time scarce able to support the thoughts of having lost so
+tender and affectionate a parent: but as nothing is so soon forgot as
+death, especially when alleviated by the enjoyment of a greater
+affluence of fortune, his grief wore off by pretty swift degrees, and
+he was beginning to renew his pursuits after preferment, with the same
+assiduity and ardency as ever, when his wife died in bringing into the
+world a son. This second subject of sorrow struck indeed much more to
+his heart than the former had done, as he now wanted that comforter he
+had found in her.--All the consolation he had was in that little
+pledge of their mutual affection she had left behind; and it was for
+the sake of that dear boy, at least he imagined it so, that his
+ambition of making a great figure in the world again, revived in him,
+if possible, with greater energy than ever.
+
+As he was now in possession of a very fine estate, had an agreeable
+person, rendered yet more so by all the advantages of education and
+travel, and not quite six-and-thirty, when he became a widower, his
+year of mourning was scarce expired, before all his friends and
+acquaintance began to talk to him of another wife, and few days past
+without proposals of that nature being made; but either the memory of
+the former amiable partner of his bed, or the experience he had in his
+own family of the ill effects that second marriages sometimes produce,
+made him deaf, for a long time, to any discourses on that head, though
+urged by those who, in other matters, had the greatest ascendant over
+him.
+
+Though he was far from being arrived at those years which render a man
+insensible of beauty, yet he was past those which had made him look on
+the enjoyment of it as the supremest bliss:--the fond desires that
+once engrossed him, had for some time given way to the more potent
+ardors of ambition;--he now made not love his _business_ but
+_amusement_; the amours he had were only transient, and merely to fill
+the vacancy of an idle hour: his thoughts were so wholly taken up with
+advancing himself, and becoming a man of consequence in the world,
+that it may be reasonably supposed, by his behaviour, and the manner
+in which he rejected all the offers made to him, that had he met with
+a woman, in whom all the perfections of the sex were centered, she
+would not have been able either to engage him to a serious attachment,
+or to have quitted those more darling pursuits, which the desire of
+greatness fired him with.
+
+Thus fortified by his present inclinations against all the charms of
+youth, of wit, of beauty, there was but one temptation he had not the
+power of withstanding, and that one his ill fate at length presented
+to him. A certain great person, who at that time was at the head of
+public affairs, had a neice, who for many private reasons, he found it
+necessary to dispose of in marriage: Natura was the man he happened to
+pitch upon, as one who seemed to him a very proper person, and
+accordingly made him the offer, accompanied with a promise of getting
+him into a great post, which he knew he had been for a long time, and
+was still, solliciting, though without any prospect of success,
+without his assistance.
+
+The young lady was not ugly, yet far from being mistress of charms
+capable of captivating a heart which had been filled with so many
+images of different beauties; but, as I have already said, love was
+not now the reigning passion of Natura's soul, and had she been much
+less amiable, the dowery she was to bring, sufficiently compensated
+for all other deficiencies, according to his present way of judging.
+
+He hesitated not a moment to accept the minister's proposal; and a
+long courtship, as things were ordered between them, being needless,
+he became again a husband, in a very few days, after the first mention
+had been made of it, and at the same time was put in possession of
+what was much more welcome to him than his bride, even tho' she had
+been endowed with every virtue, every grace.
+
+All for a time went smoothly on:--he saw himself in a rank and
+precedence, his birth could never have expected:--his wife's uncle
+loaded him with favours; he procured a commission of lieutenant in the
+guards for his younger brother by his mother-in-law, whom, in spite of
+the ill usage, with which both himself and his father had been treated
+by her, he had a very great affection for;--he also got employments
+for several others of his kindred;--his house was the rendezvous of
+the gay and titled world;--his friendship was courted by all his
+acquaintance, and his interest at court created him so many
+dependants, that his levee was little inferior to that of the minister
+himself.
+
+This full attainment of all he wished, and even more than he had ever
+dared to indulge the hope of, might well render him extremely
+contented;--he was indeed pleased to excess, but the gladness of his
+heart was so far a virtue in him, as it prevented him at first from
+shewing any tokens of that pride, which a sudden variation of fortune
+frequently excites.
+
+It is certain, his behaviour was such as gained him an equal share of
+love and respect; and he had this addition to his other blessings, of
+not having his advancement envied; a thing pretty rare about a court,
+where there are so many gaping after every office that falls.
+
+They say ambition is a lust that is never quenched; and that the
+enjoyment of much brings with it only an impatience for more; that
+fresh objects, and new acquisitions, still presenting themselves, the
+mind is ever restless, ever anxious in the endless pursuit.--It is
+very likely this maxim might indeed have been verified in the mind of
+Natura, after the hurry of transport for what he had already obtained
+had been a little worn off, and made way for other aims; but he had
+scarce given over congratulating himself on his success, before a
+strange alteration, and such as he had least dreaded of, happened in
+his humour, and rendered him wholly incapable of retaining the least
+relish for all the blessings he possessed, and in which he so lately
+placed the ultimate of his wishes.
+
+The compliments paid to him on his promotion and marriage, the giving
+and receiving visits from all his kindred and friends, together with
+the duties of his post, so much engrossed him for the first two or
+three months, that he had not time to give any attention to his
+domestic affairs, and happy would it have been for his peace if he had
+always continued in a total negligence in this point, as the fatal
+inspection plunged him into such distractions, as required many long
+years to compose.
+
+In fine, he now discovered such dispositions to gallantry in his wife,
+as inflamed him with jealousy, to such a degree as it would be
+impossible to describe;--not that he had ever been possessed of any
+extraordinary love or fondness on her account; but the injury which he
+imagined was offered to his honour, by the freedoms with which she
+entertained several of those young courtiers which frequented his
+house, made him in a short time become the most discontented man
+alive.
+
+Utterly impossible was it for him to conceal his disquiets; though the
+fears he had of displeasing the minister made him attempt it, as much
+as possible, and conscious of his ill dissimulation that way, the
+little notice she took of a chagrin he knew she could not but observe,
+very much added to it, as it seemed a certain proof of her
+indifference for him; a behaviour so widely different from the amiable
+tenderness of his former wife, dissipated all the little affection he
+had for her, and it was not long before she became even hateful to
+him; his jealousy however abated not with his love, her dishonour was
+his own, her person was his property by marriage, and the thoughts of
+any encroachment on his right were insupportable to him.
+
+Whether she was in fact as yet guilty of those violations of her duty,
+which his imagination incessantly suggested to him she was, neither
+himself, nor the world, were ever able to prove; but it is certain her
+conduct was such, in every shape towards him, as gave but too much
+room for suspicion in the least censorious, and which growing every
+day more disagreeable to him, he at length had not the power of
+feigning an inattention to it.--He remonstrated to her the value every
+woman, especially those in high life, ought to set on her
+reputation;--told her plainly, that the severest censures had been
+past upon her, and without seeming to believe them just himself,
+intreated her to act with more reserve for the future.
+
+All this, though delivered in the most gentle terms he could invent,
+had no other effect than to set her into an immoderate laughter:
+nothing could be more provoking, than the contempt with which she
+treated his advice; and on his insisting at last, in terms which she
+might think were somewhat too strong, on her being less frequently
+seen with some persons he mentioned to her, she answered in the most
+disdainful tone, that when she came to his years, she might, perhaps,
+look on the pleasures of life with the same eyes he did; but while
+youth and good humour lasted, she should deny herself no innocent
+indulgencies, and was resolved, let him and the world say what they
+would, not to anticipate old age and wrinkles.
+
+As Natura was not yet forty, in perfect health, and consequently not
+past the prime of manhood, this reflection cast upon his years, could
+not but add to his disgust of her that made it, and he replied with a
+spite which was very visible in his countenance, that whatever
+disparity there was between their ages, it would soon diminish by the
+course of life she followed, and which, if she persisted in, would, in
+a very little time, make her become an object below the voice of
+censure.
+
+They must know little of the sex, that do not know no affront can be
+so stinging as one offered to their beauty, even tho' conscious of
+having no great share of it; but the wife of Natura had heard too many
+flatteries, not to inspire her with the highest idea of her charms,
+which the little respect he now testified to have for them, did not at
+all abate, and only served to make her despise his stupidity, as she
+termed it.
+
+No measures after this were kept between them; she seemed to take a
+pleasure in every thing that gave him pain; she coquetted before his
+face with every handsome man that came in her way, and in fine gave
+herself such airs as the most patient husband could not have permitted
+her long to persist in. Making use of the authority the laws had given
+him, he, in a manner, forced her into the country, upwards of an
+hundred miles from London, though it was then in the depth of winter,
+and placed persons about her, with orders to prevent her from all
+means of returning, till he should judge it proper for her so to do.
+
+On this she wrote to her uncle, complaining of the hard treatment she
+received, and beseeching him to take some measures to oblige her
+husband to restore her liberty. The minister, who had at that time
+much greater concerns upon his hands on his own account, did not care
+to give himself any trouble about private family affairs; he only just
+mentioned to Natura the letter she had sent to him, and the purport of
+it; and on his relating to him the reasons that had compelled him to
+put this restraint on her behaviour, told him, he should not interfere
+between them; so that Natura found he had nothing to apprehend for
+what he had done.
+
+Finding this step had produced nothing for her purpose, she at last
+condescended to submit to her justly offended husband; and on her
+solemn and repeated promises of regulating her conduct for the future
+in such a manner as he should approve, he was prevailed upon by her
+seeming contrition, to consent to make trial how far her heart
+corresponded with her professions:--it was agreed, to prevent the town
+from inspecting too deeply on what had passed, that she should pretend
+her absence from town had been the effect of her own choice, and for
+giving the better colour, he went down himself, and brought her
+up.--They lived together, after this, much better than they had done
+for some months before their quarrel, and were now, in appearance,
+perfectly reconciled; I say, in appearance, for all was outward shew,
+neither of them had in their hearts the least true affection, nor
+could forgive the other for what had passed between them.
+
+The excessive constraint which both put upon themselves, in order to
+conceal the real sentiments of their hearts from each other, as well
+as from the world, could not but be extremely painful:--Natura
+suffered her as little as possible out of his sight, though he could
+have wished a possibility of avoiding her for ever, and was obliged to
+do all he could, to make that pass for a fondness of her presence,
+which was indeed only the effect of his jealousy of her behaviour in
+absence:--she affected to think herself happy in his company, for no
+other reason, than to win him to an assurance of her reformation, as
+might render him less observant than he had been of what she did, even
+at the time (as was afterwards discovered) when she seemed most sorry
+and angry with herself for having given him any cause of suspicion
+since their marriage.
+
+Both, in fine, endured all that could make marriage dreadful,
+especially Natura, who having with his former wife experienced all the
+felicity of that state, was the more wretched by the sad alternative;
+and as he could not sometimes forbear comparing the present with the
+past, fell frequently into perfect convulsions of grief and remorse,
+for having plunged himself into it.
+
+A perpetual dissimulation is what human nature finds among the things
+which are impossible to perform;--and I am pretty certain, that the
+most artful person that ever breathed, could not, at all times, and in
+all circumstances, restrain so far his real inclinations, as to give
+no indications of them to an observing eye; and it is scarce probable,
+but that the very attempt in Natura and his wife, gave rise to as many
+reflections on their conduct in this point, as there was too much room
+to make on others.
+
+It was indeed a kind of farce acted by this unhappy pair, in which
+both played their parts so aukwardly, that the real character would
+frequently peep out, and though each dissembled, yet neither was
+deceived; but as I said before, this could not last for ever; and the
+ice being once broke in some unguarded humour either on the one or the
+other side, I cannot pretend to affirm on which, the torrent of their
+mutual disgust burst out with the greater force, for having been so
+long pent up: it is hard to tell which testified the most virulence,
+or expressed themselves in the most bitter terms:--all that can be
+determined is, that those of Natura shewed most of _rage_, and those
+his wife made use of, most of _hatred_.
+
+After having fully vented all that was in their souls against each
+other, both became more calm; and agreed in this, as the only resource
+for ease in their present unhappy situation, to banish for the future
+all deceit between them, and never more pretend the least kindness or
+good-will to each other when in private, to lie in separate beds, and
+to be as seldom as possible alone together; but for the sake of both
+their reputations to continue in the same house, and before company to
+behave with reciprocal politeness.
+
+These terms rid Natura of a great part of that insupportable
+constraint he had been under, but gave not the least satisfaction, as
+to his jealousy of honour; he doubted not but she would be guilty of
+many things, injurious in the highest degree to their public
+character, and which yet it would not so well become him to exert his
+authority in opposing, and these reflections gave him the most
+terrible inquietude; which shews, that though _jealousy_ is called the
+child of _love_, it is very possible to feel all the tortures of the
+_one_, without being sensible of any of the douceurs of the _other_
+passion.
+
+How dearly now did Natura pay for the gratification of his
+ambition!--What availed his grandeur, the respect paid him by his
+equals, and the homage of the inferior world!--What the pride of
+having it in his power to confer favours, when he had himself a heart
+torn with the most fierce convulsions, and less capable of enjoying
+the goods of fortune, than the most abject of those indigent
+creatures, who petitioned for relief from him!--By day, by night,
+alone, or in company, he was haunted with ideas the most distracting
+to his peace.--A smile on the face of his wife, seemed to him to
+proceed from the joy of having made some new conquest; a grave or
+melancholly look, from a disappointment on the account of a favourite
+gallant: yet as her person was the least thing he was tenacious of,
+the behaviour of others gave him greater pain than any thing she could
+do herself;--whoever spoke handsomely of her, he imagined insulted
+him; and those who mentioned her not at all, he thought were sensible
+of her levity, and his misfortune:--every thing he saw or heard,
+seemed to him a sad memento of his dishonour; and though he could not
+assure himself she had in fact been guilty of a breach of her virtue,
+he was very certain she had been so of that reserve and modesty which
+is the most distinguishable characteristic of it, and took from him
+the power of vindicating her innocence, or his own honour even though
+he had believed them safe, as becomes a husband, whose wife is more
+cautious of her conduct in this point.
+
+Too delicate of the censure of the world, it gave him the utmost
+anxiety how to carry himself, so as not to afford any room to have it
+said he was either a jealous, or a too credulous husband; yet in spite
+of all his care, he incurred both these characters:--those who had
+heard of his sending her into the country, without being acquainted
+with the motives for his so doing, looked on him as the former; and
+those who saw her manner of behaviour, and the seeming politeness of
+his treatment of her, imagined him the latter:--so difficult is it for
+any one, who only sees the outside of things, to judge what they are
+in reality; yet the vanity of having it believed they are let into
+secrets, makes a great many people invent circumstances, and then
+relate for matters of fact, what are indeed no more than the
+suggestions of imagination, or, what is yet worse, the coinage of
+their own brain, without believing themselves what they take upon them
+to report to others.
+
+This undoubtedly happened on the score of Natura and his wife, and
+occasioned not only many idle stories at tea-table conversation, but
+also many oblique hints to be sometimes given to himself, which,
+perhaps, there was not the least grounds for, but which greatly added
+to his disquiets; as when we think we have reason to believe part, we
+are ready to give credit to all we hear, especially in cases of this
+nature; it being the peculiar property of jealousy, to force the mind
+to grasp with eagerness, at every thing that tends to render it more
+afflicted and perplexed.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+BOOK the Third.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. I.
+
+  Shews in what manner anger and revenge operate on the mind, and how
+  ambition is capable of stifling both, in a remarkable instance, that
+  _private injuries_, how great soever, may seem of no weight, when
+  _public grandeur_ requires they should be looked over.
+
+
+Nothing is so violent as anger in its first emotions, it takes the
+faculties by surprize, and rushes upon the soul like an impetuous
+torrent, bearing down all before it: its strength, however, is owing
+to its suddenness; for being raised by some new and unexpected
+accident or provocation, reason has no warning of its approach, and
+consequently is off her guard, and without any immediate power of
+acting: the sweetest, and most gentle disposition, is not always a
+sufficient defence for the mind, against the attacks of this furious
+passion, and may be hurried by it to deeds the most opposite to its
+own nature; but then as it is fierce, it is transient also; should its
+force continue, it would lose its name, and be no longer anger, but
+revenge; which, though the worst and most fiend-like propensity of a
+vicious inclination, is sometimes excited by circumstances, that seem
+in a great measure to alleviate the blackness of it:--repeated and
+unprovoked insults, friendship and love abused, injuries in our
+person, our fortune, or reputation, will sour the softest temper, and
+are apt to make us imagine it is an injustice to our selves, not to
+retaliate in kind, the ill treatment we receive. Religion, indeed,
+forbids us to take our own parts thus far, and philosophy teaches,
+that it is nobler to forgive, than punish wrongs; but every one is not
+so happy as to have either of these helps; and I do not find but those
+who boast both of them in the most superlative degree, stand in need
+of something more, to enable them to restrain this prevailing impulse;
+and that it is not so much to the precepts they receive from others,
+as to some dictates from within, that many people are indebted for the
+reputation of patience and forbearance.
+
+It is the peculiar providence of Heaven, as I took notice in the
+beginning of this work, that the more ignoble passions of human
+nature, are, generally speaking, opposites, and by that means serve as
+a curb to bridle the inordinancy of each other; so that, though _one
+alone_ would be pernicious to society, and render the person possessed
+of it obnoxious to the world, _many_ will prevent the hurt, and make
+the man himself tolerable.
+
+The adventure I am now going to relate, will prove that Natura had the
+greatest excitements, and the greatest justification both for wrath
+and revenge that could possibly be offered to any one man: yet did
+another passion, not more excusable than either of these, suppress all
+the turbulent emotions of both, and quench the boiling flames within
+his soul, insomuch as to make him appear all calmness and
+contentedness.
+
+But though I made use of the word passion to express the now
+prevailing propensity of Natura's soul, I do not think that ambition,
+strictly speaking, can come under that denomination:--to me it rather
+seems the effect of an assemblage of other passions, than a passion
+simple of itself, and natural to the mind of man; and I believe,
+whoever examines it to the fountain head, will find it takes its
+origin from pride and envy, and is nourished by self-love, nor ever
+appears in any great degree, where these do not abound.--Were it born
+with us, there would doubtless be some indications of it in
+childhood, but it is observable, that not till man arrives at
+maturity, and even not then, unless the sight of objects above himself
+excites it, he discovers the least sensation of any such emotion.--In
+fine, it is an inclination rarely known in youth, ordinarily declines
+in age, and never exerts itself with vigour, as in the middle stage of
+life, which I reckon to be from about five-and-twenty to fifty, or
+somewhat more, according to the strength of the natural stamina, or
+constitution.--But to go on with my history.
+
+Since Natura had been in what they call a settled state in the world,
+it had always been his custom to distinguish the anniversary of that
+day which gave him birth, by providing a polite entertainment for his
+friends and kindred: he had now attained to his fortieth year, and
+though it had been that in which he had known more poignant disquiets,
+than in any one of his whole life before; yet thinking that to neglect
+the observation of it now, would give occasion for remarks on his
+reasons for so doing, he resolved to treat it with the usual ceremony.
+
+It was in that delightful season of the year, when nature, adorned
+with all her charms, invites the senses to taste that regale in the
+open air, which the most elegant and best concerted entertainments
+within doors cannot atone for the want of. After dinner was over, the
+whole company which was pretty numerous, adjourned from the table to
+the garden, a small, but well ordered spot of ground, at the lower end
+of which was a green-house, furnished with many curious exotic plants.
+While Natura was shewing this collection to those of his guests, who
+had a taste that way, others were diverting themselves with walking in
+the alleys, or set down in arbors, according as their different
+fancies inclined, as it is common for people to divide themselves into
+little parties, when there are too many for all to share in a general
+conversation.
+
+As they were thus employed, the minister, who though he had not
+thought it beneath the dignity of his character to do honour to the
+birth-day of the husband of his neice, yet had his mind taken up with
+other things than the amusements of the place, took Natura aside on a
+sudden, and asked him if he had not a paper in his custody, which he
+had some time before put into his hands; to which the other answering
+in the affirmative, 'There are some things in it I do not well
+remember,' said the great man; 'and a thought just now occurs to me,
+in which they may be of use':--Natura then offered to fetch it; 'No,'
+replied the other, 'I will go with you, and we will examine it
+together.'
+
+There was no need of making any apology to the company, they being, as
+I have already said, dispersed in several parts of the garden; but had
+they not been so, the statesman was absolute master wherever he came,
+and no one would have taken umbrage at Natura's following him.
+
+They went hastily up stairs together, and the door of a room, thro'
+which they were to pass to Natura's study, being shut, he gave a push
+against it with his foot, and it being but slightly fastened,
+immediately flew open, and discovered a sight no less unexpected than
+shocking to both;--the wife, and own brother of Natura, on a couch,
+and in a posture which could leave no room to doubt of the motive
+which had induced them to take the opportunity of the company
+separating themselves, to retire, without being missed, which, but for
+this accident, they probably would not have been.
+
+It is easy to conceive what a husband must feel in so alarming a
+circumstance, nor will any one wonder that Natura behaved in the
+manner he did, in the first emotions of a rage, which might very well
+be justified by the cause that excited it.--Not having a sword on, he
+flew to the chimney, on each side of which hung a pistol; he snatched
+one off the hook, and was going to revenge the injury he had received
+on one or both the guilty persons, when the minister, stepping
+between, beat down that arm which held the instrument of death, crying
+at the same time, 'What, are you a madman!--would you to punish them
+expose yourself!'--The passion with which Natura was overwhelmed was
+too mighty for his breast; it stopped the passage of his words, and
+all he could bring out was 'villain!'--'whore'--while those he called
+so, made their escape from his fury, by running out of the room. In
+attempting to follow them he was still with-held; and the minister
+having with much ado got the pistol from him, began to expostulate
+with him, in order to disarm his mind from pursuing any future
+revenge, as he had done his hand from executing the present.
+
+'Consider,' said the statesman, 'that these are but slips of nature,
+that there are in this town a thousand husbands in the same
+situation:--indeed the affair happening with your own brother, very
+much enhances the crime and the provocation; but as the thing is done,
+and there is no remedy, it will but add to your disgrace to make it
+public.'
+
+Little would it have been in the power of all the arguments in the
+world, if made use of by any other person, to have given a check to
+that just indignation Natura was inflamed with: but as patience and
+moderation were prescribed him by one to whom he was indebted for all
+the grandeur he enjoyed, and by whose favour alone he could hope for
+the continuance, of it, he submitted to the task, difficult as it was,
+and consented to make no noise of the affair. The minister assured him
+he would oblige his brother to exchange the commission he was at
+present possessed of, for one in a regiment that was going to
+Gibraltar, 'which,' said he, 'will be a sufficient punishment for his
+crime, and at the same time rid you of the sight of a person who
+cannot but be now detestable to you;--as to your wife, I expect you
+will permit her to continue in your house, in consideration of her
+relation to me, but shall not interfere with the manner of your living
+together;--that shall be at your own discretion.'
+
+As neither of them imagined the lady, after what had happened, would
+have courage enough to go down to the company, it was agreed between
+them to make her excuse, by saying, a sudden disorder in her head had
+obliged her to absent herself.
+
+Natura cleared up his brow as much as it was possible for him to do in
+such a circumstance, and returned with the minister to his guests,
+among whom, as he supposed, he found neither his wife nor brother; as
+for the latter, much notice was not taken of his absence, but the
+ladies, by this time, were full of enquiries after her; on which he
+immediately made the pretence above-mentioned; but unluckily, one of
+the company having been bred to physic, urged permission to see her,
+in order to prescribe some recipe for her ailment.--Natura was now
+extremely at a loss what to do, till the minister, who never wanted an
+expedient, relieved him, by telling the doctor, that his neice had
+been accustomed to these kind of fits from her infancy, that it was
+only silence and repose which recovered her, which being now gone to
+take, any interruption would be of more prejudice than benefit.
+
+This passed very well, and no farther mention was made of her; but the
+accident occasioned the company to take leave much sooner than
+otherwise they would have done, very much to the ease of Natura, who
+had been in the most intolerable constraint, to behave so as to
+conceal the truth, and longed to be alone, to give a loose to the
+distracting passions of his soul.
+
+The more he ruminated on the wrongs he had sustained, the more
+difficult he found it to preserve that moderation the minister had
+enjoined, and he had promised: he had long but too much reason to
+believe his wife was false; but the thought that she had entered into
+a criminal conversation with his own brother, rendered the guilt
+doubly odious in them both.--Had not his own eyes convinced him of the
+horrid truth, he could have given credit to no other testimony, that a
+brother, whom he had always treated with the utmost affection, and
+whose fortune it had been his care to promote, should have dared to
+harbour even the most distant wish of dishonouring his wife. He
+seemed, in his eyes, the most culpable of the two, and thought the
+banishment intended for him much too small a punishment for so
+atrocious a crime. It is certain that this young gentleman had not
+only broke through the bands of duty, honour, gratitude, and every
+social obligation, but had also sinned against nature itself, by
+adding incest to adultery.--Natura could not indeed consider him as
+any thing but a monster, and that as such he ought to be cut off from
+the face of the earth; and neither reason nor humanity, could alledge
+any thing against the dictates of a revenge, which by the most
+unconcerned and disinterested person could not be called
+unjust.--Strongly did its emotions work within his soul, and he was
+more than once on the point of going in search of him, in order to
+satiate its most impatient thirst, but was as often restrained, by
+reflecting on the consequences.--'Suppose,' said he to himself, 'I
+should escape that death the law inflicts for murder, in consideration
+of the provocation, I cannot hope to preserve my employments.--I must
+retire from the world, live an obscure life the whole remainder of my
+days, and the whole shameful adventure being divulged, will render me
+the common topic of table conversation, and entail dishonour and
+contempt upon my son.'
+
+Thus did ambition get the better of resentment;--thus did the love of
+grandeur extirpate all regard of true honour, and the shame of private
+contempt from the world lie stifled in the pride of public homage.
+
+The minister in the mean time kept his word; he let the offending
+brother know it was his pleasure he should dispose of his commission
+in the guards, and purchase one in a regiment he named to him, which
+was very speedily to embark for Gibraltar: the young gentleman obeyed
+the injunction, and doubtless was not sorry to quit a place, where
+some accident or other, in spite of all the care he had resolved to
+take, might possibly bring him to the sight of a brother he had so
+greatly injured, the thoughts of whose just reproaches were more
+terrible to him, than any thing else that could befal him.
+
+The wife of Natura being also privately admonished by her uncle how to
+behave, kept her chamber for some days, not only to give the better
+colour to the pretence had been made of her indisposition, but also to
+avoid the presence of her husband, till the first emotions of his fury
+should be a little abated;--he, on the other hand, profited by this
+absence, to bring himself to a resolution how to behave, when the
+shock of seeing her should arrive:--as her crime was past recal,
+reproaches and remonstrances would be in vain to retrieve her honour,
+or his peace; and if they even should work her into penitence, what
+would it avail? unless to soften him into a pity, which would only
+serve to render him more uneasy, as there was now no possibility of
+living with her as a wife.--Having, therefore, well weighed and
+considered all these things, it seemed best to him to say nothing to
+her of what had happened, and indeed to avoid speaking to her at all,
+except in public.
+
+What she thought of a behaviour she had so little reason to expect,
+and what effect it produced on her future conduct, shall hereafter be
+related: I shall only say at present, that Natura gave himself no pain
+to consider what might be her sentiments on the occasion, as long as
+he found her uncle was perfectly satisfied with his manner of acting
+in this point, which he had no reason to doubt of, not only by the
+assurances he gave him in words of his being so, but by a more
+convincing and substantial proof, which was this; an envoy
+extraordinary being about to be sent to a foreign court, on a very
+important negociation, he had the honour of being recommended, as a
+gentleman every way qualified for the duties of that post.--The
+minister's choice of him was approved by the king and council, and he
+set out on his embassy, with an equipage and state, which, joined to
+the attention he gave to what he was employed in, greatly dissipated
+the chagrin of his private affairs, and he seemed to have forgot, for
+a time, not only the injuries he had received, but also even the
+persons from whom he had received them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. II.
+
+  Shews at what age men are most liable to the passion of grief: the
+  impatience of human nature under affliction, and the necessity there
+  is of exerting reason, to restrain the excesses it would otherwise
+  occasion.
+
+
+There are certain periods of time, in which the passions take the
+deepest root within us; what at one age makes but a slight impression,
+and is easily dissipated by different ideas, at another engrosses all
+the faculties, and becomes so much a part of the soul, as to require
+the utmost exertion of reason, and all the aids of philosophy and
+religion to eradicate.--Grief, for example, is one of those passions
+which, in extreme youth, we know little of, and even when we grow
+nearer to maturity, has rarely any great dominion, let the cause which
+excites it be never so interesting, or justifiable: it may indeed be
+poignant for a time, and drive us to all the excesses imputed to that
+passion; but then it is of short continuance, it dwells not on the
+mind, and the least appearance of a new object of satisfaction,
+banishes it entirely; we dry our tears, and remember no more what so
+lately we lamented, perhaps with the most noisy exclamations:--but it
+is not so when riper years give a solidity and firmness to the
+judgment;--then as we are less apt to grieve without a cause, so we
+are less able to refrain from grieving, when we have a real
+cause.--Grief may therefore be called a reasonable passion, tho' it
+becomes not a reasonable man to give way to it;--this, at first sight,
+may seem a paradox to many people, but may easily be solved, in my
+opinion, on a very little consideration;--as thus,--because to be
+sensible of our loss in the value of the thing for which we mourn, is
+a proof of our judgment, as to refrain that mourning for what is past
+retrieving, within the bounds of moderation, is the greatest proof we
+can give of our reason:--a dull insensibility is not a testimony,
+either of wisdom or virtue; we are not to bear afflictions like
+_statues_, but like men; that is, we are allowed to _feel_, but not to
+_repine_, or be _impatient_ under them:--few there are, however, who
+have the power of preserving this happy medium, as I before observed,
+tho' they are such as have the assistance both of precept and
+experience.
+
+In a word, all that can be expected from the best of men, when pressed
+with any heavy calamity, is to struggle with all his might to bear up
+beneath the weight with decency and resignation; and as grief never
+seizes strongly on the mind, till a sufficient number of years gives
+reason strength to combat with it, that consideration furnishes matter
+for praise and adoration of the all-wise and all-beneficent Author of
+our being, who has bestowed on us a certain comfort for all ills, if
+we neglect not to make use of it; so that no man can be unhappy,
+unless he will be so.
+
+Motives for grief which happen on a sudden merit excuse for the
+extravagancies they sometimes occasion, because they surprize us
+unawares, reason is off her guard, and it cannot be expected we should
+be armed against what we had no apprehensions of;--presence of mind is
+an excellent, but rare quality, and we shall see very few, even among
+the wisest men, who are such examples of it, as to behave in the first
+shock of some unforeseen misfortune, with the same moderation and
+calmness of temper, as they would have done, had they had previous
+warning of what was to befal them.
+
+Much, however, are the effects of this, as of all other passions,
+owing to constitution:--the robust and sanguine nature soon kindles,
+and is soon extinguished; whereas the phlegmatic is slow to be moved,
+and when so not easily settled into a calm: and tho' the difference of
+age makes a wide difference in our way of thinking, yet as there are
+old men at twenty, and boys at three-score, that rule is not without
+some exceptions. But to take nature in the general, and allowing for
+the different habits of body and complexion, we may be truly said to
+be most prone to particular passions at particular ages:--as in youth,
+love, hope, and joy;--in maturity, ambition, pride, and its attendant
+ostentation;--when more advanced in years, grief, fear, and
+despair;--and in old age, avarice, and a kind of very churlish dislike
+of every thing presented to us.
+
+But to return to Natura, from whose adventures I have digressed; but I
+hope forgiveness for it, as it was not only the history of the man I
+took upon me to relate, but also to point out, in his example, the
+various progress of the passions in a human mind.
+
+He acquitted himself of the important trust had been reposed in him,
+with all the diligence and discretion could be expected from him; and
+returned honoured with many rich presents from the prince to whom he
+had been sent, as a testimony of the sense he had of his abilities.
+
+But scarce had he time to receive the felicitations of his friends on
+this score, before an accident happened to him, which demanded a much
+more than equal share of condolance from them.--His son, his only son,
+the darling of his heart, was seized with a distemper in his head,
+which in a very few days baffled the art of medicine, and snatched
+him from the world.--What now availed his honours, his wealth, his
+every requisite for grandeur, or for pleasure?--He, for whose sake
+chiefly he had laboured to acquire them, was no more!--no second self
+remained to enjoy what he must one day leave behind him.--All of him
+was now collected in his own being, and with _that_ being must
+end.--Melancholly reflection!--yet not the worst that this unhappy
+incident inflicted:--his estate, all at least that had descended to
+him by inheritance, with the vast improvements he had made on it, must
+now devolve on a brother he had so much cause to hate, and whose very
+name but mentioned struck horror to his heart.
+
+The motives for his grief were great, it must be allowed, and such as
+demanded the utmost fortitude to sustain;--he certainly exerted all he
+was master of on this occasion; but, in spite of his efforts, nature
+got the upper hand, and rendered him inconsolable:--he burst not into
+any violent exclamations, but the silent sorrow preyed on his vitals,
+and reduced him, in a short time, almost to the shadow of what he had
+been.
+
+One of the most dangerous effects of melancholy is, the gloomy
+pleasure it gives to every thing that serves to indulge it:--darkness
+and solitude are its delight and nourishment, and the person possessed
+of it, naturally shuns and hates whatever might alleviate it;--the
+sight of his best friends now became irksome to him;--he not only
+loathed, but grew incapable of all business;--he shut himself in his
+closet, shunned conversation, was scarce prevailed on to take the
+necessary supports of nature, and seemed as if his soul was buried in
+the tomb of his son, and only a kind of vegetative life remained
+within him.
+
+His sister, who loved him very affectionately, and for whom he had
+always preserved the tenderest amity, being informed of his
+disconsolate condition, came to town, flattering herself with being
+able to dissipate, at least some part of his chagrin. To this end she
+brought with her all her children, some of whom he had never seen, and
+had frequently expressed by letter, the desire he had of embracing
+them, and the regret he had that the great affairs he was always
+constantly engaged in, would not permit him time to take a journey
+into the country where she lived.
+
+But how greatly did she deceive herself;--he was too far sunk in the
+lethargy of grief, to be roused out of it by all her kind
+endeavours;--on the contrary, the sight of those near and dear
+relatives she presented to him only added to his affliction, by
+reminding him in a more lively manner of his own loss; and the sad
+effect she found their presence had on him, obliged her to remove them
+immediately from his eyes.
+
+She could not, however, think of quitting him in a state so truly
+deplorable, and so unbecoming of his circumstances and character:--she
+remained in his house, would pursue him wherever he retired, and as
+she was a woman of excellent sense, as well as good-nature, invented a
+thousand little stratagems to divert his thoughts from the melancholly
+theme which had too much engrossed them, but had not the satisfaction
+to perceive that any thing she could say or do, occasioned the least
+movement of that fixed sullenness, which, by a long habit, appeared
+like a second nature in him.
+
+This poor lady found also other matters of surprize and discontent, on
+her staying in town, besides the sad situation of her brother's
+health:--as she had never been informed of the disunion between him
+and his wife, much less of the occasion of it, the behaviour of that
+lady filled her with the utmost astonishment:--to perceive she took no
+pains to alleviate his sorrows, never came into the room where he was,
+or even sent her woman with those common compliments, which he
+received from all who had the least acquaintance with him, would have
+afforded sufficient occasion for the speculation of a sister; yet was
+this manifest disregard, this failure in all the duties of a wife, a
+friend, a neighbour, little worthy of consideration, when put in
+comparison with her conduct in other points.
+
+After the adventure of her detection, finding the minister was
+resolved to support her, and that her husband durst not come to any
+open breach with her, she immediately began to throw aside all regard
+for decorum;--she seemed utterly to despise all sense of shame, and
+even to glory in a life of continual dissolution;--the company she
+kept of both sexes, were, for the most part, persons of abandoned
+characters: whether she indulged herself in a plurality of amours, is
+uncertain, though it was said she did so; but there was one man to
+whom she was most particularly attached;--this was a person who had
+formerly enjoyed a post under the government, but was turned out on
+the score of misbehaviour, and had now no other support than what he
+received from her:--with him she frequently passed whole nights, and
+took so little care in concealing the place of their meeting, that the
+sister of Natura easily found it out.
+
+On relating the discovery she had made to some of their relations,
+they advised her to tell her brother, imagining this glaring insult on
+his honour would effectually rouse him out of the stupidity he
+languished under:--she was of the same opinion, and took the first
+opportunity of letting Natura into the whole infamous affair, not
+without some apprehensions, that an excess of rage on hearing it,
+might hurry him into a contrary extreme; but her terrors on this head
+were presently dissipated, when having repeated many circumstances to
+corroborate the truth of what she said, there appeared not the least
+emotion in his countenance; and on her urging him to take some
+measures to do himself justice, or at least to put a stop to this
+licentiousness of a person whose dishonour was his own; all she could
+get from him was, that he had neither regard enough for her to take
+any pains for the reclaiming her, nor for the censure of the world on
+himself, and desired she would not trouble him any farther on this
+point.
+
+This strange insensibility afforded cause to fear his faculties were
+all too deeply absorbed in melancholy, for him ever to become a man of
+the world again, and as she truly loved him, gave both her, and all
+his other friends, an infinite concern.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. III.
+
+  The struggles which different passions occasion in the human breast,
+  are here exemplified; and that there is no one among them so strong,
+  but may be extirpated by another, excepting _revenge_, which knows
+  no period, but by gratification.
+
+
+Though it must be acknowledged, that the passions, generally speaking,
+operate according to the constitution, and seem, in a manner, wholly
+directed by it, yet there is one, above all, which actuates alike in
+all, and when once entertained, is scarce ever extinguished:--it may
+indeed lie dormant, for a time, but then it easily revives on the
+least occasion, and blazes out with greater violence than ever. I
+believe every one will understand I mean _revenge_, since there is no
+other emotion of the soul, but has its antedote: _grief_ and _joy_
+alternately succeed each other;--_hope_ has its period in
+possession;--_fear_ ceases, either by the cause being removed, or by a
+fatal certainty of some dreaded evil;--_ambition_ dies within us, on a
+just sense of the folly of pursuing it;--_hate_ is often vanquished by
+good offices;--even greedy _avarice_ may be glutted; and _love_ is,
+for the most part, fluctuating, and may be terminated by a thousand
+accidents.--_Revenge_ alone is implacable and eternal, not to be
+banished by any other passion whatsoever;--the effects of it are the
+same, invariable in every constitution; and whether the man be
+phlegmatic or sanguine, there will be no difference in his way of
+thinking in this point. The principles of religion and morality indeed
+may, and frequently do, hinder a man from putting into action what
+this cruel passion suggests, but neither of them can restrain him who
+has revenge in his heart, from wishing it were lawful for him to
+indulge it.
+
+This being so fixed a passion, it hardly ever gains entrance on the
+mind, till a sufficient number of years have given a solidity to the
+thoughts, and made us know for what we wish, and why we wish.--Every
+one, however, does not experience its force, and happy may those be
+accounted who are free from it, since it is not only the most
+unjustifiable and dangerous, but also the most restless and
+self-tormenting emotion of the soul.
+
+There are, notwithstanding, some kind of provocations, which it is
+scarce possible, nor indeed consistent with the justice we owe to
+ourselves, to bury wholly in oblivion; and likewise there are some
+kinds of revenge, which may deserve to be excused; of these, that
+which Natura put in practice, as shall presently be shewn, may be
+reckoned of the number.
+
+I doubt not, but my readers, as well as all those who were acquainted
+with him at that time, will believe, that in the situation I have
+described, he was for ever lost to the sense of any other passion,
+than that which so powerfully engrossed him, and from which all the
+endeavours hitherto made use of, had been ineffectual to rouse him.
+But it often happens, that what we least expect, comes most suddenly
+upon us, and proves that all human efforts are in vain, without the
+interposition of some supernatural power.
+
+I have already said, that the bad conduct of his wife had been
+repeated over and over to him without his discovering the least
+emotion at it; yet would not his sister cease urging him to resent it
+as became a man sensible of his dishonour, that is, to rid himself, by
+such ways as the law puts it in the power of a husband so injured, to
+get rid of her; and imagining that an ocular demonstration of her
+crime, would make a greater impression on him, than any report could
+do, she set about contriving some way to bring him where his own eyes
+might convince him of the truth of what he had been so often
+told:--but how to prevail on him to go out of his house, which he had
+not now seen the outside of for some months, was a difficulty not
+easily surmounted:--the obstinacy of grief disappointed all the little
+plots they laid for their purpose, and they were beginning to give
+over all thoughts of any future attempts, when chance accomplished the
+so-much desired work.
+
+He had ordered a monument to be erected over the grave of his beloved
+son; which, being finished, and he told that it was so, 'I will see,'
+said he, 'if it be done according to my directions.' Two or three of
+his kindred were present when he took this resolution, and one of them
+immediately recollecting, how they might make it of advantage to their
+design, said many things in praise of the structure; but added, that
+the scaffolding and rubbish the workmen had left, not being yet
+removed, he would have him defer seeing it, till it was cleaned. To
+this he having readily agreed, spies were placed, to observe the time
+and place, where the lady and her favourite lover had the next
+rendezvous. As neither of them had any great caution in their amour, a
+full account was soon brought to the sister of Natura, who, with
+several of their relations, came into his chamber, and told him that
+the tomb was now fit to be seen in all its beauty.
+
+On this he presently suffered himself to be dressed, and went with
+them; but they managed so well that, under pretence of calling on
+another friend, who, they said, had desired to be of their company in
+this melancholly entertainment, they led him to the house where his
+wife and enamorato were yet in bed. The sister of Natura having, by a
+large bribe, secured the woman of the house to her interest, they were
+all conducted to the very scene of guilt, and this much injured
+husband had a second testimony of the perfidy of his wife; but alas!
+the first had made too deep an impression on him to leave room for any
+great surprize; he only cooly turned away, and said to those who had
+brought him there, that they needed not have taken all this pains to
+make him a witness of what he was convinced of long before.
+
+His wife, however, was frighted, if not ashamed, and hid herself under
+the bedcloaths, while her gallant jumped, naked as he was, out of the
+window; but though Natura discovered very little emotion at all this,
+yet whether it was owing to the arguments of his friends, or that the
+air, after having been so long shut up from it, had an effect on him,
+they could not determine, but had the satisfaction to find that he
+consented an action in his name should be awarded against the lover,
+and proper means used for obtaining a bill of divorce from his wife.
+
+The real motive of this change in him none of them, however, could
+penetrate:--grief had for a while obliterated the thoughts of the
+injustice and ingratitude of his brother, but what he had now beheld
+reminding him of that shocking scene related in the first chapter of
+this book, all his long stifled wishes for revenge returned with
+greater force than ever; and thinking he could no way so fully gratify
+them, as by disappointing him of the estate he must enjoy at his
+decease, in case he died without issue, a divorce therefore would give
+him liberty to marry again; and as he was no more than three-and-forty
+years of age, had no reason to despair of having an heir, to cut
+entirely off the claim of so wicked a brother. Having once began to
+stir in the affair, it was soon brought to a conclusion.--The fact was
+incontestable, and proved by witnesses, whose credit left no room for
+cavil; a bill of divorce was granted on very easy terms, and the
+gallant fined in so large a penalty, that he was obliged to quit the
+kingdom, to avoid imprisonment for life.
+
+Thus did revenge produce an effect, which neither the precepts of
+religion, philosophy, or morality, joined with the most tender and
+pressing remonstrances of his nearest and dearest friends, could ever
+have brought about;--and this instance, in my judgment, proves to a
+demonstration, that it is so ordered by the all-wise Creator, that all
+the pernicious passions are at continual enmity, and, like
+counter-poisons, destroy the force of each other: and tho' it is
+certain, a man may be possessed of many passions at once, and those
+also may be of different natures, and tend to different aims, yet will
+there be a struggle, as it were, between them in the breast, and which
+ever happens to get predominance, will drive out the others in time,
+and reign alone sole master of the mind.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV.
+
+  Contains a further definition of _revenge_, its force, effects, and
+  the chasm it leaves on the mind when once it ceases. The tranquility
+  of being entirely devoid of all passions; and the impossibility for
+  the soul to remain in that state of inactivity is also shewn; with
+  some remarks on human nature in general, when left to itself.
+
+
+I have already shewn, in the example of Natura, how not only
+resentment for injuries, but even the extremest and most justifiable
+_rage_, may be subjected to _ambition_, and afterwards how that
+_ambition_ may be quelled and totally extinguished by _grief_; and
+also that _grief_ itself, how violent soever it appears, may subside
+at the emotions of _revenge_.--This last and worst passion alone finds
+nothing capable of overcoming it, while the object remains in being.
+It is true, that we frequently in the hurry of resentment, threaten,
+and sometimes act every thing in our power, against the person who has
+offended us, yet on his submission and appearing sorry for what he has
+done, we not only forgive, but also forget all has past, and no longer
+bear him the least ill will; but then, this passion, by which we have
+been actuated, is not properly _revenge_, but _anger_, of which I have
+already sufficiently spoke, and, I flatter myself, proved how wide the
+difference is between these two emotions.
+
+Natura had no sooner taken it into his head to revenge himself in the
+manner above related, on his transgressing brother, than he resumed
+great part of his former chearfulness, conversed again in the world as
+he had been accustomed; nor, though he perceived his interest with the
+minister fall off ever since he had been divorced from his neice, and
+easily foresaw, that he would, from his friend, become in time his
+greatest enemy, yet it gave him little or no concern, so wholly were
+his thoughts and desires taken up with accomplishing what he had
+resolved.
+
+He was, however, for some time deliberating within himself to whom he
+should direct his addresses on this score; the general acquaintance he
+had in the world, brought many ladies into his mind, who seemed
+suitable matches for him; but then, as they were of equal birth and
+fortunes with himself, he reflected, that a long formal courtship
+would be expected, and he was now grown too indolent to take that
+trouble, as he was not excited by inclination to any of them, and had
+determined to enter a third time into the bonds of matrimony, meerly
+through the hope of depriving his brother of the estate.
+
+Besides, the accidents which had lately happened to him, had very much
+altered his way of thinking, and though he had shaken off great part
+of the chagrin they had occasioned, yet there still remained a certain
+languor and inactivity of mind, which destroyed all the relish he
+formerly had of the noisy pleasures of life:--he began now to despise
+that farce of grandeur he once testified so high a value for, and to
+look on things as they really deserved;--he found his interest with
+those at the helm of public affairs, was very much sunk, and he was so
+far from taking any steps to retrieve it, that he seldom went even to
+pay that court to them, which his station demanded from him;--he grew
+so weary of the post which he had, with the utmost eagerness, sought
+after, and thought himself happy in enjoying, that he never rested
+till he had disposed of it, which he did for a much less consideration
+than it was really worth, meerly because he would be in a state of
+perfect independency, and at full liberty to speak and act, according
+to the dictates of his conscience, or his inclination.
+
+He was no sooner eased of his attendance at court by this means, than
+he retired to his country seat, in which he now thought he found more
+satisfaction, than the town, with all its hurrying pleasures could
+afford; there he intended to pass the greatest part of the remainder
+of his days, with some woman of prudence and good nature, which were
+the two chief requisites he now wished to find in a wife.--There were
+several well-jointured widows in the county where he resided, and also
+young ladies of family and fortune, but he never made the least
+overtures to any of them, and behaved with that indifference to the
+sex, that it was the opinion of all who conversed with him, that he
+never designed to marry again, when at the same time, he thought of
+nothing more than to find a partner in that state, such as promised to
+prove what he desired.
+
+To this end he watched attentively the behaviour of all those he came
+in company with, and as he was master of a good deal of penetration,
+and also no small experience in the sex, and besides was not suspected
+to have any views that way, it is certain he had a good chance not to
+be deceived.
+
+It was not among the fine ladies, the celebrated beauties, nor the
+great fortunes, he sought himself a wife; but among those of a
+middling rank; he only wished to have one who might bring him
+children, and be addicted to no vice, or caprice, that should either
+scandalize him abroad, or render him uneasy at home, and in all his
+inspection, he found none who seemed so likely to answer his desires
+in every respect as a young maid called Laetitia; she was the daughter
+of a neighbouring yeoman, not disagreeable in her person, or
+behaviour, yet possessed of no accomplishments, but those which nature
+had bestowed: her father was an honest plain man, he had four sons and
+two daughters, who had been married some time, and had several
+children; Laetitia was his youngest, and promised to be no less
+fruitful than her sisters; and this last was the chief inducement
+which made Natura fix his choice upon her.
+
+Having resolved to seek no farther, he frequently went to the old
+man's house, pretending he took delight in country affairs, would walk
+with him about his grounds, and into his barns, and see the men who
+were at work in them. One day he took an opportunity of going when he
+knew he was abroad, designing to break his mind to the young Laetitia,
+who, being her father's housekeeper, he did not doubt finding at home:
+accordingly she was so; and, after some previous discourse, a little
+boy of one of her sisters, being playing about the room, 'This it a
+fine child,' said he; 'when do you design to marry, pretty Mrs.
+Laetitia?'--'Should you not like to be a mother of such diverting
+little pratlers?'--'It is time enough, sir,' replied she modestly,
+'for me to think of any such thing.'--'If you get a good husband,'
+resumed he, 'it cannot be too soon':--'Nor, if a bad one, too late,'
+cried she, 'as there are great odds on that side.'--'That is true,'
+said he, 'but I believe there are many ill husbands, who owe their
+being such, to the ill conduct of their wives':--'now I fancy,'
+continued he, 'whoever is so happy as to have you, will have no such
+excuse; for I firmly believe you have in you all the requisites to
+make the marriage state agreeable.' To this she only made a curtesy,
+and thanked him for his good opinion: 'I do assure you,' resumed he,
+'it is so sincere, that I should be glad to prove it, by making you my
+wife. What say you,' pursued he, 'could you be willing to accept of my
+addresses on that score?' With these words he took hold of her hand,
+and pressing it with a great deal of warmth, occasioned her to blush
+excessively.--The inability she was in of speaking, through the shame
+this question had excited in her, gave him an opportunity of
+prosecuting what he had begun, and saying many tender things, to
+convince her he was in earnest; but when at last she gave him an
+answer, it was only such as made him see she gave little credit to his
+professions.--Some people coming in on business to her father, and
+saying they would wait till he came home, obliged Natura to take his
+leave for that time, well satisfied in his mind, that he had declared
+himself, and not much doubting, but that in spite of this first
+shyness, she would easily be prevailed upon to correspond with his
+desires, when his perseverance in them, should have assured her of
+their sincerity.
+
+He was, notwithstanding, a good deal surprized, when, going several
+times after to the house, he could scarce see her, and never be able
+to exchange a word with her in private, so industriously did she avoid
+coming into his presence.--Such a behaviour, he thought, could proceed
+only from one of these two motives, either thro' an extraordinary
+dislike to his person, or through the fears of giving any indulgence
+to an inclination, which the disparity between them might make her
+mistake for a dishonourable one. Sometimes he was tempted to think the
+one, sometimes the other; but not being of a humour to endure
+suspense, he resolved to take effectual measures for coming at the
+certainty.
+
+He went one day about noon, and told the yeoman he was come to take a
+dinner with him, on which the other replied, that he did him a great
+deal of honour; but should have been glad to have been previously
+acquainted with it, in order to have been prepared to receive a
+gentleman of his condition.--'No,' said Natura, 'I chose to come upon
+you unawares, not only to prevent you from giving yourself any
+superfluous trouble on my account, but also because I would use a
+freedom, which should authorize you to treat me with the same;--we are
+neighbours,' continued he, 'and neighbours should be friends, and love
+one another.'
+
+Some other little chat on trivial affairs passed away the short time
+between the coming of Natura, and dinner being brought in; on which,
+the yeoman intreated him to sit down, and partake of such homely food
+as he found there.--'That I shall gladly do,' answered Natura, 'but I
+waited for your fair daughter; I hope we shall have her company. I do
+not know,' said the yeoman, 'I think they told me she was not very
+well, had got the head-ach, or some such ailment;--go, however,'
+pursued he, to a servant, 'and see if Laetitia can come down.'--'But,
+sir,' cried he, perceiving his guest discovered no inclination to
+place himself at the table, 'do not let us wait for her.'
+
+Natura on this sat down, and they both began to eat, when the person
+who had been sent to call Laetitia returned, and said, she begged to be
+excused, being very much indisposed, and unfit to be seen.--The old
+man seemed to take no notice, but pressed Natura to eat, and somewhat
+embarrassed him with the many apologies he made for the coarseness of
+his entertainment; to all which he gave but short answers, till the
+cloth was taken away, and they were alone.--Then, 'I could not wish to
+dine more to my satisfaction,' said he, 'if the sweetness of your meat
+had not been imbittered by your daughter's absence';--'to be plain,'
+continued he, 'I fear I am the disease which occasions her
+retirement.'--'You, sir!' cried the father, affecting a surprize,
+which he was not so well skilled in the art of dissimulation, to make
+appear so natural, but that Natura easily saw into the feint, and told
+him with a smile, that he found the _country_ had its arts as well as
+the _court:_--'but let us deal sincerely with each other,' pursued he,
+'I am very certain, it is from no other motive, than my being here,
+that your daughter refused to come to table; and I also faithfully
+believe you are no stranger to that motive:--be therefore free with
+me; and to encourage you to be so, I shall acquaint you, that I have
+made some overtures to Mrs. Laetitia,--that I like her, and that my
+frequent visits to you have been entirely on her account:--now, be as
+sincere with me, and let me know, whether the offers I made her will
+be approved.'
+
+The yeoman was a little dashed on Natura's speaking in this manner,
+and was some moments before he could recollect himself sufficiently to
+make any reply; and, when at last he had, all he could bring out was,
+'Sir, my girl is honest, and I hope will always continue so.'
+
+'I am far from doubting her virtue in the least,' answered Natura
+hastily, 'but I think I cannot give a greater testimony of the good
+opinion I have of her, than by offering to make her my wife.'--'Ah,
+sir,' cried the yeoman, interrupting him, 'you must excuse me, if I
+cannot flatter myself you have any thoughts of doing us that
+honour.--I am a mean man, of no parentage, and it is well known have
+brought up a large family by the sweat of my brow.'--'Laetitia is a
+poor country maid;--it is true, the girl is well enough, but has
+nothing,--nothing at all, alas! in her to balance for that vast
+disparity of birth and fortune between you.'
+
+'Talk no more of that,' said Natura, taking him by the hand, 'such as
+she is, I like her; and I once more assure you, that I never had any
+dishonourable intentions on her, but am ready to prove the contrary,
+by marrying her, as soon as she approves of me, and you agree to it.'
+
+The old man looked very earnestly on him all the while he was
+speaking, and knew not well whether he ought to give credit to what he
+said, or not,--Natura, perceiving his diffidence, continued, by
+sparing neither arguments, nor the most solemn imprecations, to remove
+it, till he was at last assured of a good fortune, which, as he said,
+he had thought too extraordinary to happen in his family. He then told
+Natura he would acquaint his daughter with the happiness he intended
+for her, and dispose her to receive it with that respect and gratitude
+that became her. On which Natura took his leave till the next day,
+when he found Laetitia did not make any excuse to avoid his presence,
+as she had lately done.--He addressed himself to her not in the same
+manner he would have done to a woman of condition, but yet in very
+tender and affectionate terms:--her behaviour to him was humble,
+modest, and obliging; and though she was not mistress of the politest
+expressions, yet what she said discovered she wanted not a fund of
+good sense and understanding, which, if cultivated by education, would
+have appeared very bright. He easily perceived, she took a great deal
+of pains to disguise the joy she conceived at this prospect of raising
+her fortune, but was too little accustomed to dissimulation, to do it
+effectually, and both the one and the other gave him much
+satisfaction.
+
+Circumstances being in the manner I related, it is not natural to
+suppose any long sollicitation was required.--Laetitia affected not an
+indifference she was free from, and Natura pressing for the speedy
+consummation of his wishes, a day was appointed for the celebration of
+the nuptials, and both the intended bride and bridegroom set
+themselves about making the necessary preparations usual in such
+cases.
+
+But see, how capable are our finest resolutions of being shaken by
+accidents!--the most assured of men may be compared to the leaf of a
+tree, which veers with every blast of wind, and is never long in one
+position.--Had any one told Natura he had taken all this pains for
+nothing, and that he would be more anxious to get off his promise of
+marrying Laetitia, than ever he had been to engage one from her for
+that purpose; he would have thought himself highly injured, and that
+the person who said this of him was utterly a stranger to his
+sentiments or character; yet so it happened, and the poor Letitia
+found all her hopes of grandeur vanish into air, when they seemed just
+on the point of being accomplished.--The occasion of this strange and
+sudden transition was as follows:
+
+Two days before that prefixed for his marriage, Natura received a
+packet from Gibralter, which brought him an account of the death of
+his brother.--That unfortunate young gentleman, being convinced by his
+sufferings, and perhaps too by his own remorse, and stings of
+conscience of the foulness of the crime he had been guilty of, fell
+into a languishing disorder, soon after his arrival in that country,
+which left those about him no expectations of his ever getting the
+better of.--Finding his dissolution near, he wrote a letter to Natura,
+full of contrition, and intreaties for forgiveness. This epistle
+accompanied that which related his death, and both together plunged
+Natura into very melancholly thoughts.--The offence his brother had
+been guilty of, was indeed great; but, when he remembered that he had
+repented, and was now no more, all resentment, all revenge, against
+him ceased with his existence, and a tender pity supplied their
+place:--what, while _living_, he never would have forgave, when _dead_
+lost great part of its atrocity, and he bewailed the fate of the
+transgressor, with unfeigned tears and lamentations.
+
+This event putting an end to the motive which had induced Natura to
+think of marriage, put an end also to his desires that way;--he was
+sorry he had gone so far with Laetitia, was loth to appear a deceiver
+in her eyes, or in those of her father; but thought it would be the
+extremest madness in him to prosecute his intent, as his beloved
+sister had a son, who would now be his heir, and only had desired to
+be the father of one himself to hinder _him_ from being so, whose
+crimes had rendered him unworthy of it.
+
+The emotions of this revenge having entirely subsided, he now had
+leisure to consider how oddly the world would think and talk of him,
+if he perpetrated a marriage with a girl such as Laetitia;--he almost
+wondered at himself, that the just displeasure he had conceived
+against his brother, should have transported him so far as to make him
+forgetful of what was owing to his own character; and when he
+reflected on the miseries, vexations, and infamy, his last marriage
+had involved him in, he trembled to think how near he had been to
+entering into a state, which tho' he had a very good opinion of
+Laetitia's virtue, might yet possibly, some way or other, have given
+him many uneasinesses.
+
+He was, however, very much embarrassed how to break with her
+handsomely; and it must be confessed, that after what had passed, this
+was no very easy matter to accomplish.--Make what pretence he would,
+he could not expect to escape the censure of an unstable fluctuating
+man.--This is indeed a character, which all men are willing, nay
+industrious, to avoid, yet what there are few men, but some time or
+other in their lives, give just reason to incur.--Natura very well
+knew, that to court a woman for marriage, and afterwards break his
+engagements with her, was a thing pretty common in the world; but
+then, it was thing he had always condemned in his own mind, and looked
+upon as most ungenerous and base:--besides, though he had made his
+addresses to Laetitia, meerly because he imagined she would prove a
+virtuous, obedient, and fruitful wife, and was not inflamed with any
+of those sentiments for her which are called love; yet, designing to
+marry her, he had set himself as much as possible to love her, and had
+really excited in his heart a kind of a tenderness, which made him
+unable to resolve on giving her the mortification of being forsaken,
+without feeling great part of the pain he was about to inflict on her.
+
+All he now wished was, that she might be possessed of as little warmth
+of inclination for him as he had known for her, and that the disparity
+of years between them, might have made her consent to the proposed
+marriage, intirely on the motive of interest, without any mixture of
+love, in order that the disappointment she was going to receive, might
+seem the less severe: as the regard he had for her made him earnestly
+wish this might be the case, he carefully recollected all the passages
+of her behaviour, her looks, her words, nay, the very accents of her
+voice, were re-examined, in hope to find some tokens of that happy
+indifference, which alone could make him easy in this affair; but all
+this retrospect afforded him no more than uncertain conjectures, and
+imaginations which frequently contradicted each other, and indeed
+served only to increase his doubts, and add to his disquiets.
+
+The mourning for his brother was, however, a very plausible pretence
+for delaying the marriage; and as he was willing the disappointment
+should come on by degrees, thinking by that means to soften the
+asperity of it, he contrived to let both father and daughter have room
+to guess the event before hand.--He seldom went to their house, and
+when he did, made very short visits, talked as if the necessity of his
+affairs would oblige him to leave the country, and settle again
+entirely in town:--rather avoided, than sought any opportunity of
+speaking to Laetitia in private, and in all his words and actions,
+discovered a coldness which could not but be very surprizing to them
+both, though they took not the least notice that they were so before
+him, but behaved towards him in the same manner, as when he appeared
+the most full of affection.
+
+This was a piece of prudence Natura had not expected from persons of
+their low education and way of life:--he had imagined, that either the
+one or the other of them would have upbraided this change in him, and
+by avowing a suspicion, that he had repented him of his promises,
+given him an opportunity either of seeming to resent it, or by some
+other method, of breaking off: but this way of proceeding frustrated
+his measures in that point, and he found himself under a necessity of
+speaking first, on a subject no less disagreeable to himself, than he
+knew it would be to those to whom his discourse should be directed.
+
+However, as there was no remedy, and he considered, that the longer to
+keep them in suspense, would only be adding to the cruelty of the
+disappointment; he sent one morning for the yeoman to come to his
+house, and after ushering in what he was about to say, with some
+reflections on the instability of human affairs, told him that some
+accidents had happened, which rendered it highly inconvenient for him
+to think of marrying;--that he had the utmost respect and good will
+for Laetitia, and that if there were not indissoluble impediments to
+hinder him from taking a wife, she should be still his choice, above
+any woman he knew in the world;--that he wished her happy with any
+other man, and to contribute to making her so, as also by way of
+atonement for his enforced leaving her, he would give her five hundred
+pounds, as an addition to her fortune.
+
+This was the substance of what he said; but though he delivered it in
+the softest terms he could possibly make use of, he could find it was
+not well received by the old man; his countenance, however, a little
+cleared up at the closure of it:--the five hundred pounds was somewhat
+of a sweetener to the bitter pill; and after expatiating, according to
+his way, on the ungenerosity of engaging a young maid's affection, and
+afterwards forsaking her, he threw in some shrewd hints, that as
+accidents had happened to change his mind as to marriage, others might
+also happen, which would have the same effect, in relation to the
+present he now seemed to intend for her.
+
+'To prevent that,' cried Natura hastily, 'you shall take it home with
+you'; and with these words turned to a cabinet, and took out the sum
+he had mentioned; after counting it over, he put it into a bag, and
+delivered it to the yeoman, saying at the same time, that though it
+might not be so proper to come to his house, yet if he would send to
+him in any exigence, he should find him ready to assist him; 'for you
+may depend,' added he, 'that though I cannot be your son, I shall
+always be your friend.'
+
+These words, and the money together, rendered the yeoman more content
+than Natura had expected he would be; and by that he hoped he knew his
+daughter had not imbibed any passion for him, which she would find
+much difficulty in getting rid of, and that this augmentation to her
+portion, would very well compensate for the loss of a husband, of more
+than twice her years.
+
+A small time evinced, that Natura had not been altogether mistaken in
+his conjectures.--Laetitia became the bride of a young wealthy grazier
+in a neighbouring town, with whom she removed soon after her marriage;
+and this event, so much desired by Natura, destroyed all the remains
+of disquiet, his nicety of honour, and love of justice, had occasioned
+in him.
+
+Being now wholly extricated from an adventure, which had given him
+much pain, and no less free from the emotions of any turbulent
+passion, he passed his days and nights in a most perfect and
+undisturbed tranquility; a situation of mind to which, for a long
+series of years, he had been an utter stranger.
+
+To desire, or pursue any thing with too much eagerness, is undoubtedly
+the greatest cruelty we can practise on ourselves; yet how impossible
+is it to avoid doing so, while the passions have any kind of dominion
+over us:--to _acquire_, and to _preserve_, make the sole business of
+our lives, and leave no leisure to _enjoy_ the goods of
+fortune:--still tost on the billows of passion, hurried from care to
+care the whole time of our existence here, is one continued scene of
+restlessness and variated disquiet.--Strange propensity in man!--even
+nature in us seems contradictory to herself!--we wish _long life_, yet
+shorten it by our own anxieties;--nothing is so dreadful as _death_,
+yet we hasten his approach by our intemperance and irregularity, and,
+what is more, we know all this, yet still run on in the same heady
+course.
+
+Natura had now, however, an interval, a happy chasm, between the
+extremes of pleasure and of pain;--contented with his lot, and neither
+aiming at more than he possessed, nor fearful of being deprived of
+what he had. He, for a time, seemed in a condition such as all wise
+men would wish to attain, tho' so few take proper methods for that
+purpose, that those who we see in it, may be said to owe their
+felicity rather to chance, than to any right endeavours of their own.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. V.
+
+  Contains a remarkable proof, that tho' the passions may operate with
+  greater velocity and vehemence in youth, yet they are infinitely
+  more strong and permanent, when the person is arrived at maturity,
+  and are then scarce ever eradicated. Love and friendship are then,
+  and not till then, truly worthy of the names they bear; and that the
+  _one_ between those of different sexes, is always the consequence of
+  the _other_.
+
+
+The inclination we have, and the pleasure it gives us to think well of
+our abilities, leads us frequently into the most gross mistakes,
+concerning the springs of action in our breasts. We are apt to ascribe
+to the strength of our reason, what is in reality the effect of one or
+other of the passions, sometimes even those of the worst kind, and
+which a sound judgment would most condemn, and endeavour to
+extirpate.--Man is a stranger to nothing, more than to himself;--the
+recesses of his own heart, are no less impenetrable to him, than the
+worlds beyond the moon;--he is blinded by vanity, and agitated by
+desires he knows not he is possessed of.
+
+It was not _reason_ but _revenge_, which dissipated the immoderate
+grief of Natura on the death of his son;--it was not _reason_ but
+_pride_, which made him see the inconveniences of marrying with
+Laetitia;--and yet doubtless he gave the praise of these events to the
+strength of his prudence: to that too he also ascribed the resolution
+he now took of living single during the remainder of his life; whereas
+it was in truth only owing to his being at present acquainted with no
+object capable of inspiring him with the tender passion.
+
+As he was now entirely free from all business, or avocation of any
+kind whatsoever, it came into his head to go and pass some part of the
+summer season with his sister:--he accordingly crossed the country to
+her seat, and was received with all imaginable demonstrations of joy,
+both by herself and husband.
+
+He found their family increased by the addition of a lady, who
+preferring a country to a town life, had desired to board with them,
+which was readily granted by the sister of Natura, not only as she was
+a relation of her husband, but also for the sake of having a companion
+so perfectly agreeable as this lady was in every respect.
+
+Charlotte, for so she was called, had been left a widow within three
+months after her marriage, and had never entertained any thoughts of
+entering into a second engagement, though her person, jointure, and
+accomplishments, had attracted many sollicitations on that score. She
+was about thirty years of age when Natura found her at his sister's;
+and through the chearfulness of her temper, and the goodness of her
+constitution, had preserved in her countenance all the bloom of
+fifteen.--The charms of her person, however, made no impression on
+Natura at his first acquaintance with her; he thought her a fine
+woman, as every one did who saw her, but her charms reached not his
+heart, nor gave him any emotions, either of pain or pleasure.
+
+But it was not for any longtime he remained in this state of
+insensibility.--Charlotte had graces which could not fail of conquest,
+sooner or later:--where those of her eyes wanted the power to move,
+her tongue came in to their assistance, and was sure of gaining the
+day:--there was something so resistless in her wit, and manner of
+conversation, that none but those by nature, or want of proper
+education, were too dull and stupid to understand, but must have felt
+an infinity of satisfaction in it.
+
+Besides all this, there was a sympathy of humour between this lady and
+Natura, which greatly contributed to make them pleased with each
+other:--both were virtuous by nature, by disposition gay and
+chearful:--both were equally lovers of reading; had a smattering of
+philosophy, were perfectly acquainted with the world, and knew what in
+it was truly worthy of being praised or contemned; and what rendered
+them still more conformable, was the aversion which each testified to
+marriage.--Natura's treatment from his wife, had made him speak with
+some bitterness against a state, which had involved him in so many
+perplexities; and Charlotte, though so short a time a wife, having
+been married against her inclination, and to a man who, it seems, knew
+not her real value, had found in it the beginning of disquiets, which
+prognosticated worse mischiefs, had not his death relieved her from
+them, and made her too thankful for the deliverance, to endure the
+thoughts of venturing a second time to give up her freedom.
+
+This parity of sentiments, inclinations, and dispositions, it was
+which, by degrees, endeared them to each other, without knowing they
+were so.
+
+Natura became at last impatient out of the company of Charlotte, and
+Charlotte found a restlessness in herself whenever Natura was absent;
+but this indeed happened but seldom:--the mutual desire they had of
+being together, made each of them industriously avoid all those
+parties of pleasure, in which both could not have a share:--Natura
+excused himself from accompanying his brother-in-law in any of those
+diversions where women were not admitted; and Charlotte always had
+some pretence for staying at home when the sister of Natura made her
+visits to the ladies of the country;--yet was this managed on both
+sides with such great decency and precaution, that neither the one nor
+the other perceived the motive which occasioned their being so rarely
+separated; much less had the family any notion of it.
+
+It is certain, that never any two persons were possessed of a more
+true and delicate passion for each other:--the flame which warmed
+their breasts, was meerly spiritual, and platonic;--the difference of
+sex was never considered:--Natura adored Charlotte, not because she
+was a lovely woman, but because he imagined somewhat angelic in her
+mind; and Charlotte loved Natura not because he had an agreeable
+person, but because she thought she discovered more charms in his
+soul, than in that of any other man or woman.
+
+The acquaintance between them soon grew into an intimacy, and that
+intimacy, by degrees, ripened into a friendship, which is the height
+and very essence of love, though neither of them would allow
+themselves to think it so: they made no scruple, however, of assuring
+each other, of their mutual esteem, and promised all the good offices
+in the power of either, with a freedom which they would not have done
+(especially Charlotte, who was naturally very reserved) had they been
+sensible to what lengths their present attachment might in time
+proceed.
+
+Winter now drew on, but Natura was too much rivetted to think of
+departing, and would doubtless have made some pretext for living
+altogether with his sister, had not an accident happened, which made
+his going a greater proof of the regard he had for Charlotte, than his
+staying could have done, and perhaps made him know the real sentiments
+he was possessed of on her account, much sooner than he should without
+it.
+
+That lady had some law-affairs, which required either herself, or some
+very faithful and diligent friend to attend. Term was approaching, and
+the brother-in-law of Natura had promised to take a journey to London
+for that purpose; but he unfortunately had been thrown from his horse
+in a hunting match, and broke his leg, and Charlotte seemed in a good
+deal of anxiety, who she should write to, in order to entrust with the
+care of her business, which she justly feared would suffer much, if
+left wholly to the lawyer's own management.
+
+Natura on this offered his service, and told her, if she would favour
+him with her confidence in this point, he would go directly to London,
+where she might depend on his diligence and fidelity in the forwarding
+her business:--as she had not the least doubt of either, she accepted
+this testimony of his friendship, with no other reluctance, than what
+the being long deprived of his conversation occasioned.--Her good
+sense, notwithstanding, got the better of that consideration, which
+she looked upon only at an indulgence to herself, and committed to his
+care all the papers necessary to be produced, in case he succeeded so
+well for her, as to bring the suit to a trial.
+
+The manner of their taking leave was only such as might be expected
+between two persons, who professed a friendly regard for each other;
+but Natura had no sooner set out on his journey, than he felt a
+heaviness at his heart, for having left the adorable Charlotte, which
+nothing but the consideration that he was employed on her business,
+and going to serve her could have asswaged.
+
+This was, indeed, a sweet consolation to him, and on his arrival in
+town, set himself to enquire into the causes of that delay she had
+complained of, with so much assiduity, that he easily found out she
+had not been well treated by her lawyers, and that one of them had
+even gone so far as to take fees from her adversary;--he therefore put
+the affair into other hands, and ordered matters so, that the trial
+could not, by any means, be put off till another time.
+
+Yet, in spite of all this diligence, it was the opinion of the
+council, that there was an absolute necessity for the lady to appear
+herself:--it is hard to say, whether Natura was more vexed or pleased
+at this intelligence; he was sorry that he could not, of himself,
+accomplish what he came about, and spare her the trouble of a journey
+he had found was very disagreeable to her, not only on account of her
+aversion to the town, and the ill season of the year for travelling,
+but also because the person she contended with was a near relation,
+and she was very sensible would engage many of their kindred to
+disswade her from doing herself that justice she was resolute to
+persist in her attempts for procuring.--The thoughts of the perplexity
+this would give her, it was that filled him with a good deal of
+trouble; but then the reflection, that he should have the happiness of
+seeing her again, on this account, much sooner than he could otherwise
+have done, gave him at least an equal share of satisfaction.
+
+The gentlemen of the long robe employed in her cause, and whose
+veracity and judgment he was well assured of, insisting she must come,
+put an end to his suspense, and he wrote to her for that purpose: the
+next post brought him an answer which, to his great surprize,
+expressed not the least uneasiness on the score of this journey, only
+acquainted him, that she had taken a place in the stage, should set
+out next morning, and in three days be in London; against which time,
+she begged he would be so good to provide her a commodious lodging,
+she being determined to go to none of her kindred, for the reason
+abovementioned.
+
+Being animated with exactly the same sentiments Natura was, that
+inclination which led him to wish her coming, influenced her also to
+be pleased with it, and rendered the fatigue of the journey, and those
+others she expected to find on her arrival, of no consequence, when
+balanced against the happiness she proposed, in re-enjoying the
+conversation of her aimable and worthy friend.
+
+But all this Natura was ignorant of; nor did his vanity suggest to him
+the least part of what passed in his favour in the bosom of his lovely
+Charlotte; but he needed no more than the knowledge she was coming to
+a place where he should have her company, with less interruption than
+he had hitherto the opportunity of, to make him the most transported
+man alive. As he had no house of his own in town to accommodate her
+with, he provided lodgings, and every thing necessary for her
+reception, with an alacrity worthy of his love, and the confidence she
+reposed in him; and went in his own coach to take her from the stage
+some miles on the road. She testified her gratitude for the care he
+took of her affairs, in the most obliging and polite acknowledgments;
+and he returned the thanks she gave him, with the sincerest
+assurances, that the thoughts of having it in his power to do her any
+little service, afforded him the most elevated pleasure he had ever
+known in his whole life.
+
+What they said to each other, however, on this score, was taken by
+each, more as the effects of gallantry and good breeding, than the
+real motives from which the expressions they both made use of, had
+their source:--equal was their tenderness, equal also was their
+diffidence, it being the peculiar property of a true and perfect love,
+always to fear, and never to hope too much.
+
+Natura had taken care to chuse her an apartment very near the place
+where he lodged himself, which luckily happened to be in an extreme
+airy and genteel part of the town; so that he had the pleasure of
+seeing her, not only every day, but almost every hour in the day, on
+one pretext or other, which his industrious passion dictated; and this
+almost continual being together, and, for the most part, without any
+other company, very much increased the freedom between them, though
+that freedom never went farther, even in a wish, on either side, for a
+long time at least, than that of a brother and sister.
+
+Though all imaginable diligence was used to bring the law-suit to an
+issue, those with whom Charlotte contested, found means to put it off
+for yet one more term, she was obliged to stay that time; but neither
+felt in herself, nor pretended to do so, any repugnance at it:--Natura
+had enough to do to conceal his joy on this occasion; and when he
+affected a concern for her being detained in a place she had so often
+declared an aversion for, he did it so awkwardly, that had she not
+been too much taken up with endeavouring to disguise her own
+sentiments on this account, she could not but have seen into his.
+
+As neither of them seemed now to take any delight in balls, plays,
+operas, masquerades, cards, or any of the town diversions, they passed
+all their evenings together, and, for the most part, alone, as I
+before observed;--their conversation was chiefly on serious topics,
+and such as might have been improving to the hearers, had any been
+permitted; and when they fell on matters which required a more gay and
+sprightly turn, their good humour never went beyond an innocent
+chearfulness, nor in the least transgressed the bounds of the
+strictest morality and modesty.
+
+How long this platonic intercourse would have continued, is uncertain;
+but the second term was near elapsed, the suit determined in favour of
+Charlotte, and her stay in town necessary but a very days before
+either of them entertained any other ideas, than such as I have
+mentioned. Natura then began to regret the diminution of the happiness
+he now enjoyed, and indeed of the total loss of it; for though he knew
+it would not be wondered at, that his complaisance should induce him
+to attend Charlotte in her journey to his sister's, yet he was at a
+loss for a pretence to remain there for any long time.--Charlotte, on
+the other hand, considered on the separation which, in all appearance,
+must shortly be between them, with a great deal of anxiety, and was
+even sorry the completion of her business had left her no excuse for
+staying in town, since she could not expect it either suited with his
+inclinations, or situation of affairs, to live always in the country.
+
+These cogitations rendered both very uneasy in their minds, yet
+neither of them took any steps to remedy a misfortune equally terrible
+to each; and the event had doubtless proved as they imagined, had not
+the latent fires which glowed in both their breasts, been kindled into
+a flame by foreign means, and not the least owing to themselves.
+
+One of those gentlemen who had been council for Charlotte, and had
+behaved with extraordinary zeal in her behalf, had been instigated
+thereto, more by the charms of her person, than the fees he received
+from her;--in fine, he was in love with her; but his passion was not
+of that delicate nature, which fills the mind with a thousand timid
+apprehensions, and chuses rather to endure the pains of a long
+smothered flame, than run the hazard of offending the adored object,
+by disclosing it.
+
+He had enquired into her family and fortune, and finding there was
+nothing of disparity between them, he declared his passion to her, and
+declared it in terms which seemed not to savour of any great fears of
+being rejected.--He was in his prime of life, had an agreeable person,
+and a good estate, the consciousness of which, together with his being
+accustomed to plead with success at the bar, made him not much doubt,
+but his eloquence and assurance would have the same effect on his
+mistress, as it frequently had on the judges: but the good opinion he
+had of himself, greatly deceived him in this point; he met with a
+rebuff from Charlotte, which might have deterred some men from
+prosecuting a courtship she seemed determined never to encourage: but
+though he was a little alarmed at it, he could not bring himself to
+think she was enough in earnest to make him desist: in every visit he
+paid her, he interlarded his discourse on business with professions of
+love, which at length so much teized her, that she told him plainly,
+she would sooner suffer her cause to be lost, than suffer herself to
+be continually persecuted with sollicitations, which she had ever
+avoided since her widowhood, and ever should do so.
+
+Natura came in one day just as the counsellor was going out of her
+apartment; he observed a great confusion in his face, and some
+emotions in her's, which shewed her mind a little ruffled from that
+happy composure he was accustomed to find it in. On his testifying the
+notice he took of this change in her countenance, 'It is strange
+thing,' said she, 'that people will believe nothing in their own
+disfavour!--I have told this man twenty times, that if I were disposed
+to think of a second marriage, which I do not believe I ever shall,
+the present sentiments I am possessed of, would never be reversed by
+any offer he could make me; yet will he still persist in his
+impertinent declarations.'
+
+There needed no more to convince Natura he had a rival; nor, as he
+knew Charlotte had nothing of coquetry in her humour, to make him also
+know she was not pleased with having attracted the affections of this
+new admirer: this gave him an inexpressible satisfaction; for tho', as
+yet, he had never once thought of making any addresses to her on the
+score of love, death was not half so terrible to him, as the idea of
+her encouraging them from any other man.
+
+'Then, madam,' cried he, looking on her in a manner she had never seen
+him do before, 'the councellor has declared a passion for you, and
+you have rejected him?'--'is it possible?'--'Possible!' interrupted
+she, 'can you believe it possible I should not do so, knowing, as you
+do, the fixed aversion I have to entering into any second
+engagement!'--'but were it less so,' continued she, after a pause, 'his
+sollicitations would be never the more agreeable to me.'
+
+Natura asked pardon for testifying any surprize, which he assured her
+was totally owing, either to this proof of the effect of her charms,
+'which,' said he, 'are capable of far greater conquests; or to your
+refusal of the councellor's offer, after the declarations you have
+made against a second marriage, but was excited in me meerly by the
+novelty of the thing, having heard nothing of it before.'
+
+'This had not been among the number of the few things I conceal from
+you,' answered she, 'if I had thought the repetition worthy of taking
+up any part of that time which I always pass with you on subjects more
+agreeable';--'besides,' continued she, 'it was always my opinion, that
+those women, who talk of the addresses made to them, are secretly
+pleased with them in their hearts, and like the love, tho' they may
+even despise the lover. For my part, I can feel no manner of
+satisfaction in relating to others, what I had rather be totally
+ignorant of myself.'
+
+Natura had here a very good opportunity of complimenting her on the
+excellency of her understanding, which set her above the vanities of
+the generality of her sex; and indeed he expressed himself with so
+much warmth on this occasion, that it even shocked her modesty, and
+she was obliged to desire him to change the conversation, and speak no
+more of a behaviour, which was not to be imputed to her good sense,
+but to her disposition.
+
+Never had Natura found it more difficult to obey her than now;--he
+could have expatiated for ever on the many and peculiar perfections
+both of her mind and person; but he perceived, that to indulge the
+darling theme, would be displeasing to her, and therefore forced
+himself to put a stop to the utterance of those dictates, with which
+his heart was now charged, even to an overflowing.
+
+Such was the effect of this incident on both: Natura, who till now had
+thought he loved only the _soul_ of his mistress, found how dear her
+lovely _person_ was also to him, by the knowledge that another was
+endeavouring to get possession of it; and Charlotte, by the secret
+satisfaction she felt on those indications Natura, in spite of his
+efforts to the contrary, had given of a more than ordinary admiration
+of her, discovered, for the first time, that he was indeed the only
+man whose love would not be displeasing to her.
+
+After Natura came home, and had leisure to meditate on this affair, he
+began with thinking how terrible it would be to him, to see Charlotte
+in the arms of a husband; and when he reflected, that such a thing
+might be possible, even though he doubted not the sincerity of her
+present aversion, the idea was scarce to be borne:--from this he
+naturally fell on figuring to himself how great a blessing that man
+would enjoy, who should always have the sweet society of so amiable a
+companion;--and this made him cry out, 'Why then, what hinders me from
+endeavouring to become that happy man?--If I resolved against any
+future marriage, it was when I knew not the adorable Charlotte, nor
+believed there was so excellent a woman in the world.'--In this
+rapturous imagination did he continue for a moment, but then the
+improbability of succeeding in any such attempt, struck him with an
+adequate despair.--'Though the uncommon merit of the woman I adore,'
+said he, 'compels me to change the resolution I had taken, there is
+not the same reason to prevail on her to recede from her's.--Past the
+bloom of life, and already twice a husband, can I flatter myself with
+the fond hope she will not reject the proposals I should make with the
+same scorn she did those of the councillor?'
+
+Charlotte, on the other hand, was engrossed by reflections vastly
+different from those she was accustomed to entertain:--never woman was
+more free from vanity, or thought less of the power of her charms, yet
+she could not hinder herself from thinking there was somewhat in the
+behaviour of Natura, in his last visit, that denoted a regard beyond
+an ordinary friendship for her.--This apprehension, at first, a little
+startled her, or at least she imagined it did so, and she said to
+herself, 'If he should really harbour any inclinations for me of that
+sort, how unhappy should I be in being obliged to break off my
+acquaintance with a person so every way agreeable to me; and to
+continue it, would be to countenance a passion I have determined never
+to give the least attention to.'--'Yet wherefore did I determine?'
+pursued she, with a sigh, 'but because I found the generality of men
+mere wandering, vague, inconstant creatures;--were guided only by
+fancy;--never consulted their judgment, whether the object they
+pretended to admire, had any real merit or not, and often too treated
+those worst who had the best claim to their esteem;--besides, one
+seldom finds a man whose person and qualifications are every way
+suited to one's liking:--Natura is certainly such as I should wish a
+husband to be, if I were inclined to marry again;--I have not taken a
+vow of celibacy, and have nobody to controul my actions':--'then,'
+said she again, 'what foolish imaginations comes into my head; perhaps
+he has not the least thought of me in the way I am dreaming of;--no,
+no, he has suffered too much by the imprudence of one woman, to put it
+in the power of another to treat him in the same manner;--be trembles
+at marriage;--I have heard him declare it, and I am deviating into a
+vanity I never before was guilty of.'
+
+She was debating in this fashion within herself, when Natura came to
+pay his morning visit: she blushed at his approach, conscious of the
+meditations she had been in on his account.--He, full of the
+sentiments I have described, saluted her with an air more grave and
+timid than he had been accustomed, and which all who are judges of the
+tender passion, know to be the surest symptom of it.--They sat down,
+and on his beginning to renew some discourse concerning the
+counsellor's pretensions, she desired him to forbear so disagreeable a
+topic, telling him at the same time, he could say nothing else she
+would not listen to with satisfaction.--'How, madam,' cried he, 'are
+you sure of that?--Alas, you little know what passes in my heart, or
+you would not permit me this toleration.' This might have been
+sufficient to make some women convinced of the truth; but Charlotte
+either fearful of being deceived by her own vanity, or willing he
+should be more explicit, answered, 'I have too high an opinion of your
+good sense, and too flattering an idea of your friendship to me, to
+imagine your heart will ever suggest any thing which would be
+offensive to me from your tongue.'
+
+'Suppose, madam,' said he, 'it should not be in my power to restrain
+my wishes in those bounds prescribed by you, to all who have the
+happiness of conversing with you; and that I were encroaching enough
+not to be content with the marks of friendship you are pleased to
+honour me':--'in fine,' continued he, 'suppose I were guilty of the
+very same presumption, you have so severely censured in the
+councellor!'
+
+'That is impossible,' replied she, 'since you are a foe professed to
+marriage, as well as myself';--she was about to add something more,
+but was prevented by emotions, which she attempted, but in vain, to
+conceal; and Natura saw enough to keep him from despairing he had
+forfeited her _esteem_ by aiming at her _love_.
+
+Having thus made a beginning, it was easy for him to prosecute a suit,
+which he soon discovered he had a friend in her bosom to plead in
+favour of:--in a word, he left her not, till he had obtained her
+permission to entertain her on the same theme, and to use his
+endeavours to prevail on her to exchange the friendship she confessed
+for him into a warmer passion.
+
+It would be altogether needless to make any repetition of the
+particulars of this courtship; the reader will easily believe, that
+both parties being animated with the same sentiments I have described,
+it could not be very tedious;--love had already done his work in their
+hearts, and required little the labour of the tongue. Charlotte had
+entirely compleated every thing appertaining to her law-suit, yet she
+seemed not in a hurry to quit the town; a business of a more tender
+nature now detained her;--she had resolved, or rather she could not
+help resolving, to give herself to Natura, and the shame of doing what
+she had so often, and so strenuously declared against, rendered the
+thoughts of returning into the country in a different state, from that
+with which she had left it, insupportable to her.
+
+After having agreed to the sollicitations of her importunate lover,
+she expressed her sentiments to him on this head; on which it was
+concluded, that their nuptials should be solemnized as privately as
+possible in London, and that they should set out immediately after for
+his country seat, where Charlotte, being utterly a stranger, would not
+be subjected to any of those little railleries, she must have
+expected, in a place where every one knew of the aversion she had
+testified for a second marriage.
+
+No cross accident intervening, what they designed was, in a short
+time, carried into execution;--never were any pair united by more
+indelible bonds; those of friendship sublimed into the most pure and
+virtuous tenderness, and a parity of principles, humours, and
+inclinations.
+
+Thus does passion triumph over the most seemingly fixed and determined
+resolution; and though it must be confessed, that in this instance,
+both had reason, from the real merits of the beloved object, to
+justify their choice, yet nature would certainly have had the same
+force, and worked the same effect, if excited only by meer fancy, and
+imaginary perfections.
+
+A Platonic and spiritual love, therefore, between persons of different
+sexes, can never continue for any length of time. Whatever ideas the
+_mind_ may conceive, they will at last conform to the craving of the
+_senses_; and the _soul_, though never so elevated, find itself
+incapable of enjoying a perfect satisfaction, without the
+participation of the _body_.--As inclination then is not always guided
+by a right judgment, nor circumstances always concur to render the
+indulging an amorous propensity either convenient, or lawful, how
+careful ought every one be, not to be deceived by a romantic
+imagination, so far as to engage in an affection which, sooner or
+later, will bring them to the same point that Natura and Charlotte
+experienced.
+
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI.
+
+  How the most powerful emotions of the _mind_ subside and grow weaker
+  in proportion, as the strength of the _body_ decays, is here
+  exemplified; and that such passions as remain after a certain age,
+  are not properly the incentives of nature, but of example, long
+  habitude or ill humour.
+
+
+The bride and bridegroom were received by all the friends, tenants,
+and dependants of Natura, with the greatest demonstrations of joy; and
+the behaviour of the amiable Charlotte was such as made every one
+cease to wonder that he had ventured again on marriage, after the
+disquiets he had experienced in that state.
+
+The kindred on neither side had nothing to condemn in the choice which
+each had made of the other; and though perhaps a motive of
+self-interest might make those nearest in blood, and consequently to
+the estates they should leave at their decease, wish such an union had
+not happened, yet none took the liberty to complain, or betray, by any
+part of their behaviour, the least dissatisfaction at it.--The sister
+and brother-in-law of Natura, it must be allowed, had the most cause,
+as they had a large family of children, who had a claim equally to the
+effects of both, in case they had died without issue; yet did not even
+they express any discontent, though Charlotte, within the first year
+of her marriage, brought two sons into the world, and a third in the
+next ensuing one, all which seemed likely to live, and enjoy their
+parents patrimony.
+
+What now was wanting to compleat the happiness of this worthy pair,
+equally loving and beloved by each other, respected by all who knew
+them, in need of no favours from any one, and blessed with the power
+of conferring them on as many as they found wanted, or merited their
+assistance.--Charlotte lost no part of her beauty, nor vivacity, by
+becoming a mother, nor did Natura find any decrease in the strength,
+or vigour, either of his mind or body, till he was past fifty-six
+years of age.--The same happy constitution had doubtless continued a
+much longer time in him, as nature had not been worn out by any
+excesses, or intemperance, if by unthinkingly drinking some cold
+water, when he was extremely hot, he had not thrown himself into a
+surfeit, which surfeit afterward terminated in an ague and fever,
+which remained on him a long time, and so greatly impaired all his
+faculties, as well as person, that he was scarce to be known, either
+by behaviour, or looks, for the man who, before that accident, had
+been infinitely regarded and esteemed for the politeness of the _one_,
+and the agreeableness of the _other_.
+
+His limbs grew feeble, his body thin, and his face pale and wan, his
+temper sour and sullen, seldom caring to speak, and when he did it was
+with peevishness and ill-nature;--every thing was to him an object of
+disquiet; nothing of delight; and he seemed, in all respects, like one
+who was weary of the world, and knew he was to leave it in a short
+time.
+
+It is so natural to feel repugnance at the thoughts of being what they
+call _no more_; that is, no more as to the knowledge and affections of
+this world; that even those persons who labour under the severest
+afflictions, wish rather to continue in them, than be eased by
+death:--they are pleased at any flattering hopes given of a
+prolongation of their present misery, and are struck with horror at
+the least mention of their life and pains being drawing to a
+period.--More irksome, doubtless, it must still be to those, who
+having every thing they could wish for here, find they must soon be
+torn from all the blessings they enjoy.--This is indeed a weakness;
+but it is a weakness of nature, and which neither religion nor
+philosophy are sufficient to arm us against; and the very endeavours
+we make to banish, or at least to conceal our disquiets on this score,
+occasion a certain peevishness in the sweetest temper, and make us
+behave with a kind of churlishness, even to those most dear to us.
+
+Few, indeed, care to confess this truth, tho' there are scarce any,
+who do not shew it in their behaviour, even at the very time they are
+forcing themselves to an affectation of indifference for life, and a
+resignation to the will of Heaven.
+
+The great skill of his physicians, however, and the yet greater care
+his tender consort took to see their prescriptions obeyed with the
+utmost exactitude, at length recovered Natura from the brink of the
+grave.--He was out of danger from the disease which had so long
+afflicted him; but though it had entirely left him, the attack had
+been too severe for a person at the age to which he was now arrived,
+to regain altogether the former man.--He had, in his sickness,
+contracted habits, which he was unable to throw off in health, and he
+could no more behave, than look, as he had done before.
+
+The mind would certainly be unalterable, and retain the same vigour it
+ever had in youth, even to extreme old age, could the constitution
+preserve itself entire.--It is that perishable part of us, which every
+little accident impairs, and wears away, preparing, as it were, by
+degrees, for a total dissolution, which hinders the nobler moiety of
+the human species from actuating in a proper manner:--those organs,
+which are the vehicles, through which its meanings shoot forth into
+action, being either shrivelled, abraded by long use, or clogged up
+with humours, shew the soul but in an imperfect manner, often disguise
+it wholly, and it is for want of a due consideration only, that we are
+so apt to condemn the _mind_, for what, in reality, is nothing but the
+incumbrances laid on it by the infirmities of the _body_.
+
+It is true, that as we grow older, the passions naturally subside; yet
+that they do so, is not owing to themselves, as I think may be easily
+proved by this argument.
+
+Every one will acknowledge, because he knows it by experience, that
+while he is possessed of _passions_, his _reason_ alone has the power
+of keeping them within the bounds of moderation; if then we have less
+of the _passions_ in old age, or rather, if they seem wholly
+extinguished in us, we ought to have a greater share of _reason_ than
+before; whereas, on the contrary, _reason_ itself becomes languid in
+the length of years, as well as the _passions_, it is supposed to have
+subdued: it is therefore meerly the imbecility of the organical
+faculties, and from no other cause, that we see the aged and infirm
+dead, in appearance, to those sensations, by which their youth was so
+strongly influenced.
+
+_Avarice_ is, indeed, frequently distinguishable in old men; but this
+I do not look upon as a _passion_ but a _propensity_, arising from
+ill-nature and self-love.--Gain, and the sordid pleasure of counting
+over money, and reckoning up rents and revenues, is the only lust of
+age; and since we cannot be so handsome, so vigorous, cannot indulge
+our appetites, like those who are younger, we take all manner of ways
+to be richer, and pride ourselves in the length of our bags, and the
+number of our tenants.
+
+I know it may be objected, that this vice is not confined to age, that
+youth is frequently very avaritious, and grasps at money with a very
+unbecoming eagerness:--this, I grant, is true; but, if we look into
+the conduct of such men in other respects, I believe we shall
+generally find their avarice proceeds from their prodigality;--they
+are lavish in the purchase of pleasures, and must therefore be
+parsimonious in acts of generosity and justice:--they are guilty of
+meanness in some things, only for the sake of making a great figure in
+others; and are not ashamed to be accounted niggards, where they ought
+to be liberal, in order to acquire the reputation of open-handedness,
+where it would better become them to be sparing.
+
+Natura, however, had never discovered any tendency to this vice,
+either in youth or age; yet did that peevishness, which the
+infirmities of his body had occasioned, make him behave sometimes, as
+if he were tainted with it.
+
+Charlotte observed this alteration in her husband's temper with an
+infinite concern; yet bore it with an equal patience;--making it her
+whole study to divert and sooth his ill humour:--he was not so lost to
+love and gratitude, and even reason too, as not to acknowledge the
+tender proofs he continually received of her unshaken affections, and
+would sometimes confess the errors he was guilty of, in point of
+behaviour towards her, and intreat her pardon; but then the least
+trifle would render him again forgetful of all he had said, and make
+him relapse into his former frowardness.
+
+It is certain, notwithstanding, that his love for her was the same as
+ever, though he could not shew it in the same manner; and to what can
+this be imputed, but to the effect which the ailments of his external
+frame had on his internal faculties.
+
+Though, as well as those about him, he found a decay within himself,
+which made him think he had not long to live; yet could he not be
+prevailed upon, for a great while, to settle his affairs after his
+decease, by making any will; and whenever it was mentioned to him,
+discovered a dissatisfaction, which at last made every one desist from
+urging any thing on that score.
+
+It was in vain that they had remonstrated to him, that the estate
+being to descend entire to his eldest son, the two youngest would be
+left without any provision, and consequently must be dependants on
+their brother, by his dying intestate:--in vain they pleaded, that
+taking so necessary a precaution for preserving the future peace of
+his family, would no way hasten his death, but, on the contrary,
+render the fatal hour, whenever it should arrive, less dreadful, he
+had only either answered not at all, or replied in such a fashion, as
+could give them no room to hope for his compliance.
+
+In this unhappy disposition did he continue between two and three
+years; but as his latter days came on, he grew much more calm and
+resigned, _reason_ began to recover its former dominion over him; and,
+when every one had left off all importunities on the account of his
+making a _will_, he, of himself, mentioned the necessity of it, and
+ordered a lawyer to be sent for to that end.
+
+Having settled all his affairs, relating to this world, in the most
+prudent manner, he began to prepare for another, with a zeal which
+shewed, that whatever notions people may have in health, concerning
+futurity, they become more convinced, in proportion as they grow
+nearer their dissolution.
+
+He finished his course in the sixty-third, or what is called the grand
+climacteric year of life;--had the blessing to retain the use of all
+his senses to the last; and as death had long before assailed, though
+not totally vanquished him, he was too much decayed by continual
+wastings, to feel any of those pangs, which persons who die in their
+full vigour must unavoidably go through, when the vital springs burst
+at once.
+
+He took leave of his dear wife and children with great serenity and
+composure of mind; and afterwards turned himself from them, and passed
+into eternity, as if falling into a gentle slumber.
+
+Thus have I attempted to trace nature in all her mazy windings, and
+shew life's progress thro' the passions, from the cradle to the
+grave.--The various adventures which happened to Natura, I thought,
+afforded a more ample field, than those of any one man I ever heard,
+or read of; and flatter myself, that the reader will find many
+instances, that may contribute to rectify his own conduct, by pointing
+out those things which ought to be avoided, or at least most carefully
+guarded against, and those which are worthy to be improved and
+imitated.
+
+
+
+FINIS.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Life's Progress Through The Passions
+by Eliza Fowler Haywood
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