who is destined to possess the heart of that lovely Girl! What
delicacy in her features! What elegance in her form! How
enchanting was the timid innocence of her eyes, and how different
from the wanton expression, the wild luxurious fire which
sparkles in Matilda's! Oh! sweeter must one kiss be snatched
from the rosy lips of the First, than all the full and lustful
favours bestowed so freely by the Second. Matilda gluts me with
enjoyment even to loathing, forces me to her arms, apes the
Harlot, and glories in her prostitution. Disgusting! Did She
know the inexpressible charm of Modesty, how irresistibly it
enthralls the heart of Man, how firmly it chains him to the
Throne of Beauty, She never would have thrown it off. What would
be too dear a price for this lovely Girl's affections? What
would I refuse to sacrifice, could I be released from my vows,
and permitted to declare my love in the sight of earth and
heaven? While I strove to inspire her with tenderness, with
friendship and esteem, how tranquil and undisturbed would the
hours roll away! Gracious God! To see her blue downcast eyes
beam upon mine with timid fondness! To sit for days, for years
listening to that gentle voice! To acquire the right of obliging
her, and hear the artless expressions of her gratitude! To watch
the emotions of her spotless heart! To encourage each dawning
virtue! To share in her joy when happy, to kiss away her tears
when distrest, and to see her fly to my arms for comfort and
support! Yes; If there is perfect bliss on earth, 'tis his lot
alone, who becomes that Angel's Husband.'

While his fancy coined these ideas, He paced his Cell with a
disordered air. His eyes were fixed upon vacancy: His head
reclined upon his shoulder; A tear rolled down his cheek, while