(Vi, 262 P.) Volume 1 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1807 edition. Excerpt: ... your person. The woman reigns in my bosom, and I am become a prey to the wildest of passions. Away with friendship 'tis a cold unfeeling word: my bosom burns with love, with unutterable love, and love must be its return. Tremble then, Ambrosio, tremble to succeed in your prayers. If I live, your truth, your reputation, your reward of a life passed in sufferings, all that you value, is irretrievably lost. I shall no longer be able to combat my passions, shall seize every opportunity to excite your desires, and labor to effect your dishonor and my own. No, no, Ambrosio, I must not live; I am convinced with every moment that I have but one alternative; 1 feel with every heartthrob, that I must enjoy you or die." "Amazement Matilda --Can it be you who speak to me?" He made a movement, as if to quit his seat. She uttered a loud shriek, and, raising herself half out of the bed, threw her arms round the friar to detain him. "Oh do not leave me Listen to my errors with compassion: in afewhours I shall be no more: yet a little, and I am free from this disgraceful passion." "Wretched woman, what can I say to you? I cannot--I must not--But live, Matilda oh, live " "You do not reflect on what you ask. What? live to plunge myself in infamy?--to become the agent of heil? to-work the destruction both of you and of myself? Feel this heart. father." She took his hand. Coufused, embarrassed, and fascinated, he withdrew it not, and felt her heart throb under it. "Feel this heart, father It is yet the seat of honor, truth, and chastity: --if it beats to-m-orrow, it must fall a prey to the blackest crimes. Oh let me, then, die to-day --let me die while I yet deserve the tears of the virtuous. Thus will I expire "--(She reclined her head upon his...