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THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 GUT OF 
 Professor 
 George A. Starr 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2008 with funding from 
 
 IVIicrosoft Corporation 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/delgadooreventfuOOkirkrich 
 
DELGADO ; 
 
 OR, THE EVENTFUL FAMILY. 
 
J. KEV/CASTLE, PR[KTER, DEAN STREET, NFWCASTLE-ON-TYNE. 
 
DELGADO ; 
 
 " OR, THE 
 
 EVENTFUL FAMILY,, 
 
 AN INTERESTING NARRATIVE, 
 DETAILING 
 
 THE VICISSITUDES OF EACH IN LOVE ADVENTURES, 
 SHIPWRECK, AND IMPRISONMENTS. 
 
 ^^ WiS2£>Sj^2^S^ ^^^^CSo 
 
 NEWCASTLE : 
 
 PRINTED BY J, HEWCASTLE, DEAN STREET, 
 
 MDCCCXLIII. 
 
LOAN STACK 
 GIFT 
 
 ENTERED AT STATIONERS* HALL 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 BoMiNGos Barato Delgado was the only son of 
 a wealthy merchant in the city of Lisbon, who died in 
 the thirty 'fifth year of his age ; his wife departed this 
 life the preceding year, leaving their son under the 
 guardianship of his Uncle. Don Joze Ferreiro da Rocha, 
 a gentleman of great influence at the court of Lisbon, 
 who took considerable pride in anticipating the future 
 advancement of his Nephew. At twelve years of age, 
 he was sent to the University at Colmbra, where he 
 soon acquired the notice of bis superiors, and by a 
 close application to his studies, he gained considerable 
 reputation. It was not, however, only in his academi- 
 cal pursuits that he was emulous of distinction, hav- 
 ing a pleasing form, a genteel address, and a lively 
 imagination : he was equally celebrated for his accom- 
 
 449 
 
14. 
 
 plishments, which rendered his talents peculiarly faci- 
 nating. He possessed a sympathising heart, and was 
 a never failing friend to the widow and the orphan. 
 To administer comfort to the afflicted and distressed, 
 were objects in which Domingos took peculiar delight. 
 However, by the time he had attained the age of six- 
 teen years, to the surprise of his friends, he precipi- 
 tately quitted the University and removed to Lisbon, 
 where he entered largely into the gaieties of the town ; 
 was a constant frequenter of all places of public diver- 
 sion, and followed every species of amusement. His 
 dissipated habits carried him so far, as materially to 
 effect his constitution, and oblige him to seek retire- 
 ment in the suburbs of the interesting and picturesque 
 little town of Cintra, so well known for its sal- 
 utary influence on convalescents. The invigorat- 
 ing breezes prevalent are remarkably medicinal in 
 consumptive, and other debilitating diseases. From 
 the summit of the stupendous mountains is presented 
 a most splendid view of the city of Lisbon ; the beau- 
 tiful declivities and vallies beneath ; the white cottages, 
 seen among the trees and vineyards. The extensive 
 harbour, and shipping, and fishing towns, near the 
 line beeches all along the coast, present a picture of 
 sublimity and beauty rarely equalled. In this salu- 
 brious spot, Domingos had ample scope for reflection, 
 as well as the re -establishment of his health. A great 
 portion of his time was, however, spent in ascending 
 the precipices, rambling the woods and beautiful 
 groves, traversing the beeches and visiting the cots 
 
15 
 
 of the fishermen, with whom he soon became inti- 
 mately acquainted, and which eventually led to his 
 taking a step the most wild. He hastily united him- 
 self in marriage with Senhora Maria Bandeira, daughter 
 of one of the domestics of the Duque de Lafoes. 
 
 Though largely endowed with personal attractions, 
 Senhora was certainly deficient in those of birth and 
 fortune. To a person circumstanced as Domingos 
 then was, no measure could be more imprudent, or 
 apparently more ruinous and destructive of his future 
 prospects in life. On learning the news of his mar- 
 riage, his Uncle became so outrageous that no one 
 durst utter a word in his exculpation. He threaten- 
 ed every one who took the least step which had the 
 smallest tendency towards a reconciliation. He wrote 
 Domingos a letter, couched in the most insulting terms 
 that their rupture would be permanent. On the receipt 
 of this letter Domingos endeavoured to see his Uncle, 
 but was repulsed with contempt ; thus driven from the 
 protection of his Uncle, and discarded by his friends, 
 he retired with his bride to his possessions at Obidas, 
 a small city, situate on the borders of the western 
 coast, at the extremity of a small bay, in the province 
 of Estremadura, an ancient and fortified town built by 
 the Moors, on the summit of a rock, whose rugged ap- 
 pearance, as you enter, considerably adds to the gen- 
 eral beauty of the view. It contains a castle in ruins : 
 the towers of which yet present the stranger with soir.e 
 master pieces of architecture, and a melancholy me- 
 
16 
 
 morial of its ancient grandeur. The ramparts which 
 enclose the town are extensive ; and the watch towers 
 admirably adapted and calculated to defend the city 
 against invasion. It contains many caverns and arches 
 curiously formed, with a beautiful sheet of water ex- 
 tending to the town. Domingos anticipated much 
 domestic enjoyment in this romantic seclusion, from the 
 bustle of the Metropolis, and its dissipated attraction. 
 
 It was late in the evening •when he and his 
 lady arrived at their new habitation. A deep sense of 
 sorrow and veneration filled the bosom of Domingos, 
 as the carriage drew near the once happy abode of his 
 deceased parents ; all was hushed in nature's repose ; 
 as they entered the avenue leading to the mansion 
 no sounds struck the ear, save the winds hustling the 
 trees, and the yelping of the watch dog so faithful to 
 his trust. "Oh," said Domingos, " here it was that 
 I first drew the breath of life, the fond abode of all 
 my infant sport : oft in these avenues have I met the 
 smile of parental affection ; but, alas ! those smiles are 
 gone : the struggles of reluctant nature are over, they 
 sleep in silent death ; no longer their voices animate 
 the groves, nor enliven the mansion by cheerful hos- 
 pitality : all is silent, dreary, and deserted." These 
 reflections plunged Domingos into a profound reverie 
 from which the tender caresses of Maria had alone 
 power to arouse him. As the carriage entered the 
 court they weve greeted by the old domestics of his 
 father, whose silvery locks denoted long servitude ; 
 
It 
 
 Sucky conducted them to their apartirjents, while old 
 Antonio unpacked their baggage. " Ah, my dear 
 Maria," said Domingos, looking round the apart- 
 ment, *' how extremely pleasent to find these aged 
 creatures possessed of so much probity and faithful- 
 ness ; every thing have been made agreeably neat and 
 comfortable for our reception : the old arm chair of 
 my Grandfather is neatly covered and occupies its for- 
 mer place, with all the toys connected with my child- 
 hood's amusements, preserved as relics of veneration." 
 " Is it not a little gratifying,'* said he, " to observe 
 with what eagerness they interest themselves in our 
 welfare ? The vvheels of our chaise had scarce ceased, 
 before they open to us the door of our carriage, as if 
 eager to shew their promptness to please." ''Evi- 
 dently so, my dear Domingos," said Maria, " extend- 
 ing her arms to embrace him : let us in return merit 
 those services, so faithfully discharged, by an unre- 
 mitting attention to the various wants and necessities 
 attendant on old age ;" whilst the pious ejaculations 
 of her heart implored the adorable Father of heaven 
 and earth to render them also an uninterrupted felici- 
 ty throughout life. But alas ! the innocent heart of 
 Maria, had formed no conception of the dire monster 
 defamation, which had crept from his lurking place, 
 and whispered through every circle of society, that Do- 
 mingos was a worthless fellow, who had married in 
 express opposition to the wishes of his Uncle, a female 
 of a very indifferent character : and, after squander- 
 ing immense riches, had been deservedly abandoned 
 by his Uncle, 
 
18 
 
 On the following morning Domingos, and Maria, 
 took a walk to view the fine scenery in the en- 
 virons of the town ; every window was occupied 
 by its inmates in order to satisfy their curiosity, 
 " What a pity," exclaimed some, *' that such elegant 
 exteriors, should cover so much deformity of charac- 
 ter. "Really," said another, ''I am astonished to 
 find so much modesty, and manners so correct, with 
 characters so abominable :" in this manner proceeded 
 the gossiping tattle of the town. Although the ma- 
 levolent aspersions were greatly weakened by the ele- 
 gant deportment of Domingos, and Maria ; yet none 
 felt disposed to cultivate their acquaintance, Domin- 
 gos, observed the marked indifference and cold recep- 
 tion of his neighbours, and he learned from the do- 
 mestics that unfavourable reports were in circulation ; 
 which grieved him, not on his own account, but for 
 Maria, whom he loved to adoration. He charged the 
 servants to keep silence, and he endeavoured to con- 
 ceal from her knov/ledge the abominable slander, 
 which had spread too far to meet reproof by vindica- 
 tion. He trusted that time alone would erase from the 
 public mind those unworthy reports : he reflected up- 
 on the conduct of his Uncle, from whom such calum- 
 nies had sprung unto life ; these thoughts robbed bis 
 features of every trace of repose ; his visage became 
 obscured by sadness, which the penetrating eye of 
 Maria soon perceived, and resting her smiling counte- 
 nance on the bosom of her husband, said, *' what 
 affects you my dear Domingos ; why this sad counte- 
 
19 
 
 nance ? It is only right that I bear a share of your 
 grief : tell me, 1 conjure you, have I by any impru" 
 dences afflicted you." " ]\Iy amiable, my lovely, 
 Maria," said Domingos, pressing her to his bosom, 
 " you afflict me, my love ; No ! you are all that is 
 tender, affectionate, and kind ; why ask you this ques- 
 tion ?" " Because your countenance, my love, be- 
 trays uneasiness of mind, which is foreign to your ac- 
 customed serenity." Domingos, hurt at being thus 
 surprised by Maria, endeavoured to elude tlie ques- 
 tion, "nothing," replied he smiling. " Nay, my love," 
 said Maria, "you conceal from me," bursting into 
 tears ; " Conceal," exclaimed Domingos, placing his 
 face upon her palpitating heart, " God forbid 1 should 
 conceal, or give one moments grief to the atfectionale 
 heart of my amiable Maria." " O God," added he, 
 " refuse me every thing but the power to render this 
 adored being happy ; whose amiable innocence and 
 beauty is without a blemish ; the pure emblem of 
 nature in the first creation of the world : to conceal 
 from thee, my celestial Maria, no, I swear from my 
 soul to withhold nothing thou mayest require of me ; 
 I am a little uneasy on account of the usage of my 
 Uncle : and I am afraid my heart has yet much pain 
 to suffer." "Are we not," said Maria, throwing her 
 arms round his neck, '"the spoiled children of nature, 
 and of love ;" " I have no doubt he will occasion you 
 much embarrasment and afflict your heart, but it shall 
 be soothed by the heart of your Maria : were we not 
 happy, my dear Domingos, in the humble cot on the 
 
so 
 
 beach, under the cliff, illuminated by the moon, we 
 sang to the rolling wave, whose silvery sprays played 
 wistfully round, to receive our plighted troth ; oh yes, 
 Domingos, and here our seclusion from the giddy Me- 
 tropolis, shall be sweetened by mutual harmony and 
 affection : our tranquillity and our love are enjoyments 
 the ill* disposed never can deprive us of : What then 
 can he do ?" " He will repel my heart"—*' You will 
 find refuge in the heart of your Maria : she will sym- 
 pathise and soothe your heart under every affliction. 
 "But, what hurts me most of all, he will circulate evil 
 report, and shew hate towards you Maria." ** Be not 
 uneasy on that account, Domingos, I shall love him 
 though he do hate me," — ** And, if he do, I shall for 
 ever cease to love him." *'No, my dear, Domingos, 
 that must not be, he will hate me the more : you must 
 bear with his passions ; he will be obliged to love me 
 in spite of himself, — no body has yet hated me, and 
 my heart ventures to hope, because it can love and 
 pardon, that the resentment of your Uncle may be 
 softened by forbearance* Failings have their prolific 
 seeds in our nature ; resentment and impatience do 
 but hasten them to maturity, and foster their growth. 
 Forbearance will check their rapid increase. Let pru- 
 dence be our guide, my dear Domingos, and our 
 guard on every occasion. Connected with the inter- 
 esting concerns of domestic felicity^ desertion of friends 
 is no unusual circumstance, but increased endearment 
 at home will greatly soften asperities and evils abroad," 
 Reclining her cheek on that of Domingos, while with 
 
21 
 
 her eyes, which spoke her sorrow in their tears, she 
 added, " various are the calamities of human life, and 
 many things conspire to ruin mankind ; but He that 
 loves us infinitely, and to save us is of an infinite a- 
 bility, will not leave us to sink in misery ; let us con- 
 fide in the adorable Father of heaven and earth, who 
 is able to stifle the pestilential breath of censure, frus- 
 trate the designs of our enemies, and render our jour- 
 ney through life happy amidst the endearments of our 
 children ;" while a crimson hue covered her face as 
 she communicated to him the prospect of her soon be- 
 coming a mother. Domingos, folded her in his arms, 
 and said, with the most respectful regard, '* How 
 can I be unhappy, since you, my dear, my angelic 
 Maria, are mine ? Am I not blessed with all that the 
 heart of man can desire in a virtuous and affectionate 
 wife ? What asperities can discompose my felicity, 
 with such flattering prospects of unbounded affection, 
 and tender solicitude for my happiness ; united, as I 
 am, with such an assemblage of charms and perfec- 
 tions, can it be possible for me to be unhappy ; were 
 I even in the midst of a solitary desert, while accom- 
 panied by the smiles and caresses of my dear Maria ? 
 No, we are happy to live in this tranquil retreat, where 
 we can wholly devote ourselves to the fulfilment of 
 our parental duties. Here we can vegetate in happy 
 obscurity, free from the vanities of the world, devoting 
 our time to the mental improvement of ourselves, and 
 the delightful task of superintending the morals of our 
 children. How difficult, my dear, Maria, would it be 
 
22 
 
 to perform this essential duty amidst the bustle and 
 pageantry of Lisbon." These considerations were of 
 paramount importance contrasted with all other objects, 
 and the accustomed harmony reigned in the mansion 
 of Domingos. 
 
 The usual time having elapsed, Maria gave 
 birth to a daughter ; she had called about her the 
 faithful Sucky, and an experienced matron of the 
 town, and suffering for some time in silence at length 
 became a mother, an event which gave Domingos the 
 most supreme delight. Overwhelmed with transports 
 of joy, he flew to the chamber of his wife, and blessed 
 heaven for her safety. " God is full of goodness," 
 said Sucky, placing the child in the arms of Domingos, 
 who, folding it to his heart, kissed it, and returned 
 it to its mother. Sucky, during the confinement of 
 Maria, waited upon her with the most maternal care, 
 The priest, from the church at the foot of the rock, 
 being in attendance, the young stranger received the 
 name of Clarissa ; and Maria's health being restored, 
 she gained fresh charms in the eyes of her enraptured 
 husband, as she nurtured the first pledge of their 
 love at her maternal bosom ; the infantile smiles of 
 Clarissa banished every thought of the past, and each 
 gazed on her features with all the delight of parental 
 fondness. " I think she favours you Maria," said Do- 
 mingos, smiling one day ; *' nay, Domingos," said she 
 raising her beautiful black eyes to his, " methinks she 
 resembles her father, in which case she will be the 
 
23 
 
 dearer to me :" " you flatter me," exclaimed he clasp- 
 ing her waist with his arm, " Not so Domingos, you 
 know otherwise ; that I love you, I have given proof 
 beyond all denial, and the eldest born of my hopes 
 bearing thy resemblance must be doubly precious to 
 my heart." ** Beloved of my soul," said Domingos, 
 embracing her, '* thou art superior to all women, with 
 a heart as gentle as that of the dove ; and surely there 
 is not a man in this country, nor, 1 believe, in any 
 other, so happy, as myself, for T have the best wife in 
 the world." Elated with these ideas, his eyes sparkled 
 with admiration, while his heart whispered the feel- 
 ings of his soul, in praises to God for the gift, in 
 whose society all his affections were centered. 
 
 Maria, celebrated for her domestic attainments, was 
 very judicious in the management of all those little 
 concerns which have a tendency to make home happy : 
 a cheerful smile and a plentiful board, awaited the re- 
 turn of Domingos from the vineyard, or the culture of 
 his lands ; on the improvement of which he devoted a 
 great portion of his time. These pursuits frequently 
 occasioned him to visit the neighbouring hamlets : re- 
 turning one morning early from St. Martina, a small 
 town lying upon the sea coast, at the mouth of a 
 small lake, inhabited by fishermen, and sheltered from 
 the wintry storms by high and sea-beat rocks, whose 
 barren tops form the haunts of the seagull, and birds 
 of the forest, which skirt the lake, and cover the in - 
 land with trees for many leagues ; intersected by paths 
 
24: 
 
 SO seldom frequented and intricate, that it required 
 the utmost skill of the traveller to make his way. In 
 one of these paths rode Domingos, musing on the 
 beauties of nature, when his attention was suddenly 
 arrested by something deposited at the foot of a large 
 cork tree. Curiosity led him to the spot, and dis- 
 mounting his horse, unfolded a mantelet, when, to his 
 infinite surprise, he discovered a child sleeping in 
 tranquillity. " Gracious powers," said Domingos, 
 looking around for its parent, "what mishap hath 
 brought thee here, in the midst of this dreary wood, 
 my little innocent :" tl;e sound of his voice awoke the 
 slumbers of the child, and opening its eyes gazed on 
 him and smiled : but immediately, as if conscious of 
 its forlorn situation, drew its little mouth into a very 
 pitiful position and wept. *' Poor little babe," said 
 Domirtgos, '' has some vile assassin deprived thee of 
 thy parent, and left thee here to parish, or be- 
 come a prey to the ravenous wolves of the for- 
 est. Hush my little stranger thou shalt not per- 
 ish ; accursed be the hands that shed thy parents 
 blood, and robbed thee of maternal care." Taking 
 up the child in his arms, and remounting his horse 
 proceeded on his way home, lost in a labrynth of con- 
 jectures he arrived at the mansion, and was met at 
 the entrance by Maria. " Welcome, welcome," Do- 
 mingos, said she, smiling, " I thought thee long : but 
 what hast thou there so carefully folded to thy bosom : 
 a present I bring to thee, my life," unfolding the 
 mantelet—" Good God," exclaimed she, transfixed 
 
25 
 
 with astonishment, her eyes riveted on the child — 
 *'Nay, woman, cease thy wonder, and hold out thy arms 
 and receive my charge." " What a child, prithee, Do- 
 mingos, explain this jest." "The holy virgin protect 
 us," exclaimed Sucky, ** and a boy too as true as life." 
 " Thou art more minute in thy examination, Sucky, 
 than I," said Domingos, *' for I never had discovered 
 the distinction ;" and he immediately related the cir- 
 cumstance of finding the child in the wood. " Good 
 heaven," exclaimed Maria, " is it possible : what vil- 
 lainy can have brought the babe there ?" " Nay, I 
 know not," said Domingos," " unless its poor unfor- 
 tunate parent, passing the forest, hath fallen among 
 robbers, and had no help at hand, to preserve her from 
 rapine and murder." " How horrid, and yet how mys- 
 terious," exclaimed Maria, shuddering; "haste 
 Sucky, and fetch some food for the little foundling, 
 it needs nourishment, poor little dear : how cold, and 
 yet it smiles. Come then, my poor boy," said she, 
 taking him to her bosom, " thou shalt not want a 
 mother." " A mother," repeated Sucky, " my lady 
 don't intend to keep the child." " Certainly, Sucky, 
 and I will endeavour to make up the loss it has sus- 
 tained." " Pleaven forfend that my lady should fos- 
 ter the child of an harlot ; M'ho may have deposited the 
 fruit of her iniquity in the wood, designedly to im- 
 pose on some honest traveller; I pray, my lady, send 
 it to the king's institution for destitute children." 
 " Perish the thought," replied Maria, pressing the 
 child to her bosom, *' unfortunate babe, thou smilest, 
 c. 
 
26 
 
 although the hard hearted Sucky wishes to reject thee ; 
 but we, Domingos and I, will love thee : and never 
 shalt thou learn the want of parents ; does not the di- 
 vine records teach pity for thee — yes, dear little one, 
 and never shalt my heart deny thee." " Sucky, who 
 in reality, was not destitute of sensibility, felt herself 
 abashed, kissed the child, and taking it into her arms 
 pressed it to her bosom, and began to examine its 
 vest." ^' The virgin and holy saints direct us," ex- 
 claime she, " what is this in the bosom of the child, a 
 gold chain and locket." " What," cried Maria, 
 " snatching the chain, and examining them." " These," 
 said she, " bespeak the child of parents above the 
 common rank." "But, my lady," said Sucky, "don't 
 you think it strange that the robbers should have left 
 this valuable gold chain behind them." "Aye, 'tis 
 strange," replied Maria, "a mystery hangs over the 
 whole, v/hich is not in thy power nor mine to develope ; 
 we must procure a nurse for the unfortunate child, and 
 leave the rest to God to unravel, w4io knoweth the se- 
 crets of all hearts." Domingos instituted the most 
 diligent inquiry, respecting the child's parents, but 
 without succes ; and at the suggestion of Maria named 
 him Henrique de Pino. 
 
 During the remainder of the year peace reigned in 
 the mansion of Domingos, and domestic happiness 
 every day showered upon them new blessings ; while 
 all the household regarded him as a father, and his 
 wife as the life spring of all their enjoyments. With 
 
27 
 
 open hands they administered to the wants of the 
 poor, whose hearts gladdened by their bounty, sung 
 through the town praises and blessings on their bene- 
 factors ; which completely annihilated the evil reports 
 abroad, and enkindled feelings of respect and admira- 
 tion, which induced Don Joze Duarte da Cunha, of 
 Caldas, to pay them a visit ; and was so much plea- 
 sed with their graceful affability, that he introduced 
 his lady : she was a mild creature, whose very coun- 
 tenance indicated goodness of heart, and who merited 
 to be the intimate friend of Maria. The reciprocal 
 confidence of the two families progressively increased, 
 and their days glided on in the most happy tranquil- 
 lity. The two husbands spoke their sentiments with 
 freedom, and regularly communicaLed to each other 
 what they conceived worthy of attention ; thus their 
 agriculture pursuits were greatly facilitated by the cor- 
 dial friendship which subsisted between the two fami- 
 lies, Dominsjos had henceforth nothins: more to de- 
 sire, equally fortunate in friendship as in love, his 
 heart experienced the most uninterrupted repose ; 
 while Maria pleased with the amiable lady of Don 
 Joze, sought every opportunity to enjoy her society : 
 whose lively sallies beguiled the evening hour, and 
 formed one of the greatest charms in her conversation. 
 Each alive to humanity, they liberally shared their 
 stores with the sick, and personally vvent among them, 
 to see the most proper means used to extirpate their 
 maladies : fearless of danger, they pursued this bene- 
 volent object, with the most strenuous exertions, 
 c. 2. 
 
28 
 
 putting into force every means which had a tendency 
 to alleviate the sufferings of the afflicted. 
 
 While pursuing their usual visits, one morning they 
 were accosted by a poor swineherd, whose tears ran 
 copiously down his cheeks, as he entreated them to 
 visit his afflicted parent. He conducted them to a 
 small cottage at the out skirts of the town ; as they 
 approached the bed, the good womaa raised her feeble 
 voice with apparent difficulty, " Oh Jerronymo, my 
 dear son, how couldst thou leave me at this hour." 
 Tears fell from the eyes of Maria, as she took the 
 parched hand of the patient sufferer, and said ** You 
 seem very ill, my good mother," Maria's accents 
 were so extremely gentle, that it roused her attention, 
 who looking at her, said, " I believe you are the kind 
 lady of whom my son speaks so much about : who 
 filleth the hungry, clotheth the naked, and cheereth 
 the raarcid countenance of the cottage hearth ; I thank 
 God, that he has not taken me before I saw you. 
 Oh ! Madam, the terrible moment has arrived, my 
 trembling and restless soul is on the borders of an un- 
 known world, ere long this trembling heart will cease 
 to beat." Her strength being exhausted, Maria, ex- 
 horted her to compose her feelings. " Good mother," 
 said she, " the all powerful God will be your defence : 
 rely entirely on his mercy, and he will support you ; 
 even now, though the vale of death opens before you, 
 he will comfort and be near you." " Ah, Madam, 
 his will be done and not mine. I submit without 
 
29 
 
 murmuring, hoping our Lord and Saviour, and the 
 holy virgin, will intercede for me." " Confide in the 
 clemency of the most holy Father, my good mother, 
 he is good and merciful; and when he calls us to him- 
 self, He, with infinite goodness, will pardon us." "Oh, 
 ;Madam, why should I doubt his mercy ? If 1 regret 
 life, it is only on account of my poor son, who will be 
 left friendless ; he hath done all that humanity and af- 
 fection can do to a parent : day after day hath he pined 
 in want, in order to apply his little money to procure 
 me nourishment ; but, alas ! his means are spent — 
 with anguish he has watched my bed, day and night 
 wdth unwearied assiduity, until this morning he flew 
 from my chamber in wild agitation." " Such a son 
 doeth honour to a parent, and will have his reward," 
 replied Maria, "is he without employ ?" " O yes, 
 madam, ever since the death of the good farmer Man- 
 oel de Fegueired, he has not been able to procure em- 
 ployment." " I will take care my good mother," said 
 Maria, " that he has employ, — my husband will em- 
 ploy him in our vineyards, and be assured he shall not 
 want for anything while I have it to bestow." Hold- 
 ing out her hand as a testimoii)' of her agreement ; 
 the dying woman aiiected by such unparalleled be- 
 nevolence, faintly articulated, " Oh ! excellent heart, I 
 trust to your promise and am happy ;" commending 
 her soul to God, expired in a few minutes after." 
 
 On their return to the mansion, the countenance of 
 Maria, and her amiable companion, was grave sn4 
 
 C. o. 
 
30 
 
 thoughtful, but soon regained their usual vivacity, as 
 they removed from the melancholy spectacle. '• What 
 a useful lesson to the general order," said Maria, "is 
 this good and honest creature, who has passed her life 
 in continual lahour, and without having enjoyed her 
 existence, terminated it in misery ?" " Yes,'' replied 
 Lucretia, *' what trials some are called to endure : 
 could the voluptuous eye witness this melancholy 
 scene, methinks it would arrest his sensual appetite, 
 and lead him to reflect how sympathy and mutual sup- 
 port become matter of imperious duty." Here there 
 conversation was interrupted by the approach of Don 
 Joze, your very humble servant ladies. " By all the 
 saints ;^in heaven, but you are as light of foot as the 
 hare of the forest : both my friend, Captain Miranda, 
 and I, are out of breath in chasing you." " We are 
 extremely sorry," replied Maria, " to have given you 
 so much trouble, had we known of your approach, we 
 certainly would have slackened our pace : but why 
 seek you us ?" " To beg the pleasure of your com- 
 pany to Caldas ; hear ye not the rockets rending the 
 air, as semblances of rejoicings. It is the annual visit 
 of the famous Santa N. R. Azrre, whose celestial 
 powers are so celebrious, that a large assemblage of de- 
 votees annually attend her sacred person." "Gracious 
 heaven,*' cried Maria, as they entered the town, 
 " what a large concourse of persons : how splendidly 
 the houses and windows are decorated with tapestry."' 
 *' And the balconies,*' observed Captain Miranda, 
 '* filled with angelic beauty, whose head dresses seem 
 
31 
 
 to exhibit the plummage of the ostrich and trophic 
 bird ; how the alluring creatures emulate to outvie 
 each other.'' "Well, really," replied Lucretia," I never 
 heard Captain Miranda, pass such elegant eulogiums 
 on the ladies before : they appear to inspire and inter- 
 est him." " Who could behold such an assemblage of 
 charms," replied he, " without being inspired with 
 sentiments of respect and admiration ; nay more, when 
 I am under the shade of their looks, I feel as if 1 was 
 out of the reach of vice," making a low bow as he re- 
 peated the last sentence." '* What artful chicanery," 
 cried Don Joze, laughing, " Miranda, would impress 
 you with the idea of his sincerity." " Men are de- 
 based,'* said Maria, " when they take advantage, and 
 make use af such weapons against the weaker sex ; 
 they ought to be sincere, when there is no occasion to 
 make use of artifice, yet many men employ it to de- 
 ceive ; but I scarcely can believe Captain Miranda 
 capable of such ungenerous feelings towards that fia- 
 cinating part of the world.*' " I positively assure you. 
 Madam," replied Captain JMiranda, '* that 1 have al- 
 ways held the ladies in the highest estimation." '* Nay 
 veneration, man," exclaimed Don Joze, " or thou wilt 
 be a sorry gallant, to prostrate thyself at the feet of 
 some fair mistress." " But, prithee, Miranda, let me 
 find your pulse," rallying him, " you look so demure 
 that I fear you will die of a mortal wound inflicted on 
 thy heart, by the penetrating eyeshots of tliese fair 
 conquerors,'* but here comes the procession : " How 
 splendidly her saintship is attired,*' exclaimed Lu- 
 
32 
 
 cretia. " And what an elegantly gilt carriage," cried 
 Maria, *' drawn by the royal mules, and attended by 
 his majesty's servants in the royal livery ; how sweet 
 the music which precede the procession ; but what are 
 these poor objects, following so close behind the car- 
 riage barefoot, and beating so unmercifully on their 
 bosoms, with such solemn seriousness ?" " These,'* 
 said Don Joze, '* are poor wretches, who have been 
 guilty of some horrid sin, they are expiating their 
 crimes, and soliciting the intercedence of the holy 
 saint" — "Which she will do for a good fat goose," re- 
 plied Captain Miranda, " to fill the pious stomachs of 
 these big-bellied friars, who form so conspicious a part 
 of her saintship's train, and add to the dazzling spec- 
 tacle of superstitions ignorance," shrugging up his 
 shoulders. *• O fie," exclaimed Maria, *' what im- 
 pious expressions." ^'Oh,'* said Don Joze, '* the Cap- 
 tain has been so long associated with the English, that 
 he has imbibed their heretical principles." " Rather 
 say principles of true sapience," replied the Captain, 
 " which has taught me the folly of prostrating myself 
 before an inanimate bit of wood, transformed by the 
 art of man into the resemblance of a human face ; 
 which this superstitious multitude fall down and wor- 
 ship, as possessing all the powers of divinity. " God 
 defend us," exclaimed Maria, crossing herself, ** what 
 wnll become of us ; we shall bring upon us the gre- 
 vious displeasure of the blessed saint, who so miracu- 
 lously preserved the life of the man and horse, who 
 fell over the precipice into the sea, near Santa N, R. 
 
Azrre." " True," replied Don Joze, " and rescued a 
 ship's crew, from perishing in the deep, by her divine 
 power : led them through tie raging water safe to 
 land;" "And brought the woodman's family" said 
 Lucretia, *' safe through the flames during the conflag- 
 ration of the forest." " yes," replied Don Joze, 
 " the diA'ine powers of the holy saint, are beyond the 
 possibility of a doubt ; and, therefore, prithee, Miran- 
 da, cease thy criticises, on so divine a representative of 
 the great governor of the universe, ere thou be plunged 
 into the gulf of perdition, as a reward for thy Knglish 
 infidel principles." " But come, the evening draws on 
 a pace, let us retire." 
 
 On arriving at the mansion, they found Domingos 
 seated with Clarissa, on one knee, and Henrique on 
 the other, singing one of his most favourite airs to a- 
 muse them. "By my faith, Domingos, but thou art 
 an expert nurse," said Don Joze, " thou handles the 
 little ones, as nimbly as the most professed nurse in 
 Obidas." *' It is the most delightful task connected 
 with conjugal happiness," replied Domingos, *' and a 
 most important one." " It is the chief duty of parents, 
 to watch the dawn of reason, and catch the favourable 
 moment to imprint some good impressions, with a view 
 to form the sweet temper, the mild manners, tbe en- 
 larged understanding, the pious wish, the worthy citi- 
 zen, the loyal subject, and the noble patriot." " And 
 a faithful husband," said Captain Miranda gravely. 
 "As it respects that," replied Maria, " I have been the 
 
34 
 
 most fortunate woman in the world." *' And I should 
 be extremely sorry," replied captain Miranda, "to 
 lessen the high opinion you entertain of Domingos' 
 virtues ; but my eyes deceive me greatly if this youth 
 Henrique is not a Delgado." Maria surprised and 
 confused at the Captain's remark, cast her eyes first 
 on Domingos, then on the Captain, at last, she said, 
 ** And do you suspect Domingos to be his father ?'* 
 " You hear, my dear," said Domingos laughing, " that 
 the Captain, very discerningly, has discovered a father 
 for the poor boy in me ; and I am very willing to bear 
 that name, if it please God, in his divine wisdom, to 
 intrust me with the important duty ; but on what 
 grounds the Captain places his opinion, I cannot di- 
 vine." ^' The best of all grounds, resemblance," re- 
 plied Captain Miranda, " his features bespeak his af- 
 finity." " Faith there is some truth in the Captain's 
 remark," said Don Joze, " a more striking resemblance 
 to the Delgadoes, I never beheld," "Then I will suf- 
 fer myself," replied Domingos, " to be considered as 
 the father of the poor child of providence. Welcome, 
 thrice welcome, to my arms poor boy —pressing him 
 to his bosom, T will be thy parent, and thou shalt be 
 indeed my child ; my heart is open to receive thee with 
 all the censure of an unkind world : praise be to God 
 for his wonderful doings towards the children of men 
 — every thing that has befallen thee is by his direc- 
 tions ; and, I trust, that I shall be his instrument to 
 do justice, and protect thee." 
 
 Maria, lost in endless conjectures, retired to rest, 
 
35 
 
 but not to sleep, a thousand different ideas obtruded 
 and confused her thoughts. The remark, of the Cap- 
 tain, respecting Henrique, perplexed her, and created 
 sensations she had neveijoefore experienced. *' Can 
 it be possible, that I have been deceived in Domingos' 
 love," said she, wiping away the tear that rolled in 
 her eye ; " were all his professions of regard mere arti- 
 fice : and I the dupe of his vices. Oh ! heavens, my 
 heart revolts at such an accusation. Oh ! no, it can- 
 not be ; the kind and humane Domingos cannot be 
 capable of such wickedness : yet the time and circum- 
 stances of the discovery of Henrique, and the striking 
 resemblance, is certainly mysterious ; but why should 
 Domingos be influenced by interested motives to with- 
 hold the knowledge of it from me." " Perish the 
 thought," said she, " I will not reproach him with such 
 want of delicacy of feeling and sensibility, which gently 
 forces a friend to tell what he wishes to disclose. Do- 
 mingos has always been kind and affectionate ; and it 
 is humanity that induces him to adopt, and suffer him- 
 self to be reputed the father of the child ; and where- 
 fore should i refuse to love him : was it because he is 
 a poor destitute child — contemptible wretch, if this 
 thought glided secretely into my heart, to prevent me; 
 but no, 1 will unite with Domingos, in my best efforts 
 to fulfil the other important duty of mother to the 
 poor boy." 
 
 Anxious to perform aright their parental duties, it 
 was lonff before Dominaros and Maria could agree as 
 
36 
 
 to the best mode of instructing their children. Maria 
 insisted upon the propriety of a systematic mode of 
 education ; while Domingos, on the contray, rather 
 approved of one which was jpore desultory. The for- 
 mer was of opinion that children ought to be furnish- 
 ed with clear and distinct ideas of things ; Domingos 
 had nothing to object to this, in as far as they were 
 susceptible of receiving them. But as such a complete 
 conception, added he, is altogether incompatible with 
 their capacities, general truths must be presented to 
 their minds : what we see becomes clear and indeli- 
 bly imprinted on our minds, with practical know- 
 ledge, to render them good, worthy, and useful mem- 
 bers of society ; who may labour for the public weal, 
 and despise misfortunes ; having their minds endued 
 with a firm faith in an hereafter, in an eternity : in fine, 
 to render them capable to meet death, with serenity, be- 
 cause they look forward to a better world. In order 
 to acquire such a frame of mind, courage, strengtli, 
 and faith are necessary. They must first of ail learn 
 to obey, esteem their superiors in years, and afterwards 
 become men themselves ; that is to say — to accom- 
 plish all that, we must first enlighten their understand- 
 ings. Maria giving way to the opinion of Domingos, 
 be undertook the important duty to instruct them. 
 The two children received their lessons either under 
 the shade of the vine, or in an apartment within doors. 
 He taught them to read and to perform those little 
 works suitable to their years. Henrique was taught 
 to cultivate small portions of the garden, and dress the 
 
87 
 
 vines of the vineyard ; while Maria taught Clarissa to 
 perform the various duties of the house. It was thai 
 that the children were occupied for several years ; and 
 in this way they had acquired, not only strength and 
 beauty ; but, also, v/ith much pleasure to themselves, a 
 greater store of ideas than is usual at their years. 
 
 One morning in the season, when nature had cloth- 
 ed herself in all her beauties ; the trees decked with 
 blossoms, and the birds filling every grove with melo- 
 dy, Henrique and Clarissa proceeded to the avenue, to 
 water the tender flowers which were parched by the 
 bsams of the sun ; when they perceived, slowly winding 
 the avenue, a mendicant monk, with his rosary in his 
 hand, and on his shoulder hung a wallet, " Good 
 morrow, my son and daughter," said the holy monk, 
 **the blessings of Saint Sebastiao, rest upon you, my 
 children. ** Ah !" continued the holy father Manoel, 
 'tis charming to rove abroad at this sweet hour of 
 prime ; to enjoy the calm of nature ; to tread the dewy 
 lawns ; and taste the unnfled freshness of the air : and 
 you, my children, are assisting nature, by pouring 
 the refreshing drops on the tender and sickly plants of 
 the earth ; may that beneficent being, who maketh 
 the out-goings of the morning and evening to rejoice, 
 also nourish and strengthen your souls with the water 
 of eternal life." "Thank you, holy father" replied 
 Clarissa, *' for your kind benediction and prayer for 
 our eternal happiness. Accept of this small piece of 
 money, ; 'tis all I have, but you are right welcome 
 
 D. 
 
38 
 
 to it." " And here," cried Henrique, emptying his 
 pocket into the lap ot the holy monk, " The God of 
 heaven increase your store," said the monk, securing 
 their bounty in his wallet, " and open your hearts to 
 give liberally to the poor brethren of the monastry ; 
 whose prayers unceasingly will ascend to our blessed 
 saint, in order to secure your peace, preservation, and 
 happiness on earth, and a favourable reception with the 
 Most High, when ere you may take your exit from 
 this earthly habitation, unto the celestial city above ; 
 for all, observe my dear children, through the effect of 
 sin, become the image of satan ; your father and mo- 
 ther are equally sinners before God." '' That is not 
 true," cried Henrique, with vivacity, *' and 1 know 
 not how you can speak thus of my good mother and 
 father, whose virtues are unimpeachable. I don't be- 
 lieve one word of it," added he, with anger, and seiz- 
 ing by the hand Clarissa, was about to depart. When 
 the monk, finding the error he had unwillingly fallen 
 into, began to explain the meaning of his observation, 
 by stating, " that the human family were wholly cor- 
 rupted by the fall of Adam, and that regeneration is 
 absolutely necessary to qualify every man, woman, 
 and child, to do any thing really good and acceptable 
 to God ; and, therefore, 3'ou see my dear children, the 
 allusion had no immediate direction'to your parents 
 alone, but unto the general character of man. The 
 immaculate virtues of your father and mother, is the 
 theme of praise throughout the whole district of Obi- 
 das ; the widow, the orphan, and the afflicted, all par- 
 
39 
 
 take of their liberality. Cheered, my children, by 
 such charitable exercises, I, a poor brother of the 
 monastery, have ventured to approach the mansion of 
 your benevolent parents." " Come then, holy monk," 
 said Clarissa, " we, my brother Henrique and I, will 
 conduct you to my mother. 
 
 They entered the mansion leading the monk into the 
 presence of Maria, who rose respectfully to receive 
 him. *' Be seated, holy father," said she, "may be you 
 are weary with pacing the forest ; your sandals 
 betoken much travelling." " True, ray good lady," 
 said the monk, " when I put on the habit of the order 
 of our blessed saint Sebastiao, I also inured all his 
 sufferings and deprivations. Our order is humble, mo- 
 dest, and meek ; we have no gaudy appendages or 
 luxurious living ; but as Christ suffered deprivations 
 on earth, so must we suffer with him, that we may 
 reign with him, and be glorified. The grace we are 
 enabled to exercise under our distress, will beam as 
 an additional jewel to enrich our immortal crown. In 
 accordance with the precept of our holy saint, we ab- 
 stain from all earthly enjoyments, confining ourselves 
 within the walls of the monastery ; while our cloisters 
 resound with supplications, for the well being of our 
 fellow creatures ; until our hearts fainting with hunger, 
 we are necessitated to traverse the rugged forest, and 
 pass the mountain steep, amid the burning sun, and 
 under the light of the moon, in or.ler to solicit food to 
 satisfy the cravings of nature, vvhcrever a christian 
 D, 2. 
 
40 
 
 door opens to receive our weary limbs." " Poor 
 monk," replied Maria, " your labours are more for in- 
 ward purity, than for outward felicity," *' Ah my 
 good lady," said the monk, *' the man that is a la- 
 bouring bee for earthly happiness, will be but an idle 
 drone for heavenly felicity ; for, as the wretched crea- 
 tures the worldlings, they are diligent about what is 
 temporal, but negligent about what is spiritual ; they 
 are careful about fading vanities, but slothful about 
 durable excellencies ; they feast their bodies, while we 
 the brethren of the monastery, pray for their starving 
 souls," " What excellent piety and christian love," 
 replied Maria, as she cast her eyes upon the sancti- 
 monious visage of the monk, •' and how much the 
 generality of mankind are indebted to the holy breth- 
 ren of the monastery ; who claim our warmest esteem 
 and affection, for their unwearied labours, and pious 
 influence with the blessed saint, for our eternal wel- 
 fare." " But," continued she, " you needs must be 
 faint, poor monk, come, and partake of our hospitali- 
 ty ; our board is plain but good, and will cheer your 
 drooping heart." So saying, she led him to another 
 apartment, where a table was covered with|^cold meats, 
 and a flagon of wine. *' Sit down, holy monk," said 
 she, ** and refresh yourself, and I will give directions 
 to the servants, to prepare an apartment for your use, 
 as you must 'henceforward make this mansion your 
 abode, whenever your holy vocation leads you to Obi- 
 das." " My blessing rest upon you, good lady," said 
 the monk, "his countenance brightening as he be- 
 
4] 
 
 held the generous wine sparkle in the flagon, and fold- 
 ing his hands, said to liimself, in eestacy, " Raise 
 your hollow sounds ye bitterns, inhabitants of the 
 mouldering spires on the rock , and sing ye larks of 
 the dawn, your songs of praise unto the genius of the 
 monk of the deserted convent of Amixuiera." 
 
 The pious demeanour of the monk won the confi- 
 dence of Maria, and she hastened to the vineyard to 
 acquaint Domingos, with her desire to entertain him 
 as a guest at the mansion. Domingos acquiesced in 
 her request, and thought it would be an advan- 
 tageous opportunity, the occasional visiis of the monk, 
 in order to facilitate the religious instruction of their 
 children. Accordingly the monk became an important 
 guest at the mansion ; and Domingos' happiness every 
 day augmented, in proportion as the talents and virtues 
 of the children became unfolded. The most tender 
 friendship united each of them, and confirmed their 
 happiness. Henrique, who was universally believed 
 to be the son of Domingos, had become an interesting 
 young man ; and Clarissa, as fair as the summer's 
 inorn, his constant companion, sharing equally his 
 pleasures, whenever he rambled abroad ; whilst ho 
 seemed to possess her confidence in the highest de** 
 gree. 
 
 One day as they sat on the brow of the clitF, view- 
 ing the smooth surface of the sea, tinged with a silvery 
 hue by the reflecting rays of the sun ; the murmur- 
 
42 
 
 ing wave rolling gently on the beach. Clarissa, con- 
 templating the beautiful and sublime effect of the en- 
 lightening orb of day, exclaimed. " How magnificent 
 are the works of God displayed in these great waters ; 
 'tis wonderous to our eye, with vyhat minute order the 
 Omnipotent hand turneth the axis of the universe ; 
 the stars hide themselves in the sky ; the moon pale 
 sinks in the western wave; the ocean shrinks and grows 
 again ; while every thing seemeth to enjoy its exis- 
 tence in the fulness of its nature. Observe the paren- 
 tal care of yonder seagulls teaching their young to 
 dive ; how proud the parent birds appear to be with 
 the adventures of their progeny." As she turned her 
 eyes towards Henrique, whose countenance betrayed an 
 unusual sadness ; after looking at him a moment, in 
 silence, she said. '* Dear Henrique, why art thou so 
 grave and thoughtful ? Prithee tell me from what cause 
 proceeds this depression of spirits, and apparent mel- 
 ancholy ? Art thou ill ?" ''No, my dear sister, I was 
 thinking how happy I should be if I knew to whom I 
 owed my existence." Clarissa sighed, and, cover- 
 ing her face in her vest, burst into tears. " So thou 
 art tired of me, and my parents, and wish to find a new 
 sister, and father, and mother." "Tired of thee, Clar- 
 issa," exclaimed Henrique, snatching her to his bosom, 
 and gazing on her with tenderness ; while the big tear 
 rolled in his eye, he said, " how canst thou, my dear 
 sister, reproach me with such want of feeling towards 
 thee, and my generous benefactors ? Thy father and 
 . mother, who are all that is great and good. To whom 
 
I owe every obligation ; and, permit me to hope they 
 honour me with their good opinion, which I prize a- 
 mong the best gifts of heaven. And art thou not in- 
 finitely dear to me, sweet Clarissa," raising her hand 
 to his lips ; but, recollecting his situation, he check- 
 ed himself immediately ; retired back, sighed deeply, 
 and winding the cliff, they hastily returned towards 
 the mansion. 
 
 The monk who had by chance rambled among the 
 rocks, perceived Henrique and Clarissa; and stealing 
 softly behind the cliff, silently observed them. With 
 the most eager attention he stretched forward his head, 
 in order to understand the nature of their conversation ; 
 but was only enabled, now and again, to catch a few 
 broken sentences, which augmented his chagrin ; and 
 he retired pondering over the most hellish inventions, 
 in order to frustrate the happiness of Henrique, whom 
 he hated from their first interview in the avenue. He 
 pursued his way to the vineyard, and as he passed a • 
 long the covered alley, which led to the mansion, he 
 saluted Jerronymo and loao, the two labourers em- 
 ployed among the vines, in a voice so extremely au- 
 stere, that it produced an electrical efF<^ct on the nerves 
 of Jerronymo ; who, let go the vine, stood aghast, pale 
 and agitated, as if he had heard the voice of a speclre. 
 loao, his fellow labourer, rising from the pine, beheld 
 Jerronymo pale as death, a cold perspiration on his 
 forehead, and trembling like a crimnal. " How now," 
 cried he, in evident alarm at the perturbated state of 
 
44 
 
 his features ; crossing himself, he repeated the pater- 
 noster, and trembling caught his hand, " Blessed vir- 
 gin, ' said he, " what does this mean ?" endeavouring to 
 arouse him. *' The voice ! the voice!" cried Jerrony- 
 rao, in wild agitation, " What voice ?" hastily enquired 
 loao. " I have heard no voice, save that of the holy 
 monk ; and surely thou art not alarmed at the voice 
 of the pious father?" " 'Tis the voice, the voice," re- 
 peated Jerronymo, looking around him with anxiety. 
 *■ God defend us," said loao, his fears greatly increas- 
 ed, " thou art surely mad, or heard the voice of some 
 unhappy spirit that torments thy soul." " Nay, 
 neither." replied Jerronymo, recovering himself, '* 'tis 
 only stupor, sicklied over with the pale cast of thought." 
 " Then, I prithee," replied loao, " keep thy stupor to 
 amuse thyself with at home. Marry 1 like none of thy 
 performances, nor foul imaginations ; may be there is 
 something in thy soul, over which these freaks sit on 
 brood ; if so, go to the holy monk, man, and ease thy 
 conscience by confession." *' My conscience," replied 
 Jerronymo, " is free from guilt; neither have I com- 
 mitted any thing of which I have cause to fear ; never- 
 theless, God forgive me, my heart always trembles at 
 the sound of the holy monk's voice ; it puts me in 
 remembrance of that terrible night on the forest, when 
 I served the good farmer Manoel de Fegueired." "Aye, 
 I remember," said loao, "thou wast swineherd to that 
 good man." "True," replied Jerronymo ; "and he had 
 as fine a herd of swine as ever fed on the forest acorns." 
 " Yes," replied loao, " and as valiant a swineherd as 
 
45 
 
 swooned at the cry of the owl." *' But, what of that 
 dreadful night, and what has the holy monk to do with 
 thy whimsical notions ; perhaps, thou fancied in thy 
 midnight watch, some monstrous phenomena, turning 
 the sound of the wind into a thousand devil's voices, 
 or some huge phantom ; and so learnt thee to perform 
 those freaks, thou bast just given a specimen." *'Nay," 
 replied Jerronymo, "thou art light on the matter, 
 loao, but it was a dreadful night, and will ever be re- 
 membered by me with much reflection." ** Reflec- 
 tion truly/' replied loao, " why thou hast already told 
 me me of the purity of thy conscience." *' Ah !" re- 
 replied JeiTonymo, *' as pure as the fountain's spring, 
 from any dark and hidden crime— But." "But 
 what?*' hastily enquired loao, his curiosity greatly in- 
 creased, ** Tell me, I prithee, what thou hast seen, — 
 ghost or devil?" " 1 know not," replied Jerronymo, 
 ** whether it was the devil or not ; but this I know, it 
 was the devil's heart." " All the saints in heaven 
 protects us," cried loao, " what dost thou mean, be 
 explicit?" "Ah!" replied Jerronymo, " 'twas only 
 the devil's heart, callous by infernal pursuits, that 
 could exercise such voracious brutality ; but, 'tis past, 
 and I am silent, so let us to work again.' " Nay, must 
 I entreat thee," said loao, " to proceed with thy story.' 
 "I wish not even to think of it," replied Jerronymo, 
 " but since thou art so importunate, I will tell thee ; 
 but, I must previously require thy word of honour, 
 that, in no case whatever, wilt thou mention my 
 name respecting what I shall communicate, for reasons 
 
46 
 
 thou wilt hereafter find." " Aye, marry," replied loao 
 ** I give my word to conceal all that thou communi- 
 cates, therefore, proceed." " But soft,'* said Jerrony- 
 mo, " look around that no one is within hearing, and 
 let us couch awhile. " Thou remembers," continued 
 Jerronymo, "the dreadful hurricane, that spread de- 
 vastation in the forest, and dismantled so many dwell- 
 ings in the city," ** Ah ! right well, I remember," 
 said loao, " I had nearly lost my life through it, while 
 journeying to the vineyards ; its furious rage drew me 
 from my feet, as if I had been a spider's web, and 
 carrying me before it for some distance, at length, 
 plunged me like a true bibacious, neck and heels into 
 my master's wine vat, But he that sends a fool of an 
 errand, ought to follow him. So in comes my master 
 by the same blast, with a tremendous souse upon my 
 already extended body with the fermenting liquor ; 
 and, Lord bless thee, but for the timely aid of the New- 
 foundland dog, who dragged us out by the heels, we 
 had quickly passed this transitory life, unto the bosom 
 of Bacchus, laden with the purple fluid : but proceed 
 with thy narrative." 
 
 "On the following morning the heavens were se- 
 rene, and nature had resumed her wonted beauties, 
 save delapidated dwellings in the city, and the vener- 
 able cork trees laid prostrate in the forest. I became 
 sensibly struck with the mighty power of God ; and 
 wrapped in deep meditation, proceeded with the herd 
 under the southern mountains. Every step displayed 
 
47 
 
 the trembling fibres of nature, and filled my heart with 
 solemn awe, and veneration to that almighty governor, 
 who, in the twinkling of an eye : nay, at the breath 
 of whose nostrils, these stately trees, but yesterday 
 erect and in vigorous growth, bow down their towering 
 heads in trembling obedience to the ground. Toward 
 eventide the herd approached the northern cliffs, where 
 the cork trees had shed their acorns more plentifully, 
 and finding sufficient food they soon began to lay 
 down for the night. I took my mantle, and, wrapping 
 it around me, retired with my faithful dog, under the 
 shade of a tree, whose spreading bows afforded 
 security from the cold north wind. Between the 
 openings of the trees appeared the crumbling towers 
 of the old monastery ; once a magnificient pile, but 
 now a magnificient ruin. The moss and ivy creeping 
 over it, seemed as if anxious to save it from the spoil- 
 ing hand of time ; while the high trees, that clustered 
 around, only here and there permitted the light to visit 
 it. Strange tales were told about that dreary ruin ; 
 dreadful noises had been heard ; and frightful sights 
 seen. Report says, that guilty friars had laid their 
 bones there, and their spirits haunt the monastery, 
 Lord, rest their souls ! I am all over in a swither, and 
 can verify it by ocular demonstration. Just as the 
 castle clock of Obidas struck twelve, the starry canopy 
 enveloped by a mass of black clouds, which spread a 
 dismal darkness over the forest. My eyes were fixed 
 in the direction of the monastery, when I beheld a light 
 gradually ascend the western tower, until it reached 
 
48 
 
 tlie upper apartment, when it became extinct ; and all 
 was again dreary darkness. The wind rose in sudden 
 gusts, and then moaned slowly on in the distance. 
 The trees shook, and the howling of the wolf resound- 
 ed from the cliffs above ; when, again, a glimmering 
 light appeared, and as it slowly descended the tower, 
 I saw, as it were, the shade of a figure bearing the ta- 
 per ; when. Lord, save us, on its reaching the centre 
 aperture, I saw, as sure as thou art alive, loao, the 
 shaved crown of a friar, clad in the garb of his order ; 
 the light instantly disappeared, and all was again 
 dark and silent as the grave. I listened attentively 
 while my knees shook violently together, and breath- 
 ing a trembling prayer to heaven, waited the issue of 
 the event. In a few minutes the sound of footsteps 
 rose upon my ear, which infused terror into my heart ; 
 and charging my dog to be silent, lest it might be rob- 
 bers, I couched behind a tree, stretching my ears at- 
 tentively, under an idea that it might only be the 
 wind ; but the sound approached too rapidly and re- 
 gularly, to cherish any longer that hope. I was soon 
 convinced that it was the steps of men, in a direction 
 opposite to where I was hid. The moon was just peep- 
 ing _^over the tops of the Alcobaca mountains, and 
 spread a faint glimmering light through the openings 
 of the trees, which enabled me to discern several men 
 approaching by a pathway leading towards the south ; 
 and at a small distance from the place of my conceal- 
 ment. They were all muffled up in cloaks, and as the 
 moon fell faintly on them^ I perceived each wore pis- 
 
49 
 
 tols in his girdle. They whispered as they passed a- 
 long, but their voices blending with the hollowing of 
 the wind, I could not catch a sound. Ere many min- 
 utes elapsed, I again heard a faint sound in the same 
 direction as before, approaching evidently in trembling 
 haste. 
 
 A sudden and piercing shriek of anguish rose upon 
 my ear, as if it were a female in deep distress. What 
 can this mean, thought I, some bloody deed I fear, and 
 what can 1 do ? Thrilled with horror, I revolved in 
 my mind what steps to pursue. To fly to the rescue 
 of the poor sufferer single handed, into the midst of a 
 lawless banditti, would have been madness indeed, 
 To procure assistance from other wandering shepherds 
 in the forest was impossible ; there remained but one 
 alternative, and that was to fly to the city, and rouse 
 the cavalry : and here, thou wilt observe, loao, is 
 when I so deeply reflect. However, I rose from the 
 place of my concealment, and with trembling steps, 
 proceeded in the direction of the voice. I had not ad- 
 vanced far, when another most awful shriek, issued 
 from among the trees, in a still more melancholy echo ; 
 I, therefore, stopped irresolute what to do, terror 
 shook my frame like an ague, and stepping softly and 
 hastily back, again hid myself behind the tree, A^as ! 
 courage forsook me, at the very crisis, I needed the 
 resolution and strength of Aegon, I sunk upon the 
 ground. Yet consciousness did not for a moment for- 
 sake me ; I heard the doleful moan of anguish, still 
 
50 
 
 more distinct with every gust of wind, which probed 
 my heart. I wept in agony — rose on my knees, and 
 fervently clasping my hands, prayed the blessed Santa 
 N, R. Azree, the guardian of the forest, whose miracu- 
 lous power in time past, had rescued man from immi- 
 nent danger, would now put forth her divine power, 
 in aid of this poor sufferer. But while I was thus en- 
 gaged, the sound of voices and footsteps arose, and 
 turning my eyes in the direction of the sound, I saw 
 two persons slowly approaching by the same path, 
 which the others had gone. The one appeared to drag 
 forward the other ; and as they drew nearer, I dis- 
 tinguished the voice of a female, she uttered a shriek, 
 as she struggled to escape the firm grasp of the ruffian ; 
 having breathed a moment, she made another effort to 
 escape, but the ruffian drew a pistol from his girdle, 
 and in a voice as rough and austere, as that of stentor, 
 commanded her to proceed ; the very sound chilled 
 the blood in my veins, and shook my body like an as- 
 pen leaf. Lord have mercy, said I, what shall I do : 
 would to heaven that some help was near. The rust- 
 ling of the leaves accompanied every step, as they 
 came along ; and on passing an opening in the trees, 
 a glimmer of moonlight, enabled me to disern the rich 
 dress of the female, who must have been some person 
 of consequence : she uttered a convulsive groan, as the 
 ruffian, wrapt in a large cloak, which concealed his fig- 
 ure, forced her along. I listened attentively until the 
 the last sound of their footsteps died away ; I then 
 rose from my concealment, as if awakening from some 
 
51 
 
 delusive dream, agitated and trembling. 1 cast my 
 eyes around, but all was again silent, save the lark, 
 sending forth her cheering notes, to welcome the grey 
 streaks of the morning, as they stole across the skies. 
 The sun rose from the chambers of the east, in one 
 ardent and boundless blush, throwing back the sable 
 curtain of night, and shedding his refulgent rays, over 
 the gloomy aspect of the forest. 
 
 I hailed the welcome blessing, and summoning reso- 
 lution proceeded after the herd ; yet the dreadful out- 
 cry of human agony, still resounded in my ear ; and, 
 Lord help me, the voice of the holy monk, this day, 
 bore so strong a resemblance to that of the ruffian in 
 the forest, on that dreadful occurence, as to terrify and 
 confound my senses, and, unfortunately, lead to the 
 present relation, which my connexion with the forest, 
 and the dread I had of the banditti, ever detered me 
 from unfolding to mortal man." " 'Tis a strange story," 
 said loao, *' and particularly in thy allusion to the 
 voice of the holy monk ; whose christian rectitude, 
 and pious labours, indicate tenderness of heart, and 
 freedom from vice." " Good God," replied Jerrony- 
 m.o, " did I ever suspect the holy father, of sucli inhu- 
 manity ; it was merely a similarity of voices, that 
 shook my nerves, and awakened in me those 
 sensations of alarm.'' " Well, to be sure," said 
 loao, '* some men's voices are much alike ; but it was 
 wise in thee to keep thy counsel ; although it was a 
 pinchmg task, to see the poor lady so roughly hand- 
 E. 2. 
 
52 
 
 led. Why, Lord bless thee, if thou hadst but uttered 
 a word, doubtless the ruffians would have served thee 
 to the worms, in a dish of mince meat ; for I'll war- 
 rant they murdered the poor soul, without the benefit 
 of absolution." 
 
 The monkj'on entering his apartment, threw himself 
 into a chair ; he gnashed his teeth, as he muttered 
 over the few sentences he had overheard between Hen- 
 rique and Clarissa. " The subdolous skip-jack," said 
 he, ''nurtured by the hand of charity ;" for it had been 
 revealed to him that Henrique was a ieundling ; but 
 the time and place of his discovery, had never been 
 mentioned ; " 'tis well," continued he, " that I have 
 discovered thy artful contrivances ; and I swear by the 
 hour of my death, to frustrate thy ingenious design on 
 the fair Clarissa." With this resolution he took the 
 earliest opportunity to throw out some strong hints to 
 Maria, respecting the impropriety of Henrique and 
 Clarissa, associating with such unrestrained freedom ; 
 stating the inferiority of Henrique, and laying great 
 stress upon the evil, which undoubtedly would arise, 
 by indulging an attachment, which in the end would 
 be difficult to remove : the consequence thereof would 
 be to fill the family with the utmost anxiety and 
 alarm. Under these circumstances, continued he, you 
 may imagine the continual anxiety I labour under, in 
 the discharge of my duty, toward your daughter ; and 
 I should be wanting in gratitude, and, also, unworthy 
 of the confidence reposed in me, were I to wink at, or 
 
to remain silent on a subject which so deeply concern 
 the future peace and prosperity of this noble mansion. 
 As he concluded, Maria, raised her head, and looking 
 at him steadily, replied, " I am much surprised at the 
 remarks you have made, holy father , and we are cer- 
 tainly much indebted to you, for the kind attention 
 you have paid toward this important matter ; for my 
 part, I assure you, I had no conception that there ex- 
 isted between Henrique and Clarissa, the slightest di- 
 gression from the path of rectitude, and innocent 
 amusement ; but, should those suspicions be correct, 
 it certainly will be necessary to use means in order to 
 stop its further progress ; for, however much I may 
 regard Henrique, as his foster parent, yet it would be 
 highly imprudent to allow any improper attachment to 
 mature." "Until I was confirmed in these suspicions,'' 
 said the monk, with a feigned smile, " it would have 
 been reprehensible in me to permit my doubts to ap- 
 pear." He then related the occurrence on the cliff, as a 
 proof of what he had asserted ; and further contend* d 
 that a recurrence to these adventures, would be pro- 
 ductive of the most serious consequences. " And I 
 do assure you" continued he, "I experience thegreatest 
 repugnance at being obliged to state these things, on 
 account of their delicate nature ; nevertheless, regard 
 for the honour of the family, and out of pure humanity 
 for the youth Henrique, as an orphan, have induced 
 me if possible to prevent an evil, which has for its 
 tendency the embarrassment of his condition, and al- 
 so to plunge the family into inextricable difficulties," 
 E. 3. 
 
54 
 
 *' Heaven forefend," exclaimed Maria, ** in the keen 
 emotion of maternal solicitude, for she loved Clarissa, 
 beyond all expression ; and Henrique also bore an 
 equal share in her tender anxiety ; he had no other 
 friend or protector, save herself and Domingos ; and 
 had been allowed to call her mother, and participate in 
 all the tender endearments of parental attention, added 
 to the incidental occurences of his early years, all tended 
 to knit him close to her heart, and present obstacles of 
 the most delicate nature, in seperating him from as- 
 sociating with Clarissa ; yet the alarming remarks of 
 the holy monk, rendered such a step necessary, in 
 order to place Clarissa beyond the reach of accident. 
 But how to accomplish this object, under the various 
 circumstances connected with the young people's indis- 
 soluble ties from childhood, was a matter of serious 
 deliberation ; under this perplexity, she knew not how 
 to act. On reflection, however, she thought it would be 
 most adviseable, to inform Domingos, of the circum- 
 stances that had come to her knowledge. And, con- 
 sequently, as soon as Domingos entered the apartment, 
 she began to detail the nature of the holy monk's sus- 
 picions, evincing, at the same time, considerable alarm 
 for the honour of their daughter. " Be not uneasy on 
 that account, my dear," said Domingos smiling, " 'tis 
 nothing more than a little caprice on the part of the holy 
 monk ; who has forgotten the circumstance of the child- 
 ren, having been brought up together; which, undoubt- 
 edly would, engender a natural attachment for each 
 other." " Besides," added he, " Clarissa possesses a 
 
purity of mind, incapable of any mean or dishonour- 
 able attachment, which might affect the peace and 
 prosperity of the family ; and therfore 1 must have 
 further proof, before I can allow myself to entertain 
 such an idea." '*And further," observed he, "Henrique 
 is endued with a noble and generous spirit ; in which 
 I have too great a confidence, to suppose him capable 
 of a conduct so superlatively indiscreet and ungener- 
 ous. However, to allay your fears, my dear, and prove 
 the absurdity of these suspicions, the holy monk, can 
 henceforward keep a watchful eye, upon the steps of 
 the young people ; which I am confident he will find 
 to consist of nothing more than natural and innocent 
 affection." Ah, thought Maiia, feeling her love and 
 hopes revive, it is even so ; the children cannot be un- 
 grateful , the repugnance with which we admit a con- 
 viction of the faults of those we love, furnishes a strik- 
 ing proof of the existence of that moral sense, which 
 nature has indelibly imprinted on our minds. 
 
 Maria's fears allayed, she resumed her wonted tran- 
 quility, and things went on in their usual train, save 
 the vigilance of the holy monk, over the proceedings 
 of the young people ; in all their recreations or rambles 
 on the cliff's, he invariably appeared as if by stealth, to 
 avoid observation, which much surprised the young 
 people. And Clarissa observed how very extraordinary 
 it was. " It certainly is very remarkable," replied 
 Henrique, " these frequent meetings, but 'tis mere 
 chance that brings the holv monk, into the same ram- 
 
56 
 
 bles with ourselves." " I wish," said Clarissa, " that 
 chance would direct him to the monastery, or any 
 where it pleases, save his presence here." " Why so, 
 my dear sister,'' enquired tienrique, "because — be- 
 cause — he has — " " Has what," cried Henrique, 
 pressing her to his bosom, " speak, I conjure thee ?" 
 *' He has offended me." *' Heavens, sayest thou so ; 
 then I will offend him," drawing his dirk, " I will 
 smite him to the earth." " Nay, my dear brother," 
 cried Clarissa, holding his arm, " 'tis on thy account 
 I am offended ; didst thou not observe, the sarcastic 
 air, with wliich he addressed thee in the library yes- 
 terday. Truly, brother, 1 have remarked a very 
 singular behavour in the monk, toward thee of late, 
 which has created in my heart, the greatest abhor- 
 rence." " Oh, no ! my dear sister," replied Hen- 
 rique smiling, " let not these illiberal ideas enter thy 
 mind, I have discovered nothing uncommon or ex- 
 traordinary in the conduct of the holy monk ; there is 
 a natural austerity in his manner of speaking, which 
 thou misconstrues for displeasure ; passing this, I be- 
 lieve him to be extremely pious, and devout in his 
 calling : besides, what have I ever done to deserve his 
 hatred or displeasure ?" " Nothing, my dear bro- 
 ther, thou were always extremely kind and obedient ; 
 deserving his esteem and affection, rather than his 
 frowns and tauntings ; even the custom of common 
 politeness, requires in return, civility. But I know 
 not how it is, my heart forbodes evil, and leads me to 
 apprehend some mysterious design in the conduct of 
 
57 
 
 the monk." " Prithee, my clear sister," replied Hen- 
 rique, somewhat surprised, '* banish these thoughts 
 from thy mind ; it cannot be — I cannot entertain such 
 an idea. It would be inconsistent with the sanctity 
 of his calling, as a devotee of the blessed saint Sabas- 
 tiao — good God ! to cherish evil, would be opposite to 
 all christian feeling, and holy fellowship, the inseper- 
 able graces of his divine master ; whose habit he 
 wears, and whose doctrines he prescribes." " Very 
 true, my dear brother, yet I cannot, for some unknown 
 reason, dispel these fears from my mind." " Well be 
 it so," replied Henrique with a sigh, •' I am very sen- 
 sible of the untoward passions of men, and I have al- 
 so discovered the follies and vices of mankind ; but 
 there is an ineffable goodness in providence, which 
 has learnt me to bend with submissive reverence to 
 its decrees." 
 
 The monk who had ascended a rising ground, which 
 gave him an opportunity of seeing all that was acting 
 below, in rage, muttered to himself, " Where is thy 
 confidence thou inflexible fool. Behold, Domingos, 
 the virtuous nursling, in whom thou places unlimited 
 confidence, with uplifted arm and glittering dirk, 
 threatening thy daughter, to a compliance with his im - 
 pudent importunities ; and, notwithstanding, thou 
 wilt tell me to my face 'tis nothing more than inno- 
 cent freedom ; but my life on it, ere long thou wilt 
 bitterly regret. Contemptible wretch," exclaimed he, 
 no longer master of his feelings, and turning to tlie 
 
58 
 
 left, stole along the avenue to the mansion ; and seat- 
 ing himself at the window of his apartment, began to 
 reflect in what manner he ought to act. " If," said 
 he, *' I openly disclose to Domingos, what has passed, 
 the milksop will treat it with indifference, and regard 
 me with an incredulous air ; but thou, Maria, ah ! thou 
 art capable of impression ; thou wilt listen to my ad- 
 vice, and conform to my opinions. Yes, thou shall 
 be the bow, from which I will shoot discomfiting ar- 
 rows, into the heart of the crafty villian. However, 
 it will be necessary to use caution ; the case is very 
 delicate, and I may overshoot myself; it will be re- 
 quisite to pursue a conduct suitable to the case. I 
 must, therefore, assume tranquility, and put on a com- 
 placent air, in order the better to penetrate into the 
 young people's projects, and draw them into my power 
 with a view to this object. I must be silent, as re- 
 spects the present event, until a more favourable sea- 
 son, and by insinuation gain the confidence of the 
 young people ; in order that I may have a perfect 
 knowledge of their schemes and conversation, without 
 which I shall not be able to accomplish my design, 
 with the incredulous Domingos, whom I have only to 
 fear. For, said he, his confidence in the youth, is un- 
 questionably great, and, therefore, to convince or pro- 
 duce the slightest alteration of his opinion, will require 
 undeniable proofs. To effect this, I must use con- 
 siderable art and ingenuity, examine the matter nar- 
 rowly, and guard against his penetrating into my views, 
 or detecting in my conduct any blameable motive, lie 
 
59 
 
 reflected on e\^ery thing he had overheard, conjectur- 
 ed, or divined ; his anger increased beyond all bounds, 
 as he pictured to himself Henrique basking in the arms 
 of uninterrupted felicity. But a secret hope that he 
 should be able to frustrate that happiness, diffused a 
 ray of joy over his mind ; and he determined to watch 
 every opportunity, to bring his schemes into opera- 
 tion. A multiplicity of ideas, floated on the stream 
 of his imagination, which gratifled the moment, and as 
 quickly vanished, or borne away in the current of per- 
 plexity, until the vesper's bell recalled him to his 
 duty. 
 
 One day Domingos and Maria, sought retirement 
 under a shaded bower in the garden, and seating them- 
 selves, Domingos, expressed his admiration of the se- 
 renity of the season. " How sensibly," said he, **has 
 the dew refre^shed these beautiful flowers. The fer- 
 vent heat of yesterday's sun, had almost parched the 
 face, and exhausted the sweets of nature ; but what a 
 sovereign restorative are these cooling distillations of 
 the night ; how they gladden and invigorate the lan- 
 guishing herb ; and we, exhalingj their fragrance, at 
 once regale the sense, and indulge the fancy ; inso- 
 much, that the ravished eye looks round in wonderous 
 delight, and the heart insensibly expresses its adora- 
 tion of the divine creator. Turn whether we will, all 
 stands forth dressed in all the charms of beauty, ex- 
 hibiting the rich and providential care of God over all 
 his creatures. Behold, my love, for example, the trees 
 
60 
 
 of our garden, how they bend under the weight of 
 their fruits ; and the delicious grape, peeping, with a 
 delicate hue, from under its spreading leaf ; while our 
 plains are covered with the liveliest verdures, — sweet 
 retirement ! thy charms far excel all the pageantry of 
 the metropolis. Tell me, my love," continued he, 
 pressing Maria to his bosom, " could we be more hap- 
 py than we are at present ; God knows how I have 
 merited, that my days should pass with so much sa- 
 tisfaction." At this moment their attention became 
 arrested, by the approach of old Antonio, conducting 
 towards them an elderly gentleman, who on a nearer 
 approach, appeared evidently to labour under great 
 emotion, as his tottering limbs bore him along. "Won- 
 derful are the ways of providence," exclaimed the 
 stranger, in a pathetic tone, as he drew near to Do- 
 mingos. " I am right, it is he, undoubtedly it is he ; 
 his countenance bespeaks the truth thereof. Oh yes ! 
 it is he ; God be praised, my dear boy, my dear boy, 
 throwing his arms around the neck of Domingos ; and 
 fervently pressing him to his palpitating bosom, he 
 wept." " Oh ! God," said Domingos, in a trembling 
 voice, *' what means all this ? regarding the stranger 
 with attention, vvhile a deathlike paleness overspread 
 his countenance, and gazing with astonishment, ex- 
 claimed. "Why this agitation and tears, aged sir, cease 
 I prithee, good father, and explain the nature of thy 
 business?" The old man's heart fluttered : he slowly 
 raised his eyes towards Domingos' visage, which he 
 had lowered in order to conceal the tears, he was un- 
 
61 
 
 able longer to restrain ; and minutely scrutinizing his 
 features, again relapssd into a state of insensibility. 
 " God give us aid," said Domingos, who shook him, 
 made him respire odours, and pressed him against 
 his bosom ; while Maria, in the greatest alarm, darted 
 to the fountain, and brought water to bathe his tem- 
 ples. At length, he sobbed, and opening his eyes, 
 gazed on Domingos ; but it was some time ere he 
 could give utterance to the excess of his feelings : re- 
 covering, he clasped his hands, and raising his eyes to- 
 ward the firmament, he said, with emotion, " O ador- 
 able Father ! O Father of heaven and earth, thou hast 
 heard my prayer : thou hast gratified my desire ; 'and 
 now, O merciful God, I am resigned to thy will, 
 when it please Thee to call me, O yes !" continued he, 
 while the tears rolled copiously down his wrinkled face, 
 on the pale cheek of Domingos, " I am happy — 'tis 
 enough — thou hast permitted me to behold the face of 
 my nephew ; the only branch of the Delgadoes ; the 
 child of. my beloved and departed brother." *'0 God," 
 cried Domingos, lifting up his eyes in astonishment, 
 while his heart beat violently, he could only articulate 
 these single words, " my Uncle," and fell on his neck, 
 kissed his withered cheek, pressed him fervently to his 
 heart, and mingled his tears with those of his aged 
 relative. 
 
 Maria, who had been a silent spectator, was now 
 sensibly affected, and could no longer restrain her tears, 
 approaching Domingos, she embraced him ; and in the 
 
62 
 
 most affectionate manner, urged them to compose their 
 feelings ; but all her entreaties could effect nothing 
 more than half stifled groans. The peculiarity of the 
 interview, and the unexpected circumstance of find- 
 himself locked in the arms of his Uncle, whom he 
 had long understood to be dead, excited his feelings, 
 and absorbed all his faculties. She suffered their feel- 
 feelings, in some measure, to exhaust themselves ; and 
 then, when more composed, assisted by Domingos, she 
 supported their aged relative to the mansion. And 
 seating him in a chair, Domingos said, ** my dear Un- 
 cle, to what extraordinary circumstance are we to at- 
 tribute the pleasure of this meeting. A period of 
 twenty years, at least, have expired, since my Uncle 
 da Rocha, received from the Brazilian government, 
 an account of your melancholy death, by the hand 
 of an assassin." 
 
 Maria, smiling, suggested that it would be more pru- 
 dent, to leave their aged relative awhile, in order to 
 compose his agitated feelings. " Tbou art right, ray 
 dear," said Domingos, " my Uncle will then retire to 
 his apartment ; and after dinner we will request him 
 to favour us with a recital of the circumstances con- 
 nected with his safe return to Portugal. As soon as 
 dinner was ended, Henrique, reminded Domingos, v/ho 
 enquired if his Uncle felt sufficiently composed to 
 comply with their previous request. 
 
 "My dear children," said the old gentleman, **if a 
 
63 
 
 recital of painful circumstances, connected with an ad- 
 ventures life, will afford you interest or amusement, I 
 will endeavour to satisfy your curiosity so far as lies 
 within the compass of my recollection. I feel, it istrue, 
 exceedingly frail, from the decrepitude of age, never- 
 theless, my heart abounds with gratitude to the Al- 
 mighty ; whose providential care has been so wonder - 
 fully displayed in my preservation. In youth 1 bore 
 symptoms of delicacy, which greatly discomfited my 
 father ; whose avaricious desire after riches engrossed 
 his whole attention. He was a man renowned as a 
 skilful merchant ; but seldom troubled himself with 
 the concerns of his family, only where his mercantile 
 interest might be aggrandized thereby. My brother 
 was of a strong constitution, and was taken very 
 young into the warehouse ; which pleased my father 
 very much, as a profit was likely to arise out of his 
 labour. But myself, he would say, was an expensive 
 piece of lumber, not worth warehouse room. 
 
 One evening my father came home in a higher flow of 
 spirits than usual, and taking me by the hand, said, my 
 dear boy, I have long viewed you with deep concern. 
 The precarious state of your health renders you unfit 
 for the toils connected with our business. I would re- 
 joice if a means could be adopted, whatever the ex- 
 pence, so that your health was restored, to enable you 
 to earn your livelihood, without being a dependent on 
 the labours of others. On this subject I have consult- 
 ed with our physician, who strongly recommends a 
 T. 2. 
 
64 
 
 change of climate, with light employment ; fortunate- 
 ly, I have this day received a letter from my friend and 
 correspondent, Senhor Joaquim Couceiro, a very emi- 
 nent merchant at Rio do Janeiro, who wants a lad ; you 
 ■will just suit my friend, and I will fit you out to go ; 
 the sea voyage will tend greatly towards the restoration 
 of your health ; besides, you will be of essential service 
 in looking after my interest. You know what I mean, 
 ^y boy ; have an eye to the scales when goods are 
 for me, which is a weighty matter now a days, and 
 receive your father's blessing. The ship Barcellos is 
 now lading for Rio de Janeiro, she will be ready in a 
 few days for sea, I will treat wdth the Captain for your 
 passage ; and your mother, in the mean time, will make 
 the necessary arrangements for yrtur departure. 
 
 My mother opposed my father's proposition in the 
 most determinate manner, declared it to be a wild 
 goose scheme ; a feverish imagination of the brain ; 
 decidedly injurious to my health : she entreated my 
 father in the most empathic manner to give up the 
 idea, but without effect. The selecting of the choicest 
 merchandise, and balancing the scales in my father's 
 favour was paramount to all other obstacles. All her 
 entreaties were of none effect ; she, therefore, drew me 
 to her bosom, and in the most affectionate manner 
 kissed my cheek, while the keen emotions of parental 
 love broke forth into a flood of tears. 
 
 At the expiration of six days, a message announced 
 
65 
 
 to my father that the Barcellos had dropt down to 
 Belem Castle, and would put to sea the following 
 tide. My heart now forsook me ; the deeply painful 
 sensation of the immediate prospect of a long and dis- 
 tant seperation from the land of my fondest and earli- 
 est recollections ; and from my dear affectionate mo- 
 ther, overwhelmed me in the most profound sorrow. 
 My father saw the agitated state of my feelings, and 
 taking me by the hand, while my mother followed, 
 we bent our way in silent grief to Belem. The cap- 
 tain received me on board, and immediately gave orders 
 to weigh the anchor. My mother threw her arms 
 around my neck ; bathed my cheek with her tears ; 
 kissed me, and faintly uttered adieu, my child ; fell 
 on the arm of my father, who, shook me by the 
 hand, reminded me of his interest on the other side of 
 the water, and departed with my mother in the boat. 
 The bustle attendant on the ships departure appeared 
 greatly to predominate over my sadness. The sailor's 
 hearts seemed to beat high with glee, whose elasticity 
 of spirits are remarkable. They were surrounded 
 by every circumstance that could render their voyage 
 propitious. With a fine fresh breeze from the nortli 
 east, the Barcellos speedily passed the Fort St. Juiiii, 
 at the mouth of the Tagus, so dear to my remem • 
 brance, on which my eye was anxiously fixed, until it 
 gradually diminished from my sight, as a small cloud 
 sunk into the ocean. With slight interruptions of bad 
 weather, we continued to make way until the morning 
 of the eighth day, when we discovered a large shi(.. 
 F, 3. 
 
66 
 
 bearing upon us 'with crowded sails. Every eye was 
 turned towards her, and various were our conjectures. 
 Our captain crowded the ship with sail to avoid her, 
 but without effect ; she was heavy laden and a slow 
 sailer; the frigate perceived our intention, hoisted 
 more sail and approached us with great rapidity. We 
 soon distinguished the French flag, when our conster- 
 nation became manifest ; our seamen ran below to 
 their chests, took out whatever was valuable or neces- 
 sary, and, folding them up in their hammoks, returned 
 with them on deck, in order to await their capture ; 
 which, under our circumstances, would have been 
 madness to resist. Notwithstanding, our captain con- 
 tinued his course, which was presently interrupted by 
 a shot from the frigate across our bows ; we, thereupon, 
 hoisted our flag and hove to ; when, to our heartfelt 
 joy and surprise, she hauled down her French colours, 
 and hoisted the British flag. A friendly sail cheered 
 our drooping spirits and relieved our fears ; the sailors 
 resumed their vocation, while the captain prepared to 
 receive an officer from the frigate, who came on board 
 of us. He saluted our captain with much civility, en- 
 quired our destination ; and after making the accus • 
 tomary enquiries returned again to the frigate. We 
 then gave the frigate three cheers, and proceeded on 
 our voyage. 
 
 A scene of a very ludicrous character now ensued 
 on board our ship ; the captain who?e ghastly counte- 
 nance depicted his inward feelings of alarm as the 
 
67 
 
 frigate approached ; began now to assume an exalted 
 position ; boasted largely of his undaunted courage ; 
 and drawing his sabre brandished it in the air, as he 
 strutted the deck, swearing by six hundred millions of 
 devils that he was all but. " All but what," said I, 
 " All but what, my lad, why I was all but cutting 
 down these English baboons, like cobwebs before the 
 wind ;'* throwing himself in attitude corresponding 
 with the action of his sabre. *' We Portuguese," said 
 he, *' are the most valiant nation under the sun ; we 
 have fought the most glorious battles that ever history 
 recorded ; we invaded Africa, and took the port town 
 of Centa from the Moors ; discovered the Madeira 
 Islands; invaded Morocco, and took the town of Tan- 
 gier ; passed the Cape of Good Hope, and planted 
 colonies in the East Indies ; possessed ourselves of 
 South America, and planted the Christian religion in 
 India, Persia, China, America, and Africa, In fact, 
 every nation in the world are indebted to the valour of 
 our arms." "Viva! viva!" resounded our seaman, 
 who now began to affect a considerable degree of self- 
 importance ; stretching wide their mouths in eagerness 
 to swallow every sentence of the captain's heroic ac- 
 count of their country's exploits ; while a diffusion of 
 joy brightened the countenance of the whole crew. I 
 know not to what extent these extravagant exultations 
 might have been carried, had we not been suddenly 
 arrested by a gale from the south west, which gradu- 
 ally increased during the whole night. At day-break 
 the gale abated, and the sun burst forth in all his 
 
68 
 
 wonted splendour, and with a fine breeze the Bar- 
 cellos plowed the briny main with great rapidity. 
 
 Towards evening we descried a sail a-head of us, 
 prosecuting the same course with ourselves, having 
 the Portuguese flag at her mast-head. She appeared 
 to be labouring under great difficulties, and making 
 little way. Early on the following morning, we came 
 close in upon her ; she proved to be the Braga of 
 Oporto, and had sprung a leak. Gracious heavens ! 
 what a picture of human misery, combined with the 
 most barbarous cruelty was now presented to us. On 
 the deck of the Braga lay stretched a number of poor 
 Negroes, bound two and two together, each poor crea- 
 ture's head tight laced to his fellow sufferer's feet, with a 
 cord encircling the whole body. In this manner were 
 these unfortunate fellow beings, prepared to be thrown 
 overboard by this inhuman crew, with a view to lighten 
 the ship, in order to reach the leak ; streams of tears 
 furrowed the deck ; while their piteous cries rent the 
 air with conflicting feelings of parental and filial affec- 
 tion — a husband for his wife, a mother for her child, 
 and the child for its parents. Thus were their sable 
 bosoms heaving high and quick, as if at once to burst 
 asunder their fetters, and avenge their murderers. No 
 eye had they to pity, nor friendly hand to rescue 
 them ; their supplications for mercy rose only to be 
 silenced by the lasli of the cat, and their mutilated 
 bodies lay gored in blood. Horrjr stiuck with this 
 melancholy drama, I hastily descended to the cabin, 
 threw myself on the sofa ; the fate of these poor un- 
 
69 
 
 offending mortals just on the brink of a premature 
 death, thrilled my very heart ; a trembling seized my 
 frame, while a host of melancholy reflections crowded 
 on my mind, and as quickly departed. All power of 
 acting or thinking became absolutely paralized. 
 
 In this state of inertion I lay, until aroused by the 
 entrance of the captain, who said, " Come Senhor Del- 
 gado, the captain of the Braga requires a little of your 
 assistance." 1 rose from the sofa in wild agitation, 
 casting an eye of indignation on the captain, whom I 
 surveyed with the utmost contempt. " My assistance," 
 replied I, " My assistance did you say. What, to be 
 a murderer ? No, never will I imbrue my hands in 
 innocent blood, nor be a willing instrument in brutally 
 sacrificing human life." " Psha ! my lad," replied the 
 captain, " wipe of these childish tears, and put on the 
 dem.eanour of manhood. One would fancy thou hadst 
 just escaped from the facinating smile of some fair 
 damsel, whose enchanting caresses touched the finer 
 feelings of thy heart. Arouse ! my boy, I have agreed 
 to take a part of the captain's cargo : come with me 
 and lend us a hand." " Is then this melancholy tra- 
 gedy to be avoided. Are they to be saved?" I hastily 
 enquired. " To be saved my boy ; yes ! for the mar- 
 ket of Rio de Janeiro ; with the blessing of Santa Ma- 
 ria, and six hundred milreas my freight, a mighty 
 luck chance, not to be refused, I can afford an extra 
 bottle at Rio. Come, my boy, no trifling, we must 
 hasten the cargo on board. By means of a rope sus- 
 
70 
 
 peiided to a part of the rigging, two hundred of these 
 poor creatures were quickly snatched from the jaws of 
 death, and transferred to our ship. While these un- 
 fortunate sufferers were being stowed below, the cap- 
 tain of the Braga came on board, saluted our captain 
 with a kiss and a hearty embrace. *' I shall now," 
 said he, *' be able with a little labour to stop the leak, 
 it is a most fortunate circumstance having fallen in 
 with you, my good captain. You see they are a parcel 
 plump chucks, turning over two children with his foot, 
 who lay bound, as described before on the deck." It 
 would have been a serious loss to me had the brutes 
 been thrown overboard ; a finer cargo I have not had 
 for many voyages. Here is a letter you will give to 
 my friend Senhor Joaquim Couceiro, on your arrival 
 at Uio de Janeiro, who will take charge of my part of 
 your cargo ; as you in all probability will arrive some 
 days before me, adieu ! adien ! my good captain. May 
 the blessings of Santa Antonio, accompany you the re- 
 mainder of your voyage." "Amen! amen !" reiterated 
 our crew as we parted company. 
 
 On hearing the name of Joaquim Couceiro mention- 
 ed by the captain, my blood turned cold in my veins, 
 a wild delirium seized my bruin, I staggered into the 
 cabin, fell upon the sofa ; while the agonizing feelings 
 of my heart, burst into a train of bitter lamentations. 
 ** Oh my father ! my cruel father ! is this the eminent 
 Joaquim Couceiro, thy friend and correspondent, into 
 whose service thou recommendest thy son ; and has 
 
71 
 
 banished him from the land of his nativity, to be an 
 assistant in the horrible traffic of human beings. O 
 my mother ! where is now thy tender caresses and filial 
 afifection, to soothe the afflicted bosom of thy wretched 
 son ; perhaps thou now weepest : oh ! yes, many are 
 the tears which have rolled down thy cheek since my 
 departure ; but didst thou know the poignant feelings 
 of thy son at this moment, what agony would thy ten- 
 der bosom contain. Oh ! my racked brain, the wild 
 disorder grows more painfully confused. Sweet hea^ 
 ven ! support my sickening heart ; no sounds of genial 
 heart reviving joy approach my ear ; the bitter groans 
 of the sons of sorrow surround me on every side. 
 Boast no more, vain captain, of our country's achiev- 
 ments, or national honour. Where are her grand ex- 
 ploits? where her boasted religion, and sympathizing 
 humanity, while her sons can with impunity sacrifice 
 the life of man for lucre ? See our ships laden with 
 human beings, bound in fetters as the wild brutes of 
 the forest ; cast an eye into our markets, and behold 
 them exposed for sale as cattle in a fair. O my un- 
 happy country ! when wilt thou emerge from this state 
 of human depravity, and wipe of the stain which now 
 sinks thee below the meanest of realms. And must I 
 pervert my conscience by co-operating with this 
 wretched man, who filleth his coffers out of the suf- 
 ferings of his fellow-beings. No, I will wander the 
 streets of Rio de Janeiro in quest of employ. I will 
 solicit alms. I will occupy the meanest situation ; but 
 to serve a man who trafficks in human beings, I never 
 will, — I am resolved. 
 
This resolution alleviated my spirits a little, and I 
 began to think of the plan to pursue on arriving at Rio 
 de Janeiro ; when the captain entered the cabin, rub- 
 bing his hands in exultation. " Well Delgado," said 
 he, " a good brisk breeze, and the sight of Cape Frio, 
 would cheer my heart. I would then bag the cru- 
 sades, my boy, and hoist these noisy brutes on shore.** 
 Casting a scrutinizing eye upon me, he said " Thou 
 lookestsad my lad, what ailest thou ? Some sweet little 
 charming nymph thou hast left in Lisbon, I trow, is 
 fretting thee into fiddle strings ; cheer up my boy, I 
 will bring thee a packet of sweet consoling letters, as 
 big as mount Atlas, on my return." The mate here 
 hastily summoned the captain upon deck ; I followed 
 to see what was the matter. The poor Negroes were 
 suffocating for want of air, I, for the moment, lost sight 
 of my own sufferings, and readily assisted in construct- 
 ing a ventilator, or air pipe for their relief. A part of 
 the cargo was also altered in its stowage to admit a 
 free course of air. "While these arrangements were be- 
 ing made, my attention was arrested by the cries of a 
 poor Negro ; a young man of very powerful make, who 
 appeared to labour under great bodily pain. I steped 
 up to him, and found his leg much lacerated and dread- 
 fully bruised, I ran to the cabin, brought some lint 
 and salve from my medicine chest, rent a piece of 
 linen, with which I made a bandage, applied a dress- 
 ing of the lint and salve, and bound up the bruised 
 limb with the ligature I had made. The poor sufferer 
 seemed very grateful for this little attention ; never- 
 
73 
 
 tlieless somewhat surprised to find humanity extended 
 by any of the ship's company ; I informed him I was 
 only a passenger, and endeavoured to console him un- 
 der his unhappy circumstances. 
 
 I then returned to the deck — found the captain and 
 mate consulting ; a dark cloud was gathering in the 
 south-west, which betokened a change of weather. It 
 extended with great rapidity, accompanied with a 
 strong wind, covering the waters with darkness in its 
 progress. The rolling of the ship was vastly increas - 
 ed by a tremendous swell ; the wind rose to a violent 
 Imrricane ; the watery mountains flowed in magnifi- 
 cent and full succession, as if to threaten us with im- 
 mediate destruction ; the activity of our seamen kept 
 ample pace with that o£ the gale ; our larger sails 
 were speedily taken in, or closely reefed. I now 
 thought of poor Sampi the Negro, and hastily folded 
 up u quantity of linen which 1 conveyed to him, in 
 order to make a cushion for his wounded limb, to pre- 
 serve it from the further injury it might be exposed 
 to, by the heavy lurches of the ship, which now be- 
 came tremendous. The night began to close upon us, 
 when the dark clouds burst forth into loud peals of 
 thunder ; the rain descended in torrents ; while the 
 electric fluid illuminated the waters in grand but awful 
 magnificence. In this lamentable state of eminent 
 danger, at the dead hour of night, having struck our 
 top gallant yards, we were lying to under a triple 
 reefed main* top -sail; our solitary vessel reeling to 
 
74 
 
 and fro, under our feet, in the deep trough of the sea 5 
 the waves rolling higher than the tops of our masts, as 
 if at once to bury in its deep our devoted vessel j thus 
 contending v^rith these gigantic mountains ; the light- 
 ning flashing over their summits with dreadful velo- 
 city ; descending the watery valleys ; striking the 
 white spray which dashed furiously over our ship, as 
 if in hostile engagement with the raging sea. The 
 rolling of our ship was so much augmented by her 
 weight, that our main chains were thrown by every 
 lurch considerably under water ; and every article of 
 furniture in the cabin was dashed about with so much 
 violence, as to excite the liveliest apprehension of our 
 immediate immersion beneath the foaming billows. 
 The alarm of our seamen, their incessant appeals unto 
 their favourite saints for mercy, imploring with signi- 
 ficant gesticulations, and in noisy supplications their 
 protection, increased with the eminence of the dan- 
 ger ; and our fears, amid the surrounding darkness, 
 were greatly augmented by the shrieks of the unhappy 
 Negroes in the hold ; some yielding themselves up to 
 the most frantic despair ; while others, after remain- 
 ing a while in silent abstraction would suddenly burst 
 forth into a long train of loud and desponding lament- 
 ations, and gradually subsided into their former still- 
 ness. Our situation, at this period, became exceed- 
 ingly alarming ; the seamen who had put forth the 
 most strenuous exertions from the commencement of 
 the storm, were now completely exhausted. All their 
 efforts to control the ship were fruitless ; they threw 
 
75 
 
 themselves down upon the deck in a state of despair, 
 imploring the intercession of saint Francisco, in pardon 
 of their sins, while making the melancholy announce- 
 ment, that all hope must be relinquished, that death 
 was inevitably approaching. Our captain's courageous 
 boastings were now transformed into a tremulous 
 quivering, he wrung his hands in agony of soul, cry- 
 ing, " Meu Deos ! Meu Deos ! libra nos do Mai." 
 
 The passive condition to which we were all reduced, 
 was well calculated to raise our thoughts to that Om- 
 nipotent Being ; who, alone, had the power to effect 
 our deliverance by the spirit of his mercy. As the 
 dark clouds were disappearing, and the precious light 
 of another day opening upon us, He rebuked the wind 
 and the raging water, and they ceased ; affording us 
 ample room for deep and awful reflection in the gloomy 
 moments of that dark season, when the dissolution of 
 every earthly distinction seemed near at hand. How 
 inexpressible must be the out pourings of every heart, 
 in gratitude, thanksgiving, and praise, to that immortal 
 Being, who ushereth in the morning light with a mer- 
 ciful hand of deliverance, from so perilous a situation. 
 Again were our sails unfurled to the ^\ ind, with a lively 
 hope, and cheering prospect of eventually reaching our 
 destined port. A solemn silence reigned on board 
 as the ship glided along ; each one seem.ed to be ab- 
 sorbed in deep meditation on the past event, the Ne- 
 groes ceased to murmur, the captain and crew to boast ^ 
 all wore the appearance of mutual gratulation, and of 
 c. 2. 
 
16 
 
 becoming acknowledgment of the Divine mercy for 
 our unlooked for deliverance. None felt disposed to 
 much interchange of thought ; each one being rather 
 inclined to wrap himself up in his own reflections. On 
 the afternoon of Tuesday, the fourth of April, the de- 
 lightful exclamation from aloft was heard, " land a- 
 head ;" in the evening we descried Cape Frio, and 
 running rapidly along the coast we joyfully cast anchor 
 in the harbour of Rio de Janeiro, at ten o'clock on the 
 following morning, which was serene and delightful, 
 contributing much to the splendid and interesting 
 views of the country around us ; which was magnifi- 
 cently chequered with woods of evergreens, meadow 
 grounds, and beautiful quintras.* These meeting the 
 eye of the traveller in every direction, was well cal- 
 culated to raise his weary sea sick thoughts to a high 
 state of admiration on the beauties of nature,^ when 
 contrasted with the perils and dangers of the sea 
 storms he has just encountered, and weary with toss- 
 ing to and fro on the Atlantic ocean. 
 
 I sought the earliest opportunity to place my foot 
 on terra firm a, and put into execution my previous 
 resolution not to enter into the service of Gouceiro ; 
 I, therefore, took the opportunity of the captain's ab- 
 sence on shore to leave the sliip, employing a slave to 
 carry my baggage. On reaching the shore the thought 
 suddenly flashed upon my mind, what course should I 
 pursue. I thought to myself, 1 have no relative or friend- 
 
 * Houses surrounded by fruit trees. 
 
77 
 
 ly hand to receive or welcome my arrival, none to offer 
 the smallest hospitality, no friendly roof wherein to 
 cover my head from the burning sun, none to whom I 
 can confide my unhappy circumstances, all are strangers 
 pursuing their various vocations heedless of my for- 
 lorn situation. With these distressing thoughts float- 
 ing on my mind, I paced several streets wrapped in 
 deep meditation, without once thinking of the slave 
 sweating under the weight of my luggage ; at length 
 I was aroused from this state of intellectual perplexity, 
 by his asking to what part of the town I required my 
 luggage to be conveyed. I wildly threw my eyes a- 
 round for a moment in suspense what reply to make, 
 when I observed a green bush suspended over the 
 portal of a door, in token of a house of entertainment, 
 or Casa da Pesta. " Yonder," replied I, pointing to 
 the bush. AVe were met at the door by my host, a 
 stout little figure of a man, whose face was ornament- 
 ed with rosy pimples, demonstrating the fact that he 
 proved the quality of his liquors. He received me 
 with a profusion of bows. "Your excellency," said 
 he, " is welcome to the best my house affords," ush- 
 ering me into an appartment, in the corner of which 
 sat a number of Creolis, engaged at cards, who, hear- 
 ing the dignified title given me by my host, rose re- 
 spectfully to pay me obeisance, and withdrew to ano- 
 ther apartment. My host soon re-entered the apart- 
 ment, making a low bow, *' Your excellency, I per- 
 ceive, has just arrived from Lisbon ; ah ! the name of 
 that dear spot, always fills my mind with a train of. 
 G. 3. 
 
78 
 
 melancholy reflections of past events. If my grand- 
 father had not been forced to quit Lisbon for an affair 
 of honour, I would not have been under the necessity 
 to occupy this humble station ; as your grace must re- 
 mark from ray appearance, that my blood is of no ordi- 
 nary degree," gracefully drawing from his pocket a 
 gold rimmed snuffbox, and presenting me with a pinch. 
 " When a person has had the honour," said he, " of 
 living with people of the first rank, he is disgusted 
 with such manners as he finds here ; the worthy folks 
 are wholly ignorant of polite life, and on that account 
 T am often subject to much mortification, although 
 my house is frequented by all the nobility in the 
 neighbourhood," ennumeratiiig a long list of Fidalgos^ 
 with whom he had the honour to be acquainted ; ad- 
 ding, '' I am extremely happy in the honour of your 
 grace's visit," at the same time making great profes- 
 sions of friendship, and offers of his services. 
 
 The conversation was suddenly interrupted by the 
 abrupt entrance of my hostesss, whose eyes flashed 
 like lightening, her throat largely extended by rage^ 
 which found vent by the thunder of her tongue, in a 
 volley of abuse upon my host, who, not admiring the 
 inharmonious sound of her muse, quickly retreated to 
 a. coiner of the apartment in evident alarm. " Waa 
 ever any thing so provoking," said she, '' you drunk* 
 en. sot, did I not charge you in my absence, to attend 
 the kitchen= duties,, and here I find you, as usual, an^ 
 iio^ing^ our guests with frothy talk, while 1 have lar 
 
TV 
 
 boured from break of day, in preparing this dish for my 
 
 Count of , and here it is, from your inattentioiv 
 
 burnt to a cinder, you brutish fellow." She then 
 threw the dish with its contents in my host's face, who, 
 not approving of the jest, returned a blow on her head ; 
 their honour now concerned, they both would try for 
 it, the strokes were lustily laid on by each, in spite of 
 all my intercedence, receiving myself several blows 
 from my hostess, while endeavouring to separate them ; 
 in the scuffle we were all thrown upon the floor of the 
 apartment. While in this situation, a party of police 
 entered,, and took us all in this condition, with our 
 clothes torn, to the lock-up, or prison, in order to 
 bring us before the Intendant general of police. A 
 pretty condition of circumstances I was now placed in,, 
 accused by the police, notwithstanding my declaration 
 to the contrary, as one of the aggressors, and lodged 
 the first night of my arrival in a cold filthy prison, with 
 the disgraceful prospect of standing before the Intend- 
 ant general of police, on the following morning, as a 
 disturber of the public peace. At an early hour the 
 next morning, we were removed from the prison, un- 
 der an escort of police, with drawn swords, to the office 
 of the Intendant, in order to have the matter invest!* 
 gated, and our punishment awarded. The down cast 
 countenance of my host and hostess, as we passed un- 
 der the gaze of the populace, on our way to the office, 
 evidently shewed that their polite breeding was much 
 abashed by the unfortunate occurence. On arriving ai 
 the office^ we were ushered into the presence of thj 
 
80 
 
 Intendant, who, after hearing the police report, order- 
 ed us to stand before him. " How now, Senhor 
 Francisco Gansalves," said he, addressing himself to 
 my host. " Hum, hum," stammered my host, in evi- 
 dent embarrassment what to say. " Illustissimo Sen- 
 hor, whom God preserve," said he, making a low bow, 
 ** never knew your humble servant in any other char- 
 acter than one of the most dutiful and peaceable sub- 
 jects in all our beloved princes' domains. Ah ! your 
 eminence, if you knew but as much as I do in respect 
 of my spouse," shaking his head, and retiring to a re- 
 spectful distance from her, wiping his eyes filled with 
 tears, ** What a change of character," said he, *^ since 
 the happy days in the Rua de Prate, when she plight- 
 ed her love unto me ; soft were her caresses, sweet and 
 melodious her voice, the sound of which softened, en- 
 chanted, enflamed, and captivated, my heart. She 
 would glance on me a look of sweetness that touched 
 the chords in my heart, which, until then, had been 
 mute, but I felt them vibrate in her presence ; she 
 would kiss my lips with so much delicacy, while 
 breathing a soft sentiment of her affection, that enflam- 
 ed my soul, captivated my senses with a restlessness 
 insupportable, which allured me into the bands of wed- 
 lock ; and were they the effect of artifice ? Yes, your 
 eminence, the voice which seemed to speak from the 
 heart was studied, all these appearances were false, no 
 sooner had she got me securely pinned to her sleeve, 
 than her sweet temper vanished, her melodious voice 
 changed into rough authority, commanded me to do. 
 
this and that, under various appellations of you stupid 
 fellow, addlehead, cherrycheek, with such like unpolite 
 indignities, while all her former sweet caresses are trans- 
 formed into blows, of which your eminence now has 
 ocular demonstration, from the tattered appearance oi 
 my garments, and bruised body. By the confounded 
 rib roasting I yesterday received from her hand, with 
 a dish and its contents in my face, disfiguring my re- 
 spectable features, and swollen my head like unto a 
 blubber cask, merely for neglecting to stir a simple 
 Fricasee." ** O, monstrous! monstrous!" cried my 
 hostess, her womanhood now in flame, she could no 
 longer stifle her resentment, " and does the brutish 
 fellow call my favourite and delicious ragous, so famed 
 far and near, a simple fricasee ; the sot to use me so 
 and giggle in my face, a woman so well bred as I ; 
 how dare the coxcomb offer such an affront ; save 
 your eminence's presence, I would break the rascal's 
 pate, and learn the noddy, a woman to respect." 
 "Hold, my good lady,"^' said the Intendant, " you for- 
 get in whose presence you are, such language is 
 foreign to the dignity of my office ; appease the tem- 
 pest of your rage, let modesty guide your tongue, 
 which is the science of decent motion, a regulater of 
 all decent and comely carriage and behaviour, check- 
 ing and controling rudeness ; a sober reproof has more 
 effect than words delivered, in a heat or passion : you 
 owe respect and affection to your husband ; you ought 
 to use gentleness to soften and entertain him ; there 
 is more power in your tears than your arguments , 
 
82 
 
 and, therefore, things prudently managed will by de- 
 grees bring over your husband to see his errors, ac- 
 knowledge his failings, and take care for the future to 
 amend them. Your virtues displayed in this manner 
 would be the mirror wherein he would see the defor- 
 mity of his irregularities ; but a proud haughty tem- 
 per is hateful, it is as opposite to humility as light is 
 to darkness. The virtues which are the ornaments of 
 your sex, combined with meekness of the understand- 
 ing, a pliableness to conviction, owning your faults, 
 reducing your passions to calm temper, not suffering 
 them to ruffle or disturb you within, nor disquiet 
 others ; such a line of conduct I would strongly re- 
 commend to you, my good lady, for your future guide, 
 as a christian virtue, and as a peculiar accomplishment 
 of your sex. I highly censure your conduct in this 
 affair ; but I am, nevertheless, willing to dismiss the 
 case, on entering into your own recognizance for your 
 future good conduct, and maintaining the peace, on 
 pain of imprisonment." " And, pray, what part has 
 this respectable looking young man taken in the af- 
 fair," said the Intendant, " What is your name, and 
 where do you live ?" *' My name, your excellency, 
 is Urbano Joze Delgado," said I, "but as to residence 
 I have none as yet in the country, having just arrived 
 from Lisbon." "Your eminence will please to ob- 
 serve," said my host, "the young gentleman is in no 
 way to blame in this matter, and I feel extremely sorry 
 for the indignities he unforunately met with at my 
 house as a respectable guest, together with the un- 
 
83 
 
 merited hardships he has had to suffer on our account." 
 " Where is your passport, young man," said the In- 
 tendant, " I don't find your name in the register ?" 
 ** Here it is your excellency," drawing it from my 
 pocket and presenting it. " You may now retire to 
 your home," said the Intendant, to my host and host- 
 ess, *' but this young man must remain to have his 
 passport renewed." 
 
 The Intendant opened my passport, " Delgado," 
 said he, ** is a name familiar to me. You are not in 
 any way related to my esteemed friend, Joze Ferriero 
 Antonio Delgado, at Lisbon ?" " 1 am his son, your 
 excellency," '* Indeed," said the Intendant, " and 
 what are your views here ?" "I left Lisbon, your 
 excellency, with the intention of entering into the ser- 
 vice of Senhor Joaquim Couceiro, but I have since al- 
 tered my intention my determination, and am now in 
 quest of employ." " Well," said the Intendant, *' if I 
 can render you any service in this matter, I would feel 
 extremely happy in doing so out of respect to your 
 father ; and as you are a perfect stranger in this coun- 
 try, I will take you under my protection until you are 
 situated." *' I thank your excellency," said I, my 
 eyes overflowing with tears, "for the interest you 
 take in my welfare, as a stranger ; such disinterested 
 friendship impresses my heart with a deep sense of gra- 
 titude and esteem, such as will never be erased. I 
 will avail myself of your excellency's favour, and, I 
 trust, that your excellency will never find me to im- 
 
H 
 
 pose upon your credulity, or encroach on your good- 
 ness." "Enough," said the Intendant, "you are truly 
 welcome, 1 will immediately despatch a servant to 
 Senhor Francisco Gansalves, for your luggage ; and 
 one of the clerks of this office will conduct you to my 
 house, where you will get some refreshment and rest, 
 until I am at liberty to attend you." 
 
 On approaching the palace of the Intendant, I was 
 much struck with its splendid appearance, exhibiting 
 some master pieces of sculpture and architecture ; the 
 front was extensive and elegant ; around the entrance 
 were a number of figures in striking positions, shaded 
 by ornamental trees, with extensive gardens, abound- 
 ing with oranges, lemons, grapes, and fruits of various 
 kinds ; with cascades, and aviaries beautifully dispread 
 amongst the pleasent walks, so judiciously laid out 
 and overshaded by ever-greens, sanative and arom.a . 
 tic herbs, roses, and other flowers ; with basons stock- 
 ed with numbers of the finny race, whose elemental 
 sports displayed through the transparent waters, as if 
 to vie with the feathered tribe, whose warbling notes 
 enlivened the beauties of that delightful residence. 
 1 was met at the entrance of the palace by the beauti- 
 ful lady of the Intendant, who had just alighted from 
 her sedan, she received me very graciously, ushered 
 me into a magnificent apartment, directed the servants 
 to spread the table wilh refreshments ; and here, for 
 the first time since my departure from Lisbon, I par- 
 took and enjoyed a hearty meal. After satisfying my 
 
85 
 
 appetite, I knelt down and prayed with the greatest 
 fervency, pouring out my humble gratitude unto the 
 Lord, for his merciful preservation, while passing 
 through the deep and trackless ocean, and His provi- 
 dential intercedence in raising me up an unexpected 
 friend and protector in this ffir distant land. 
 
 I resigned myself to the disposal of heaven, and con- 
 tinued wrapt in mental devotion, till a knock at the 
 door announced the arrival of the Intendant, " Well, 
 my friend," said the Intendant, " I hope you have 
 made yourself comfortable ; I indeed observe an evi- 
 dent change for the better : you look cheeiful and 
 happy." " I am so, your excellency," said I, *' and 
 I find my heart strengthened above what I can ex- 
 press, by your kind attention.'* *' I have already," 
 said he, " entered upon your business ; and I hope to 
 succeed ; but the mercantile business in this country 
 is extremely harassing, and I think more than your 
 constitution will be able to bear. I would strongly 
 recommend you to enter the army, the service is light 
 and infinitely more adapted to your present state of 
 health. If so, I shall have no difficulity in procuring 
 you an appointment. "I am already under great 
 obligations to your excellency," said I, " for your 
 kind hospitality and protection, and, therefore, I leave 
 myself wholly to the disposal of your excellency, in 
 whatever capacity your belter judgment may adopt." 
 The Intendant took my hand and led me to another 
 apartment. ''My dear," said he to his lady, who 
 
86 
 
 gracefully arose from a magnificent setteej *' this young 
 gentleman is Senlior Urbano Joze Delgado, the son of 
 a dear friend of mine, to whom I was under much 
 obligation when last at Lisbon ; I have taken him 
 under my protection for awhile; receive him, my dear, 
 Arabella, as my friend ; and direct the servants to 
 prepare tin apartment for his accommodation . Senhora 
 Arabella very politely acceded to the request of the 
 Intendant, and immediately withdrew to give the 
 necessary directions. A short conversation ensued, 
 when we each retired to our seperate apartments ; tears 
 unavoidably fell from eyes, as I entered the apart- 
 ment so neat and comfortably arranged ; the extreme 
 kindness of the Intendant and his amiable lady, whose 
 accents were so extremely gentle and sweet, that a- 
 roused in my heart feelings of esteem, gratitude, and 
 affection. Sigh after sigh escaped from my bosom — 
 while contrasting the harsh unfeeling conduct of my 
 father, with that of the kind disinterested attention of 
 this amiable family, I was thrown into a profound 
 reverie, from which I was only aroused by the entrance 
 of a servant, with a message from the Intendant, de- 
 siring my attendance at dinner. 
 
 In addition to the family of the Intendant, were 
 two young officers of the army, Lieutenant Joze 
 Francisco de Megre, and ensign Carlos de Amor 
 Ferreiro, and a young Spanish lady, Senhora Eladia 
 Verde, sister to the amiable lady of the Intendant. 
 We sat down to dinner with mutual cheerfulness, the 
 
87 
 
 conversation was spirited and enlivening, and I en- 
 joyed the repast with more satisfaction than 1 had felt 
 for a long time. In the evening, Carlos proposed to 
 accompany me into the garden, to enjoy the refresh- 
 ing breezes which prevail after the gentle showers, 
 which almost daily fall from the heavens in this cli- 
 mate ; his fine open countenance displayed a sensibil- 
 ity of heart that won my affections, and gave me a 
 longing desire to be more acquainted with him. I 
 readily consented, and on entering the shaded walk, 
 Carlos said, " Sir, whatever griefs and misfortunes you 
 may have endured, you may reckon them at an end, 
 from the day you are protected by his Excellency." 
 " I firmly believe it sir," said I, " and my heart en- 
 joys already more happiness than I ever yet felt, and 
 promises me all that I can wish in future." " Yes." 
 said Carlos, " sucb indefatigable zeal, and laudable 
 exertions in promoting the welfare of his fellow beings, 
 spread a lustre on his character, that entitle him to our 
 warmest esteem and affection. Make him, sir, your 
 confident, and you may rely upon a faithful friend and 
 judicious counsellor." 
 
 At the end of the avenue we were joined by the In- 
 tendant, his lady, Senhora Eladia, and Lieutenant 
 Megre. " I am afraid we interrupt your deep conver- 
 sation," said the Intendant, smiling ; " but," said he, 
 '* 1 rejoice Carlos, to find you and Senhor Delgado, 
 already united in mutual friendship, I hope Lieute- 
 nant Megre, will also find an agreeable companion in 
 H. 2. 
 
88 
 
 our young friend." Lieutenant Megre bowed, and 
 turning into another walk led us again to the palace, 
 where we spent the evening in the pleasures of con- 
 vivial mirth and hospitable entertainment. The next 
 morning I arose in good spirits, and waited on my 
 benefactor; we were soon joined by Carlos, who 
 showed great attention and respect to me, and offered 
 me his best services without reserve, which I accepted 
 w^ith equal respect and modesty. The rest of the 
 family soon joined us, and we breakfasted together ; 
 afterwards, Carlos desired me to walk out with him to 
 take a view of the town, which was pleasantly situa- 
 ted on the banks of the river Janerio, in 23 degrees 
 south latitude, consisting of several excellent streets 
 and extensive warehouses — the houses lofty, generally 
 four, five, and six story high ; but their shops are ill 
 constructed as in Lisbon, the interior quite dark, and 
 their merchandise completely hidden from the view of 
 the public. Large droves of slaves meet the eye in 
 every direction, variously imployed ; while their in- 
 human masters appear to live in idleness, inactivity, 
 and without any spirit of animation, indulging in 
 smoking tobacco and loitering, chiefly depending on 
 the toil and labour of these,half famished sufferers, to 
 enrich their coffers, and feed them with the luxuries of 
 the earth ; while the poor negro slave is content to 
 make a scanty meal on the lean parts of the whale. 
 Their coffee houses, which are exquisitely decorated 
 with paintings, representing landscapes and other 
 views, are much resorted to ; chiefly by sans Couiottes, 
 
89 
 
 and other persons of trade, whose social hours of con- 
 viviality are much interrupted by the incessant appeals 
 of priests, monks, and friars, imploring charity in 
 the name of the holy virgin ; and, to add force to 
 their solicitations, will enumerate a long list of favour- 
 ite saints, with a number of feigned miracles and fab- 
 ulous stories ; notwithstanding these pious mendicants 
 are in possession of considerable emoluments, magni- 
 ficent churches and convents, whose huge towers meet 
 the eye ot the stranger at almost every turn, 
 
 The town is agreeably refreshed with breezes from 
 the sea, and abounding in springs and rivulets, which 
 are of great use to the Brazilians in turning their 
 sugar mills. There is no country between the tro- 
 pics where the heats are more tolerable, or the air more 
 healthful, except the months ot March and September, 
 when they have such deluges of rain, with storms and 
 tornadoes, that the country is overflowed, and the air 
 unhealthful ; sudden gusts of wind frequently arise 
 with great violence, one of these overtook us, on pass- 
 ing the corner of the Rua do Corpo Santo, witli such, 
 force as took us completely off our feet, and threw me 
 with great violence against a person passing at the 
 time. " Avast," cried my antagonist, "port your 
 helm, shipmate, six hundred devils ! but this is rough 
 sailing," rubbing his eyes, filled with dust. On re- 
 covering ourselves, we recognized each other, it was 
 the captain of the Barcellos, whom I had so unavoid-* 
 ably and roughly encountered, " Holla, shipmate^'* 
 
90 
 
 said he, " viva ! viva I my dear boy, how came you 
 to break away from your anchor and disappear ; but 
 thanks be to Santa Maria, and this brisk breeze, 
 ■which have thrown me athwart of you, although you 
 have nearly brought away my topmast," rubbing his 
 head from the effects of the contusion received by the 
 fall. '* Here," said he, " have I been reaching out first 
 on the starboard, then on the larboard tack, through 
 every Rua in the city, in hope to fall in with you ; at 
 length, by mere chance, I cast anchor at the hotel of 
 Senhor Francisco Gansalves, to take in a fresh sup- 
 ply of provisions, when I heard of your capture and 
 safe anchorage in limbo. Under these circumstances, 
 I was steering my course to the office of the Intend- 
 ant, with a view to effect your release, when this gale 
 so fortunately brought us in contact ; and now, master 
 runaway, 1 hope, that you, being satisfied with sail- 
 ing through the channel of disobedience, will perceive 
 your folly, and drop your anchor in the port of repent- 
 ance, ere you incur the displeasure of your father, and 
 immediately proceed with me to Couceiro, who anx- 
 iously awaits us." *' Ko sir, that I will never consent 
 to," replied I. " How now, my good boy," said the 
 captain, in evident surprise, **what capricious whim- 
 sey is there now afloat in your top rigging ; have I 
 not already delivered your father's letters, and my in- 
 structions were — "Not," said I, interrupting him, 
 *' to force me into slavery, or to learn the wretched 
 practice of the branding iron, to torture, wound, and 
 disfigure the healthful body of my fellow being, nor 
 
91 
 
 to serve a wretch, whose meat and drink issue from the 
 hard pressed pores of human suffering. No, my good 
 captain, whatever odium may stigmatize the national 
 character of my country, I am determined, at the risk 
 of my father's displeasure, to eat my crust, however 
 poor and mean, un<-ainted with the blood and suffer- 
 ing of my fellow man ; thank God, there are some 
 rising plants of nature, adorned with christian virtues, 
 and free from the heinous vice of man trafiick, yet 
 among the Portuguese, however far our country may 
 be sunk in depravity, who can feel and deeply lament 
 her sin, in tears of compassion and commiseration for 
 those of her cruel captivity. Ocular dcxTionstration 
 requires no proof, cast your eye, sir, upon this group 
 of beings just passing us, behold their destorted veins, 
 moistened with sweat, and scourged by their callous 
 hearted driver, to the mansion of idleness, with the 
 fruits of the earth, the produce of their hard wrought 
 labour ; and are they not minutely of the same machin- 
 ery as you and I, require the same sustenance, and the 
 workmanship of that God, whom we are enjoined by 
 our holy creed to reverence and respect in the work 
 of His ordination. And canst thou not see that work 
 so ingenious and perfect in all its parts, disfigured by 
 our countrymen, — ferocious cruelty, and barbarous 
 oppression. View their sable backs covered with deep 
 inflicted sores, produced by the thong of the whip, un- 
 til their blood moisten the earth they cultivate. Oh ! 
 sir, a susceptable mind cannot but feel for the thou^ 
 sands of human beings, barbarously robbed of that 
 
92 
 
 freedom, the bequeath of our creator, and the heritage 
 of our forefathers — torn from every endearmg tie of 
 nature's wisest and sweetest gifts ; to spend a short 
 life of labour and penury — of cruel and oppressive 
 bondage. See the big tear of parental anguish rolling 
 down the mother's sable cheek, as she views the wist- 
 ful look of the tender offspring of her cherished hope, 
 borne away in the monster's grasp. With outstretched 
 arms and weeping eyes, in cries in vain for protection 
 to that parent ; no longer free to afford it relief, but 
 hurried straight to the lurking bark, and wafted by the 
 wind's unyielding sway, far from its native shore to a 
 foreign land, to wear out a life of hard wrought misery 
 and pain." "Cease," cried the captain, "on this subject, 
 my dear boy, thou art a singular being — a thousand 
 devils ! but thou hast caused the dew drops to fall 
 from my eyes ; let us retire to yonder Casa da Pesta, 
 and refresh our spirits with a cup of wine after this 
 melancholy dream." ^' Dream, my good captain, it is 
 none," said I " but a melancholy fact." Well, well, 
 my dear boy, a fact," stammered the captain, insen- 
 sibly affected by the eonversstion. 
 
 He, nevertheless, had recourse to many expedients 
 in order to shake my resolution ; but as they 
 produced not the smallest effect, he at last said, " Cou- 
 eeiro, will undoubtedly write your father, and the 
 devil of a whirlwind 1 shall be in on my arrival at 
 Lisbon. In all probability doused in neptune's salt^ 
 wash by the tempest of your father's rage, for not fak 
 
93 
 
 filling his instructions, and leaving you a wanderer 
 unprovided in this country. But 1 wash my hands 
 of all responsibility, quit the ship with clean decks, 
 and have no connection whatever with your procedure ; 
 so let the thing go as it may, I will not say another 
 word." " Act as you please, my dear captain,'^ said 
 1, " fully sensible of your well meant persuasion, I 
 return you my warmest gratitude, and beg that you 
 will condescend to be the bearer of a letter from me to 
 my father, which will clear you from all blame connec- 
 ted with my non-compliance with his wishes ; and as 
 regards my future welfare, I am already, under the 
 providential care of the Almighty, richly provided 
 with a friend and protector, in the amiable, worthy, 
 and exalted individual, the Intendant, and my adopted 
 brother and much esteemed friend," presenting Carlos. 
 " The devil you are," replied the captain, stretching 
 wide his eyes with astonishment, and scratching his 
 head as if awaking from some delusive imagination. 
 " The blessed virgin protect us," said he, turning to- 
 wards Carlos, whom he saluted with a low bow, 
 *' strange occurence, my young shipmate, already to 
 have found favour in the protection of so eminent a 
 personage as the Intendant. Heaven be praised, I 
 am free from responsibility ; but I have frequently 
 heard of his Excellency's good services." "Ah," said 
 Carlos, "his humanity and goodness of heart, surpass 
 all comparison ; there are many who eat of his bread, 
 and drink of liis cup, and join in prayers to heaven 
 for their noble benefactor ; his virtue and abilities are 
 
94 
 
 an ornament to the state, in whose service he labours 
 •with zealous assiduity. But, alas, good will and incor- 
 ruptible zeal are not sufficient in this country, far from 
 it ; if you place a person of the greatest talents and 
 the most immaculate virtue at the helm of affairs, 
 what advantage will you obtain ; while you are con- 
 founded with the indolent of the court, affairs are still 
 ill conducted, and the people groan under abuses, pro- 
 secution, and slavery. For those that conduct an ad- 
 ministration badly, and support abuses, have the most 
 influence in their management, so that a man of the 
 highest character has small chance of success ; the con- 
 currence of these very people is necessary to all his 
 plans ; if he acts without their concurrence he finds 
 himself fettered on all hands ; and the only thing that 
 can support him is the ardent hope and expectation 
 that better times may arise ; in which, I trust, also, 
 that time will operate powerfully to produce a re- or- 
 ganization of the constitution of this beautious coun- 
 try ; and place her in the high and enlightened rank 
 of other nations ; free from unmerited ambition, in - 
 trigue, idleness, and luxury, the fruitful sources of all 
 vice, and the ruin of kingdoms." 
 
 " Yes, my dear Carlos," said I, *' among our nu- 
 merous defects, may be reckoned our supercilious dis^ 
 dain and contempt of foreigners, imaginary greatness, 
 deceit and revenge, which is too often carried on with 
 impunity ; and also our want of that spirit of enter- 
 prise which distinguishes other nations. But, we are 
 
95 
 
 astonished at many of the events of the present times, 
 not many ages have elapsed since their seeds were 
 sown, which now begin to germinate, so that states- 
 men themselves cannot comprehend them, and are be- 
 yond their power to prevent." "Fudge, upon your 
 times," said the captain, *' was there ever such times 
 as the glorious days of Americus Vesputius, and our 
 gallant mariners, who planted our standard on this 
 land, and threw into the lap of our mother country its 
 vast wealth and commerce." *' True, my good cap- 
 tain," said I, " but were there no ravages or sacrifices 
 in its accomplishment?" *' Why, to be sure, we had 
 to keep our packs of great mastiffs, and had our hunt- 
 ing days to clear the land from its encumbrance — the 
 Indians. In that we were only like our neighbours, and 
 they were cannibals our dogs destroyed." " God 
 knows, captain," said Carlos, walking up and down 
 sorrowfully, *' when I reflect on the cruelties, ravages, 
 and torments, exercised upon the miserable inhabitants 
 of this vast territory, by our early adventurers, I am 
 filled with horror and disgust, and almost ready to re- 
 nounce the name of Portuguese, whose imprudences 
 have counteracted their bravery, and buried their hon- 
 our in the gulf of oppression." " Avast, my friends," 
 cried the captain, "haul in your wind, and sail clear of 
 reproach, ere you are shipwrecked on the rock of ven- 
 geance by the offended spirits of our ancient heroes, 
 who fought so gloriously against the infidels, and ex- 
 pelled them from our land ; who converted the eastern 
 nations, and banished the Jews out of Portugal ; who 
 
96 
 
 compelled the Moors to profess cliristianity, and scat- 
 tered the seeds of civilization over three quarters of 
 the globe ; and were these not praiseworthy acts 
 achieved by our gallant countrymen. No more of 
 your traducing the grand exploits of our nation, so re- 
 nowned in the annals of history ; having spread the 
 light of salvation to thousands of heathen souls ; and 
 opened the commercial navigation of the east to all 
 Europe. Know ye my friends," continued he, much 
 irritated, *' that I cherish in my heart the love of my 
 country ; rejoice in her glorious attainments ; and I am 
 ready, whenever need require, to defend her dignity 
 at the point of my sabre, brandishing it over his head, 
 in signification of his enthusiastic attachment ; and 
 seizing us each by the hand, bid us adieu, saying, re- 
 member, Delgado, that mysterious beauty at Lisbon, 
 who awakened in your heart such painful sensations of 
 melancholy inquietude, and tears on our passage. Let 
 not the facinating smiles of the fair ones of this coun- 
 try estrange your heart, but remain faithful as a turtle 
 dove, and afford me the inexpressible delight of hand- 
 ing her, on my arrival at Lisbon, a consoling epistle 
 to cheer her drooping heart. Prepare your communi- 
 cations, my dear boy, by the end of the month, so 
 farewell — the blessing of saint Antonio, protect you." 
 
 We returned to the palace; after dinner the con- 
 conversation turned upon the ladies of Rio de Janeiro. 
 *' They have become so insipedly tiresome and frivol- 
 ous," said Lieutenant Megre, *' that their society is 
 
07 
 
 uniformly fatiguing ; for, if one introduce any seri- 
 ous subject of conversation, they immediately re- 
 proach you with having forgot the etiquette of good 
 company." " You are become extremely difficult to 
 please, Lieutenant Megre," replied Senhora Ara- 
 bella, " I really think that the ladies of Rio de Janeiro, 
 are extremely pleasent and obliging." *' Nothing," 
 said the Intendant, " steals more imperceptibly into 
 the hearts of men, than an unaffected simplicity of 
 female delicacy and manners ; these virtues, however, 
 are not regarded among some nations ; yet, delicacy 
 is the centinel of female virtue, and one of tl-e great- 
 est ornaments of the sex. Though fashion be a wo- 
 man's idol ; yet, fashion should not by excess of refine- 
 ment, be suffered to lead a woman into those errors, 
 which make her disgustful in the eyes of man. We 
 may infer from the natural disposition of man, that 
 beauty has in all ages been the subject of praise and 
 flattery ; and it is natural for women to wish to pos- 
 sess those charms in themselves, which so much capti- 
 vate the men, while, at the same time, there is scarce- 
 ly anything to be found that appears more disagreeable 
 than to be proud. A becoming modesty_, and native 
 simplicity of look, will triumph over artificial beau- 
 ties. Indeed, if a woman be adorned with all the em- 
 belishments of art, and nature to boot, if boldness, 
 scorn, and haughty looks be imprinted in her face, 
 they blot out these lines of comliness, and like a dark 
 cloud over the sun, shade the view of all that i-s 
 otherwise amiable. On the contrary, a courtly and 
 I* 
 
98 
 
 affable carriage have such charms, that they endear alf, 
 and insensibly steal away the heart. 
 
 "1 shall not, I think, Senhor Delgado," continued 
 he, smiling, "be over-stepping the bounds of the strict- 
 est propriety, if I apply these inestimable virtues to 
 the ladies of Lisbon. There is an openness and sin- 
 cerity of conduct prevailing among them, which is at 
 once calculated to captivate the senses, and impresi 
 the heart." "Very true, upon my life," said Carlos, 
 " your Excellency has touched Delgado, upon a very 
 delicate subject, for I have heard from the captain of 
 the Barcellos, a few hours ago, that he is deeply in 
 love with a charming nymph of these pure regions." 
 " Ah," said Arabella, " that accounts for the tears I 
 perceived in the eyes of Senhor Delgado, this morn- 
 ing." " That is very likely," replied the Intendant, 
 jocosely ; " for I cannot persuade myself, that our 
 young friend possesses the cold heart of a Nun, who, 
 the better to secure her interest against the most in- 
 sinuating rival of human love, — the noblest passion of 
 the mind, intends to admit none." " Such a thought 
 under my circumstances," replied I, rather embarras- 
 sed, " would be highly reprehensible, however much 
 I may regard the Divine injunctions ; it would be 
 inexpedient for me to venture on steering a course in 
 so dangerous a sea, where so mtmy rocks and sands 
 lie hid under the swelling waves of passion's stream." 
 " Yes," said Lieutenant Megre, " and if not carefully 
 avoided, will latally wreck the happy days of your 
 
99 
 
 life," shrugging up his shoulders. '* A very danger- 
 ous expeiiment," said Eladia, with a smile bordering 
 on contempt, " and fatal, indeed, I persume would be 
 the wreck of man's immaculate virtues, if the frail 
 bark inadvertently approaches the invisible rocks, 
 under the alluring surge of woman's subClety." These 
 remarks disconcerted Lieutenant Megre, be blushed, 
 stammered, and taking a book retired. 
 
 After he withdrew, the conversation turned on the 
 splendour of the court, at the recent festival, but it 
 was interrupted by the arrival of some letters, that 
 were brought to the Intendant, with which he retired 
 to his closet. Arabella, continued the subject which 
 had been interrupted by the arrival of the messenger, 
 and made several remarks on the brilliant illumination 
 of the town ; the novel and tasteful decoration of the 
 churches, and the beautiful display of the fireworks 
 exhibition. In about a quarter of an hour, the In- 
 tendant returned again to the apartment, and taking 
 my hand, said " My dear friend, I have the gratifying 
 pleasure to inform you, that I have succeeded much 
 earlier than I expected in procuring you a commission 
 in the army ; and I am still further delighted to know 
 that the regiment, you are appointed to, will remain 
 some time in the town, and, therefore, we shall not 
 altogether be deprived of your society ; and, I have 
 only to add, that I shall be most happy to see you at 
 all opportunities. This information filled my heart 
 with estatic delight, especially the last sentence which 
 I. 2, 
 
100 
 
 entitled me to the confidence and society of my amiable 
 friend. I bowed low, and gratefully returned thanks. 
 After receiving the congratulations of the ladies, and 
 my esteemed friend Carlos, I retired to my apart- 
 ment, and kneeling down poured out my humble gra- 
 titude unto God, and besought his protecting care, 
 through every stage of the important and hazardous 
 duty I was about to enter upon. 
 
 On the following morning I accompanied my bene- 
 factor to the town, in order to make the necessary pre- 
 parations for my departure ; and at the expiration of 
 a few days, I joined my regiment, 1 met with a very 
 kind reception from my commandant, who introduced 
 me, generally, to the officers, amongst whom I found 
 many Vciluable friends, whose gay and lively carriage 
 tended greatly to relieve my mind, and insensibly led 
 me into a variety of diversions, peculiar to the intre- 
 pid soldier. Some deserve and require a degree of 
 our attention ; the manly exercises of the garrison 
 contributed towards the restoration of my health ; my 
 strength progressively returned, and I was soon in a 
 state of convalesence. Such an acceleration of spirits 
 as I then enjoyed, soon enabled me to join my com- 
 panions in the mess room with cheerfulness ; a grand 
 gala at the royal riding school, was the topic of the 
 room, and anticipated with infinite joy. 
 
 A general invitation had been issued to the officers 
 of the garrison, who awaited the event with anxiety, 
 
101 
 
 whic'n was at length announced by the sound of music, 
 and the noise of a great number of chariots. The 
 school had been magnificently arranged for the acca- 
 sion — and I confess that I felt somewhat disconcerted 
 on being introduced to so brilliant a party ; but I was 
 soon relieved from this embarrassment, by the cordial 
 reception of my benefactor, and the graceful affability 
 of Eladia, who was veiy splendidly attired, and appear- 
 ed as an angel dropt from the heavens in perfect pur- 
 ity. The ease and unaffected dignity with which she 
 received the salutations of the company, delighted my 
 soul ; and kindled in my bosom, sensations I had 
 hitherto been a stranger. My cheeks burnt with a 
 feverish heat, whenever her pure eyes glanced upon 
 me ; and I observed, or rather suspected, she regard- 
 ed me with more than ordinary attention, which pene- 
 trated to my soul, and 1 felt the most awkward con- 
 fusion ; insomuch, that I became absent to all save 
 the fair Eladia, whose angelic form impressed my 
 imagination, as the most perfect of all creatures. The 
 evening passed with the most tormenting anxiety, and, 
 taking my leave, I returned to the garrison ; my fea- 
 tures bearing the expression of the tumult of my mind. 
 When alone, I became more and more affected, I con- 
 templated her amiable innocence, and saw a thousand 
 charms in the dignity of her beauty and virtue, that 
 interested my heart. 
 
 In this state of mental agitation, I lay upon my 
 ^ttchj until having completely exhau|ted my strength^ 
 h 3, 
 
102 
 
 I fell into a profound sleep. On awaking, I found 
 myself sufficiently calm, to reflect on the events of the 
 last night ; and I perceived, that when the mind has 
 been deeply affected, it is more liable to imbibe an 
 evil, which causes it infinitly more pain than what it 
 has already experienced. An insurmountable barrier 
 presented itself to my imagination ; Eladia was not 
 only fair and beautiful, but also the friend and relative 
 of my benefactor ; to whom 1 was so much indebted, 
 and from whom I had received such unparalled kind- 
 ness, that I dared not to offend, or requit those atten- 
 tions, by a conduct so indiscreet and ungenerous. 
 Besides, she was of noble birth, destined to receive 
 the hand of a man of rank ; and, therefore, it would 
 be utterly impossible for any man of inferior degree, 
 to aspire to her favour. He may admire — he my re- 
 vere, but not persume, lest his presumption should 
 meet with its punishment. Under a sense of my own 
 inferiority, I blushed at my vanity, which had led ire 
 into such extravagant follies ; conscious from these 
 circumstances, and my uncertain fortunes, that 1 could 
 not honourably declare my pretensions, I, therefore 
 determined, however much my heart might be lacer- 
 ated, to condemn myself to eternal silence. 
 
 I durst not see her tlie following day, because my 
 mind had not assumed sufficient tranquility. I wished 
 to be alone, but an invitation I had received from the 
 Intendant, could not be refused. I repaired to the 
 palace with a trembling heart, and v/as received by the 
 
103 
 
 Intendant with his usual cordiality. He soon left me 
 alone with Arabella, who, having entered into a short 
 conversation, at length proposed a walk in the garden ; 
 as we entered the avenue, I perceived Eladia,at a dis- 
 tance, walking under the shade of the vines. I trem- 
 bled with anxiety as we approached, Eladia curtsied 
 in silence, without raising her eyes, and I also remain- 
 ed silent ; Arabella alone spoke, she observed that her 
 sister had been indisposed ever since the entertain- 
 ment, owing, probably, to her having caught cold. 
 *' I am sorry to hear that," replied I, in a very feeling 
 tone, " a little gentle exercise, perhaps, may prove a 
 restorative." " Oh yes," said Arabella, *' the physi- 
 cian does not consider it to be of any consequence." 
 We proceeded slowly down the walk, when a message 
 arrived, requiring the presence of Arabella in the 
 palace. " I will quickly return," said Arabella, "and 
 do you, Eladia, take the arm of Delgado, in order 
 that you may walk with less difficulty." I presen- 
 ted my trembling arm, and she laid hold of it. 
 Arabella re-entered the palace, and we turned into a 
 covered alley. 
 
 The idea of being left alone v/ith Eladia, had wholly 
 deprived me of all presence of mind, and I feared that 
 in attempting to speak, I would betray myself. I, 
 nevertheless, perceived that I ought to make an effort, 
 I opened my lips, but did not utter a single word. 
 At length, in a suppressed tone, I was enabled to en- 
 i^uire if she had caught cold. '' 'Tis nothing," re- 
 
104 
 
 plied she, smiling, " I am better than the anxiety of 
 my relations suppose ; free air and moderate exercise 
 are the only remedies the physician has ordered.** 
 " May 1 also add my solicitations to that of your 
 friends, that you would be careful of your health." 
 *' I assure you, sir, with a sentiment of gratitude, that 
 J am not seriously indisposed. 1 hopa in a few days 
 you will find that the invigorating air of this shady re- 
 treat, will have perfectly restored me to my wonted 
 health." '• Heaven send it," breathed I in a half 
 smothered sigh, which caught the ear of Eladia, she 
 blushed, and cast her eyes to the ground. I raised my 
 head towards the firmament, in order to conceal my 
 agitation, and changing the subject, spoke of the de- 
 lightful retreat and solitude ; at length I became so 
 much master of myself, that I could turn my eyes 
 upon her fine visage, the crimson blush had fled, and 
 paleness had usurped its place ; yet, I thought that she 
 had never appeared so beautiful, which rendered me 
 more tender and serene. I conversed with her on the 
 buddings forth of nature during spring ; and at last 
 ventured to make some observations on the past en- 
 tertainment. Our conversation became calm, nay, 
 even gay ; all timidity had disappeared from my looks, 
 which manifested the most unreserved confidence, 
 when Arabella overtook us, accompanied by lieuten^ 
 ant Megre. He fixed on ine a scrutinising look, and 
 appeared unusually distant ; Arabella, however, entered 
 iuto a very lively conversation, and after a short time, 
 we again returned to the palace. 
 
105 
 
 We there partook of an excellent repast, with mu- 
 tual cheerfulness, lieutenant Megre excepted, who ap- 
 peared gloomy and ill humoured to every one during 
 the remainder of the evening, but particularly so to 
 me. I thought he looked on me contemptously, and 
 smiled mysteriously whenever I spoke, which excited 
 in my mind suspicions that he possessed a passion for 
 Eladia, and was mortified to find us together in the 
 garden. These ideas made me somewhat uneasy, and 
 I withdrew at an early hour. When alone, I began 
 to reflect on the conduct of lieutenant Megre, what 
 could those mysterious smiles infer, hatred or jeal- 
 ousy ; the former he can have no plausible reason to 
 entertain, and the latter, if he loves Eladia, it is cer- 
 tainly in a manner rather disguised ; his observations 
 the other day were any thing but agreeable, and met 
 "with a quick and rigid reply from Eladia ; which, had 
 she entertained for hhn the slightest regard, would 
 certainly have replied with less severity. His noble 
 birth and brilliant prospects were unexceptionable, 
 and in every degree equal with her own, was she sus- 
 ceptible of experiencing such a deep attachment to 
 him as a real passion ; while the immeasurable dis- 
 tance which separates me, prevents me ever to raise 
 my hopes to her, I am truly sensible that she will 
 never deign to look upon me. 
 
 Thus perplexed with such ideas wandering in my 
 mind, I retired to rest, determined to banish Eladia 
 from my thoughts, and to do every thing in my power 
 
106 
 
 to recover my wonted tranquillity. The duties of the 
 garrison, and the lively sallies of my companions, had 
 a tendency to relieve my mind ; but, when alone, all 
 my resolution forsook me, and I could no longer restrain 
 my feelings. Eladia ! the beautiful Eladia ! absorbed 
 all my faculties, and I perceived that my love for this 
 adorable girl, was a passion of the most pure, strong, 
 and indestructible, nature ; but were 1 even certain of 
 becoming happy by the avowal of my love, durst I 
 hazard to do so. What am I ? an unfortunate being, 
 dependent on my commission, with no other friend 
 save my noble benefactor, whose worthy and gener- 
 ous heart I dare not insult, nor violate his friendship, 
 by a declaration of my passion for his amiable rela- 
 tive. No, I will suffer the torments of my soul, to 
 descend with me to the tomb ; eternal silence shall 
 seal my lips, for I, ah, I alone am culpable. Oh ! di- 
 vine Eladia, I love thee ! Yes, I love thee ! and thy 
 fate afflicts me I sighed deeply, and pressing my 
 forehead with my hand, paced the apartment in agi- 
 tation. 
 
 My door, however, was suddenly opened, and Car- 
 los entered. " Good heaven ! my dear friend," cried 
 he, ** What aileth thee ? How thou art altered ? Thy 
 eyes, thy fallen countenance : thou dost not look like 
 thyself." " I feel, sir, a little indisposed, arising 
 from some slight interruption of the system, but no- 
 thing of any consequence ; 1 shall, I hope, soon re- 
 gain my health." *' Sooner the better, my dear DeU 
 
107 
 
 gado ; believe me, I feel very sensibly affected at the 
 visible change which has taken place since I saw thee 
 last, indeed, sickness pervades the Metropolis ; a gloomy 
 aspect hangs over the lively and hospitable mansion o f 
 the Intendant. Eladia, is passing away like a shadow, 
 the malady she labours under baffles the skill of the 
 physician ; and, consequently, the family experiences 
 the deepest anxiety. The vermillion hue that once 
 shone upon her cheek has been replaced by a death- 
 like paleness ; and her wonted vivacity converted into 
 a settled melancholy. Notwithstanding all the solici- 
 tations of her friends, and the assiduous attentions of 
 lieutenant Megre, she refuses to participate in any a- 
 musement, and withdraws from society into the most 
 obscure retirement. In fact, I believe, that, the poor 
 girl's disease is of a mental nature ; could she only be 
 induced to speak; could she only be prevailed to 
 make any one a confident of the cause of her sufferings, 
 her cure would be half effected ; but to all the ques- 
 tions of her friends on the subject, she observes the 
 strictest silence, and in order to evade their importu- 
 nities retires. 
 
 Every word uttered by Carlos, augmented my tor- 
 ments ; I arose, and went to the window, returned — 
 opened some books — then closed them as quickly, — 
 and again threw myself on the sofa. "1 am sorry, 
 very sorry, my dear friend, for this poor girl ; — but 
 lias lieutenant ■ Megre, no claim to her confidence ? 
 Does she not love him ?" Carlos shook his head, and 
 
108 
 
 replied, ''such a desirable object, has long been the 
 wish ot his cousin, the Intendant, and every means 
 have been used by lieutenant Megre, in order to gain 
 her affections ; but were I to judge from appearances, 
 and particularly of late, I should be inclined to think 
 that he has the misfortune to be her aversion." "That 
 is a misfortune," replied I, "severe enough." When 
 the entrance of an officer of the garrison, put an end 
 to our further conversation ; and after a few general 
 remarks Carlos withdrew. 
 
 The most excruciating anxiety now absorbed all my 
 faculties, and I abandoned myself entirely to grief. 
 The suspicions I had entertained respecting the attach- 
 ment of lieutenant Megre for Eladia, were now, by 
 the remarks of Carlos, established beyond a doubt j 
 and I felt all the torments of a lovesick brain, wan- 
 dering in the dark valley of despair ; without hope, or 
 light to guide my future steps, in this unfortunate at- 
 tachment. No, I will remain without consolation — I 
 love Eladia, and the grief which I shall continue to 
 experience, in effect will be the descent to the tomb. 
 Yes, unhappy and disconsolate, what a miserable 
 young officer I am ? And thou, Eladia, thy celestial 
 soul contends with the bitter pangs of mental afflic- 
 tion. Yes, thy heart, once the seat of repose, is now 
 the chamber of discontent ; thy eyes once so penetrat- 
 ing, are now fountains, from whence issue streams of 
 tears ; thy countenance where once sat the fascinating 
 smile, is now sad and maceiated ; and, oh ! thy figure, 
 
109 
 
 once so elegant and gay, is now passing away like a 
 shadow. And why, angelic woman, dost thou mourn ? 
 For whom does thy heart in silence grieve ? Oh ! 
 God, could I but remove the cause, methinks, I would 
 again be happy. Yes, to behold thy tender glances, 
 to hear thy ravishing voice. Oh heavens ! 'tis unsup- 
 portable, my heart bleeds at every pore ; lacerated 
 by piercing darts, it still combats against itself — but 
 my resolution is feeble, my soul strives fi'uitlessly to 
 I'egain its tranqidliity. 
 
 Where am I to fly ? Thy image, O ! Eladia, stands 
 before me as a barrier to my repose. My imagination 
 represents thee, as pacing the solitary path, as if 
 all terrestrial objects had lost their value in thy eyes ; 
 save the fundamental cause of sorron'-, which has worn 
 thee down to a perfect spectre. Formerly like a rose, 
 to day thou art like a lily in the fields ; the still grove 
 bears record of thy sufferings ; there thy heart beats 
 more freely, and there thy fair bosom swells and 
 heaves its load in sighs and groans. Peace thou hast 
 fonrot ; the hue of death is on thy cheek like snow, 
 and I, ah ! will link my parting hour with thine. 
 Yes, wdien thou turnest thy half-closed e} e Tor the last 
 time towards that world in which thou only experi- 
 enced suffering, then X will approach thee, and say, 
 '' I knew thy exalied soul, and I loved thee." Thon 
 will at least regard me v/ith an eye of pity, and I shall 
 expire in exiacy. 
 
 With these melancholy ideas, I left the apartment, 
 
 K. 
 
no 
 
 and it seemed to me as if I wandered in the most pro- 
 found darkness. 1 reached the suburbs of the town, 
 and entering a lonely path, seated myself behind a 
 cluster of trees, in order to indulge my thoughts. I 
 supported my head with my hand, and began to brood 
 over my unfortunate circumstances, when I was pre- 
 sently aroused from my reverie, by a faint groan issuing 
 from the opposite side of the thicket. I started upon 
 my feet, and listened attentively, but all was again 
 silent. ''Great God," said I to myself, " is it possible 
 that the functions of my mind can be so greatly per- 
 verted, or my imagination so strongly excited, that 
 erroneous sounds break forth Irom my ears, and be- 
 wilder my senses ; surely, my ears deceive me, if I 
 heard not the sound of human wretchedness. Listen- 
 ing with trembling expectation, a second groan in- 
 creased ray consternation ; and straining my eyes 
 through an opening of the trees, I perceived a lady 
 seated under the shade of a spreading elm, apparently 
 in deep meditation ; her eyes fixed on the ground, and 
 her hand pressed upon her bosom. She sighed deeply. 
 ** O God," said 1 in a low voice, " is it possible that 
 another unfortunate being, also seeks this solitary re- 
 treat, in order to relieve her mind of its vv'eight of 
 i^rief, in sighs and groans, to every passing breeze." 
 I stole softly arouhd the thicket, and drew near to this 
 object of affliction ; she perceived me not, and I lean- 
 ed forward, in order, if possible; to divine why she 
 was thus agitated, but the thick entwining shrubs 
 obstructed my view'; nevertheless, the sound uf her 
 
Hi 
 
 voice arose on my ear. I paused, and listened to 
 these plaintive lines. 
 
 Oh, for a moment s pause, a moment's rest, 
 To calm my heart, and ease my breast ; 
 *ris vain ye little w.irbling throng, 
 To allure me by your artless song. 
 
 Cease to chant your airs with glee. 
 
 And coiue thou cooing dove, and weep with me. 
 
 Or bear upon thy wings so fleet. 
 
 One single tear— drop at Delgado'sfeet. 
 
 The last sentence petrified me like a statute. I 
 stood, I gazed, I trembled ; fond surprise possessed 
 my throbbing heart. Oh ! 'twas Eladia, — I burst 
 from my concealment — she uttered a loud shriek, and 
 fell insensibly into my arms. I pressed her to my 
 lieart; she regarded me with a suppliant air, and I 
 kissed her pale cheek ; she raised her trembling hand 
 as a barrier between me and her feeble heart ; I took 
 it, and sighed in a low voice, "Eladia ;" she grew paler, 
 her heart palpitated. *'Eladia," cried I, and pressed my 
 parched lips upon her cold and pallid cheek. She 
 opened her eyes, and looking around her with asto- 
 nishment, said " where am I V* It was an apparition. 
 Oh, no, it is Delgado. After a moment, during which 
 she seemed to reflect, she arose with greater calmness. 
 " This is too much," said she, in a low voice, " by what 
 magical power hast thou surprised me in this place of 
 solitude. O ! Delgado, despise not a feeble being, 
 because that her secret has thus been discovered ; 
 doubtless thou wilt pardon an unfortunate being." 
 K. 2. 
 
112 
 
 " Pardon tliee, O! my angel," cried I, and I had not 
 power to add another word. I cast myself on my knees 
 before her, and kissing her hand, remained an instant 
 in this attitude, and then replied, "Generous soul! 
 ought 1 not rather to ask thy pardon, and entreat 
 thee not to despise tin's heart, which, under u too 
 rapid nnpression, became inflamed. Yes, my divine 
 Eladia, a flash of lightning, which in a moment open- 
 ed my heart, and inspired me v.ith a serious and ar- 
 dent passion. In the interval of returning rca-'on, I 
 perceived the imprudence ot my conduct, and blush- 
 ing at my presumption, I resolved to banish every 
 thought which had a tendency to disturb my mental 
 ti-auquillity ; but, alas ! my heart feeble, my resolution 
 forsook me, and I fell a prey to the most tormenting 
 anxiety ; insomuch, that I had no relish for the so- 
 ciety of my brother officers, and I rather choose to be 
 alone, in order to indulge my feelings in solitude. 
 Nay, even life were but a blank — a dark and dreary 
 wilderness, without one single charm, or balmy sweet, 
 to cheer and dispel the heavy cloud that hung around 
 my soul ; nevertheless, 1 forsaw the evil, and I fled 
 from the danger, but all my efforts were in vain ; my 
 heart was fixed — irrevocably fixed, "i'he world might 
 go round, and the seasons change, they could not effect 
 my love, all my thoughts were concentrated in thee." 
 i sighed, — my heart fluttered, — I pressed her fair 
 hand between my own. " Pardon me — O ! my ador- 
 ed Eladia — despise me not." I took her h^nd with 
 tenderness, and pressed it to my lips ; she turned 
 
113 
 
 h^r head aside, to conceal her emotion. I arose, and 
 threw my arms around her waist, pressed her fervently 
 to my heart, she sighed — andgently reclining her head 
 on my bosom, to hide the rising blush — we wept. 
 At length, Eladia recovering sufficient composure, 
 turned her face towards me, and presenting her hand, 
 said. "Delgado, I regard these proofs of thy affection, 
 but by the memory of that regard thou profess to bear 
 me, 1 conjure thee, to be silent on all that has passed. 
 We will meet here to morrow at the same hour ; until 
 then, farev/ell. I approached, and taking her hand, 
 pressed it to my lips, bowed low, and retired. 
 
 Celestial sounds seemed to follow my steps ; heaven 
 was in my bosom. I reached my apartment, and 
 threw myself on the sofa, while a thousand pleasing 
 ideas flowed on the current of my imagination ; 
 henceforth, life to me was only to think of Eladia, 
 I loved her, and it was the only feeling of which I 
 was conscious. The thoughts of possessing her love, 
 raised such visions of delight in my mind, that I went 
 on from love to infatuation ; my brain was in a man- 
 ner turned. I could hear nothing, save the sweet 
 accents of Eladia reverberating on my ear. In this . 
 state I retired to rest ; I laid down and tried to sleep, 
 but the consuming fire which circulated in my veins, 
 rendered the effort vain, and I lay, exulting in the 
 consummation of present happiness ; picturing the 
 future with images of felicity, until the early sound 
 of the bugle aroused me to a sense of my duty, I 
 
114 
 
 arose, and emerged into the open air ; it was filled 
 with the fresh breath of perfume ; the rose bared its 
 damask bosom, the leaves fluttered on the waving 
 boughs, from which dripped the luminous dew drops 
 of the early dawn. The birds flitting to and fro, 
 filled the air with rapturous strains ; while the blue 
 vault of heaven seemed to greet me with a smile. 
 
 As I stood on the ramparts of the garrison, I cast 
 an anxious glance towards the spot from whence 
 sprang all my joys ol yesterday, and with rapture con- 
 templated the approaching hour to meet the fair 
 Eiadia The morning was more than ordinarily plea- 
 sant, I looked with delight into the vale beneath ; the 
 herdsmen were approaching at a distance, with their 
 numerous flocks of goats, in order to supply the in- 
 habitants of the town with milk ; while the tinkling 
 of the bells that hung around their necks, reverberated 
 from the neighbouring hills, giving effect to the mag- 
 nificent scene around, and calculated to impress the 
 mind with a variety of pleasing reflections. These 
 delightful contemplations were, however, presently in- 
 terrupted by the beating of the drums in the garrison ; 
 and, on turning around, I beheld the glittering bay- 
 onets already waving in the air. I hastily descended 
 the ramparts, and having joined my corps, 'attended 
 to the duties injposed by my situation ; nevertheless, 
 every moment I looked at niy watcl; — iha time, to me, 
 moved slowly on, for i i >nged for the hour when I 
 had again to mec-t Eiadia. llie period at length 
 
n^ 
 
 arrived, and I entered tlie lonely path to await her 
 coming, with anxious suspence ; at last, I saw her 
 wind her way down the path. I approached, and ex- 
 claimed in a deep low impassioned to'ne, " r.ladia, ador- 
 ed Eladia! I have tarried long here, and'niethonghtthe 
 sun was less bright, the feathered songsters of the grove 
 less musical, and the air less fragrant than it was wont; 
 it was because they wanted the presence of my beau- 
 tiful, and beloved, Eladia!" "Thou art an accom- 
 plished flatterer, Delgado," replied she, smiling, " but 
 pardon me. I pray thee, this transgression, having kept 
 thee waiting beyond the appointed hour." " Good 
 God!" said I, while I embraced her, '* thou hast to 
 pardon me for having supposed I had thee to pardon. 
 Oh ! with what pleasure should I pardon thee, because 
 I should then attach thy heart more to mine." '*0h ! 
 sir," said she, with a smile, " how prone is the heart 
 of man to flatter ; are not these compliments the effect 
 of artifice ?" I felt confused at this reply, and taking' 
 her hand, raised it to my. lips, sighed deeply, and re- 
 plied in a soft tone, " 'tis the urcorrupted dictates of 
 my heart ; why, adored Eladia ! shouldst thou doubt 
 the sincerity of my scul." *' Because the human heart 
 is such an abyss," said she, '* that, although., I have 
 been, these many years, endeavouring to comprehend 
 it, its recesses are not to be fathomed. The remarks 
 of the captain of the Barcellas, corroborate my state- 
 ment, inasmuch as ihou hast left a fair lady, disconso- 
 late at Lisbon." *'r>y heaven ! thou wrongst me, 
 Eladin, 1 was never '-'ither false or perfidious ; the 
 
116 
 
 whole of the captain's remarks are a misinterpretation 
 of my feelings, at losing the solacing care of a beloved 
 parent, the regret ever attendant on a separation from 
 near and dear connections, and the thoughts of being 
 exiled frotn ray native country ; together, with the 
 uncertainty of my future prospects filled my mind in- 
 expressibly with sorrow; and very naturally drew from 
 me those sensations of inquietude, which the c.'.ptain 
 so very humorously contended were the effect of some 
 violent passion." 
 
 '' Then may I understand," replied Eladia, "that 
 thou art free from any engagement at Lisbon ?" 
 " Free ! I swear from my soul, none ever interested 
 my hearten the shores of Portugal." *' What," con- 
 tinued she, " amidst all the beauties of Lisbon, that 
 not one of them should appear worthy of attaching 
 thee." " Many beauties may please me ; one by the 
 possession of one virtue, and another by a different 
 one, but thou alone art accomplished in every thing. 
 Heaven has formed thee 'the most perfect of all his 
 creatures." As I uttered the last sentence, I cast such 
 a look of tenderness and expression on her, that she 
 felt it penetrate to her soul. "Enough, said she, "this 
 frank declaration I am disposed to believe, and I shall 
 now speak freely. There are in human life, especially 
 in social life, many troubles, respecting which, faith, 
 between virtuous individuals, is extremely useful, and 
 which an unlimited confidence would immediately ter- 
 minate. I have faith in thee, Dclgado, and it is pre- 
 
117 
 
 cisely for this reason, that I shall now venture to un- 
 bosom some secrets of uneasiness, which have long in- 
 terrujitecl my tranquillity. 
 
 " About two years ago, after many pressing invita- 
 tions from my sister, and her worthy husband, the In- 
 tendant, I left the Castillo Mansion, in the province 
 of New Castile, in Spain, for this country. Upon my 
 arrival, J met with a very welcome reception from my 
 sister, and her worthy husband, whom 1 had not seen 
 for some time. They shewed me the most marked 
 attention, and introduced me to all the most distin- 
 guished families at court ; amonc; which was the Me- 
 gre family, relatives of the Intendant, who held pos • 
 sessions in a distant province from the Metropolis, but 
 were then sojourning at court. The link of connec- 
 tion between the house of Megre, and the Intendant, 
 produced a close intimacy between the two families ; 
 and, consequently, the civilities of polite life, required 
 me frequently to hold converse with the Condessa de 
 Megre, who possessed a frivolity and insipidity of 
 character, without the least sensibility ; but, withal, 
 extremely ambitious. Her conversation chiefly con- 
 sisted in eulon-izing her familv, or extolin<?; the lieu- 
 tenant, who had the misfortune to possess a very pet- 
 ulant temper, guided by a disposition entirely devoid 
 of sensibility, and incapable of the least elevation of 
 mind. 1 disliked him at first sight, nevertheless, the 
 Condessa, lost no opportunity in representing her son 
 as the most facetious, and the very glass of fashion ; 
 
118 
 
 every one esteeming it an honour to be acquainted 
 with him. Indeed, continued she, he is the life and 
 soul of every society ; and I am very happy, my dear 
 Eladia, notwithstanding, his brilliant connections, that 
 he has condescended to favour you with his peculiar 
 attention. 
 
 Thunderstruck with her last sentence, I exclaimed, 
 in a confused tone, " Condescend to favour me, ma- 
 dam !'' " Yes, my dear," replied the Condessa, *' how- 
 ever much you may feign to the contrary, yet you 
 cannot be ignorant of my son's attachment ; and 1 am 
 sure that you possess sufficient discernment to appre- 
 ciate the advantages of an alliance with a family so 
 highly distinguished ; as no union can be happy, but 
 by the opulence and dignity which it may confer." 
 *' Indeed, madam," replied I, " whatever your son's 
 pretences may be, they are not in accordance with my 
 inclination, for I have no intention, for the present, of 
 altering my condition ; and, casting a look of anger on 
 the Condessa, I started up, and immediately left the 
 room, not being able any longer to command my pa- 
 tience. From this time, I evaded, as much as possi' 
 ble, the society of the Condessa, and evinced more 
 distance in my behaviour to the lieutenant, whom I 
 never met except in the presence of my sister, or the 
 Intendant. However, my seclusion became an ohject 
 of uneasiness to the Megre's." 
 
 One morning there came a gentle tap, at the door of 
 
119 
 
 my apartment. I opened it, and the Condessa presented 
 herself before me. She saluted me with a very inquis- 
 itive smile, and casting her eyes hastily around the 
 apartment, exclaimed, " what in the name of wonder 
 can induce you, my dear Eladia, to immure yourself 
 day after day, in this horrid apartment ; the very idea 
 is enervating, and enough to produce the most melan- 
 choly sensations. Really," continued she, " I cannot 
 comprehend the motives wbich induce you always to 
 fly from us, and to be s/S impenetrable to the wishes 
 and intreaties of the Intendant." " What intreaties," 
 replied I, a little surprised. " Why, I cannot suppose 
 you are ignorant that your brother and sister are 
 offended at the obstinacy with which you refuse them 
 to make one of our society.** I smiled, and replied, 
 "you are in jest, madam; certainly my brother and 
 sister could not allege such complaints against me." 
 " O ! yes," returned the Condessa, *'and you cannot 
 imagine how very uneasy the lieutenant has been ; 
 not one day has elapsed without his enquiring-, why 
 we are not to see you; and under the circumstances 
 of your engagement with the lieutenant, it is very silly, 
 my dear, to be so obstinate." 
 
 " My engagement, with the lieutenant," replied I, 
 much surprised, " certainly, madam, you are under 
 some very gross mistake, for T have never made any 
 engagement whatever with the lieutenant, neither do I 
 intend." *' No, no," said the Condessa, with a mys- 
 terious smile, " you wish to conceal it. Very artful ; 
 
12D 
 
 very artful indeed, my dear, I understand you," shak- 
 ing her head, very knowmgiy, and unfuriing her fan — 
 "ds foolish of me to be so prying on matters which 
 have already been settled between my son and you." 
 " Good God," cried I, greatly excited, " What do you 
 mean, madam — matters settled between your son and 
 me?" *' Yes, my dear," replied the Condessa, " for 
 without your positive consent, you well know that 
 your father would not have looked on the marriage as 
 a settled affair." " The marriage, — my father," ejacu- 
 Inted I, while my eyes flashed fiercely, and ilxmg on 
 the Condess^ a look of incredulity, exclaimed, ''You 
 are ir» jest niidam.'' " Nay," returned the Condessa, 
 "'tis even .so; your father, after mature consideration, 
 has entered into a solemn contract with the lieutenant, 
 which trds letter (presenting me with one from my 
 father,) v/ili distinctly show ; so that you are by his 
 especial approval and consent, afnanced to my son," 
 My burning face was suddenly covered with a 
 denth-like paleness, T put my hand to ray forehead, 
 and said, in an assured tone, " Never, by heaven, 
 never;" and immediately rushed from her presence. 
 
 Almost choked with choler, I hastily descended tlie 
 stairs, and entering the garden gave vent to the feel- 
 ings of my heart in a flood of tears, Gh ! God, my 
 father," cried I, in the deepest emotion, — " what is 
 this ? Is it possible, that thou, who professeth to re- 
 gard me with all the tenderness of paternal aiTection, 
 and, couldst thou, after th? rapturous mnniier in which 
 
121 
 
 thou wast wont to press me to thy bosom, thus have 
 dealt with me. Oh ! heavens, No, — 'tis impossible, 
 I cannot believe that thou wouldst willingly lend thy- 
 self to these contrivances, without first obtaining the 
 approbation of thy daughter. Oh ! no, — No horror 
 could be so great as that. Thou canst not have for- 
 goten the days of our warmest affection — thou canst not 
 wish to cast from thee that child thou didst once a- 
 dore, and inhumanly force her to the embraces of a 
 man whom she utterly abhors. Oh! no, thou must not 
 — thou wilt not. I will imediately return to Spain, and 
 throw myself at thy feet, — implore thee to revoke thy 
 command ; for sooner would I seek an asylum in the 
 convent of Bom Sucesso, than receive the hand of a 
 man, for whom 1 have the greatest aversion. Oh ! 
 never, never, death would be preferable to that. 
 
 In the deepest anguish, I walked to and fro in a 
 covered walk, with my eyes cast down, without per- 
 ceiving that I was observed by two females, who stood 
 at a distance watching my motion. It was the Con- 
 dessa, and my sister ; the former alarmed at the man- 
 ner in which I left my apartment, immediately ac- 
 quainted my sister, who, notwithstanding, her approval 
 of the alliance, was, nevertheless, fearful that the Con- 
 dessa, had gone too far on the subject ; and, therefore, 
 in order to repair the imprudencies of the Condessa, 
 whom she perceived had overstepped the bounds of 
 delicacy, accompanied her to the garden, and were 
 thus engaged. At length I lifted up my eyes and 
 
122 
 
 saw them, I was about to retire, when my sister, 
 leaving the Condessa, who re-entered the mansion, ap- 
 proached Tne." " You have been so wrapt in medi- 
 tation, my dear sister," said she, with an air of deep 
 concern, *' that I am apprehensive of some unpleasant 
 news from Spain, this morning by the packet, that I 
 am a stranger to ; but tell me, if I guess truly ?" "Oh ! 
 my sister," replied I, " I am, — I am grieved, — I am 
 vexed to death." *' How so," enquired my sister, 
 with quickness, *' May I be permitted to ask what thus 
 affects you." " Read that," said I, presenting her with 
 my father's letter, " and tell me are you a stranger to 
 the subject of which it purports?" A burning blush 
 overspread her face, as she read the epistle ; she hesi- 
 tated to reply, but at length she said, " my dear, Ela- 
 dia, if my memory be correct, I certainly understood 
 lieutenant Megre, that you had previously approved ot 
 these measures." " I, my sister, no, never did I ever 
 dream of such a thing ; but I can easily penetrate the 
 intentions of this man, and in order to frustrate the 
 fool's design, I will immediately return to Spain : for 
 rather would I suffer all the torrent of my father's dis- 
 pleasure, than be united to a man whom I can never 
 love. 
 
 As I before informed the Condessa, I have never 
 made any engagement with the lieutenant, or pledged 
 any promise to his family ; and, therefore, I leave you 
 to judge, whether the conduct pursued by the Megres' 
 is not an unwarrantable assurance, as also an outrage- 
 
123 
 
 ous violation of the right of freewill, which I would not 
 submit to, even were I inclined to favour the preten- 
 sions of the lieutenant." " You create many difficul- 
 ties, for which I see no necessity," returned my sister. 
 " The prospects of the lieutenant are brilliant, and you 
 cannot object to his descent." "But I object to his 
 person, — his prosecutions are odious." *' And your 
 father," replied she, " will you disregard his com- 
 mand?" ** Even that also, if my father has given his 
 consent, that must be his own fault, and he must take 
 the consequence, I have no business with it ; and I do 
 not consider myself obliged to be answerable for his 
 engagements, by the sacrifice of my happiness for life; 
 and, therefore, T will immediately return to Spain, 
 and entreat my father." " Nay," replied my sister, 
 ** you cannot think cf leaving us thus. Would you 
 really have the imprudence, my dear Eladia, at this 
 inclement season, to cross the Atlantic, and thereby 
 expose yourself to the dangers of a tempestuous sea. 
 I am sure neither the Intendant, nor myself, can wil- 
 lingly buffer you to rush upon an expedient so rash and 
 pregnant with evil ; besides, a postscript here very ex- 
 plicitely states, that you are to use your own discre- 
 tion, as to the time of solemnizing the contract ; con- 
 sequently, you are under no immediate compulsion, 
 but left to the entire exercise of your own pleasure. 
 With this proviso, then, let me intreat you to remain 
 with us, at least, until a more favounible season. More- 
 over, think Eladia, of the anxiety of your friends, 
 while travelling amidst such imminent danger." 
 L. 2. 
 
124 
 
 "Any fate, my dear sister," replied I, "to me 
 would be preferable to the one my father proposes, 
 and I am determined to choose that rather than be- 
 come the bride of a man who is so truly hateful to me." 
 "Well," replied my sister, " I cannot account for your 
 aversion ; certain it is, that the lieutenant lores you ; 
 and he possesses a fine person, a pleasing voice, and 
 just turned five and twenty, in the full tide of for- 
 tune." " For the love of God, my dear sister," cried 
 I, " mention him no more." She made a sign of con- 
 sent, and left me to give some necessary orders to a 
 domestic. Thus treed from her importunities, I has- 
 tened again to my apartment. I, however, presently 
 learnt from my maid, that a consultation had taken 
 place in the saloon, between the Condessa, my sister, 
 and the lieutenant ; in which the Condessa appeared 
 highly out of humour, and had declared her intention 
 to immediately quit the capital. A secret hope that 
 the lieutenant would also accompany his mother, dif- 
 fused a ray of joy over my mind. At dinner, the Con- 
 dessa appeared sullen and chagrined ; the lieutenant 
 distant and peevish ; but the Intendant was more 
 than ordinarily pleasant. He strove to amuse, and 
 upon retiring from the table very politely requested 
 that I would grant him an audience of a few minutes, 
 1 slightly bowed, he required no other answer. 
 
 Leading me to a seat, he placed himself in one near 
 me, and began, with his accustomed good nature, a 
 long discourse on the subject of my father's letter j 
 
125 
 
 dwelling much on the impropriety of disobedience, the 
 prelude to inconceivable evils ; and representing how 
 many have been indiscreetly ensnared, by trusting too 
 much to their own judgment, and rejecting the wiser 
 counsels of others. He, continued, *' There will occur 
 many especial occasions of paying great reverence to 
 the judgment of parents, more particularly in select- 
 ing a suitable match for their children, in order to se- 
 cure to them that opulence and dignity, so essential to 
 their happiness. This, Eladia, probably induced your 
 father to a compliance with the proposition of the 
 Megre's, and not from any absolute command, or rash 
 dominion over your person ; but, on the contrary, 
 from a heart bursting with paternal solicitude." ^' I 
 believe, sir," replied I, " hitherto 1 have in all things 
 obeyed my ftither's command, but on the present im- 
 portant occasion, wher. on rests all my future happiness, 
 I certainly claim an undoubted right to assume some 
 small portion of independence ; and I value not riches 
 and high birth, so much as virtue and agreeableness. 
 Those who marry for a title and estate more than tlie 
 person, seldom have any happy days in marriage, and 
 then the main end of it is lost ; for if the marriage 
 state be begun with sacrilegious hypocrisy, in vowing 
 to love where you like not, it must be wretched." 
 " Certainly," replied the Intendant, '* a marriage un- 
 der such circumstances, cannot promise any felicity ; 
 but be not, Eladia, so rash as not first to examine how 
 much it may be to your interest, to follow the advice of 
 your best and wisest counsellors ; for, howe^-er much 
 L. 3, 
 
126 
 
 you may trust to your own opinion, yet, you may 
 with more safety, follow the advice of your parent." 
 *'Sir," replied I, " sensible of my duty in this respect, 
 I would gladly be guided by my father's wishes in all 
 things, without exception ; but, on the present occa- 
 sion, neither the counsel of my friends, nor the solici- 
 tude of those from whom I derived my existence, can 
 have the power to silence the voice of conscience, or 
 assuage those feelings which have hitherto influenced 
 my determination." " Oh, well, my dear Eladia," 
 replied he, ** since the advice of your friends can avail 
 nothing, follow your own inclination ; but, at least, 
 allow me to prevail on you to give up the idea of re- 
 turning to Spain. Reflect, my dear, for a moment, on 
 the danger you would be exposed to, without any ur- 
 gent necessity ; as I assure you, that under my roof, 
 nothing shall, in future, interrupt your tranquillity." 
 
 After some further conversation on this subject, I, 
 at length, relinquished my determination to quit Rio. 
 In the course of a few days, the Condessa, according 
 to her previous declaration, took her departure from 
 the capital ; but, 1 leave you to imagine my mortifica- 
 tion, on finding that the lieutenant still remained be- 
 hind ; however, notwithstanding the promise of the 
 Intendant, I never went down, but when they were 
 all assembled together ; and when there, paid not the 
 least attention to the compliments with which he con- 
 stantly addressed me. On one occasion, as 1 retired 
 from the saloon, he arose, and endeavoured to prevail 
 
127 
 
 on me to grant him an audience, but I declined his re« 
 quest, and precipitately quitted his presence. Since 
 that time, he has never dared to intrude further his 
 importunities ; and, although a resident at the man- 
 sion, yet, unable to dismiss the subject from his mind, 
 he has ever remained sullen and strange in his manner ; 
 which, doubtless, thou wilt have observed." 
 
 I replied, " The conduct of the lieutenant has more 
 than once surprised me ; nevertheless, I was willing 
 to attribute it to a natural imbecility, until a recent 
 adventure discovered to me the real cause of his per- 
 turbation. I pity the unfortunate gentleman, and I 
 confess, that I have felt deeply on the subject." 
 " Then, I suppose," said she, *' in your opinion, I 
 ought to marry him. *' I, madam," said 1, confused, 
 " what am I, that I should give an opinion, on an 
 affair of so much consequence — thou distressest me by 
 the question — may thou be happy — may thou enjoy 
 thy own wishes." I sighed, she turned away, — I 
 stepped forward, and, trembling, caught her hand, 
 pressed it to my lips, and continued, ** since the fair 
 Eladia avows a dislike to the lieutenant — since she 
 condescends to honour me — continue to think well of 
 me, it will excite me to deserve it ; if, perchance, I 
 am removed from this place, the remembrance of thy 
 goodness will be a cordial to my heart." She blushed, 
 looked down, and was apparently embarrassed, which 
 became every moment more visibly indicative of those 
 feelings of afiection, taking possession of her heart ; 
 
128 
 
 while 1 endeavoured to conceal the joy I felt. Sud- 
 denly she recovered both her voice and courage, 
 " My opinion of thee, Delgado," said she, *' is fixed 
 and settled, but our correspondence, must of necessity, 
 be kept in secret." I embraced her ; the myrtle 
 trembled in the breeze — the sweet flowers breathed 
 their perfume upon the air ; but, sweeter far, was the 
 vow of fidelity until death, that sealed our parting 
 moment. We seperated, and I returned to the garri- 
 son, without a single cloud to darken the serene sky 
 of my felicity. 
 
 Alas, these feelings were but of momentary contin- 
 uance ; an order had arrived at the garrison, to remove 
 a division of the troops, to the passes, in the province 
 of St, Vincent, and my company being one of the se- 
 lected ; 1 received this intelligence under feelings of 
 depression inexpressible. My heart palpitated, a tre- 
 inulousness seized my frame, and my countenance de- 
 picted the agitation of my mind. The commanding 
 officer immediately remarked it, and inquired what 
 had happened. I complained of indisposition, and 
 endeavoured to conceal my agony. He desired me to 
 retire ; I obeyed the mandate, but it only augmented 
 my grief in private, meditating on a seperation from 
 Eladia ; whom I was about to leave, perhaps forever ; 
 or, at least, from every hope of a correspondence, as the 
 interception of letters, would immediatly lead to a dis- 
 covery of our attachment, and, consequently, place us 
 in circumstances the most disagreeable. Thus influ- 
 
129 
 
 enced by my feelings, I passed the night in the most 
 tormenting anxiety ; and, on the following day, 
 sought to communicate with Eladia on the subject. 
 
 I approached the thicket in trembling haste, and 
 casting my eye around, saw the fair Eladia, descend- 
 ing a small eminence ; her look was calm and sweet ; 
 her eye was full of sublime thought, and there W' as a 
 loveliness in the snowy purity of lier cheek, contrasted 
 with the living damask of her lip, that seemed to re • 
 refine and brighten the aspect as she approached. She 
 raised her head, and shook back the ringlets that lay 
 upon her temples ; while her soul breathed its delight 
 in the expression of her countenance. I looked ten- 
 derly upon her, extending my arms towards her ; and 
 was about to press her to my palpitating heart ; when 
 suddenly she stopped, examined my countenance 
 minutely, and exclaimed, " Good heavens ! Delgado, 
 how thou art altered ; thy eyes are quite heavy and 
 dull — thou dost not look like thyself. Prithee, tell 
 me, from what cause proceeds this sudden change." 
 " Oh ! my celestial Eladia," cried I, in the deepest 
 emotion, "under the shade of yesterday's sun, my 
 heart was filled with rapturous delight ; but, alas, his 
 declining rays spread a dismal darkness over all my 
 joys ; fate's cold decree ordains that we must speedily 
 seperate— duty calls me hence." "What, art thou 
 going to leave us," she anxiously enquired ; while the 
 sudden and visible change in her countenance, bespoke 
 the agitation of her feelings. '* Yes, my adored 
 
130 
 
 Eladia, the indispensable duties of my calling, require 
 that I remove to the wild mountains of the west." 
 "And, amidst those wilds, thou wilt forget me," she 
 faintly sighed." " Nay, charge me not so, sweet 
 Eladia," pressing her rapturously to my bosom, as 1 
 repeated these words. 
 
 •' Objeto tenero 
 '* del primo affeto, 
 " Cora' questa anima 
 ** t' escorder a." 
 
 " Thy image will be forever imprinted on my heart." 
 
 I sighed, she reclined her head on my bosom, sank 
 into silence and despondency. It was a moment of 
 deep trial ; the agonizing feelings of her heart mois- 
 tened my face with the tears of despair. T endeavour- 
 ed by the most tender entreaties, and redoubled pro- 
 mises of fidelity, to appease the commotion of her 
 soul, but in vain ; her feeble heart sank rapidly, and 
 her cheek became deadly pale, I could bear it no 
 longer, it was too much for my impassioned heart, — 
 I strained her to my breast ; kissed of the pearly tear 
 that rolled upon her cheek, and fearless of every con- 
 sequence swore that ere the sun should hide his shin- 
 ing brow beneath the western cloud, I would make 
 her my bride. Recovering her tranquillity, she re- 
 garded this step as too precipitate ; but after a mo- 
 ment's consideration she gave me her hand. I pressed 
 it within my own. No language can express the tran^ 
 
131 
 
 sports I experienceJ, and conducting her towards the 
 house of a pious father, on whom I could rely ; the nup- 
 tial knot was tied in the presence of an old domestic. 
 After the ceremony, Eladia, with the look of an angel 
 about to bestow happiness on the world, extended her 
 arms to embrace me for the first time, and placed her 
 face against my palpitating heart, " Delgado," said 
 she, in a low voice and blushing, "I am now thine, be- 
 fore God." " Eladia," replied I, embracing her, " we 
 are now, and ever will be, one in his presence." Our 
 hearts were overwhelmed with sublime impressions, 
 and receiving the blessing of the pious father, we each 
 retired to our respective abodes. 
 
 Without the blessing of our relations,— without the 
 consent of those from whom we derive^d our existence, 
 without protectors, and without fortune ; yet I was 
 raised above all the monarchs on earth. The whole 
 garrison appeared renovated with splendid rays af con- 
 gratulatory manifestations ; the sun reflected with 
 more than usual brightness upon the ramparts ; the 
 troops fulfilled their duties with greater expertness ; the 
 band issued forth in one of their heart stirring airs, 
 and all seemed to unite with me in one continued 
 strain of unbounded felicity. In the evening I stole 
 from my companions, and repaired to the palace of the 
 Intendant, in order to enjoy the society of my beloved 
 bride. I found her seated with the rest of the family, 
 who rose to receive me with their usual cordiality. 
 Arabella, smiled graciously, and complimented me on 
 
132 
 
 the improved state of my health ; remarking at the 
 same time, the happy turn the distressing malady had 
 taken, which had so long afflicted Eladia. Her health 
 and spirits had much improved, and there was every 
 hope entertained of a speedy convalescence. Eladia 
 smiled, and presenting me a chair, I seated myself near 
 her, and the Intendant clianged the subject to the re- 
 moval of the troops ; in which lieutenant Megre joined 
 with more than usual cheerfulness. He remarked 
 that every young trooper, ought to breathe for a while 
 the mountain air, in order to fit him for the more in- 
 tricate services of the state ; while Carlos, on the con- 
 trary, regretted that I would have so soon to leave the 
 capital. A general conversation ensued, and the even- 
 ing past in the greatest convivality. 
 
 My visits were now more frequent to the palace, 
 during the interval of the marching of the troops, and 
 1 had several opportunities of conversing with my be- 
 loved wife. We concerted together on my departure, 
 and it was finally agreed, that our union should be 
 kept concealed for a season, and that she would remain 
 as usual at the palace. Having made these arrange- 
 ments, I felt my spirits greatly revive, in the hope 
 that an opportunity would soon occur, whereby, I 
 might advance my condition in the army, and thus be 
 enabled to receive my wife, with the honour due to 
 her noble birth. These ideas had considerable in- 
 fluence over my actions ; they kindled within my 
 breast, an insatiable desire for honour. I began to 
 
133 
 
 look forward to events that might realize my anticipa- 
 tions, and I was now as eager to depart, as I at first 
 was unwilling to leave the capital. The evening pre- 
 ceeding my departure, I took leave of the Intendant, 
 his lady, and the rest of the family, except my adored 
 Eladia, who had previously retired, I hastened to meet 
 her in the covered alley, and slowly proceeding to- 
 wards the gate, we tenderly embraced each other, M'ith 
 feelings of the deepest emotion, as we bade the final 
 adieu. 
 
 With the early dawn the troops assembled ; and we 
 pursued our journey to the west, cheered by the 
 feathered tribe, whose lively strains arose in full suc- 
 cession. As we passed the plains, so beautifully 
 chequered with woods and meadows ; here and there 
 appeared a solitary residence surrounded with the lux- 
 urance of nature ; and in the distance peeped from the 
 trees the majestic towers of the monastery ; while 
 large groups of rusticks slowly pursued their way to- 
 wards the sacred edifice, in order to pay their morning 
 devotions. Several hamlets caught the eye in various 
 directions ; and at length appeared the dreary moun- 
 tains. The shrill yelp of the shepherds dogs gave no- 
 tice of our approach, and we entered the pass amidst 
 the gaze of the mountaineers. The winding of the 
 stupendous and barren rocks greatly impeded our 
 progress, and prolonged our march some days ere we 
 reached our destined quarters ; which lay in a chasm 
 at the foot of a narrow pass, surrounded by steep and 
 
134 
 
 irregular mountains, from whence the murmurs of re- 
 sistless torrents tumbled in silvery columns from the 
 overhanging summits, and rolling in foaming currents 
 along the valley. These were diversified by gentle ac- 
 clivities, scattered over with tufts of fragrant herbage, 
 affording food to the mountain goats, and enlivening 
 the solitary aspect of the surrounding scenery. 
 
 We had scarcely, however, got settled in our quar- 
 ters, before our services were required to quell a for- 
 midable insurrectoin of the mountaineers, who assailed 
 us from the precipices, and committed a variety of 
 depredations on the several establishments. The troops 
 ascended the pass under a shower of stones from the 
 rebels, but having gained the heights they charged 
 them with great bravery, and a smart skirmish ensu- 
 ed, in which my troop was peculiarly situated ; di- 
 vided from the rest of the corps, and encircled by a 
 large band of rebels, we, however, gallantly forced a 
 breech, and obliged our opponents to fly. The moun- 
 tain resounding with the cry of salve se quern poder. 
 Thus, having completely subdued them, we returned 
 to our quarters, and vv^ere enabled to perform our se- 
 veral duties without any further molestation. This 
 circumstance gained me the esteem of the command- 
 ing officer, and I shortly afterwards received promo- 
 tion, 
 
 I ventured to write my wife on this pleasing sub- 
 ject ; and all continuing tranquil, 1 frequently ramb- 
 
135 
 
 led the mountains in order to gratify the imagination, 
 and to muse on an unlimited felicity in the future so- 
 ciety of Eladia ; but alas, on one occasion having ram- 
 bled too far, and dwelling long on this all interest- 
 ing subject, the dark clouds of night began to reach 
 the mountain tops ere I thought of my situation ; and 
 hastening from the spot, I proceeded in the direction 
 of my quarters. But the night advancing too rapidly 
 I lost my way, and became suddenly surrounded by 
 insurmountable difficulties. Barren rocks* and fright- 
 ful precipices hung their gigantic brows over my head, 
 bidding defiance to further progress. I hollaed, but 
 nothing could I hear save the reverberating of my 
 own voice on the rocks above. I sought for a pass, 
 but in vain. 
 
 1 endeavoured to retrace my steps, but the confused 
 state of my mind led me into further difficulties among 
 briers and fragments of rocks, until, at length, with 
 great difficulty, I scaled an eminence ; and searching 
 dilligently found a narrow path leading in a southerly 
 direction. This gave me hopes of again reaching my 
 quarters, and I hastened along, but I had not gone 
 many paces, when I heard the sound of footsteps ra- 
 pidly approaching. I halted, irresolute whether to pro- 
 ceed or retire, but I was instantly discovered, and sev- 
 eral men rushed upon me. " Hold," cried I, " un- 
 hand me," for they had seized my hands and sword, 
 *' Nay," exclaimed one of the villians, " thou seekest 
 to resist us in vain, in troth we have long waited thee, 
 M. 2. 
 
136 
 
 and should ill requite our good master to let thee go.'' 
 '* What master," I hastily enquired, "and who in the 
 person that authorises you to commit this outrage." 
 *' Thou wilt know that hereafter," returned the villian, 
 *' for the present he content, and proceed with us, or 
 thy life shall answer for it." They bound my hands, 
 placed me in the midst ; and each drawing a pistol 
 from his girdle, we commenced to wind the mountain, 
 passing over many fragments that lay in our path, and 
 frequently in danger of being precipitated. 
 
 The moon was struggling through masses of black 
 clouds, and only at intervals shed a faint uncertain 
 light. After a protracted journey, v/e, at length, 
 reached the foot of the pass, where a vehicle was in 
 waiting ; and having thrust me in, they mounted their 
 steeds and proceeded at full speed. We had not pro- 
 ceeded far, when a heavy peal of thunder reverberated 
 above our heads, and tlie rain began to descend in tor- 
 rents ; the storm increased in violence, until it became 
 truly terrific ; the forked lightning flashed its fury 
 in the heavens. " You may proceed," said one of the 
 villians, "but by saint Francisco, I will not go one 
 jot further than the hut on the forest, till the storm is 
 over." " Psha," cried a second, " what is the use of 
 thou being so confoundedly obstinate ; if we tarry 
 our prisoner will escape, and we might as well blow 
 out our brains as to return to the lieutenant without 
 him." " We will risk all that," said another, *' here 
 is the hut, come, let us draw up." The men now a- 
 
137 
 
 lighted at the door of the hut, and a tall slatternly- 
 woman of most disagreeable appearance opened the 
 door, welcomed our arrival, and beckoning us with her 
 finger to follow her, conducted us to a small room ; 
 and then observing me attentively for a moment, cast 
 upon one of the villians a mysterious smile, asked in 
 what way she could serve them. *' By bringing us a 
 stoup of liquor, to warm us within, good mother," re- 
 plied one of the villians. " Six hundred millions of 
 devils, but we have got such a drenching without, from 
 which in all probability we shall not recover for many 
 a day." " Psha," cried the woman, " a weighty shake 
 from the fair hand of the Condessa, will prove a 
 healing balm," laughing and shaking her head as she 
 rttirecl. '' Plague on thee," replied another, taking 
 the goblet and lifting it to his head, " what a passion 
 the lieutenant was in after he read the letter." " Yes, 
 and 1 fancy thou wouldst not have been much less had 
 it been thy case," rejoined the first speaker. These 
 remarks astonished me beyond all description, and I 
 was scarcely able to repress my feelings when I heard 
 them. I ventured, however, to ask the ruffians to ex- 
 plain the reasons for my detention ; but they declined 
 to comply with my request, and the storm having some- 
 what abated, they again thrust me into the vehicle 
 and proceeded. 
 
 The mysterious proceedings of these men, occupied 
 my mind, and gave rise to a number of conflicting 
 ideas, as we travelled over tlie rugged heath. They 
 M. 3. 
 
138 
 
 had mentioned a lieutenant and Condessa— but who 
 could those persons be ; or, what interest could they 
 have, in sending forth a lawless gang to seize my per- 
 son, and drag me hence as a criminal, I was unable to 
 dcN^elope. The night was far advanced : the heavy 
 clouds that before obscured the sky, had passed away, 
 and scarce a single breeze disturbed the peaceful slum- 
 bers of the forest, as we entered a dense wood ; and 
 passing rapidly on, we soon arrived at the gates of a 
 stately mansion. One of the ruffians made a signal at 
 the gate, which was answered by the porter from with- 
 in, who immediately opened the gate, and the ruffian 
 having whispered to him a few words, he thereupon 
 retired, but presently returned with a bunch of large 
 keys, and a small lamp, which he gave into the hands 
 of the ruffian. They then removed me from the 
 vehicle, and conducted me across the court, to a nar- 
 row passage, which led us to another court, on the east 
 side of which stood a round tower; approaching the 
 door, they with some difficulty opened the rusty lock, 
 and entering the loathsome building, descended some 
 stairs until we came to another door, which they alsa 
 opened, and thrusting me within, placed the lamp and 
 a jug of water on a small table which stood in the cor- 
 ner of the apartment, and immediatly left me to my 
 own reflections ; locking and bolting the door as they 
 retired. 
 
 Incarcerated alone, in a dismal cell, and excluded 
 from the sound of human consolation, no language 
 
139 
 
 could adequately express the perturbated state of my 
 feelings ; and after exhausting my mind with conjec- 
 ture, T, at length, fell into a profound sleep ; from 
 which I never awoke^ until the noise of opening the 
 massy and creaking doors aroused me, when imme- 
 diatly appeared in my cell, a man with some food, who 
 gave me the following letter. "Base wretch, thou art 
 now within my power, and where I to plunge a dagger 
 into thy heart, it would only be thy desert ; but, I 
 choose rather to avenge my injured honour, by thy 
 perpetual imprisonment, in order that my insatiable 
 soul may feed upon thy wretchedness ; and mock 
 thy cunning contrivances to subvert my claim to 
 Eladia, which no power upon earth shall prevent me 
 from enjoying ; while thou mayest contemplate her 
 charms in thy solitary abode, the nearest title thou wilt 
 ever have to that unlimited felicity in her future 
 society. 
 
 JozE Francisco de Megre. 
 
 I dropt this epistle — stood aghast— my eyes pro- 
 truding their sockets, and my heart swelling with 
 agony. I tore the hair from head ; cried aloud for 
 liberty to avenge myself upon the villain. (Here 
 Henrique started up, and placing his hand upon his 
 dirk, while the tears stood in his eyes, said, " Oh, 
 that I had been there, to plunge this dirk into his ac- 
 cursed heart.") *' My keeper alarmed, locked me up, 
 and hastened for assistance ; on his return, 1 had 
 thrown myself upon the bench, my heart overcharged 
 
140 
 
 to express. A wild delirium had seized my brain, 
 and I made frequent attempts to dash out my brains 
 against the walls of my cell, but I was timely secured 
 from doing any violence to myself, and I lay for many 
 weeks in a state of unconscisousness of every object 
 around me ; except at momentary intervals of return- 
 ing reason, which presented to me afresh, the abomi- 
 nable monster ; and after uttering the most vehement 
 cries of vengeance, again relapsed into my former 
 state. At last, I recovered my faculties, but my nerves 
 were so extremely weak, that I frequently imagined 
 I saw Eladia struggling with the hateful Megre, and 
 would suddenly burst into loud and desponding la- 
 mentations, which completely overclouded my reason. 
 However, as my strength progressively returned, the 
 hope of escape sprang into my mind ; and, accordingly, 
 I began to examine the apartment, but after a minute 
 examination, I, unfortunately, found no means to 
 afford me the slightest hope ; and from this time, my 
 mind sunk into a sullen stupidity. 
 
 In this state I continued for a number of years, with- 
 out ever beholding any human face, save that of my 
 keeper, whose forbidden countenance corresponded 
 with the austerity of his manners. He never spoke 
 to me but in a tone of severity, and like to the shep- 
 herd's dog, faithful to his charge, and would turn 
 upon me a look of scorn, whenever 1 attempted to 
 court his friendship ; so that all my endeavours to 
 gain the slightest information, or touch his humanity, 
 
141 
 
 proved ineffective, and T was constrained to relinquish 
 every hope of regaining my liherty — to life lost, and 
 totally undone. I wept, and groaned in the anguish 
 of my soul. Oh ! my wife — my beloved Eladia — 
 my soul's companion, where art thou ? Weeping and 
 disconsolate ; drawing in sobs, the life blood from thy 
 heart. O horror ! horror ! ye massive bolts give way, 
 that I may quickly fly to avenge the author of our 
 woes ; but, alas, there's no such mercy for me, I 
 must run misery's extremest round, and this gloomy 
 dungeon must be my living grave. Feelings unde- 
 scribable continued to torture my mind, as every suc- 
 cessive day rolled on, yet the infinite goodness of 
 God sustained me ; and my mind gradually sank into 
 a state of gloomy inertion. Frequently envying the 
 little fly, that entered the grate of my cell, and cheer- 
 fully buzzing around, would again exit into its native 
 element, accompanied by a deep sigh from my over- 
 pressed heart, and all would again subside into a 
 breathless stillness ; until the refreshing coolness of the 
 evening, aroused the croaking of the frogs of some 
 neighbouring water. There hoarse sound much an- 
 noyed my feeble nerves, and increased the gloominess 
 of my prison ; insomuch, that my blood freezed with 
 horror, whenever I thought of my dreary incarcer- 
 ation, and seperation from every earthly pleasure ; 
 and 1 would fervently implore the most high God, to 
 snap the brittle thread of life, and remove me hence 
 beyond the reach of roan's voracious grasp, to regions 
 free from pain and sorrow. As I traversed the room, 
 
142 
 
 one morning, with my arms folded, buried in deep and 
 painful thought, the doors of my cell were suddenly 
 thrown open, and a stranger entered, and advancing, 
 placed my food as customary upon the table ; when 
 about to retire, he caught a glance of my face, and 
 started back — stood amazed, and for a moment, gazed 
 intently ; and at length exclaimed, " Oh, my God, it 
 is certainly the good master," and immediatly bursting 
 into tears, fell at my feet. I stretched forth my hand 
 to raise him from the ground, when, to my utter aston- 
 ishment, although age, together with hard slavery, 
 had made visible itigress upon his features, I instantly 
 recognized in him poor Sampi, the negro, whose leg 
 I had bound up on board of the Barcellos. No 
 language can express the mixture of joy and grief, 
 that emanated from the heart of this poor slave, at 
 this unexpected meeting ; he fervently embraced my 
 knees, while the tears streamed from his eyes, as he 
 beheld my wretched state. After our surprise had in 
 some measure subsided, he related to me a number of 
 incidental occurences of his captivity, since the time I 
 last saw him ; and that some eight years ago he had been 
 boughtby the Megre's, and, along with many others, 
 employed upon the estate ; but, lately, he had been re- 
 moved to the mansion for general purposes, aad owing 
 to a sudden indisposition of my keeper, he was that 
 morning, under strict injunctions of silence, intrusted 
 with his charge. But, continued he, I must hasten 
 away, or suspicion may arise from my long absence ; I 
 will see you again tomorrow, at this hour, when we 
 
143 
 
 will further converse ; and, after a tender embrace, 
 he left me to my own reflections, on this unexpected 
 occurence ; or rather intervention of divine providence. 
 
 I felt fully persuaded, that divine agency had brought 
 about this pleasing circumstance ; and, in conse- 
 quence, my spirits greatly revived, in the hope, that 
 through the instrumentality of this poor slave, I might 
 be enabled to make my escape. I, therefore, anx- 
 iously awaited the morning, in order to commune 
 with my new friend. I arose early, and listened at- 
 tentively for the opening of the doors ; at length, the 
 well sound of the massive bolts struck my ear, and 
 presently, Sampi entered my cell. " Save you, my 
 good master," said he, " you look something better 
 this morning, than you were yesterday. Heaven be 
 praised for it, and here I have brought you a little ot 
 something, which will nourish your drooping heart," 
 drawing from under his vest a bottle of wine, and a 
 few other dainties, he had been able to procure. Tears 
 involuntarily gushed into my eyes, as he spread them 
 upon the table, and with an anxious solicitude, de- 
 sired me to eat. I thanked him, under feelings of 
 deep emotion, for I was much affected to behold such 
 exalted friendship ; and after partaking of his present, 
 I made several inquiries relative to my confinement. 
 He informed me, that the mansion was situate in the 
 valley adjoining the forest, and was seldom visited 
 by the family, except on particular occasions, when 
 their sojourn was generally of a temporary nature ; 
 
144 
 
 ag the mansion, although large and stately to appear- 
 ance, was, nevertheless, defRcient in those requisite 
 inducements to retirement ; being in a dilapidated state, 
 and surrounded by wild and irregular mountains, rag- 
 ged with mis-shapen rocks, and yawning with subter- 
 raneous caves, whose sides arrest and condense the 
 vapours as they float along, and send them gradually 
 abroad by trickling streams. Such dreary scenery 
 was contrary to the taste of the present Conde, whose 
 mind was too much built up with the pageantry of the 
 metropolis, to think of a residence in the retired se- 
 clusion of this vale. He had, however, recently visited 
 the mansion, and after settling some necessary affairs, 
 immediatly returned to the east. 
 
 ** And the lieutenant," I enquired, "was he with 
 him ?" *' Oh, no ! my good master, he has long since 
 been dead." ** Dead, do you say, Sair.pi, how was 
 that ?" " Nay, I cannot tell, but there are strange 
 stories abroad respecting his death, which happened 
 shortly after the demise of his mother, the Condessa." 
 **And is she also dead?" ejaculated I. " Truly she is, 
 my good master, and, consequently, the present Conde, 
 his younger brother, succeeded to the family litle and 
 estates." " Thou surpiisest me, Sampi, and yet more, 
 that I am a prisoner after the demise of those haughty 
 overbearing personages, through whose treachery I 
 have so long suffered incarceration, and deprivation. 
 But what are the stories respecting the death of the 
 lieutenant?" " Various are the stories," returned he, 
 
145 
 
 " some say that pride took possession of his wits, and 
 iu a fit of insanity he swallowed a poisonous drug. 
 But others assert that it was owing to a beautiful 
 young lady in the Metropolis, with whom he was 
 passionately in love. He had, it is said, gained the 
 approbation of her parents to his proposal ; and all 
 things were in a slate of forwardness towards the hy- 
 men of bliss, when secretely she united with a man of 
 low degree, which so mortified the lieutenant, that he 
 determined upon revenge. And, it is said, the choler 
 of the Condessa, on hearing of the event, was raised 
 to so great a height, that she exclaimed, suddenly, 
 and in a frightful manner, — " O God ; the villian ; the 
 abominable monster ; the impudent flirt ;" and ran 
 from room to room, uttering the most vehement re- 
 proaches upon her son ; accusing him of want of en- 
 ercry, and ringing her hands, in the most violent emo- 
 tion, cried, "avenge, my son, the insult to our noble 
 house, or I will disown thee for ever." " How, my 
 mother,*' enquired the son. ** How ? thou idiot," re- 
 turned the mother, "drag the traitor to the field and 
 dispatch him with thine own hand." Shortly after- 
 wards the consort of this beautiful lady disappeared, 
 and it was currently reported that he had been dis- 
 patched by the hand of an assassin ; upon which the 
 lieutenant again renewed his efforts to win the fair 
 lady's affections ; but he found her impenetrable to all 
 his insinuations. She constantly repulsed him with so 
 much contempt, that he at length formed a scheme to 
 possess her by violence ; but he found so many obsta- 
 
146 
 
 cles in the way of his project, that after many fruitless 
 attempts, he retired to a mansion in the east of the pro- 
 vince, where he was found one morning in his bed a 
 lifeless corpse. I must now retire, good master, I 
 will see you again presently." ** Nay, stay Sampi,' 
 replied I, grasping his hand in the deepest emotion, 
 " I have something to tell thee, — thou seest in me the 
 miserable wretch, and persecuted husband of that 
 beautiful lady thou has just mentioned ;" and groaning 
 in the anguish of my heart, I fell upon his neck and 
 wept. Never was man more amazed than he was at 
 this intelligence, and throwing off all restraint he fer- 
 vently embraced me, wiped off the tear that rolled up- 
 on my cheek, and declared that his life was at my ser- 
 vice. *' Speak only, my good master," continued he, 
 *' what can I do to serve you ?" ** Oh, Sampi," re~ 
 plied T, " assist me if thou canst to regain my liberty." 
 He paused for a moment. " The task," said he, ** is 
 difficult and extremely hazardous ; nevertheless, I 
 will attempt it at ihe risk of my life, which is only a 
 drug under my present bondage, and ere long my old 
 v/orn out frame must return to its mother earth from 
 whence no debt of gratitude can ever be returned. I 
 owe, my good master, an obligation of humanity which 
 all the humble services of a poor Negro slave can 
 never adequately repay. Command me, then, my good 
 master, in all things, only promise that my fate may 
 be joined to yours." ** Thou shalt share Sampi, my 
 fortune. I will never desert thee, neither shalt thou 
 be injured while I have life." "Enough, my good 
 
147 
 
 master," replied he, *' to night, when all in the man- 
 sion are retired to rest, I will visit you again, until 
 then, -adieu." 
 
 As soon as my honest friend had left me, I fell into 
 a train of the most pleasing imaginations, illuminated 
 by the hope of again beholding my beloved Eladia ; 
 and my heartbeat in anxious suspense for the ap- 
 proaching hour of Sampi's return, for I was persuaded 
 he was the happy instrument of heaven sent for my 
 release. I listened most attentively for the well known 
 sound of the massive bolts ; but, alas, the solemn 
 knell of the mansion clock struck twelve, and yet 
 Sampi had not returned. My heart misgave, and a 
 thousand fears took possession of my feeble nerves, I 
 paced the floor of my cell in hurried steps, and was al- 
 most frantic with a multiplicity of conjectures, when 
 suddenly I heard the welcome sound of the outer bolts 
 gently withdrawn, and Sampi crept softly into my cell. 
 "You will doubtless have thought me long in coming, 
 my good master," said he, *' Now, no time is to be 
 lost ; here is a sword that I have procured, which will 
 serve for the one you have lost, and this brace of pis- 
 tols, drawing from under his vest, will be useful in 
 case of a surprise ; put them in your belt, my good 
 master." " Are all in the mansion quiet, Sampi," 
 inquired I. " They are all gone to rest," replied he, 
 *' but we must proceed softly, as we must pass through 
 the porter's chamber, though we have little to fear 
 here, as I have had him at a house of entertainment 
 N. 2. 
 
148 
 
 this eTening, where, making him pretty men*y with a 
 Tariety of liquors, I proposed to drink another bottle 
 together when all in the mansion were in bed ; while 
 he, thinking all was safe, gladly complied ; and 
 I plied him so home, that he at last fell dead drunk 
 upon the bed on which we were both sitting. I then 
 put my hand into his pocket and drew from thence 
 the key of the inner gate ; but as the steward always 
 keeps the keys of the outer gates, I have contrived a 
 lope ladder, by which we may ascend the wall, and 
 thus make our exit." 
 
 We then left my long and hateful residence, and 
 softly proceeded towards the chamber of the porter, 
 whom we found in a profound sleep. We passed on 
 with silence and caution through a long gallery, de- 
 scended the stairs in the same manner, we crossed the 
 Hall in profound silence, and hardly dared to breathe 
 lest we should be overheard. We found some diffi- 
 culty in opening one of the folding doors, which at 
 last we accomplished, but a sudden gust of wind 
 forced it to with a great clash. We were again in 
 jeopardy at another door, and greatly alarmed at the 
 sound of voices, and apparent movement in the man- 
 sion, as if the servants had been aroused by the noise. 
 We, however, with some difficulty, succeeded in open- 
 ing it, and gaining the court, Sampi opened the in- 
 ner gate with the key, and hastening towards the outer 
 walls, we distinguished lights moving in various parts 
 of the mansion Sampi, speedily arrainged the ladder, 
 
149 
 
 and we were quickly on the other side of the wall. 
 We ran with the utmost speed into the thickest part 
 of the wood, and then by a narrow path gained the 
 forest. The morning breeze wafted gently over the 
 dreary wilds, and shed its invigorating influence over 
 my exhausted strength ; I inhaled the precious draught 
 with greediness, and hastened forward with redoubled 
 speed, We soon reached the summit of a high hill, 
 where, halting for a moment, we listened in fearful ap- 
 prehension of pursuit, but all was silent, not a sound 
 was to be heard ; save the shrill shriek of the night 
 bird. 
 
 On descending the hill, we pursued our journey great- 
 ly impeded by the underwood of the forest. However, 
 as the grey streaks of the morning were stealing across 
 the skies, we discovered a path which brought us, af- 
 ter a long and fatiguing journey, at the close of the 
 day, to a small house on the skirts of the forest. It 
 was surrounded by high and spreading trees, which 
 scarcely peimitted the light of day to visit it ; and 
 from its humble appearance betokened the slender 
 circumstances of its inhabitants. Nevertheless, the 
 sight of this little dwelling encouraged us to hope that 
 under its roof we might find a shelter for the night ; 
 and in this we were not dissappointed ; for, notwith- 
 
 standing, the furious manner in which we were assail- 
 ed by the house dog, a venerable old man appeared at 
 
 the door, whose head was silvered over with years, 
 who, after snubbing the animal, enquired our busi- 
 N. 3. 
 
150 
 
 ness. *' We are wayfaring men, aged father," said I, 
 *' and being greatly fatigued with our journey, desire 
 to rest under your roof for the night." " Ah, sir," 
 replied the old man, raising up his" head, and observ- 
 ing me attentively, " our humble dwelling affords but 
 poor accommodation for gentlemen ; indeed, we 
 scarcely ever behold any human face, and are some- 
 what surprised at the approach of strangers, so far 
 from any public road at this late hour. Nevertheless/' 
 continued he, " you are welcome to such as we have, 
 enter my friend." And, turning to his wife desired 
 her to fan up the fire on the hearth, and provide some 
 refreshment for the strangers. The good old matron 
 hastened to obey the mandate, and presently raised up 
 a good fire ; while the old man dusted down a bench 
 that served for a seat, and desired us to be seated. 
 
 "I apprehend," said the old man, *' you are strang- 
 ers to this wild wilderness, and must have lost your 
 way among the mountains." " We are strangers, my 
 good father," replied I, " and are travelling to the 
 metropolis." '* The holy virgin be with you, my 
 friends," said he, " but you are strangely out of your 
 way for the metropolis, from whence came you ?" I 
 was somewhat embarressed at this question, and look- 
 ed at Sampi, who instantly replied, *' from beyond the 
 western mountains." "Ah," said the old man, I 
 have reason to curse the western mountains, it was 
 there my sorrows first began." '' How was that, my 
 good father ?" enquired I. '* Well draw around the 
 
151 
 
 hearth, my friends," said he, ''and I will tell you, al- 
 though my story is somewhat long." ** You must un- 
 derstand that in my early days 1 was a herdsman, and 
 followed a flock on the western mountuins, where I 
 married my wife. She was the daughter of an herds- 
 man, and as nimble as the goats she followed ; often 
 upon the green sward seated together, while our flocks 
 were feeding in the peaceful tranquillity of the valley, 
 would we tune our guitars in all the innocent rusticity 
 of nature, until the sun seemed to repose with linger- 
 ing delight upon the hills around, and forwarned us of 
 the hour to retire to the fold. But, alas, this sweet 
 tranquillity, and mutual felicity, was soon to be sev- 
 ered asunder by the hand of persecution. One day as 
 I wandered over the mountains after the flock, and en- 
 tering a narrow path I seated myself by the side of a 
 tree, when my attention was arrested by a small packet 
 lying upon the ground. I took it up, and examining 
 it, found it contain writings which, as I was no scho- 
 lar, I could not understand ; however, I put them in- 
 to my pocket ; and, examining the place more minu- 
 tely, I also found a handkerchief. Well, thought I, 
 this, will be of use and on my return to the fold 
 showed my wife what I had found. " The handker- 
 chief," said she, " is a good one, and will serve you to 
 wear : but the papers are of no value, you can throv/ 
 them into the old box," Accordingly, I thrust them 
 into the box. 
 
 On the following morning, I put around my neck, 
 
152 
 
 the handkerchief which I had found, and proceeded as 
 usual with the flock. I had not proceeded far, when 
 1 was met by a party of soldiers, who had come from 
 the neighbouring passes, and appeared to be in search 
 of some one. They questioned me as to what part of 
 the mountains I had travelled, and whether I had seen 
 an officer on that, or the day past, among the moun- 
 tains? I replied, " that I had not seen either officer 
 or soldier on that, or the past day." Upon which I 
 observed, that the officer of the troop cast upon me a 
 scrutinizing eye, and stepping close to me, took hold 
 of the border of my handkerchief, and, after examining 
 it, said, " How came you by this handkerchief?" " I 
 told him I had found it on the previous day." '* I 
 dare say you did," replied he, collaring me, " you are 
 a murderer, for here is the name of Delgado on the 
 border of the handkerchief. Seize the assassin," cried 
 he, to the soldiers, " and bear him hence to the quar- 
 ters." The soldiers laid hold of me, notwithstanding 
 all my declarations of innocence; and, binding my 
 hands, led me forth to the quarters, where I was ex- 
 amined by the commanding officer. He declared, 
 that the handkerchief was sufficient to criminate me ; 
 and, after urging me to confess what I had done with 
 the body of the murdered officer, ordered a detach- 
 ment of the troops to convey me to the metropolis. 
 On reaching the metropolis, I -was again examined by 
 the officers of justice ; who, on hearing of the circum- 
 stance of the fatal handkerchief, immediatly denounced 
 me guilty of the murder ; and, forthwith ordered me . 
 
153 
 
 to be imprisoned in the common gaol, during the re- 
 mainder of my life. 
 
 A neighbouring herdsman, who had seen me in the 
 custody of the soldiers, acquainted my poor wife with 
 the circumstance ; and, after a time, she found her way 
 to the metropolis, and with scalding tears furrowing 
 down her cheeks, visited the grate of my prison. Oh ! 
 my friends, what a meeting was it ; we wept in the 
 bitterest agony of soul — lamented our condition in the 
 most poignant manner that human nature was capable 
 of giving utterance; but, all availed nothing. My 
 doom was cast, the foul crime of murder stained my 
 name, and all the stings ot pointed scorn thickly sur- 
 rounded me, with the hoarse rough shout of dissolute 
 imprecations ; not a single whisper of consolation 
 caught my ear, save my poor wife, whose indefatigable 
 exertions were employed to ameliorate my wretclied 
 state. She sought for lodgings near my prison ; and 
 procuring employment among some kind hearted 
 citizens, daily visited me with such little comforts, as 
 she was able to procure. A number of years passed 
 over in this wretched state ; until my wife, having 
 made known my case to a citizen of powerful influ- 
 ence, with whom she was employed, he undertook to 
 solicit, and obtained my pardon, and I was accordingly 
 liberated on the payment of a stipulated sum, which 
 my wife procured by subscription in the town. We 
 then left the metropolis, and proceeded again to the 
 mountains, and from thence to this little cottage ; 
 
154 
 
 where, by the assistance of a few friends, we gathered 
 a small flock, and have since resided." 
 
 At the conclusion of the old man's story, I felt 
 deeply distressed in spirit, and rising, said, " My good 
 old father, I have listened to your narrative with the 
 deepest interest, and I feel most sensibly affected, at 
 the trials you have had to bear under an unjust pro- 
 secution. You are no assassin, my good father, in 
 that case, you have not imbrued your hands in blood ; 
 for behold in me, the very same Delgado, whose 
 handkerchief you found." " The holy and blessed 
 virgin," shrieked the old matron, hiding her face in 
 her apron, *' its an apparition ; the murdered man 
 appeareth to accuse thee of thy guilt, with the devil 
 at his side," transfigurating Sampi's dark visage into 
 an imp from the lower regions ; and, throwing her- 
 self upon the floor, bawled lustily on all the saints in 
 heaven, to protect them. It was some time before I 
 could make her sensible of her error, and convince her 
 of the reality of our existence as natural beings. We, 
 hov/ever, raised her from the ground, and the old man 
 recovering from his surprise, hugged me to his bosom, 
 with a fervency that bespoke his joy ; and seating 
 ourselves again, I related to him the mystery of my 
 disappearance, and long confinement ; and, that 
 through the instrumentality of this poor slave, at my 
 side, I bad been enabled to make my escape. 
 
 *' The God of heaven be praised," cried he, wip- 
 
155 
 
 ing away the tear that stood in his eyes, " and grant 
 that the remainder of your life may be in the bosom 
 of those, whom nature bids you love, I now cast into 
 oblivion all my sufferings, and rejoice with joy un- 
 speakable, that my days have been spared to see this 
 mysterious circumstance developed, and my innocence 
 declared." While the old matron, who had again 
 joined the circle, g .ve vent to the feelings of her 
 heart, in a flood of tears. Some time elapsed ere they 
 regained perfect serenity, which, being at last attain- 
 ed, the old matron served up supper; and we sat 
 down to the homely board, with appetites extremely 
 keen, for we had not tasted food from the time of 
 our leaving the mansion. As soon as the repast was 
 ended, I inquired what had become of the writings. 
 ** The blessed virgin increase my thought," replied 
 the old matron, " I had quite forgot them. They are 
 still in the old box ;" and rising hastily from her seat, 
 immediatly presented me with them ; which was a 
 very fortunate circumstance, as they contaiaed securi- 
 ties on a mercantile house in the city, for a sum of 
 money, which had been deposited for my use. 
 
 We, shortly afterwards retired to rest, and had 
 scarcely closed our eyelids, when the sound of horse's 
 feet, and a loud knock at the cottage door, alarmed 
 us. "Who is there ?" cried my host from within. 
 •' We are servants of the house of Megre," answered 
 a rough voice from without, " and having lost our 
 way, desire thy directions." '* Follow the path to the 
 
156 
 
 west," replied my host, " which will bring you to the 
 highway." *' But our lights are gone out, my good 
 friend," returned the same voice, " pray open to us 
 the door, that we may renew them." My host arose, 
 and opening the door, they entered, muffled in large 
 cloaks. " You are late travellers, my friends," said 
 my host, *'Ah, the devil take such travelling," said 
 one of them, "my legs are torn to pieces with the 
 briers of the forest. I wish old Sampi had been 
 at the bottom of the Atlantic, rather than have given 
 us so much trouble." *' Nay," replied another, '' I 
 wish them not so, although they have shov/n us a 
 pair of clean heels." *' Why, to be sure," said a 
 third, " if thou hadst been as long in the dungeon as 
 the old fellow, I doubt not, but thou wouldst have 
 made as good use of thy feet, and scuded the moun- 
 tains with as great velocity." *' But, come, let us 
 make towards the mansion, for 1 am heartily tired of 
 the chase ; and let the steward answer for his confi- 
 dence in the old negro, for of a troth, he had none in us ; 
 or, otherwise, the old maniac would not have so easily 
 escaped from his confinement,'* and immediatly re- 
 mounting their horses, proceeded. As soon as they 
 were gone, our host entered our apartment, and in a 
 low affrighted tono of voice, whispered, " Did you 
 hear those men ? they have been in pursuit of you. 
 Lord, help me, 1 was in a terrible tear, and my poor 
 wife lay trembling like an aspen leaf." *' We did, my 
 good father, and were prepared for the worst ; but, it 
 ih wcil they are gone." " Yes," replied he, *' and 
 
357 
 
 you may now take your rest, without any further ap- 
 prehension of pursuit ; and may the blessings of Saint 
 Antonio rest with you." 
 
 Early in the morning we arose, and found the old 
 matron busy in preparing breakfast ; the old man had 
 gone to the fold, accompanied by his faithful dog, the 
 companion of his steps, and the partner of his toils. 
 The sun was just ascending above the horizon, in all 
 its radiant splendour, and so inspiring was the scene 
 around, contrasted with my late wretched incarcer- 
 ation, that I stepped out to a small eminence in front 
 of the cottage, and seating myself upon the short moss, 
 began to contemplate the sweetness of the air ; the 
 feathered songsters poured forth their sweet melody, 
 hymning with ardour the praise of heaven, and warb- 
 ling the glories of their creator. I felt an irresistible 
 impulse to join these little songsters', in humble ador- 
 ation of that divine being, through whose mercy I had 
 been spared, to again behold his inimitable works, in 
 the sublime scenery of this tranquil wilderness. 
 After breakfast, we began to prepare for our departure ; 
 and taking out my purse, which fortunatly contained 
 a few pieces, I presented the old man with a small 
 sum, declaring that 1 would see them more amply re- 
 compensed for their sufferings, when I readied tl;e 
 city ; but they refused to accept any compensation, and 
 regrett-ed that it had not been more in their power to 
 make us comfortable." I thanked them for their kind 
 hospitality, and took leave of the good old matron. 
 
158 
 
 The old man insisted upon conducting us to the high- 
 way, and taking his staff, and throwing around him 
 his mantle, we proceeded by a path which led down 
 to the banks of a rivulet, whose murmuring waters 
 traced their way over broken fragments of rocks. We 
 trod lightly over the dark brown swad, and reaching 
 the highway, we took an affectionate leave of the good 
 old man. 
 
 We continued our journey in the midst of scenery, 
 in which the hand of cultivation could scarcely be 
 traced. At a distance the mountains penetrated the 
 clouds with their aspiring tops, and the stillness of the 
 valley, was only at intervals broken by the unvaried 
 cries of the Lapwing. We hastened over these dreary 
 wilds with all possible speed, and after a fatiguing 
 journey at length reached the suburbs of the metro- 
 polis. As we stood, for a moment, upon the neighbour- 
 ing heights a sigh broke forth from my bosom ; the 
 last beams of the setting sun played upon the western 
 walls of the town ; and I could distinguish the trees 
 and pleasure grounds attached to the residence of my 
 once kind benefactor, the Intendant. I thought of 
 Eladia, and as I thought of her, I sighed. The exu- 
 berance of my feelings hurried me forward, and on 
 reaching the outer gate of the palace, my heart beat 
 violently ; I paused for a moment, and then opened 
 the gale, threw my eyes anxiously around in hopes to 
 catch a glimpse of the object of my affection ; but, 
 alas, the whole scene was changed. A solemn still- 
 
159 
 
 ness pervaded the mansion ; the creeping ivy entwined 
 itself around the mouldering edifice ; the hissing ser- 
 pent glided along the marble aisles ; and the bushy 
 bramble covered the onee neat trimmed walk. " O 
 God," cried I, deeply agitated, " what doth mine eyes 
 behold, — a dreary uninhabited ruin, the retreat of the 
 shrieking owl, and the habitation of the drowsy bat. 
 Great God ! where are now its former inhabitants ? 
 Where is my beloved Eladia ? My heart beat — my 
 limbs trembled, and I with difficulty retraced my steps 
 to a small cottage near the entrance. 
 
 As soon as I had sufficiently recovered myself, I en- 
 quired, of the good woman of the house, what had be- 
 come of the Intendant, and his family. " Art thou a 
 stranger in the city," said she, '* or hast thou never 
 heard of the death of that good man ?" "Dead !" ejac- 
 ulated I. *' Yes," returned she, "it is many years ago 
 since he died of a fever, and his lady took it so much 
 to heart that she shortly afterwards followed him." 
 " God," cried I, " and her sister." " Ah, sir," con- 
 tinued she, " that dear young creature — lovely in her 
 person, and amiable in her manners, suffered deeply 
 at the loss of her husband, who was shortly, after 
 their unfortunate marriage, assassinated in a distant 
 province. After lamenting his death, day by day, re- 
 fusing all consolation, she at length gave birth to a 
 daughter,* the sweetest babe mine eyes ever beheld ; 
 and as the poor lady would repeatedly say, " they 
 have deprived me of my husband, but the Lord hath 
 o. 2. 
 
160 
 
 replaced him in the features of my child." It attracted 
 her attention from the misfortunes she had suffered, 
 and awakened in her heart the feelings of maternal 
 love. Often under the shaded bower would she mois- 
 ten its face with tears of the most tender affection ; 
 nevertheless, her strength daily diminished ; the re- 
 membrance of her husband still preyed upon her soul, 
 and she at last resolved to remove from the scene of 
 her misfortunes ; so taking the infant, she embarked 
 for Spain : but a storm overtaking the ship, ere they 
 reached their destined shore, she became a total wreck, 
 and all on board, it is said, perished in the deep." 
 
 The last sentence fixed me like a marble statute ; 
 my heart seemed to be entombed with Eladia, tears 
 ran down my cheeks in torrents ol grief, and my fal- 
 tering tongue exclaimed, " Farewell, sweet angel of 
 grief, thy sorrows are all entombed in the deep ; no 
 more shall I behold thy angelic form, nor hear thy 
 melodious voice ; death's cold grasp hath closed thy 
 ravishing eye, and bids thee weep no more. Oh ! my 
 divine, Eladia ; and I wretched man, ere long must 
 vanish from the earth." 
 
 Here Henrique and Clarissa, deeply affected, inter- 
 rupted this part of the narrative, by their weeping ; 
 and, when their emotions were overcome, the event- 
 ful history was continued "Sam pi, used every means 
 to console me ; and, after the first effusion of my grief 
 had in some measure subsided, I arose, and proceed- 
 
161 
 
 ed to a tavern, where I engaged apartments in order 
 to arrange my affairs. My first step was to acquaint 
 the government with the outrage of the Megres ; but 
 the Conde, hearing of the matter, fled from the me- 
 tropolis ; subsequently, he addressed a letter to the au- 
 thorities, declaring his ignorance of the treachery of 
 his predecessors ; and, at the same time, enclosed an 
 order upon his agent for a large sum, which he direct- 
 ed might be given to me, as a compensation for the 
 wrongs I had suffered. This declaration, coupled with 
 his munificent present, satisfied the authorities, and I 
 was pressed to iis acceptation, as the only redress pro- 
 curable under the circumstances of the case. The 
 death of the Condessa and the lieutenant, had put it 
 beyond all possibility of calling to account the actual 
 transgressors, and, therefore, I resolved to quit the 
 land of my misfortunes, and once^more visit my native 
 country. 
 
 With this intention, I began to make preparations 
 for my departure ; I remembered the old herdsman 
 and his wife, in an ample provision for the remainder of 
 their lives ; 1 also made every enquiry respecting the 
 fate of my friend Carlos, but without being able to gain 
 the smallest intelligence ; and, after settling some mat- 
 ters of personal importance, I embarked with Sampi 
 for Lisbon, A fresh breeze soon carried us far from the 
 sight of Rio into the wide Atlantic ; and the weather 
 being extremely fine, we met with uo interruption in 
 our progress, until we dropped our anchor in the Tagus. 
 o. 3. 
 
162 
 
 My relatives being all dead, except you, I repaired to 
 the house of Don Joze Ferriero da Rocha, where 1 was 
 informed of your retreat ; and after spending a few 
 days with him, I continued my journey to Obidas." 
 
 Domingos threw himself on the neck of his Uncle. 
 How wicked have they been in regard to you, my dear 
 Uncle, but, God be praised, you shall henceforth re- 
 main here in tranquillity. Give me then the pleasure 
 of seating you in this arm chair, from this moment it 
 belongs to you. Maria, was much affected, and no 
 less anxious to pay respect to the old gentleman ; 
 while Henrique and Clarissa were highly delighted 
 with their new friend, and every breast was filled with 
 the purest feelings of pleasure and happiness. 
 
 The holy monk, however, lost no opportunity of 
 calling into action every means which Imd a tendency 
 to lessen Henrique, in the estimation of his benefac- 
 tors. He hated no person except Henrique, because 
 he had been personally offended by him ; and, there- 
 fore, cherished a deep and settled plan of revenge. 
 Tiie first step in his design, was to create in the mind 
 of Domingos and Maria, a suspicion of the fidelity of 
 Henrique ; the latter he had chosen as the channel 
 through which he might, with more ease, effect his 
 purpose. In order to do this, he was continually de- 
 vising means, which he thought the most likely to 
 withdraw her affection, or render Henrique an object 
 of apprehension ; he insinuated into her ears, the wild 
 
163 
 
 notions of unbounded liberty and freedom, where in- 
 timacies are often introductions to worse ; many scand- 
 alous amours and unequal matches having had their 
 rise from them ; and thus, many families of quality, 
 have been plunged into irrecoverable disgrace, which 
 might have been prevented, by tempering their indul- 
 gence with a prudent severity ; by regulating their 
 affections with a stricter vigilance, and put it beyond 
 the possibility of their entering into such pernicious 
 engagements, by pre-occupying them in closer familiar- 
 ities with yourself, or some others, of whose virtues 
 you have reason to be satisfied. Such continued re- 
 marks as these, with many others of a still more alarm- 
 ing nature, on the impropriety of Clarissa associating 
 with Henrique, at last induced Maria to think seriously 
 of the matter. She loved Clarissa with the tenderest 
 of all kindness ; and the monk had the satisfaction to 
 fiijd that his plan succeeded beyond his most sanguine 
 expectations. But, to shake the confidence of Do- 
 mingos in the youth, was a matter of no ordinary dif- 
 ficulty ; besides this, his affable and courteous 
 manners, had gained for him, the good opinion of the 
 old gentleman, whom we shall now call captain 
 Delgado. 
 
 Henrique attended to his wants, and supported him 
 in all his morning exercitations, with so much care and 
 tenderness, as to engender such lively feelings of re- 
 gard, as to give much uneasiness to the holy monk. 
 He saw those ingratiations with no [small degree of 
 
164 
 
 alarm, and he was induced to employ every means in 
 his power, to counteract its progress, He laid several 
 schemes to induce Henrique into some extravagant 
 follies with Clarissa ; but, failing in this, he became 
 more importunate with Maria, in order that she might 
 make an inroad on the feelings of Domingos. Domin- 
 gos, however, was immoveable on this, as on former 
 occasions ; regarding her fears with an incredulous 
 smile. " I must have stronger reasons, nay, I must 
 have proof, my dear," said he, ** before that I can en- 
 tertain such thoughts." Thus the monk found it ab- 
 solutly necessary, to await the events of time, for the 
 accomplishment of his object. 
 
 While these things were going on, Henrique and 
 Clarissa, with light and innocent hearts, absolved from 
 the sphere and operation of evil, enjoyed the most tran- 
 quil felicity ; rambling upon the cliffs, or instructing 
 each other in their books, under the shaded bower, 
 where the flowers expanded their bright petals to the 
 golden noon, impregnating the air with their rich per- 
 fumes. Thus, without any other tutor or master, save 
 the monk, they strove to embellish their minds, and 
 made such proficency, that people scarce knew which 
 most to admire, Clarissa possessed a genius rare to be 
 found in her sex, and Henrique was no way inferior 
 in the cultivation of his mind. They each had a na- 
 tural ability for the art of drawing, which afforded 
 them abundant occupation, and was a very consider- 
 able source of rational enjoyment ; they also pro- 
 
165 
 
 coeded to measure and sketch plans of various parts 
 of the grounds. 
 
 In this way they acquired a knewledge of the first 
 principles of trigometry, and, likewise, many things 
 connected with natural history, and physical science, 
 which occasionally occured in the course of their 
 amusements ; thus, in all the improvements or diver- 
 sions of their youth, they were united and equally in- 
 terested. This manner of proceeding, could not but 
 create a very great fondness between them, they felt 
 happy iu each other's society, they had no wish for 
 any other ; the barren cliffs or the rugged forest, to 
 them had far more charms, than all the gay and splendid 
 scenes of the metropolis. Indeed, they were unac- 
 quainted with its vain follies and transitory pleasures, 
 and, therefore, had no desire to participate in them, 
 but rather to enjoy their rural exercises amidst the 
 tranquil scenery of their immediate residence, where 
 every tree and barren rock had its endearments, afford- 
 ing pleasure to their happy and unpolluted minds. 
 Free from guilt, they apprehended no evil, but wore 
 an easy, courtly, and affable carriage, with so much 
 native candour and generosity of mind, as to endear 
 all with whom they were associated, and thus kept up 
 a reputation, in spite of all the spleen and artifices of 
 the holy monk. 
 
 At this time, the royal family visiting Caldas, an 
 entertainment was given at the royal palace, and 
 
166 
 
 among the number of the invited, was Domingos and 
 his family; as was also, Don Joze Duarte da Cunha, 
 and his son, a fine younsc gentleman, lately returned 
 from the university, with all the accomplishments 
 which grace a court ; and to the most agreeable per- 
 son, had also, all the perfections which make conversa- 
 tion pleasing. His attention was struck with Clarissa, 
 and from the moment of his first entering the room, 
 became sensible of such feelings, as he had not before 
 been susceptible, and was, for some time, unable to 
 account for the strange alteration in himself. He 
 gazed with amazement, and thought that nothing had 
 ever before presented him with an object so engaging ; 
 never did the god of love send swifter or more pierc- 
 ing dai'ts, than those he now fixed in the heart of 
 Delfino, for that was the name of the young gentle- 
 man. He was restless the whole evening, and full of 
 those uneasy fears, which generally accompany the 
 first susceptibilities of love ; and compel the over- 
 awed adorer to restrain his languishm.ents, and care- 
 fully to conceal from the dear inspirer, the effect her 
 charms had wrought upon his soul. He had no op- 
 portunity of engaging her in any private conversation, 
 nor could he address her with any but in general 
 terms, and what might pass for complaisance to the 
 other ladies, as well as to her. He, therefore, retired 
 early, and as soon as convenient, revealed the state of 
 his mind to his father. 
 
 Don Joze, on the following day, drove to the man- 
 
167 
 
 sion of Domingos, in order to relate the circumstance 
 of his son's attachment for Clarissa, and to advise with 
 him on the subject of a matrimonial alliance between 
 the two families. Domingos had no objections to an 
 alliance so highly advantageous, and which promised 
 such gratifying prospects of more closely uniting the 
 two families, in those ties of blood and amity, so 
 much desired to crown their future happiness. He, 
 therefore, readily acceded to the wishes of Don Joze ; 
 the only question was the inclination of Clarissa, which 
 Maria undertook to sound on that important subject. 
 Arrangements being thus far advanced, Don Joze took 
 his leave, in order to acquaint his son with the happy 
 result of his mission ; and Maria soon found an op- 
 portunity to enter into a conference with Clarissa. 
 
 Finding her seated alone in the library, she began the 
 conversation. "Well, my dear, how did you like the en- 
 tertainment last night." "Oh ! very much indeed, mo- 
 ther." " I was sure," continued the mother, "that you 
 would feel highly interested with so brilliant an assem- 
 blage, particularly in the younger branches thereof. 
 How very polite and interesting was the young Delfino, 
 what do you think, my dear?" added she, looking 
 archly at Clarissa. *' Well, yes, mother," replied Clar- 
 issa, " he is certainly a very elegant young gentleman, 
 with a sensible, lively, and pleasing, turn of counte- 
 nance." " Not only so," said her mother, " but he is 
 also amiable, and I think he would make a very agree- 
 
168 
 
 able companion for you, my dear." " For me, mo- 
 ther," replied Clarissa, with quickness, and looking 
 surprised, 'Miave I not one, is Henrique not very 
 agreeable ?" " Truly so, my dear," returned the mo- 
 ther, " but you have arrived at that period of life, when 
 it may be desirable to alter your condition, by entering 
 on the marriage state, provided you have an offer 
 which your parents, who have the care of you, find to 
 your advantage." " What say you, Clarissa, have you 
 ever yet had any thoughts of that change ?" Clarissa 
 blushed extremely, at an interrogatory she so little ex- 
 pected, but recovering from her confusion, said, " par- 
 don me mother, if I think these questions very 
 strange to me, who have never thought on so import- 
 ant a subject as marriage, and which, perhaps, it will 
 never be my lot to experience." " That my dear," 
 replied the mother, " would be contrary to the wishes 
 of your parents, who are most anxiously desirous of 
 promoting your happiness ; and they are convinced 
 that should suitable arrangements be made, an hon- 
 ourable marriage would ^be, in their minds, the most 
 effectual mode of promoting your interest and perma- 
 nent welfare." 
 
 *' You see nothing is more common than for persons 
 of your age to enter into that state, but, alas, too fre- 
 quently by an imprudent choice, they blight the bud 
 of all their felicity, and destroy the anxious hopes of 
 their loving parents. These circumstances give rise 
 to an anxious desire on the part of parents, to see their 
 
169 
 
 children advantageously and comfortably settled in 
 life ; and I think the best way ot approving their love to- 
 wards their children, is by making it their duty to give 
 especial attention to this subject. This sense of duty 
 then, my dear, obliges me, as your parent, to watch 
 with zealous care your interest in all things pertaining 
 to your future happiness ; and caution you to steer a 
 safe course at this critical period of your life. You 
 will observe, according to the common order of things, 
 that you are subject, as v/ell as others, to the intrusions 
 of disagreeable pretenders, who bribe by well timed 
 flattery, in order to gain favour under a disguise ; 
 and, therefore, you must be upon your guard to re- 
 ceive no addresses without first consulting your parents, 
 who are the most proper to advise with on such im- 
 portant matters. To this end, I would have you en- 
 deavour to settle your affections on one whom you are 
 certain will always love you, and who is your equal in 
 every thing." 
 
 As she spoke, the confusion of Clarissa increased 
 beyond all description ; she was uncertain whether her 
 mother spoke in this manner to try her temper, or if 
 she were really in earnest ; and, therefore, after a mo- 
 ments consideration, she said, " really, mother, I can- 
 not comprehend what it is you mean, but of this I am 
 very certain, that I shall not change my present con- 
 dition." " But why, Clarissa," returned the mother, 
 " do yoir think yourself too young t j marry, or have 
 you an aveision to the name of wife." "Neither, mo- 
 p. 
 
170 
 
 ther," answered she, *' I am so far from having any 
 dislike to the married state, that I believe it to be the 
 most happy of any, provided there be no disparity 
 in the minds of the pair so united." " What think 
 you then, my dear," said the mother, " of young Del- 
 fino, I know of no inequality between you and him." 
 " Delfino," cried Clarissa, strangely amazed. ** Yes," 
 pnrsued the mother, " his father, Don Joze, has this 
 morning revealed to your father, and myself, the pas- 
 sion his son has for you ; though the respect which 
 always accompanies true love has kept him from de- 
 claring it to yourself." " What say you, Clarissa," 
 added the mother. " must he despair ?" ** He must 
 indeed, mother," answered Clarissa, coolly, "his ad- 
 dresses would be obnoxious to me." "Why so?" in- 
 quired the anxious mother. " Because, I have no dis- 
 position to relinquish my present felicity, in the soci- 
 ety of yourself, my father, and Henrique." 
 
 *' But, my dear," replied the mother, " how much 
 more would your felicity be augmented, by a prudent 
 selection of a companion, in whom you could confide 
 in all those sweet consultations of domestic happiness ; 
 and where your home would be the seat of affluence, 
 surrounded by your friends, and an agreeable hus- 
 band ; doubtless you are at an age when the nuptial 
 crown is desirable ; and the natural regard I have for 
 you, may make you know that it is impossible for me 
 to advise you to any thing which I am not confident 
 is for your good." " O think me not," answered 
 
Clarissa, ''ungrateful For all those tender cares and pa- 
 rental attentions which you have at all times bestowed 
 upon me, or that I am of so mean and sordid a soui, 
 as to prefer wealth and grandeur to those virtues 
 which alone can make the married state happy. Oh ! 
 no, however sensible I am of these things, yet under 
 the present circumstances I cannot comply with your 
 request." " And in what*' interrupted the mother, 
 ** is Delfino deficient, that his endeavours to meet 
 your favour should not be successfnl to the extent of 
 his wishes." " Perhaps, I have never yet asked my- 
 self the question," answered Clarissa, *' but his shape, 
 his air, his conversation, and manners, are nothing 
 like Henrique." Ah ! thought the mother, the obser- 
 vations of the holy monk are but too true, and with 
 this impression, she hastened to Domingos in order 
 to communicate what had passed between them. 
 
 Clarissa immediately retired to a bower in the gar- 
 den , and there gave loose to thought and meditation ; 
 tears flowed from her eyes, and she covered her face 
 with the handkerchief, just as Henrique passed the 
 bower on his return from the vineyard. " O," ex- 
 claimed he, " what is the matter, my dear Clarissa ?" 
 clasping her tenderly to his bosom. " 1 am vexed to 
 death," replied she, sobbing. '* From what cause, or 
 by whom V inquired he, his features bespeaking the 
 indignation of his soul. " Oh ! Deliino," cried she, 
 in half stifled sobs. ''Delfino," exclaimed he, with 
 astonishment, "has he dared to off'end thee ? Then by 
 p. 2. 
 
172 
 
 all the i^owers of saint Pedro, but he shall presently 
 repent of his presumption." '• Hold," cried Clarissa, 
 throwing her arms around his neck, " not so, he 
 wishes to espouse me, and has this morning sent his 
 father to obtain the approbation of my parents." "And 
 do they acquiesce in his proposition," inquired Hen- 
 rique. "They do," replied she. He sighed, and cast 
 his eyes to the ground, for he dared not to reply. It 
 was the wish of his benefactors, and they each re- 
 mained silent for awhile, absorbed in mental agita- 
 tion ; at last tienrique broke silence, *'Yes, they wish 
 it," said he, '* and thou oughtest to conform, if possi- 
 ble, to the wishes of thy parents." " What," ejacu- 
 lated she, *'and dost thou also wish that I maybe 
 united to him." " I, my dear Clarissa," said Hen- 
 rique, confused, " who would feel more the loss of thy 
 society than 1 ? But thy parents," he sighed. She 
 turned suddenly towards him, her person erect, her 
 countenance assured, her voice resolute and intrepid, 
 *' They may command me," said she, " but I will 
 never consent to receive the hand of Delfino. " I 
 know," said Henrique, *'that the heart cannot be con- 
 trolled ; and as thou avows a dislike to Delfino, open- 
 ly declare thy aversion ; for I am certain our good 
 parents love thee too well to dispose of thee against 
 thy inclination, or in any thing rashly to interrupt thy 
 tranquillity. They love thee, Clarissa, with all the 
 tenderness of parental fondness, and their only wish is 
 still further to augment thy happiness by marriage in- 
 to a respectable family. The long friendly intercourse 
 
173 
 
 between our parents and Don Joze, is sufficient to in- 
 spire them with a desire to increase that friendship by 
 a still closer unity of the two families ; and, certainly, 
 Delfino has all the good qualities a woman could 
 wish to find in him she chooses for a companion for 
 life." '* Oh ! Henrique," interrupted Clarissa, "cease 
 to torment my soul ; the very sight of him is poison 
 to my eyes ; I can hear no more, thou pleadest for him, 
 adieu." She was about to retire ; he caught her hand 
 and pressed it to his lips. " My dear sister," said he, 
 thou canst not doubt the brotherly affection which 
 warms my heart, and endears thee to me. Oh ! think, 
 sweet Clarissa, of our long and uninterrupted felicity, 
 our peaceful rambles, and social hours in the midst of 
 this enchanting scenery ; are they not fresh as the 
 morning's due, and sufficient to convince thee of the 
 pain I must feel under the present circumstances. Yes, 
 my dear Clarissa, thou canst not doubt my regard for 
 thy tranquillity, and, therefore, I earnestly recommend 
 thee to consult thy own happiness ; thou knowest my 
 unfortunate condition, nevertheless, I am at thy ser- 
 vice, command me in all things, I will defend thy hap- 
 piness at the point of my sabre." " Hush. Henrique, 
 not a word more, I hear the footsteps of some one." 
 They were those of the holy monk, sauntering down 
 an opposite walk — he seemed to be in deep medita • 
 tion, his arms folded, and his eyes cast upon the 
 ground. They retired hastily and unperceived to the 
 mansion, promising to commune with each other on 
 the subject, at a more convenient season^ 
 p. 3. 
 
174 
 
 As soon as Maria had finished the relation of her 
 conference with Clarissa, Domingos arose from his seat, 
 and paced the floor of the apartment for some time, in 
 silence. He knew not what to think ; he was hurt to 
 find his daughter reject so advantageous an offer, and 
 yet he was unwilling to exercise any compulsive 
 measures in order to her compliance with his wishes ; 
 he, therefore, sought to advise with captain Delgado. 
 The captain was adverse to any compulsory measures 
 being taken, but thought it, nevertheless, adviseable 
 to encourage the visits of young Delfino, in order to 
 try whether his insinuating and highly accomplished 
 manners would not, in time, awaken the sensibility of 
 Clarissa, to something more soft and passionate in 
 favour of himself ; in the meantime, Maria had reveal- 
 ed the whole to the holy monk, 
 
 Domingos being satisfied with these arrangements, 
 young Delfino met with the most kind reception upon 
 every visit to the mansion. He was resolved to lose 
 no pains of attempting the conquest; and, therefore, 
 was most assiduous in his attentions to Clarissa, re- 
 doubling his civilities upon every visit, and according- 
 ly used such means as the art of love could devise, by 
 saying a thousand tender things, whenever chance af- 
 forded them a moment's privity, in order, if possible, 
 to arouse her susceptibility. But, to his mortification, 
 he found all his efforts produced no other cfiTect than 
 creating greater coldness on the part of Clarissa, who, 
 avoided as much as possible his presence, frequently 
 
175 
 
 immuring herself in her own apartment during his 
 visit ; or stealing from the mansion to accompany 
 Henrique on his usual rambles in the retirement of the 
 vale. Thus the assiduous lover had frequently to re- 
 tire without once gaining a glance of the object of his 
 attention, which undoubtedly gave him considerable 
 uneasiness, and induced him to communicate his fears 
 to his father. 
 
 His father again awaited upon Domingos, and was 
 received by him with his usual cordiality ; they retired 
 to the library, and summoning the holy monk, a con- 
 sultation immediately ensued, in which Don Joze re- 
 proached Domingos with want of parental authority, 
 in not obliging his daughter to comply with his wishes ; 
 while on the other hand, nothing could be more con- 
 ciliatory to the feelings of the holy monk, than the 
 opportunity of representing Henrique as the cause of 
 their embarrassment; and, consequently, in his usual 
 dissembling manner, demonstrated the impropriety of 
 his continuing at the mansion, with so much appa- 
 rent sympathy, and plausible reasoning, as at last, to 
 induce Domingos to give way to his persuasion ; but 
 in what manner to provide for the youth, was a mat- 
 ter for consideration, and would require some time 
 for determination. Therefore, as soon as this matter 
 could be settled, and a suitable situation procured for 
 Henrique, Domingos agreed that he should leave the 
 mansion. 
 
 It so happened, in a few days after this conference, 
 
176 
 
 that captain Miranda arrived at the mansion, on a 
 visit from Lisbon, and the circumstance having being 
 mentioned, he very readily proposed to take Henrique 
 with him on his return to tlie metropolis, and procure 
 for him a commission in the army ; providing that it 
 met with the approbation of Domingos, and the incli- 
 nation of the youth. " For," said he, " the lad pos- 
 sesses noble qualities, with a soul lacking nothing of 
 bravery, and the army would afford ample means of 
 displaying those manly attributes with which nature 
 has so bountifully endued him." Domingos was highly 
 pleased with the generous conduct of the captain to- 
 wards the unfortunate youth, whose inclinations he 
 now thought proper to sound ; and, taking him one 
 day in his closet, began to detail to him the nature of 
 his wishes, in sa tender and feeling a manner, as to 
 raise the most lively sensations in the mind of Henrique. 
 He wept bitterly at the thoughts of a separation from 
 his benefactors ; but Domingo's reasonings on the pro- 
 priety of the steps he advised, came with such force, 
 as at once to silence every objection. He, therefore, 
 arose and bowing respectfully to Domingos, said " Sir, 
 I have great reason to distrust myself, I am sensible of 
 my own weakness and your superior wisdom, as well 
 as goodness, and I willingly submit to you in all 
 things, only allow, me to claim a continuance of tbat 
 protracting care and esteem, with which you have 
 hitherto honoured me." " My dear boy," said Do- 
 mingos, greatly moved, *' I will extend my hand to 
 receive thee at all opportunities, so long as thou doest 
 
177 
 
 nothing to forfeit the good opinion I entertain of thee ; 
 and further, I shall be ready at all times to serve thee 
 in any thing consistent with my own honour." 
 Henrique kissed the hand of Domingos, and replied, 
 " I accept your favour, sir, upon this condition only," 
 and bowing respectfully to his benefactor, retired. 
 
 The monk secretly rejoiced in the triumph he had 
 gained over the feelings of Domingos ; and, when alone, 
 said to himself, smiling, " Chance, for once, has fa- 
 voured my object, all seems well ; the banishment of 
 that detested puppy is now certain. Yes, thou fool, 
 thou oughtest to crouch at my feet as the spaniel to 
 his incensed master ; for, assuredly, I shall be aven- 
 ged, and then Clarissa, most charming of thy sex, 
 thou canst bestow thy regards on one more worthy 
 than a vagabond. 
 
 Henrique, with a heart overcharged with sorrow, 
 sought the retreat of Clarissa, in order to communicate 
 the sad intelligence of his speedy departure from the 
 mansion. She saw by the listless carriage of his 
 person, the bend of his head, and the slowness of his 
 steps, so different from his usual tread, that he was 
 unwell or unhappy, and the most fearful sensations 
 arose in her heart. " What is the matter with thee 
 Henrique," cried she anxiously, *' art thou ill ?" " Oh, 
 no," replied Henrique, endeavouring to speak cheer- 
 fully, when he saw her so unprepared to receive intel- 
 ligence so wounding to her heart : yet unable to dismiss 
 
178 
 
 the subject from his own mind, or keep her in sus- 
 pence, he related the whole of the conversation which 
 had passed between her father and himself; and, also, 
 that his departure for the metropolis was already de - 
 cided upon. Clarissa was thunderstruck with this in- 
 telligence ; she had never thought of such a thing ; 
 and, bursting into tears, she repled " They wish to 
 separate us." " Oh, no," said Henrique, smiling, "It 
 is thy father's kindness to present me with a chance of 
 raising my condition in the service of the state ; where, 
 by the blessing of God, I may perchance distinguish 
 my abilities, with some small portion of credit to my- 
 self, and do honour to thy father's generous protection 
 and instruction of my early years." "But, oh, Hen- 
 rique," cried Clarissa, " the horrors and dangers of the 
 army : thou mayest fall by the sword of the enemy." 
 " Fear not, Clarissa," said Henrique, straining her to 
 his bosom, " I trust in the providential care of God, 
 and fear no harm." She crossed herself, and exclaim- 
 ed "May heaven protect thee" — they separated. 
 
 At the hour of dinner, the whole family met in the 
 saloon. Don Joze, and his son Delfino, had just ar- 
 rived from Caldas. accompanied by captain Miranda, 
 and all sat down to dinner with apparent cheerfulness, 
 except Clarissa and Henrique, who were more than 
 usually reserved. A visible sadness overspread the 
 countenance of Clarissa, which was soon observed by 
 Maiia, and all the fears of a proud and doating 
 mother arose in her heart. Her first care, therefore. 
 
179 
 
 was, as soon as dinner was ended, to inquire the state 
 of her health, and asked her if she would not retire, 
 to which request she answered in the affirmative ; 
 while Henrique, notwithstanding the spirited conver- 
 sation, and lively sallies of captain Miranda, withdrew 
 at an early hour to his apartment, revolving in his 
 mind the peculiarity of his situation, and the uncer- 
 tainity of his future prospects. Lost in thought, he 
 threw himself on his couch, where exhausted nature 
 soon closed his eyelids. 
 
 The time now drew near when captain Miranda was 
 to rejoin his corps, and the necessary preparations 
 were consequently made for Henrique to accompany 
 him. On the morning of their departure, Henrique 
 took an aiFectionate leave of Domingos and Maria ; 
 but on approaching Clarissa, she threw herself sobbing 
 upon his neck. He drew her tenderly to his bosom, 
 and in tbe keeness of his emotion, kissed off the 
 scalding tears that rolled down her cheek, and still closer 
 pressed her to his heart. Unwilling to separate, 
 they hung around each other's neck in the deepest 
 anguish of soul, until duty obliged him at last to tear 
 himself from her embraces ; and mounting his horse, 
 set forward to the metropolis. 
 
 Never was man more transported than the monk, as 
 the last sound of the horses feet died upon his ear. 
 He had watched the departure of Henrique, with a 
 mixture of delight and anxiety ; for, notwithstanding 
 
180 
 
 his success with Domiiigos, yef, he was uncertain of 
 his stability; and, consequently, some unpleasant fears 
 arose m his mind, that filled him with anxiety fur the 
 youth's departure. '* I shall now," said he to himself, 
 smiling, " have nothing to interrupt the further pro- 
 gress of my project ; Delfino, poor youth, he is as soft 
 as wax, capable of any impression, I will sport with 
 his simplicity, encourage his hopes, and make him sub- 
 servient to my own views, whilst thou Clarissa, fairest 
 of thy sex, shall have nothing to fear from this amorous 
 fool.'* 
 
 The captain and Henrique pursued their journey to 
 the Metropolis, they conversed together on the way, 
 and had Henrique been more in his usual state of com- 
 posure, he would undoubtedly have enjoyed the jour- 
 ney with much gratification. Bat, alas, his heart was 
 sad, his eyes repeatedly swam with tears, and he look- 
 ed back with many an earnest desire to retrace bis 
 steps. Clarissa was present in his mind, hs could not 
 forget her parting embrace, he stiil thought he saw the 
 trickling tear roll down her cheek in^ pearly drops ; 
 while the keen recollection of their rural felicity'sprang 
 afresh into his mind, and like a thousand daggers 
 probed his heart. The captain, however, used every 
 exertion to raise his spirits, by relating the most ani- 
 mating accounts of his country's achievements ; the 
 glorious accessions gained to the crown in various parts 
 of the world ; and also the triumphant return of the 
 army to its native land, bearing with it the banners of 
 
181 
 
 the defeated enemy, amidst the enthusiastic cheers of 
 their grateful countrymen. These accounts had the 
 effect of considerably alleviating his distress, his coun- 
 tenance began to brighten, his eyes to sparkle with a 
 desire to imitate those bold warriors in the cause of his 
 country's welfare. On reaching the metropolis, through 
 the interest of the captain, he soon gained an appoint- 
 ment wherein to exercise his abilities. 
 
 The mar.sion of Domingos was now more frequently 
 vibited by Don Joze, who paid the most handsome 
 compliments to the holy monk, and upon every occa- 
 sion besought his influence with Clarissa in favour of 
 his son. The monk, with much complaisance, tender- 
 ed his services, and thus became the confident of Dei- 
 fino, whom he engaged to commit various imprudencies. 
 He persuaded his vanity, that, with his mind, it was 
 easy to overcome the most difficult task ; that efforts 
 which would reduce to despair any ordinary man, would 
 only afford to him an opportunity of displaying his 
 attachment under the most advantageous point of 
 view ; he advised him to allow no relaxation to Clar- 
 issa, but to continue his suit with more than ordinary 
 zeal. Henceforth, therefore, Delfino ever treated 
 Clarissa with the greatest assiduity ; but the difficul- 
 ties which he had to struggle with in the pursuit of his 
 affections, gave him the utmost disquietude of mind. 
 However, the obstacles he met with, he determined 
 should not deter him from proceeding ; that if for her 
 he must despair, it should not be occasioned by his 
 
182 
 
 own negligence or remissness. While he was contem- 
 plating his devoirs, Clarissa, pale and dejected, was 
 deeply lamenting the absence of Henrique, in all their 
 rural excursions, — the cliffs had lost their beauties — 
 the groves their pleasures — the bowers their anima^ 
 tion — and all appeared to her as one gloomy desert 
 without a single charm. The v/ell known path was 
 deserted for the more retired seclusion of her own 
 apartment, where she spent all her leisure hours ; not- 
 withstanding the intreaties of her mother to join the 
 evening circle, she preferred solitude to ail the plea- 
 santries of the saloon. Indeed, she was determined, 
 as much as possible, to avoid the approaches of Del- 
 lino, who was now almost a constant visitor at the 
 mansion ; as was also Don Joze, and his lady, whose 
 united efforts to overthrow her resolution were so ex- 
 tremely tormenting, that she wished to be freed from 
 them all. This was certainly the most discreet method 
 she could take, to avoid the presence of persons whose 
 society she could not enjoy ; yet, it gave Domingo s 
 and Maria no small uneasiness to behold, after all their 
 intreaties, the continued obstinacy of their daughter ; 
 and they applied to captain Delgado, conjuring him 
 out of pity to exert his iniluence over Clarissa, to 
 render her compliant to the wishes of her family. The 
 captain with a keen and penetrating eye, had long dis- 
 covered the secret movings of Clarissa's heart, and 
 this proposal deeply affected him. It brought afresh 
 to his mind his owm misfortunes in the pursuit of his 
 affections with Eladia, A train of circumstances na- 
 
183 
 
 turally rushed upon his mind which forbade his inter- 
 ference, and he consequently declined to comply. Don 
 Joze, however, even proceeded so far as to threaten 
 Clarissa, with her father's promise of marriage, which 
 he looked upon as an indispensible obligation ; and 
 imperiously demanded the performance of it, which 
 excited her wrath so much, that, with an air of indig- 
 nity, and in the most spirited manner, she replied to 
 him, "That all the threats, or treasures of India, should 
 not tempt her to part with the smallest portion of her 
 independence." This decision produced the most dis- 
 agreeable domestic scenes, Don Joze left the man- 
 sion in anger ; Maria, shed the most sorrowful tears, 
 and Domingos groaned with anxiety. The captain, 
 however, secretly applauded the high spirit of Clarissa, 
 and he would willingly have aided her, had there not 
 been reasons which rendered such a line of conduct 
 highly improper. The uncertainty of Henrique's birth, 
 the probability of his being the fruit of iniquity, and 
 his parent one of the number of those shameless and 
 wretched women, who have once blushed at the name 
 of virtue, but now cease to blush at all ; these were 
 sufficient to determine him to remain neuter, amidst 
 the different interests of those around him. 
 
 A sullen silence now reigned in the mansion, and 
 Clarissa was allowed to indulge her solitude uninter- 
 rupted, with the exception of the holy monk, ^\ho, in 
 the character of a preceptor, daily visited her. He was 
 more complaisant than ordinary, his voice had lost all 
 .Q 2. 
 
184 
 
 its austerity, his looks were mild, and he spoke to her 
 apparently without the slightest reserve. This sur- 
 prised Clarissa so much that she was unable to account 
 for this sudden change in his manners, which was so 
 unusual to his general demeanour. A variety of sus- 
 picions arose in her mind as to his motives, for she 
 had no doubt but that he had some insidious end in 
 view ; and, consequently, was perfectly reserved upon 
 all his visits, shunning, as much as possible, all con- 
 versation with him, and always retiring at the expira- 
 tion of the time appointed for her studies ; notwith- 
 standing these precautions, he contrived to throw out 
 many mysterious observations. One day he alluded to 
 Delfino, leaving the vicinity for awhile, '*and then," said 
 he, " you will be at liberty to join the family circle.' 
 ** It will not be that gentleman who restrains my li- 
 berty," said Clarissa, gravely, " whether he goes or 
 stays my inclination will not m.ake me remain less alone, 
 nor his presence prevent me from residing wherever I 
 think proper." The monk shrugged up his shoulders, 
 and was silent. 
 
 Clarissa retired to her chamber fully convinced that 
 her situation would now be irksome, and most disa- 
 greeable in the further prosecution of her studies, 
 ■where she would be subject to the interrogatories of 
 the monk, and which she could not by possibility a- 
 void. She, therefore, was necessitated every day to 
 listen to a variety of observations in no way interest- 
 ing to herself, except when the name of Henrique was 
 
185 
 
 mentioned, which he took frequent occasions to do ; 
 and, in the most feeling manner, expressed his sorrow 
 at his absence from the mansion, as, he had no doubt, 
 from their long associating together that the seperation 
 would be felt severely ; he yet hoped such feelings 
 would soon pass away, and that Clarissa would again 
 enjoy her usual excursions abroad. He pretended to 
 take a most zealous interest in her cause, censured 
 the conduct of Don Joze, and highly extolled her own 
 indifference to the advances of Delfino, with many 
 other ingenious schemes in order to gain admittance to 
 her favour. Had Clarissa not possessed a penetration 
 superior to her sex, she might have been induced to 
 number him among the most zealous of her friends ; 
 but to all his insinuations she was cold and reserved. 
 The monk was highly chagrined at the ill success of 
 his schemes, but, hiding his displeasure, he continued 
 his complacency, imd was even more attentive to Clar- 
 issa, frequently persuading her to resume her wonted 
 perambulations ; but to all his entreaties she continu- 
 ed inflexible, and he had the mortification to find that 
 his efforts produced not the smallest change in her 
 disposition. 
 
 Some weeks now elapsed without any apparant al- 
 teration in the circumstances of the family : all was 
 silent and reserved. The monk had been more than 
 usually absent from the mansion ; Doraingos occupied 
 himself with his agriculture affairs ; and Maria, in her 
 domestic movements, offered not the smallest lestraiiU 
 
 Q. S. 
 
186 
 
 to the inclinations of Clarissa ; who, according to her 
 usttfei. custom, sat one night at the window of her 
 apartment, long after the family had retired to rest, 
 contemplating the beautiful effect of the moon's rays 
 on the cliffs above ; when suddenly her room door was 
 thrown open by several ruffians, who entered armed, 
 and placing a handkerchief over her mouth, to prevent 
 her from making any noise, took her in their arms, 
 and conveyed h^r silently down a back staircase, which 
 led to the court yard, where a vehicle was in waiting, 
 into which they placed her, and, drawing down the 
 blinds, one of the ruffians seated himself by her side, 
 and the others mounting their steeds, they proceeded 
 at full speed. A solem?! stillness reigned as the soli- 
 tary cavalcade winded round the cliffs, amidst the re- 
 fulgent rays of the moon ; not a sound v/as to be heard, 
 save the noise of the horses feet, and the murmer of 
 the waves on the beach. They soon reached the forest ; 
 and Clarissa having recovered from the swoon into 
 which she had fallen, overpowered with terror and 
 amazement, she intreated the ruffian, in a manner 
 which would have sunk into any heart that was not 
 rendered wholly inexorable to feeling, to inform her 
 of the motives for such outrage ; and conjured him in 
 the most pitiable tone, to return her to her home. 
 '* Ay," replied the ruffian with a sneer,, " thou shalt 
 soon be at home, and safely too, I'll answer for it." 
 
 They redoubled their speed, notwithstanding the in- 
 tricacy of the road, which passed through the midst of 
 
187 
 
 a dense forest, where the trees and underwood fre- 
 quently interrupted the passage of the vehicle, They, 
 however, at length arrived at an old convent, situate 
 in a lonely part of the forest, which had formerly been 
 inhabited by monks, but was now fallen into decay. 
 Its once lofty towers were crumbling to the ground in 
 wreckless masses, forming a dreary and deserted ruin, 
 that would have appailed even the stoutest heart to 
 approach at midnight. It may then easily be con- 
 ceived the state of Clarissa's feelings, as they led her 
 from the vehicle, over numerous fragments of the 
 building, which lay in the way to a door partly con. 
 cealed by rubbish, and by the ivy that over-run the 
 mouldering walls. A signal was made by one of the 
 ruiRans, when presently the sound of a foot was heard 
 from within, approaching the door, and it was opened 
 by an old matron, who conducted them, by the light 
 of a small lamp, along a vaulted passage, every step 
 reverberating amidst the reigning solemnity. There 
 were several windings in this dreary passage, which, 
 at length, brought them to the foot of a small stair- 
 case ; on the opposite side was a large hall, into which 
 the ruffians entered. 
 
 On the walls of this apartment hung in regular or- 
 der a number of pistols, swords, and other weapons of 
 defence, which at once convinced Clarissa that she was 
 in the hands of a lawless banditti. Her heart trem- 
 bled, her eyes streamed with tears, and she was al- 
 most fainting with the thoughts of her position, when 
 
188 
 
 the old matron observing her distress, took up the 
 lamp she had previously placed upon the table, and 
 said, **Come child, I will conduct you to your apart- 
 ment." Clarissa, willing to quit a place so terrific, 
 hastily followed her conductor, v/ho ascended the stairs, 
 and then passed through a long gallery to a small 
 apartment. *' Now child," said the old matron, " this 
 apartment, which contains every comfort, is for your 
 own use, compose yourself, child, and go into the bed 
 which I have prepared for you." Clarissa attempted 
 to speak, but the old matron shook her head, and re- 
 tired. Clarissa, now left alone, gave loose to her 
 feelings in the most bitter anguish of soul ; she could 
 not conceive who were the instigators of this outrage, 
 and the more she endeavoured to unravel the mystery, 
 the greater was her embarrassment ; at length, exhaus- 
 ted by fatigue, she threw herself upon the bed ; but it 
 was not to be imagined she could sleep. The most 
 frightful imaginations took possession of her mind, as 
 she listened to a confusion of voices resounding from 
 below, as if the ruffians were in the highest state of 
 hilarity ; and it was not until near day -break, that 
 these sounds ceased to annoy her, 
 
 As soon as tlie morning light appeared through the 
 casement, she arose to examine her prison, foj: as yet 
 she had seen but little of its horrors ; she found the 
 window barricaded with iron bars, and the door safely 
 secured by large locks and bolts, that all thoughts of 
 making her escape would be in vain ; she conse- 
 
189 
 
 quently returned again to her couch, and wept Litterly 
 to find herself in such a place, so guarded and so se- 
 cure. In this extreme distress she remained nearly 
 two hours after the sun ascended the horizon, before 
 any sound was heard in the convent ; at length the 
 door of her prison was opened by the old matron, who 
 brought her some food, and placing it upon the table, 
 similing, inquired how she had rested, not doubting 
 but that she would feel fatigued with her journey, and 
 would sleep soundly. But on observing her bed, she 
 exclaimed " The holy virgin bless me, child, why you 
 have never been in bed," casting her eyes around the 
 room, *' it is just as I told my son, they would dis- 
 turb you with their noise ; the foolish boys," she con- 
 tinued, *' are so cheerful and merry, notwithstanding 
 the strict injunctions of my master that you were not 
 to be disturbed ; but I will take care that for the future, 
 you shall have no reason for any complaint of this 
 kind." She was then about to retire, when Clarissa, 
 turning towards her, replied in the deepest tone of dis- 
 tress, " Oh, my good mother, 1 approach you not with 
 complaint, but tell me, 1 conjure thee, what are the mo- 
 tives for this outrage, and who is your son ?" " Why, 
 Lord bless you, child, it was the same youth who sat 
 at your side in the vehicle which brought you to the 
 convent of Amixuieraj and as valiant a youth as ever 
 trod the forest sward, I'll warrant him." " Amix- 
 uiera." reiterated Clarissa, " and who is your master 
 of whom you spoke ?" "You will see him to morrow," 
 she answered with a smile, and then retired, without 
 
190 
 
 permitting the disconsolate Clarissa to interrogate her 
 further. 
 
 She found from the manner in which the old woman 
 evaded her questions, that she had been taught to con- 
 ceal the design of her employer, and no language could 
 adequately describe her feelings, as she turned from 
 the harsh sound of the bolts that secured her prison. 
 She paced the floor of her narrow chamber for a few 
 minutes in great agitation, and then seated herself by 
 the window which looked into the cloisters, in order 
 to think upon what she had learnt from her attendant, 
 in respect of her employer ; who, thought she, can it 
 be. Is it possible that Deliino could be guilty of such 
 base means to get me into his power ; or is it one of 
 those degraded ruffians who seeks my ruin. " Oh ! 
 heaven forbid," she exclaimed, and burst into tears. 
 At a late hour on the following morning, her door 
 was opened by the old matron, who found her 
 seated by the window, resting her head upon her 
 hand, in deep melancholy. She saluted her with the 
 compliments of the morning ; and, immediately after 
 entered the monk. *' Well Clarissa," said he, after a 
 pause, during which his eyes had been fixed with a 
 searching expression upon her countenance. *' Oh, 
 holy father, exclaimed Clarissa, rising hastily from her 
 seat, and clasping his knees, " have you found me — 
 where is my father ? For heaven's sake convey me 
 from this loathsome place," and immediately simk 
 breathless on the floor. The monk, assisted by the 
 
191 
 
 old matron, raised her from the ground, and in the 
 course of a little time, she exhibited signs of returning 
 animation. 
 
 When she became conscious of what was passing 
 around her, she again implored the monk's protection, 
 who, fearing a relapse, promised every thing she re- 
 quested ; and with much feigned sympathy, begged 
 she would compose herself, under the strongest assure - 
 ance of safety, as he had already the command of her 
 freedom. He obliged her to take a little cordial 
 which the old matron had brought for the purpose, for 
 she was so weak that she was unable to move without 
 assistance. *' The lady had better rest herself upon 
 the bed," said the old woman. " Many thanks for 
 your kindness," replied the monk, looking artfully at 
 the old matron, " she certainly requires repose, and I 
 hope she will adopt your advice. They assisted her 
 to the side of the bed, and the monk retired, promis' 
 ing to visit her again as soon as she had taken a little 
 rest. Clarissa soon fell into a sound sleep, a drug 
 having been mingled with the cordial for that purpose, 
 and she continued to sleep until the evening had some- 
 what advanced. When she awoke, she found herself 
 much recovered, but was surprised to find the room 
 had been considerably improved in its furniture. A 
 sofa, and many other articles had been placed in it, 
 which denoted that it was intended for a longer use 
 than she anticipated to occupy it. 
 
 The sight of these arrangements naturally filled her 
 
192 
 
 with the most alariring conjectures, and she became 
 exceedingly desirous for the monk's return. She 
 looked anxiously down to the piazza ; the sable cur- 
 tain of night had almost shut out the light of heaven 
 from its arches, and a hoarse hollowing of the wind as 
 it rushed fiercly through their recesses, left a moanful 
 echo resounding upon the ear. " How dismal," ex- 
 claimed she, turning hastily from the casement, and 
 listening, with the deepest anxiety, for the sound of 
 some one approaching her chamber, but all was silent 
 within the Convent, She stamped with her feet, she 
 called, but in vain, and her impatience became almost 
 insupportable. 
 
 A faint glimmering light at length appeared through 
 the crevice of the door, and immediately the door was 
 opened by the monk, accompanied by the old matron, 
 who brought some refreshments ; as soon as she had 
 spread them on the table, the monk waved his hand 
 in token for her to retire. He then approached the 
 distressed Clarissa, and, taking her by the hand, led 
 her towards the sofa. " Be seated, my dear," said he, 
 placing himself by her side, and drawing up the hood 
 of his garb, " it gives me infinite pleasure to find you 
 so much recovered ; you cannot imagine, my dear, 
 how vmeasy I have been during your prolonged sleep ; 
 a thousand tormenting fears obtruded my mind, and 
 oppressed my spirits so much, that I have wandered 
 to and fro in the deepest anxiety ; but I am glad, nay 
 happy, to find you again the same divine creature I 
 
193 
 
 have ever beheld you ; and I doubt not but my eyes 
 long ere this have given you sufficient intelligence of 
 my heart, yet, lest you should be ignorant of this lan- 
 guage, vouchsafe to learn it now from myself. I love 
 you, O ! divinest of your sex, I need not tell you with 
 a flame as sincere as it is ardent." Clarissa started on 
 her feet in the utmost astonishment, she trembled, she 
 gazed as she recoiled with hoirror, and could scarcely 
 credit her ears. But the monk passionately caught 
 her hand, and again drew her to her seat. Highly in- 
 censed at his behaviour, she requested he would im- 
 mediately desist, but he contmued, '* This you may 
 think extravagant from one who has never before de- 
 clared the sentiments of his heart ; but what cannot 
 love like mine accomplish. Oh ! could it inspire you 
 also with some part of that abundant store, with which 
 my heart is full, how much beyond the faint descrip- 
 tion of all that words can speak would be the happi- 
 ness of my state. Then fairest of women, think more 
 generously of my passion — let the fervency of my de- 
 sire warm you into a sensibility, I know too well I 
 have a rival, whose interest, more than his merit, gives 
 me pain ; and in order to relieve you from his oppor- 
 tunities I have removed you to this place. Nay, 
 shrink not Clarissa, 'tis of no use dissembling, you are, 
 and must be the sovereign mistress of my soul." 
 " Never,*' cried Clarissa, resolutely breaking from his 
 grasp, and upbraiding him with his abusing the name 
 of his profession, and the laws of his country. " Re- 
 collect," said she with vehemence, " the sanctity of 
 
194 
 
 the garb you wear ; and for the sake of that blessed 
 saint, whom you represent, return me to my home." 
 '' That I will not do," said he, pevishly ; '* you are 
 grown strangely arrogant, but, I believe, 1 have the 
 means to humble thy unbecoming pride. For the pre- 
 sent I bid you farewell, but think not that I shall a- 
 bandon my design ; no, in a few days you will doubt- 
 less behold me again, and, I advise you then to receive 
 me in a manner more consonant with my wishes, than 
 you have done this night." As he spoke these words 
 he left the room, leaving her involved in a mixture of 
 surprise, rage, and grief. 
 
 In this state, brooding over her miserable condition, 
 let us leave her for a time, and visit the mansion of 
 her father. In the morning the family came down to 
 breakfast, and Clarissa not appearing as usual, a ser- 
 vant was desired to summon her, she rapped at her 
 chamber door, but no one answered ; she then opened 
 it, but found the room unoccupied and the bed un- 
 touched. Surprised at this, she returned and told the 
 family ; Bomingos arose hastily from his seat, and, 
 accompanied by Maria, flew to her chamber, called 
 her name loudly, but received no answer. They then 
 searched every apartment, but she was no where to be 
 iotind. He enquired of the servants, but none of 
 them had seen her. He consulted the monk, but he 
 could form no opinion. Lost in amazement, for some 
 time he knew not what to do, at length he mounted 
 his horse and rode hastilv to the mansion of Don Joze. 
 
195 
 
 He eagerly inquired for Delfino, and in the most agoniz - 
 ing feelings related the mysterious disappearance of his 
 daughter ; beseeching them, for the love of God, if they 
 knew anything respecting this alarming circumstance 
 to inform him immediately. Don Joze, and the rest 
 of the family, were thunderstruck at this intelligence ; 
 they solemnly declared under the most impressive feel- 
 ings, that they knew nothing of the matter. In fact 
 Delfino was equally, if not more affected then Domin- 
 gos, and immediately offered to accompany him in 
 search of his daughter. 
 
 Domingos returned, accompanied by Don Joze and 
 Delfino, they found Maria frantic with grief, tearing 
 her hair, and exclaiming, '* Oh ! my child ! my child ! 
 my dear Clarissa !" The feeble captain Delgado bend- 
 ing over her, and using every means to console her. 
 The servants were also much distressed, and each 
 offered to go in the search. Among the rest came old 
 Sampi, who, wiping away the tear that stood on his 
 ch^ek, and buckling on his girdle, declared he would 
 never return until he had found his dear young mis- 
 tress. The servants were then dispatched in various 
 directions ; the monk also avowed his intention to 
 assist in developing the mystery. As soon as Domin- 
 gos had dispatched a special messenger to Lisbon, 
 where he hoped to find Henrique, he and Delfino pro- 
 ceeded in the search ; while Don Joze anjd his lady 
 remained to comfort the distressed Maria. The ser- 
 vants, however, after a fruitless search returned, with 
 
196 
 
 the exception of old Sampi, and towards midnight 
 Domingos also reached reached his domicile with the 
 same unsuccessful issue. 
 
 Things were in this state when, on the following 
 morning, the monk bent his steps towards the man- 
 sion, and, with a countenance expressive of the deep- 
 est feeling, declared that after the most indefatigable 
 exertions, he had not been able to gain the smallest in- 
 telligence of Clarissa ; he, nevertheless, expressed a 
 hope that her safety would shortly be discovered ; at 
 the same time intimating that she might have been in- 
 duced to proceed to the metropolis, under some secret 
 influence of Henrique. "I perfectly coinside with your 
 opinion holy father," said Don Joze, " and though I 
 feel deeply for my friends ; yet, I cannot but blair.e 
 Domingos for the absurdity of rearing a mere found- 
 ling on the same equality with his own child, giving a 
 presumption to that freedom of intercourse the natu- 
 ral result of an ill placed attachment ; and the un» 
 questionable cause of the present distressing circum- 
 stance." " But do you think," said Maria, the tears 
 glittering in her eyes, " that he would be guilty of so 
 base and contemptible a crime." " There can be little 
 doubt of it, madam," returned Don Joze, shrugging 
 up his shoulders. Domingos groaned within himself 
 and folding his arms traversed the room in painful agi- 
 tation. 
 
 In this state of pn rental agony, we shall now leave 
 
197 
 
 them and return to Clarissa, in her gloomy and soli- 
 tary cell, shut up from the sympathies of humanity, 
 without the smallest hope of making her escape. It 
 may then easily be conceived the state of her feelings 
 on discovering that the monk, in whom she had hoped 
 for deliverance, was in reality the cause of her incar- 
 <ieration, and his requital of trust was betrayed by 
 treachery enveloped under the garb of piety. The 
 very idea was recoiling, and she saw in all its alarm- 
 ing features the horrors of her situation. She had 
 now no doubt but that he was the leader of a lawless 
 gang of highwaymen, aud that her place of confinement 
 was a receptacle for these ruffians. She wept, and 
 thought of her parents ; and the impossibility there 
 appeared of ever seeing them again considerably aug- 
 mented her sorrows. She doubted not but that her 
 life would be sacrificed as soon as he should have sa- 
 tiated his iir famous desire ; she, therefore, resolved 
 rather to die than yeild, and with this resolution firm- 
 ly awaited the issue of events. On the next day she 
 was visited again by the old woman, who brought her 
 some needful requisites ; and after making a few un- 
 important remarks, smilingly inquired, "hqw she liked 
 the monk ?" assuring her that he was one of the best 
 creatures upon earth, and that she would find herself 
 extremely comfortable^ as he was entirely devoted to 
 her service ; and would doubtless lavish upon her 
 every thing that would have a tendency to augment 
 her felicity. These remarks threw oft the little re- 
 mains of patience Clarissa had preserved, and in a tone 
 ^, 3. 
 
198 
 
 which demonstrated her indignation, she cried, " cease 
 you infamous wretch and depart from my presence." 
 The old hag withdrew, smiling maliciously as she 
 closed the door. 
 
 Clarissa sighed and pressed her hand against her 
 palpitating heart. " Good God," said she to herself, 
 "is it possible that such wretches exist in my own 
 sex ?*' " Oh ! heaveuj support my distracted senses, 
 and deliver me from this dire place." She looked 
 through the casement, her heart trembled as she ob- 
 served the shades of night had put in ; and turning 
 from the v/indow paced the floor until exhausted by 
 fatigue she threw herself upon the bed. Sleep was 
 stealing over her wearied body and distressed soul, 
 when suddenly she was alarmed with a dismal groan 
 from the room underneath ; she listened with trem- 
 bling expectation — another groan, in a still more hcl - 
 low sound, increased her consternation, a cold tremor 
 came over, and she lay with breathless attention, but 
 all subsided again into a deathlike stillness, and at 
 length exhausted nature buried all her fears in the 
 arms of repose. She awoke on the following morning 
 much refreshed ; but the thoughts of what she had 
 heard on the proceeding night considerably harassed 
 her imagination, and increased her terror, she was con- 
 fident those tokens of distress arose from beneath her 
 own room, but whether natural or supernatural she was 
 unable to determine. However, she thought she 
 would venture to ask the old woman, if there were any 
 
199 
 
 apartments contigious to the one she occupied. *'Why" 
 asked the old woman. '* Nothing," answered Clar- 
 issa, " only I thought there were other rooms inhab't- 
 ed." "There are rooms," said the old woman, "but 
 they are unoccupied, and no one can obtain access to 
 them without my permission. I fear child," continu- 
 ed she, " those foolish boys have again disturbed you 
 with their mirth last night." " No," said Clarissa, 
 turning from her and looking out of the casement ; 
 she then saw several men pass hastily along the piazza, 
 and instantly drew back and seated herself upon the 
 sofa, where she continued absorbed in painful medita- 
 tion. 
 
 The night had again far advanced ; the lamp shone 
 dim upon the table, and a gloomy silence reigned 
 through the convent ; when suddenly she was aroused 
 from her reverie, by a heavy moaning; followed by a 
 deep groan from the room below. She started upon 
 her feet, " Merciful God," she exclaimed, stretching 
 her ears in the direction of the sound, when a second 
 completed her terror ; she staggered to the bed, and 
 sunk down upon it, ready to faint. Her fears were 
 much increased by a sound as if it were the creaking 
 of her chamber floor ; she cast her eyes hastily in that 
 direction, but the faint glimmer of the lamp, threw a 
 gloomy obscurity around, and prevented her from dis- 
 tinguishing the precise part from whence it arose ; she, 
 however, gazed intensely, while her limbs shook 
 violently — her lips quivered, until quite exhausted, 
 
200 
 
 she was obliged to avert her gaze. She then endeav- 
 oured to compose herself to sleep, but her throbbing 
 temples rendered the effort vain ; strange imaginations 
 occupied her thoughts, and she again looked fearfully 
 towards the spot where she had first heard the sound, 
 when she thought a grim shade moved slowly in the 
 direction of the window. She uttered a loud shriek, 
 and covered her head in the bed clothes, where she re- 
 mained sweating with terror, until the light of day, 
 in some measure, relieved her fears. She arose and 
 threw her eyes hastily around the chamber, but all ap- 
 peared in its usual state ; she then looked out at the 
 casement, the light was stealing along the arches, and 
 all was silent, save the hollow sound of the bittern 
 perched on the neighbouring trees. She turned from 
 thence, sighed deeply, and casting her eyes down- 
 wards, her attention was arrested by something lying 
 upon the floor ; she took it up, and upon examining 
 it found it to be a bit of leather, apparently taken from 
 the lining of a shoe ; but, what was her astonishment, 
 when on the one side of which she observed the follow- 
 ing lines, wrote with a burnt stick. 
 
 " Distressed lady, be not surprised at these lines, 
 nor the mode used in conveying them to your apart- 
 ment, they are from a fellow sufferer confined within 
 these ruins, for many years, by the treachery of a 
 ruffian, who wears the garb of righteousness ; and 
 I have every reason to believe that the same monster 
 is the cause of your incarceration and distress. Your 
 
201 
 
 sighs, dear lady, have more than once reached my ear, 
 and moved me to the resolution of adopting this mode, 
 in order to inform you of your danger, and guard you 
 against the wicked designs of the monk ; who only 
 seeks to satiate his brutal lust, and then consign you 
 to the horrid assaults of a furious gang of highwaymen, 
 who inhabit these ruins. Then, dearest mortal, who- 
 ever you be, resist, with your life, every attempt that 
 may be made on your virtue ; and, remember you have 
 a fellow sufferer near you, who has borne affliction 
 year alter year, and who would die rather than suffer 
 this wretch to consummate his purpose. Follow then, 
 I entreat you, my example ; and, should no providen- 
 tial hand ever be extended to our deliverance, let us 
 die in the sacred truth of having prevented the com- 
 pletion of so hideous a crime." 
 
 Labina Fronteira, 
 
 The surprise which seized the soul of Clarissa, when 
 she had examined the contents of this billet, can in no 
 way be conceived, but by a person equallj distressed 
 like herself ; and, as soon as she could recall her spirits 
 from that absence of mind in which the first emotions 
 of amazement had involved her, she turned her atten- 
 tion to the place where she had first taken up the bil- 
 let, and found that it had been ingeniously forced 
 through a crevice of the floor, and thus accounted for 
 the noise she had heard, and which had so much 
 alarmed her on the preceeding night. The discovery 
 produced an inconceivable degree of anguish ; not 
 
202 
 
 only on account of her own alarming circumstances, 
 but also on account of the other poor captive, who had 
 so long suffered cruel and inhuman treatment from this 
 perfidious wretch. These thoughts, and the evils she 
 feared would befall herself, made her heart ready to 
 break ; she wept and prayed that some kind turn 
 of fate, might disclose the villainous practices of these 
 abandoned wretches. She did not entertain the small- 
 est hope that her father, who she doubted not would 
 exert every effort, could ever trace her to such an ob- 
 scure and dreary ruin ; and the more she dwelt upon 
 this subject, the greater was her despondency. She 
 gave herself up as irrecoverably lost and undone ; 
 misery, in all its chilling horrors, obscured every 
 thought ; and in this dejected state she continued until 
 the shades of night again enveloped her. 
 
 The keenness of the night air, however, obliged her 
 to retire from the casement, and seating herself upon 
 the sofa, pale and languid, rested her head upon her 
 hand ; and, in the dim light shed by the solitary lamp 
 that burned upon the table, looked more like a spectre 
 than a natural being. Not a sound, save the occasional 
 moanings of the wind, disturbed the solemnity of her 
 prison, when, suddenly, she heard footsteps stealing 
 softly along the gallery ; the clinking of keys an- 
 nounced the approach of some person to her chamber ; 
 her heart trembled, and ere she had time to compose 
 herself; the monk entered. " Well, Clarissa," said he, 
 *' have vou considered on what I have said, or do you 
 
203 
 
 still persevere in obstinacy." "Yes," answered she, 
 " my resolution holds firm." *' You talk as if you 
 could restrain me," he resumed, " but I have power 
 to inflict worse treatment than that which you at pre- 
 sent experience, if you persist to refuse ;" she, how- 
 ever, showed a strength of mind, and unshaken con- 
 stancy, infinitely beyond what could be expected from 
 her years, and replying to what he said, with a daunt - 
 less fortitude and noble boldness, told him, " That he 
 might use his menaces, and exercise his perfidious arts, 
 but that she would never yield her virtue on any other 
 terms than the sacrifice of her own life." "What," 
 said he, fixing a searching glance upon her counte- 
 nance, " and do really mean what you say ; reflect, 
 dear lady, and consider that you are now within my 
 power." " I know it too well," replied Clarissa, '* and 
 the shame is with yourself, in having, by wicked and 
 unlawful means, kidnapped me from home, and the 
 protection of my parents ; but, oh ! beware of your 
 crime, look seriously into the vice you contemplate ; 
 let the afflicted bosoms of my injured parents alone melt 
 you into pity, and abandon your resolution ; remem- 
 ber too, there is an all-searching eye in the heavens, 
 from whom you cannot hide the evil your soul con- 
 templates. Oh ! then let me intreat you, for the love 
 of heaven, for the sake of that blessed saint whose garb 
 you wear, desist from your purpose , and pray for for- 
 giveness." " Pray," sneered the monk, ironically, 
 '' 'tis nonsence, thy gentle presence, thy blest society 
 alone can soothe me to peace, and cool my burning 
 
204 
 
 soul; you will consent, you will no longer remain ob- 
 stinate. Let then this kiss, this fond embrace." 
 "Hold, unhand me, sir," cried Clarissa, as he threw 
 his arms around her, and endeavoured to press his 
 lips to hers — " I must — I will." She shrieked, and 
 struggled in his grasp. " Nay," exclaimed the villain, 
 ** you seek to resist me in vain," 
 
 At that instant the door was thrown open, " Hold 
 monster, villain," exclaimed an infurated voice from 
 behind, and immediately plunged his sword to the hilt 
 in the body of the monk. Clarissa, at this moment of 
 distraction, threw her eyes upon her deliverer, when 
 the well known features were instantly recognized, and 
 she cried " O ! Henrique, my brother" and fell faint- 
 ing into his arms. The room was presently filled with 
 soldiers ; among them came poor old Sam pi, who 
 hastening to the assistance of his dear young mistress, 
 made a plunge at the monk with his dirk, and wept 
 for joy at having again discovered her. Henrique 
 held the inanimate body of Clarissa to his agitated 
 bosom, aud pressed his lips upon her cold and pale 
 cheek- " Oh God, my sister," cried he, applying 
 some restoratives, and by his assiduous care, she was 
 soon restored to consciousness, but was so weak, that 
 she was unable to move v»^ithout the assistance of 
 Henrique. He supported her in his arms to the gallery, 
 and from thence, with the help of Sampi, they reached 
 the large hall, which the ruffians had fled from on the 
 first approach of the soldiers. Here Henrique took 
 
205 
 
 from his pocket a small flask, and requested that 
 Clarissa would take a draught of wine, in order to re- 
 cruit her spirits ; as he informed her they must of ne- 
 cessity immediately quit the ruin ; Clarissa hung up- 
 on his neck, and bathing his cheek with tears, said, 
 *' oh ! Henrique, there is yet another unfortunate suf- 
 ferer." " Where," said he, starting resolutely; fixint; 
 his eyes upon the old hag, whom the soldiers had 
 brought into the hall, and then placing Clarissa under 
 the protection of the soldiers, directed the old wretch 
 instantly to lead the way ; who, feaiing a refusal 
 would endanger her life, immediately obeyed the man- 
 date. 
 
 She conducted them along several dark and dreary 
 passages, until at length they arrived at the door of a 
 loathsome vault ; this she opened, and ihey ascended 
 some stone steps to a narrow passage, along which 
 they proceeded tov/ards a small chamber, where a sol- 
 itary lamp burned upon the table. A deep moan of 
 anguish now distinctly reached their ears, and turning 
 to the left they entered another cell ; when, good God ! 
 what was their astonishment on discovering a ghastly 
 figure, seated in the remotest corner of the room. A 
 single, solitary, lonely woman, whose haggard looks 
 and hollow eyes denoted the long continued cruelty 
 of her inhuman oppressor. Henrique stood aghast, 
 and shrunk appalled. She started, surprised at the 
 sight of strangers, and gazing wildly upon the uniform 
 of Henrique, drew back with terror. But Henriqus 
 
206 
 
 stepping forward, said, *' Madam, fear not, we are 
 come to release you from the state of misery in which 
 you have so long continued, arise and depart with us." 
 " Oh, sir," cried she, " is it possible," bursting into 
 tears, and uttering a convulsive groan, as if ready to 
 faint at the intelligence. When Henrique, perceiving 
 the wandering of her mind, took her tenderly by the 
 arm, and supported her feeble body to the hall. A 
 general sensation of horror evinced itself amongst all 
 present, as this object of commiseration entered leaning 
 upon the arm of Henrique. Indeed, she looked more 
 like one arrayed in her shroud than a living woman ; 
 many of the soldiers shuddered as though she had 
 been actually raised from the dead. However, at the 
 expiration of a short time, the two ladies were in some 
 measure composed, and Henrique arranged to leave 
 as speedily as possible, the horrible scene of treachery 
 and injustice. All things being ready, they arose and 
 proceeded along the passage to the outer door, which 
 they opened and, immediately entered the forest ; 
 the pure atmosphere the two ladies inhaled as a luxury 
 which they had never again expected to enjoy. 
 
 The moon shone clear as they hurried on between 
 the trees, but the intricacy of the road much impeded 
 their progress. After great fatigue they reached a 
 solitary house, where Henrique, on perceiving the ex- 
 hausted state of the ladies, demanded admittance, The 
 host, however, was some time before he would open 
 to them the door, being greatly alarmed at the approach 
 
207 
 
 of strangers at such a late hour ; and, in consequence, 
 Henrique had more than once to repeat his demand 
 before he would venture to put his head out at the 
 casement ; when perceiving the glittering arms of the 
 soldiers, he immediately gave them permission to en- 
 ter. Here Henrique procured a vehicle, and after the 
 lades had partaken of some refreshment, they again 
 pursued their journey. The forest was dense and rug- 
 ged, but when they gained the open heath, they 
 were enabled to proceed with greater rapidity. 
 
 The high towers of the castle of Obidas soon ap- 
 peared, when the heart of Clarissa beat violently as 
 they came in view of the mansion ; tears of joy trick- 
 led down her cheeks, and she longed to embrace her 
 afflicted parents. They entered the avenue, and soon 
 reached the outer court, when immediately ringing the 
 bell at the gate it resounded through the mansion ; 
 presently lights were seen approaching the court, and 
 ere the servants had lime to inquire who was there, 
 Sampi cried out, " 'Tis my dear young mistress, open 
 the gates." As soon as the servants lieard this good 
 news, they hastened back to the mansion, and spread 
 the intelligence. A general stir was soon in the 
 house, and amidst the confusion of voices was dis- 
 tinguished those ot Domingos and Maria, who flew to 
 the court, and with open arms received their lost 
 daughter. All seemed to question her with earnest- 
 ness and affection ; but on Henrique introducing the 
 other female, they were actually transfixed with a- 
 s. 2. 
 
208 
 
 stonisliment ; from which they v.ere only relieved by 
 Henrique giving a brief statement of the circum- 
 stances connected with her long confinement in the 
 ruins of Amixuiera, through the treachery of the monk,- 
 and her subsequent release with Clarissa. All seem- 
 ed deeply affected with the account, particularly Maria, 
 whose mind was ever susceptible of the tenderest feel- 
 ings, and extending her hand assisted the poor lady 
 to a seat. 
 
 Domingos and captain Delgado, expressed a desire 
 to hear from Clarissa, the particulars of her own mis- 
 fortunes. She accordingly entered into a full exposi- 
 tion of the whole circumstances, from the time of her 
 being kidnapped from the mansion ; the surprise and 
 disgust which was manifested by all, as she continued 
 her relation, would be impossible to describe. The 
 venerable features of the captain were frequently dis- 
 torted with indignation and horror ; while those of 
 Domingos were a compound of grief and joy. But 
 when she came to that part of her narrative where 
 Henrique so nobly effected their enlargement, they 
 all expressed themselves in terms of the highest ad- 
 miration. Henrique said, that he had been fortu- 
 nately ordered to march from the metropolis, a 
 few days ago, with a small detachment of troops, into 
 that part of the forest, in order, if possible, to sur- 
 prise and take a formidable gang of robbers, who had 
 of late committed many daring outrages upon the un- 
 wary traveller passing those parts ; but, in reference 
 
209 
 
 to the present case, he, with that generosity of sp'rit 
 so compatible with his general deportment, disclaimed 
 all merit ; and said, that ther discovery of the ladies, 
 might be wholly attributed to the indefatigable exer- 
 tions of Sampi. 
 
 After Sampi had made the most dilligent search in 
 all the surrounding hamlets, he entered the forest, 
 and pursuing his solitary way over the rugged heath 
 uncertain of the route he was taking ; he became weary 
 with travelling, and the night rapidly advancinjj. he 
 had no other alternative than to take up his abode 
 under some thick and spreading bushes. When he 
 had made himself as secure as he could from the at- 
 tack of wolves, he laid himself down, but was soon 
 aroused by a shower of rain, which came on with such 
 violence as to oblige him to crouch as closely as ]>os- 
 sible under the most sheltered part of the trees. While 
 in this situation, he heard the sound of footsteps, evi- 
 dently approaching ths5 spot where he was ; and in 
 this he was not mistaken, for, in a short time, several 
 men hurried under the adjoining trees for shelter. 
 
 The night had closed in more than usually dark, 
 owing to the weather ; and thus, fortunately, hid him 
 from their view ; nevertheless, he was somewhat 
 alarmed, and with trembling agitation listened to the 
 following conversation : " Come Bento," said one of 
 them, " give here thy sponge and flint, for 1 must even 
 light my cigar.^' " Aye,' said another, *' and 1 tco^ 
 s. 5. 
 
210 
 
 for the shower will not be over presently," ** I wish," 
 said another, " that we were snugly seated in the 
 convent." *' Aye," returned Bento, " as snug as fa- 
 ther Manoel, with the i'air Clarissa, sweetly solacing him- 
 self in her arms ; but 1 say, Sebastiao, how devilishly 
 surprised she was when she found herself in the con- 
 vent." " Yes," said the first speaker, " and 1 fancy 
 she will be in a still greater surprise ere she has done 
 with us all, though 1 must confess she is worthy to be 
 the queen of the forest." " Thou mayest say that, 
 Sebastiao," said Bento, " but hadst thou beheld her 
 bewitching form as it lay extended in my arms, in the 
 vehicle, as we brought her to the convent, thou wouldst 
 have envied the monk as 1 do." " Why, for the 
 matter of that," returned Sebastiao, " I had a sneak- 
 ing desire for the girl ; but the old boy seemed as 
 fierce as a forest rat, and would allow of no edging in ; 
 so I thought as a rich dish generally gluts the stomach, 
 there would be enough left for us all ; but come, the 
 shower has somewhat abated, let us proceed, the 
 monk will long ere this has'e reached the con- 
 vent." 
 
 They then pursued their way ; and Sampi stealing 
 from the place of his confinement, followed them at a 
 distance, until they arrived at the convent, where he 
 observed them enter the private door. He stepped 
 softly up, and placing a mark that he might know it 
 again, immediately returned in order to inform 
 Domingos of the discovery. On his way he was met 
 
211 
 
 by some of my men who were on the look-out, and 
 taking him to be one of the robbers*, they conveyed 
 him to me. You may imagine my surprise when I 
 found the prisoner to be Sampi ; but, when he related 
 to me the distressing occurrence, no language could de- 
 scribe the state of my feelings. I immediately ordered 
 the soldiers to march to the convent, which, by the 
 direction of Sampi, we soon reached ; and forcing the 
 door, made the timely rescue of my dear sister, and 
 this unfortunate l^dy. Domingos embraced Sampi in 
 the most grateful manner, and said that he should be 
 amply rewarded for hi? faithful, aflfectionate, and suc- 
 cessful exertions; aided, as he had no doubt been, by 
 divine interposition, in bringing to light this nefarious 
 business. The poor lady also returned her grateful 
 acknowledgements, and was about to give some ac- 
 count of her own misfortunes ; but the captain remark- 
 ing the late hour, and observing the weak state of the 
 lady, advised that all should retire to rest, and on the 
 morrow they would feel obliged by her relating the 
 circumstances which had led to her misfortunes. 
 
 It was late the next morniu^ when the family as- 
 sembled in the saloon. Henrique and Clarissa had 
 previously stolen to the garden, in order to revive 
 those pleasures they were wont to enjoy ; the serenity 
 of the morning, added to the pleasures they felt in each 
 other's society, they entered into a long and interesting 
 conversation on all the incidental occurrences which 
 had happened since t*\eir separation ; and, although 
 
212 
 
 Henrique was some time absorbed in the most melan- 
 choly reflections on the crimes of man, they ultimately 
 regained their accustomed tranquillity, and returned to 
 the mansion highly pleased with their morning walk. 
 On entering the room they found, in addition to the 
 family, Don Joze and his lady^ who had just arrived 
 from Caldas ; the latter congratulated Clarissa with 
 such affectionate feeling, as to laise the tears in her 
 eyes, while Clarissa could scarcely speak to thank her 
 for her 'sympathy ; they, however, soon recovered their 
 usual camposure, and all sat down to breakfast with 
 mutual cheerfulness. iVs soon as the repast was 
 ended, the whole company felt a desire to hear the 
 poor lady's relation of her misfortunes ; and, there- 
 lore, after a tew preliminary remarks, she thus began. 
 
 In my childhood, and some time after my marriage 
 with the Conde de Fronteira, I resided with my mother 
 at La Sierra, on the river Gabriel, in Spain. She was 
 the only parent I ever had the good fortune to know, 
 as my father died in a distant country, previous to my 
 birth. His name, and the cause of his death, was, 
 however, preserved by my mother, in the most pro- 
 found secrecy. Nothing could ever induce her to re- 
 veal them, although the circumstances seemed deeply 
 to press on her spirits, and absorb her thoughts. 
 Many and frequent were the solicitations of her friends 
 to join the fashionable circles of the city ; but, to all 
 their intreaties, she turned a deaf ear, and choose 
 ruther to reside in the most retired seclusion, iu order 
 
213 
 
 that she might contemplate, in privacy, the favourite 
 object of her mental affliction ; and thus the tear* 
 wo aid frequently gush from her eyes, as she pressed 
 my prattling lips to hers, to evade many inquisitive in- 
 terrogatories ; and then with a smile that bespoke her 
 unbaunded affection, consign me to the care of my 
 mail. As my years advanced, she became more 
 composed, and devoted the whole of her attention to 
 my improvement ; no means were spared to render 
 me proficient in my studies, and 1 wss glad to find 
 my mother's spirits greatly improve. 
 
 We were sometimes visited by the Fronteira family, 
 who resided at a short distance from our mansion ; and 
 it was thiis that I became acquainted with the Conde, 
 to whom I was afterwards marrieJ. He had just 
 entered the army ; and, consequently, we proceeded to 
 Madrid, where, after the usual time, I gave birth to a 
 daughter, which considerably increased our felicity ; 
 but, during my pregnancy of the second child, my 
 health was so much impaired, as greatly to alarm my 
 husband and friends. My physician ordered a change 
 of air, and I again returned to the mansion of my 
 mother, when I was shortly after\\ards delivered of a 
 boy. The most delicate care and attention was paid 
 to the recovery of my health, but without any symp- 
 toms of improvement ; and my mother at length de- 
 termined to remove me to the country seat of her 
 father. Accordingly, after the necessaiy arrangements 
 were made, we set out and soon reached the mansion 
 
214 
 
 of the Conde de Castello. "Where?" hastily in- 
 quired captain Delgado, who seemed to devour her 
 with attention, *' The Conde de Castello's, sir,*' 
 answered the Condessa. " The Conde de Castello," 
 reiterated the captain, while his countenance under- 
 went a sudden change. *' And what was the name of 
 ycur mother, madam ?" " Eladia Verde, sir," re- 
 plied she. " Merciful God," he cried, hastily rising 
 from his seat — he flew to her — he pressed her to his 
 bosom. He strove to speak, but speech was for some 
 time denied. He wept aloud, and at length words 
 found their way in broken exclamations, " My daugh- 
 ter ! My child ! welcome, thrice welcome to my arms." 
 The scene at this moment was most affecting. A gen- 
 eral surprise seized every one present, but more par- 
 ticularly the Condessa, who was thunderstruck with 
 astonishment. She looked as one gasping for breath, 
 in the most confused amaze ; her eyes fixed upon her 
 father, with a wild and uncertain glance, until nature 
 gave way, and she f^ll weeping upon the neck of her 
 father. 
 
 Maria, and the amiable lady of Don Joze, as also the 
 whole company, used every exertion to restore tbem 
 to composure , which, after a time, they accomplished. 
 The captain then made some brief inquiries respecting 
 the Diana. The Condessa informed him that the ship 
 in which her mother returned from South America, 
 having put in at the island of Tercera, she embarked 
 in another vessel for Spain ; and thus providentially 
 
215 
 
 escaped a watery grave, as the ship on the remainder 
 of its passage was lost, and all on board perished. 
 Her mother had from that time, as she had before 
 stated, resided in Spain, where she left her quite well, 
 when she had the misfortune to leave that country. 
 The captain directed that a messenger should be im- 
 mediatly dispatched to Spain, in order to make in- 
 quires after his long lost wife ; and, if living, to ac- 
 quaint her with the present circumstances. Young 
 Delfino offered to go on this service, and immediately 
 prepared for his journey. After a short conversation, 
 the Condessa was requested to resume her nar- 
 rative. 
 
 I remained, said she, under the roof of my mother's 
 father for some time, without making any visible pro- 
 gress towards convalescence, and I was recommended 
 to try the baths of Artego, in the province of Galicia. 
 The tonic powers of these waters soon restored my 
 health ; and at the expiration of two months, I re- 
 ceived a letter from my husband, to join him at Cadiz, 
 where his regiment had just arrived. In order to ful- 
 fil this command, I set out for Corunna, where 1 
 embarked in a small vessel for that place ; I was the 
 only passenger on board the Alcala, which was the 
 name of the vessel. We weighed anchor in the after- 
 noon of the fourth of June, and, by the close of night, 
 had reached a considerable distance from the shore. 
 It was a fine moonlight night. I stood on the deck and 
 gazed on the quiet ocean, on which the moon beams 
 
216 
 
 danced; the wind was so still, that it scarcely agitated 
 the sails, which were spread out to invite it. I looked 
 round, it was the same on every side — a world of 
 waters — not a single object diversified the view, or in- 
 tercepted the long and steady glance which I threw 
 over the ocean. Indeed, I gazed without weariness 
 on the deep, occupied with the thought it produces, I 
 listened to the beating of the element as the vessel 
 clave it, and found charms even in the ripple by the 
 side of the vessel. 
 
 As the night drew on, I retired to rest, and dropped 
 asleep ; but it was not that refreshing sleep which re- 
 cruits the exhausted spirits. My sleep was haunted 
 with confused and hideous dreams, — the most fright- 
 ful dangers seemed to surround me. I was awakened 
 by convulsive starts, and in vain sought again for 
 quiet slumber ; the same images filled my mind, di- 
 versified in a thousand horrid forms. Early in the 
 morning I arose, the vessel was heaving more than she 
 had done sinee I had been on board of her. I went 
 on deck ; there v/as every appearance of a coming 
 storm. The crew, vvhich consisted of the captain, 
 mate, and two men, were busy in taking in the ship's 
 sails, and making preparations for the storm. During 
 the afternoon the gale increased ; and towards evening 
 it blew a perfect hurricane, accompanied with thunder 
 and lightning. The ship was hove to under bare 
 poles ; finding it was impossible that the vessel could 
 lie to any longer, all hands were called aft, as it was 
 
217 
 
 tletermined, for the preservation of the vessel, to cut 
 away the mainmast, and scud before the wind. Dur- 
 ing this time I remained in the small cabin with my 
 child ; my situation was most lamentable ; the waters 
 rushing in with every sea that broke over the ship ; 
 the thunder claps were m.ost terrific ; and the light- 
 ning was particularly vivid. About midnight the cap- 
 tain going forward discovered breakers ahead, and in- 
 stantly called out to put the helm hard a starboard, 
 but before the ship could wear, she struck upon the 
 east end of the rocks called the borlings. The shock 
 was dreadful ; I endeavoured to rush from the cabin, 
 but was prevented by the captain. The second sea 
 hove the ship along side of the rocks. The wind blew 
 with redoubled fury, and the waves rolled with tre- 
 mendous violence, which caused the ship to labour so 
 excessively, that they were not able to stand upon 
 deck ; and the night was so thick and dark, that, 
 though they were but a short distance from the shore, 
 they could not see it. All that man could do, the 
 captain did to encourage the men to exertion, buithey 
 seemed completely paralyzed; and the sea breaking 
 over the vessel, occasioned her to roll so prodigiously 
 that at one jerk her other mast went by the board, 
 carry with them the captain and the two seamen. Our 
 situation was now desperate, amid the terrors of the 
 storm, and the roarings of tlie ocean, that threatened 
 every instant to engulph us ; there remained on the 
 wreck only the mate, myself, and child, which T held 
 close to my bosom unconscious of its danger, I will 
 
218 
 
 not attempt to describe the torturing feelings which 
 possessed me, on beholding the innocent smiles of my 
 child, which I every moment expected to be struggling 
 with the raging billows ; however, at daylight the 
 wind had somewhat moderated, and we found the ves- 
 sel close in shore, which gave us some hopes of sav- 
 ing ourselves. We could see nobody on shore, and the 
 mate began to construct a raft out of such parts of the 
 wreck, as he could procure. As soon as this frail 
 means of deliverance was finished, I prepared to depart, 
 while I trembled at the thought of the dangers I 
 was about to encounter. I made my child fast to my 
 body, and breathing a trembling prayer to God, de- 
 scended to the raft. The mate secured me on the raft 
 as well as he could, and putting off from the wreck, 
 we made towards the shore ; but the swell of the sea 
 forcing the raft with great violence into the surf, the 
 mate unfortunately lost his hold, and was instantly 
 swept into the sea. The raft, however, by the next 
 wave was thrown on the beach, and I with difficulty 
 crawled with my child out the reach of the water. I 
 was dreadfully sick, and my lovely babe almost un- 
 conscious, by the buffettings of the waves, and by be- 
 ing so long immersed in the water. I seated myself 
 upon a stone, and after some time recovered my- 
 self. 
 
 I then took my child, and looking about observed 
 a monk issue from an opening in the rocks, a few 
 paces from where I had been seated. He »seemed 
 
219 
 
 deeply affected at the sight of the distressing occur- 
 rence ; and offering me his services, said, he would 
 conduct me to a place of safety. I thanked the holy 
 father, and accordingly proceeded with him along the 
 beach, and then by a circular route gained the summit 
 of the cliffs. We then descended by a footpath which 
 led us to the forest, and at length reached an old 
 monastery. At the sight of this ruin, I felt a sensa- 
 tion of terror, several of the pillars which had once sup- 
 ported the roof remained, the proud remains of sink- 
 ing groatneea 5 an<l accmcd t\j iiud at evcrj^ murnilir 
 
 of the blast over the fragments of those that had fal- 
 len a little before them. The lofty battlements thickly 
 enwreathed with ivy, were demolished, and had be- 
 come the residence of birds of prey. The main en- 
 trance was by a gothic gate, richly ornamented with 
 carved work, which led into the body of the edifice. 
 We entered what appeared to have been the chapel of 
 the monastery, and from thence we proceeded to a 
 large apartment. This room seemed co-equal with 
 the building in a state of dilapidation ; it nevertheless 
 contained a few articles of furniture, and adjoining 
 thereto was a small bed chamber, into which the monk 
 requested I would retire with my child, in order to 
 remove our wet clothes, and take some repose. As I 
 was exceedingly exhausted, and much in want of re- 
 pose, 1 slept soundly for some hours, and when I a- 
 woke my strength was greatly renovated. I then arose 
 and dressed myself and child, (for our clothes during 
 the time had got perfectly dry,) and returned to the 
 
 T. 2e 
 
220 
 
 large apartment. There was no one there, but a 
 table was spread with provisions. I listened deeply 
 influenced by mingled feelings of astonishment and 
 
 1 was about to proceed to the outer door, when I 
 beard some one approaching, it was the monk. He 
 saluted me with great civility, and hoped I was much 
 recovered. He then requested I would partake of some 
 refreshment ; and entered into a long interroga- 
 tion respecting m^ family, and tK© oirouinstancefi of 
 
 the wreck. I perceived that he took a peculiar inter- 
 est in the recital, his features underwent sudden and 
 various changes which I conceived arose from feelings 
 of sympathy, but in this I was mistaken ; for he soon 
 assumed a more delicate position, and drawing close 
 to me avowed his passion. I shrunk from him with 
 horror, and resisted bis advances with the utmost in- 
 dignation ; but he became more importunate, and 
 stretching out his arms, said, " Sole possessor of my 
 love, thus in my arms let me enfold thee." 1 arose 
 to depart, but he flew to the door and prevented my 
 exit. I implored he would desist. " No, no," said 
 he, resolutely, ** thou shalt henceforward reside with 
 me, and beware, I caution thee ; mind that thou dost 
 not arouse me, or thou mayest repent it." I could 
 scarcely believe the evidence of my senses, and 1 
 trembled with fear. 
 
 At this moment several ill looking men entered the 
 
221 
 
 apartment, they scrutinized me, and in derision made 
 several unseeming observations, after which they 
 withdrew, accompanied by the monk who secured the 
 door after him. It would be impossible to describe 
 the violence of my fee'-ags at finding myself thus con- 
 fined, in what I conceived to be a receptacle for a law- 
 less gang of ruffians, into whose hands I had unfor- 
 tunately fallen. My distress considerably augmented 
 as the night approached, in which state of distraction 
 I remained until near midnigTit ; when I heard a con- 
 
 fcraicm of -roiotso, and presently the monls. a^ain entered 
 
 the apartment bearing m his hand a small lamp. He 
 was muffled in a large cloak, and in his girdle was 
 placed a brace of pistols ; the sight of which petrified 
 me with horror. I stood like a statute, and gazed 
 with amazement, when he requested that 1 would im- 
 mediately prepare to accompany him, as that was no 
 place for my residence. I begged, I entreated, but he 
 was deaf to my supplications ; and resolutely forcing 
 me and my child from the apartment, hurried us along 
 the forest until we reached the most dense part af it ; 
 when suddenly he wrenched my infant from my arms, 
 and laying it down under a tree, said, " there was no 
 necessity to be burdened ^^ith the child." I shrieked 
 and struggled for my child, but he forcibly dragged 
 me forward, and compelled me to proceed until we 
 reached the convent of Amixuiera ; where I was im- 
 mured in a small apartment. The agonizing thoughts 
 of my poor child, drove me almost into a state of de- 
 lirium ; nevertheless, I was subject to daily annoy- 
 T. 3, 
 
222 
 
 ances from this vile wretch ; who, finding that I con- 
 tinued impenetrable to his hateful advances, had me 
 confined in a solitary apartment for the remainder of 
 my life. In this apartment, after a series of years 
 spent in misery and deprivation, I was providentially 
 discovered, and liberated, by the noble young gentle- 
 man present ; to whom I am so much indebted ; and 
 whom I shall ever regard with the highest esteem and 
 gratitude « 
 
 and addressing her, said, "My dear lady, I have listen- 
 ed to the account of your adventures, under the keen- 
 est feelings, and deep commiseration for your sufferings, 
 and just indignation at their cause ; but, thank God, 
 although I have heard some things that grieve me, and 
 others that yield me great pleasure ; yet, under the 
 providence of heaven, the sorrows are dispelled, and 
 the joys remain. — Your son, my dear lady, yet lives." 
 *' Lives," exclaimed the Condessa, in frantic agitation, 
 *' Yes, madam," returned Domingos, " behold him 
 here, in the youth who affected your deliverance," pre- 
 senting Henrique. She could hear no more, her eyes 
 started, her lipes quivered, her face turned deadly pale, 
 and she fell fainting in the chair ; while Henrique on 
 the other hand, gazed as one paralysed with amaze- 
 ment. As soon as the Condessa was again restored to 
 consciousness, Domingos recounted the whole of the 
 circumstances of finding Henrique in the wood, and 
 his adoption of him. Maria produced the cloak iu 
 
223 
 
 which he was wrapped, and the locket found in his 
 bosom. The Condessa hastily threw her eyes upon 
 the locket, and said, ** It is the same, with the cypher 
 of Fronteria ; but, my child had a mark on the left 
 breast. On hearing this, Henrique unbared his bosom, 
 when the Condessa instantly sprang forward, exclam- 
 ing, " 'Tis enough, my child ! oh God, my son ! and 
 unable to utter another word ; she fell upon his neck, 
 and pressed him to her maternal bosom. The mo- 
 ment was deeply affecting, the tears streamed from the 
 
 new found parent. They were suffered in some mea- 
 sure to exhaust their feelings, when the captain, with 
 a smile of satisfaction resting upon his countenance, 
 arose to embrace and congratulate his grandson ; in 
 which all present conjoined ; but more especially 
 Clarissa, who seemed overjoyed with the discovery. 
 
 It was in the midst of those joyous exultations, that 
 suddenly the gate bell resounded through the mansion, 
 and immediatly captain Miranda was ushered into 
 the apartment, Domingos briefly acquainted him 
 with the various circumstances which had happened 
 in the family since their last meeting. " Ah," said 
 the captain, shaking him heartily by the hand, ** did I 
 not tell you, my dear friend, long ago, that the lad was 
 a Delgado ; and you see I am as good a prophet- as 
 any of the tribes of old," laughing heartily as he sever- 
 ally congratulated them, A lengthened conversation 
 ensued, after which they retired to their respective 
 
224 
 
 apartments, in order to prepare for dinner. The even- 
 ing was spent in cheerful and entertaining conversa- 
 tion, and several days passed on in the greatest felicity. 
 One evening a carriage drove up to the door of 
 t'le mansion^ and immediately alighted Delfino, who 
 handed out of the vehicle, Kladia, accompanied by the 
 Oonde de Fronteira, and his daughter. The meeting 
 between the aged captain and Eladia, was inexpress- 
 ible ; while the mutual joy that issued from the hearts 
 of the Conde and his daughter, were only equalled by 
 
 they pressed her to iheir affectionate bosoms : and 
 thus the meeting may be described as one brilliant 
 effusion of nature, displayed in all the fullness of the 
 soul. 
 
 As soon as the first emotion of their joy had in some 
 measure subsided ; the Condessa briefly informed the 
 Conde of all her sufferings, and the unexampled bar- 
 barity of the monk. Then taking the hand of Hen- 
 rique, with a look of the most affectionate tenderness, 
 presented him as her son and deliverer. The Conde 
 received him under feelings of deep emotion, and 
 pressed him tenderly to his bosom. Henrique weep- 
 ing, regarded these proofs of his affection, and falling 
 upon his knees, said, " Since it has pleased the divine 
 dispenser of events, to develope the mystery that en- 
 shrouded my birth, and restored me again to my par- 
 ents, with the same affluence and dignity which my 
 birth engendered, may I beg my father will grant me 
 
225 
 
 one request, to fill up the measure of my felicity." 
 " Speak, my son, said the Conde ; Henrique, unable 
 to speak, looked towards Clarissa. Her eyes met his ; 
 a sudden blush arose upon their cheeks, and they were 
 both so confused, that it was instantly observed by 
 Domingos, who arose from his seat, and taking 
 Clarissa by the hand, said, " My dear children, I per- 
 fectly understand the meaning of those blushes ; arise, 
 Henrique, thou hast already nobly earned my daughter; 
 take her, she is thine, and may the Almighty bless 
 you. Henriaue Twhofee Drojaer name was Don Fran- 
 cisco,) replied not ; he contented himself with press- 
 ing Clarissa to his bosom, in the presence of all. The 
 Conde and Condessa immediatly gave their consent -to 
 the alliance, and felt happy that the young people 
 had formed their hearts for each other. The company 
 then separated. Henrique and Clarissa entered a 
 private apartment, where they had the blessing, which 
 none but lovers know, of testifying their mutual tend- 
 erness, by a thousand vows of inviolable affection. 
 What transported them almost beyond reason, was, 
 that Domingos told them that in a few days their 
 marriage should be solemnized, and thus put it past 
 the power of the whole world to separate them for the 
 future. 
 
 On the following morning, Don Joze waited upon 
 the Conde at an early hour, and requested a short con- 
 ference. He then declared his son Delfino's preten- 
 sions for his daughter Anna, stating that he was in- 
 
226 
 
 formed an intimacy had taken place on their journey. 
 The Conde said he could have no objections to the 
 proposition, if it met with the inclination of his 
 daughter ; and, in order to ascertain this, he requested 
 that the Condessa would immediatly communicate with 
 her on the subject ; in the mean while Don Joze re- 
 mained with the Conde. After the elapse of half an 
 hour, the Condessa returned with an answer agree- 
 able to the wishes of Delfino. It was then finally 
 agreed that the two unions should be celebrated on the 
 fi^me dav : and accordinsrlv Don Joze took his leave, 
 in order to make the necessary preparations. The 
 evening preceding their nuptials, the relatives of each 
 lamily assembled at the mansion ; and as soon as 
 aurora's beams proclaimed the coming day, the avenue 
 leading to the mansion was thronged with rustics, 
 emulous to commend the happy parties. As the 
 morning advanced, the sun burst forth in all his ra- 
 diant splendour ; and presently the fair Clarissa, rest- 
 ing on the arm of Henrique, accompanied by Delfino 
 and Anna, descended the court. The peasantry then 
 formed in procession, preceded by the most heart- 
 stirring strains of the guitar, and thus moved towards 
 the church at the foot of the rock ; where a number of 
 young maidens had assembled with baskets of flowers, 
 in order to strew their path with the fragrant petals, 
 as they entered the sacred edifice. The marriage 
 ceremony being duly performed, they received the 
 congratulations and blessings of the whole assemblage ; 
 and the mansion of Domingos became for some time 
 
227 • 
 
 the scene of the greatest hilarity and festivity ; the 
 whole neighbourhood participating in the rejoicings. 
 
 The old captain and Eladia lived for some time in 
 the full enjoyment of domestic happiness, in the midst 
 of their family ; and Henrique and Clarissa devoted 
 themselves to a rural life, in the vicinity of Obidas, 
 where they were esteemed by all their neighbours, and 
 blessed with a prosperous family. Domingos and 
 Maria also continued their usual pursuits of doing 
 
 good among the numerous noor of the district. Kv 
 whom they were sincerely beloved ; and, after attain- 
 ing a good old age, dropped into the grave, deeply 
 regretted by all who had the pleasure of their ac- 
 quaintance. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
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