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and that within your court I may be free." The king extolled the beauty of Rosamond, and pro- mised to protect her, for they might as well take the crown off his head as offer the least injury. The discourse having passed, a short collation ensued, wherein the king shewed himself extremely pleased. After supper, the king told her, that in regard to the fatigues of her journey, he would give her no further disturbance that night, but would soon visit her again ; and charging her uncle to have a particular regard to her, and see that she wanted nothing, he took leave of her. Alethea, her tutoress, was still with her, and did all she could to persuade her to yield to the king's em- braees; but Rosamond seemed averse to it, what her father had said always running in her mind. The king, who had two or three times visited Rosamond, began to be impatient of delay, and thought it was time to have somo elose conversa- tion with her. And coming one evening to see her, ho accosted her in these terms:- "I have hitherto flattered myself, my sweet Ro- samond, that you had an affection for me, but now I begin to find I was mistaken; for I too plainly see you have no regard for me." How," said Rosamond, can your majesty think I have no regard for my protector, in whose royal court I live here seeretly? If I have been any way wanting in my duty, or given your ma- jesty just occasion for sueh ideas, pray let me know it, that I may better pay your majesty the duty I owe; but notwithstanding what you have been pleased to say, I can hardly believe your majesty thinks so.” "How is it possible," replied the king, “I can think otherwise, when I have been your eaptive, and yet you offer not to set me free? Have I not often told you that you had wounded me, and yet
