8
whom his love is due; and think what jealous rage
will fill her breast, when she shall know you have
robbed her of her king: for jealousy is hell to the
mind, and a terror to the conscience, surpassing
reason, and inciting rage. Think then what thou
mayest expect in thy unlawful love. Thou wilt be
sure to lose thy virtue and honour, thy chastity,
thy reputation, perhaps thy life; and, which is
most of all, thy soul, without repentance. If,
therefore, thou wilt change thy virgin state, I will
take care and get a husband for thee, with whom
thou mayest live honestly; and that, perhaps, may
quench the fire of lust thy beauty may have kindled
in the king, and make thee safe, and thy parents
happy."
Rosamond gavo great attention to her father's
words, assuring him, with many asseverations, she
would do the utmost of her power to avoid what
should be displeasing to him; but as to changing
her condition she did humbly beg to be excused.
Her mother thereou said, -Rosamond, it would
be more to my satisfaction, and to your father's, to
see you married, for then I could believe you out
of danger; and you know my Lord Fitzwalter has
a passion for you; a nobleman of an illustrious
family, as wealthy too, as most lords in the king-
dom; your father would be glad of such a son-in-
law, and so should I, to see you well married ;
therefore do not stand in your own light, lest you
thereby make us both believe you have too great a
kindness for the king."
Rosamond said she hoped they would not put her
upon courting my Lord Fitzwalter, however accom-
plished he might be ; for it was enough for her to
entertain him when he came to court her. Her
father told her, as to that, he would tako care all
things should be managed to her satisfaction.
But while the good Lord Clifford and his lady
