Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/23

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—"You shall know all," interrupted he, eagerly. I wish for an undisturbed conversation with you. It will be a moonlight night, and I, Sennor,—am an honest man."

Here he opened his cloak and his fair and large eyes attested the sincerity of his declaration,

—"You may depend oh my coming, said I; I am no dastard, and in case of an attack, know how to defend myself."

"He now bowed, wrapt himself up in his wonted manner, and retired.

"When the first stroke of the chapel-bell proclaimed midnight, I was oft the appointed spot. The moon frequently hid herself behind the passing clouds, and cast a solemn glimpse of the surrounding objects. The brisk gales from the sea-side clattered among the panes of the sacred pile, the weathercocks and the flagstaff of the fort creaked on their holds, and the sea-surf dashed with roaring violence against the ramparts. I walked up and down well-armed, and wrapt up in a cloak. At first, curiosity had been my principal sensation, and my fancy roved