Page:The castle of Otranto (Third Edition).djvu/142

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

[114]

cause to tremble. How! said Theodore; thinkest thou, charming maid, that I will accept of life at the hazard of aught calamitous to thee? better I endured a thousand deaths, —I run no risk, said Matilda, but by thy delay. Depart; it cannot be known that I assisted thy flight. Swear by the saints above, said Theodore, that thou canst not be suspected; else here I vow to await whatever can befal me. Oh! thou art too generous; said Matilda; but rest assured that no suspicion can alight on me. Give me thy beauteous hand in token that thou dost not deceive me, said Theodore; and let me bathe it with the warm tears of gratitude,—forbear; said the Princess; this must not be. Alas! said Theodore, I have never known but calamity until this hour—perhaps shall never know other fortune again: Suffer the chaste raptures of holy gratitude: 'Tis my soul would print its effusions on thy hand. Forbear, and be gone: Said Matilda:—How would Isabella approve of seeing thee at my feet? Who is Isa-bella?