The Captives

vertise of their approach. The ladies causing Frederic to be conveyed into the nearest chamber, retired, while the surgeons examined his wounds. Matilda b

of the Marquis's wounds were dangerous; and that he w

meeting his, that Isabella, who regarded Theodore as attentively as he gazed on Matilda, soon divined who the object was that he had told her in the cave engaged his affections. While this mute scene passed, H

that his daughter, of whom he had learned no news since his captivity, was detained in a castle, where she was in danger of the most dreadful misfortunes: and that if he obtained his liberty, and repaired to a wood near Joppa, he would learn more. Alarmed at this dream, and incapable of obeying the direction

but on the evening of the third they came to a cell, in which they found a venerable hermit

as! above fifty years since I was witness to that dreadful scene! St. Nicholas appeared to me, and revealed a secret, which he bade me never disclose to mortal man, but on my death-bed. This is that tremendous hour, and ye are no doubt the chosen warriors to whom I

ous sabre-the very weapon yonder in the court. On the blade, which was then partly out of the scabbard, though since closed by our efforts in removing it, were written the following lines-no; excuse me, M

to accomplish the fate that seemed to threaten her house. Looking with anxious fondne

ne behests with lowliness and submission. It is our part to deprecate its wra

and the tender silent affection with which the Princess and her daughter regarded each other, melted him almost to tears. Yet

ue that suits th

thy daughter

od alone can

ng restless Pr

"that affects these Princesses? Why were they to be shock

," said the Marquis; "and thoug

d was dictated by his sentiments for Matilda, "discompose not yourself for the glosin

? As the Marquis was going to reply, they heard a noise without, and rising to inquire the cause, Manfred, Jerome, and part of the troop, who had met an imperfect rumour of what had happened, entered the

thou dreadful spectr

a, clasping him in her arms, "what is it yo

u see nothing, Hippolita? Is this ghastly p

ppolita, "resume your soul, command your reas

d Manfred. "Dost thou not see him

a; "this is Theodore, the yout

head; "Theodore or a phantom, he has unhinged the soul of

in search of Isabel

doubtful-. But how did he escape from durance in which I left him? Was it

Lord," said Theodore, "if he medit

nd how Theodore had escaped, how he came to be armed, and to encounter Frederic. Still he would not venture to ask any questions tha

"that thou repayest mine and Hippolita's bounties? And not content with traversing my heart

to surrender myself to your Highness's pleasure?" added he, laying his sword respectfully at Manfred's feet. "Behold my bosom; strike, my Lord

y person present in his favour. Even Manfred was touched-yet still possessed

purpose. But tell me thy history, and how tho

said Jero

id Manfred; "I will n

irs from the coast of Sicily. She died of grief in less than a twelvemonth;" the tears gushed from Jerome's eyes, on whose countenance a thousand anxious passions

aid Jerome; "I am th

ee silence," said

by the Rover who had carried my mother and me into captivity: that his castle had been burnt to the ground, and that my father on his return had sold what remained, and was retired into religion in the kingdom of Naples, but where no man could inform me. Destitute and friendless, hopeless almost of attaining the transport of a parent's embrace, I took the first opportunity of setting sail for Naples

approbation gently ar

I will pledge myself for his veracity: if what he reports of himself were not true, he would not utter it-and for me, youth, I honour a frankness which becomes thy birth; but now, and thou didst offend me: yet the noble blood which flows

nt galled the s

"have power to impress my mind with awe, it is more

: shall we not leave him to his rest?" Saying this, and taking Manfre

er engagement to return to the castle on the morrow (a condition the young man gladly accepted), to retire with his father to the convent. Matilda and Isabella were too much occupied with their own reflections, and to

reflected that Isabella had been twice delivered by Theodore in very critical situations, which she could not believe accidental. His eyes, it was true, had been fixed on her in Frederic's chamber; but that might have been to disguise his passion for Isabella from th

d eyes had told her his heart was engaged; it was true-yet, perhaps, Matilda might not correspon

fections-if it is, I am not so unhappy as I thought; if it is not my friend Matilda-how! Can I stoop to wish for the affection of a man, who rudely and unnecessarily acquainted me with his indifference? and that at the very moment in which common courtesy demanded at least expre

's suspicions, and destroyed the confidence she had purposed to place in her friend. They blushed at meeting, and were too much novices to disguise their sensations with address. After some unmeaning questions and replies, Matilda demanded of Isabella th

d to the convent that

istake to me: on seeing me faint, she cried out, 'The Princess is

Isabella, indifferent to the res

sitting in judgm

l?" said Isab

" said Matild

was that you

odore?" sa

know how he had offended my father, but as he has been

k I am such a stranger to filial tenderness as not to resent the boldness of that audacious youth, and that it is impossible for me ever to feel any affection for one who dared to lift his arm against the author

that youth until yesterday; he is almost a stranger to me: but as the surgeons have pronounced your father out of danger, yo

abella, "considering he is so much a stranger to

you?" sai

of Theodore's inclination for her. Then changing the discourse, she

ortrait of Alfonso in the gallery? I took notice of it to Bianca even before I

s you seem to have done. Ah? Matilda, your heart is in danger, but let me warn you as a friend, he has owne

paused-then continuing: "he saw you first, and I am far from having the vanity to think that my little porti

d expression, "it is you that Theodore admires; I saw it; I am persuaded of i

. Each confessed to the other the impression that Theodore had made on her; and this confidence was followed by a struggle of generosity, each insisting on yielding her claim to her friend. At length

amity, Hippolita entere

nd interest yourself so kindly in whatever affects our wretched house, tha

were all attent

the sceptre of Otranto should pass from Manfred's hands into those of the Marquis Frederic, I have been perhaps inspired with the thought of averting our total

; "good heavens! my gracious mother-

ened benignly to my proposal, and

thou done! what ruin has thy inadvertent goodness

to my child!" said Hippol

n heart prevents your seeing the depravity of

presence, young lady, mention Manfred with

bella, "if his wicked purposes

rm; but until this hour I never knew it betray you into intemperance. Wha

ed Isabella; "it is not thy life he aims at-it is

rce my mother!" cried Hip

to complete his crime, he m

t thou hast already u

h; and the recollection of Manfred's late am

polita's feet in a transport of passion; "trust me, believe me, I will die a t

sabella; I do not doubt your virtue. Oh! Matilda, this stroke is too heavy for thee! w

rvently; "and you are virtuous, you are guil

st not all! There is a destiny hangs over us; the hand of Providence is stretched out; oh! could I but save thee from the wreck! Yes," continued she in a firmer tone, "perhaps the sacrifice of myself may atone for

as Manfred is execrable; but think not, lady, that thy weakn

lita: "remember thou dost not depe

s contracted to the son, can I wed the father? No, madam, no; force should not drag me to Manfred's hated bed. I loathe him, I abhor him: divine and hum

" cried Matilda: "can we, can w

st decide for us. Have patience until you hear what Manfred and Frederic have determined. If the Marquis accepts Matilda's hand, I know she will readily obey. Heaven may interpose and prevent the res

atilda. "But can I, most respected of women, can I experience all this tender

r?" said Isabella trembling.

sses of my soul harboured a thought without her permission-nay, I have offended her; I have suffered

these! what new calamities has fate in store for us!

, if I cost my mother a pang. She is the dearest thing

ou art conscious to this unhapp

her's love, that she will not permit me even to sp

polita: "canst thou behold this anguish of

arms-"Oh! I know she is good, she is all virtue, all tenderne

consent to bestow his heiress on so poor a man, though nobly born. Some comfort it gave her to find their passion of so recent a date, and that Theodore had had but little cause to suspect it in either. She strictly enjoined th

ita, "and order new masses to be said f

ve my father an opportunity of pursuing his fatal intention. Alas! on my knees I supplicat

turn instantly. I will never abandon thee, until I

ill not marry Frederic until thou comma

said Hippolita. "I have

. A frown from thee can do more than all my father's severity.

olita; "thou must no

wed another? let me attend thee to the alta

ill-bestowed my tenderness, if it has taught thee to rever

d Manfred to resign the principality, which the delicacy of her conscience rendered an hourly burthen to her. These scruples c

n to prevent Manfred's suspicion from alighting on Matilda; and added, the holiness of Jerome's life and character secured him from the tyrant's wrath. Jerome was heartily grie

y to learn the Friar's reasons, and less disposition to obey them. The lovely Matilda had made stronger impressions on him than filial affection. All night he p

"this tardiness does not please me. Have a

s, and attributed his delay

son blushed. "Come, come," resumed the Friar, "inconsiderate youth

e: "Can guilt dwell with innoce

heaven has doomed to destruction. A tyrant's race must b

e crimes of the guilty?" said Theodore

thou so soon forgotten that twice the sa

the charity of his daughter delivered me from his

good Alfonso; a prince adorned with every virtue: the father of his people! the delight of mankind! Kneel, headstrong boy, and list, while a father unfolds a tale of horror that will expel every

art thou at leisure?-but why this kneeling youth? what means the horror imprin

to the woes of this deplorable province. Join with us, Lady! thy spotless soul may obtain an exempti

en the occupation of my life to wrest a blessing for my Lord and my harmless children.-One al

less her," cried Th

contend not with the Powers above! the Lord giveth, and the Lo

only comfort? must Matilda perish too?-ah! Father, I came-but di

most excellent Princess!" said T

was come to claim his succession, would yield to an alliance with the usurper of his right. But nothing could equal the perplexity of the Friar, when Hippolita confessed her readiness not to oppose the separation, and demanded his opinion on the legality of her acquiescence. The Friar caught eagerly at her request of his advice,

s enmity to Manfred, whom he saw but little hope of dispossessing by force; and flattering himself that no issue might succeed from the union of his daughter with the tyrant, he looked upon his own succession to t

rmed by Isabella of his purpose. He doubted whether her retirement to the convent did not import an intention of remaining there, until she could raise obstacles to their divorce; and the suspicions he had already entertained of Jerome, made him apprehend that the Friar would not only

ss drew you hither? why did you not

lessing on your counci

aid Manfred; "and of all men living is that hoary t

s are known. Heaven and this virtuous lady know them-nay, frown not, Prince. The Church despises thy menaces. Her thunders will be heard ab

ceal the awe with which the Friar's words inspired h

; "thou art no Prince-go, discuss thy cl

is claim, unless I have no male issue"-as he spoke those words three drops of blood fell f

aculous indication that the blood of Alf

d the Church. To that revered tribunal let us appeal. It does not depend on us to burst the bonds that unite us. If the Church shall approve the dissolution of our marriage

meddling Friar comes not thither; my hospitable roof shall never more harbour a traitor-and for thy Reverence's offspring," continued he, "I banish him from my

eld in the seat of lawful Princes; but they wither awa

r of the church whispered one of his attendants to remain concealed about the conv