Memoirs of Carwin the Biloquist (A Fragment)

ptable to Ludloe, who applauded my discretion, and warned me to be circumspect. My attention was chiefly absorbed

recovered not from my reverie, till I had proceeded some miles on the road to Meath. The night had considerably advanced, and the darkness was rendered intense, by the setting of the moon. Being somewhat w

ir way. Scarcely had they passed the spot where I rested, when some one leaped from beneath the hedge, and seized the head of the fore-horses. Another called upon the coachman to stop, and threatened him with instant death

f defence. I was desirous of rescuing this person from the danger which surrounded her, but was somewhat at a loss how to effect my purpose. My

ing with quickness, it was easy to imitate the sound of many feet. The robbers were alarmed, and one called upon another to attend. The sounds increased, and, at the next moment, they betook themselves to flight

ding, I might not fall into their hands..... These considerations induced me to resume my feet, an

ans of access without disturbing the family. I hasted to my chamber, but was considerably su

of importance, and had therefore sought me at this secret hour, in my own chamber. Contrary to his expectation, I was absent. Conceiving it possible that I might shortly return, he had waited

who are able to supply them; but there are few who will acknowledge your claim, or spare an atom of their superfluity to appease

he wants of others. To give food, and clothing, and shelter, is to give life, to annihil

and exchange them for money; but these are tardy and meagre schemes. The means are disproport

tless you desire to be vested with competence and riches, and to hold them by virtue of the law, and not at the will of a benefactor...... He paused a

. It happens that the easiest is at hand. A revenue of some thousands a year, a stately mansion in the city, and

d by momentous conditions. I cannot decide u

obligation of gratitude will be created by acceptance. On the contrary

u. Something surely mu

ut the wonder is greater still. The law equitably enough fetters the gift with no restraints, with respect to you that receive it; but not so with regard to the unhappy being who best

er with this property, you will receive absolute power over the liberty and person of the being who now po

yourself..... You may either totally forbear the exercise, or employ it only for the benefit of your slave. However injurio

ll. All the powers of this being are to be devoted to your happiness; but there is one relation between you, which enables you to confer, while exa

f his discourse. I knew that he regarded the present institution of marriage as a contract of servitude, and the terms of it unequal

le, are not light upon the male. Their weight and extent are not immutable and uniform; they are

with age, and enslaved by perverse habits and evil passions: whereas youth, beauty, and t

ffection from my spouse. The value of these, and, indeed, not only the value, but the very existence, of

l and physical constitution will make personal fidelity easy. I shall judge without mi

and my wife. Our opinions and pursuits cannot be in common. While women are formed by their education, and their educa

man to whom you allude? and what prospect of succ

o you. Your letters from Spain often spoke of him. In short, she is the widow of Benington, whom you met at Barcelona. She is still in the prime of life; is not without many feminine attractions; has an ardent

n deference; and my commendations, therefore, wi

of rank, and property, and independence, which I have already mentioned as likely to accrue to you from this marriage, are s

of your sincerity and fortitude. The marriage I now propose to you is desirable, because it will make you independent of me. Your poverty might create an unsui

t subdued by the tenderness and blandishments of woman, may be trusted; b

ansactions, of suspecting and sifting your thoughts, which her constant society with you, while sleeping and waking, her zeal and watchfulness for your welfare, and her curiosity, adroitness, an

d fear. Many, it is true, have fallen, and dragged with them the author of their ruin, but some have soared above even thes

ying your trust, the rigour of those who will Judge your fault, the unerring and unboun

e it, to see or not to see this woman. Circumspection, deliber