of my sex.  I care but little for the vanity of those who would chide me, and am unwilling as well as ashamed to be guilty of anything that would lead you to think ‘all is not gold that glitters’; so be no rash in your resolution.  It is better to repent now, than to do it in a more solemn hour.  Yes, I know what you would say.  I know you have a costly gift for me—­the noblest that man can make —­your heart!  You should not offer it to one so unworthy.  Heaven, you know, has allowed my father’s house to be made a house of solitude, a home of silent obedience, which my parents say is more to be admired than big names and high-sounding titles.  Notwithstanding all this, let me speak the emotions of an honest heart —­allow me to say in the fullness of my hopes that I anticipate better days.  The bird may stretch its wings toward the sun, which it can never reach; and flowers of the field appear to ascend in the same direction, because they cannot do otherwise; but man confides his complaints to the saints in whom he believes; for in their abodes of light they know no more sorrow.  From your confession and indicative looks, I must be that person; if so deceive not yourself.”

Elfonzo replied, “Pardon me, my dear madam, for my frankness.  I have loved you from my earliest days—­everything grand and beautiful hath borne the image of Ambulinia; while precipices on every hand surrounded me, your guardian angel stood and beckoned me away from the deep abyss.  In every trial, in every misfortune, I have met with your helping hand; yet I never dreamed or dared to cherish thy love, till a voice impaired with age encouraged the cause, and declared they who acquired thy favor should win a victory.  I saw how Leos worshiped thee.  I felt my own unworthiness.  I began to know jealously, a strong guest—­indeed, in my bosom, —­yet I could see if I gained your admiration Leos was to be my rival.  I was aware that he had the influence of your parents, and the wealth of a deceased relative, which is too often mistaken for permanent and regular tranquillity; yet I have determined by your permission to beg an interest in your prayers—­to ask you to animate my drooping spirits by your smiles and your winning looks; for if you but speak I shall be conqueror, my enemies shall stagger like Olympus shakes.  And though earth and sea may tremble, and the charioteer of the sun may forget his dashing steed, yet I am assured that it is only to arm me with divine weapons which will enable me to complete my long-tried intention.”

“Return to yourself, Elfonzo,” said Ambulinia, pleasantly:  “a dream of vision has disturbed your intellect; you are above the atmosphere, dwelling in the celestial regions; nothing is there that urges or hinders, nothing that brings discord into our present litigation.  I entreat you to condescend a little, and be a man, and forget it all.  When Homer describes the battle of the gods and noble men fighting with