Some rushed into the house; the door that was locked flew open, and there stood Ambulinia, weeping.  “Father, be still,” said she, “and I will follow thee home.”  But the agitated man seized her, and bore her off through the gazing multitude.  “Father!” she exclaimed, “I humbly beg your pardon—­I will be dutiful—­I will obey thy commands.  Let the sixteen years I have lived in obedience to thee by my future security.”  “I don’t like to be always giving credit, when the old score is not paid up, madam,” said the father.  The mother followed almost in a state of derangement, crying and imploring her to think beforehand, and ask advice from experienced persons, and they would tell her it was a rash undertaking.  “Oh!” said she, “Ambulinia, my daughter, did you know what I have suffered —­did you know how many nights I have whiled away in agony, in pain, and in fear, you would pity the sorrows of a heartbroken mother.”

“Well, mother,” replied Ambulinia, “I know I have been disobedient; I am aware that what I have done might have been done much better; but oh! what shall I do with my honor? it is so dear to me; I am pledged to Elfonzo.  His high moral worth is certainly worth some attention; moreover, my vows, I have no doubt, are recorded in the book of life, and must I give these all up? must my fair hopes be forever blasted?  Forbid it, father; oh! forbid it, mother; forbid it, Heaven.”  “I have seen so many beautiful skies overclouded,” replied the mother, “so many blossoms nipped by the frost, that I am afraid to trust you to the care of those fair days, which may be interrupted by thundering and tempestuous nights.  You no doubt think as I did—­life’s devious ways were strewn with sweet-scented flowers, but ah! how long they have lingered around me and took their flight in the vivid hope that laughs at the drooping victims it has murdered.”  Elfonzo was moved at this sight.  The people followed on to see what was going to become of Ambulinia, while he, with downcast looks, kept at a distance, until he saw them enter the abode of the father, thrusting her, that was the sigh of his soul, out of his presence into a solitary apartment, when she exclaimed, “Elfonzo!  Elfonzo! oh, Elfonzo! where art thou, with all thy heroes? haste, oh! haste, come thou to my relief.  Ride on the wings of the wind!  Turn thy force loose like a tempest, and roll on thy army like a whirlwind, over this mountain of trouble and confusion.  Oh, friends! if any pity me, let your last efforts throng upon the green hills, and come to the relief of Ambulinia, who is guilty of nothing but innocent love.”  Elfonzo called out with a loud voice, “My God, can I stand this! arise up, I beseech you, and put an end to this tyranny.  Come, my brave boys,” said he, “are you ready to go forth to your duty?” They stood around him.  “Who,” said he, “will call us to arms?  Where are my thunderbolts of war?  Speak ye, the first who will meet the foe!  Who will go forward with me in this ocean of grievous