This you will never do: You
want strength of mind to force them to obedience, and unless you
pay their established price, they will not be your voluntary
Servants. In this one instance they consent to obey you: I offer
you the means of enjoying your Mistress, and be careful not to
lose the opportunity. Receive this constellated Myrtle: While
you bear this in your hand, every door will fly open to you. It
will procure you access tomorrow night to Antonia's chamber:
Then breathe upon it thrice, pronounce her name, and place it
upon her pillow. A death-like slumber will immediately seize
upon her, and deprive her of the power of resisting your
attempts. Sleep will hold her till break of Morning. In this
state you may satisfy your desires without danger of being
discovered; since when daylight shall dispel the effects of the
enchantment, Antonia will perceive her dishonour, but be ignorant
of the Ravisher. Be happy then, my Ambrosio, and let this
service convince you that my friendship is disinterested and
pure. The night must be near expiring: Let us return to the
Abbey, lest our absence should create surprize.'
The Abbot received the talisman with silent gratitude. His ideas
were too much bewildered by the adventures of the night to
permit his expressing his thanks audibly, or indeed as yet to
feel the whole value of her present. Matilda took up her Lamp
and Basket, and guided her Companion from the mysterious Cavern.
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