ABSTRACT
In the course of the day, Glenarvon wrote to Calantha. ‘I have never sought to win you to me after the manner other men might desire,’ he said. ‘I have respected your opinions; and I have resisted more than woman’s feelings can conceive. But Calantha you have shared the struggle. I have marked in your eye the fire of passion, in the quivering of your lip and changing complexion, the fierce power which destroyed you. When in the soft language of poetry, I have read to you, or spoken with the warmth I knew not how to feign, you have turned from mea it is true; but pride more than virtue, inclined your firm resistance. Every principle in your heart is shaken; every tie that ought to bind thee most, is broken; and I who should / triumph at my success, weep only for thy fall. I found thee innocent, confiding and sincere: I leave thee – but, oh God! wilt thou thus be left? wilt thou now that thy soul itself partakes in thy guilt, wilt thou forsake me?’ ‘Uponb this night,’ continued Glenarvon, ‘you have given me a solemn promise to meet me in secret: it is the first time concealment has been rendered necessary. I know your nature too well, not to be convinced that you are already preparing to retract. Do so, if it be your will: – I wish you not to take one step without fully appreciating its consequences, and the crime incurred. I have never disguised to you the guilt of our attachment since the moment in which I felt assured of my own sentiments. I wished you to feel the sacrifice you were making: how otherwise could I consider it as any? my love is worth some risk. Every one knows my weakness; and did you feel half what you inspire, you would be / proud, you would glory in what you now attempt to hide. The woman I love, must see, must hear, mustc believe and confide in no other but me. I renounce every other for youd – And, now that I claim you as my own, expecte the fulfilment of your many professions. Shew me that you can be firm and true: give yourself to me entirely: you are mine; and you must prove it. I am preferedf before every earthly being in my Calantha’s heart – my dearest, my only friend. Of this indeed I have long ceased to entertain a single doubt; but now I require more. Even in religious faith – even in hopes, in reliance upon the mercy of God.g I cannot bear a competitor and a rival.
