Frederic and Elfrida (Manuscript)/Chapter 4
Chapter the Fourth
It was not till the next morning that Charlotte recollected the double engagement she had entered into; but when she did, the reflection of her past folly, operated so strongly on her mind, that she resolved to be guilty of a greater, and to that end threw herself into a deep stream which ran thro' her Aunts pleasure Grounds in Portland Place.
She floated to Crankhumdunberry where she was picked up & buried; the following epitaph, composed by Frederic Elfrida and Rebecca, was placed on her tomb.
Epitaph
Here lies our freind who having promis-ed That unto two she would be marri-ed Threw her sweet Body and her lovely face Into the Stream that runs thro' Portland Place
These sweet lines, as pathetic as beautifull were never read by any one who passed that way, without a shower of tears, which if they should fail of exciting in you, Reader, your mind must be unworthy to peruse them.
Having performed the last sad office to their departed freind, Frederic & Elfrida together with Captain Roger and Rebecca returned to Mrs Fitzroy's at whose feet they threw themselves with one accord and addreſsed her in the following Manner.
"Madam"
"When the sweet Captain Roger
firstmust addreſsed the amiable Rebecca,
you alone objected to their union on
account of the tender years of the Parties. That plea can be no more, seven days being now expired, together
with the lovely Charlotte, since the Captain
first spoke to you on the subject."
"Consent then Madam to their union and as a reward, this smelling Bottle which I enclose in my right hand, shall be yours and yours forever; I never will claim it again. But if you refuse to join their hands in 3 days time, this dagger which I enclose in my left shall be steeped in your hearts blood."
"Speak then Madam and decide their fate and yours."
Such gentle and sweet persuasion could not fail of having the desired effect. The answer they received, was this.
"My dear young freinds"
"The arguments you have use dare too just and too eloquent to be withstood; Rebecca in 3 days time, you shall be united to the Captain."
This speech, than which nothing could be more satisfactory, was received with Joy by all; and peace being once more restored on all sides, Captain Roger intreated Rebecca to favour them with a Song, in compliance with which request having first assured them that she had a terrible cold, she sung as follows.
Song
when Corydon went to the fair
He bought a red ribbon for Beſs,
with which she encircled her hair
and made herself look very fess.