be the meſſenger of evil tidings.”–“Rehearſe them unreſervedly,” cried Adela, with a tone of anxious impatience.
“I purſued my journey,” ſaid he, “many days, without any adventure, till I came within ſight of a ſtately caſtle. It ſtood on the brow of a woody hill; was garniſhed with towers and battlements; and commanded a wide proſpect of cultivated fields and foreſts. As I advanced, mine ear was ſuddenly ſurpriſed with the din of hounds and horns, mingled with the cries of the huntſmen. I ſoon deſcried a gallant ſhow of knights and ſplendid dames, mounted on milk white courſers, and purſuing the rapid deer. When the chace was ended, they ſtopped by the ſide of a chryſtal brook; and a comely youth, arrayed in ſhining apparel, alighted from his foamy ſteed, and with courtly obeiſance preſented the prey to a fair and ſmiling lady. I mingled in their company, and in the lineaments of the courteous youth recogniſed the inconſtant Edwin. O gentle lady, may heaven ſo help me in my utmoſt need, as I now ſpeak the words of truth! And may the ſaints and holy angels ſo ſuccour thee as thy miſhap requires! The faithleſs youth hath committed treaſon againſt thy love. Seduced by the blandiſhment of an artful dame, he hath become forgetful of thy peerleſs beauty.”
The heart of Adela throbbed with anguiſh during the recital. “Valorous heroic warrior!” ſhe exclaimed, “are theſe thy deeds of hardy proweſs, to betray the innocent credulity of an eaſy maid? Stain to manhood, and the honoured profeſſion of arms, be thou henceforth baniſhed from my remembrance!”
Meantime Edgar advanced his ſuit with redoubled ardour. Albert, unable to brook any longer delay, inſiſted on having the bridal ceremony ſolemnized; and Adela, incited by ſecret pride and reſentment, ſubmitted to the will of her father. The report of this noble alliance was publiſhed through the land; and the kindred of Albert and Edgar, with the neighbouring barons, were aſſembled to grace the ſolemnity. Already were
