aim: he had no apprehenſion, whatever he pretended, of an illuſion of the painter. He well knew that the original exiſted in nature, and was far more beautiful than the imitation by the artiſt: he was only ignorant where it was to be found, and how he could get it into his poſſeſſion.
On entering the gallery he flew with fiery impatience towards the beloved portrait, and throwing himſelf into the attitude of worship: ‘Behold here the goddeſs of my devotion; where is ſhe to be found? On your lips, diſcreet princeſs, hangs my deſtiny—decide whether I am to live or die. If I am deceived by a bewitching phantom, let me ſink lifeleſs at your feet: but if my own preſentiments juſtify the choice of my heart, diſcover to me what land or people poſſeſſes this jewel, that I may ſally forth in queſt of my miſtreſs, and gain her favour by knightly atchievements.’ The venerable princeſs was not a little diſconcerted at this unexpected diſcovery: a ſerious air overſhadowed her face, whoſewell-
