midnight
will be to repay that affection I have been so happy as to engage . With what transport then shall I obey your summons , in performing that enterprise , which will rescue you from the bed of a detested rival , and put myself in full possession of a jewel which I value infinitely more than life ! Yes , adorable creature ! I have provided everything for our escape , and at midnight will attend you in your own apartment , from whence you shall be conveyed into a land of liberty and peace , where you will , unmolested , enjoy the purity of that religion you have espoused , and in full security bless the arms of your ever faithful , ORLANDO . '' Were you a fond parent , a tender husband , and a noble Castilian , I should not need to mention the unutterable horrors that took possession of my bosom , when I perused this accursed letter , by which I learned the apostasy , disobedience , and degeneracy of my idolised Serafina , who had overthrown and destroyed the whole plan of felicity which I had erected , and blasted all the glories of my name ; and when the wretched messenger , terrified by my menaces and agitation , confessed that Antonia herself was privy to the guilt of her daughter , whom she had solemnly betrothed to that vile German , in the sight of Heaven , and that by her connivance this plebeian intended , that very night , to bereave me of my child , I was for some moments stupefied with grief and amazement , that gave way to an ecstasy of rage , which had well-nigh terminated in despair and distraction . I now tremble , and my head grows giddy with the remembrance of that dreadful occasion . Behold how the drops trickle down my forehead ; this agony is a fierce and familiar visitant ; I shall banish it anon .