Aftertheeditionof1798
　　CONTENTS
　　PrefacebyWilliamS。GodwinAuthor’sPrefaceMaria
　　MARIA
　　orTheWrongsofWomanPREFACE
　　THEPUBLICareherepresentedwiththelastliteraryattemptofanauthor，whosefamehasbeenuncommonlyextensive，andwhosetalentshaveprobablybeenmostadmired，bythepersonsbywhomtalentsareestimatedwiththegreatestaccuracyanddiscrimination。
　　Therearefew，towhomherwritingscouldinanycasehavegivenpleasure，thatwouldhavewishedthatthisfragmentshouldhavebeensuppressed，becauseitisafragment。Thereisasentiment，verydeartomindsoftasteandimagination，thatfindsamelancholydelightincontemplatingtheseunfinishedproductionsofgenius，thesesketchesofwhat，iftheyhadbeenfilledupinamanneradequatetothewriter’sconception，wouldperhapshavegivenanewimpulsetothemannersofaworld。
　　Thepurposeandstructureofthefollowingwork，hadlongformedafavouritesubjectofmeditationwithitsauthor，andshejudgedthemcapableofproducinganimportanteffect。Thecompositionhadbeeninprogressforaperiodoftwelvemonths。Shewasanxioustodojusticetoherconception，andrecommencedandrevisedthemanuscriptseveraldifferenttimes。Somuchofitasisheregiventothepublic，shewasfarfromconsideringasfinished，and，inalettertoafrienddirectlywrittenonthissubject，shesays，"Iamperfectlyawarethatsomeoftheincidentsoughttobetransposed，andheightenedbymoreharmoniousshading;andIwishedinsomedegreetoavailmyselfofcriticism，beforeIbegantoadjustmyeventsintoastory，theoutlineofwhichIhadsketchedinmymind。"*Theonlyfriendstowhomtheauthorcommunicatedhermanuscript，wereMr。Dyson，thetranslatoroftheSorcerer，andthepresenteditor;anditwasimpossibleforthemostinexperiencedauthortodisplayastrongerdesireofprofitingbythecensuresandsentimentsthatmightbesuggested。**
　　*Amorecopiousextractofthisletterissubjoinedtotheauthor’spreface。
　　**Thepartcommunicatedconsistedofthefirstfourteenchapters。
　　Inrevisingthesesheetsforthepress，itwasnecessaryfortheeditor，insomeplaces，toconnectthemorefinishedpartswiththepagesofanoldercopy，andalineortwoinadditionsometimesappearedrequisiteforthatpurpose。Whereversuchalibertyhasbeentaken，theadditionalphraseswillbefoundinclosedinbrackets;itbeingtheeditor’smostearnestdesiretointrudenothingofhimselfintothework，buttogivetothepublicthewords，aswellasideas，oftherealauthor。
　　Whatfollowsintheensuingpages，isnotaprefaceregularlydrawnoutbytheauthor，butmerelyhintsforapreface，which，thoughneverfilledupinthemannerthewriterintended，appearedtobeworthpreserving。
　　W。GODWIN。
　　AUTHOR’SPREFACE
　　THEWRONGSOFWOMAN，likethewrongsoftheoppressedpartofmankind，maybedeemednecessarybytheiroppressors：butsurelythereareafew，whowilldaretoadvancebeforetheimprovementoftheage，andgrantthatmysketchesarenottheabortionofadistemperedfancy，orthestrongdelineationsofawoundedheart。
　　Inwritingthisnovel，Ihaveratherendeavouredtopourtraypassionsthanmanners。
　　InmanyinstancesIcouldhavemadetheincidentsmoredramatic，wouldIhavesacrificedmymainobject，thedesireofexhibitingthemiseryandoppression，peculiartowomen，thatariseoutofthepartiallawsandcustomsofsociety。
　　Intheinventionofthestory，thisviewrestrainedmyfancy;
　　andthehistoryoughtrathertobeconsidered，asofwoman，thanofanindividual。
　　ThesentimentsIhaveembodied。
　　Inmanyworksofthisspecies，theheroisallowedtobemortal，andtobecomewiseandvirtuousaswellashappy，byatrainofeventsandcircumstances。Theheroines，onthecontrary，aretobebornimmaculate，andtoactlikegoddessesofwisdom，justcomeforthhighlyfinishedMinervasfromtheheadofJove。
　　[Thefollowingisanextractofaletterfromtheauthortoafriend，towhomshecommunicatedhermanuscript。]
　　Formypart，Icannotsupposeanysituationmoredistressing，thanforawomanofsensibility，withanimprovingmind，tobeboundtosuchamanasIhavedescribedforlife;obligedtorenounceallthehumanizingaffections，andtoavoidcultivatinghertaste，lestherperceptionofgraceandrefinementofsentiment，shouldsharpentoagonythepangsofdisappointment。Love，inwhichtheimaginationminglesitsbewitchingcolouring，mustbefosteredbydelicacy。Ishoulddespise，orrathercallheranordinarywoman，whocouldenduresuchahusbandasIhavesketched。
　　Theseappeartome（matrimonialdespotismofheartandconduct）
　　tobethepeculiarWrongsofWoman，becausetheydegradethemind。
　　Whataretermedgreatmisfortunes，maymoreforciblyimpressthemindofcommonreaders;theyhavemoreofwhatmayjustlybetermedstage—effect;butitisthedelineationoffinersensations，which，inmyopinion，constitutesthemeritofourbestnovels。ThisiswhatIhaveinview;andtoshowthewrongsofdifferentclassesofwomen，equallyoppressive，though，fromthedifferenceofeducation，necessarilyvarious。
　　CHAPTER1
　　ABODESOFHORRORhavefrequentlybeendescribed，andcastles，filledwithspectresandchimeras，conjuredupbythemagicspellofgeniustoharrowthesoul，andabsorbthewonderingmind。But，formedofsuchstuffasdreamsaremadeof，whatweretheytothemansionofdespair，inonecornerofwhichMariasat，endeavouringtorecallherscatteredthoughts！
　　Surprise，astonishment，thatborderedondistraction，seemedtohavesuspendedherfaculties，till，wakingbydegreestoakeensenseofanguish，awhirlwindofrageandindignationrousedhertorpidpulse。Onerecollectionwithfrightfulvelocityfollowinganother，threatenedtofireherbrain，andmakeherafitcompanionfortheterrificinhabitants，whosegroansandshriekswerenounsubstantialsoundsofwhistlingwinds，orstartledbirds，modulatedbyaromanticfancy，whichamusewhiletheyaffright;butsuchtonesofmiseryascarryadreadfulcertaintydirectlytotheheart。
　　Whateffectmusttheythenhaveproducedonone，truetothetouchofsympathy，andtorturedbymaternalapprehension！
　　Herinfant’simagewascontinuallyfloatingonMaria’ssight，andthefirstsmileofintelligenceremembered，asnonebutamother，anunhappymother，canconceive。Sheheardherhalfspeakinghalfcooing，andfeltthelittletwinklingfingersonherburningbosom——abosomburstingwiththenutrimentforwhichthischerishedchildmightnowbepininginvain。Fromastrangershecouldindeedreceivethematernalaliment，Mariawasgrievedatthethought——
　　butwhowouldwatchherwithamother’stenderness，amother’sself—denial？
　　Theretreatingshadowsofformersorrowsrushedbackinagloomytrain，andseemedtobepicturedonthewallsofherprison，magnifiedbythestateofmindinwhichtheywereviewed——Stillshemournedforherchild，lamentedshewasadaughter，andanticipatedtheaggravatedillsoflifethathersexrenderedalmostinevitable，evenwhiledreadingshewasnomore。Tothinkthatshewasblottedoutofexistencewasagony，whentheimaginationhadbeenlongemployedtoexpandherfaculties;yettosupposeherturnedadriftonanunknownsea，wasscarcelylessafflicting。
　　Afterbeingtwodaysthepreyofimpetuous，varyingemotions，Mariabegantoreflectmorecalmlyonherpresentsituation，forshehadactuallybeenrenderedincapableofsoberreflection，bythediscoveryoftheactofatrocityofwhichshewasthevictim。
　　Shecouldnothaveimagined，that，inallthefermentationofcivilizeddepravity，asimilarplotcouldhaveenteredahumanmind。Shehadbeenstunnedbyanunexpectedblow;yetlife，howeverjoyless，wasnottobeindolentlyresigned，ormiseryenduredwithoutexertion，andproudlytermedpatience。Shehadhithertomeditatedonlytopointthedartofanguish，andsuppressedtheheartheavingsofindignantnaturemerelybytheforceofcontempt。
　　Nowsheendeavouredtobracehermindtofortitude，andtoaskherselfwhatwastobeheremploymentinherdrearycell？Wasitnottoeffectherescape，toflytothesuccourofherchild，andtobaffletheselfishschemesofhertyrant——herhusband？
　　Thesethoughtsrousedhersleepingspirit，andtheself—possessionreturned，thatseemedtohaveabandonedherintheinfernalsolitudeintowhichshehadbeenprecipitated。Thefirstemotionsofoverwhelmingimpatiencebegantosubside，andresentmentgaveplacetotenderness，andmoretranquilmeditation;thoughangeroncemorestoptthecalmcurrentofreflectionwhensheattemptedtomovehermanacledarms。Butthiswasanoutragethatcouldonlyexcitemomentaryfeelingsofscorn，whichevaporatedinafaintsmile;forMariawasfarfromthinkingapersonalinsultthemostdifficulttoendurewithmagnanimousindifference。
　　Sheapproachedthesmallgratedwindowofherchamber，andforaconsiderabletimeonlyregardedtheblueexpanse;thoughitcommandedaviewofadesolategarden，andofpartofahugepileofbuildings，that，afterhavingbeensuffered，forhalfacentury，tofalltodecay，hadundergonesomeclumsyrepairs，merelytorenderithabitable。Theivyhadbeentornofftheturrets，andthestonesnotwantedtopatchupthebreachesoftime，andexcludethewarringelements，leftinheapsinthedisorderedcourt。Mariacontemplatedthisscenesheknewnothowlong;orrathergazedonthewalls，andponderedonhersituation。Tothemasterofthismosthorridofprisons，shehad，soonafterherentrance，ravedofinjustice，inaccentsthatwouldhavejustifiedhistreatment，hadnotamalignantsmile，whensheappealedtohisjudgment，withadreadfulconvictionstifledherremonstratingcomplaints。Byforce，oropenly，whatcouldbedone？Butsurelysomeexpedientmightoccurtoanactivemind，withoutanyotheremployment，andpossessedofsufficientresolutiontoputtheriskoflifeintothebalancewiththechanceoffreedom。
　　Awomanenteredinthemidstofthesereflections，withafirm，deliberatestep，stronglymarkedfeatures，andlargeblackeyes，whichshefixedsteadilyonMaria’s，asifshedesignedtointimidateher，sayingatthesametime"Youhadbettersitdownandeatyourdinner，thanlookattheclouds。"
　　"Ihavenoappetite，"repliedMaria，whohadpreviouslydeterminedtospeakmildly;"whythenshouldIeat？"
　　"But，inspiteofthat，youmustandshalleatsomething。
　　Ihavehadmanyladiesundermycare，whohaveresolvedtostarvethemselves;but，soonorlate，theygaveuptheirintent，astheyrecoveredtheirsenses。"
　　"Doyoureallythinkmemad？"askedMaria，meetingthesearchingglanceofhereye。
　　"Notjustnow。Butwhatdoesthatprove？——Onlythatyoumustbethemorecarefullywatched，forappearingattimessoreasonable。
　　Youhavenottouchedamorselsinceyouenteredthehouse。"——Mariasighedintelligibly。——"Couldanythingbutmadnessproducesuchadisgustforfood？"
　　"Yes，grief;youwouldnotaskthequestionifyouknewwhatitwas。"Theattendantshookherhead;andaghastlysmileofdesperatefortitudeservedasaforciblereply，andmadeMariapause，beforesheadded——"YetIwilltakesomerefreshment：Imeannottodie。——No;Iwillpreservemysenses;andconvinceevenyou，soonerthanyouareawareof，thatmyintellectshaveneverbeendisturbed，thoughtheexertionofthemmayhavebeensuspendedbysomeinfernaldrug。"
　　Doubtgatheredstillthickeronthebrowofherguard，assheattemptedtoconvictherofmistake。
　　"Havepatience！"exclaimedMaria，withasolemnitythatinspiredawe。"MyGod！howhaveIbeenschooledintothepractice！"
　　Asuffocationofvoicebetrayedtheagonizingemotionsshewaslabouringtokeepdown;andconqueringaqualmofdisgust，shecalmlyendeavouredtoeatenoughtoproveherdocility，perpetuallyturningtothesuspiciousfemale，whoseobservationshecourted，whileshewasmakingthebedandadjustingtheroom。
　　"Cometomeoften，"saidMaria，withatoneofpersuasion，inconsequenceofavagueplanthatshehadhastilyadopted，when，aftersurveyingthiswoman’sformandfeatures，shefeltconvincedthatshehadanunderstandingabovethecommonstandard，"andbelievememad，tillyouareobligedtoacknowledgethecontrary。"
　　Thewomanwasnofool，thatis，shewassuperiortoherclass;norhadmiseryquitepetrifiedthelife’s—bloodofhumanity，towhichreflectionsonourownmisfortunesonlygiveamoreorderlycourse。
　　Themanner，ratherthantheexpostulations，ofMariamadeaslightsuspiciondartintohermindwithcorrespondingsympathy，whichvariousotheravocations，andthehabitofbanishingcompunction，preventedher，forthepresent，fromexaminingmoreminutely。
　　Butwhenshewastoldthatnoperson，exceptingthephysicianappointedbyherfamily，wastobepermittedtoseetheladyattheendofthegallery，sheopenedherkeeneyesstillwider，anduttereda——"hem！"beforesheenquired——"Why？"Shewasbrieflytold，inreply，thatthemaladywashereditary，andthefitsnotoccurringbutatverylongandirregularintervals，shemustbecarefullywatched;forthelengthoftheselucidperiodsonlyrenderedhermoremischievous，whenanyvexationorcapricebroughtontheparoxysmofphrensy。
　　Hadhermastertrustedher，itisprobablethatneitherpitynorcuriositywouldhavemadeherswervefromthestraightlineofherinterest;forshehadsufferedtoomuchinherintercoursewithmankind，nottodeterminetolookforsupport，rathertohumouringtheirpassions，thancourtingtheirapprobationbytheintegrityofherconduct。Adeadlyblighthadmetherattheverythresholdofexistence;andthewretchednessofhermotherseemedaheavyweightfastenedonherinnocentneck，todragherdowntoperdition。
　　Shecouldnotheroicallydeterminetosuccouranunfortunate;but，offendedatthebaresuppositionthatshecouldbedeceivedwiththesameeaseasacommonservant，shenolongercurbedhercuriosity;
　　and，thoughsheneverseriouslyfathomedherownintentions，shewouldsit，everymomentshecouldstealfromobservation，listeningtothetale，whichMariawaseagertorelatewithallthepersuasiveeloquenceofgrief。
　　Itissocheeringtoseeahumanface，eveniflittleofthedivinityofvirtuebeaminit，thatMariaanxiouslyexpectedthereturnoftheattendant，asofagleamoflighttobreakthegloomofidleness。Indulgedsorrow，sheperceived，mustbluntorsharpenthefacultiestothetwooppositeextremes;producingstupidity，themopingmelancholyofindolence;ortherestlessactivityofadisturbedimagination。Shesunkintoonestate，afterbeingfatiguedbytheother：tillthewantofoccupationbecameevenmorepainfulthantheactualpressureorapprehensionofsorrow;andtheconfinementthatfrozeherintoanookofexistence，withanunvariedprospectbeforeher，themostinsupportableofevils。Thelampoflifeseemedtobespendingitselftochasethevapoursofadungeonwhichnoartcoulddissipate。——Andtowhatpurposedidsherallyallherenergy？——Wasnottheworldavastprison，andwomenbornslaves？
　　Thoughshefailedimmediatelytorousealivelysenseofinjusticeinthemindofherguard，becauseithadbeensophisticatedintomisanthropy，shetouchedherheart。Jemima（shehadonlyaclaimtoaChristianname，whichhadnotprocuredheranyChristianprivileges）couldpatientlyhearofMaria’sconfinementonfalsepretences;shehadfeltthecrushinghandofpower，hardenedbytheexerciseofinjustice，andceasedtowonderattheperversionsoftheunderstanding，whichsystematizeoppression;but，whentoldthatherchild，onlyfourmonthsold，hadbeentornfromher，evenwhileshewasdischargingthetenderestmaternaloffice，thewomanawokeinabosomlongestrangedfromfeminineemotions，andJemimadeterminedtoalleviateallinherpower，withouthazardingthelossofherplace，thesufferingsofawretchedmother，apparentlyinjured，andcertainlyunhappy。Asenseofrightseemstoresultfromthesimplestactofreason，andtopresideoverthefacultiesofthemind，likethemaster—senseoffeeling，torectifytherest;
　　but（forthecomparisonmaybecarriedstillfarther）howoftenistheexquisitesensibilityofbothweakenedordestroyedbythevulgaroccupations，andignoblepleasuresoflife？
　　Thepreservinghersituationwas，indeed，animportantobjecttoJemima，whohadbeenhuntedfromholetohole，asifshehadbeenabeastofprey，orinfectedwithamoralplague。Thewagesshereceived，thegreaterpartofwhichshehoarded，asheronlychanceforindependence，weremuchmoreconsiderablethanshecouldreckononobtaininganywhereelse，wereitpossiblethatshe，anoutcastfromsociety，couldbepermittedtoearnasubsistenceinareputablefamily。HearingMariaperpetuallycomplainoflistlessness，andthenotbeingabletobeguilegriefbyresuminghercustomarypursuits，shewaseasilyprevailedon，bycompassion，andthatinvoluntaryrespectforabilities，whichthosewhopossessthemcannevereradicate，tobringhersomebooksandimplementsforwriting。Maria’sconversationhadamusedandinterestedher，andthenaturalconsequencewasadesire，scarcelyobservedbyherself，ofobtainingtheesteemofapersonsheadmired。Theremembranceofbetterdayswasrenderedmorelively;andthesentimentsthenacquiredappearinglessromanticthantheyhadforalongperiod，asparkofhoperousedhermindtonewactivity。
　　HowgratefulwasherattentiontoMaria！Oppressedbyadeadweightofexistence，orpreyedonbythegnawingwormofdiscontent，withwhateagernessdidsheendeavourtoshortenthelongdays，whichleftnotracesbehind！Sheseemedtobesailingonthevastoceanoflife，withoutseeinganyland—marktoindicatetheprogressoftime;tofindemploymentwasthentofindvariety，theanimatingprincipleofnature。
　　CHAPTER2
　　EARNESTLYasMariaendeavouredtosoothe，byreading，theanguishofherwoundedmind，herthoughtswouldoftenwanderfromthesubjectshewasledtodiscuss，andtearsofmaternaltendernessobscuredthereasoningpage。Shedescantedon"theillswhichfleshisheirto，"withbitterness，whentherecollectionofherbabewasrevivedbyataleoffictitiouswoe，thatboreanyresemblancetoherown;andherimaginationwascontinuallyemployed，toconjureupandembodythevariousphantomsofmisery，whichfollyandvicehadletlooseontheworld。Thelossofherbabewasthetenderstring;againstothercruelremembrancesshelabouredtosteelherbosom;andevenarayofhope，inthemidstofhergloomyreveries，wouldsometimesgleamonthedarkhorizonoffuturity，whilepersuadingherselfthatsheoughttoceasetohope，sincehappinesswasnowheretobefound。——Butofherchild，debilitatedbythegriefwithwhichitsmotherhadbeenassailedbeforeitsawthelight，shecouldnotthinkwithoutanimpatientstruggle。
　　"I，alone，bymyactivetenderness，couldhavesaved，"
　　shewouldexclaim，"fromanearlyblight，thissweetblossom;
　　and，cherishingit，Ishouldhavehadsomethingstilltolove。"
　　Inproportionasotherexpectationsweretornfromher，thistenderonehadbeenfondlyclungto，andknitintoherheart。
　　Thebooksshehadobtained，weresoondevoured，byonewhohadnootherresourcetoescapefromsorrow，andthefeverishdreamsofidealwretchednessorfelicity，whichequallyweakentheintoxicatedsensibility。Writingwasthentheonlyalternative，andshewrotesomerhapsodiesdescriptiveofthestateofhermind;
　　buttheeventsofherpastlifepressingonher，sheresolvedcircumstantiallytorelatethem，withthesentimentsthatexperience，andmorematuredreason，wouldnaturallysuggest。Theymightperhapsinstructherdaughter，andshieldherfromthemisery，thetyranny，hermotherknewnothowtoavoid。
　　Thisthoughtgavelifetoherdiction，hersoulflowedintoit，andshesoonfoundthetaskofrecollectingalmostobliteratedimpressionsveryinteresting。Shelivedagainintherevivedemotionsofyouth，andforgotherpresentintheretrospectofsorrowsthathadassumedanunalterablecharacter。
　　Thoughthisemploymentlightenedtheweightoftime，yet，neverlosingsightofhermainobject，MariadidnotallowanyopportunitytoslipofwinningontheaffectionsofJemima;forshediscoveredinherastrengthofmind，thatexcitedheresteem，cloudedasitwasbythemisanthropyofdespair。
　　Aninsulatedbeing，fromthemisfortuneofherbirth，shedespisedandpreyedonthesocietybywhichshehadbeenoppressed，andlovednotherfellow—creatures，becauseshehadneverbeenbeloved。Nomotherhadeverfondledher，nofatherorbrotherhadprotectedherfromoutrage;andthemanwhohadplungedherintoinfamy，anddesertedherwhenshestoodingreatestneedofsupport，deignednottosmoothwithkindnesstheroadtoruin。Thusdegraded，wassheletlooseontheworld;andvirtue，nevernurturedbyaffection，assumedthesternaspectofselfishindependence。
　　Thisgeneralviewofherlife，Mariagatheredfromherexclamationsanddryremarks。Jemimaindeeddisplayedastrangemixtureofinterestandsuspicion;forshewouldlistentoherwithearnestness，andthensuddenlyinterrupttheconversation，asifafraidofresigning，bygivingwaytohersympathy，herdear—boughtknowledgeoftheworld。
　　Mariaalludedtothepossibilityofanescape，andmentionedacompensation，orreward;butthestyleinwhichshewasrepulsedmadehercautious，anddeterminenottorenewthesubject，tillsheknewmoreofthecharactershehadtoworkon。Jemima’scountenance，anddarkhints，seemedtosay，"Youareanextraordinarywoman;butletmeconsider，thismayonlybeoneofyourlucidintervals。"Nay，theveryenergyofMaria’scharacter，madehersuspectthattheextraordinaryanimationsheperceivedmightbetheeffectofmadness。"Shouldherhusbandthensubstantiatehischarge，andgetpossessionofherestate，fromwhencewouldcomethepromisedannuity，ormoredesiredprotection？Besides，mightnotawoman，anxioustoescape，concealsomeofthecircumstanceswhichmadeagainsther？Wastruthtobeexpectedfromonewhohadbeenentrapped，kidnapped，inthemostfraudulentmanner？"
　　InthistrainJemimacontinuedtoargue，themomentaftercompassionandrespectseemedtomakeherswerve;andshestillresolvednottobewroughtontodomorethansoftentherigourofconfinement，tillshecouldadvanceonsurerground。
　　Mariawasnotpermittedtowalkinthegarden;butsometimes，fromherwindow，sheturnedhereyesfromthegloomywalls，inwhichshepinedlifeaway，onthepoorwretcheswhostrayedalongthewalks，andcontemplatedthemostterrificofruins——thatofahumansoul。Whatistheviewofthefallencolumn，themoulderingarch，ofthemostexquisiteworkmanship，whencomparedwiththislivingmementoofthefragility，theinstability，ofreason，andthewildluxuriancyofnoxiouspassions？Enthusiasmturnedadrift，likesomerichstreamoverflowingitsbanks，rushesforwardwithdestructivevelocity，inspiringasublimeconcentrationofthought。
　　ThusthoughtMaria——Thesearetheravagesoverwhichhumanitymustevermournfullyponder，withadegreeofanguishnotexcitedbycrumblingmarble，orcankeringbrass，unfaithfultothetrustofmonumentalfame。Itisnotoverthedecayingproductionsofthemind，embodiedwiththehappiestart，wegrievemostbitterly。
　　Theviewofwhathasbeendonebyman，producesamelancholy，yetaggrandizing，senseofwhatremainstobeachievedbyhumanintellect;
　　butamentalconvulsion，which，likethedevastationofanearthquake，throwsalltheelementsofthoughtandimaginationintoconfusion，makescontemplationgiddy，andwefearfullyaskonwhatgroundweourselvesstand。
　　Melancholyandimbecilitymarkedthefeaturesofthewretchesallowedtobreatheatlarge;forthefrantic，thosewhoinastrongimaginationhadlostasenseofwoe，werecloselyconfined。Theplayfultricksandmischievousdevicesoftheirdisturbedfancy，thatsuddenlybrokeout，couldnotbeguardedagainst，whentheywerepermittedtoenjoyanyportionoffreedom;for，soactivewastheirimagination，thateverynewobjectwhichaccidentallystrucktheirsenses，awoketophrenzytheirrestlesspassions;asMarialearnedfromtheburdenoftheirincessantravings。
　　Sometimes，withastrictinjunctionofsilence，JemimawouldallowMaria，atthecloseofevening，tostrayalongthenarrowavenuesthatseparatedthedungeon—likeapartments，leaningonherarm。Whatachangeofscene！Mariawishedtopassthethresholdofherprison，yet，whenbychanceshemettheeyeofrageglaringonher，yetunfaithfultoitsoffice，sheshrunkbackwithmorehorrorandaffright，thanifshehadstumbledoveramangledcorpse。
　　Herbusyfancypicturedthemiseryofafondheart，watchingoverafriendthusestranged，absent，thoughpresent——overapoorwretchlosttoreasonandthesocialjoysofexistence;andlosingallconsciousnessofmiseryinitsexcess。Whatatask，towatchthelightofreasonquiveringintheeye，orwithagonizingexpectationtocatchthebeamofrecollection;tantalizedbyhope，onlytofeeldespairmorekeenly，atfindingamuchlovedfaceorvoice，suddenlyremembered，orpatheticallyimplored，onlytobeimmediatelyforgotten，orviewedwithindifferenceorabhorrence！
　　Theheart—rendingsighofmelancholysunkintohersoul;
　　andwhensheretiredtorest，thepetrifiedfiguresshehadencountered，theonlyhumanformsshewasdoomedtoobserve，hauntingherdreamswithtalesofmysteriouswrongs，madeherwishtosleeptodreamnomore。
　　Dayafterdayrolledaway，andtediousasthepresentmomentappeared，theypassedinsuchanunvariedtenor，Mariawassurprisedtofindthatshehadalreadybeensixweeksburiedalive，andyethadsuchfainthopesofeffectingherenlargement。Shewas，earnestlyasshehadsoughtforemployment，nowangrywithherselfforhavingbeenamusedbywritinghernarrative;andgrievedtothinkthatshehadforaninstantthoughtofanything，butcontrivingtoescape。
　　Jemimahadevidentlypleasureinhersociety：still，thoughsheoftenleftherwithaglowofkindness，shereturnedwiththesamechillingair;and，whenherheartappearedforamomenttoopen，somesuggestionofreasonforciblyclosedit，beforeshecouldgiveutterancetotheconfidenceMaria’sconversationinspired。
　　Discouragedbythesechanges，Mariarelapsedintodespondency，whenshewascheeredbythealacritywithwhichJemimabroughtherafreshparcelofbooks;assuringher，thatshehadtakensomepainstoobtainthemfromoneofthekeepers，whoattendedagentlemanconfinedintheoppositecornerofthegallery。
　　Mariatookupthebookswithemotion。"Theycome，"saidshe，"perhaps，fromawretchcondemned，likeme，toreasononthenatureofmadness，byhavingwreckedmindscontinuallyunderhiseye;andalmosttowishhimself——asIdo——mad，toescapefromthecontemplationofit。"Herheartthrobbedwithsympatheticalarm;andsheturnedovertheleaveswithawe，asiftheyhadbecomesacredfrompassingthroughthehandsofanunfortunatebeing，oppressedbyasimilarfate。
　　Dryden’sFables，Milton’sParadiseLost，withseveralmodernproductions，composedthecollection。Itwasamineoftreasure。
　　Somemarginalnotes，inDryden’sFables，caughtherattention：theywerewrittenwithforceandtaste;and，inoneofthemodernpamphlets，therewasafragmentleft，containingvariousobservationsonthepresentstateofsocietyandgovernment，withacomparativeviewofthepoliticsofEuropeandAmerica。Theseremarkswerewrittenwithadegreeofgenerouswarmth，whenalludingtotheenslavedstateofthelabouringmajority，perfectlyinunisonwithMaria’smodeofthinking。
　　Shereadthemoverandoveragain;andfancy，treacherousfancy，begantosketchacharacter，congenialwithherown，fromtheseshadowyoutlines。——"Washemad？"Shereperusedthemarginalnotes，andtheyseemedtheproductionofananimated，butnotofadisturbedimagination。Confinedtothisspeculation，everytimeshere—readthem，somefreshrefinementofsentiment，oraccutenessofthoughtimpressedher，whichshewasastonishedatherselffornothavingbeforeobserved。
　　Whatacreativepowerhasanaffectionateheart！Therearebeingswhocannotlivewithoutloving，aspoetslove;andwhofeeltheelectricsparkofgenius，whereveritawakenssentimentorgrace。Mariahadoftenthought，whendiscipliningherwaywardheart，"thattocharm，wastobevirtuous。""Theywhomakemewishtoappearthemostamiableandgoodintheireyes，mustpossessinadegree，"shewouldexclaim，"thegracesandvirtuestheycallintoaction。"
　　Shetookupabookonthepowersofthehumanmind;but，herattentionstrayedfromcoldargumentsonthenatureofwhatshefelt，whileshewasfeeling，andshesnaptthechainofthetheorytoreadDryden’sGuiscardandSigismunda。
　　Maria，inthecourseoftheensuingday，returnedsomeofthebooks，withthehopeofgettingothers——andmoremarginalnotes。
　　Thusshutoutfromhumanintercourse，andcompelledtoviewnothingbuttheprisonofvexedspirits，tomeetawretchinthesamesituation，wasmoresurelytofindafriend，thantoimagineacountrymanone，inastrangeland，wherethehumanvoiceconveysnoinformationtotheeagerear。
　　"Didyoueverseetheunfortunatebeingtowhomthesebooksbelong？"askedMaria，whenJemimabroughtherslipper。"Yes。Hesometimeswalksout，betweenfiveandsix，beforethefamilyisstirring，inthemorning，withtwokeepers;buteventhenhishandsareconfined。"
　　"What！ishesounruly？"enquiredMaria，withanaccentofdisappointment。
　　"No，notthatIperceive，"repliedJemima;"buthehasanuntamedlook，avehemenceofeye，thatexcitesapprehension。Werehishandsfree，helooksasifhecouldsoonmanagebothhisguards：
　　yetheappearstranquil。"
　　"Ifhebesostrong，hemustbeyoung，"observedMaria。
　　"Threeorfourandthirty，Isuppose;butthereisnojudgingofapersoninhissituation。"
　　"Areyousurethatheismad？"interruptedMariawitheagerness。
　　Jemimaquittedtheroom，withoutreplying。
　　"No，no，hecertainlyisnot！"exclaimedMaria，answeringherself;"themanwhocouldwritethoseobservationswasnotdisorderedinhisintellects。"
　　Shesatmusing，gazingatthemoon，andwatchingitsmotionasitseemedtoglideundertheclouds。Then，preparingforbed，shethought，"OfwhatusecouldIbetohim，orhetome，ifitbetruethatheisunjustlyconfined？——Couldheaidmetoescape，whoishimselfmorecloselywatched？——StillIshouldliketoseehim。"
　　Shewenttobed，dreamedofherchild，yetwokeexactlyathalfafterfiveo’clock，andstartingup，onlywrappedagownaroundher，andrantothewindow。Themorningwaschill，itwasthelatterendofSeptember;yetshedidnotretiretowarmherselfandthinkinbed，tillthesoundoftheservants，movingaboutthehouse，convincedherthattheunknownwouldnotwalkinthegardenthatmorning。Shewasashamedatfeelingdisappointed;andbegantoreflect，asanexcusetoherself，onthelittleobjectswhichattractattentionwhenthereisnothingtodivertthemind;andhowdifficultitwasforwomentoavoidgrowingromantic，whohavenoactivedutiesorpursuits。
　　Atbreakfast，JemimaenquiredwhethersheunderstoodFrench？
　　for，unlessshedid，thestranger’sstockofbookswasexhausted。
　　Mariarepliedintheaffirmative;butforboretoaskanymorequestionsrespectingthepersontowhomtheybelonged。AndJemimagaveheranewsubjectforcontemplation，bydescribingthepersonofalovelymaniac，justbroughtintoanadjoiningchamber。ShewassingingthepatheticballadofoldRob*withthemostheart—meltingfallsandpauses。Jemimahadhalf—openedthedoor，whenshedistinguishedhervoice，andMariastoodclosetoit，scarcelydaringtorespire，lestamodulationshouldescapeher，soexquisitelysweet，sopassionatelywild。Shebeganwithsympathytopourtraytoherselfanothervictim，whenthelovelywarblerflew，asitwere，fromthespray，andatorrentofunconnectedexclamationsandquestionsburstfromher，interruptedbyfitsoflaughter，sohorrid，thatMariashutthedoor，and，turninghereyesuptoheaven，exclaimed——"GraciousGod！"
　　*Ablankspaceabouttencharactersinlengthoccurshereintheoriginaledition[Publisher’snote]。
　　SeveralminuteselapsedbeforeMariacouldenquirerespectingtherumourofthehouse（forthispoorwretchwasobviouslynotconfinedwithoutacause）;andthenJemimacouldonlytellher，thatitwassaid，"shehadbeenmarried，againstherinclination，toaricholdman，extremelyjealous（nowonder，forshewasacharmingcreature）;andthat，inconsequenceofhistreatment，orsomethingwhichhungonhermind，shehad，duringherfirstlying—in，losthersenses。"
　　Whatasubjectofmeditation——eventotheveryconfinesofmadness。
　　"Woman，fragileflower！whywereyousufferedtoadornaworldexposedtotheinroadofsuchstormyelements？"thoughtMaria，whilethepoormaniac’sstrainwasstillbreathingonherear，andsinkingintoherverysoul。
　　Towardstheevening，JemimabroughtherRousseau’sHeloise;
　　andshesatreadingwitheyesandheart，tillthereturnofherguardtoextinguishthelight。Oneinstanceofherkindnesswas，thepermittingMariatohaveone，tillherownhourofretiringtorest。Shehadreadthisworklongsince;butnowitseemedtoopenanewworldtoher——theonlyoneworthinhabiting。Sleepwasnottobewooed;yet，farfrombeingfatiguedbytherestlessrotationofthought，sheroseandopenedherwindow，justasthethinwaterycloudsoftwilightmadethelongsilentshadowsvisible。Theairsweptacrossherfacewithavoluptuousfreshnessthatthrilledtoherheart，awakeningindefinableemotions;andthesoundofawavingbranch，orthetwitteringofastartledbird，alonebrokethestillnessofreposingnature。Absorbedbythesublimesensibilitywhichrenderstheconsciousnessofexistencefelicity，Mariawashappy，tillanautumnalscent，waftedbythebreezeofmornfromthefallenleavesoftheadjacentwood，madeherrecollectthattheseasonhadchangedsinceherconfinement;yetlifeaffordednovarietytosolaceanafflictedheart。Shereturneddispiritedtohercouch，andthoughtofherchildtillthebroadglareofdayagaininvitedhertothewindow。Shelookednotfortheunknown，stillhowgreatwashervexationatperceivingthebackofaman，certainlyhe，withhistwoattendants，asheturnedintoaside—pathwhichledtothehouse！Aconfusedrecollectionofhavingseensomebodywhoresembledhim，immediatelyoccurred，topuzzleandtormentherwithendlessconjectures。Fiveminutessooner，andsheshouldhaveseenhisface，andbeenoutofsuspense——waseveranythingsounlucky！Hissteady，boldstep，andthewholeairofhisperson，burstingasitwerefromacloud，pleasedher，andgaveanoutlinetotheimaginationtosketchtheindividualformshewishedtorecognize。
　　Feelingthedisappointmentmoreseverelythanshewaswillingtobelieve，sheflewtoRousseau，asheronlyrefugefromtheideaofhim，whomightproveafriend，couldshebutfindawaytointeresthiminherfate;stillthepersonificationofSaintPreux，orofanidealloverfarsuperior，wasafterthisimperfectmodel，ofwhichmerelyaglancehadbeencaught，eventotheminutiaeofthecoatandhatofthestranger。ButifshelentSt。Preux，orthedemi—godofherfancy，hisform，sherichlyrepaidhimbythedonationofallSt。Preux’ssentimentsandfeelings，culledtogratifyherown，towhichheseemedtohaveanundoubtedright，whenshereadonthemarginofanimpassionedletter，writteninthewell—knownhand——"Rousseaualone，thetruePrometheusofsentiment，possessedthefireofgeniusnecessarytopourtraythepassion，thetruthofwhichgoessodirectlytotheheart。"
　　Mariawasagaintruetothehour，yethadfinishedRousseau，andbeguntotranscribesomeselectedpassages;unabletoquiteithertheauthororthewindow，beforeshehadaglimpseofthecountenanceshedailylongedtosee;and，whenseen，itconveyednodistinctideatohermindwhereshehadseenitbefore。Hemusthavebeenatransientacquaintance;buttodiscoveranacquaintancewasfortunate，couldshecontrivetoattracthisattention，andexcitehissympathy。
　　Everyglanceaffordedcolouringforthepictureshewasdelineatingonherheart;andonce，whenthewindowwashalfopen，thesoundofhisvoicereachedher。Convictionflashedonher;
　　shehadcertainly，inamomentofdistress，heardthesameaccents。
　　Theyweremanly，andcharacteristicofanoblemind;nay，evensweet——orsweettheyseemedtoherattentiveear。
　　Shestartedback，trembling，alarmedattheemotionastrangecoincidenceofcircumstancesinspired，andwonderingwhyshethoughtsomuchofastranger，obligedasshehadbeenbyhistimelyinterference;[forsherecollected，bydegreesallthecircumstancesoftheirformermeeting。]Shefoundhoweverthatshecouldthinkofnothingelse;or，ifshethoughtofherdaughter，itwastowishthatshehadafatherwhomhermothercouldrespectandlove。
　　CHAPTER3
　　WHENPERUSINGthefirstparcelofbooks，Mariahad，withherpencil，writteninoneofthemafewexclamations，expressiveofcompassionandsympathy，whichshescarcelyremembered，tillturningovertheleavesofoneofthevolumes，latelybroughttoher，aslipofpaperdroppedout，whichJemimahastilysnatchedup。
　　"Letmeseeit，"demandedMariaimpatiently，"Yousurelyarenotafraidoftrustingmewiththeeffusionsofamadman？""Imustconsider，"repliedJemima;andwithdrew，withthepaperinherhand。
　　Inalifeofsuchseclusion，thepassionsgainundueforce;
　　Mariathereforefeltagreatdegreeofresentmentandvexation，whichshehadnottimetosubdue，beforeJemima，returning，deliveredthepaper。
　　"Whoeveryouare，whopartakeofmyfate，acceptmysincerecommiseration——Iwouldhavesaidprotection;buttheprivilegeofmanisdeniedme。
　　"Myownsituationforcesadreadfulsuspiciononmymind——Imaynotalwayslanguishinvainforfreedom——
　　sayareyou——Icannotaskthequestion;yetIwillrememberyouwhenmyremembrancecanbeofanyuse。
　　Iwillenquire，whyyouaresomysteriouslydetained——
　　andIwillhaveananswer。
　　"HENRYDARNFORD。"
　　Bythemostpressingintreaties，MariaprevailedonJemimatopermithertowriteareplytothisnote。Anotherandanothersucceeded，inwhichexplanationswerenotallowedrelativetotheirpresentsituation;butMaria，withsufficientexplicitness，alludedtoaformerobligation;andtheyinsensiblyenteredonaninterchangeofsentimentsonthemostimportantsubjects。Towritetheseletterswasthebusinessoftheday，andtoreceivethemthemomentofsunshine。Bysomemeans，DarnfordhavingdiscoveredMaria’swindow，whenshenextappearedatit，hemadeher，behindhiskeepers，aprofoundbowofrespectandrecognition。
　　Twoorthreeweeksglidedawayinthiskindofintercourse，duringwhichperiodJemima，towhomMariahadgiventhenecessaryinformationrespectingherfamily，hadevidentlygainedsomeintelligence，whichincreasedherdesireofpleasinghercharge，thoughshecouldnotyetdeterminetoliberateher。Mariatookadvantageofthisfavourablecharge，withouttoominutelyenquiringintothecause;andsuchwashereagernesstoholdhumanconverse，andtoseeherformerprotector，stillastrangertoher，thatsheincessantlyrequestedherguardtogratifyhermorethancuriosity。
　　WritingtoDarnford，shewasledfromthesadobjectsbeforeher，andfrequentlyrenderedinsensibletothehorridnoisesaroundher，whichpreviouslyhadcontinuallyemployedherfeverishfancy。
　　Thinkingitselfishtodwellonherownsufferings，wheninthemidstofwretches，whohadnotonlylostallthatendearslife，buttheirveryselves，herimaginationwasoccupiedwithmelancholyearnestnesstotracethemazesofmisery，throughwhichsomanywretchesmusthavepassedtothisgloomyreceptacleofdisjointedsouls，tothegrandsourceofhumancorruption。Oftenatmidnightwasshewakedbythedismalshrieksofdemoniacrage，orofexcruciatingdespair，utteredinsuchwildtonesofindescribableanguishasprovedthetotalabsenceofreason，androusedphantomsofhorrorinhermind，farmoreterrificthanallthatdreamingsuperstitioneverdrew。Besides，therewasfrequentlysomethingsoinconceivablypicturesqueinthevaryinggesturesofunrestrainedpassion，soirresistiblycomicintheirsallies，orsoheart—piercinglypatheticinthelittleairstheywouldsing，frequentlyburstingoutafteranawfulsilence，astofascinatetheattention，andamusethefancy，whiletorturingthesoul。Itwastheuproarofthepassionswhichshewascompelledtoobserve;
　　andtomarkthelucidbeamofreason，likealighttremblinginasocket，orliketheflashwhichdividesthethreateningcloudsofangryheavenonlytodisplaythehorrorswhichdarknessshrouded。
　　Jemimawouldlabourtobeguilethetediousevenings，bydescribingthepersonsandmannersoftheunfortunatebeings，whosefiguresorvoicesawokesympatheticsorrowinMaria’sbosom;andthestoriesshetoldwerethemoreinteresting，forperpetuallyleavingroomtoconjecturesomethingextraordinary。StillMaria，accustomedtogeneralizeherobservations，wasledtoconcludefromallsheheard，thatitwasavulgarerrortosupposethatpeopleofabilitieswerethemostapttolosethecommandofreason。Onthecontrary，frommostoftheinstancesshecouldinvestigate，shethoughtitresulted，thatthepassionsonlyappearedstronganddisproportioned，becausethejudgmentwasweakandunexercised;
　　andthattheygainedstrengthbythedecayofreason，astheshadowslengthenduringthesun’sdecline。
　　Mariaimpatientlywishedtoseeherfellow—sufferer;butDarnfordwasstillmoreearnesttoobtainaninterview。Accustomedtosubmittoeveryimpulseofpassion，andnevertaught，likewomen，torestrainthemostnatural，andacquire，insteadofthebewitchingfranknessofnature，afactitiousproprietyofbehaviour，everydesirebecameatorrentthatboredownallopposition。
　　Histravellingtrunk，whichcontainedthebookslenttoMaria，hadbeensenttohim，andwithapartofitscontentshebribedhisprincipalkeeper;who，afterreceivingthemostsolemnpromisethathewouldreturntohisapartmentwithoutattemptingtoexploreanypartofthehouse，conductedhim，intheduskoftheevening，toMaria’sroom。
　　Jemimahadapprizedherchargeofthevisit，andsheexpectedwithtremblingimpatience，inspiredbyavaguehopethathemightagainproveherdeliverer，toseeamanwhohadbeforerescuedherfromoppression。Heenteredwithananimationofcountenance，formedtocaptivateanenthusiast;and，hastilyturnedhiseyesfromhertotheapartment，whichhesurveyedwithapparentemotionsofcompassionateindignation。Sympathyilluminatedhiseye，and，takingherhand，herespectfullybowedonit，exclaiming——"Thisisextraordinary！——againtomeetyou，andinsuchcircumstances！"
　　Still，impressiveaswasthecoincidenceofeventswhichbroughtthemoncemoretogether，theirfullheartsdidnotoverflow。——*
　　*Thecopywhichhadreceivedtheauthor’slastcorrectionsbreaksoffinthisplace，andthepageswhichfollow，totheendofChap。IV，areprintedfromacopyinalessfinishedstate。
　　[Godwin’snote]
　　[Andthough，afterthisfirstvisit，theywerepermittedfrequentlytorepeattheirinterviews，theywereforsometimeemployedin]areservedconversation，towhichalltheworldmighthavelistened;excepting，whendiscussingsomeliterarysubject，flashesofsentiment，inforcedbyeachrelaxingfeature，seemedtoremindthemthattheirmindswerealreadyacquainted。
　　[Bydegrees，Darnfordenteredintotheparticularsofhisstory。]Inafewwords，heinformedherthathehadbeenathoughtless，extravagantyoungman;yet，ashedescribedhisfaults，theyappearedtobethegenerousluxuriancyofanoblemind。
　　Nothinglikemeannesstarnishedthelustreofhisyouth，norhadthewormofselfishnesslurkedintheunfoldingbud，evenwhilehehadbeenthedupeofothers。Yethetardilyacquiredtheexperiencenecessarytoguardhimagainstfutureimposition。
　　"Ishallwearyyou，"continuedhe，"bymyegotism;anddidnotpowerfulemotionsdrawmetoyou，"——hiseyesglistenedashespoke，andatremblingseemedtorunthroughhismanlyframe，——
　　"Iwouldnotwastethesepreciousmomentsintalkingofmyself。
　　"Myfatherandmotherwerepeopleoffashion;marriedbytheirparents。Hewasfondoftheturf，sheofthecard—table。I，andtwoorthreeotherchildrensincedead，werekeptathometillwebecameintolerable。Myfatherandmotherhadavisibledisliketoeachother，continuallydisplayed;theservantswereofthedepravedkindusuallyfoundinthehousesofpeopleoffortune。Mybrothersandparentsalldying，Iwaslefttothecareofguardians;andsenttoEton。Ineverknewthesweetsofdomesticaffection，butIfeltthewantofindulgenceandfrivolousrespectatschool。
　　Iwillnotdisgustyouwitharecitalofthevicesofmyyouth，whichcanscarcelybecomprehendedbyfemaledelicacy。IwastaughttolovebyacreatureIamashamedtomention;andtheotherwomenwithwhomIafterwardsbecameintimate，wereofaclassofwhichyoucanhavenoknowledge。Iformedmyacquaintancewiththematthetheaters;and，whenvivacitydancedintheireyes，Iwasnoteasilydisgustedbythevulgaritywhichflowedfromtheirlips。
　　Havingspent，afewyearsafterIwasofage，[thewholeof]aconsiderablepatrimony，exceptingafewhundreds，Ihadnoresourcebuttopurchaseacommissioninanew—raisedregiment，destinedtosubjugateAmerica。TheregretIfelttorenouncealifeofpleasure，wascounter—balancedbythecuriosityIhadtoseeAmerica，orrathertotravel;[norhadanyofthosecircumstancesoccurredtomyyouth，whichmighthavebeencalculated]tobindmycountrytomyheart。Ishallnottroubleyouwiththedetailsofamilitarylife。Mybloodwasstillkeptinmotion;till，towardsthecloseofthecontest，Iwaswoundedandtakenprisoner。
　　"Confinedtomybed，orchair，byalingeringcure，myonlyrefugefromthepreyingactivityofmymind，wasbooks，whichI
　　readwithgreatavidity，profitingbytheconversationofmyhost，amanofsoundunderstanding。Mypoliticalsentimentsnowunderwentatotalchange;and，dazzledbythehospitalityoftheAmericans，Ideterminedtotakeupmyabodewithfreedom。I，therefore，withmyusualimpetuosity，soldmycommission，andtravelledintotheinteriorpartsofthecountry，tolayoutmymoneytoadvantage。
　　Addedtothis，Ididnotmuchlikethepuritanicalmannersofthelargetowns。Inequalityofconditionwastheremostdisgustinglygalling。Theonlypleasurewealthafforded，wastomakeanostentatiousdisplayofit;forthecultivationofthefinearts，orliterature，hadnotintroducedintothefirstcirclesthatpolishofmannerswhichrenderstherichsoessentiallysuperiortothepoorinEurope。Addedtothis，aninfluxofviceshadbeenletinbytheRevolution，andthemostrigidprinciplesofreligionshakentothecentre，beforetheunderstandingcouldbegraduallyemancipatedfromtheprejudiceswhichledtheirancestorsundauntedlytoseekaninhospitableclimeandunbrokensoil。Theresolution，thatledthem，inpursuitofindependence，toembarkonriverslikeseas，tosearchforunknownshores，andtosleepunderthehoveringmistsofendlessforests，whosebalefuldampsaguedtheirlimbs，wasnowturnedintocommercialspeculations，tillthenationalcharacterexhibitedaphenomenoninthehistoryofthehumanmind——aheadenthusiasticallyenterprising，withcoldselfishnessofheart。
　　Andwoman，lovelywoman！——theycharmeverywhere——stillthereisadegreeofprudery，andawantoftasteandeaseinthemannersoftheAmericanwomen，thatrendersthem，inspiteoftheirrosesandlilies，farinferiortoourEuropeancharmers。Inthecountry，theyhaveoftenabewitchingsimplicityofcharacter;but，inthecities，theyhavealltheairsandignoranceoftheladieswhogivethetonetothecirclesofthelargetradingtownsinEngland。
　　Theyarefondoftheirornaments，merelybecausetheyaregood，andnotbecausetheyembellishtheirpersons;andaremoregratifiedtoinspirethewomenwithjealousyoftheseexterioradvantages，thanthemenwithlove。Allthefrivolitywhichoften（excuseme，Madam）rendersthesocietyofmodestwomensostupidinEngland，hereseemedtothrowstillmoreleadenfettersontheircharms。
　　Notbeinganadeptingallantry，IfoundthatIcouldonlykeepmyselfawakeintheircompanybymakingdownrightlovetothem。
　　"But，nottointrudeonyourpatience，IretiredtothetrackoflandwhichIhadpurchasedinthecountry，andmytimepassedpleasantlyenoughwhileIcutdownthetrees，builtmyhouse，andplantedmydifferentcrops。Butwinterandidlenesscame，andI
　　longedformoreelegantsociety，tohearwhatwaspassingintheworld，andtodosomethingbetterthanvegetatewiththeanimalsthatmadeaveryconsiderablepartofmyhousehold。Consequently，Ideterminedtotravel。Motionwasasubstituteforvarietyofobjects;and，passingoverimmensetracksofcountry，Iexhaustedmyexuberantspirits，withoutobtainingmuchexperience。Ieverywheresawindustrythefore—runnerandnottheconsequence，ofluxury;butthiscountry，everythingbeingonanamplescale，didnotaffordthosepicturesqueviews，whichacertaindegreeofcultivationisnecessarygraduallytoproduce。Theeyewanderedwithoutanobjecttofixuponoverimmeasureableplains，andlakesthatseemedreplenishedbytheocean，whilsteternalforestsofsmallclusteringtrees，obstructedthecirculationofair，andembarrassedthepath，withoutgratifyingtheeyeoftaste。Nocottagesmilinginthewaste，notravellershailedus，togivelifetosilentnature;or，ifperchancewesawtheprintofafootstepinourpath，itwasadreadfulwarningtoturnaside;andtheheadachedasifassailedbythescalpingknife。TheIndianswhohoveredontheskirtsoftheEuropeansettlementshadonlylearnedoftheirneighbourstoplunder，andtheystoletheirgunsfromthemtodoitwithmoresafety。
　　"Fromthewoodsandbacksettlements，Ireturnedtothetowns，andlearnedtoeatanddrinkmostvaliantly;butwithoutenteringintocommerce（andIdetestedcommerce）IfoundIcouldnotlivethere;and，growingheartilywearyofthelandoflibertyandvulgararistocracy，seatedonherbagsofdollars，IresolvedoncemoretovisitEurope。IwrotetoadistantrelationinEngland，withwhomIhadbeeneducated，mentioningthevesselinwhichIintendedtosail。ArrivinginLondon，mysenseswereintoxicated。Iranfromstreettostreet，fromtheatertotheater，andthewomenofthetown（againImustbegpardonformyhabitualfrankness）
　　appearedtomelikeangels。
　　"Aweekwasspentinthisthoughtlessmanner，when，returningverylatetothehotelinwhichIhadlodgedeversincemyarrival，Iwasknockeddowninaprivatestreet，andhurried，inastateofinsensibility，intoacoach，whichbroughtmehither，andIonlyrecoveredmysensestobetreatedlikeonewhohadlostthem。Mykeepersaredeaftomyremonstrancesandenquiries，yetassuremethatmyconfinementshallnotlastlong。StillIcannotguess，thoughIwearymyselfwithconjectures，whyIamconfined，orinwhatpartofEnglandthishouseissituated。IimaginesometimesthatIhearthesearoar，andwishedmyselfagainontheAtlantic，tillIhadaglimpseofyou。"*
　　AfewmomentswereonlyallowedtoMariatocommentonthisnarrative，whenDarnfordlefthertoherownthoughts，tothe"neverending，stillbeginning，"taskofweighinghiswords，recollectinghistonesofvoice，andfeelingthemreverberateonherheart。
　　*TheintroductionofDarnfordasthedelivererofMariainaformerinstance，appearstohavebeenanafter—thoughtoftheauthor。Thishasoccasionedtheomissionofanyallusiontothatcircumstanceintheprecedingnarration。
　　EDITOR。[Godwin’snote]
　　CHAPTER4
　　PITY，andtheforlornseriousnessofadversity，havebothbeenconsideredasdispositionsfavourabletolove，whilesatiricalwritershaveattributedthepropensitytotherelaxingeffectofidleness;whatchancethenhadMariaofescaping，whenpity，sorrow，andsolitudeallconspiredtosoftenhermind，andnourishromanticwishes，and，fromanaturalprogress，romanticexpectations？
　　Mariawassix—and—twenty。But，suchwasthenativesoundnessofherconstitution，thattimehadonlygiventohercountenancethecharacterofhermind。Revolvingthought，andexercisedaffectionshadbanishedsomeoftheplayfulgracesofinnocence，producinginsensiblythatirregularityoffeatureswhichthestrugglesoftheunderstandingtotraceorgovernthestrongemotionsoftheheart，arewonttoimprintontheyieldingmass。Griefandcarehadmellowed，withoutobscuring，thebrighttintsofyouth，andthethoughtfulnesswhichresidedonherbrowdidnottakefromthefemininesoftnessofherfeatures;nay，suchwasthesensibilitywhichoftenmantledoverit，thatshefrequentlyappeared，likealargeproportionofhersex，onlyborntofeel;andtheactivityofherwell—proportioned，andevenalmostvoluptuousfigure，inspiredtheideaofstrengthofmind，ratherthanofbody。Therewasasimplicitysometimesindeedinhermanner，whichborderedoninfantineingenuousness，thatledpeopleofcommondiscernmenttounderratehertalents，andsmileattheflightsofherimagination。
　　Butthosewhocouldnotcomprehendthedelicacyofhersentiments，wereattachedbyherunfailingsympathy，sothatshewasverygenerallybelovedbycharactersofverydifferentdescriptions;
　　still，shewastoomuchundertheinfluenceofanardentimaginationtoadheretocommonrules。
　　Therearemistakesofconductwhichatfive—and—twentyprovethestrengthofthemind，that，tenorfifteenyearsafter，woulddemonstrateitsweakness，itsincapacitytoacquireasanejudgment。
　　Theyouthswhoaresatisfiedwiththeordinarypleasuresoflife，anddonotsighafteridealphantomsofloveandfriendship，willneverarriveatgreatmaturityofunderstanding;butifthesereveriesarecherished，asistoofrequentlythecasewithwomen，whenexperienceoughttohavetaughttheminwhathumanhappinessconsists，theybecomeasuselessastheyarewretched。Besides，theirpainsandpleasuresaresodependentonoutwardcircumstances，ontheobjectsoftheiraffections，thattheyseldomactfromtheimpulseofanervedmind，abletochooseitsownpursuit。
　　Havinghadtostruggleincessantlywiththevicesofmankind，Maria’simaginationfoundreposeinpourtrayingthepossiblevirtuestheworldmightcontain。Pygmalionformedanivorymaid，andlongedforaninformingsoul。She，onthecontrary，combinedallthequalitiesofahero’smind，andfatepresentedastatueinwhichshemightenshrinethem。
　　Wemeannottotracetheprogressofthispassion，orrecounthowoftenDarnfordandMariawereobligedtopartinthemidstofaninterestingconversation。Jemimaeverwatchedonthetip—toeoffear，andfrequentlyseparatedthemonafalsealarm，whentheywouldhavegivenworldstoremainalittlelongertogether。
　　AmagiclampnowseemedtobesuspendedinMaria’sprison，andfairylandscapesflittedroundthegloomywalls，latesoblank。
　　Rushingfromthedepthofdespair，ontheseraphwingofhope，shefoundherselfhappy。——Shewasbeloved，andeveryemotionwasrapturous。
　　ToDarnfordshehadnotshownadecidedaffection;thefearofoutrunninghis，asureproofoflove，madeheroftenassumeacoldnessandindifferenceforeignfromhercharacter;and，evenwhengivingwaytotheplayfulemotionsofaheartjustloosenedfromthefrozenbondofgrief，therewasadelicacyinhermannerofexpressinghersensibility，whichmadehimdoubtwhetheritwastheeffectoflove。
　　Oneevening，whenJemimaleftthem，tolistentothesoundofadistantfootstep，whichseemedcautiouslytoapproach，heseizedMaria’shand——itwasnotwithdrawn。Theyconversedwithearnestnessoftheirsituation;and，duringtheconversation，heonceortwicegentlydrewhertowardshim。Hefeltthefragranceofherbreath，andlonged，yetfeared，totouchthelipsfromwhichitissued;
　　spiritsofpurityseemedtoguardthem，whilealltheenchantinggracesoflovesportedonhercheeks，andlanguishedinhereyes。
　　Jemimaentering，hereflectedonhisdiffidencewithpoignantregret，and，sheoncemoretakingalarm，heventured，asMariastoodnearhischair，toapproachherlipswithadeclarationoflove。Shedrewbackwithsolemnity，hehungdownhisheadabashed;
　　butliftinghiseyestimidly，theymether’s;shehaddetermined，duringthatinstant，andsufferedtheirraystomingle。Hetook，withmoreardour，reassured，ahalf—consenting，half—reluctantkiss，reluctantonlyfrommodesty;andtherewasasacrednessinherdignifiedmannerofrecliningherglowingfaceonhisshoulder，thatpowerfullyimpressedhim。Desirewaslostinmoreineffableemotions，andtoprotectherfrominsultandsorrow——tomakeherhappy，seemednotonlythefirstwishofhisheart，butthemostnobledutyofhislife。Suchangelicconfidencedemandedthefidelityofhonour;butcouldhe，feelingherineverypulsation，couldheeverchange，couldhebeavillain？Theemotionwithwhichshe，foramoment，allowedherselftobepressedtohisbosom，thetearofrapturoussympathy，mingledwithasoftmelancholysentimentofrecollecteddisappointment，said——moreoftruthandfaithfulness，thanthetonguecouldhavegivenutterancetoinhours！Theyweresilent——yetdiscoursed，howeloquently？till，afteramoment’sreflection，Mariadrewherchairbythesideofhis，and，withacomposedsweetnessofvoice，andsupernaturalbenignityofcountenance，said，"Imustopenmywholehearttoyou;youmustbetoldwhoIam，whyIamhere，andwhy，tellingyouIamawife，Iblushnotto"——theblushspoketherest。
　　Jemimawasagainatherelbow，andtherestraintofherpresencedidnotpreventananimatedconversation，inwhichlove，slyurchin，waseveratbo—peep。
　　Somuchofheavendidtheyenjoy，thatparadisebloomedaroundthem;orthey，byapowerfulspell，hadbeentransportedintoArmida’sgarden。Love，thegrandenchanter，"lapttheminElysium，"
　　andeverysensewasharmonizedtojoyandsocialextacy。
　　Soanimated，indeed，weretheiraccentsoftenderness，indiscussingwhat，inothercircumstances，wouldhavebeencommonplacesubjects，thatJemimafelt，withsurprise，atearofpleasuretricklingdownherruggedcheeks。Shewipeditaway，halfashamed;andwhenMariakindlyenquiredthecause，withalltheeagersolicitudeofahappybeingwishingtoimparttoallnatureitsoverflowingfelicity，Jemimaownedthatitwasthefirsttearthatsocialenjoymenthadeverdrawnfromher。Sheseemedindeedtobreathemorefreely;
　　thecloudofsuspicionclearedawayfromherbrow;shefeltherself，foronceinherlife，treatedlikeafellow—creature。
　　Imagination！whocanpaintthypower;orreflecttheevanescenttintsofhopefosteredbythee？AdespondentgloomhadlongobscuredMaria’shorizon——nowthesunbrokeforth，therainbowappeared，andeveryprospectwasfair。Horrorstillreignedinthedarkenedcells，suspicionlurkedinthepassages，andwhisperedalongthewalls。Theyellsofmenpossessed，sometimes，madethempause，andwonderthattheyfeltsohappy，inatomboflivingdeath。
　　Theyevenchidthemselvesforsuchapparentinsensibility;stilltheworldcontainednotthreehappierbeings。AndJemima，afteragainpatrollingthepassage，wassosoftenedbytheairofconfidencewhichbreathedaroundher，thatshevoluntarilybegananaccountofherself。
　　CHAPTER5
　　"MYFATHER，"saidJemima，"seducedmymother，aprettygirl，withwhomhelivedfellow—servant;andshenosoonerperceivedthenatural，thedreadedconsequence，thantheterribleconvictionflashedonher——thatshewasruined。Honesty，andaregardforherreputation，hadbeentheonlyprinciplesinculcatedbyhermother;
　　andtheyhadbeensoforciblyimpressed，thatshefearedshame，morethanthepovertytowhichitwouldlead。Herincessantimportunitiestoprevailuponmyfathertoscreenherfromreproachbymarryingher，ashehadpromisedinthefervourofseduction，estrangedhimfromhersocompletely，thatherverypersonbecamedistastefultohim;andhebegantohate，aswellasdespiseme，beforeIwasborn。
　　"Mymother，grievedtothesoulbyhisneglect，andunkindtreatment，actuallyresolvedtofamishherself;andinjuredherhealthbytheattempt;thoughshehadnotsufficientresolutiontoadheretoherproject，orrenounceitentirely。Deathcamenotathercall;yetsorrow，andthemethodssheadoptedtoconcealhercondition，stilldoingtheworkofahouse—maid，hadsuchaneffectonherconstitution，thatshediedinthewretchedgarret，wherehervirtuousmistresshadforcedhertotakerefugeintheverypangsoflabour，thoughmyfather，afteraslightreproof，wasallowedtoremaininhisplace——allowedbythemotherofsixchildren，who，scarcelypermittingafootsteptobeheard，duringhermonth’sindulgence，feltnosympathyforthepoorwretch，deniedeverycomfortrequiredbyhersituation。
　　"Thedaymymother，died，theninthaftermybirth，Iwasconsignedtothecareofthecheapestnursemyfathercouldfind;
　　whosuckledherownchildatthesametime，andlodgedasmanymoreasshecouldget，intwocellar—likeapartments。
　　"Poverty，andthehabitofseeingchildrendieoffherhands，hadsohardenedherheart，thattheofficeofamotherdidnotawakenthetendernessofawoman;norwerethefemininecaresseswhichseemapartoftherearingofachild，everbestowedonme。
　　Thechickenhasawingtoshelterunder;butIhadnobosomtonestlein，nokindredwarmthtofosterme。Leftindirt，tocrywithcoldandhungertillIwasweary，andsleepwithouteverbeingpreparedbyexercise，orlulledbykindnesstorest;couldIbeexpectedtobecomeanythingbutaweakandricketybabe？Still，inspiteofneglect，Icontinuedtoexist，tolearntocurseexistence，[hercountenancegrewferociousasshespoke，]andthetreatmentthatrenderedmemiserable，seemedtosharpenmywits。
　　Confinedtheninadamphovel，torockthecradleofthesucceedingtribe，Ilookedlikealittleoldwoman，orahagshrivellingintonothing。Thefurrowsofreflectionandcarecontractedtheyouthfulcheek，andgaveasortofsupernaturalwildnesstotheeverwatchfuleye。Duringthisperiod，myfatherhadmarriedanotherfellow—servant，wholovedhimless，andknewbetterhowtomanagehispassion，thanmymother。Shelikewiseprovingwithchild，theyagreedtokeepashop：mystep—mother，if，beinganillegitimateoffspring，Imayventurethustocharacterizeher，havingobtainedasumofarichrelation，forthatpurpose。
　　"Soonafterherlying—in，sheprevailedonmyfathertotakemehome，tosavetheexpenseofmaintainingme，andofhiringagirltoassistherinthecareofthechild。Iwasyoung，itwastrue，butappearedaknowinglittlething，andmightbemadehandy。
　　AccordinglyIwasbroughttoherhouse;butnottoahome——forahomeIneverknew。Ofthischild，adaughter，shewasextravagantlyfond;anditwasapartofmyemployment，toassisttospoilher，byhumouringallherwhims，andbearingallhercaprices。Feelingherownconsequence，beforeshecouldspeak，shehadlearnedtheartoftormentingme，andifIeverdaredtoresist，Ireceivedblows，laidonwithnocompunctioushand，orwassenttobeddinnerless，aswellassupperless。Isaidthatitwasapartofmydailylabourtoattendthischild，withtheservilityofaslave;
　　stillitwasbutapart。Iwassentoutinallseasons，andfromplacetoplace，tocarryburdensfarabovemystrength，withoutbeingallowedtodrawnearthefire，oreverbeingcheeredbyencouragementorkindness。Nowonderthen，treatedlikeacreatureofanotherspecies，thatIbegantoenvy，andatlengthtohate，thedarlingofthehouse。Yet，Iperfectlyremember，thatitwasthecaresses，andkindexpressionsofmystep—mother，whichfirstexcitedmyjealousdiscontent。Once，Icannotforgetit，whenshewascallinginvainherwaywardchildtokissher，Irantoher，saying，’Iwillkissyou，ma’am！’andhowdidmyheart，whichwasinmymouth，sink，whatwasmydebasementofsoul，whenpushedawaywith——’Idonotwantyou，pertthing！’Anotherday，whenanewgownhadexcitedthehighestgoodhumour，andsheutteredtheappropriatedear，addressedunexpectedlytome，IthoughtIcouldneverdoenoughtopleaseher;Iwasallalacrity，androseproportionablyinmyownestimation。
　　"Asherdaughtergrewup，shewaspamperedwithcakesandfruit，whileIwas，literallyspeaking，fedwiththerefuseofthetable，withherleavings。Aliquorishtoothis，Ibelieve，commontochildren，andIusedtostealanythingsweet，thatIcouldcatchupwithachanceofconcealment。Whendetected，shewasnotcontenttochastizemeherselfatthemoment，but，onmyfather’sreturnintheevening（hewasashopman），theprincipaldiscoursewastorecountmyfaults，andattributethemtothewickeddispositionwhichIhadbroughtintotheworldwithme，inheritedfrommymother。Hedidnotfailtoleavethemarksofhisresentmentonmybody，andthensolacedhimselfbyplayingwithmysister。——Icouldhavemurderedheratthosemoments。Tosavemyselffromtheseunmercifulcorrections，Iresortedtofalshood，andtheuntruthswhichIsturdilymaintained，werebroughtinjudgmentagainstme，tosupportmytyrant’sinhumanchargeofmynaturalpropensitytovice。Seeingmetreatedwithcontempt，andalwaysbeingfedanddressedbetter，mysisterconceivedacontemptuousopinionofme，thatprovedanobstacletoallaffection;andmyfather，hearingcontinuallyofmyfaults，begantoconsidermeasacurseentailedonhimforhissins：hewasthereforeeasilyprevailedontobindmeapprenticetooneofmystep—mother’sfriends，whokeptaslop—shopinWapping。Iwasrepresented（asitwassaid）inmytruecolours;butshe，’warranted，’snappingherfingers，’thatsheshouldbreakmyspiritorheart。’
　　"Mymotherreplied，withawhine，’thatifanybodycouldmakemebetter，itwassuchacleverwomanasherself;though，forherownpart，shehadtriedinvain;butgood—naturewasherfault。’
　　"Ishudderwithhorror，whenIrecollectthetreatmentIhadnowtoendure。Notonlyunderthelashofmytask—mistress，butthedrudgeofthemaid，apprenticesandchildren，Ineverhadatasteofhumankindnesstosoftentherigourofperpetuallabour。