ThecruelBarbaricowasnosoonerarrivedathisgloomycave，thanhecalledtohimhislittlepage;who，tremblingtohearthetyrantnowagainreturned，quicklydrewneartoattendhissterncommands：whendrawingoutofthewalletthepoorFidus，moredeadthanalive，themonstercriedout，’Here，caitiff，takeinchargethissmoothed—facedmiscreant;and，d’yehearme？seethathisallowancebenomorethanonesmallounceofmouldybreadandhalfapintofstandingwater，foreachday’ssupport，tillhisnowbloomingskinbewithered，hisfleshbewastedfromhisbones，andhedwindletoameagreskeleton。’Sosayingheleftthem，ashehoped，tobewaileachother’ssadcondition。ButtheunhappyFidus，bereftofhisAmata，wasnottobeappalledbyanyofthemosthorridthreats;fornowhisonlycomfortwasthehopesofaspeedyendtohismiserablelife，andtofindarefugefromhismisfortunesinthepeacefulgrave。WiththisreflectionthefaithfulFiduswasendeavouringtocalmtheinwardtroublesofhismind，whenthelittlepage，withlooksofthemosttendercompassion，andingentlewords，bidhimbecomforted，andwithpatienceendurehispresentaffliction;addingthathehimselfhadlongsufferedthemostrigorousfate，yetdespairednotbutthatonedaywouldgivethemanopportunitytofreethemselvesfromthewickedwretch，whosesoledelightwasinothers’torments。’Astohisinhumancommands，’continuedhe，’Iwillsoonerdiethanobeythem;andinamutualfriendshipperhapswemayfindsomeconsolation，eveninthisdismalcave。’
　　ThislittlepagethecruelBarbaricohadstolenfromhisparentsatfiveyearsold;eversincewhichtimehehadtorturedandabusedhim，tillhehadnowattainedtheageofone—and—twenty。
　　HismotherhadgivenhimthenameofMignon;bywhichnamethemonsteralwayscalledhim，asitgratifiedhisinsolencetomakeuseofthatfondappellationwhilsthewasabusinghim，onlywhenhesaidMignonhewouldinderisionaddthewordDwarf;for，tosaythetruth，Mignonwasoneoftheleastmenthatwaseverseen，thoughatthesametimeoneoftheprettiest：hislimbs，thoughsmall，wereexactlyproportioned;hiscountenancewasatoncesprightlyandsoft;andwhateverhisheadthought，orhisheartfelt，hiseyesbytheirlooksexpressed;andhistemperwasassweetashispersonwasamiable。SuchwasthegentlecreatureBarbaricochosetotorment。Forwickedgiants，nolessthanwickedmenandwomen，areconstantlytormentedattheappearanceofthoseperfectionsinanother，towhichtheythemselveshavenopretensions。
　　ThefriendshipandaffectionofFidusandMignonnoweverydayincreased;andthelongertheywereacquainted，themeredelighttheytookineachother’scompany。ThefaithfulFidusrelatedtohiscompanionthestoryofhislovedAmata，whilstthetenderMignonconsoledhisfriend’sinwardsorrows，andsuppliedhimwithnecessaries，notwithstandingtheventureherunofthecrueltyrant’sheavydispleasure。ThegiantceasednoteverydaytoviewthehaplessFidus，toseeifthecrueltyofhisintentionshadinanydegreewroughtitsdesiredeffect;butperceivinginhimnoalteration，henowbegantobesuspiciousthatthelittleMignonhadnotpunctuallyobeyedhissavagecommand。Inorderthereforetosatisfyhiswickedcuriosity，heresolvedwithinhimselfnarrowlytowatcheveryoccasionthesepoorunhappycaptiveshadofconversingwitheachother。Mignon，wellknowingtheimplacableandrevengefuldispositionofthisbarbaroustyrant，hadtakenalltheprecautionsimaginabletoavoiddiscovery;andthereforegenerallysoughteveryopportunityofbeingalonewithFidus，andcarryinghimhisdailyprovisionsatthosehoursheknewthegiantwasmostlikelytobeasleep。
　　Itsobefellthat，onacertainday，thewickedgianthad，aswashisusualcustom，beenabroadformanyhoursinsearchofsomeunhappycreatureonwhomtogluthishatefulinhumanity;when，tiredwithfruitlessroaming，hereturnedtohisgloomycave，beguiledofallhishorridpurposes;forhehadnotoncethatdayespiedsomuchasthetrackofman，orotherharmlessanimal，togivehimhopeseventogratifyhisrageorcruelty;butnowravingwithinwardtormentanddespair，helaidhimdownuponhisironcouch，totryifhecouldclosehiseyesandquietthetumultuouspassionsofhisbreast。Hetossedandtumbledandcouldgetnorest，startingwithfearfuldreams，andhorridvisionsoftormentingfuries。
　　MeanwhilethegentleMignonhadpreparedalittledelicaterepast，andhavingseenthemonsterlayhimselfatlength，andthinkingnowthatafitoccasionofferedinwhichtocomfortandrefreshhislong—expectingfriend，washasteningwithittothecellwherethefaithfulFiduswasconfined。Atthefatalmomentthegiant，rearinghimselfuponhiscouch，perceivedthelittleMignonjustattheentranceofthecell;whencallingtohiminahollowvoice，thatdismallyresoundedthroughthecave，hesostartledthepoorunhappypage，thathedroppedthecoverfromhistremblinghandandstoodfixedandmotionlessasastatue。
　　’Comehither，Mignon，caitiff，dwarf，’saidthenthetauntinghomicide：butthepoorlittlecreaturewassothunderstruckhewasquiteunabletostironefoot。Whereatthegiant，rousinghimselffromoffhiscouch，withonehugestridereachedouthisbrawnyarm，andseizedhimbythewaist;and，pointingtothescattereddelicates，criedout，’Vilemiscreant！isitthusthouhastobeyedmyorders？Isthisthemouldybreadandmuddywater，withwhichaloneitwasmycommandthoushouldstsustainthatpunymortal？ButI’ll——’Hereraisinghimaloft，hewasabouttodashhimtotheground，whensuddenlyrevolvinginhiswickedthoughts，thatifatonceheshoulddestroyhispatientslave，hiscrueltytohimmustalsohaveanend，hepaused——andthenrecovering，hestretchedouthisarm，andbringingthelittletremblernearhisglaringeyes，hethussubjoins：’No;I’llnotdestroythywretchedlife;butthoushaltwastethywearydaysinadarkdungeon，asfarremotefromtheleastdawnoflightasfromthylovedcompanion。AndImyselfwillcarefullysupplyyoubothsoequallywithmouldybreadandwater，thateachbyhisownsufferingsshalldailyknowwhathisdearfriendendures。’Sosaying，hehastenedwithhimtohisdeepestdungeon;andhavingthrusthimin，hedoublybarredtheirondoor。Andnowagainretiringtohiscouch，thisnew—wroughtmischief，whichgreatlygratifiedhisragingmind，soonsunkhimdownintoasoundandheavysleep。Thereasonthishorridmonsterhadnotlongagodevouredhislittlecaptive（forhethoughthimadeliciousmorsel）was，thathemightneverwantanobjectathandtogratifyhiscruelty。Forthoughextremelygreatwashisvoracioushunger，yetgreaterstillwashisdesireoftormenting;andoftentimeswhenhehadteased，beat，andtorturedthepoorgentleMignon，soastoforcefromhimtears，andsometimesasoftcomplaint，hewould，withamalicioussneer，scornfullyreproachhiminthefollowingwords：’Littledoesitavailtowhine，toblubber，orcomplain;for，remember，abjectwretch，Iamagiant，andIcaneatthee：
　　Thouartadwarf，andthoucanstnoteatme。’
　　WhenMignonwasthusalone，hethrewhimselfonthecoldground，bemoaninghisunhappyfate。However，hesoonrecollectedthatpatienceandresignationwerehisonlysuccourinthisdistressfulcondition;notdoubtingbutthat，asgoodnesscannotalwayssuffer，heshouldintimemeetwithsomeunforeseendeliverancefromthesavagepoweroftheinhumanBarbarico。
　　WhilstthegentleMignonwasendeavouringtocomforthimselfinhisdungeonwiththesegoodreflections，hesuddenlyperceived，atalittledistancefromhim，asmallglimmeringlight。Immediatelyherosefromtheground，andgoingtowardsit，foundthatitshonethroughalittledoorthathadbeenleftatjar，whichledhimtoaspacioushall，whereinthegianthoardedhisimmensetreasures。
　　Mignonwasatfirstdazzledwiththelustreofsomuchgoldandsilver，andsparklingjewelsaswerethereheapedtogether。Butcastinghiseyesonastatuethatwasplacedinthemiddleoftheroom，hereadonthepedestal，writteninverysmallletters，thefollowingverses：
　　WouldstthoufromtheragebefreeOfthetyrant’styranny，LoosethefilletwhichisboundTwicethreetimesmybrowsaround;
　　Boltsandbarsshallopenfly，Byamagicsympathy。
　　Takehiminhissleepinghour;
　　Bindhisneckandbreakhispow’r。
　　Patiencebids，makenodelay：
　　Hastetobindhim，hasteaway。
　　Mignon’slittleheartnowleaptforjoy，thathehadfoundthemeansofsuchaspeedydeliverance;andeagerlyclimbingupthestatue，hequicklyunboundthemagicfillet;whichwasnosoonerdone，butsuddenlytheboltsandbarsofthebrazengatesthroughwhichthegiantusedtopasstothishistreasury，wereallunloosed，andthefolding—doorsoftheirownaccordflewopen，gratingharshthunderontheirmassyhinges。Atthesameinstant，stretchedonhisironcouchintheroomadjoiningtothehall，thegiantgaveadeadlygroan。HereagainthelittleMignon’stremblingheartbegantofail;forhefearedthemonsterwasawakenedbythenoise，andthatheshouldnowsufferthecruellesttormentshiswickedmalicecouldinvent。Whereforeforashortspaceheremainedclingingroundthestatue，tillheperceivedthatallagainwashushedandsilent;when，gettingdown，hegentlystoleintothegiant’schamber，wherehefoundhimstillinaprofoundsleep。
　　Buthere，tothegreatmortificationofMissJenny’sattentivehearers，thehourofentertainingthemselvesbeingatanend，theywereobligedtoleavethepoorlittleMignoninthegreatestdistressandfrightlestthegiantshouldawakebeforehecouldfulfilthecommandsoftheoracle，andtowaitfortheremainderofthestorytillanotheropportunity。
　　Intheevening，assoonasschoolwasover，thelittlecompanyagainmetintheirarbour，andnothingcouldbegreaterthantheirimpatiencetoheartheeventofMignon’shazardousundertaking。
　　MissDollyFriendlysaidthatifthepoorlittlecreaturewasdestroyed，sheshouldnotsleepthatnight。ButtheyalljoinedinentreatingMissJennytoproceed;whichshedidinthefollowingmanner：
　　ACONTINUATIONOFTHESTORYOFTHEGIANTS。
　　Now，thoughtMignon，istheluckymomenttofulfiltheinstructionsoftheoracle。Andthencautiouslygettingupthesideofthecouch，withtremblinghandsheputthefilletroundthemonster’sneck，andtieditfirmlyinathreefoldknot;andagainsoftlycreepingdown，heretiredintoacorneroftheroomtowaitthewishedevent。Inafewminutesthegiantwaked;andopeninghisenormouseyes，heglaredtheirhorridorbsaround（butwithouttheleastmotionofhisheadorbody）andspiedthelittleMignonwherehelay，closeshrinkingtoavoidhisbalefulsight。
　　Thegiantnosoonerperceivedhislittlepageatliberty，buthisheartsorelysmotehim，andhebegantosuspecttheworstthatcouldbefall;for，recollectingthathehadcarelesslyleftopenthelittledoorleadingfromthedungeontothegreathallwhereinwasplacedthefatalmagicstatue，hewasnowentirelyconvincedthatMignonhaddiscoveredthesecretcharmonwhichhispowerdepended;forhealreadyfoundthemagicofthefilletroundhisneckfullytooperate，hissinewsallrelax，hisjointsalltremble;andwhenhewouldbyhisownhandhavetriedtofreehimself，hisshiveringlimbshefoundrefusedobediencetotheiroffice。Thusbereftofallhisstrength，andwellnighmotionless，inthisextremityofimpotencehecastaboutwithinhimselfbywhatslyfraud（forfraudandsubtletywerenowhisonlyrefuge）hebestmightworkuponthegentleMignontolendhiskindassistancetounloosehim。Whereforewithguilefulwordsandseemingcourtesy，stillstrivingtoconcealhiscursedcondition，hethusbespakehislittlecaptive：
　　’ComehitherMignon;myprettygentleboy，comenearme。Thisfilletthouhasboundaroundmyneck，tokeepmefromthecold，givesmesomepain。Iknowthygentlenaturewillnotlettheeseethytendermasterintheleastuneasiness，withoutaffordinghimthycheerfulaidandkindrelief。Comehither，mydearchild，Isay，andloosetheknotwhichinthykindconcern（Ithanktheeforthycare）thouhasttiedsohard，itsomewhatfretsmyneck。’
　　Thesewordstheinsidiouswretchutteredinsuchalowtremblingtoneofvoice，andwithsuchanaffectationoftenderness，thatthelittlepage，whohadneverbeforeexperiencefromhimanysuchkindofdialect，andbuttoowellknewhissavagenaturetobelievethatanythingbutguileorwantofpowercouldmovehimtotheleastfriendlyspeech，orkindaffection，begannowstronglytobepersuadedthatallwasashewished，andthatthepoweroftheinhumantyrantwasatanend。Heknewfullwell，thatifthegianthadnotlosttheabilityofrisingfromthecouch，heshoulderenowtoosensiblyhavefeltthesadeffectsofhismaliciousresentment，andthereforeboldlyadventuredtoapproachhim，andcomingnearthecouch，andfindingnottheleasteffortinthemonstertoreachhim，andfromthencequitesatisfiedofthegiant’stotalincapacityofdoingfarthermischief，heflewwithrapturestothecellwhereFiduslayconfined。
　　PoorFidusallthistimewasquitedisconsolate;norcouldheguessthecausewhyhislittlefriendsolonghadkeptaway;onewhilehethoughtthegiant’ssterncommandshadstreightenedhimofallsubsistence;anotherwhilehisheartmisgavehimforhisgentlefriend，lestunawareshiskindbeneficencetowardshimhadcausedhimtofallasacrificetothetyrant’scruelresentment。
　　Withtheseandmanyotherlikereflectionstheunhappyyouthwasbusied，whenMignon，suddenlyunbarredthecell，flewtohisfriend，andeagerlyembracedhim，criedout，’ComeFidus，haste，mydearestfriend;forthouandallofusarefromthismomentfree。Comeandbeholdthecruelmonster，wherehelies，bereftofallhisstrength。Icannotstaytotelltheenowthecause;buthaste，andthoushallseethedreadfultyrantstretchedonhisironcouch，deprivedofallhiswickedpower。Butfirstletusunbareachcell，whereinispentsomewretchedcaptive，thatwemayshareageneraltransportforthisourgladdeliverance。’
　　ThefaithfulFidus，whosehearthadknownbutlittlejoysincehehadlosthislovedAmata，nowfeltadawninghopethathemightoncemorechancetofindher，ifshehadsurvivedtheirfatalseparation;and，withoutonewordofanswer，hefollowedMignontotheseveralcells，andsoonreleasedalltheastonishedcaptives。
　　Mignonfirstcarriedthemtobeholdtheirformerterror，now，toappearance，almostalifelesscorpse;whoonseeingthemallsurroundhiscouch，gaveamosthideousroar，whichmadethemtremble，allbutthegentleMignon，whowasconvincedoftheimpotenceofhisrage，andbeggedthemtogivehimtheirattendanceinthehall;wheretheywerenosoonerassembledthanheshowedthemthestatue，readthemtheoracle，andtoldthemeverycircumstancebeforerelated。
　　Theynowbegantobethinkthemselvesofwhatmethodwastobetakentoprocuretheirentireliberty;fortheinfluenceofthemagicfilletextendedonlytothegatesofthehall;andstilltheyremainedimprisonedwithinthedismalcave;andthoughtheyknewfromtheoracle，aswellasfromwhatappeared，thatthemonster’spowerwasatanend，yetstillweretheytoseekthemeansoftheirescapefromthishishorridabode。AtlengthMignonagainascendedthecouchtofindthemassykey，andspyingoneendofitpeepoutfromunderthepillow，hecalledtoFidus，whofirststeppeduptohisfriend’sassistance;therestbyhisexamplequicklyfollowed;andnow，bytheirunitedforce，theydraggedtheponderouskeyfromunderthemonster’shead;andthendescendingtheyallwenttotheouterdoorofthecave，where，withsomedifficulty，theysetwideopenthefoldingirongates。
　　TheynowdeterminedtodispatchamessengertothegoodBeneficowiththenews，whichtheyknewwouldbesowelcometohimandallhisguests，andwithonevoiceagreedthatFidusshouldbearthejoyfultidings;andthenreturnedtoobservethemonster，andtowaitthecomingofBenefico。ThenimbleFidussoonreachedthegiant’sdwelling，where，atalittledistancefromthecastle，hemetthegoodBeneficowithatrainofhappyfriends，enjoyingthepleasuresoftheevening，andtheinstructiveandcheerfulconversationoftheirkindprotector。Fidusbrieflytoldhiserrand;andinstantlyBenefico，withallhistrain，joyfullyhastenedtobeholdthewondershehadrelated;fornowmanyheartsleaptforjoy，inhopesofmeetingsomefriendofwhomtheyhadbeenbereftbythecrueltyofthesavageBarbarico。
　　Theywerenotlongbeforetheyarrivedatthehorridcave，whereBenefico，proceedingdirectlytothemonster’schamber，suddenlyappearedtohimatthesideofhiscouch。Barbarico，onseeinghim，gaveahideousyell，androlledhisglaringeyesinsuchamannerasexpressedtheheightofrageandenviousbitterness。
　　Benefico，turningtoallthecompanypresent，thusspoke，’HowshallIenoughpraiseandadmirethegentleMignonforhavingputinmypowertojusticeonthisexecrablewretch，andfreeingyouallfromaninsufferableslavery，andthewholecountryfromtheirterror？’Thenreachingthemonster’sownsword，whichhungoverhiscouch，hishandyetsuspendedovertheimpioustyrant，hethussaid，’Speak，wretch，ifyetthepowerofspeechisleftthee;andwiththylatestbreathdeclare，whatadvantagehastthoufoundofallthywickedlife？’
　　Barbaricowellknewthattoobadhadbeenthatlife，toleavetheleastroomforhopeofmercy;andtherefore，insteadofananswer，hegaveanotherhideousyell，gnashinghishorridteeth，andagainrollinghisghastlyeyesonallaround。
　　Beneficoseeinghimthusimpenitentandsullen，liftedonhighthemightysword，andwithoneblowseveredhisodiousheadfromhisenormousbody。
　　Thewholeassemblygaveashoutforjoy;andBeneficoholdinginhishandthemonster’syetgrinninghead，thusaddressedhishalf—astonishedcompanions：’Seehere，myfriends，theproperconclusionofarapaciouscruellife。Butletushastenfromthismonster’sgloomycave;andonthetopofoneofourhighestmountains，fixedonapole，willIsetupthisjoyfulspectacle，thatallthecountryroundmayknowthemselvesatlibertytopursuetheirruralbusinessoramusements，withoutthedreadofanyannoyancefromadevouringviletormentor。Andwhenhistreasures，whichjustlyallbelongtothegoodpatientMignon，areremoved，wewillshutupthemouthofthisabominabledwelling;
　　and，castingonthedooraheapofearth，we’llhope，intime，thatbothplaceandremembranceofthiscruelsavagemayintimebelost。’
　　Everyonereadilycriedout，thattoBenefico，thegoodBenefico，alonebelongedthetyrant’streasures;thatBeneficoshouldeverbe，asheretofore，theirgovernor，theirfather，andtheirkindprotector。
　　Thebeneficentheartofthegoodgiantwasquitemeltedwiththistheirkindconfidenceanddependenceuponhim，andassuredthem，heshouldeverregardthemashischildren：andnow，exultinginthegeneraljoythatmustattendthedestructionofthissavagemonster，whenthewholecountryshouldfindthemselvesfreedfromtheterrorhisrapineanddesolation，hesentbeforetohiscastle，togiveintelligencetoallwithinthathappyplaceofthegrimmonster’sfall，andlittleMignon’striumph;givinginchargetotheharbingerofthesetidings，thatitshouldbehisfirstandchiefestcaretogladthegentlebosomofafairdisconsolate（whokeptherselfretiredandpentupwithinherownapartment）withtheknowledgethattheinhumanmonsterwasnomore;andthathenceforthsweetpeaceandruralinnocencemightreigninalltheirwoodsandgroves。Theheartsofallwithinthecastleboundedwithjoy，onhearingthereportoftheinhumanmonster’sdeath，andthedeliveranceofallhiscaptives，andwithspeedystepstheyhastenedtomeettheirkindprotector;nordidthemelancholyfairone，lestsheshouldseemunthankfulforthegeneralblessing，refusetojointhetrain。
　　ItwasnotlongafterthemessengerthatBenefico，andthosehisjoyfulfriends，arrived：butthefaithfulFidusalone，ofallthishappycompany，wastorturedwiththeinwardpangsofasadgriefhecouldnotconquer，andhisfondheartremainedstillcaptivatedtoameltingsorrow：norcouldeventhetenderfriendshipofthegentleMignonquiteremove，thoughitalleviated，hissadness;butthethoughtsofhislovedlostamataembitteredeveryjoy，andoverwhelmedhisgeneroussoulwithsorrow。
　　WhenthecompanyfromthecastlejoinedBenefico，hedeclaredtotheminwhatmannertheirdeliverancewaseffected;and，asageneralshoutofjoyresoundedthroughtheneighbouringmountains，Fidus，liftinguphiseyes，beheldinthemidstofthemultitude，standinginapensiveposture，thefairdisconsolate。Hertenderheartwasattheinstantoverflowinginsofttears，causedbyakindparticipationoftheirpresenttransport，yetmixedwiththedeepsadimpressionofagriefherbosomwasfullfraughtwith。
　　Herface，atfirst，wasalmosthidbyherwhitehandkerchief，withwhichshewipedawaythetricklingdrops，whichfalling，hadbedewedherbeauteouscheeks：butassheturnedherlovelyfacetoviewthejoyfulconquerors，andtospeakawelcometoherkindprotector，whatwordscanspeaktheraptures，theastonishment，thatswelledthebosomofthefaithfulyouth，wheninthisfairdisconsolatehesawhisloved，hisconstant，hislong—lostAmata！
　　Theirdelightedeyesinthesameinstantbeheldeachother，and，breakingoneachsidefromtheirastonishedfriends，theyflewlikelightningintoeachother’sarms。
　　Aftertheyhadgivenashortaccountofwhathadpassedintheirseparation，FiduspresentedtohislovedAmatathekind，thegentleMignon，withlavishpraisesofhisgenerousfriendship，andsteadyresolution，inhazardinghislifebydisobeyingtheinjunctionsofthecrueltyrant。NosoonerhadAmataheardthenameofMignon，butshecriedout，’Surelymyhappinessisnowcomplete，andallmysorrows，bythisjoyfulmoment，aremorethanfullyrecompensed;for，inthekindpreserverofmyFidus，Ihavefoundmybrother。MymotherlostherlittleMignonwhenhewasfiveyearsold;andpininggrief，aftersomeyearsvainsearch，endedherwretchedlife。’
　　ThegenerousheartsofallwhowerepresentsharedtherapturesofthefaithfulFidus，thelovelyAmata，andgentleMignon，onthishappydiscovery;andinthewarmestcongratulationstheyexpressedtheirjoy。
　　Beneficonowledallthedelightedcompanyintohiscastle，wherefreedomwaspubliclyproclaimed;andeveryonewasleftalibertyeithertoremaintherewithBenefico，or，loadedwithwealthsufficientfortheiruse，togowheretheirattachmentsorinclinationsmightinvitethem。
　　Fidus，Amata，andthelittleMignon，hesitatednotonemomenttodeclaretheirchoiceofstayingwiththegenerousBenefico。
　　ThenuptialsofthefaithfulFidus，andhislovedAmata，weresolemnizedinthepresenceofalltheirfriends。
　　Beneficopassedtheremainderofhisdaysinpleasingreflectionsonhiswell—spentlife。
　　Thetreasuresofthedeadtyrantwereturnedintoblessingsbytheusetheywerenowmadeof：littleMignonwaslovedandcherishedbyallhiscompanions。Peace，harmonyandlovereignedineverybosom;dissension，discord，andhatredwerebanishedfromthisfriendlydwelling;andthathappiness，whichisthenaturalconsequenceofgoodness，appearedineverycheerfulcountenancethroughoutthecastleofthegoodBenefico;andasheretoforeaffrightandterrorspreaditselffromthemonster’shatefulcave，sonowfromthispeacefulcastlewasdiffusedtranquilityandjoythroughallthehappycountryround。
　　Thusendedthestoryofthetwogiants：andMissJennybeingtiredwithreading，theyleftthearbourforthatnight，andagreedtomeetthereagainthenextday。
　　Assoonastheyhadsupped，Mrs。TeachumsentforMissJennyPeaceintohercloset，anddesiredanexactaccountfromherofthistheirfirstday’samusement，thatshemightjudgefromthencehowfartheymightbetrustedwiththelibertyshehadgiventhem。
　　MissJennyshowedhergovernessthestoryshehadread;andsaid，’Ihope，madam，youwillnotthinkitanimproperone;foritwasgivenmebymymamma;andshetoldme，thatshethoughtitcontainedaveryexcellentmoral。’
　　Mrs。Teachum，havinglookeditover，thusspoke：’Ihavenoobjection，MissJenny，toyourreadinganystoriestoamuseyou，providedyoureadthemwiththeproperdispositionofmindnottobehurtbythem。Averygoodmoralmayindeedbedrawnfromthewhole，andlikewisefromalmosteverypartofit;andasyouhadthisstoryfromyourmamma，Idoubtnotbutyouareverywellqualifiedtomaketheproperremarksyourselfuponthemoralofittoyourcompanions。Buthereletmeobservetoyou（whichIwouldhaveyoucommunicatetoyourlittlefriends）thatgiants，magic，fairies，andallsortsofsupernaturalassistancesinastory，areonlyintroducedtoamuseanddivert：foragiantiscalledsoonlytoexpressamanofgreatpower;andthemagicfilletroundthestatuewasintendedonlytoshowyou，thatbypatienceyouwillovercomealldifficulties。Therefore，bynomeansletthenotionofgiantsormagicdwelluponyourminds。Andyoumayfartherobserve，thatthereisadifferentstyleadaptedtoeverysortofwriting;andthevarioussoundingepithetsgiventoBarbaricoarepropertoexpresstheragingcrueltyofhiswickedmind。Butneitherthishigh—soundinglanguage，northesupernaturalcontrivancesinthisstory，doIsothoroughlyapprove，astorecommendthemmuchtoyourreading;except，asI
　　saidbefore，greatcareistakentopreventyourbeingcarriedaway，bythesehigh—flownthings，fromthatsimplicityoftasteandmannerswhichitismychiefstudytoinculcate。’
　　HereMissJennylookedalittleconfounded;and，byherdown—casteye，showedafearthatshehadincurredthedisapprobation，ifnotthedispleasure，ofhergoverness：uponwhichMrs。Teachumthusproceeded：
　　’Idonotintendbythis，mydear，toblameyouforwhatyouhavedone;butonlytoinstructyouhowtomakethebestuseofeventhemosttriflingthings：andifyouhaveanymorestoriesofthiskind，withanequalgoodmoral，whenyouarenotbetteremployed，Ishallnotbeagainstyourreadingthem;alwaysrememberingthecautionsIhavethiseveningbeengivingyou。’
　　MissJennythankedhergovernessforherinstructions，andkindindulgencetoher，andpromisedtogiveheranexactaccountoftheirdailyamusements;and，takingleave，retiredtoherrest。
　　TUESDAY。
　　THESECONDDAY。
　　ThatMissJenny’smeetingwithhercompanionsinthemorning，afterschool，sheaskedthemhowtheylikedthehistoryofthegiants？Theyalldeclaredtheythoughtitaveryprettydivertingstory。MissJennyreplied，thoughshewasgladtheywerepleased，yetshewouldhavethemlookfartherthanthepresentamusement：
　　’for，’continuedshe，’mymammaalwaystaughtmetounderstandwhatIread;otherwise，shesaid，itwastonomannerofpurposetoreadeversomanybooks，whichwouldonlystuffmybrain，withoutbeinganyimprovementtomymind。’
　　Themissesallagreed，thatcertainlyitwasofnousetoread，withoutunderstandingwhattheyread;andbegantotalkofthestoryofthegiants，toprovetheycouldmakejustremarksonit。
　　MissSukeyJennettsaid，’IammostpleasedwiththatpartofthestorywherethegoodBeneficocutsoffthemonster’shead，andputsanendtohiscruelty，especiallyashewassosullenhewouldnotconfesshiswickedness;because，youknow，MissJenny，ifhehadhadsenseenoughtohaveownedhiserror，andhavefollowedtheexampleofthegoodgiant，hemighthavebeenhappy。’
　　MissLucySlydeliveredthefollowingopinion：’MygreatestjoywaswhilstMignonwastyingthemagicfilletroundthemonster’sneck，andconqueringhim。’
　　’NowI（saidMissDollyFriendly）ammostpleasedwiththatpartofthestory，wereFidusandAmatameettherewardoftheirconstancyandlove，whentheyfindeachotherafteralltheirsufferings。’
　　MissPollySucklingsaid，withsomeeagerness，’MygreatestjoywasinthedescriptionofMignon;andtothinkthatitshouldbeinthepowerofthatlittlecreaturetoconquersuchagreatmonster。’
　　MissPattyLockit，MissNannySpruce，MissBettyFord，andMissHennyFret，advancednonewopinions;butagreedsometoone，andsometoanother，ofthosethatwerealreadyadvanced。Andaseveryonewaseagertomaintainherownopinion，anargumentfollowed，theparticularsofwhichIcouldneverlearn：onlythusmuchIknow，thatitwasconcludedbyMissLucySly，saying，withanairandtoneofvoicethatimpliedmoreangerthanhadbeenheardsincethereconciliation，thatshewassureMissPollySucklingonlylikedthatpartaboutMignon，becauseshewastheleastintheschool;andMignonbeingsuchalittlecreature，putherinmindofherself。
　　MissJennyPeacenowbegantobefrighted，lestthiscontentionshouldraiseanotherquarrel;andthereforebeggedtobeheardbeforetheywentanyfarther。Theywerenotyetangryenoughtorefusehearingwhatshehadtosay：andthenMissJennydesiredthemtoconsiderthemoralofthestory，andwhatusetheymightmakeofit，insteadofcontendingwhichwastheprettiestpart：
　　’Forotherwise，’continuedshe，’Ihavelostmybreathinreadingtoyou;andyouwillbeworse，ratherthanbetter，forwhatyouhaveheard。Prayobserve，thatBenefico’shappinessaroseentirelyfromhisgoodness：hehadlessstrength，andlessriches，thanthecruelmonster;andyet，bythegoodusehemadeofwhathepossessed，youseehowheturnedallthingstohisadvantage。Butparticularlyremember，thatthegoodlittleMignon，inthemomentthathewaspatientlysubmittingtohissufferings，foundamethodofrelievinghimselffromthem，andofovercomingabarbarousmonster，whohadsocruellyabusedhim。
　　’OurgoodgovernesslastnightnotonlyinstructedmeinthismoralIamnowcommunicatingtoyou，butlikewisebidmewarnyoubynomeanstoletthenotionofgiantsormagictodwelluponyourminds;forbyagiantismeantnomorethanamanofgreatpower;andthemagicfilletroundtheheadofthestatuewasonlyintendedtoteachyou，thatbytheassistanceofpatienceyoumayovercomealldifficulties。
　　’Inorderthereforetomakewhatyoureadofanyusetoyou，youmustnotonlythinkofitthusingeneral，butmaketheapplicationtoyourselves。Forwhen（asnow）insteadofimprovingyourselvesbyreading，youmakewhatyoureadasubjecttoquarrelabout，whatisthislessthanbeinglikethemonsterBarbarico，whoturnedhisveryrichestoacurse？IamsureitisnotfollowingtheexampleofBenefico，whomadeeverythingablessingtohim。Remember，ifyoupinchandabuseadogorcat，becauseitisinyourpower，youarelikethecruelMonster，whenheabusedthelittleMignon，andsaid，Iamagiant，andIcaneatthee;
　　Thouartadwarf，andthoucanstnoteatme。
　　’Inshort，ifyouwillreapanybenefitfromthisstorytowardsrenderingyouhappy，wheneveryouhaveanypower，youmustfollowtheexampleofthegiantBenefico，anddogoodwithit：andwhenyouareunderanysufferings，likeMignon，youmustpatientlyendurethemtillyoucanfindaremedy：then，inonecase，likeBenefico，youwillenjoywhatyoupossess;and，intheother，youwillintime，likeMignon，overcomeyoursufferings：forthenaturalconsequenceofindulgingcrueltyandrevengeinthemind，evenwherethereisthehighestpowertogratifyit，ismisery。’
　　HereMissSukeyJennetinterruptedMissJenny，saying，thatsheherselfhadexperiencedthetruthofthatobservationintheformerpartofherlife：forsheneverhadknowneitherpeaceorpleasure，tillshehadconqueredinhermindthedesireofhurtingandbeingrevengedonthosewhoshethoughtdidnotbytheirbehaviourshowthesameregardforher，thatherowngoodopinionofherselfmadeherthinkshedeserved。MissJennythenaskedher，ifshewaswillingtoleadthewaytotherestofhercompanions，bytellingherpastlife？Sheanswered，shewoulddoitwithallherheart;and，byhavingsomanyandgreatfaultstoconfess，shehopedsheshould，byhertrueconfessions，setthemanexampleofhonestyandingenuity。
　　THEDESCRIPTIONOFMISSSUKEYJENNETT。
　　MissSukeyJennett，whowasnextinyearstoMissJennyPeace，wasnotquitetwelveyearsold;butsoverytallofherage，thatshewaswithinatrifleastallasMissJennyPeace;and，bygrowingsofast，wasmuchthinner：andthoughshewasnotreallysowellmade，yet，fromanassuredairinhermannerofcarryingherself，shewascalledmuchthegenteelestgirl。Therewas，onfirstview，agreatresemblanceintheirpersons。Herfacewasveryhandsome，andhercomplexionextremelygood;butalittlemoreinclinedtopalethanMissJenny’s。Hereyeswereadegreedarker，andhadalifeandfireinthemwhichwasverybeautiful：butyetherimpatienceontheleastcontradictionoftenbroughtafiercenessintohereyes，andgavesuchadiscomposuretoherwholecountenance，asimmediatelytookoffyouradmiration。Buthereyeshadnow，sinceherheartyreconciliationwithhercompanions，lostagreatpartoftheirfierceness;andwithgreatmildness，andanobligingmanner，shetoldherstoryasfollows：
　　THELIFEOFMISSSUKEYJENNETT。
　　’MymammadiedwhenIwassoyoungthatIcannotrememberher;andmypapamarryingagainwithinhalfayearafterherdeath，Iwaschieflylefttothecareofanoldservant，thathadlivedmanyyearsinthefamily。Iwasagreatfavouriteofhers，andineverythinghadmyownway。WhenIwasbutfouryearsold，ifeveranythingcrossedme，Iwastaughttobeatit，andberevengedofit，eventhoughitcouldnotfeel。IfIfelldownandhurtmyself，theverygroundwastobebeatforhurtingthesweetchild：sothat，insteadoffearingtofall，Ididnotdislikeit;
　　forIwaspleasedtofind，thatIwasofsuchconsequence，thateverythingwastotakecarethatIcamebynoharm。
　　’Ihadalittleplayfellow，inachildofoneofmypapa’sservants，whowastobeentirelyundermycommand。ThisgirlI
　　usedtoabuseandbeat，wheneverIwasoutofhumour;andwhenI
　　hadabusedher，ifshedaredtogrumble，ormaketheleastcomplaint，Ithoughtitthegreatestimpudenceintheworld;and，insteadofmendingmybehaviourtoher，Igrewveryangrythatsheshoulddaretodisputemypower：formygovernessalwaystoldher，thatshewasbutaservant’sgirl，andIwasagentleman’sdaughter;andthatthereforesheoughttogivewaytome;forthatIdidhergreathonourinplayingwithher。ThusIthoughtthedistancebetweenuswassogreat，thatIneverconsideredthatshecouldfeel：butwhilstImyselfsufferednothing，Ifanciedeverythingwasveryright;anditneveroncecameintomyhead，thatIcouldbeinthewrong。
　　’ThislifeIledtillIcametoschool，whenIwaselevenyearsold。HereIhadnobodyinmypower;forallmyschoolfellowsthoughtthemselvesmyequals：sothatIcouldonlyquarrel，fight，andcontendforeverything：butbeingliabletobepunished，whenIwastryingtoberevengedonanyofmyenemies，asIthoughtthem，Ineverhadamoment’seaseorpleasure，tillMissJennywassogoodtotakethepainstoconvincemeofmyfolly，andmademebereconciledtoyou，mydearcompanions。’
　　HereMissSukeyceased;andMissJennysmiledwithpleasure，atthethoughtsthatshehadbeenthecauseofherhappiness。
　　Mrs。Teachumbeingnowcomeintothearbour，toseeinwhatmannerherlittlescholarspassedtheirtime，theyallroseupanddoherreverence。MissJennygaveheranaccounthowtheyhadbeenemployed;andshewasmuchpleasedwiththeirinnocentandusefulentertainment;butespeciallywiththemethodtheyhadfoundoutofrelatingtheirpastlives。ShetooklittlePollySucklingbythehand，andbiddingtherestfollow，itbeingnowdinnertime，shewalkedtowardsthehouse，attendedbythewholecompany。
　　Mrs。Teachumhadagreatinclinationtohearthehistoryofthelivesofallherlittlescholars：butshethought，thatbeingpresentatthoserelationsmightbeabalktothenarration，asperhapstheymightbeashamedfreelytoconfesstheirpastfaultsbeforeher;andtherefore，thatshemightnotbeanybarinthiscasetothefreedomoftheirspeech，andyetmightbeacquaintedwiththeirstories（thoughthiswasnotmerelyavaincuriosity，butadesirebythismeanstoknowtheirdifferentdispositions），shecalledMissJennyPeacetoherparlourafterdinner，andtoldher，shewouldhavehergetthelivesofhercompanionsinwriting，andbringthemtoher;andMissJennyreadilypromisedtoobeyhercommands。
　　Intheeveningourlittlecompanyagainmetintheircharmingarbour;wheretheywerenosoonerseated，withthatcalmnessandcontentwhichnowalwaysattendedthem，thanthecriesandsobsofachild，atalittledistancefromtheirgarden，disturbedtheirtranquility。
　　MissJenny，everreadytorelievethedistressed，ranimmediatelytotheplacewhencethesoundseemedtocome，andwasfollowedbyallhercompanions：when，atasmalldistancefromMrs。Teachum’sgarden—wall，overwhichfromtheterraceouryoungcompanylooked，theysaw，underalargespreadingtree，partofthebranchesofwhichshadedaseatattheendofthatterrace，amiddle—agedwomanbeatingalittlegirl，wholookedtobeabouteightyearsold，soseverely，thatitwasnowonderhercrieshadreachedtheirarbour。
　　MissJennycouldnotforbearcallingouttothewoman，andbegginghertoforbear：andlittlePollySucklingcriedasmuchasthegirl，anddesiredshemightnotbebeatanymore。Thewoman，inrespecttothem，letthechildgo;butsaid，’Indeed，youngladies，youdon’tknowwhatanaughtygirlsheis：forthoughyounowseemecorrectherinthismanner，yetamIinallrespectsverykindtoher，andneverstrikeherbutforlying。Ihavetriedallmeans，goodandbad，tobreakherofthisvilefault;
　　buthithertoallIhavedonehasbeeninvain：norcanIevergetonewordoftruthoutofhermouth。ButIamresolvedtobreakherofthishorridcustom，orIcannotlivewithher：forthoughIambutpoor，yetIwillbreedupmychildtobehonest，bothinwordanddeed。’
　　MissJennycouldnotbutapproveofwhatthepoorwomansaid。
　　However，theyalljoinedinbeggingforgivenessforthegirlthistime，providedshepromisedamendmentforthefuture：andthenourlittlesocietyreturnedtotheirarbour。
　　MissJennycouldnothelpexpressinghergreatdetestationofalllyingwhatsoever;whenMissDollyFriendly，colouring，confessedshehadoftenbeenguiltyofthisfault，thoughsheneverscarcelydiditbutforherfriend。
　　HereMissJenny，interruptingher，said，thateventhatwasnosortofexcuseforlying;besidesthatthehabitofitonanyoccasion，evenwiththeappearanceofagoodintention，wouldbuttoolikelyleadtotheuseofitonmanyothers：andasshedidnotdoubt，byMissDolly’sblushing，thatshewasnowverysensibleofthetruthofwhatshehadjustbeensaying，shehopedshewouldtakethisopportunityofobligingthemwiththehistoryofherpastlife：whichrequestshemadenohesitationtogrant，saying，theshameofherpastfaultsshouldbyomeansinducehertoconcealthem。
　　THEDESCRIPTIONOFMISSDOLLYFRIENDLY。
　　MissDollyFriendlywasjustturnedofelevenyearsofage。Herpersonwasneitherplainnorhandsome：andthoughshehadnotwhatisproperlycalledonefinefeatureinherface，yetthedispositionofthemweresosuitabletoeachother，thathercountenancewasratheragreeablethanotherwise。Shehadgenerallysomethingveryquiet，orratherindolent，inherlook，exceptwhenshewasmovedbyanger;whichseldomhappened，butindefenseofsomefavouriteorfriend;andshehadthenafiercenessandeagernesswhichalteredherwholecountenance：forshecouldnotbeartheleastreflectionorinsultonthosesheloved。Thisdispositionmadeheralwayseagertocomplywithherfriends’
　　requests;andsheimmediatelybegan，asfollows：
　　THELIFEOFMISSDOLLYFRIENDLY。
　　’Iwasbredup，tillIwasnineyearsofage，withasister，whowasoneyearyoungerthanmyself。Thechiefcareofourparentswastomakeusloveeachother;and，asIwasnaturallyinclinedtohaveverystrongaffections，IbecamesofondofmysisterMolly，whichwashername，thatallmydelightwastopleaseher;
　　andthisIcarriedtosuchaheight，thatIscruplednoliestoexcuseherfaults：andwhatevershedid，Ijustified，andthoughtright，onlybecauseshedidit。
　　’Iwasreadytofightherquarrels，whetherrightorwrong;andhatedeverybodythatoffendedher。MyparentswinkedatwhateverIdidindefenceofmysister;andIhadnonotionthatanythingdoneforhercouldbeunreasonable。Inshort，Imadeitmystudytoobligeandpleaseher，tillIfoundatlastitwasoutofmypower;forshegrewsoveryhumoursome，thatshecouldnotfindoutwhatshehadmostmindtohave;andIfoundheralwaysmiserable;forshewouldcryonlybecauseshedidnotknowherownmind。
　　’Shenevermindedwhatfaultsshecommitted，becausesheknewI
　　wouldexcuseher;andshewasforgiveninconsiderationofourfriendship，whichgaveourparentsgreatpleasure。
　　’Mypoorlittlesistergrewverysickly，andshediedjustbeforeIcametoschool：butthesamedispositionstillcontinued;anditwasmyfriend’soutcriesofbeinghurt，thatdrewmeintothatodiousquarrel，thatwehaveallnowrepented。’
　　HereMissDollyFriendlyceased;andMissJennysaid，shehopedMissDollywouldremember，fortherestofherlife，whatHERgoodmammahadalwaystaughther;namely，thatitwasnottheofficeoffriendship，tojustifyorexcuseourfriendwheninthewrong;forthatwasthewaytopreventtheireverbeingintheright：thatitwasratherhatred，orcontempt，thanlove，whenthefearofanother’sangermadeusforegotheirgood，forthesakeofourownpresentpleasure;andthatthefriendswhoexpectedsuchflatterywerenotworthkeeping。
　　Thebellagainsummonedourlittlecompanytosupper：but，beforetheywentin，MissDollyFriendlysaid，ifMissJennyapprovedofit，shewouldthenextmorningreadthemastorygivenherbyanuncleofhers，that，shesaid，shewassurewouldpleaseher，asitssubjectwasfriendship。MissJennyreplied，thatshewascertainitwouldbeagreatpleasuretothemall，tohearanystoryMissDollythoughtpropertoreadthem。
　　WEDNESDAY。
　　THETHIRDDAY。
　　Assoonasschoolwasoverinthemorning，ourlittlecompanywereimpatienttogointothearbour，tohearMissDolly’sstory：butMrs。Teachumtoldthemtheymustbeotherwiseemployed;fortheirwriting—master，wholivedsomemilesoff;andwhowasexpectedintheafternoon，wasjustthencomein，andbeggedthattheywouldgivehimtheirattendance，thoughoutofschool—time;becausehewasobligedtobeathomeagainbeforetheafternoon，tomeetapersonwhowouldconfersomefavouronhim，andwouldbehighlydisobligedshouldhenotkeephisappointment：’AndIknow（saidMrs。Teachum）mylittledears，youwouldratherloseyourownamusement，thanletanyonesufferarealinconvenienceonyouraccounts。’Theyallreadilycomplied，andcheerfullysettotheirwriting;andintheafternoonMrs。Teachumpermittedthemtoleaveoffworkanhoursoonerthanusual，asarewardfortheirreadinesstolosetheiramusementinthemorning：andbeingmetintheirarbour，MissDollyreadasfollows：
　　THESTORYOFCAELIAANDCHLOE。
　　CaeliaandChloewerebothleftorphans，atthetenderageofsixyears。Amandatheiraunt，whowasveryrich，andamaiden，tookthemdirectlyunderhercare，andbredthemupasherownchildren。Caelia’smotherwasAmanda’ssister;andChloe’sfatherwasherbrother;sothatshewasequallyrelatedtoboth。
　　Theywereleftentirelyunprovidedfor;werebothbornonthesameday;andbothlosttheirmothersonthedayoftheirbirth：theirfathersweresoldiersoffortune;andbothkilledinoneday，inthefameengagement。Buttheirfortuneswerenotmoresimilarthantheirpersonsanddispositions。Theywerebothextremelyhandsome;andintheirChildhoodweresoremarkableforlivelinessofparts，andsweetnessoftemper，thattheyweretheadmirationofthewholecountrywheretheylived。
　　Theirauntlovedthemwithasincereandequalaffection，andtookthegreatestpleasureimaginableintheireducation，andparticularlytoencouragethatloveandfriendshipwhichshewithpleasureperceivedbetweenthem。Amandabeing（aswassaid）veryrich，andhavingnootherrelations，itwassupposedthatthesehernieceswouldbeverygreatfortunes;andassoonastheybecamewomen，theywereaddressedbyallthemenoffortuneandnofortuneroundtheneighbourhood。Butastheloveofadmiration，andadesireofalargetrainofadmirers，hadnoplaceintheirminds，theysoondismissed，inthemostcivilandobligingmanner，oneafteranother，alltheselovers。
　　Therefusingsuchnumbersofmen，andsomesuchasbytheworldwerecalledgoodoffers，soongotthemthenameofjilts;andbythatmeanstheywerefreedfromanyfartherimportunity，andforsomeyearsenjoyedthatpeaceandquiettheyhadlongwished。
　　Theiraunt，frombeingtheirmotherandtheirguardian，wasnowbecometheirfriend。For，assheendeavourednotintheleasttoforcetheirinclinations，theyneverkeptanythingconcealedfromher;andeveryactionoftheirliveswasstillguidedbyheradviceandapprobation。
　　Theylivedoninthisway，perfectlyhappyintheirownlittlecommunity，tilltheywereabouttwo—and—twentyyearsoldwhentherehappenedtobearegimentquarteredintheneighbouringtown，towhichtheirhousewasnearlysituated;andthelieutenant—colonel，amanaboutfour—and—thirtyyearsold，hearingtheirnames，hadagreatdesiretoseethem。Forwhenhewasaboyofsixteen，hewasputintotheArmyunderthecareofChloe’sfather，whotreatedhimwiththegreatesttenderness;and（inthatfatalengagementinwhichhelosthislife）receivedhisdeath’swoundbyendeavouringtosavehimfrombeingtakenbytheenemy。
　　Andgratitudetothememoryofsogoodafriendwasasgreataninducementtomakehimdesiretoseehisdaughter，asthereporthehadheardbothofhersandhercousin’sgreatbeauty。
　　Sempronius（forsothisColonelwascalled）wasaverysensible，well—bred，agreeableman;andfromthecircumstancesofhisformeracquaintance，andhispresentproperandpolitebehaviour，hesoonbecameveryintimateinthefamily。Theoldladywasparticularlypleasedwithhim;andsecretlywished，thatbeforeshediedshemightbesohappyastoseeoneofherniecesmarriedtoSempronius。Shecouldnotfromhisbehaviourseetheleastparticularlikingtoeither，thoughheshowedanequalandverygreatesteemandregardforboth。
　　Heinrealitylikedthembothextremely;andthereasonofmakingnodeclarationoflovewas，hisbeingsoundeterminedinanypreferencethatwasduetoeither。Hesawplainlythathewasveryagreeabletoboth;andwithpleasureheobserved，thattheymadeuseofnoneofthoseartswhichwomengenerallydotogetawayadisputedlover：andthissincerefriendshipwhichsubsistedbetweenthemraisedinhimthehighestdegreeofloveandadmiration。Howeverheatlastdeterminedtomakethefollowingtrial：
　　HewentfirsttoChloe，and（findingheralone）toldher，thathehadthegreatestlikingintheworldtohercousin;andhadreallyamindtoproposehimselftoher：butashesawaverygreatfriendshipbetweenthem，hewaswillingtoaskheradviceinthematter;andconjuredhertotellhimsincerely，whethertherewasanythinginCaelia’stemper（notdiscoverablebyhim）whichasawifewouldmakehimunhappy？Hetoldher，that，ifsheknewanysuchthing，itwouldbenotreachery，butratherkindinhertodeclareit，asitwouldpreventherfriend’sbeingunhappy;whichmustbetheconsequence，inmarriage，ofhermakinghimso。
　　Chloecouldnothelpseeingveryplainly，thatifCaeliawasremovedshestoodtheverynextinSempronius’sfavour。Herloverwaspresent——herfriendwasabsent——andthetemptationwastoostrongandagreeabletoberesisted。Shethenanswered，thatsinceheinsisteduponthetruth，andhadconvincedherthatitwasinrealityactingjustlyandkindlybyherfriend，shemustconfess，thatCaeliawaspossessed（thoughinaverysmalldegree）
　　ofwhatshehadoftenheardhimdeclaremostagainstofanythingintheworld;andthatwas，anartfulnessoftemper，andsomefewsparksofenvy。
　　Chloe’sconfusedmannerofspeaking，andfrequenthesitation，asunwillingtopronounceherfriend’scondemnation（which，asbeingunusedtofalsehood，wasreallyunaffected）heimputedtotendernessandconcernforCaelia;buthedidnotintheleastdoubt，butonhisapplicationtoherheshouldsoonbeconvincedofthetruthofwhatChloehadsaid。
　　Hethenwentdirectlytothearbourattheendofthegarden，andtheretohiswishhefoundCaeliaquitealone;andheaddressedherexactlyinthesamemannerconcerninghercousin，ashehadbeforespoketoChloeconcerningher。Caeliasuddenlyblushed（frommotivesIleavethosetofindoutwhocanputthemselvesinhercircumstances）andthenfetchedasoftsigh，fromthethoughtthatshewashearingamansheloveddeclareapassionofwhichshewasnottheobject。Butaftersomelittlepause，shetoldhim，thatifChloehadanyfaults，theyweretoheryetundiscovered，andshereallyandsincerelybelievedhercousinwouldmakehimextremelyhappy。Semproniusthensaid，thatofallotherthings，TREACHERYandENVYwerewhathehadthegreatestdisliketo：andheaskedher，ifshedidnotthinkhercousinwasalittletaintedwiththese？——HereCaeliacouldnothelpinterrupting，andassuringhim，thatshebelievedhertotallyfreefromboth。And，fromhiscastingonherfriendanaspersionwhichherverysoulabhorred，forgettingallrivalship，shecouldnotrefrainfromgrowingquitelavishinherpraise。’Supposethen（saidSempronius）IwastosaythesametoyourcousinconcerningmyintentionstowardsyouasIhavetoyouconcerningher，doyouthinkshewouldsayasmanyfinethingsinyourpraiseasyouhavedoneinhers？’
　　Caeliaanswered，thatsheverilybelievedhercousinwouldsayasmuchforherasshereallydeserved;butwhetherthatwouldbeequaltowhatwithjusticeshecouldsayofChloe，hermodestyleftherinsomedoubtof。