 | Randolph |  |
Thursday Night, —.
Yes, cousin—Juliet never loved me! But lest she may
have forborne to tell thee so, and to justify herself, hear
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me. She is the noblest and best of all God's creatures.
To the last drop of my heart's blood---to the last
breath that I draw---I am devoted to her. Weak and
timid as she appears, she is full of sublimity and heroism.
I hope that she will tell thee all---O, I hope that
she will; but no---I need not hope it. She will not.---
They happiness is not so mortally engaged, as mine. But
take her assurance—believe her—trust thy soul to her.
I know not how thou hast been deceived—but mine has
been a delusion of my own. She was innocent, and her
heart bled, when she saw it.—But, farewell. I cannot
go on. A vessel is about to sail for France, next
week. I have been down to secure a passage;---I am not
yet successful: but if I should be, I shall depart. Let
us correspond. I cannot live here any longer. Another
country....another field....occupation, intense, incessant
occupation only....can save me from—what?—
from delirium....madness....suicide.—Tremble, Sarah,
tremble. My hand has been already raised! What saved
me? The Almighty struck it down! My brother stood
suddenly before me. Whence he came, I knew not. It
was like an apparition—we had quarrelled—and have
been strangers for a month. He bore a billet from—
yes, I will write her name once more—from Juliet!
I copy it. The original I will never part with---it shall
be soaked in my heart's blood first. A moment later,
and this hand had been stiff! A moment later---oh! my
brother!— my poor, generous brother!---how have I
wronged thee.—Farewell. He has enclosed a letter
also. I know not what it is. I care not. I only know,
that I love you----all----all!----with unspeakable affection.
Be kind to her, Sally---O, be kind to her! She
was never so worthy of your love or veneration.
| Randolph | |