SARAH TO RANDOLPH.
The man, Molton, has had the presumption to write to
me; and that too, proudly; as if I were a woman, to be
wrought upon, like the infatuated Juliet. I shall reply
to him, merely for the purpose of advancing my suit
with him. It was more than two weeks ago; and, weak
as I am, I cannot delay it longer. O, Randolph, had
you known that woman! so gentle, so uniform, so gifted!
with such lofty and heroick principle; and yet, so blinded,
and carried away, by the fascination, of that man.—
I have received some letters—some, that, were it any
man but Edward Molton, whom they concern, would
almost tempt me to believe him innocent. But, how can
I? Come to me, Randolph. I cannot answer your last
letter—I shall not. The storm has changed my nature.
I feel a growing sullenness, and darkness, and collectedness,
that I never had before. My own transgressions
wane, before those of the most perfectly virtuous woman,
that I ever knew. I look in upon my own heart, and I wonder
at it. The plague spots, there, are fiery and sanguine;
but, even her heart is not sound. What, Juliet!
—dear Juliet—look down upon me! let thy tears fall
upon them!—Even thy heart was not utterly pure!
Death weakened it. Thou didst take counsel of thy
weakness, and thy womanhood; and admit a man to thy
husband's sanctuary—and such a man!—Enough!—My
errand is now, of another nature. I would have you
find out Molton, if he be on the face of this earth; and
give him this letter; and pray him; entreat of him, to
yield up the babe to me. I will be a mother to it. It shall
bear
his name. I will even consent to
that. Nay, I
will permit him to see it, when he pleases—to share, if
he will, in the expenses of its education—and, when old
enough, if it must be, I will relinquish its guardianship,
entirely to him. Bring me the boy, Randolph—never
leave him, till he consents—never see me, without him.---
I care not, at what sacrifice. Juliet shall find, that there
is one, upon the earth, that truly loved her.—Let me see
you, too, as soon as possible. Nay, there are.—But,
no matter. This commission executed, I have then,
another for you. Take the babe and nurse, into your
own hands. I have been too long asleep—I begin to
awake. I have duties to perform; and I am determined
to perform them.
