Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/180

166 of March, 1776, she immediately declared her intention to burn with him, went and took out her bridal vestments for the occasion, and ordered other necessary preparations with the greatest calmness. Her temper was so mild, that she would never resent an injury or an affront, but would say, "it was the will of heaven she should suffer it." For the last two months she had never been seen to shed a tear.

As soon as they were acquainted with her determination, her family, relations, and friends persuaded her to break it; and particularly the mother and brothers of the deceased. They brought her children before her, and said they would want her care; but she replied, that "her soul was already gone; that she lived but for him she had lost; and, that she was bent upon a great business." She attended the body all the day, frequently looking at the countenance with smiles, and pressed for dispatch, saying, "she would go before night, and view the world on leaving it." Messages from the English chief were answered in the same way as the others had been, and when at length opposition ceased, she expressed the highest joy. She offered, if the family doubted her resolution, or feared she should disgrace them by timid behaviour, to give any proof, by suffering any torture, as a trial; but, nothing of this kind was permitted. She refused to see her children; but a speech she made to her mother-in-law, bespoke her interest in their welfare. "You have excited disputes against my husband," said she, "and of course against me; but, when we are gone, be kind to my children; they have not offended you. You see how this world passes away, act, then, with reference to a future state." The other wept; but did not speak a word in answer.

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