Page:Duty and Inclination. Volume 3.pdf/192

190 whilst under the influence of so powerful a passion. He deeply lamented the unhappy effects to which it had given rise.

"As long," added he, "as a fondness for existence lasted, it was impossible for me to surmount it. But having conquered and subdued all relish for the things of this world, it is now only to my Creator that I can indissolubly attach myself; all other loves having become subordinate, or such as spring from the centre and origin of their existence. Oriana viewed in this light is still dear to me, intensely so; but I love her as I ought to do, with the utmost purity of thought, involving in it nought of earth or self, wholly independent of which, it is her happiness, her immortal happiness only that fills my soul. Though duly impressed with a sense of my error, yet in humility I may add, I feel assured of pardon from Him before whose throne I must shortly appear. It remains for me also to hope, that the family of Oriana, when they hear that I am no more, will extend to me their charitable forgiveness, and also receive into their bosoms their beloved daughter. She is prepared for my dissolution, and awaits that event with the strength and fortitude of mind of which she is mistress. Tell the good General and Mrs. DeBrooke that if their daughter has swerved from her duty towards them, it is I alone who am culpable, and for that fatal error have paid the forfeit of a premature death; for though my complaint early assumed a dangerous tendency, yet of this I am conscious, that it might have admitted of