Page:Stories after Nature.pdf/57

Rh secret of which yielded only to her knowledge. Christian's mind was filled with wonder at this circumstance, and his heart yearned with affection towards one (whoever she might be) that could visit him in his distress, and enter so ardently into the virtues of his cause. Above all, her face and manner were so pleasing to him, that the whole dwelt in his mind as a vision; but in the middle of his heart he nourished the hopes of escape, once more to try his fortune with the tyrant.

Now this lady who had visited him was the eldest daughter of the king, and heiress to the throne. Neither she nor Christian had ever seen each other; but being of a different nature to her father, she had long had a great affection for his nobleness and virtues, desiring nothing so much as to behold him. She was a woman of deep sensibility, sympathized with his cause of liberty, and would have espoused it, but for some lurking of natural feeling towards her father. Since Christian was fallen into this misfortune, she determined to succour him, and went into his prison for that purpose. But after she had seen him, her life, as well as his, was at stake; for she fell deeply in love with him, and saw nothing beyond this hope. When she had retired to her chamber, and was ruminating on