Page:The castle of Otranto (Third Edition).djvu/99

 respect your tears—but I mean not to check them—let them flow, Prince! they will weigh more with heaven toward the welfare of thy subjects, than a marriage, which, founded on lust or policy, could never prosper. The scepter, which passed from the race of Alfonso to thine, cannot be preserved by a match which the church will never allow. It is the will of the most High that Manfred's name must perish; resign yourself, my Lord, to its decrees; and thus deserve a crown that can never pass away—come, my Lord; I like this sorrow—let us return to the Princess: She is not apprized of your cruel intentions; nor did I mean more than to alarm you. You saw with what gentle patience, with what efforts of love, she heard, she rejected hearing the extent of your guilt. I know she longs to fold you in her arms, and assure you of her unalterable affection. Father, said the Prince, you mistake my compunction: true; I honour Hippolita's virtues; I think her a Saint; and wish it were for my soul's health