Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/403

 They were however not a bit the nearer the accomplishment of their wishes; and though the dutchess was then far less watched, yet her husband's friendship would but seldom permit him to lose sight of the count. This long privation wound up the desires of the fair Italian to the highest pitch, and she resolved to hazard every thing for the sake of gratification.

The count was apprised of this resolution to which were added the bitterest complaints against his want of spirited enterprise. She threatened him with a nightly visit, as soon as she should be able to escape but half-way from the duke, and my friend, who perceived all the danger of loving more from caprice than inclination, trembled at the approach of each coming night, and was constantly consulting with me about the means of preventing any disagreeable surprise.

At last the night, so long wished for by the dutchess, came. Her husband had returned very much intoxicated from a nocturnal banquet. He was taken so ill owing to his having surfeited himself, as to render it necessary