13.07.2015 Views

KENILWORTH - Penn State University

KENILWORTH - Penn State University

KENILWORTH - Penn State University

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

Kenilworthchurl hath fathomed the very depth of my fear, and I havebeen unable to disguise it from him. She loves me not—Iwould it were as true that I loved not her! Idiot that I was, tomove her in my own behalf, when wisdom bade me be a truebroker to my lord! And this fatal error has placed me more ather discretion than a wise man would willingly be at that ofthe best piece of painted Eve’s flesh of them all. Since thehour that my policy made so perilous a slip, I cannot look ather without fear, and hate, and fondness, so strangely mingled,that I know not whether, were it at my choice, I would ratherpossess or ruin her. But she must not leave this retreat until Iam assured on what terms we are to stand. My lord’s interest—andso far it is mine own, for if he sinks I fall in histrain—demands concealment of this obscure marriage; andbesides, I will not lend her my arm to climb to her chair ofstate, that she may set her foot on my neck when she is fairlyseated. I must work an interest in her, either through love orthrough fear; and who knows but I may yet reap the sweetestand best revenge for her former scorn?—that were indeed amasterpiece of courtlike art! Let me but once be her counselkeeper—lether confide to me a secret, did it but concern therobbery of a linnet’s nest, and, fair Countess, thou art mineown!” He again paced the room in silence, stopped, filled anddrank a cup of wine, as if to compose the agitation of hismind, and muttering, “Now for a close heart and an openand unruffled brow,” he left the apartment.62

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!