id,comments,provenance,dictionary,created_at,reviewed_on,work_id,theme,context,updated_at,metaphor,text
17967,"","Contributed by PC Fleming, searching ""idea.""",Impressions and Writing,2010-07-16 22:09:32 UTC,,6749,"","",2013-06-14 04:25:41 UTC,"""That frequently happens; and when once a false idea is impressed, it is very difficult to erase it, particularly at your age; as you are not yet capable of distinguishing the false from the true.""","That frequently happens; and when once a false idea is impressed, it is very difficult to erase it, particularly at your age; as you are not yet capable of distinguishing the false from the true.
(Vol. I, page 86)."
22118,"",Searching at OLL,Impressions and Writing,2013-08-09 16:08:27 UTC,,6808,"","Letter XXVI, Usbek to Roxana, At the Seraglio At Ispahan.",2013-08-09 16:08:27 UTC,"""There are few women abandoned enough to go this length; they all bear in their hearts a certain impression of virtue, naturally engraved on them, which though their education may weaken, it cannot destroy.""","It is not, Roxana, that I suspect they carry their incroachments upon virtue to such a length as their conduct might lead one to believe; or that they carry their defection to such a horrid excess, that makes one tremble, as really to violate the conjugal vow. There are few women abandoned enough to go this length; they all bear in their hearts a certain impression of virtue, naturally engraved on them, which though their education may weaken, it cannot destroy. Though they may decline the external duties which modesty exacts; yet when about to take the last step, nature returns to their help. Thus when we shut you up closely, when we make you be guarded by so many slaves, when we so strongly restrain your desires when they would range too far; it is not that we fear the least infidelity; but because we know that purity cannot be too great, and that by the least stain it may be polluted.
[Ce n'est pas, Roxane, que je pense qu'elles poussent l'attentat aussi loin qu'une pareille conduite devroit le faire croire, et qu'elles portent la débauche à cet excès horrible, qui fait frémir, de violer absolument la foi conjugale. Il y a bien peu de femmes assez abandonnées pour porter le crime si loin: elles portent toutes dans leur cœur un certain caractère de vertu qui y est gravé, que la naissance donne et que l'éducation affoiblit, mais ne détruit pas. Elles peuvent bien se relâcher des devoirs extérieurs que la pudeur exige; mais, quand il s'agit de faire les derniers pas, la nature se révolte. Aussi, quand nous vous enfermons si étroitement, que nous vous faisons garder par tant d'esclaves, que nous gênons si fort vos désirs lorsqu'ils volent trop loin, ce n'est pas que nous craignions la dernière infidélité, mais c'est que nous savons que la pureté ne sauroit être trop grande, et que la moindre tache peut la corrompre.]
(Letter XXVI, Usbek to Roxana, At the Seraglio At Ispahan.)"
22125,"",Searching at OLL,Impressions and Writing,2013-08-09 16:17:09 UTC,,6808,"","Letter LXXXIX, Usbek to Ibben, at Smyrna.",2013-08-09 16:17:09 UTC,"""This noble passion is indeed always engraved upon their hearts; but imagination and education mould it a thousand ways.""","A Thirst after glory is not different from instinct, which every creature hath for its own preservation. We seem to extend our existence, when we can make it to be remembered by others; this is a new life which we acquire, and which becomes as precious to us as that which we received from heaven.
But as all men are not equally fond of life, neither are they equally sensible to glory. This noble passion is indeed always engraved upon their hearts; but imagination and education mould it a thousand ways.
This difference, which is founded between man and man, is more perceivable between nation and nation.
[Le désir de la gloire n'est point différent de cet instinct que toutes les créatures ont pour leur conservation. Il semble que nous augmentons notre être, lorsque nous pouvons le porter dans la mémoire des autres: c'est une nouvelle vie que nous acquérons, et qui nous devient aussi précieuse que celle que nous avons reçue du ciel.
Mais comme tous les hommes ne sont pas également attachés à la vie, ils ne sont pas aussi également sensibles à la gloire. Cette noble passion est bien toujours gravée dans leur cœur; mais l'imagination et l'éducation la modifient de mille manières.
Cette différence, qui se trouve d'homme à homme, se fait encore plus sentir de peuple à peuple.]
(Letter LXXXIX, Usbek to Ibben, at Smyrna.)"
22582,"",ECCO-TCP,Impressions,2013-08-26 03:17:13 UTC,,7656,"","",2013-08-26 03:17:25 UTC,"""I must confess, said she, I am no ways alarm'd to hear of the Prince's Passion for a fine Woman, and am vain enough to flatter my self, that when he sees me I shall have it in my Power to deface the Impression she might have made on his Heart.""","Benavidez desired his Sister, by a private Note, not to neglect showing his Letter to Leonida, which she as exactly perform'd as he cou'd have wish'd. One Day as they were both taking the Air, Casilda told her, she had receiv'd a Letter from her Brother, wherein her Name was often mention'd. He has been some Time absent, said Leonida, does he not talk of returning soon. He is at present imploy'd in your Service (reply'd Casilda, maliciously) since he is consoling a Prince for whom you ought to be concern'd; and if you will promise me to be secret, I can tell you something in Confidence, that may be of Use to you. I know you are always diverting your self with one Raillery or other, said Leonida, (who really thought it was nothing but a Jest) nevertheless I promise you to be secret, if that will do. Take this Letter then and read it, reply'd Casilda, you will see I am in earnest, and that the Prince of Carency in giving you his Heart, will present you with nothing new. Leonida read with some kind of Eagerness, what Benavidez had written to his Sister; then looking on her smiling, I must confess, said she, I am no ways alarm'd to hear of the Prince's Passion for a fine Woman, and am vain enough to flatter my self, that when he sees me I shall have it in my Power to deface the Impression she might have made on his Heart; I am persuaded a dead Rival can prove no ways dangerous; and provided I have no other to fear, I dare be assur'd I shall live in perfect Tranquility.
(p. 47)"
22585,"",ECCO-TCP,Impressions,2013-08-26 03:19:50 UTC,,7656,"","",2013-08-26 03:19:50 UTC,"""How difficult a Task will it be, to make an Impression on that unpractis'd Heart?""","The Prince of Carency continued ill some time; and during his Illness, receiv'd daily Instances of the Generosity of these Ladies, particularly Felicia's obliging Behaviour to him (on all occasions) made him desirous to express his Gratitude. He began to think his Preservation was chiefly owing to her tender Care, and by Degrees fell desperately in Love, which threw into the following Reflections: How difficult a Task will it be, to make an Impression on that unpractis'd Heart? Her modest Looks, and the Blushes which cover her Cheeks, every time I cast my Eyes on her, evince how little she his acquainted with Love; and dare I flatter my self with succeeding in such an Attempt? No, I must not hope for so great a Favour from Fortune. I was belov'd at Nicopolis by a Person I never knew; I no sooner became Captive to the Charms of a Lady at Genoa, but Death snatch'd the dear Object from me; and lately as I arriv'd at Villa-Real with a Resolution to marry Leonida, I was inform'd of her Flight and Aversion to me. Alas! my unkind Stars were not satisfy'd to afflict me with all these Misfortunes. They have sent me a greater one; Leonora's Passion for me! Her desperate Rage caus'd me to be treated in this barbarous manner; and her Cruelty wou'd still threaten my Days with the greatest Dangers, were she inform'd that I had escap'd, and was now in this Place; but Oh! how can I resolve to leave Felicia, who is already more dear to me, than the Life I wou'd endeavour to preserve? All I can do in this distressed State, is to change my Name: I am inclin'd to believe, that as I was taken for the Count of La Vagne at Genoa, I may pass for the same here, where I am not known. If it be my good Fortune to render my Sentiments agreeable to this lovely Charmer, I shall never wish for a greater Blessing. I do not doubt but she has an Affection for her Sister, therefore I must address my self to her, and obtain Favour, if possible by her means. The Prince us'd often to entertain himself after this manner, betwixt Hope and Fear.
(pp. 105-6)"
22587,"",ECCO-TCP,Impressions,2013-08-26 03:21:29 UTC,,7656,"","",2013-08-26 03:21:29 UTC,"""We us'd to see but little Company, according to the Custom of Spain; but my Father having receiv'd into his House a young Gentleman of a distinguish'd Family in Toledo, whose Name is Don Ramire of Castro, a secret Sympathy dispos'd his Heart and mine, to receive Impressions for each other.""","I Am born of a noble Family of Andalusia, where my Father had a good Estate, and marry'd a Lady, who brought him no Fortune; he was ever thought a gallant Man, and being bred up to the Sea from his Infancy, the King gave him a Ship of War; he has left two Daughters, my eldest Sister's Name is Mathilda, who is very handsom. We us'd to see but little Company, according to the Custom of Spain; but my Father having receiv'd into his House a young Gentleman of a distinguish'd Family in Toledo, whose Name is Don Ramire of Castro, a secret Sympathy dispos'd his Heart and mine, to receive Impressions for each other. I was pleas'd at his gentle Air, his Wit, and soft insinuating manner, which engaged me unawares; and we were not long acquainted, before he declar'd, I had inspir'd him with the tenderest Passion.
(pp. 173-4)"
22589,"",ECCO-TCP,Impressions,2013-08-26 03:23:02 UTC,,7656,"","",2013-08-26 03:23:02 UTC,"""Assure him from me, that my Heart never receiv'd an Impression before.""","Here she was silent, but after a little Pause, assum'd her Discourse; and since you are his Friend, continued she, I ought not to conceal from you, the Disposition I have for him; I must confess I love him, and my Affection is rais'd to such a Degree, that I am resolv'd to deliver him from hence, if in giving him his Life, he will dedicate the Remainder of it to me, and render my Fate inseparable from his. Tell him, how near the Danger is, since he will not have common Mercy shown him, and that if he can purchase his Life on these Terms, I am ready to serve him: I know he is a Man of Quality, and the vast Disproportion there is between us; but the Condition, I hope, will make me acceptable to him: I shall for his sake, expose my Family to the Governour's Resentment, who will believe my Father contriv'd his Escape, and perhaps, punish him accordingly. How often have I said to my self, Laurea! unfortunate Laurea! cease attempting a Happiness that meets with such Difficulties. What! has my Passion for a Stranger, Power enough to make me forsake my Parents? Alas, Sir, I have disputed with my self, till I am no longer Mistress of my Reason; I cou'd sacrifice every thing for him; he is dearer to me than Life, and the Danger he is in, affects me beyond Imagination. Assure him from me, that my Heart never receiv'd an Impression before. I am young, and tho' not beautiful, may pass for agreeable. Oh! how happy shou'd I think my self, if he did but like me? And cou'd his Passion proceed more from Inclination than Gratitude, I shou'd die transported: Yet, said she to me, as you are particularly acquainted with him, pray tell me, whether he is not already engaged; for in fine, as I do every thing for him, I also expect, he will make me an equal Return; therefore, go to him, I shall wait your Answer here, in order to undertake something in his Favour.
(pp. 197-9)"
22591,"",ECCO-TCP,Impressions,2013-08-26 03:24:40 UTC,,7656,"","",2013-08-26 03:24:40 UTC,"""The Condition I am in, Madam, continu'd she, has not made any dishonourable Impression on my Heart.""","That Evening, Celima took a Walk in the Palace Gardens, and as she had a Mind to speak with Felicia, she call'd her, as it were, to lean on her Arm, and advanc'd towards a Terrace-Walk, from whence one cou'd discover the Sea-Side, with a most delightful Prospect; there she sate down, and looking at Felicia with a graceful Air; Tho' you have not been with me long, said she, I have a particular Kindness for you, and am willing to tell you, that if you have a Mind to merit my Affection, you must entirely banish Abelhamar from your Heart. I am inform'd of his Sentiments, and know part of your's; but it's to be fear'd, that a young Creature as you are, (having no other Engagement, and being flatter'd with the Hopes he gives you) might sacrifice your Virtues to your Ambition; yet I cannot believe, you wou'd consent to be his Mistress; for that is all you must expect from a Man, who certainly never will Marry you. I do not know, Madam, answer'd Felicia, (with a great deal of Modesty) who cou'd speak to you of the Prince's Sentiments; but if your Majesty is inform'd of mine, you are convinc'd I have receiv'd his Offers in such a Manner, as ought to destroy all the Hopes, my Misfortunes might have given him; the Condition I am in, Madam, continu'd she, has not made any dishonourable Impression on my Heart, and I bless Heaven, to find your Majesty so oppos'd to a Thing, which I cou'd not think on, without the greatest Horror; for in my Opinion, it is more glorious to die, than live a Life destitute of Virtue.
(pp. 224-5)"
22592,"",ECCO-TCP,Impressions,2013-08-26 03:25:24 UTC,,7656,"","",2013-08-26 03:25:24 UTC,"""Give me Leave to tell you, cry'd the young Prince, that when a Heart is touch'd with a powerful Passion, it's incapable of receiving any other Impression.""","Inea enter'd the Chamber, whilst they were in this silent and melancholy Condition: What is the Cause of this Sorrow, said she? Is this the Way, Eugenia, you entertain our dear sick Lady? You have, without doubt, said something to her, which renews the Remembrance of her past Misfortunes. I have said nothing to Felicia, interrupted the Prince immediately, but what was agreeable to her, therefore do not accuse me; I wou'd undergo any Pain my self, rather than aggravate hers. Alas, Inea! said Felicia, here cruel Eugenia has been reproaching me with Sentiments, I have for a Person, whom she her self wou'd love, were she as well acquainted with him as I am. No (replied Eugenia) I am convinced of the contrary; I even have an invincible Aversion to this unknown, who perfidiously robs me of your Heart, which is a Crime not to be forgiven. This is no Subject to create a Dispute between you and I, said Felicia; the Affection we have for a Lover, or a Friend, is of so different a Nature, that the one does no Prejudice to the other. Give me Leave to tell you, cry'd the young Prince, that when a Heart is touch'd with a powerful Passion, it's incapable of receiving any other Impression. Then you don't believe I love you, Eugenia, interrupted Felicia? I know not what to believe, replied the Prince; but what I am assur'd of, is, no Creature can be in greater Despair. As he ended these Words, Olympia enter'd the Chamber.
(pp. 238-9)"
22599,"",ECCO-TCP,Impressions,2013-08-26 03:31:02 UTC,,7656,"","",2013-08-26 03:31:02 UTC,"""Before I had seen her, nothing cou'd be equal to my Ambition; but now her Charms have made so deep an Impression in my Heart, that all other Passions have submitted to my transcendent Love.""","[...] he came and threw himself at the Queen's Feet, and presented her with a Letter from the Prince his Master, which was written in these Terms.
THO' I have an indisputable Right to the Kingdom of Fez, and am now in the Possession of it, yet I am willing, Madam, to yield up one half of it to you, upon Condition, that you will give me Felicia. Before I had seen her, nothing cou'd be equal to my Ambition; but now her Charms have made so deep an Impression in my Heart, that all other Passions have submitted to my transcendent Love. I can never be happy without her, and if I am indebted to you for the Possession of that lovely Creature, half my Kingdom will be too small a Return, for so high an Obligation; therefore grant me but your Slave, and I will acknowledge you for my Sovereign.
Abelhamar.
(p. 362)"