Radcliffe [née Ward], Ann (1764-1823)

A Sicilian Romance

London

Printed for T. Hookham

1790

"This speech fell like the dart of death upon the heart of Julia."

This speech fell like the dart of death upon the heart of Julia. She sat motionless --stupified and deprived of the power of utterance. The marquis observed her consternation; and mistaking its cause, "I acknowledge," said he, "that there is somewhat abrupt in this affair; but the joy occasioned by a distinction so unmerited on your part, ought to overcome the little feminine weakness you might otherwise indulge. Retire and compose yourself; and observe," continued he, in a stern voice, "this is no time for finesse." These words roused Julia from her state of horrid stupefaction. "O! Sir," said she, throwing herself at his feet, "forbear to enforce authority upon a point where to obey you would be worse than death; if, indeed, to obey you were possible." "Cease," said the marquis, "this affectation, and practise what becomes you." "Pardon me, my lord," she replied, "my distress is, alas! unfeigned. I cannot love the duke." "Away," interrupted the marquis, "nor tempt my rage with objections thus childish and absurd." "Yet hear me, my lord," said Julia, tears swelling in her eyes, "and pity the sufferings of a child, who never till this moment has dared to dispute your commands."
(I.iii, pp. 126-7; pp. 55-6 in OUP edition)

Uncategorized::Dart

Reading

At least 6 entries in ECCO and ESTC (1790, 1791, 1792, 1795, 1796).

Text from A Sicilian Romance. By The Authoress of The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne 2 vols. (London: Printed for T. Hookham, 1790). <Link to volume I, 2nd edition in Google Books><Volume II>

Reading in A Sicilian Romance, ed. Alison Milbank (Oxford and New York: OUP, 1993).

05/31/2013