"Alas, I saw you, my dearest Prince, and from that fatal Moment my Heart rebell'd against my Reason, and forced from me numberless Sighs."
— Aulnoy, Madame d' (Marie-Catherine) (1650/51-1705)
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
Printed for J. Peele
Date
1692, 1724
Metaphor
"Alas, I saw you, my dearest Prince, and from that fatal Moment my Heart rebell'd against my Reason, and forced from me numberless Sighs."
Metaphor in Context
WHEN you appear'd before the Sultan loaded with Chains and in expectation of immediate Death, did you think you cou'd move any thing but Pity? You inspired at that Time more than you can imagine, Love hid in your Eyes, from a Captive render'd you a Conqueror. Alas, I saw you, my dearest Prince, and from that fatal Moment my Heart rebell'd against my Reason, and forced from me numberless Sighs. Methinks I see you; I imagine I speak to you; and all my Thoughts are of you. I almost persuade my self, that my Sentiments make a deep Impression on you, and that our Souls already united, flatter us with a perfect Felicity. But alas! that wou'd be too great a Happiness. I dare not hope nor even desire it, and shou'd sooner resolve upon Death, than make these Sentiments known to you, were not I persuaded you will never know who I am: And far from taking any Advantage of my Weakness, you will leave Nicopolis without seeing me. Oh! how unfortunate am I, to find Consolation in being distant from the Object I love! Consider this Extremity, and if you cannot love me because Unknown, at least do not refuse me your Pity. I assure you, it shall not prevail with me, for I will soon put it in your Power to leave this Place. I know your Ransom is not come with that of the Christian Prince, and that he is preparing to go without you: But do not afflict your self, all Things are possible to Love. Write to me to Morrow at the same Hour you receive this, convey it by the same Messenger to the Foot of the Tower, and learn betimes to be secret. Oh, of all Mortals you are the most amiable! Why have I seen you? And why must I never see you more?
(pp. 12-3)
(pp. 12-3)
Categories
Provenance
ECCO-TCP
Citation
3 entries in ESTC (1723, 1724, 1739).
The History of John of Bourbon, Prince of Carency. Containing a Variety of Entertaining Novels, Viz. 1. The Surprize, or the Generous Unknown. 2. The Mutual Mistake, or the Unhappy Discovery. 3. The Secret Rival, or the Deceitful Friend. 4. The Perfidious Lady DisAppointed, or the Happy Reconciliation. 5. The Slighted Passion, or the Fatal Resentment. 6. The Unfortunate Lover. 7. The Female Captives. 8. The Distressed Lovers. 9. The Revengeful Rival. 10. The Happy Meeting, or Constant Love Reward. (London: Printed for J. Peele, 1724). <Link to ECCO-TCP>
The History of John of Bourbon, Prince of Carency. Containing a Variety of Entertaining Novels, Viz. 1. The Surprize, or the Generous Unknown. 2. The Mutual Mistake, or the Unhappy Discovery. 3. The Secret Rival, or the Deceitful Friend. 4. The Perfidious Lady DisAppointed, or the Happy Reconciliation. 5. The Slighted Passion, or the Fatal Resentment. 6. The Unfortunate Lover. 7. The Female Captives. 8. The Distressed Lovers. 9. The Revengeful Rival. 10. The Happy Meeting, or Constant Love Reward. (London: Printed for J. Peele, 1724). <Link to ECCO-TCP>
Date of Entry
08/26/2013
