"I had but just cast my Eyes on the Picture, which was inclos'd, when I found such Motions in my Heart as surpriz'd me, being what I never felt before."
— Aulnoy, Madame d' (Marie-Catherine) (1650/51-1705)
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
Printed for J. Peele
Date
1692, 1724
Metaphor
"I had but just cast my Eyes on the Picture, which was inclos'd, when I found such Motions in my Heart as surpriz'd me, being what I never felt before."
Metaphor in Context
As she had receiv'd no Hurt, she went up to the Queen, but appear'd so melancholy, that her Mother express'd much Concern. I was impatient to be alone, that I might see what was contain'd in the Case; but how can I tell you Brother, or at least in telling you, ought I not to dye with Shame? I had but just cast my Eyes on the Picture, which was inclos'd, when I found such Motions in my Heart as surpriz'd me, being what I never felt before. I was charm'd with the noble Air and Youth of a Gentleman, whose Features were so admirably well drawn, that I cou'd no ways doubt but it very much resembled the Person whom it was design'd for; I gaz'd at it with Delight, and, tho' unknown to me, I thought it was impossible to see any Thing more lovely. I did not consider at first, how dangerous my Curiosity might prove, so imploy'd some Hours in admiring this fatal Picture, whose Idea it was not in my Power to deface: It threw me into such Reflections as generally succeed excessive Transports. Oh! unhappy Casilda, cry'd I, what subtil Poison hath seiz'd thy Heart? Art thou so tired with thy Liberty, that thou must lose it this Day? I know not who this is that seems so Charming; I am well inform'd that he is in Love, and is belov'd, since Donna Blanca, who is so beautiful, is the Guardian of his Picture, which she show'd by her Uneasiness to be very dear to her. What hopes then can I have of any Relief, and to whom must I apply my self? Shou'd not my Birth and Modesty be sufficient to impose Silence on me? What! cou'd I pronounce the Word I love, and pronounce it in Favour of a Man, who knows not the Value of so great a Sacrifice: No, my Eyes shall sooner be Witness of my Rival's Victory, and I will die before I expose my self to the Shame, which must needs succeed such a Confession: But (said I a Minute after) is it possible that in such a little Time, Love cou'd have made so great a Progress? I am forc'd to lay a Command on my self, not to speak of my Weakness, and I have form'd a Rival without having a Lover.
(pp. 61-2)
(pp. 61-2)
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
