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"Oh Madam! cry'd the Count, (in a Rapture) judge better of a Man whom you have just loaded with your Favours, and do not suspect Ingratitude from a Heart, that bears your Image."

— Aulnoy, Madame d' (Marie-Catherine) (1650/51-1705)

Author

Aulnoy, Madame d' (Marie-Catherine) (1650/51-1705)

Work Title

The History of John of Bourbon, Prince of Carency

Place of Publication

London

Publisher

Printed for J. Peele

Date

1692, 1724

Metaphor

"Oh Madam! cry'd the Count, (in a Rapture) judge better of a Man whom you have just loaded with your Favours, and do not suspect Ingratitude from a Heart, that bears your Image."

Metaphor in Context

She cou'd not help being very much surprized, when she saw the Count, who fell at her Feet without having power to speak one Word. He took her Hand and kiss'd it with such Transports, as express'd the Motions of his Soul. Felicia's disorder was not inferior to his. They looked at one another, as if they had met after a long Absence; at last the Count broke Silence: You have inspired me, Madam, said he, with a Passion so transcendent, that you must needs have perceived it in all my Actions, and I must confess, I thought you took some Pity on me, but I have too much Cause to believe the contrary, since your Looks express the utmost Indifference. Oh! judge how uneasy I am at this cruel Uncertainty. I now come to know my Fate, and conjure you, adorable Felicia, to tell me what I must expect. My Love is such, that nothing can ever make it change, and were I Sovereign of the Universe, I would lay it at your Feet: Here he was silent, and Felicia reply'd with as much Grace, as Modesty; My Concern was so great whilst you were speaking, my Lord, that I did not consider you were on your Knees. I beg you will rise if you are desirous I should say any thing to you. He obey'd her Commands, but fear'd to cast his Eyes on her, being like a Man, who expected to hear the Sentence of his Death. We are both in a disorder, said she, which we might have avoided, had you not spoke to me of your Passion. I must confess, my Lord, to my Shame, that the same Inclination which engag'd you to entertain me, has prevailed with me to hear you. What more can I say of my Weakness (continued she blushing?) I discovered part of your Sentiments, and endeavoured in vain to conceal mine. I had never lov'd any thing before, any my Stars have decreed you should become agreeable to me? yet do not think to take any Advantage from so sincere a Confession, since I declare my Mind this time, with a Resolution never to speak to you more; but without having a desire to penetrate into the Cause, I cannot help telling you the Fear I am in, of being made a Sacrifice to another, whom, perhaps, you might love better than me. Oh Madam! cry'd the Count, (in a Rapture) judge better of a Man whom you have just loaded with your Favours, and do not suspect Ingratitude from a Heart, that bears your Image; be assured, a Person who sighs for you, can never think of any other Object. What have not I to fear, reply'd she, from the Lady, whose Picture you so much esteem. That shall never give you the least trouble, said the amorous Count, (presenting it to her) here it is; keep it as an Evincement of my Fidelity. Felicia was touched at so great a Proof of his Passion, and express'd much Satisfaction in receiving it, then desired him to retire, apprehending, that his being up so long, might do him a Prejudice, and whatever Violence he did his Inclinations, he could not refuse obeying her.
(pp. 113-4)