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"He came not to London till it was late, that he might the better keep conceal'd for some Days in his own House; which time he spent in endeavouring to calm the Tempest in his Mind."

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

Author

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

Work Title

The History of the Earl of Warwick

Place of Publication

London

Publisher

Printed, and sold by J. Woodward; and J. Morphew

Date

1708

Metaphor

"He came not to London till it was late, that he might the better keep conceal'd for some Days in his own House; which time he spent in endeavouring to calm the Tempest in his Mind."

Metaphor in Context

He came not to London till it was late, that he might the better keep conceal'd for some Days in his own House; which time he spent in endeavouring to calm the Tempest in his Mind: After that he came to Court, where he met with a favourable Reception from the King, who ask'd him, whether he had acquitted himself of the Commission he had charg'd him with? The Earl told him, That he could find no Opportunity of speaking to her alone, and that it seem'd as if she knew his Errand, by her being so cautious in avoiding it. She was not much in the wrong of it, said the King smiling; but you can't but own, that she is much alter'd, and so I am reveng'd of her. The Earl of Pembrook, who had reason enough to wish that his Master might think of her no more, reply'd, She was scarce to be known, and that it seem'd almost not natural for so Handsome a Person to grow so Ugly. Her extravagant Love for the Earl of Warwick, is the cause of it, said the King; But do you imagine that she still loves him? Sir, reply'd he, I had sight of her but one Moment; she seem'd to be full of Grief, but spoke not a Word of the Earl of Warwick. He will not be concern'd at it, added the King, he loves her no more; his predominant Passion is, to plague Madam Grey, he hates her mortally, and would always persuade me, that she is Unfaithful, but I am too well acquainted with the cause of his Hatred to believe him; I would have you tell him, that I don't like it; that every thing he says upon that Head appears suspicious to me; and that if he will oblige me, he shall make his Court to her.
(pp. 174-5)