The Prose Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley, Vol. 1 [of 2]Shelley, Percy Bysshe
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The Prose Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley, Vol. 1 [of 2]
Shelley, Percy Bysshe
English prose literature
Verezzi’s whole frame was agitated by unwonted and ardent emotions. He
called Matilda his wife--in the delirium of sudden fondness, he clasped
her to his bosom--“and though love like ours,” exclaimed the infatuated
Verezzi, “wants not the vain ties of human laws, yet, that our love
may want not any sanction which could possibly be given to it, let
immediate orders be given for the celebration of our union.”
Matilda exultingly consented; never had she experienced sensations
of delight like these: the feelings of her soul flushed in exulting
glances from her fiery eyes. Fierce, transporting triumph filled her
soul as she gazed on her victim, whose mildly-beaming eyes were now
characterised by a voluptuous expression. Her heart beat high with
transport: and as they entered the castella, the swelling emotions of
her bosom were too tumultuous for utterance.
Wild with passion, she clasped Verezzi to her beating breast; and,
overcome by an ecstasy of delirious passion, her senses were whirled
round in confused and inexpressible delight. A new and fierce passion
raged likewise in Verezzi’s breast; he returned her embrace with
ardour, and clasped her in fierce transports.
But the adoration with which he now regarded Matilda, was a different
sentiment from that chaste and mild emotion which had characterised his
love for Julia: that passion, which he had fondly supposed would end
but with his existence, was effaced by the arts of another.
Now was Matilda’s purpose attained--the next day would behold her his
bride--the next day would behold her fondest purpose accomplished.
With the most eager impatience, the fiercest anticipation of transport,
did she wait for its arrival.
Slowly passed the day, and slowly did the clock toll each lingering
hour as it rolled away.
The following morning at last arrived: Matilda arose from a sleepless
couch--fierce, transporting triumph flashed from her eyes as she
embraced her victim. He returned it--he called her his dear and
ever-beloved spouse; and, in all the transports of maddening love,
declared his impatience for the arrival of the monk who was to unite
them. Every blandishment--every thing which might dispel reflection,
was this day put in practice by Matilda.
The monk at last arrived: the fatal ceremony--fatal to the peace of
Verezzi--was performed.
A magnificent feast had been previously arranged: every luxurious
viand, every expensive wine, which might contribute to heighten
Matilda’s triumph, was present in profusion.
Matilda’s joy, her soul-felt triumph, was too great for utterance--too
great for concealment. The exultation of her inmost soul flashed in
expressive glances from her scintillating eyes, expressive of joy
intense--unutterable.
Animated with excessive delight, she started from the table, and
seizing Verezzi’s hand, in a transport of inconceivable bliss, dragged
him in wild sport and varied movements to the sound of swelling and
soul touching melody.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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