Eloisa : $b or, A series of original letters — Jean-Jacques Rousseau — John Shaqi
Eloisa : $b or, A series of original letters
Jean-Jacques Rousseau · en
I had it in my hand this morning, perusing again, with some uneasiness
of mind, those too sensible and judicious arguments that made against
me, when somebody knocked at the door of my chamber. It was opened,
and immediately entered Lord B----, without his sword, leaning on his
cane; he was followed by three gentlemen, one of whom I observed to be
Mr. Orbe. Surprized at a visit so unexpected, I waited silently for
the consequence; when my Lord requested of me a moment’s audience and
begged leave to say, and do, as he pleased without interruption. You
must, says he, give me your express permission: the presence of these
gentlemen, who are your friends, will excuse you from any supposed
indiscretion. I promised without hesitation not to interrupt him;
when, to my great astonishment, his Lordship immediately fell upon his
knee. Surprized at seeing him in such an attitude, I would have raised
him up; but, after putting me in mind of my promise, he proceeded in
the following words. “I am come, Sir, to make an open retraction of
the abuse, which, when in liquor, I uttered in your company. The
injustice of such behaviour renders it more injurious to me than to
you; and therefore I ought publicly to disavow it. I submit to
whatever punishment you please to inflict on me, and shall not think
my honour re-established till my fault is repaired. Then, grant me the
pardon I ask, on what conditions you think fit, and restore me your
friendship.” My Lord, returned I, I have the truest sense of your
generosity and greatness of mind, and take a pleasure in
distinguishing between the discourse which your heart dictates, and
that which may escape you when you are not yourself: let that in
question be for ever forgotten, I immediately raised him, and, falling
into my arms, he cordially embraced me. Then, turning about to the
company, “Gentlemen, said he, I thank you for your complaisance. Men
of honour, like you,” added he, with a bold air and resolute tone of
voice, “know that he who thus repairs the injury he has done, will not
submit to an injury from any man. You may publish what you have seen.”
He then invited all of us to sup with him this evening, and the
gentlemen left us. We were no sooner alone, than his lordship embraced
me again, in a more tender and friendly manner; then, taking me by the
hand, and seating himself down by me, happy man! said he, may you long
enjoy the felicity you deserve! The heart of Eloisa is yours, may you
be both.----What do you mean, my Lord? said I, interrupting him; have
you lost your senses? No, returned he, smiling, but I was very near
losing them, and it had perhaps been all over with me, if she who took
them away, had not restored them. He then gave me a letter that I was
surprized to see written by a hand, which never before wrote to any
man but myself. What emotions did I feel in its perusal. I traced the
passion of an incomparable woman who would make a sacrifice of herself
to save her lover; and I discovered Eloisa.