Selected quad for the lemma: virtue_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
virtue_n act_n person_n time_n 1,051 5 4.1180 3 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A28990 The martyrdom of Theodora and of Didymus by a person of honour. Boyle, Robert, 1627-1691. 1687 (1687) Wing B3987; ESTC R2732 80,960 270

There are 8 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

fame_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o empire_n be_v now_o employ_v to_o captivate_v innocent_a virgin_n and_o defend_v their_o brutish_a ravisher_n you_o may_v easy_o guess_v by_o this_o continues_z he_o that_o my_o request_n be_v like_a to_o prove_v a_o earnest_a one_o that_o you_o will_v please_v to_o treat_v with_o some_o of_o those_o soldier_n of_o you_o in_o who_o you_o think_v you_o have_v the_o great_a interest_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o assist_v i_o in_o rescue_v theodora_n out_o of_o so_o infamous_a a_o prison_n and_o accept_v from_o i_o great_a recompense_n for_o do_v a_o handsome_a action_n than_o they_o can_v expect_v from_o the_o precedent_n for_o do_v a_o barbarous_a one_o i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o have_v this_o affair_n require_v that_o all_o possible_a care_n will_v be_v take_v to_o keep_v you_o from_o be_v endanger_v by_o theodoras_n deliverance_n nor_o will_v i_o add_v how_o unexpressible_a a_o obligation_n you_o will_v lay_v on_o i_o to_o heighten_v my_o gratitude_n to_o some_o proportion_n to_o your_o favour_n because_o i_o know_v it_o must_v necessary_o fall_v short_a of_o they_o and_o be_v due_a to_o a_o person_n that_o love_v to_o do_v gallant_a action_n for_o their_o own_o sake_n and_o have_v rather_o have_v great_a debt_n of_o gratitude_n remain_v due_a to_o he_o than_o pay_v to_o he_o wherefore_o i_o shall_v only_o mind_v you_o that_o the_o time_n be_v so_o short_a that_o if_o your_o assistance_n be_v not_o as_o quick_a as_o oblige_v i_o fear_v it_o will_v be_v as_o ineffectual_a i_o shall_v quicken_v you_o only_o by_o assure_v you_o that_o when_o you_o act_n for_o the_o accomplish_a theodora_n you_o act_n for_o a_o person_n that_o have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o that_o beauty_n and_o virtue_n can_v give_v one_o a_o title_n to_o with_o the_o same_o freedom_n reply_v septimius_n with_o which_o you_o have_v own_a to_o i_o your_o religion_n i_o declare_v to_o you_o that_o i_o be_v that_o of_o my_o country_n and_o my_o ancestor_n and_o that_o i_o worship_v those_o propitious_a deity_n that_o have_v make_v the_o roman_n the_o conqueror_n of_o the_o world_n and_o reward_v those_o that_o adore_v they_o with_o a_o universal_a monarchy_n but_o though_o i_o exceed_o approve_v so_o triumphant_a a_o religion_n yet_o i_o confess_v to_o you_o that_o i_o do_v not_o like_o the_o way_n that_o the_o precedent_n take_v to_o propagate_v it_o such_o cruel_a method_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o world_n suspect_v that_o our_o best_a argument_n be_v force_n and_o whilst_o the_o persecutor_n think_v it_o a_o glorious_a thing_n to_o see_v the_o temple_n fill_v at_o any_o rate_n i_o have_v rather_o see_v in_o they_o few_o but_o sincere_a votary_n than_o have_v they_o throng_v with_o such_o pusillanimous_a dissembler_n as_o will_v not_o come_v in_o unless_o they_o be_v scare_v in_o thither_o and_o though_o terror_n and_o torment_n work_v sometime_o upon_o the_o weak_a sort_n of_o christian_n yet_o the_o more_o resolute_a do_v so_o often_o despise_v they_o that_o our_o persecution_n convert_v not_o those_o unhappy_a person_n but_o frequent_o stagger_v many_o of_o our_o own_o and_o i_o confess_v free_o to_o you_o didymus_n that_o all_o the_o christian_n argument_n work_v less_o with_o i_o than_o our_o inhuman_a manner_n of_o confute_v they_o but_o i_o do_v not_o only_o disapprove_v but_o detest_v this_o infamous_a practice_n of_o our_o precedent_n which_o make_v he_o loose_v not_o the_o respect_n only_o and_o the_o pity_n but_o the_o common_a humanity_n we_o owe_v to_o woman_n and_o think_v to_o do_v the_o goddess_n a_o service_n by_o disfigure_v their_o fair_a image_n here_o below_o with_o the_o most_o shameful_a of_o blemish_n i_o can_v bring_v myself_o to_o imagine_v that_o such_o gentle_a deity_n can_v like_o such_o barbarous_a worshipper_n who_o not_o only_o immolate_v to_o they_o the_o life_n of_o man_n but_o what_o be_v far_o more_o precious_a the_o virtue_n and_o honour_n of_o woman_n for_o if_o i_o can_v believe_v they_o like_o such_o sacrifice_n i_o shall_v think_v they_o unworthy_a any_o sacrifice_n at_o all_o you_o will_v easy_o therefore_o didymus_n credit_v i_o that_o i_o be_v absent_a when_o my_o soldier_n be_v put_v by_o the_o insolent_a judge_n upon_o so_o mean_v a_o employment_n he_o dare_v not_o have_v offer_v to_o have_v obtrude_v it_o upon_o they_o have_v i_o be_v there_o or_o if_o he_o have_v i_o have_v dare_v to_o use_v he_o as_o his_o insolence_n have_v deserve_v but_o without_o lose_v time_n in_o passionate_a expostulation_n about_o thing_n make_v remediless_a by_o be_v past_a let_v we_o speedy_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o rescue_n of_o theodora_n for_o though_o i_o have_v hear_v strange_a thing_n of_o she_o and_o such_o as_o make_v i_o think_v fame_n a_o great_a flatterer_n if_o not_o a_o frontless_a liar_n yet_o i_o believe_v the_o report_n about_o theodora_n as_o i_o believe_v the_o delphic_a oracle_n now_o that_o i_o find_v so_o undeniable_a a_o testimony_n of_o her_o merit_n as_o her_o be_v your_o mistress_n i_o will_v therefore_o without_o delay_n prepare_v some_o soldier_n to_o assist_v you_o in_o her_o rescue_n and_o i_o can_v doubt_v the_o success_n in_o a_o attempt_n make_v to_o serve_v a_o distress_a beauty_n and_o a_o generous_a friend_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n you_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o my_o more_o open_o appear_v for_o you_o for_o how_o high_o soever_o such_o a_o action_n may_v provoke_v the_o precedent_n or_o even_o the_o emperor_n i_o hope_v to_o let_v you_o see_v that_o you_o have_v trust_v a_o roman_a a_o person_n that_o have_v rather_o be_v the_o object_n than_o the_o minister_n of_o their_o cruelty_n and_o will_v not_o be_v accessary_a to_o such_o a_o misemployment_n of_o absolute_a power_n to_o be_v make_v a_o sharer_n in_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o septimius_n have_v end_v these_o word_n he_o do_v to_o prevent_v those_o acknowledgement_n he_o see_v didymus_n be_v about_o to_o make_v he_o take_v that_o gallant_a youth_n by_o the_o hand_n and_o lead_v he_o towards_o the_o place_n where_o he_o expect_v to_o find_v the_o soldier_n he_o most_o confide_v in_o he_o entertain_v he_o in_o the_o way_n about_o the_o hopeful_a expedient_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o his_o admirable_a mistress_n rescue_v and_o have_v afterward_o send_v for_o the_o two_o person_n he_o think_v likely_a to_o be_v prevail_v on_o to_o a_o convenient_a place_n near_o to_o that_o to_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v theodora_n he_o briefl_o but_o pathetical_o declare_v to_o they_o how_o much_o the_o brave_a didymus_n be_v his_o friend_n and_o how_o much_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v so_o inflame_v they_o with_o a_o indignation_n at_o the_o savage_a precedent_n disgrace_v they_o by_o so_o infamous_a a_o employment_n as_o they_o be_v now_o about_o and_o then_o assure_v they_o of_o reward_n from_o dydimus_n suitable_a to_o the_o liberality_n of_o so_o generous_a a_o person_n after_o which_o withdraw_v himself_o to_o give_v didymus_n a_o short_a account_n how_o far_o he_o have_v proceed_v he_o leave_v the_o rest_n to_o be_v complete_v by_o he_o who_o prompt_v by_o his_o native_a liberality_n and_o his_o high_a concern_n do_v not_o stay_v to_o cheapen_v his_o mistress_n liberty_n but_o with_o the_o hasty_a passion_n of_o a_o lover_n proffer_v they_o more_o than_o even_o septimius_n promise_n give_v they_o reason_n to_o expect_v nor_o will_v he_o have_v decline_v to_o embrace_v any_o article_n of_o agreement_n they_o can_v have_v propose_v though_o the_o part_n with_o his_o life_n have_v be_v one_o so_o theodoras_n deliverance_n be_v another_o the_o sense_n these_o soldier_n have_v of_o the_o affront_n put_v on_o they_o by_o the_o precedent_n join_v with_o the_o ambition_n they_o have_v to_o please_v their_o love_a commander_n and_o the_o gratitude_n his_o friend_n profuse_v bounty_n have_v new_o oblige_v they_o to_o make_v they_o quick_o accommodate_v didymus_n with_o a_o military_a habit_n and_o prepare_v some_o of_o their_o comrade_n to_o allow_v he_o the_o first_o admittance_n into_o her_o chamber_n partly_o by_o share_v some_o of_o the_o new_o receive_v present_n among_o they_o and_o probable_o by_o represent_v he_o to_o they_o when_o thus_o prepare_v as_o a_o person_n who_o have_v be_v passionate_o in_o love_n with_o theodora_n and_o be_v scornful_o slight_v by_o she_o be_v desirous_a at_o any_o rate_n to_o satisfy_v at_o once_o his_o appetite_n and_o his_o revenge_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n before_o that_o short_a time_n be_v expire_v that_o have_v be_v as_o a_o act_n of_o grace_n allow_v the_o disconsolate_a virgin_n to_o deliberate_v whether_o she_o will_v yet_o comply_v with_o the_o judge_n a_o entrance_n into_o her_o chamber_n be_v permit_v to_o her_o lover_n who_o in_o order_n not_o only_o to_o his_o present_n but_o further_a
appear_v before_o you_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o that_o brave_a prisoner_n at_o which_o word_n she_o point_v at_o didymus_n and_o present_v you_o the_o object_n on_o which_o you_o may_v inflict_v with_o legal_a justice_n what_o you_o can_v make_v he_o suffer_v without_o be_v tax_v of_o cruelty_n for_o suppose_v a_o debt_n to_o be_v due_a to_o the_o law_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v more_o severe_a than_o just_a to_o prosecute_v the_o security_n now_o the_o principal_a offer_n to_o pay_v the_o debt_n he_o may_v well_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o my_o hostage_n who_o i_o now_o come_v to_o redeem_v and_o it_o be_v not_o sir_n your_o interest_n to_o decline_v the_o exchange_n since_o by_o it_o you_o will_v preserve_v a_o person_n who_o courage_n engage_v by_o his_o gratitude_n may_v do_v signal_n service_n in_o the_o roman_a army_n and_o since_o my_o escape_n be_v all_o his_o crime_n i_o beseech_v you_o let_v my_o surrender_n of_o myself_o obtain_v his_o absolution_n here_o theodora_n pause_v a_o while_n partly_o to_o recover_v from_o the_o disorder_n so_o unusual_a and_o difficult_a a_o effort_n of_o her_o modesty_n have_v put_v she_o into_o and_o partly_o to_o observe_v the_o judge_n countenance_n upon_o his_o hear_n what_o she_o have_v say_v and_o to_o take_v measure_n thence_o in_o what_o she_o be_v further_a to_o speak_v the_o precedent_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n continue_v silent_a whether_o the_o long_a to_o hear_v the_o music_n of_o her_o voice_n or_o because_o so_o many_o charm_n as_o nature_n have_v crowd_v in_o her_o face_n and_o so_o much_o sadness_n as_o she_o concern_v for_o her_o lover_n have_v display_v in_o her_o look_n have_v somewhat_o mollify_v he_o as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v a_o tiger_n whereupon_o the_o fair_a suppliant_a hope_v that_o his_o not_o interrupt_v she_o proceed_v from_o some_o relent_a thought_n resume_v her_o discourse_n in_o these_o term_n but_o if_o sir_n to_o procure_v the_o dismission_n of_o this_o gentleman_n your_o justice_n have_v need_v to_o be_v second_v by_o your_o clemency_n perhaps_o you_o never_o have_v nor_o never_o will_v have_v a_o object_n who_o merit_n may_v so_o well_o warrant_v the_o full_a exercise_n of_o it_o for_o his_o life_n ever_o since_o he_o bear_v arm_n have_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o fearless_o hazard_v for_o their_o greatness_n and_o the_o action_n for_o which_o he_o be_v now_o in_o trouble_n be_v so_o heroic_a and_o so_o disinterest_v a_o one_o of_o courage_n and_o compassion_n that_o in_o it_o he_o can_v scarce_o have_v any_o other_o motive_n than_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o generosity_n nor_o other_o end_n than_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o nor_o need_v you_o fear_v that_o your_o clemency_n on_o this_o occasion_n shall_v introduce_v a_o bad_a example_n for_o this_o of_o didymus_n be_v never_o like_a to_o be_v imitate_v nor_o can_v be_v so_o but_o by_o person_n too_o virtuous_a to_o be_v delinquent_n and_o if_o such_o action_n be_v criminal_a at_o lest_o it_o be_v unlikely_a they_o will_v grow_v common_a crime_n and_o here_o theodora_n perceive_v that_o the_o impatient_a didymus_n now_o come_v again_o to_o himself_o after_o the_o astonish_a surprise_n this_o adventure_n give_v he_o be_v upon_o the_o point_n to_o interrupt_v she_o she_o thus_o prevent_v he_o and_o you_o brave_a didymus_n forbear_v to_o oppose_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o my_o just_a desire_n the_o course_n that_o i_o now_o take_v be_v the_o only_a that_o i_o can_v take_v to_o evidence_n my_o gratitude_n and_o to_o let_v you_o see_v that_o you_o have_v not_o exercise_v the_o noble_a act_n of_o generosity_n and_o friendship_n towards_o a_o person_n insensible_a of_o the_o dictate_v of_o those_o virtue_n i_o can_v not_o continue_v she_o but_o be_v glad_a to_o be_v rescue_v from_o the_o ignominy_n of_o a_o rape_n but_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o be_v rob_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o suffer_v for_o christ_n which_o be_v also_o the_o only_a mean_n leave_v i_o to_o evince_v that_o i_o decline_v dishonour_v and_o not_o death_n and_o never_o mean_v so_o much_o to_o disoblige_v the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o insignificant_a maid_n to_o deprive_v it_o of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o generous_a of_o men._n you_o have_v leave_v yourself_o but_o one_o way_n to_o increase_v your_o past_a favour_n which_o be_v to_o allow_v i_o the_o only_a real_a expression_n i_o can_v make_v of_o my_o sense_n of_o they_o &_o that_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o can_v at_o most_o but_o make_v some_o little_a diminution_n of_o they_o without_o pretend_v to_o make_v a_o retribution_n for_o they_o if_o therefore_o conclude_v she_o you_o will_v complete_a the_o obligation_n you_o have_v lay_v on_o i_o by_o preserve_v to_o i_o the_o coronet_n of_o virginity_n you_o must_v not_o oppose_v my_o obtain_n the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n didymus_n have_v need_v of_o all_o the_o respect_n that_o he_o pay_v his_o admirable_a mistress_n to_o keep_v he_o thus_o long_o from_o interrupt_v a_o discourse_n that_o tend_v so_o little_a to_o his_o satisfaction_n and_o therefore_o she_o have_v no_o soon_o put_v a_o period_n to_o it_o than_o with_o a_o deep_a sigh_n he_o tell_v she_o cease_v theodora_n cease_v to_o plead_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o life_n that_o you_o be_v almost_o as_o cruel_a to_o i_o in_o thus_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v as_o you_o be_v in_o thus_o hazard_v your_o own_o and_o if_o i_o dare_v not_o hope_v for_o from_o the_o precedent_n more_o than_o i_o see_v i_o must_v on_o this_o occasion_n expect_v from_o you_o i_o shall_v think_v myself_o as_o perfect_o wretched_a as_o whatever_o your_o intention_n be_v your_o proceed_n be_v unkind_a but_o i_o be_o confident_a our_o unbyased_a judge_n be_v too_o impartial_a not_o to_o discern_v in_o your_o discourse_n that_o the_o excess_n of_o your_o goodness_n have_v have_v the_o chief_a interest_n in_o the_o management_n of_o your_o plea_n the_o case_n about_o which_o we_o differ_v be_v in_o itself_o so_o clear_a that_o alone_o to_o state_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o plead_v it_o on_o my_o behalf_n for_o i_o entice_v you_o to_o escape_v out_o of_o prison_n and_o then_o at_o my_o own_o peril_n facilitated_a to_o you_o the_o mean_n of_o do_v so_o you_o leave_v i_o behind_o as_o a_o pawn_n to_o the_o law_n and_o these_o find_v i_o in_o your_o room_n make_v their_o great_a minister_n before_o who_o tribunal_n we_o stand_v doom_n i_o for_o your_o offence_n to_o the_o death_n design_v for_o your_o punishment_n which_o since_o i_o joyful_o proffer_v myself_o to_o suffer_v for_o you_o or_o rather_o since_o you_o suffer_v it_o in_o i_o your_o proxy_n the_o illustrious_a precedent_n be_v too_o well_o acquaint_v with_o his_o office_n to_o need_v to_o be_v tell_v that_o at_o least_o in_o equity_n the_o surety_n payment_n discharge_v the_o principal_a from_o the_o debt_n especial_o when_o he_o not_o only_o proffer_v the_o payment_n but_o most_o earnest_o desire_v the_o acceptance_n of_o it_o as_o a_o great_a advantage_n to_o he_o i_o hope_v then_o great_a sir_n say_v he_o turn_v himself_o to_o the_o precedent_n with_o additional_a respect_n to_o that_o he_o have_v show_v he_o before_o that_o you_o will_v accept_v of_o my_o life_n instead_o of_o she_o who_o deserve_v a_o long_a and_o happy_a one_o and_o that_o when_o my_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n shall_v be_v pronounce_v and_o glad_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o may_v free_v she_o i_o be_o condemn_v for_o the_o love_n of_o self-preservation_n be_v so_o natural_a that_o it_o can_v be_v make_v capital_a without_o affront_a nature_n and_o punish_v as_o well_o what_o man_n be_v as_o what_o they_o do_v and_o the_o love_n of_o purity_n and_o honour_n do_v so_o much_o become_v a_o chaste_a virgin_n that_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o it_o be_v too_o commendable_a to_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v penal_a it_o be_v i_o who_o have_v despise_v danger_n that_o i_o may_v easy_o have_v avoid_v when_o it_o be_v question_n to_o do_v a_o illegal_a thing_n do_v yet_o glory_v in_o the_o crime_n that_o be_o the_o just_a and_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o rigour_n of_o your_o law_n and_o her_o year_n be_v yet_o so_o tender_a and_o her_o disposition_n so_o innocent_a that_o since_o if_o she_o have_v err_v it_o be_v by_o my_o persuasion_n if_o she_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v it_o shall_v be_v in_o my_o person_n all_o that_o she_o have_v since_o allege_v to_o appropriate_v my_o guilt_n or_o involve_v herself_o in_o it_o will_n i_o hope_v by_o a_o roman_a magistrate_n be_v look_v on_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o her_o generosity_n and_o not_o of_o her_o crime_n and_o the_o roman_n be_v too_o much_o friend_n to_o gallantry_n to_o punish_v in_o a_o lady_n that_o virtue_n
the_o martyrdom_n of_o theodora_n and_o of_o didymus_n by_o a_o person_n of_o honour_n london_n print_v by_o h._n clark_n for_o john_n tailor_n at_o the_o ship_n and_o christopher_n skegnes_fw-la at_o the_o golden_a ball_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1687._o such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o follow_a book_n send_v with_o it_o to_o a_o friend_n as_o may_v serve_v instead_o of_o a_o preface_n to_o convince_v you_o sir_n how_o much_o more_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o have_v you_o think_v i_o can_v obey_v well_o than_o write_v well_o i_o venture_v to_o send_v you_o the_o account_n as_o imperfect_a and_o unpolished_a as_o it_o be_v that_o you_o be_v please_v to_o command_v of_o the_o last_o hour_n of_o theodora_n but_o i_o must_v beg_v your_o leave_n to_o accompany_v it_o with_o another_o account_n though_o but_o a_o short_a one_o how_o i_o come_v to_o meddle_v with_o this_o subject_a and_o why_o what_o i_o present_v you_o about_o it_o be_v so_o much_o maim_a and_o have_v no_o more_o uniformity_n have_v have_v occasion_n many_o year_n ago_o to_o turn_v over_o a_o martyrology_n and_o some_o other_o book_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n i_o chance_v to_o light_v on_o those_o of_o a_o virgin_n who_o though_o to_o my_o wonder_n she_o be_v leave_v unname_v by_o the_o other_o writer_n that_o mention_v she_o seem_v plain_o to_o be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v by_o one_o of_o they_o express_o call_v theodora_n i_o own_o i_o be_v not_o a_o little_a affect_v at_o the_o read_n of_o such_o move_a and_o uncommon_a adventure_n as_o she_o and_o find_v her_o story_n to_o be_v relate_v by_o the_o author_n that_o name_v both_o she_o and_o her_o lover_n not_o only_o very_o succinct_o and_o imperfect_o but_o very_o dull_o too_o i_o find_v myself_o tempt_v so_o to_o enlarge_v this_o story_n as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v contrive_v into_o a_o somewhat_o voluminous_a romance_n but_o upon_o second_o thought_n it_o appear_v incongruous_a to_o turn_v a_o martyr_n into_o a_o nymph_n or_o a_o amazon_n and_o i_o consider_v too_o that_o to_o omit_v what_o else_o may_v be_v object_v against_o that_o sort_n of_o composure_n as_o true_a pearl_n be_v cordial_n and_o antidote_n which_o counterfeit_a one_o how_o fine_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v be_v not_o so_o true_a example_n do_v arm_n and_o fortify_v the_o mind_n far_o more_o efficacious_o than_o imaginary_a or_o fictious_a one_o can_v do_v and_o the_o fabulous_a labour_n of_o hercules_n and_o exploit_n of_o arthur_n of_o britain_n will_v never_o make_v man_n aspire_v to_o heroic_a virtue_n half_o so_o powerful_o as_o the_o real_a example_n of_o courage_n and_o gallantry_n afford_v by_o jonathan_n caesar_n or_o the_o black_a prince_n but_o yet_o think_v it_o great_a pity_n that_o so_o shine_v a_o virtue_n as_o theodora_n shall_v prove_v exemplary_a but_o to_o her_o own_o time_n and_o to_o one_o city_n and_o remember_v that_o soon_o after_o the_o age_n which_o she_o ennoble_v it_o be_v count_v among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n a_o act_n of_o piety_n to_o build_v fair_a monument_n upon_o the_o former_o abject_a grave_n of_o the_o martyr_n to_o repay_v by_o honour_n do_v to_o their_o memory_n the_o indignity_n and_o disgrace_n they_o have_v suffer_v in_o their_o person_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o try_v if_o i_o can_v rescue_v from_o more_o unskilful_a hand_n than_o even_o i_o a_o story_n that_o abundant_o deserve_v to_o be_v well_o tell_v but_o upon_o further_a thought_n i_o soon_o foresee_v that_o this_o task_n be_v not_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v undertake_v than_o it_o will_v prove_v difficult_a to_o be_v well_o perform_v for_o the_o martyrologist_n have_v allow_v scarce_o one_o whole_a page_n to_o a_o relation_n that_o perhaps_o merit_v a_o volume_n have_v leave_v so_o many_o chasm_n and_o so_o many_o necessary_a thing_n unmentioned_a that_o i_o plain_o perceive_v i_o want_v a_o far_o great_a number_n of_o circumstance_n than_o that_o he_o have_v supply_v i_o with_o to_o make_v up_o so_o maim_v a_o story_n tolerable_o complete_a and_o as_o the_o relation_n deny_v i_o matter_n enough_o to_o work_v upon_o so_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n refuse_v most_o of_o those_o embellishment_n which_o in_o other_o theme_n where_o young_a gallant_n and_o fair_a lady_n be_v the_o chief_a actor_n be_v wont_a to_o supply_v the_o deficience_n of_o the_o matter_n beside_o my_o task_n be_v not_o near_o so_o easy_a as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v if_o i_o have_v be_v only_o to_o recite_v the_o intrigue_n of_o a_o amour_n with_o the_o liberty_n to_o feig_o surprise_v adventure_n to_o adorn_v the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o account_n and_o to_o make_v a_o lover_n speak_v as_o passionate_o as_o i_o can_v and_o his_o mistress_n as_o kind_o as_o the_o indulgent_a law_n of_o decency_n will_v permit_v but_o i_o be_v to_o introduce_v a_o christian_a and_o pious_a lover_n who_o be_v to_o contain_v the_o expression_n of_o his_o flame_n within_o the_o narrow_a bound_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o a_o virgin_n who_o be_v as_o modest_a and_o discreet_a as_o handsome_a and_o as_o devout_a as_o either_o be_v to_o own_o a_o high_a esteem_n for_o a_o excellent_a lover_n and_o a_o uncommon_a gratitude_n to_o a_o transcendent_a benefactor_n without_o entrench_v either_o upon_o her_o virtue_n or_o her_o reservedness_n and_o i_o perceive_v the_o difficulty_n of_o my_o task_n will_v be_v increase_v by_o that_o of_o reconcile_a theodora_n scrupulousness_n to_o the_o humour_n of_o some_o young_a person_n of_o quality_n of_o either_o sex_n who_o be_v earnest_a to_o engage_v my_o pen_n on_o this_o occasion_n and_o will_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v make_v theodora_n more_o kind_a than_o i_o think_v her_o great_a piety_n and_o strict_a modesty_n will_v permit_v but_o for_o all_o this_o the_o esteem_n i_o have_v for_o the_o fair_a martyr_n excellency_n and_o the_o compliance_n i_o have_v for_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o receive_v a_o account_n of_o so_o rare_a a_o person_n action_n and_o suffering_n make_v i_o resolve_v to_o try_v what_o i_o can_v do_v which_o i_o adventure_v upon_o with_o the_o less_o reluctancy_n because_o though_o i_o esteem_v it_o a_o kind_n of_o profaneness_n to_o transform_v a_o piece_n of_o martyrology_n into_o a_o romance_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o allowable_a enough_o where_o a_o narrative_a be_v write_v so_o concise_o and_o leave_v so_o unperfect_a as_o that_o i_o have_v to_o descant_v upon_o to_o make_v such_o supplement_n of_o circumstance_n as_o be_v not_o improbable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o be_v little_o less_o than_o necessary_a to_o the_o clearness_n and_o entireness_n of_o the_o story_n and_o the_o decent_a connection_n of_o the_o part_n it_o shall_v consist_v of_o i_o suppose_v too_o that_o i_o need_v not_o scruple_n to_o lend_v speech_n to_o the_o person_n i_o bring_v upon_o the_o stage_n provide_v they_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o speaker_n and_o occasion_n since_o i_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o example_n of_o livy_n plutarch_n and_o other_o grave_a and_o judicious_a historian_n who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o give_v we_o set_v oration_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n and_o sometime_o put_v they_o into_o the_o mouth_n of_o general_n at_o the_o head_n of_o their_o army_n just_o go_v to_o give_v battle_n though_o at_o such_o time_n the_o hurry_n and_o distraction_n that_o both_o they_o and_o their_o auditor_n must_v be_v in_o must_v make_v it_o very_o unlikely_a either_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v elaborate_a speech_n or_o their_o hearer_n mind_n and_o remember_v they_o well_o enough_o to_o repeat_v they_o to_o the_o historian_n encourage_v by_o these_o liberty_n which_o i_o think_v i_o may_v just_o allow_v myself_o i_o draw_v up_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v what_o you_o have_v be_v tell_v i_o write_v about_o theodora_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o divide_v into_o two_o part_n in_o the_o first_o whereof_o which_o be_v less_o remote_a from_o be_v romantic_a i_o give_v somewhat_o at_o large_a the_o character_n of_o they_o both_o i_o mention_v the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o didymus_n love_n the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o than_o christian_n which_o provoke_v divine_a providence_n to_o expose_v they_o to_o a_o very_a bloody_a persecution_n i_o declare_v how_o theodora_n be_v involve_v in_o it_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o precedent_n of_o antioch_n how_o she_o resolute_o own_a her_o religion_n before_o he_o answer_v his_o argument_n and_o resist_v both_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o menace_n how_o thereupon_o the_o judge_n doom_v she_o either_o to_o sacrifice_n or_o to_o be_v prostitute_v in_o the_o the_o public_a stew_n how_o she_o after_o a_o eager_a debate_n in_o she_o own_o mind_n refuse_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n be_v notwithstanding_o her_o silence_n lead_v away_o to_o the_o
transaction_n about_o my_o rescue_n your_o carriage_n have_v be_v such_o as_o will_v leave_v i_o no_o doubt_n if_o ever_o i_o have_v be_v so_o unjust_a as_o to_o have_v any_o of_o the_o purity_n &_o disinterestedness_n of_o your_o intention_n by_o which_o i_o be_o not_o a_o little_a confirm_v in_o the_o opinion_n i_o have_v always_o have_v that_o virtue_n may_v inspire_v as_o noble_a and_o as_o hazardous_a enterprise_n as_o passion_n can_v i_o know_v that_o in_o this_o day_n work_n you_o aim_v at_o high_a retribution_n than_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o one_o in_o my_o condition_n but_o yet_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o assure_v you_o that_o your_o heroic_a act_n of_o virtue_n and_o friendship_n have_v not_o be_v exercise_v towards_o a_o person_n insensible_a of_o they_o but_o that_o your_o merit_n and_o your_o favour_n have_v produce_v all_o the_o esteem_n and_o other_o sentiment_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o produce_v in_o a_o person_n that_o be_v not_o altogether_o incapable_a to_o discern_v and_o value_v they_o and_o if_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o disconsolate_a virgin_n then_o save_v by_o you_o when_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n have_v abandon_v she_o can_v have_v any_o interest_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n they_o will_v obtain_v for_o you_o blessing_n as_o great_a as_o your_o generosity_n to_o i_o have_v be_v and_o not_o less_o last_a than_o my_o sense_n of_o it_o will_v be_v and_o you_o will_v during_o a_o long_a protract_a life_n either_o be_v allow_v quiet_o to_o enjoy_v the_o glory_n your_o many_o meritorious_a hazard_n of_o it_o have_v purchase_v or_o else_o be_v enable_v to_o find_v a_o happiness_n in_o your_o very_a suffering_n by_o virtue_n of_o those_o peculiar_a consolation_n that_o be_v reserve_v for_o a_o persecute_a condition_n as_o ancient_o manna_n be_v vouchsafe_v the_o israelite_n only_o whilst_o they_o be_v exile_n in_o the_o wilderness_n the_o quick_a success_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o grant_v my_o prayer_n for_o my_o own_o deliverance_n let_v i_o not_o despair_v to_o find_v he_o propitious_a to_o those_o i_o shall_v with_o no_o less_o ardency_n put_v up_o for_o you_o but_o if_o your_o charity_n shall_v expose_v you_o to_o further_a danger_n i_o solemn_o promise_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v find_v i_o have_v be_v instruct_v as_o well_o as_o oblige_v by_o your_o generosity_n and_o will_v not_o have_v leave_v you_o expose_v for_o my_o sake_n that_o i_o may_v shun_v any_o danger_n that_o have_v threaten_v but_o my_o life_n and_o now_o the_o mournful_a virgin_n be_v to_o bid_v her_o accomplish_a votary_n a_o farewell_n which_o probable_o enough_o will_v prove_v the_o last_o by_o a_o manifest_a change_n in_o her_o countenance_n and_o the_o tone_n of_o her_o voice_n and_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o tear_n that_o fall_v from_o her_o fair_a eye_n convince_v he_o no_o less_o of_o the_o trouble_n she_o be_v in_o upon_o his_o account_n than_o any_o verbal_a expression_n can_v do_v it_o though_o she_o say_v to_o he_o in_o a_o most_o oblige_a manner_n farewell_o my_o generous_a deliverer_n and_o may_v that_o god_n who_o see_v with_o what_o reluctancy_n i_o consent_v to_o your_o danger_n free_v you_o happy_o from_o it_o and_o rich_o recompense_v that_o noble_a charity_n that_o lead_v you_o into_o it_o i_o hope_v we_o shall_v yet_o see_v one_o another_o again_o upon_o earth_n i_o be_o confident_a we_o shall_v meet_v joyful_o in_o heaven_n by_o which_o i_o must_v confess_v myself_o very_o high_o favour_v not_o only_o in_o my_o deliverance_n but_o in_o the_o instrument_n of_o it_o since_o god_n make_v i_o not_o behold_v for_o my_o rescue_n to_o any_o common_a person_n but_o be_v please_v so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o i_o receive_v the_o great_a of_o earthly_a benefit_n from_o the_o most_o generous_a of_o man_n madam_n reply_v the_o much_o trouble_a didymus_n your_o own_o unequalled_a perfection_n and_o the_o operation_n they_o have_v have_v on_o i_o make_v i_o so_o much_o you_o that_o your_o wish_v i_o happy_a do_v more_o towards_o the_o make_v i_o so_o than_o your_o humility_n will_v allow_v you_o to_o be_v aware_a of_o you_o have_v too_o much_o merit_n madam_n to_o let_v the_o service_n i_o have_v pay_v you_o have_v a_o title_n to_o any_o and_o what_o i_o have_v have_v the_o happiness_n to_o perform_v be_v but_o what_o be_v every_o brave_a man_n in_o antioch_n duty_n to_o endeavour_v but_o if_o your_o goodness_n will_v needs_o make_v you_o think_v that_o my_o poor_a service_n shall_v have_v another_o for_o they_o can_v scarce_o have_v a_o great_a recompense_v than_o you_o have_v already_o give_v they_o by_o suffer_v they_o to_o conttribute_v to_o your_o safety_n and_o if_o you_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o allow_v the_o memory_n of_o he_o that_o do_v they_o a_o room_n in_o your_o thought_n which_o be_v the_o happy_a station_n it_o can_v aspire_v to_o upon_o earth_n i_o humble_o beg_v your_o faithful_a servant_n image_n may_v be_v look_v on_o without_o any_o troublesome_a degree_n of_o pity_n since_o his_o condition_n will_v then_o need_v none_o and_o the_o idea_n will_v very_o much_o misrepresent_v the_o original_a if_o it_o shall_v disquiet_v she_o who_o he_o never_o approach_v but_o to_o serve_v she_o it_o be_v suitable_a madam_n to_o this_o frame_n of_o mind_n that_o for_o theodoras_n sake_n i_o must_v now_o deny_v myself_o so_o much_o as_o to_o hasten_v her_o departure_n lest_o some_o cross_a accident_n shall_v prevent_v it_o at_o which_o word_n look_v on_o she_o with_o a_o countenance_n that_o all_o his_o courage_n can_v not_o keep_v from_o a_o discernible_a change_n farewell_o say_v he_o incomparable_a theodora_n may_v you_o continue_v long_o the_o ornament_n and_o the_o pattern_n of_o your_o sex_n and_o since_o we_o see_v that_o some_o fruit_n may_v be_v as_o well_o preserve_v in_o honey_n as_o other_o in_o brine_n and_o vinegar_n may_v the_o height_n of_o your_o virtue_n be_v keep_v up_o but_o the_o object_n of_o it_o so_o change_v that_o by_o a_o settle_a prosperity_n you_o may_v henceforth_o haveoccasion_n to_o exercise_v your_o moderation_n and_o your_o gratitude_n instead_o of_o your_o courage_n and_o your_o patience_n once_o more_o farewell_o conclude_v he_o unequalled_a theodora_n and_o may_v you_o live_v but_o with_o as_o much_o contentment_n as_o if_o i_o suffer_v for_o you_o i_o shall_v die_v with_o satisfaction_n though_o these_o move_a expression_n and_o the_o accent_n wherewith_o they_o be_v deliver_v do_v very_o sensible_o touch_v a_o person_n so_o well_o nature_a and_o grateful_a as_o theodora_n yet_o she_o think_v the_o fit_a return_n she_o can_v then_o make_v to_o her_o lover_n discourse_n be_v present_o to_o follow_v the_o advice_n he_o be_v so_o earnest_a to_o have_v she_o speedy_o embrace_v and_o therefore_o bid_v he_o farewell_n only_o by_o a_o look_n wherein_o high_a degree_n of_o sorrow_n and_o gratitude_n be_v plain_o mingle_v she_o immediate_o dispose_v herself_o to_o quit_v that_o dismal_a place_n which_o then_o afford_v a_o noble_a instance_n how_o little_a a_o great_a mind_n can_v be_v hinder_v from_o disclose_v itself_o to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o stage_n it_o be_v oblige_v to_o act_v upon_o for_o whilst_o in_o divers_a of_o the_o stately_a temple_n of_o antioch_n whore_n such_o as_o venus_n and_o flora_n and_o ravisher_n and_o adulterer_n such_o as_o jupiter_n and_o mars_n be_v solemn_o adore_v in_o a_o infamous_a scene_n dedicate_v to_o public_a lust_n and_o violence_n the_o strict_a chastity_n be_v exercise_v and_o martyrdom_n itself_o be_v contend_v for_o have_v once_o venture_v into_o the_o outward_a room_n that_o providence_n to_o which_o she_o have_v in_o such_o discourage_a circumstance_n trust_v her_o virgin_n purity_n will_v not_o leave_v the_o rescue_n of_o it_o incomplete_a but_o whilst_o the_o wait_a ruffian_n be_v eager_o contend_v who_o shall_v succeed_v the_o person_n they_o take_v by_o the_o habit_n to_o be_v didymus_n and_o who_o face_n they_o do_v not_o wonder_v to_o see_v muffle_v present_o after_o so_o savage_a a_o action_n as_o they_o suppose_v he_o to_o have_v commit_v bring_v she_o safe_o out_o of_o that_o infamous_a place_n whence_o by_o the_o least_o frequent_a passage_n she_o know_v she_o be_v be_v quick_o convey_v to_o the_o house_n of_o her_o dear_a friend_n irene_n which_o happen_v to_o be_v near_o than_o her_o own_o there_o to_o avoid_v suspicion_n some_o of_o her_o friend_n and_o relation_n be_v meet_v together_o to_o lament_v her_o captivity_n and_o join_v in_o prayer_n to_o he_o that_o alone_o can_v deliver_v she_o to_o be_v direct_v by_o god_n how_o they_o may_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a contribute_v to_o her_o rescue_n but_o though_o their_o prayer_n be_v probable_o make_v with_o more_o zeal_n than_o hope_n they_o be_v not_o a_o little_a alarm_v when_o look_v out_o to_o
be_v like_o a_o rich_a perfume_n which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o grateful_a in_o most_o company_n and_o perhaps_o especial_o at_o first_o very_o delightful_a to_o the_o wearer_n yet_o do_v often_o discompose_v not_o only_o stranger_n she_o chance_v to_o converse_v with_o but_o the_o best_a friend_n she_o have_v and_o not_o seldom_o do_v mischief_n even_o to_o herself_o by_o disorder_v her_o head_n or_o cast_v she_o into_o fit_n of_o the_o mother_n i_o beg_v your_o pardon_n dear_a madam_n say_v the_o fair_a irene_n with_o somewhat_o of_o sadness_n in_o her_o look_n that_o whilst_o i_o have_v so_o much_o beauty_n in_o my_o eye_n and_o thought_n i_o forget_v that_o it_o be_v in_o theodora_n accompany_v with_o a_o far_o great_a and_o scrupulous_a humility_n and_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o i_o can_v be_v think_v guilty_a of_o flattery_n so_o near_o to_o a_o witness_n at_o which_o word_n she_o point_v to_o a_o looking-glass_n that_o hang_v up_o in_o the_o room_n ready_a to_o justify_v more_o than_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o say_v i_o willing_o acknowledge_v with_o you_o that_o the_o amiableness_n discoverable_a by_o the_o eye_n of_o every_o gazer_n be_v a_o thing_n far_o less_o desirable_a than_o desire_v and_o procure_v the_o possessor_n more_o praise_n than_o it_o bring_v they_o happiness_n and_o for_o my_o part_n add_v she_o if_o i_o have_v the_o weakness_n to_o believe_v myself_o mistress_n of_o what_o the_o folly_n of_o some_o have_v make_v they_o flatter_v i_o with_o yet_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v over_o much_o please_v with_o a_o quality_n that_o will_v add_v to_o those_o harm_n my_o frailty_n make_v i_o guilty_a of_o those_o which_o i_o never_o intend_v and_o make_v lady_n so_o mischievous_a to_o those_o that_o most_o love_n they_o that_o even_o when_o they_o do_v not_o rob_v man_n of_o their_o innocency_n they_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o quiet_n i_o confess_v therefore_o madam_n continue_v irene_n that_o it_o be_v injurious_a to_o insist_v upon_o the_o praise_n of_o a_o face_n when_o how_o little_a soever_o it_o can_v be_v match_v in_o its_o own_o kind_n it_o be_v accompany_v with_o several_a beauty_n of_o a_o much_o noble_a kind_n but_o that_o which_o induce_v i_o to_o speak_v as_o i_o do_v be_v to_o let_v the_o fair_a theodora_n see_v that_o i_o be_v just_o sensible_a how_o great_a a_o thing_n i_o beg_v for_o my_o friend_n when_o i_o implore_v for_o he_o a_o interest_n in_o her_o favour_n and_o i_o do_v the_o less_o despair_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o your_o goodness_n both_o to_o he_o and_o i_o because_o i_o beg_v they_o for_o a_o absent_a friend_n who_o be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o speak_v for_o himself_o and_o who_o as_o i_o perceive_v by_o the_o oblige_a relation_n you_o be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o his_o carriage_n towards_o you_o decline_v make_v you_o any_o request_n when_o his_o service_n be_v so_o happy_a as_o not_o to_o be_v useless_a to_o you_o his_o silence_n answer_v theodora_n in_o such_o circumstance_n have_v more_o effect_n on_o i_o than_o his_o passionate_v solicitation_n will_v have_v produce_v but_o the_o thing_n i_o presume_v you_o aim_v at_o for_o he_o be_v of_o that_o moment_n to_o i_o that_o i_o can_v think_v fit_a to_o discourse_v of_o it_o till_o we_o can_v do_v so_o with_o more_o calmness_n and_o leisure_n than_o we_o can_v at_o this_o time_n expect_v you_o know_v irene_n that_o i_o have_v still_o look_v upon_o marriage_n as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o important_a action_n of_o life_n and_o though_o i_o think_v they_o have_v too_o mean_a a_o notion_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n who_o imagine_v that_o one_o creature_n can_v make_v either_o of_o they_o the_o portion_n of_o another_o yet_o i_o think_v that_o not_o only_o the_o dictate_v of_o discretion_n but_o those_o of_o sincerity_n and_o chastity_n oblige_v a_o woman_n to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n not_o to_o enter_v into_o so_o near_a and_o indissoluble_a a_o relation_n upon_o any_o ground_n that_o be_v not_o like_a to_o last_v as_o long_o as_o it_o and_o consequent_o as_o our_o life_n and_o therefore_o a_o woman_n that_o resolve_v to_o be_v what_o she_o shall_v be_v when_o a_o wife_n aught_o to_o deliberate_a much_o upon_o a_o choice_n she_o can_v probable_o make_v but_o once_o and_o not_o needless_o venture_v to_o embark_v herself_o on_o a_o sea_n so_o infamous_a for_o frequent_a shipwreck_n only_o because_o she_o be_v offer_v a_o fine_a ship_n to_o make_v the_o long_a voyage_n with_o but_o continue_v the_o bashful_a virgin_n not_o without_o some_o little_a disorder_n in_o her_o look_n since_o my_o dear_a irene_n will_v needs_o make_v use_n of_o the_o privilege_n she_o have_v to_o know_v more_o of_o my_o thought_n than_o i_o will_v disclose_v to_o any_o other_o perperson_n in_o the_o world_n our_o friendship_n prevail_v with_o i_o to_o tell_v she_o that_o if_o i_o be_v altogether_o at_o my_o own_o disposal_n and_o can_v be_v induce_v to_o admit_v such_o a_o change_n of_o condition_n as_o i_o have_v always_o be_v averse_a from_o i_o shall_v be_v more_o influence_v in_o my_o choice_n by_o the_o shine_a virtue_n and_o extraordinary_a service_n of_o didymus_n than_o by_o all_o the_o advantage_n that_o either_o title_n or_o riches_n or_o dignity_n can_v give_v any_o of_o his_o rival_n but_o my_o dear_a irene_n add_v she_o we_o live_v in_o such_o time_n and_o i_o for_o my_o own_o particular_a be_o beset_v with_o such_o circumstance_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o very_o unreasonable_a but_o wild_o extravagant_a for_o i_o to_o increase_v my_o commerce_n with_o the_o world_n for_o irene_n continue_v she_o in_o my_o opinion_n a_o christian_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v happy_a and_o a_o true_a one_o can_v think_v he_o be_v happy_a whilst_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v miserable_a at_o least_o as_o far_o as_o outward_a calamity_n can_v make_v it_o when_o i_o see_v the_o empire_n overrun_v with_o idolater_n and_o persecutor_n when_o i_o see_v ravisher_n and_o whore_n adore_v instately_a temple_n and_o the_o only_a worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n drive_v into_o corner_n and_o pursue_v even_o thither_o when_o i_o see_v such_o as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o declare_v the_o world_n not_o to_o be_v worthy_a of_o 38._o treat_v by_o man_n as_o person_n not_o worthy_a to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n but_o daily_o expel_v out_o of_o it_o with_o ignominy_n and_o torment_n when_o i_o say_v add_v theodora_n with_o tear_n in_o her_o eye_n i_o consider_v the_o general_a desolation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o i_o be_o like_a and_o willing_a to_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a spectator_n but_o a_o suffer_a actor_n in_o this_o tragedy_n i_o can_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o sigh_n and_o groan_n listen_v to_o the_o unseasonable_a compliment_n of_o a_o lover_n think_v of_o relish_v any_o contentment_n that_o descend_v not_o from_o a_o place_n too_o high_a for_o persecution_n to_o reach_v in_o these_o sentiment_n subjoin_v she_o i_o be_o warrant_v by_o no_o less_o authority_n that_o than_o of_o a_o apostle_n who_o though_o not_o unfavourable_a to_o the_o marriage_n state_n disadvise_v those_o woman_n that_o be_v free_a from_o enter_v into_o it_o at_o least_o during_o the_o present_a distress_n though_o that_o be_v in_o his_o time_n very_o much_o inferior_a to_o those_o strait_n we_o be_v now_o reduce_v to_o yet_o madam_n say_v irene_n those_o expression_n of_o friendship_n that_o a_o conjugal_a relation_n invite_v be_v not_o only_o make_v allowable_a by_o it_o but_o commendable_a and_o be_v as_o real_a duty_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n as_o divers_a of_o the_o more_o abstract_a exercise_n of_o religion_n i_o do_v not_o contradict_v that_o reply_v theodora_n but_o look_v upon_o that_o very_a thing_n as_o a_o dissuasive_a from_o the_o state_n of_o life_n you_o will_v recommend_v for_o if_o i_o can_v think_v fit_a to_o enter_v into_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o do_v all_o that_o become_v i_o in_o it_o and_o in_o such_o a_o calamitous_a time_n as_o we_o live_v in_o i_o can_v not_o do_v that_o without_o come_v far_o more_o than_o i_o now_o be_o within_o the_o world_n reach_n since_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o my_o duty_n and_o perhaps_o be_v engage_v upon_o another_o account_n to_o have_v such_o apprehension_n for_o a_o near_a friend_n danger_n as_o my_o own_o will_v be_v uncapable_a of_o give_v i_o and_o the_o contentment_n i_o now_o enjoy_v in_o a_o disposition_n to_o quit_v the_o world_n without_o regret_n will_v be_v destroy_v or_o at_o least_o allay_v by_o a_o uneasiness_n to_o part_n with_o what_o duty_n and_o inclination_n will_v perhaps_o too_o much_o fasten_v i_o to_o here_o irene_n be_v go_v to_o interrupt_v she_o by_o a_o answer_n when_o her_o fair_a
while_n before_o employ_v to_o learn_v news_n of_o her_o friend_n and_o who_o on_o that_o score_n have_v be_v a_o curious_a and_o heedful_a spectator_n of_o all_o that_o have_v pass_v at_o the_o precedent_n in_o relation_n to_o didymus_n and_o be_v come_v to_o bring_v irene_n a_o account_n of_o it_o to_o hear_v this_o she_o and_o her_o sorrowful_a friend_n be_v desire_v to_o rejoin_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o company_n to_o which_o the_o high_a and_o just_a esteem_n they_o all_o have_v of_o so_o brave_a a_o gentleman_n as_o didymus_n give_v a_o impatient_a desire_n to_o be_v inform_v of_o his_o adventure_n to_o satisfy_v this_o curiosity_n the_o gentleman_n that_o be_v to_o do_v it_o do_v after_o a_o short_a pause_n make_v they_o the_o follow_a narrative_n i_o suppose_v this_o company_n need_v not_o be_v inform_v by_o i_o of_o what_o happen_v to_o the_o generous_a didymus_n between_o the_o time_n that_o the_o excellent_a theodora_n be_v condemn_v to_o a_o infamous_a place_n and_o that_o wherein_o he_o have_v the_o happiness_n of_o help_v she_o to_o make_v a_o escape_n out_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o without_o waste_v any_o of_o that_o little_a time_n whereof_o i_o fear_v we_o may_v have_v but_o too_o great_a need_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o inform_v you_o that_o when_o this_o astonishment_n occasion_v by_o this_o surprise_n of_o find_v a_o young_a man_n in_o the_o escape_v virgin_n room_n be_v a_o little_a over_o and_o they_o have_v clothe_v didymus_n in_o a_o habit_n more_o decent_a to_o appear_v in_o before_o a_o public_a assembly_n they_o lead_v he_o away_o to_o the_o judge_n to_o who_o some_o of_o they_o relate_v malicious_o enough_o what_o have_v pass_v earnest_o beg_v justice_n of_o he_o against_o a_o person_n who_o they_o say_v can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o who_o be_v not_o content_a to_o be_v himself_o a_o offender_n against_o the_o law_n but_o have_v dare_v to_o rescue_v another_o offender_n from_o the_o punishment_n to_o which_o they_o have_v doom_v she_o against_o this_o charge_n the_o undaunted_a didymus_n be_v ask_v what_o defence_n he_o have_v to_o make_v addressing_z himself_o to_o the_o judge_n make_v this_o resolute_a answer_n i_o stand_v accuse_v of_o a_o twofold_a crime_n of_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o of_o theodora_n rescue_n and_o though_o i_o can_v so_o soon_o have_v forget_v how_o heinous_a my_o accuser_n have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o appear_v yet_o instead_o of_o deny_v either_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v own_v that_o i_o glory_n in_o both_o as_o for_o christianity_n in_o a_o age_n wherein_o it_o be_v so_o cruel_o persecute_v i_o will_v not_o have_v embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o that_o i_o be_v resolve_v if_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o suffer_v for_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v neither_o deny_v what_o they_o call_v a_o crime_n nor_o make_v a_o apology_n for_o it_o nor_o deprecate_v any_o infliction_n for_o so_o i_o call_v it_o rather_o than_o punishment_n which_o still_o suppose_v a_o fault_n whereto_o it_o can_v expose_v i_o nor_o can_v i_o without_o be_v want_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o humanity_n refuse_v my_o assistance_n to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o so_o noble_a a_o shrine_n of_o chastity_n as_o the_o savage_a designer_n of_o a_o rape_n on_o theodora_n be_v go_v barbarous_o to_o violate_v and_o the_o inward_a satisfaction_n of_o have_v do_v what_o become_v i_o on_o such_o occasion_n will_v support_v i_o under_o any_o suffering_n that_o shall_v be_v draw_v upon_o i_o but_o by_o my_o loyalty_n to_o persecute_a truth_n and_o my_o compassion_n of_o distress_a virtue_n the_o experience_n i_o have_v have_v answer_v the_o precedent_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o desperate_a error_n you_o miscall_v religion_n make_v i_o inclinable_a enough_o to_o think_v that_o you_o as_o well_o as_o many_o other_o of_o your_o wild_a sect_n have_v both_o madness_n and_o impiety_n enough_o to_o put_v off_o the_o apprehension_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o common_a sentiment_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o fear_v death_n as_o little_a as_o you_o do_v the_o go_n but_o since_o you_o pretend_v to_o be_v more_o virtuous_a man_n and_o obedient_a subject_n than_o other_o pray_v tell_v i_o what_o you_o can_v say_v for_o your_o rescue_v a_o malefactor_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o minister_n of_o justice_n that_o be_v go_v to_o execute_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n upon_o she_o if_o reply_n didymus_n the_o sentence_n you_o speak_v of_o have_v doom_v she_o but_o to_o death_n though_o i_o shall_v most_o glad_o have_v suffer_v it_o in_o her_o stead_n yet_o i_o have_v deplore_v your_o cruelty_n without_o attempt_v to_o defeat_v it_o but_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v not_o without_o indignation_n as_o well_o as_o grief_n see_v such_o a_o person_n as_o theodora_n who_o for_o her_o beauty_n virtue_n and_o other_o perfection_n be_v just_o admire_v by_o all_o that_o know_v she_o and_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o honour_n of_o her_o sex_n most_o injurious_o condemn_v to_o so_o infamous_a and_o barbarous_a a_o usage_n as_o be_v unfit_a for_o the_o mean_a and_o despicabl_a of_o creature_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o sex_n whereof_o she_o be_v the_o ornament_n and_o consider_v with_o myself_o that_o chastity_n in_o woman_n and_o especial_o in_o virgin_n be_v so_o much_o a_o virtue_n and_o their_o right_n to_o preserve_v it_o so_o confes'd_o inhaerent_a that_o all_o nation_n agree_v in_o ascribe_v to_o they_o a_o right_a to_o defend_v it_o without_o reserve_n against_o whosoever_o attempt_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o it_o i_o conclude_v that_o to_o help_v a_o distress_a virgin_n to_o preserve_v so_o acknowledge_v a_o right_a be_v to_o defeat_v ravisher_n rather_o than_o to_o oppose_v magistrate_n and_o not_o commit_v a_o crime_n but_o hinder_v the_o accomplish_n of_o one_o nor_o can_v i_o think_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o roman_a judge_n i_o act_v when_o i_o oppose_v person_n who_o their_o savage_a design_n make_v i_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o barbarian_n and_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v sir_n continue_v didymus_n that_o in_o your_o own_o breast_n when_o calm_a thought_n shall_v come_v there_o to_o succeed_v those_o that_o late_o possess_v it_o i_o shall_v be_v absolve_v from_o a_o action_n which_o keep_v you_o from_o dishonour_v yourself_o as_o much_o as_o the_o execution_n of_o your_o sentence_n will_v have_v defile_v theodora_n and_o keep_v you_o innocent_a as_o to_o act_n from_o what_o will_v have_v make_v you_o enemy_n for_o ever_o not_o only_o of_o the_o fair_a half_a of_o mankind_n but_o of_o all_o those_o of_o our_o sex_n that_o retain_v any_o spark_n either_o of_o virtue_n or_o good_a nature_n if_o theodora_n reply_v the_o precedent_n be_v not_o a_o beauty_n and_o one_o of_o your_o obstinate_a sect_n i_o doubt_v you_o will_v never_o for_o her_o sake_n have_v adventure_v upon_o so_o desperate_a a_o attempt_n as_o make_v you_o not_o more_o disobedient_a than_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o law_n i_o see_v not_o sir_n rejoin_v didmuys_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o theodora_n beauty_n or_o to_o the_o impression_n i_o have_v receive_v of_o it_o that_o all_o that_o it_o have_v engage_v i_o to_o do_v have_v be_v with_o the_o utmost_a hazard_n of_o my_o life_n to_o rescue_v her_o purity_n and_o deny_v myself_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o advantage_n i_o endeavour_v to_o deprive_v other_o of_o but_o the_o charm_n of_o her_o mind_n need_v not_o those_o of_o her_o face_n to_o make_v i_o attempt_v to_o preserve_v she_o i_o have_v often_o in_o camp_n contend_v not_o without_o hazard_n enough_o with_o my_o victorious_a fellow-soldier_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o violate_v the_o chastity_n of_o captive_n who_o have_v neither_o beauty_n to_o captivate_v other_o nor_o any_o thing_n else_o to_o engage_v i_o in_o their_o quarrel_n except_o their_o be_v innocent_a and_o distress_a woman_n but_o theodora_n set_v her_o beauty_n and_o birth_n aside_o have_v be_v so_o eminent_a for_o all_o the_o good_a quality_n and_o excellency_n that_o can_v accomplish_v a_o person_n of_o her_o sex_n and_o especial_o for_o her_o chastity_n that_o my_o heart_n will_v have_v reproach_v mefor_o not_o prize_v virtue_n enough_o if_o i_o have_v decline_v so_o happy_a a_o opportunity_n to_o express_v the_o veneration_n i_o pay_v so_o shine_v a_o one_o as_o hers._fw-la but_o pursue_v didymus_n i_o will_v not_o by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v think_v to_o deny_v that_o my_o religion_n have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o attempt_n i_o make_v to_o serve_v a_o person_n that_o do_v so_o much_o adorn_v it_o and_o be_v so_o loyal_a to_o it_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n among_o many_o other_o excellent_a thing_n that_o it_o prescribe_v to_o its_o embracer_n teach_v they_o that_o in_o some_o case_n among_o
infamous_a place_n how_o be_v shut_v up_o there_o alone_o in_o a_o room_n she_o employ_v the_o little_a time_n that_o be_v grant_v she_o to_o consider_v whether_o she_o will_v yet_o burn_v incense_n to_o the_o roman_a idol_n in_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o the_o true_a god_n for_o a_o rescue_n of_o her_o purity_n not_o her_o life_n in_o order_n whereunto_o she_o design_v and_o hope_v by_o resistance_n and_o contumely_n to_o provoke_v her_o first_o assailant_n to_o become_v her_o murderer_n rather_o than_o her_o ravisher_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a content_n of_o the_o first_o book_n those_o of_o the_o second_o be_v more_o historical_a and_o consist_v of_o a_o account_n of_o the_o last_o hour_n of_o her_o life_n and_o particular_o of_o those_o suffering_n that_o end_v in_o she_o and_o didymus_n glorious_a martyrdom_n this_o piece_n have_v be_v peruse_v by_o those_o for_o who_o sake_n i_o write_v it_o be_v so_o fortunate_a that_o it_o have_v without_o my_o leave_n be_v venture_v into_o several_a hand_n as_o a_o book_n of_o a_o nameless_a and_o unknown_a author_n it_o be_v lucky_a enough_o to_o be_v by_o some_o indulgent_a reader_n attribute_v to_o one_o and_o by_o some_o to_o another_o of_o the_o two_o person_n that_o be_v at_o that_o time_n count_v the_o best_a writer_n of_o disguise_a history_n but_o among_o the_o many_o hand_n it_o pass_v through_o it_o seem_v it_o fall_v into_o some_o out_o of_o which_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o loose_a sheet_n which_o be_v not_o bind_v in_o a_o book_n but_o only_o tack_v together_o be_v not_o to_o be_v retrieve_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o the_o negligence_n or_o the_o contempt_n that_o some_o have_v of_o so_o unpolished_a a_o work_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v some_o fatality_n in_o the_o business_n that_o theodoras_n suffering_n shall_v outlive_v she_o and_o her_o story_n be_v as_o ill_o use_v as_o her_o person_n have_v be_v this_o loss_n if_o it_o can_v deserve_v that_o name_n i_o do_v not_o much_o regret_n since_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o make_v the_o lose_a paper_n public_a and_o have_v receive_v much_o great_a approbation_n and_o thanks_o than_o they_o merit_v from_o the_o particular_a person_n they_o be_v design_v for_o but_o after_o i_o have_v for_o many_o year_n wear_v out_o not_o only_o the_o sense_n but_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o loss_n it_o be_v make_v more_o troublesome_a to_o i_o than_o ever_o it_o be_v at_o first_o by_o the_o earnest_a solicitation_n of_o some_o eminent_a person_n that_o have_v a_o great_a power_n over_o i_o and_o some_o of_o they_o the_o repute_n of_o great_a judge_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o composure_n for_o have_v see_v several_a sheet_n that_o i_o accidental_o light_v on_o in_o tumble_v over_o some_o long_a neglect_a paper_n they_o oblige_v i_o to_o cause_v those_o old_a rude_a sheet_n to_o be_v transcribe_v and_o though_o almost_o all_o the_o first_o book_n be_v want_v upon_o which_o account_n i_o can_v not_o be_v remove_v from_o my_o resolution_n not_o to_o trouble_v myself_o about_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o the_o second_o book_n but_o in_o part_n no_o way_n coherent_a little_a by_o little_a retrieve_v that_o a_o pretence_n be_v afford_v to_o press_v i_o to_o repair_v those_o breach_n and_o restore_v out_o of_o my_o memory_n or_o otherwise_o a_o piece_n which_o they_o will_v needs_o persuade_v i_o may_v do_v some_o good_a by_o render_v virtue_n amiable_a and_o recommend_v piety_n to_o a_o sort_n of_o reader_n that_o be_v much_o more_o affect_v by_o shine_a example_n and_o pathetical_a expression_n than_o by_o dry_a precept_n and_o grave_a discourse_n if_o some_o of_o your_o more_o scrupulous_a friend_n shall_v object_v that_o i_o have_v mention_v theodoras_n beauty_n more_o often_o and_o advantagous_o and_o represent_v her_o lover_n passion_n more_o pathetical_o than_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o story_n exact_v and_o the_o truth_n require_v in_o history_n will_v warrant_v i_o shall_v not_o altogether_o deny_v the_o charge_n be_v rather_o content_a to_o have_v it_o think_v that_o a_o youthful_a 〈◊〉_d heat_a fancy_n transport_v 〈◊〉_d pen_n somewhat_o beyond_o the_o narrow_a bound_n of_o history_n than_o that_o so_o pious_a a_o person_n as_o didymus_n do_v not_o keep_v both_o his_o flame_n and_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n but_o though_o i_o pretend_v not_o to_o justify_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o strain_n of_o a_o encomiast_n or_o a_o lover_n yet_o i_o hope_v that_o i_o may_v much_o extenuate_v if_o not_o excuse_v it_o by_o represent_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o that_o i_o have_v be_v careful_a that_o theodora_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v to_o do_v or_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o the_o great_a obligation_n she_o have_v to_o she_o rescuer_v consider_v do_v entrench_v either_o upon_o her_o piety_n or_o her_o virtue_n or_o so_o much_o as_o upon_o her_o reservedness_n that_o as_o for_o didymus_n i_o may_v say_v that_o probable_o he_o think_v those_o celebration_n that_o will_v have_v be_v flattery_n to_o another_o lady_n be_v but_o justice_n to_o a_o person_n so_o extraordinary_a and_o so_o accomplish_v as_o his_o mistress_n and_o that_o he_o think_v it_o allowable_a not_o to_o suppress_v the_o chaste_a effect_n of_o a_o passion_n that_o have_v not_o only_o be_v incident_a to_o hero_n but_o perhaps_o help_v to_o make_v they_o such_o but_o i_o will_v rather_o say_v that_o those_o only_o be_v like_a to_o find_v much_o fault_n with_o his_o expression_n who_o consider_v not_o how_o free_a they_o be_v from_o any_o degree_n of_o profaneness_n or_o immodesty_n and_o who_o be_v not_o accustom_v to_o the_o read_n of_o story_n where_o lover_n be_v introduce_v and_o make_v to_o praise_n and_o compliment_n in_o a_o far_o more_o bold_a and_o romantic_a way_n than_o i_o allow_v myself_o in_o the_o follow_a paper_n in_o which_o all_o the_o deference_n wherewith_o irene_n as_o well_o as_o didymus_n treat_v theodora_n may_v be_v be_v account_v for_o by_o this_o that_o i_o remember_v to_o have_v in_o some_o author_n or_o other_o find_v mention_v make_v of_o a_o person_n about_o dioclesian_n time_n who_o i_o take_v for_o our_o martyr_n that_o be_v intimate_v to_o be_v of_o high_a quality_n if_o not_o a_o princess_n which_o title_n i_o have_v without_o scruple_n give_v she_o if_o i_o have_v be_v half_a as_o sure_o that_o she_o be_v a_o princess_n as_o that_o she_o deserve_v to_o be_v one._n that_o perhaps_o i_o be_v not_o unwilling_a both_o to_o show_v the_o person_n i_o write_v for_o that_o one_o may_v have_v glitter_a idea_n of_o beauty_n without_o be_v dazzle_v by_o they_o and_o also_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o high_a compliment_n and_o passionate_a expression_n be_v no_o certain_a mark_n of_o his_o be_v real_o smite_v to_o speak_v in_o a_o lover_n phrase_n that_o can_v employ_v they_o since_o i_o retain_v my_o wont_a freedom_n of_o mind_n while_o i_o be_v write_v and_o present_v they_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o didymus_n but_o what_o fancy_n not_o passion_n indict_v and_o last_o i_o be_v induce_v to_o allow_v myself_o a_o more_o fashionable_a style_n than_o will_v perhaps_o be_v suitable_a to_o a_o mere_a sermon_n or_o book_n of_o divinity_n because_o i_o fear_v that_o the_o youthful_a person_n of_o quality_n of_o both_o sex_n that_o i_o be_v chief_o to_o regard_v will_v scarce_o be_v sufficient_o affect_v by_o unfortunate_a virtue_n if_o the_o interweave_v of_o passage_n relate_v to_o beauty_n and_o love_n do_v not_o help_v to_o make_v the_o tragical_a story_n delightful_a and_o the_o excellent_a sufferer_n piety_n amiable_a if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o in_o some_o of_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o two_o martyr_n there_o be_v passage_n that_o argue_v more_o knowledge_n than_o be_v likely_a to_o have_v be_v find_v in_o lay_v person_n no_o elder_a than_o they_o i_o answer_v that_o such_o discourse_n indeed_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a if_o they_o be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o young_a gallant_a and_o a_o young_a lady_n of_o our_o degenerate_a time_n wherein_o so_o many_o person_n of_o that_o sort_n make_v diversion_n their_o grand_a business_n and_o have_v as_o little_a leisure_n as_o concern_v to_o mind_v any_o thing_n but_o their_o pleasure_n and_o petty_a interest_n think_v it_o their_o privilege_n to_o know_v little_a of_o religion_n and_o leave_v to_o mean_a people_n the_o study_n of_o thing_n serious_a and_o useful_a but_o though_o among_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n it_o be_v so_o difficult_a to_o find_v many_o that_o will_v emulate_v such_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n as_o shine_v in_o theodora_n that_o i_o fear_v they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o believe_v they_o yet_o among_o better_a qualify_v judge_n the_o late_o propose_v objection_n will_v be_v of_o no_o great_a force_n if_o it_o be_v
consider_v that_o didymus_n and_o theodora_n live_v in_o the_o primitive_a and_o devout_a time_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n when_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v as_o diligent_o teach_v by_o excellent_a divine_n as_o frequent_o oppose_v by_o argument_n and_o violent_o assault_v by_o persecution_n upon_o which_o score_n the_o zealous_a candidate_n of_o martyrdom_n many_o of_o which_o obtain_v the_o crown_n of_o it_o even_o in_o their_o green_a age_n be_v early_o and_o skilful_o instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o furnish_v with_o good_a argument_n both_o to_o defend_v it_o and_o confute_v the_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o impious_a worship_n of_o their_o heathen_a adversary_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v think_v that_o religion_n worth_n study_v that_o they_o think_v worth_a die_v for_o i_o will_v not_o here_o examine_v whether_o the_o ignorance_n wont_a to_o be_v impute_v to_o woman_n be_v their_o fault_n or_o that_o of_o their_o accuser_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v any_o natural_a want_n of_o capacity_n or_o rather_o want_v of_o instruction_n that_o keep_v most_o of_o they_o from_o knowledge_n though_o this_o regard_v not_o sex_n but_o without_o inquiry_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o our_o interest_n or_o our_o envy_n that_o make_v woman_n what_o we_o be_v wont_n to_o decry_v they_o for_o be_v i_o shall_v not_o scruple_n to_o own_o that_o i_o have_v sometime_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o converse_v with_o lady_n that_o convince_v i_o that_o to_o attain_v to_o a_o great_a proficiency_n in_o knowledge_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v a_o doctor_n of_o divinity_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o man_n since_o they_o discourse_v of_o divine_a thing_n with_o no_o less_o wit_n than_o piety_n and_o to_o return_v to_o our_o martyr_n if_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o effect_n we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o our_o virgin_n parent_n not_o only_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n but_o take_v much_o pleasure_n to_o cultivate_v so_o excellent_a and_o promise_a a_o subject_a as_o their_o fair_a daughter_n since_o great_a advantage_n of_o nature_n and_o general_a grace_n shall_v rather_o invite_v than_o excuse_v improvement_n by_o education_n as_o even_o the_o garden_n of_o eden_n though_o a_o admirable_o fertile_a soil_n and_o plant_v by_o god_n own_o hand_n be_v not_o so_o leave_v to_o itself_o but_o that_o adam_n be_v appoint_v to_o dress_v it_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o and_o if_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o martyr_n be_v sometime_o less_o short_a than_o they_o may_v have_v be_v make_v i_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v some_o excuse_n that_o i_o be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o lay_v hold_v now_o and_o then_o of_o the_o rise_v afford_v i_o by_o some_o occasion_n to_o show_v that_o romantic_a subject_n be_v not_o as_o too_o many_o person_n of_o quality_n think_v they_o the_o only_a one_o that_o may_v be_v treat_v of_o in_o a_o gentlemanlike_a stile_n and_o that_o even_o some_o noble_a question_n in_o divinity_n and_o some_o of_o the_o severe_a dictate_v of_o the_o christian_a moral_n may_v be_v discourse_v of_o without_o the_o harshness_n of_o the_o school_n term_n or_o the_o downright_a plainness_n of_o some_o better_a mean_v than_o pen_v book_n of_o theology_n and_o devotion_n it_o be_v like_a sir_n you_o will_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o i_o make_v so_o pious_a a_o person_n as_o theodora_n offer_v her_o breast_n to_o didymus_n sword_n and_o by_o solicit_v he_o to_o kill_v she_o tempt_v he_o to_o a_o action_n which_o will_v make_v her_o guilty_a of_o a_o murder_n and_o make_v he_o great_o accessary_a to_o it_o but_o possible_o her_o action_n will_v not_o appear_v very_o strange_a if_o we_o be_v not_o too_o enclinable_a to_o estimate_v the_o affair_n of_o past_a time_n and_o remote_a region_n by_o the_o opinion_n and_o custom_n of_o our_o own_o age_n and_o country_n for_o what_o ever_o we_o now_o just_o think_v of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o destroy_v a_o man_n self_n whether_o immediate_o or_o otherwise_o yet_o i_o must_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o divers_a of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n think_v it_o not_o criminal_a when_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o chastity_n and_o if_o i_o much_o misremember_v not_o st._n jerom_n himself_o where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o self-destroying_a intimate_v that_o he_o except_v the_o case_n of_o a_o inevitable_a danger_n of_o a_o rape_n but_o my_o chief_a answer_n be_v that_o have_v find_v the_o virgin_n martyr_n proposal_n express_o deliver_v by_o the_o author_n i_o be_v to_o follow_v i_o judge_v it_o the_o part_n of_o a_o historian_n not_o to_o suppress_v it_o which_o i_o acknowledge_v i_o the_o rather_o decline_v to_o do_v because_o theodoras_n offer_n be_v a_o noble_a evincement_n both_o of_o her_o gratitude_n and_o her_o generosity_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o omit_v so_o considerable_a a_o action_n of_o she_o i_o choose_v rather_o to_o set_v my_o thought_n a_o work_n to_o find_v a_o plausible_a colour_n for_o it_o which_o whether_o i_o have_v happy_o do_v by_o supply_v she_o with_o the_o example_n of_o a_o prophet_n who_o though_o he_o will_v not_o cast_v himself_o into_o the_o sea_n yet_o solicit_v other_o to_o cast_v he_o and_o that_o have_v first_o bind_v he_o i_o must_v leave_v you_o to_o judge_v i_o free_o confess_v sir_n that_o if_o the_o follow_a piece_n have_v be_v write_v by_o one_o that_o i_o be_v fond_a of_o censure_v i_o can_v myself_o find_v enough_o in_o it_o to_o criticise_v upon_o and_o shall_v object_v against_o it_o beside_o the_o want_n of_o uniformity_n throughout_o that_o if_o judge_v of_o by_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o art_n it_o ought_v to_o pass_v for_o a_o irregular_a piece_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o wonder_v if_o nice_a critic_n and_o more_o verse_v in_o exquisite_a composure_n than_o i_o pretend_v to_o be_v shall_v find_v fault_n with_o this_o artless_a one_o of_o i_o but_o the_o reception_n that_o the_o follow_a paper_n meet_v with_o from_o the_o person_n for_o who_o they_o be_v chief_o write_v afford_v i_o the_o consolation_n derivable_a from_o the_o ingenious_a say_n of_o that_o excellent_a wit_n who_o declare_v he_o have_v rather_o the_o dish_n serve_v up_o at_o his_o treat_n shall_v please_v the_o guest_n than_o the_o cook_n and_o i_o may_v say_v too_o that_o some_o of_o the_o passage_n that_o may_v meet_v with_o censure_n will_v perhaps_o escape_v it_o if_o in_o write_v this_o book_n many_o year_n ago_o i_o have_v not_o have_v some_o aim_n that_o i_o then_o think_v more_o fit_a to_o be_v pursue_v than_o i_o now_o do_v to_o be_v declare_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o here_o dissemble_v that_o i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v think_v by_o some_o that_o this_o paper_n shall_v have_v consist_v less_o of_o conversation_n and_o more_o of_o narratives_n but_o i_o choose_v the_o way_n of_o write_v i_o have_v employ_v partly_o because_o the_o author_n i_o meet_v with_o furnish_v i_o with_o so_o very_a few_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o if_o i_o will_v have_v confine_v myself_o to_o relation_n i_o must_v have_v comprise_v this_o piece_n in_o a_o very_a few_o page_n and_o have_v finish_v it_o present_o after_o i_o have_v begin_v it_o and_o partly_o too_o and_o indeed_o much_o more_o because_o as_o i_o late_o begin_v to_o intimate_v my_o chief_a design_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o mere_a historian_n as_o to_o take_v rise_v from_o the_o several_a circumstance_n i_o shall_v relate_v to_o convey_v unperceived_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o young_a person_n of_o quality_n for_o who_o i_o write_v sentiment_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o these_o i_o think_v will_v not_o so_o happy_o gain_v admittance_n and_o entertainment_n if_o they_o be_v present_v in_o a_o scholar_n like-discourse_n or_o aprofessed_a book_n of_o devotion_n as_o when_o they_o be_v take_v not_o from_o common_a place_n but_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o person_n introduce_v and_o without_o formality_n instill_a by_o the_o occasional_a discourse_n of_o a_o young_a gentleman_n and_o fair_a lady_n for_o who_o the_o beauty_n and_o the_o merit_n ascribe_v to_o the_o speaker_n have_v give_v the_o hearer_n as_o great_a esteem_n and_o kindness_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o scruple_n to_o own_o that_o i_o who_o who_o value_n time_n above_o most_o other_o thing_n do_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a the_o expense_n of_o i_o to_o give_v myself_o the_o trouble_n of_o write_v a_o book_n only_o to_o give_v other_o a_o divertisement_n in_o read_v it_o and_o whilst_o i_o be_v converse_v with_o such_o excellent_a company_n as_o our_o noble_a martyr_n and_o meditate_v on_o such_o serious_a subject_n as_o be_v death_n and_o the_o worth_a of_o that_o heavenly_a religion_n for_o