This eBook was produced by Andrew Heath
and David Widger
GODOLPHIN, Volume 2.
By Edward Bulwer Lytton
(Lord Lytton)
THE FEELINGS OF CONSTANCE AND GODOLPHIN TOWARDS EACH OTHER.—THEDISTINCTION IN THEIR CHARACTERS.—REMARKS ON THE EFFECTS PRODUCED BY THEWORLD UPON GODOLPHIN.—THE HIDE.—RURAL DESCRIPTIONS.—OMENS.—THE FIRSTINDISTINCT CONFESSION.
Every day, at the hour in which Constance was visible, Godolphin hadloaded the keeper, and had returned to attend upon her movements. Theywalked and rode together; and in the evening, Godolphin hung over herchair, and listened to her songs; for though, as I have before said, shehad but little science in instrumental music, her voice was rich and softbeyond the pathos of ordinary singers.
Lady Erpingham saw, with secret delight, what she believed to be a growingattachment. She loved Constance for herself, and Godolphin for hisfather's memory. She thought again and again what a charming couple theywould make—so handsome—so gifted: and if Prudence whispered also—sopoor, the kind Countess remembered, that she herself had saved from herample jointure a sum which she had always designed as a dowry forConstance, and which, should Godolphin be the bridegroom, she felt sheshould have a tenfold pleasure in bestowing. With this fortune, whichwould place them, at least, in independence, she united in her kindlyimagination the importance which she imagined Godolphin's talents mustultimately acquire; and for which, in her aristocratic estimation, sheconceived the senate the only legitimate sphere. She said, she hinted,nothing to Constance; but she suffered nature, youth, and companionship toexercise their sway.
And the complexion of Godolphin's feelings for Constance Vernon did indeedresemble love—was love itself, though rather love in its romance than itsreality. What were those of Constance for him? She knew not herself atthat time. Had she been of a character one shade less ambitious, or lesspowerful, they would have been love, and love of no common character. Butwithin her musing, and self-possessed, and singularly constituted mind,there was, as yet, a limit to every sentiment, a chain to the wings ofevery thought, save those of one order; and that order was not of love.There was a marked difference, in all respects, between the characters ofthe two; and it was singular enough, that that of the woman was the lessromantic, and composed of the simpler materials.
A volume of Wordsworth's most exquisite poetry had then just appeared."Is not this wonderful?" said Godolphin, reciting some of those lofty,but refining thoughts which characterise the Pastor of modern poets.
Constance shook her head.
"What! you do not admire it?"
"I do not understand it."
"What poetry do you admire?"
"This."
It was Pope's translation of the Iliad.
"Yes, yes, to be sure," said Godolphin, a little vexed; "we all admirethis in its way: but what else?"
Constance pointed to a passage in the Palamon and Arcite of Dryden.
Godolphin threw down his Wordsworth. "You take an ungenerous advantage ofme," said he. "Tell me something you admire, which, at least, I may havethe privilege of disputing,—something that you think generallyneglected."
"I admire few things that are generally neglected," answered Constance,with her bright and proud smile. "Fame gives its stamp to all metal thatis of intrinsic value."
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