The Princess of Cleves

thinks himself happy at least in having made her afraid of falling in love with him,

take it not ill of me, if I speak no more of a thing which makes me appear so little worthy of you,

thought it glorious for him to have gained the affections of a woman so different from the rest of her sex;

inspired me with passion the first moment I saw you, and that passion has never decayed; not your coldness, nor even enjoyment itself, has been able to extinguish it; it still continues in its first force, and yet it has not been in my power to kindle in your breast any spark of love for me, and now I find you fear you have an inclination for another;

; I ask you a thousand pardons, if I have sentiments which displease you, at least I will never displease you by my actions;

have never shown any mark of weakness, and I cannot apprehend I ever shall, if you will permit me to retire from Court,

Force me not," said she, "to confess a thing to you which I have not the power to confess, though I have often designed it; remember only, that it is not prudent a woman of my years, and mistress of her own conduct, should remain exposed in the midst of a Court."

had expressed such a jealousy as was a certain proof of passion,

I have no engagement with any woman of the Court.' `I

will believe it,' replied the Queen, `because I wish it; and I wish it, because I desire to have you entirely mine,