" There were,
however, many foolish and pernicious ballads sung about that period
at the hearths of the peasantry, in which some lord or squire of high
degree was represented to have fallen in love with some beautiful girl
of humble life, whom he married in spite of his proud relations, and
after having made her a lady of rank, and dressed her in silks and
satins, gold rings and jewels, brought her home to his castle, where
they lived in grandeur and happiness for the remainder of their lives.
The simple-minded girl began to imagine that some such agreeable destiny
might be reserved for herself; and thus endeavored, by the deceitful
sophistry of a credulous heart, and proud of her beauty, to palliate her
conduct amidst the accusations of her own conscience, which told her she
was acting wrong.
She had now got about half way home, when she saw an individual approach
her at a rapid pace; and as the moon had just risen, his figure was
distinctly before her, and she immediately felt a strong impression
of terror and alarm. The individual in question was young, tall, and
muscular; his person had in it every symptom of extraordinary activity
and vigor.
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