True, sir, replied Arabella; and I would recommend to his consideration the conduct of those illustrious persons I have named, to the end that, pursuing their steps, he may arrive at their glory and happiness, that is, the reputation of being perfectly constant, and the possession of his mistress. And be assured, sir, pursued Arabella, looking at Sir George, that Heaven will never restore you the crown of your ancestors, and place you upon the throne to which you pretend, while you make yourself unworthy of its protection, by so shameful an inconstancy.
I perhaps speak with too much freedom to a great prince; who, though fortune has despoiled him of his dominions, is entitled to a certain degree of respect: but I conceive, it belongs to me, in a particular manner, to resent the baseness of that crime to which you are pleased to make me the excuse; and looking upon myself as dishonoured by those often prostituted vows you have offered me, I am to tell you, that I am highly disobliged; and forbid you to appear in my presence again, till you have resumed those thoughts which are worthy your noble extraction; and are capable of treating me with that respect which is my due.
Saying this, she rose from her seat, and walked very majestically out of the room, leaving Sir George overwhelmed with shame and vexation at having conducted the latter part of his narration so ill, and drawn upon himself a sentence which deprived him of all his hopes.
[Chapter XI.]
Containing only a few inferences, drawn from the foregoing chapters.
Mr. Glanville, excessively delighted with this event, could not help laughing at the unfortunate baronet: who seemed, by his silence, and down-cast looks, to expect it.
Who would have imagined, said he, that so renowned a hero would have tarnished the glory of his laurels, as my cousin says, by so base an ingratitude? Indeed, prince, pursued he, laughing, you must resolve to recover your reputation, either by retiring again to your cave, and living upon bitter herbs, for the generous Sydimiris; or else wander through the world, in search of the divine Philonice.
Don't triumph, dear Charles, replied Sir George, laughing in his turn; have a little compassion upon me, and confess that nothing could be more unfortunate than that damn'd slip I made at the latter end of my history: but for that, my reputation for courage and constancy had been as high as the great Oroondates or Juba.