n this head, in which Rozella made use of
many a fallacy to prove her point; but the princess, as she had not yet
departed from Truth, nor failed in her duty, could not be imposed upon.
Rozella, seeing every attempt to persuade her was in vain, turned all
her past discourse into a jest; said she had only a mind to try her; and
was overjoyed to find her so steady in the cause of truth and virtue.
The princess resumed her usual cheerfulness and good humour. Rozella
sung her a song in praise of constancy of mind; and they passed the rest
of the time they stayed together, as they used to do.

But, just before they parted, Rozella begged she would not tell her
mother of the first part of the conversation that had passed between
them. The princess replied, that it would be breaking through one of her
mother's commands, and therefore she dared not grant her request. Then,
said Rozella, 'Here I must for ever part with my dear little Hebe.
Your mother, not knowing the manner in which I spoke, will have an ill
opinion of me, and will never trust you again in my company. Thus will
you be torn from me; and loss will be irreparable.' These words she
accompanied with a flood of tears, and such little tendernesses, as
quite melted the princess into tears also. But she still said, that she
could not dare to conceal from her mother anything that had happened,
though she could not but own, she believed their separation would be
the consequence. 'Well then (cried Rozella) I will endeavour to be
contented, as our separation will give you less pain than what you call
this mighty breach of your duty: and though I would willingly undergo
almost any torments that could be invented, rather than be debarred one
moment the company of my dearest Hebe, yet I will not expect that she
should suffer the smallest degree of pain, or uneasiness, to save me
from losing what is the whole pleasure of my life.'

The princess could not bear the thought of appearing ungrateful to such
a warm friendship as Rozella expressed; and, without farther hesitation,
promised to conceal what she had said, and to undergo anything, rather
than lose so amiable a friend.

After this they parted. But when the princess entered the Grove, she did
not, as usual, run with haste and joy into the presence of her indulgent
mother; for her mind was disturbed: she felt a conscious shame on seeing
her, and turned away her face, as wanting to shun the piercing look of
that eye, which