hained up his faculties in
Idiotism, and He remained for some hours, unable to speak or move, or
indeed to think.

'Look up, Ambrosio!' said a Voice in accents well-known to him--

The Monk started, and raised his melancholy eyes. Matilda stood before
him. She had quitted her religious habit. She now wore a female
dress, at once elegant and splendid: A profusion of diamonds blazed
upon her robes, and her hair was confined by a coronet of Roses. In
her right hand She held a small Book: A lively expression of pleasure
beamed upon her countenance; But still it was mingled with a wild
imperious majesty which inspired the Monk with awe, and represt in some
measure his transports at seeing her.

'You here, Matilda?' He at length exclaimed; 'How have you gained
entrance? Where are your Chains? What means this magnificence, and
the joy which sparkles in your eyes? Have our Judges relented? Is
there a chance of my escaping? Answer me for pity, and tell me, what I
have to hope, or fear.'

'Ambrosio!' She replied with an air of commanding dignity; 'I have
baffled the Inquisition's fury. I am free: A few moments will place
kingdoms between these dungeons and me. Yet I purchase my liberty at a
dear, at a dreadful price! Dare you pay the same, Ambrosio? Dare you
spring without fear over the bounds which separate Men from
Angels?--You are silent.--You look upon me with eyes of suspicion and
alarm--I read your thoughts and confess their justice. Yes, Ambrosio;
I have sacrificed all for life and liberty. I am no longer a candidate
for heaven! I have renounced God's service, and am enlisted beneath
the banners of his Foes. The deed is past recall: Yet were it in my
power to go back, I would not. Oh! my Friend, to expire in such
torments! To die amidst curses and execrations! To bear the insults of
an exasperated Mob! To be exposed to all the mortifications of shame
and infamy! Who can reflect without horror on such a doom? Let me
then exult in my exchange. I have sold distant and uncertain happiness
for present and secure: I have preserved a life which otherwise I had
lost in torture; and I have obtained the power of procuring every bliss
which can make that life delicious! The Infernal Spirits obey me as
their Sovereign: By their aid shall my days be past in every
refinement of luxury and voluptuousness. I will enjoy unrestrained the
gratification of my senses: Every passion shall be indulged, even to
sa