make one bold attempt, whatever was the consequence.
Accordingly, laying hold of the first kind opportunity, when she
was alone and my master abroad, I stoutly assailed the citadel
and carried it by storm. Well may I say by storm; for the
resistance I met was extremely resolute, and indeed as much as
the most perfect decency would require. She swore often she
would cry out for help; but I answered it was in vain, seeing
there was no person near to assist her; and probably she believed
me, for she did not once actually cry out, which if she had, I
might very likely have been prevented.

"When she found her virtue thus subdued against her will she
patiently submitted to her fate, and quietly suffered me a long
time to enjoy the most delicious fruits of my victory; but
envious fortune resolved to make me pay a dear price for my
pleasure. One day in the midst of our happiness we were suddenly
surprised by the unexpected return of her husband, who, coming
directly into his wife's apartment, just allowed me time to creep
under the bed. The disorder in which he found his wife might
have surprised a jealous temper; but his was so far otherwise,
that possibly no mischief might have happened had he not by a
cross accident discovered my legs, which were not well hid. He
immediately drew me out by them, and then, turning to his wife
with a stern countenance, began to handle a weapon he wore by his
side, with which I am persuaded he would have instantly
dispatched her, had I not very gallantly, and with many
imprecations, asserted her innocence and my own guilt; which,
however, I protested had hitherto gone no farther than design.
She so well seconded my plea (for she was a woman of wonderful
art), that he was at length imposed upon; and now all his rage