valley," cried he, "wilt thou be deaf to the voice of instruction? When
wilt thou temper thy heedless and inconsiderate courage with the
coolness of wisdom and the moderation of docility? But go," added he, "I
am to blame to endeavour to govern thy headlong spirit, or stem the
torrent of youthful folly. Go, and endure the punishment of thy
rashness. Encounter the magician in the midst of his spells. Expose thy
naked and unprotected head to glut his vengeance. Over thy life indeed,
he has no power. Deliberate guilt, not unreflecting folly, can deprive
thee of thy right to that. But, oh, shepherd, what avails it to live in
hopeless misery? With ease he shall shut thee up for revolving years in
darkness tangible; he shall plunge thee deep beneath the surface of the
mantled pool, the viscous spume shall draw over thy miserable head its
dank and dismal shroud; or perhaps, more ingenious in mischief, he shall
chain thee up in inactivity, a conscious statue, the silent and passive
witness of the usurped joys that once thou fondly fanciedst thy own."

"Oh, pardon me, sage and venerable Madoc," replied the shepherd. "Edwin
did not come from the hands of nature obstinate and untractable. But
grief agitates my spirits; anxiety and apprehension conjure up a
thousand horrid phantoms before my distracted imagination, and I am no
longer myself. I will however subdue my impatient resentments. I will
listen with coolness to the voice of native sagacity and hoary
experience. Tell me then, my father, and I will hearken with mute
attention, nor think the lesson long,--instruct me how I shall escape
those tremendous dangers thou hast described. Say, is there any remedy,
canst thou communicate any potent and unconquerable amulet, that shall
shield me from the arts of sorcery? Teach me, and my honest heart shall
thank thee. Communicate it, and the benefit shall be consecrated in my
memory to everlasting gratitude."