The novels of Charles Brockden Brown, consisting of Wieland;or, The transformation. Arthur Mervyn; or, Memoirs of the year 1793. Edgar Huntly; or, Memoirs of a sleep-walker. Jane Talbot. Ormond; or, The secret witness. Clara Howard; or, The enthusiasm of love. With a memoir of the author.

THE SECRET WITNESS.

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when divorced from integrity? Is it not in every bosom
a perishable sentiment? Whatever be her warmth, absence will congeal it. Place her in new scenes and supply her with new associates. Her accomplishments will
not fail to attract votaries. From these she may select
a conjugal companion suitable to her mediocrity of
talents.
But, alas! what power on earth can prevail on her to
renounce Ormond? Others may justly entertain this
prospect, but it must be invisible to her. Besides, is it
absolutely certain that either her peace of mind or her
reputation will be restored by this means? In the opinion of the world her offences cannot, by any perseverance in penitence, be expiated. She will never believe that separation will exterminate her passion. Certain it is that it will avail nothing to the re-establishment
of her fame. But, if it were conducive to these ends,
how chimerical to suppose that she will ever voluntarily
adopt it! If Ormond refuse his concurrence, there is
absolutely an end to hope. And what power on earth
is able to sway his determinations? At least, what influence was it possible for her to obtain over them?
Should they separate, whither should she retire? What
mode of subsistence should she adopt? She has never
been accustomed to think beyond the day. She has
eaten and drank, but another has provided the means.
She scarcely comprehends the principle that governs the
world, and in consequence of which nothing can be
gained but by giving something in exchange for it. She
is ignorant and helpless as a child, on every topic that.
relates to the procuring of subsistence. Her education
has disabled her from standing alone.
But this was not all. She must not only be supplied
by others, but sustained in the enjoyment of a luxurious existence. Would you bereave her of the gratifications of opulence? You had better take away her
life. Nay, it would ultimately amount to this. She
can live but in one way.
At present she is lovely, and, to a certain degree, innocent; but expose her to the urgencies and temptations
of want, let personal pollution be the price set upon the