ful than Fancy's pencil ever drew. It was a
Youth seemingly scarce eighteen, the perfection of whose form and face
was unrivalled. He was perfectly naked: A bright Star sparkled upon
his forehead; Two crimson wings extended themselves from his shoulders;
and his silken locks were confined by a band of many-coloured fires,
which played round his head, formed themselves into a variety of
figures, and shone with a brilliance far surpassing that of precious
Stones. Circlets of Diamonds were fastened round his arms and ankles,
and in his right hand He bore a silver branch, imitating Myrtle. His
form shone with dazzling glory: He was surrounded by clouds of
rose-coloured light, and at the moment that He appeared, a refreshing
air breathed perfumes through the Cavern. Enchanted at a vision so
contrary to his expectations, Ambrosio gazed upon the Spirit with
delight and wonder: Yet however beautiful the Figure, He could not but
remark a wildness in the Daemon's eyes, and a mysterious melancholy
impressed upon his features, betraying the Fallen Angel, and inspiring
the Spectators with secret awe.

The Music ceased. Matilda addressed herself to the Spirit: She spoke
in a language unintelligible to the Monk, and was answered in the same.
She seemed to insist upon something which the Daemon was unwilling to
grant. He frequently darted upon Ambrosio angry glances, and at such
times the Friar's heart sank within him. Matilda appeared to grow
incensed. She spoke in a loud and commanding tone, and her gestures
declared that She was threatening him with her vengeance. Her menaces
had the desired effect: The Spirit sank upon his knee, and with a
submissive air presented to her the branch of Myrtle. No sooner had
She received it, than the Music was again heard; A thick cloud spread
itself over the Apparition; The blue flames disappeared, and total
obscurity reigned through the Cave. The Abbot moved not from his
place: His faculties were all bound up in pleasure, anxiety, and
surprize. At length the darkness dispersing, He perceived Matilda
standing near him in her religious habit, with the Myrtle in her hand.
No traces of the incantation, and the Vaults were only illuminated by
the faint rays of the sepulchral Lamp.

'I have succeeded,' said Matilda, 'though with more difficulty than I
expected. Lucifer, whom I summoned to my assistance, was at first
unwilling to obey my commands: To enforce his compliance I was
cons