are the slumbers of a tender mother disturbed; for scarcely had I touched the babe ere she awoke, rose up anxiously, clasped her treasure to her heart, and cast on me a look of deep distrust. Say, Alonzo?—Do you not think an affectionate mother one of the most respectable of creatures?

Alonzo. (Bewildered) Oh, why that question?

Cora. Can’t you guess?—(With pure and innocent transport) I shall soon be a mother myself.

Alonzo. (Thunderstruck) Great God!!!

Cora. What is the matter?—You need not be alarmed!—I love you more than ever!—Ah, at the first commencement of our love I thought it impossible that the attachment I then felt could ever be exceeded; for in you, Alonzo, I beheld the most charming of youths. But, enchanter, you have stolen into my heart under a still more attractive form, since I behold in you, the father of my child.

Alonzo. Cora! Cora!—my hair is erect with horror, while your mind seems wholly at ease.

Cora. And what do you fear?—Is it a crime to become a mother?—My father always taught me, that whoever commits a crime, instantly forfeits all peace of mind; but for me, I feel no uneasiness.

Alonzo. Do you not recollect the circumstances of your situation?—To what rigid ordinances you swore obedience when this figure of the sun was fastened upon your bosom?

[25]

[25]

Cora. I swore to obey the ordinances of our temple.

Alonzo. And what do they enjoin you?

Cora. I know not. My father told me, that by whomsoever virtue was held sacred, its precepts would be fulfilled without particular instruction. To me virtue is sacred.

Alonzo. And know you then what constitutes virtue?—Alas! your uncorrupted soul is ignorant of the terrible distinction between virtue as founded in the eternal principles of nature, and virtue as constituted by the distorted imaginations of fanatics. (He clasps her eagerly in his arms) Oh, Cora! Cora! what have we done?—In other situations, love and joy recompense the anguish which every mother 

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