Also Read
Sudden a thought came like a full-blown rose,
Flushing his brow, and in his pained heart
Made purple riot: then doth he propose
A stratagem, that makes the beldame start:
“A cruel man and impious thou art:
“Sweet lady, let her pray, and sleep, and dream
“Alone with her good angels, far apart
“From wicked men like thee. Go, go!—I deem
“Thou canst not surely be the same that thou didst seem.
Summary
Porphyro was happy when Angela told him about her lady’s resolve to meet her lover on the St. Agnes Eve. She was lost performing those magical rites. She was found sleeping even.
This sleepy position of Madeline enabled Porphyro to devise a plan to win her over. At once a new idea brightened his face. It was as clear to him as is the rose when it blossoms fully. His heart which was so fir sad on account of the thoughts of meeting his beloved was violently excited. He decided to play a trick. When he conveyed it to Angela she began to strare at his now plan. She at once called him merciless and unholy. He only wanted Angela not to inform the lady about his arrival. He would go to her room like a thief and meet her. She would be allowed to pray and dream she liked. He would not disturb even her sleep. The old nurse did not like his idea. She wanted to save her from bad person like him. She asked him to go away. Really, he was quite different from what he appeared to be. Apparently, he was innocent and simple but really he was cunning and mischievous.