Tales of the Abbey (Volume 1); Founded on Historical Facts

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1801. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPv'VIII. Nought is there under heaven's wide Jiollownefs That moves mote dear compassion of the mind, Than beauty brought to unworthy wretchedness By envy's, snares, or fortune's freaks unkind. SPtNCET*. * In the year twelve hundred and nineteen, Gertrude de Montford, a pious lady of immense fortune, founded this abbey, endowed it with all her vast possessions, and retired hither to weep for the loss of a favoured lover who had fallen in rescuing her from the power of a licentious Dane, who had attempted by surprise to convey her to his own country. Here she placed herself at the head os two hundred nuns, all ladies of distinction, exemplary for their chastity, piety, and zeal. .* The . 'The abbey foon became tamous throughout all Christendom, and many ladies of high rank lest the allurements -of the world to share with its amiable founder the pleasures of friendship and devotion. Wondersul were the benefactions which were bestowed upon it*, and immense the offerings which it annually presented both to the Vatican and the holy temple of Loretto. In consequence of such munisicence, the pontiff granted to the lady abbess, as.a peculiar gift, the right of vesting the government 6f the abbey in asemale'of the family of de Montford for ever. Agreeably to this permission, the government of the abbey descended from, age to age, in'undisturbed succession, among the relatives of its founder. * The last of that family intended for this important office was the Lady Eleanor, daughter to the Earl of Castlereagh, descended from the blood royal of France and Scotland. At an early age she was placed under the care of her relation, to be initiated into all the duties of that facred office, which she was in her turn to sustain. Prior to her taking the veil, she was permitted to r...