indulged herself in the contemplation of the beauties of nature, with which she was surrounded, in offering up her thanksgiving to God, for the blessings bestowed by his mercy upon her; and in the refreshment, which in that hot country was afforded in sitting by the side of the cooling fountains, with which the garden was adorned.

But however private Susannah might imagine herself to be in these walks, she was seen by the ancient judges, who found such peculiar pleasure in viewing her in these walks, that at length each became enamoured by her beauty; but each ashamed of the wicked thoughts that filled his mind, carefully concealed his feelings from all, but principally from his learned and prudent companion, whom he naturally supposed would never pardon such depravity, which both his age and situation rendered so much the more offensive and sinful, his having given way to. In this state of mind they continued for some time, when it so occurred, by a strange coincidence, that each at the same moment, influenced by an earnest desire to see and converse with Susannah, walked into the garden for the purpose of meeting her; it also happened that they met each other, when mutually vexed and disappointed by this unexpected rencontre, they conversed together a short time on trifling subjects, when observing (as an

occasion to part), that it was dinner time; they pretended to be leaving the garden, and took leave of each other in consequence. But they had no sooner separated, than by other avenues, they again returned to the same spot, and again met in the same path, to the infinite surprise and vexation of each; however the strangeness of the accident, led to an enquiry into the cause, when they mutually acknowledged to each other, that a wish to behold Susannah, and speak to her, was the sole motive which had brought him there,

From this confession of their wicked inclination, being relieved from the restraint which had hitherto caused them to be silent on this disgraceful affair; they now entered into a combination to endeavour to seduce her, from her duty to God and her husband, and obtain her affection for themselves; and they had scarcely settled this league between them so far, before the innocent and unsuspecting cause of all this design and artifice, (according to her daily custom), came into the garden also. The moment the elders had perceived her coming, attended by her two female servants, who were her only companions in these gardens, they concealed themselves, and earnestly watched her every step, whilst the guiltless Susannah, little imagining she was thus observed, continued her walk, followed by her attendants, till she drew near to the side of

the delightful fountain which so often was her private retreat, and whose high jetting waters, were received as they descended, sparkling and transparent, in a spacious marble bason, near the margin of which, grew the most fragrant and beautiful flowers. Here the retirement and solitude of the situation permitting, and the heat of the weather prompting it, she felt an inclination to bathe in the clear and inviting waters of the fountain, and sent her two maids, to bring her wash balls and perfumes for that purpose; she also ordered her servants to close and fasten the garden gates, that she might be perfectly free from the fear of interruption; this order was instantly obeyed, the maidens securing the general entrance into the garden, with great caution, and then retiring into the house for the things Susannah had ordered to be brought to her, by a private way, used only by the domestics of the family.

No sooner had these young women departed for this purpose, and had left Susannah alone, than these wicked men, to the horror and amaze of Susannah, presented themselves before her, and made her acquainted with their evil intentions respecting her, threatning her, that if she either refused compliance to their propositions, or ever betrayed what had then taken place, they would in revenge, accuse her of the most dreadful crime

which could be laid to the charge of a virtuous woman; and expose her to, and subject her to the judgment of the law, the severity of which, in such cases, she was well aware of. They further informed her, that if she denied their request, they would declare against her, (and that all the people would believe their testimony), that she had sent away her servants on frivolous excuses, (not knowing they were in the garden observing her conduct), that in their absence she might receive the visits of a young man, and by that means they had become witnesses against her, as an unworthy wife, and a disgrace to her family and people.

Susannah on hearing this dreadful denunciation, and feeling the distress of her situation, and the power of her enemies, was almost overpowered by terror, and the difficulties which encompassed her. She was aware how vain it would be to implore their pity, or entreat them to leave her, yet she earnestly and humbly entreated it, with the most fervent promises not to betray what had already taken place. But these men's hearts were hardened, they had gone too far to retreat, and were fully determined on the measures they should adopt against her, except she gave them a favour, ble reception.

Then Susannah sighed, and in the bitterness of her distress said, "I am straitened on every side,

and which ever way I turn, it is death to me; for if I do this thing, it is death unto me, and if I do it not, I cannot escape your hands."

311

"It is better for me to fall into your hands, and not to do it, than to sin in the sight of the Lord."

With this just and pious determination, she cried out loudly for assistance, but her voice was lost in the still louder cries of the two elders, who also called out, and ran and opened the garden gates, to admit as many as might be attracted by the noise and confusion; whilst the servants hearing such an unusual commotion in the garden, ran with all speed by the private passages, to ascertain what caused it. But what was the surprise of all, and the distress and shame which ensued, when these two wicked men, with the greatest vehemence and malice, made the declaration against the innocent Susannah, which they told her they would do. Till this hour Susannah had ever been considered, and looked up to, as a pattern of virtue, gentleness, and affection to her husband, and although all were unwilling to believe any thing to her disadvantage, yet when the accusation came from two persons of such respect and consequence, whom all the people reverenced for sanctity of manners and judgment, and who could have no reason, that could be conceived by any, for bearing false wit