‘The Vampyre’ and Other Writings

by John William Polidori

he soon formed this object into the hero of a romance, and determined to observe the offspring of his fancy, rather than the person before him.

But why attempt to describe charms which all feel, but none can appreciate?—It was innocence, youth, and beauty, unaffected by crowded drawing-rooms and stifling balls.

To do good in secret, and shun the world's applause, is the surest testimony of a virtuous heart and self-approving conscience.