Falkland sought the wisdom of the universe beyond the time of man and in return for his immortality he could love no one or they would die.

On a visit to the sea Falkland and Emily explore a pirates den a cave in a seaside cliff. The tide suddenly begins to fill the cave. Falkland believing the curse of death is coming true confesses his love and Emily promises to marry him if they escape.

Author: Edward George Bulwer-Lytton