Monsieur de Luxembourg was by this time arriv'd before S. Omer just as Monsieur was preparing to quit his Lines to go meet the Enemy though far more numerous The succour came so seasonably that both Armies being ingag'd and that of the Confederates were entirely defeated The particulars of the Battel have been already so faithfully and fully related I shall not attempt writing what is better done to my hand by another the very relations made of it by the Enemy attribute all the advantage and glory of it to the Valiant Philip de France who was every where present reviving their courage who began to give ground and animating the whole Army by his Example and Orders S. Aubin having still had a longing desire to see a Battel was heartily glad of being at this the several Orders he had from his General to carry through the Army gave him the occasion to satisfie himself to the full and to be present where the Victory was most smartly disputed Happening to be at the defeat of a Spanish Battallion of Foot out of his natutal abhorrence of bloudshed he sav'd the lives of two Officers under pretence of carrying them Prisoners to Monsieur de Luxembourg And having as'd them several questions about the condition of their Army and what Generals they had he found the Spaniards made a Body apart under the Command of the Marquess de Osseyra S. Aubin was so troubled at the Name he stood mute for some time He was thinking at first to seek him out and demand satisfaction with his Arms in his hand for the outrage he conceiv'd he had receiv'd from him but he had scarce fram'd his design but he felt his heart fail him and more concern'd for the person of the Marquess than it could be for an Enemy He did what he could to suppress and get rid of that unseasonable tenderness but all would not do his heart still hankered after News of the Marquess and was strongly bent to save his life if possible While St. Aubin continu'd under these uncertainties the King 's Victorious Brother taking his advantage of the disorder and consternation the Enemies were in commanded Mounsieur de Luxembourg to pursue them with some Squadrons And with admirable foresight his Royal Highness sent other Troops to possess themselves of the Posts by which the Enemies though routed might have attempted the relief of St. Omer The Duke of Luxembourg the mean time being in pursuit of the Enemy and perceiving the Dragoons who should have follow'd him lag behind and busie themselves in taking Prisoners which would but hinder the service of the day he sent S. Aubin with Orders for them to march and to kill all their Prisoners S. Aubin carried these Orders but with some reluctance yet knowing it his duty to obey not dispute the Orders of his General he carried them with his ordinary diligence and had no sooner approach'd the Dragoons but he discern'd the Marquess de Osseyra among the Prisoners which troubl'd him beyond expression The Officer who commanded the Dragoons seeing an Ayd de Camp coming towards them a gallop made no doubt but he brought orders and having advanced a little way to receive them St. Aubin concealing to his power the surprise he was in without loss of time he made use of that readiness of wit incident to those of the Sex and told the Officer that the Marshal de Luxembourg demanded a Prisoner nam'd the Marquess de Osseyra As for the rest they should be put to the Sword and the Dragoons to march up to the Troops in pursuit of the Enemy The Order was presently obey'd and the Marquess consign'd into the hands of S. Aubin whom he follow'd some paces on foot not able to comprehend by what good fortune he had escap'd the fate of the rest of the Prisoners The Countess of Bonavidez had told him Christina was in the French Army which made him resolve after the loss of the Battel to expose himself where he might be made Prisoner in hopes by that means to have a sight of his dear Heroine The thought of this flatter'd him so pleasantly that he had not yet cast his eyes on his Deliverer being over-joy'd with his having escap'd the danger be fear'd of dying with grief for want of an opportunity to clear himself to his Mistress This joy was but short for S. Aubin to carry on his design to the utmost clapt a Pistol to the Marquesses Breast and bid him prepare for death This troubled the Marquess more now than it would have done on another occasion and not able to Master his passion on the sudden he reproach'd S. Aubin with his cruelty in making him languish so long when he had resolv'd to kill him But reviving himself I will die says he contentedly if you will give me your word to look out in your Army a Cavalier who goes under the Name of S. Aubin and tell him the Merquess de Osseyra thought upon him to the last moment of his life and had some pleasure in his death as having been occasion'd by the Love he had for him He fixt his eye the while on him he spoke to and began to remember himself when S. Aubin being on this occasion more Christina than S. Aubin and having had much ado to act this part with her Lover dismounted and exprest by her tears the passion of her heart with greater Eloquence than the best Orator on Earth could have done it The Marquess by this time knowing Christina was his Deliverer was so deeply affected with this new Oâ—ligation that he stood seiz'd with a pleasant amazement at the goodness of his Mistress at a time when she had so great reason to be angry with him Yet as joyful as he was for having found her again in so extraordinary a manner when he call'd to mind he had given her cause of offence it almost distracted him and not able to indure the misery of that condition he beg'd her pardon in terms so submissively passionate that it was readily granted him before explication made of the mystery of the Letter which had caus'd that disorder They had scarce understood one another but they found themselves hemm'd in by a Body of Spanish Horse which the Duke of Montalto had sent to rescue his Friend out of the hands of the French The Marquess was so full of Idea's of Love and appear'd so little concern'd for a liberty he was no longer Master of that he was not yet sensible of his good fortune when the Duke of Montalto who had given him up for dead or a Prisoner imbrac'd him with all the marks of joy a true Friend could express on such an occasion The Duke seeing him out of humour and musing imputed it to the ill success of their Enterprise and thinking to comfort him said their loss was not so great perhaps as they fear'd it on the sudden and assur'd him they had taken a considerable number of Prisoners He observ'd
to think of nothing but loving me there you are sure of Conquest the other is uncertain I will draw towards the Frontiers because you desire it I know I shall be better at ease and I take Pleasure before-hand to think I shall hear from you oftner Make an end of this Campagne as soon as you can Love will make you amends for the damage your Glory suffers by it Christina sent back the Marquess's Man with this Answer and resum'd her Mans Habit and the Name of S. Aubin D' Angosse in the mean time was return'd from Bearn and had with the help of the Abbot d' Izzette happily ended what he had to do there on S. Aubin's account and much to his advantage for which D' Angosse expected no small acknowledgment He could not imagine but Christina would at length be sensible of his affection for her And when S. Aubin would have made him a considerable Present proportionable to the Service he had done him D' Angosse took it for an affront and told Christina he thought himself not unworthy of her affection S. Aubin was so well acquainted with the boldness natural to those of his Country that it surpriz'd him not at all But to undeceive him once for all told D' Angosse he had a very high esteem and value for him and would evidence it on all occasions but intreated him for the future to order his Thoughts better than to give him occasion to forbear his company and forbid him further Visits which he would infallibly do if he continued to discourse him at that bold rate D' Angosse was too much a Gascon to be discourag'd at this so that S. Aubin to be rid of troublesome importunities was forc'd to change his Lodging There was about this time a Report that the Confederate Army had invested Charleroy and begun already to form the Siege Most of the young Gentlemen at Court and other Volunteers left Paris upon the News and went for the French Army not doubting but the Marshal Luxemburg who Commanded it would attack the Enemy in their Lines The Army increas'd extremely in two or three Days Volunteers coming in Post from all Parts and not finding Horses on the great Roads some were forc'd to take by ways to furnish themselves that they might come in time The Marquess de Fervaques willing to be there with the first to signalize himself on this and other occasions had the misfortune to be taken by the way by a Party of the Enemies The Officer who Commanded the Party having seiz'd some Books among Monsieur Fervaques's Baggage open'd one which prov'd the Heroine Musqueteer the Title made him eager to read it This Officer had been bred Page to the Marquess D'Osseyra and not a little surpriz'd to find the Marquess's Name so often in the Book he sent it the Marquess who was extremely astonisht at it While every one wondred at the Confederates Resolution to lay Siege to Charleroy having formerly attempted it in vain S. Aubin allarm'd to hear the expedition generally cry'd down as rash and unadvis'd and all France confident it would come to nothing began to be afraid for the Marquess D'Osseyra He had not the patience to wait information by the Publick News what was become of the Marquess but push'd on by a Love to which no difficulty was insuperable rid Post to Charleroy pretending the cause of his Journey to be only a Desire of Honour natural to the French Gentry Every Horse-man he met by the way he fancy'd might be a Courier to carry News of the defeat of the Confederates But when he came to the Army he found the Confederates had been so wise to save him the fright his Love might have put him to for danger to the Marquess They had upon the approach of the King's Army rais'd the Siege as the best of their Game The Confederates having made a very good Retreat S. Aubin saw there was no cause of further Fear on their Account the Marquess D'Osseyra being safe but he could not find in his Heart to return for Paris without giving the Marquess notice He was so pleas'd with being so near the Man he lov'd best of any living that he resolv'd to stay in Flanders And having engag'd himself in the beginning of the Campain to spend some time at Valenciennes at Mariana's Fathers he took that occasion to continue nearer the Marquess And considering it would be difficult hearing from him at Valenciennes where Count Magalotti the Governour was very strict to prevent intelligence with the Enemy he made sure before-hand of a Ligeois Lad who under pretence of carrying Victuals went indifferently to both Armies and was admitted into the Spanish as well as French Towns The Ligeois having promis'd to serve him faithfully he went into Valenciennes and sent the Boy into the Spanish Army with this Letter YOur Enterprize of Charleroy put me in such a Fright that I could not wait the Success in quiet How could I be at rest when I was to expect every Hour Designs against you Where-ever I went judge what Condition I was in who could not wish the Glory of my Country without giving an allarm to my Love nor pray for your Prosperity without breach of my Allegiance Make me amends for the Trouble you have caus'd me by letting me hear often from you at Valenciennes where I resolve to stay and see what will become of you When the Ligeois came to the Confederate Army to deliver the Letter he found all in disorder there by mis-understanding between the Generals one blaming the other for the miscarriage of the Business of Charleroy He was told the Spaniards were withdrawn and that the Marquess D'Osseyra Commanded a Body a part about Ghent The Ligeois found him there and having deliver'd the Letter the Marquess rewarded him so that he had cause to wish he might have more such Letters to carry and soon after sent him back with this Answer I Am extremely oblig'd to you for the Fright you were in though it be the greatest harm our Army hath done We are so us'd to ill Success we are not at all mov'd at it Yet I should be heartily sorry for it but that I am perswaded you make a difference between me and others and believe did I act a part I would alarm you oftner But why should our Billets still speak of War which ought to be full of Sweetness and Tenderness Do you know our Business is grown Publick and that there 's a Book Printed Entituled The Heroine Musqueteer Since we are made the Subject of Romances let 's make an end as soon as we can and enjoy the Fruits of our Love without diverting the Publick any longer at our Cost This Letter was delivered S. Aubin at Valenciennes where he was receiv'd by Mariana's Parents with Demonstrations of very great joy and Evidences of a sincere kindness They flatter'd themselves still with the hopes of having him their Son-in-Law and being confirm'd in
but if it should be her fortune one day to lose it she should be glad to sacrifice it to a person who appear'd so reasonable He was satisfi'd with her answer and pray'd his Relations to speak no more of the business but give him time to win her by his services He waited on her thenceforward with a great deal of diligence but with so much discretion not speaking a word of Love that she received all his Visits with much satisfaction and had a real Esteem though no Love for him One Afternoon she had been abroad with Marmon a-shooting Quails with a Cross-bow without a Gun a great Mastiff set upon her Setting-Dog she presently ran in to force the Mastiff to let go his hold which he too quickly did upon the first blow she gave him and flying at her bit her in the right Arm. Marmon who was hard by pursued the Mastiff and having overtaken him presently dispatch'd him though not without being bitten by him He had scarce laid him dead but he spy'd two or three Countrymen coming with Guns in pursuit of the Mastiff who told him it was a Mad Dog and had already bit three or four Christina was so frighted at the News she was ready to sink and getting hastily home sent for an able Physician of the Neighbourhood who according to the Custom of those of the Profession made slight of the matter and undertook to cure her in few days and ordered her several Remedies for the purpose Marmon was so transported they doubted he would run Mad for a long time he obstinately refused to take any thing imagining if he could 〈◊〉 â—â—â—self from Love he had no reason to fear Madness being resolved to follow the Fate of his Mistress Christina being told of it conjur'd him to use the same Remedies that she did assuring him she was much concern'd for his health Some days after their hurts there was a report that a Woman bit by the same Dog was run Mad and that they were forced to smother her They would have conceal'd this News from them but Christina's Mother having heard it was so alarm'd that in spite of the Physicians and their Medicines she resolved to take her Daughter to Bayonne to dip her in the Sea as a Sovereign Remedy in the case Marmon would make one of the Company more for the pleasure of attending his Mistress than for the Cure The morrow after their arrival the Ladies were visited by most of the Persons of Quality in the Town The Viscount Ronceval then at Bayonne was one of the first to pay them his Civilities He was of a good Family of a haughty humour and Mein and had a considerable Estate in the Country of Besque But he had the intoletable vanity to think he did a Lady Honour if he took the pains to come near her The first time he saw Christina thought her so Amiable he resolved to see her often the second Visit amus'd him and fill'd him full of Amorous Inclinations and having been a whole Week without seeing her being in a Course of Physick his Fancy had the opportunity to represent her to his thoughts to the utmost advantage The third Visit he made her he went with a resolution to declare his Love but did not having not been able to find her alone but he return'd home up to the Ears in Love which may be reckon'd among the Triumphs of Cupid The morrow he desired to speak with her before eight in the Morning but was put off till the Afternoon The Ladies had scarce dined but he came in and happily finding Christina in her Chamber alone he began with telling her he had brought her the best News she ever heard This Lady who took singular delight to hear News and was passionately concern'd for the Progress of the Victorious Arms of France fancy'd she should hear from him of some Victory in the Field or the taking of Cambray or Valenciennes and was upon that account very earnest to know the News The Viscount having a more than ordinary Confidence and a Stranger to the fears incident to most Lovers when they are to declare their Passion to their Mistresses never stuck to tell her that a Person of great Merit and Birth and as great a Fortune admir'd her and was resolv'd to marry her Christina who little expected such a Complement answer'd that how little soever he was concern'd for that Person he would do well to advise him to think no more of that business it being more than probable that for all his great Quality and Fortune he should but lose his time in Courting her The Viscount was not discouraged at this Answer but thinking she had not well understood him told her she would not be so indifferent did she but know the Gentlemans Name It madded him the while to see her so incurious and not inquisitive who it was and himself depriv'd of the occasion he expected to have from her question to answer it was he Were it you replies Christina coldly I had no more to say to you than what you have heard 'T is not Possible says the Viscount you should be so much your own Enemy to refuse such a settlement as I propose to you I have that excess of kindness for you I will give you time to think on 't and doubt not but you will alter your mind when you have consider'd the advantages of the offer I make you At this another coming in he withdrew and came two days after to know if she had tho' of the proposal he had made her 'T was to no purpose to think of it answer'd she having nothing to add to what I said to you at first She spoke these words so unconcern'd and with so much scorn that the presumptuous Viscount not able to endure it took his leave and went away telling her since she made so ill use of his kindness he could alter his humour Christina to be rid of his extravagant importunities gave order they should answer him at the door if he came again that she was not well and in few days return'd with her Mother to Bearn Every body at Bayonne admir'd her and spoke well of her when gone only the Viscount Ronceval haughtily publish'd she was in Love with him and added many ridiculous Circumstances to make the story more probable Christina heard of it and was touched to the quick though 't was told her for her comfort the Viscount usually took that liberty and that his Acquaintance made very little accompt of it But this would not satisfie her she was ready to take Horse for Bayonne to punish his insolence wanting neither courage nor dexterity to have satisfaction from him nothing but the fear of giving occasion for new discourse held her back Marmon having had some confused account of it resented it with all the indignation of a passionate Lover To be clearer informed he goes to his Mistress and finding her much out of humour asked her
he had not the confidence to visit her but he followed the Count though he scarce knew what he did At the news of the Rencounter several of his Friends flock'd to the Marquess some of the Commanders were so impertinently officious they would needs stop him from going any further to save him the trouble of seeing his Enemy the second time But the return he made their mistaken Civility was so unexpectedly untoward his best Friends not knowing the motions of his heart were highly offended at it They were all amazed to see him so troubled and not one could imagine what reason he should have to go to the Count of Benavidez's where he knew they had carried his Enemy St. Aubin The Marquess was not inclin'd to violent courses yet they apprehended he might use his Authority to ruin the unfortunate Person that so publickly ingag'd him A Colonel his Friend was so officious that to prevent a mischief he dreaded so much he met him by the way and intreated him to go no further assuring him St. Aubin was so desperately ill he could not live an hour longer This was the Critical moment the Marquess really needed the assistance of his Friends and had they not hindred him he had certainly stabb'd himself The Count de Benavidez mindfull of the disorder he had left him in returned as hastily as he could to let him know St. Aubin's wound was not dangerous But the Marquess who began to relapse into the extremity of his first Passion for Christina was so fully prepossest with the discourse of the Colonel that he thought the Count did out of kindness conceal the danger St. Aubin was in and was loth to tell him News he knew would grieve him This made the Marquess resolve personally to visit St. Aubin in his Chamber and he had certainly done it had not the Count diverted him by representing the inconveniences might attend the surprize and discoveries their first Enterview would occasion before so many persons who were of his Retinue and then bore him Company The Marquess yielded to the perswasions of his Friend but not till the Chirurgeon had assured him the wound he thought so dangerous would be cur'd in a short time The Marquess could not forbear telling the Chyrurg on his Life should answer for St. Aubin's and swore to him that if he died he should be concerned to make ready to follow him presently into another World This being past they brought the Marquess home where he was visited by all the Persons of Quality in the Court at Brussels who complemented him for his pretended advantage Some carried on the Complement so far that they blamed him for the trouble he was in having so great reason to be satisfied with the advantage he had gained over one of the bravest Men of France He was so tir'd with these troublesome Civilities that to be rid of them he was forc'd to give order to his Porter to say he was not to be spoke with The Count de Benavidez loth to leave him under so much vexation staid with him in hopes by his Company to ease him a little of the Tyranny of his Passions As soon as they were alone the Marquess conjur'd him to tell him truly what he thought of Christina's Wound The Count assur'd him it was very slight and to pleasure him offer'd to prepare Christina to receive his Visit that night This offer comforted the Marquess and the Count had no sooner made it but he was forced to go home to find means to satisfie the impatience of his Friend At his return he found his Wife was gone to Christina's Chamber and he took the advantage of it to give her a Visit When he had exprest the trouble he was under for her misfortune he assured her the Marquess was almost distracted at it and begg'd her permission to throw himself at her feet Christina thinking the Marquess still took her for St. Aubin not knowing the Count had told him all was extreamly surpriz'd at the News and answering she passionately desir'd to justifie her self and let the Marquess know she was incapable of betraying so generous a Friend who had so highly oblig'd her The Count hailed away to carry his Friend the good News and shortly after both entred the Chamber where Christina lay who taking upon her to be St. Aubin assur'd the Marquess he could never have been satisfied with himself for being so unfortunate as to have disobliged him had not the Counts Relation and the generous Visit he was pleas'd personally to make him given him reasonable hopes he was satisfied of his Innocence The kind Marquess as if he had forgot Christina had ever been St. Aubin answered in terms full of transport and tenderness praying her to change her Language and quite rid her self of that unfortunate Name of St. Aubin that had so unhappily occasioned his mistake and ingag'd him blindly to attack a Life a thousand times dearer to him than his own He continued the discourse with so much Passion and Kindness that Christina finding it impossible to keep him longer in Error gave free vent to her tears perhaps for Joy she found him so constant However she pretended her self angry with the Count for having broken his word in discovering her to the Marquess The Marquess then telling her how much he long'd to know what had befallen her since she left Spain the Countess having observ'd how much he was concerned for Christina saved her the trouble of the Relation and gave the Marquess a compleat Relation of all the Adventures Christina had acquainted her with The loving Marquess who thought all along Christina was Married but hearing no such matter in all the Relation was extremely impatient to know the truth of that particular But the Count having bethought himself that longer discourse might incommode the Sick Party told his Friend of it and prevail'd with him to withdraw The Marquess was so full of the Idea of Christina that he call'd to mind the smallest circumstances of his first passion and not able to comprehend how she had left her Husband his Love made him wish heartily he might find she had not been Married He could not give over musing of his former Amour at length he remembred that the Person he had imploy'd to carry his Letter and told him she was Married was a Sergeant in a Spanish Regiment in Garrison at Valenciennes He presently dispatch'd a Messenger to bring him to him in all haste The Sergeant being arrived betimes the next morning the Marquess locked him up with himself in his Chamber and with horrible threats charged him to declare truly why he had deceived him and what reason he had to tell him his Mistress was Married whereas he was newly informed by a French Prisoner she never had been so The Man was so astonish'd at the Marquesses Menaces and betray'd by his own Conscience that he stood for a while mute as a Fish But being press'd to tell the Truth he
sigh'd often in reading it The Captain well acquainted with Love-tricks was so possest with Jealousie that he presently fancy'd the Letters were his Wife 's who perhaps had some Confident the Town who convey'd them to the Ligeois This suspicion how ill-grounded soever gave our Italian no small disturbance He resolv'd to find out the bottom of the Business and with the help of the Foot-Boy found the means one Day to draw the Ligeois into a Chamber of the House somewhat remote from S. Aubin's or any other Lodging-room Having lock'd him up there he threatned to run him presently through if he would not tell him truly whence the Letters came he carry'd S. Aubin so often The Ligeois not knowing what Relation S. Aubin had to the Marquess but judging by the good usage of the one and liberality of the other that the Business was Moment was very loath to answer him understanding how dangerous a matter it is to hold Correspondence with an Enemy especially in a Place of War The Trouble the Ligeois appear'd in heightned the Italian's Curiosity that he repeated his threats and put himself in a posture to execute them The Ligeois affrighted at it prorms'd to tell him all if he would but save his Life The Italian promis'd it and the Wretch made him acquainted with the Correspondence between S. Aubin and the Marquess D'Osseyra The Captain surpriz'd at the News made no doubt but they held intelligence against the State and was glad at Heart for so favourable an occasion to be reveng'd of S. Aubin under a pretence of Zeal for the King's Service The smallest things are of consequence in matters of this nature so that notwithstanding his promise to the contrary he made no scruple of securing the Ligeois the Maxims of Italy having taught him he was not oblig'd to be a Slave to his Word He advertis'd the Governour who having question'd the Ligeois sent an Officer with fifty Souldiers to arrest S. Aubin who had receiv'd notice the Ligeois was a Prisoner and though he knew not the Reason yet he apprehended he might have let fall something in discourse about the Letters he brought him and that they might not be seen he burnt them but it went so much against the grain and he did it so slowly that he was busie about this cruel Sacrifice when the Officer sent to take him entred his Chamber and after a sorry Complement or two led him into Prison The Officer fail'd not to give the Governour an account what he found in S. Aubin's Chamber and what a sight of Letters there was in the Fire This last Cicumstance made every one think him Criminal and that he had burnt the Letters to prevent their being made use of as Evidence against him This Business made a great noise and as 't is usual on such occasions for every one to add something to the Report this rais'd the News that pass'd then currant of a great Plot discover'd at Valenciennes The Ligeois was examin'd very strictly and so frightned with the Tortures they threatned to put him to that he confess'd all he knew and a great deal more His frequent Journeys to the Spanish Army the Money received from a General of the Enemies and the burning of the Letters were evidences so clear in the opinion of the Publick that no doubt was made both the Wretches would shortly suffer S. Aubin's good Meen and Curiosity gain'd him Compassion from all that saw him Every one pity'd but none durst excuse him for fear of being brought in as accessary to so ticklish a Crime He was the while under extreme perplexity in Prison every thing seem'd to fall out cross His stay at Valenciennes was look'd upon as mysterious especially after he had declar'd he had no design to Marry Mariana It was hard to justifie himself without confessing his Sex which he could scarce find in his Heart to do Being examin'd he defended himself with saying he had written to the Marquess D' Osseyra as his particular Friend but that his Letters had nothing in them that related to the King or the State The Judges were not satisfied with his answer and perhaps would have condemn'd him had not the Governour interpos'd his Authority at the request of some Ladies to have the judgment suspended till he might receive orders from the Court. As they seiz'd what was in S. Aubin's Chamber an Officer belonging to Governour had the Curiosity to read some Books found there Among the rest he read the Heroine Musqueteer where he saw the Names of the Marquess D'Osseyra and S. Aubin so often repeated that he fancy'd S. Aubin the Prisoner might be the same with S. Aubin Christina He told the Governour and shew'd him the Book The Governour read it with Pleasure and having amongst S. Aubin's things found a very tender Letter of the Marquess D'Osseyra's perhaps the only one had escap'd the Fire he was fully perswaded S. Aubin was the Heroine Musqueteer but was willing to be further assur'd of it He sent for the Prisoner shew'd him the Letter and told him he doubted not but that which appear'd only a Letter of kindness was a Cypher to cover some matter of State S. Aubin shew'd him so many Reasons to the contrary that the Governour believ'd him incapable of holding intelligence but demanded of him a Letter to the Marquess D' Osseyra to forbid further Correspondence This Proposal put S. Aubin to the groan and not able to give a good Reason for refusing to write so he appear'd so disorder'd that he thought it might be justly taken for a clear conviction of his Crime yet this Trouble justify'd him more than all his Eloquence For the Governour imputing it to his love discover'd him to be Christiana and no longer criminal The Business was hush'd up and S. Aubin set at liberty The whole Town was glad of it and especially Mariana's Parents who still had kindness for him and had been afraid to lose him the Italian had taken such care to inform them daily of some new Circumstance of his Crime While S. Aubin was in Prison the Captain who made account to have his revenge of S. Aubin in the punishment the State would inflict on him could not forbear telling his Wife something of it and at the same time reproaching her with her falseness A Reproach a Woman truly vertuous is most sensible of And the Husband who uses such language to his Wife doth but raise in her a desire to be reveng'd of an unjust suspition by real disloyalty when she sees him make so slight account of the reservation she values her self upon Mariana who no otherwise knew of any disloyalty but by her Husbands Discourse and could reproach her self for nothing but having been too credulous was so touch'd to the quick with her Husbands ingratitude that she resolv'd to punish him for his Jealousie it was long ere her resentment master'd her Vertue being unresolv'd whom to make choice of to
grumble fret and threaten in a word the false Letter had set him quite out of humour The hour come which was about the darkest part of the Night Camille got over the Wall with the active Father Andrew into the Garden for though the good Father had no great business there yet he lov'd so well the sport that Camille could not prevail with him to stay at home They were not got half way the walk which led from the Garden Door to the House when Father Andrew whose Eyes were always upon the watch did perceive something that mov'd at the other end this put him to a stand and made him take Camille by the arm and hold him back Stay said he I think I see some body that is waiting for us let us retire while we can for fear of a surprize Camille looking earnestly also said I do see something move but it is not tall enough to be a man and I rather believe that it is some Dog which though not so dangerous may I fear discover us and spoil our design Father Andrew was for a retreat and Camille was leaving the broad Walk and striking into the lesser Allies to go round by the Wall side to discover what it were without being perceiv'd but the good Father having no inclination to venture any further said that he was sure it was no Dog and that he would stay under the next Tree while Camille should go make the discovery Camille agreed to it and went by the Wall side till he came near enough to distinguish that it was a Monkey that had broke lose from some of the Neighbourhood who having found the Letter that the Marchioness had thrown there he had torn it open and was playing with it Camille was glad that it was no worse yet knew not which way to go about to get the Letter from that little unlucky Creature he was still drawing nearer to him when the Monkey did perceive him which made him chatter so fast and so loud all the while tearing of the Letter that Camille thought there was no time to lose therefore he suddenly rush'd upon the Monkey who being too nimble for him did run away squeeking so loud that the Marquess being alarm'd at it did presently get to the Window with a Pistol in his hand and perceiving Camille who was very busie in gathering up the pieces of Paper that the Monkey had scatter'd he discharg'd it at him but to no effect Father Andrew at the noise of the Pistol did run as fast as he could towards the place where they had left the Ladder of Ropes hanging by which they had got over but meeting by chance with the Monkey which he took for a Man his fears magnifying all objects he ran counter and knowing no better way finding himself near a high Tree he presently climbs to the top of it where he hid himself amongst the thickest of the Leaved Branches Camille having gathered all that he could find of the Pieces of Paper made what haste he could towards the place of retreat and not seeing Father Andrew as he pass'd by he concluded that he was gone which made him to follow after By this the Marquess and his Servants were got into the Garden with Guns Pistols Swords and other Weapons they search every Bush Hedge and Corner but find no body the Marquess sees a piece of Paper lying upon the ground he takes it up and puts it into his Pocket to peruse some other time he was too busie then neither had he light enough to do it Some run to the back Gate which is found shut they perceive some Morter and Stones newly dropp'd from the Wall which made them conclude that they were Thieves gone that way out so that they were all returning in As the Marquess was passing under a Tree he was hit on the Hat with a piece of withered Branch at which he presently looks up and perceives something to move he rejoices within himself already that he had found the Robbers of his Honour and commands some of his Servants to get up and fetch them down dead or alive While he was pondering what Torments and Racks he should make them endure some of the Servants being got up they heard a strange chattering for the Monky who had caused the dryed bough to fall finding himself pursued so close made such a noise as presently gave to understand to his pursuers the Nature of the Beast But the Marquess's distrustful Nature making him suspect that it might be some Counterfeit he commanded his Servants to pursue and take him The unlucky nimble Creature having no other way to avoid his pursuers he leaps from the Tree he was on to the next where sat the most distressed Father Andrew whom the foolish Creature taking to be one of his Enemies he began to squeek and chatter more than ever Those that were upon the abandon'd Tree having given notice of their Preys removal the Marquess sent some up the other Tree on which both the delinquents were retreated one of the climbers went so high after this little troublesome Animal that he perceiv'd a certain pair of Legs that did not belong unto so small a Beast as a Monkey The poor Father now perceiving that he was discovered past all hopes of Redemption was recommending his case to all the He and She Saints besides the Eleven thousand Virgins when his fierce Enemy cry'd Oh! have I found you out I 'll fetch you down presently This dreadful threatning did set him into such an horror and fear that it caus'd him to drop down something which his anguish would not let him retain any longer just in the nick of time when the fellow was gaping and looking up which did light so full upon his Face that it stopt his Mouth from telling any more tales for that bout and blinded him so that going to clear his Eyes with his Hands he was so unfortunate as to let go his hold which made him fall to the ground whence he was carried away speechless This sad accident put an end to the Chace for the Marquess thinking that there was too much mischief done already in the pursuit of a Monkey did give order to all his Servants to retreat and let the Beast alone which they presently obey'd taking the dead along with them Father Andrew having overheard the sad accident that had been the cause of his sad and safe deliverance after he had return'd thanks to all his Advocates though he thought his own industry very instrumental in it which made him ever after to rely very much on his own merits finding the Coast clear he comes down the Tree and goes toward the place by which he had come in whereon he was looking very melancholick having no hopes of getting out of the Garden when he perceives a head peeping over the Wall at the first his fears were going to make him to run to his old post again but presently recollecting himself he thought