are those extraordinary Endowments befitting so great a Captain that have rais'd him to that Advantagious Post in which we now see him The King his Master having since the Siege of Namur where he defended that City like a great Warriour made him a Duke and Peer of France not without hopes that his Majesty will in time be pleas'd to make him Constable Now let us take a view of his Amorous Exploits these being the chief Subject of our present Relation 'T is not to be thought strange that so famous a Soldier as the Marshal de Boufflers has often languish'd in the Arms of some Beauty or another For he has been as Victorious in his Conquests of Love as in his Martial feats and one may affirm that he has been crown'd with Roses and Lawrels as frequently in the Field of Venus as in that of Mars Part of the French Frontiers have been the Theater where both his Amourous and Military Expeditions have been represented The City of Puicerda of which I have spoken before will furnish us with a Subject of this Nature The Prince de Conti and the Duke de Navaille having made themselves Masters of this Placeby Capitulation the Troops were for some time sent into Quarters of refreshment At this time it was that Love which seldom lets slip any Opportunity did peirce the Heart of the Marshal de Boufflers The God of Love who displays his Standard in the Field of Peace and Tranquility having found it not impenetrable In short the Marshal was desperately Wounded by the bright Eyes of a Spanish Widow whom he accidentally met in a Boat passing the River Segre The name of this fair Lady was Donna Olympia who besides that she was very amiable in her Person by her courteous Deportment to our General and her charming and engaging Air conquer'd his Heart As she spoke very good French so he offer'd her his Service in leading her out of the Boat with an intention to have accompanied her to her own House but she notwithstanding her Heart began to feel some emotions for him did refuse his offer telling him that the Custom of her Country did not allow of such a Civility that it wou'd be thought very strange if such a Gentleman as he shou'd Conduct a Lady home to her own Appartment that such a thing wou'd be sufficient to ruin her Reputation for ever A certain grave old Matron whose name was Tressa Alleva such a one as they call in Spain the Guardians of Young Women taking notice of what pass'd between 'em began to urge her to go home telling her with a very sour Countenance with her great Spectacles upon her Nose that her Discourse was too long with a Stranger Alass my dearest cry'd Olympia who already began to feel some effects of Love towards the Marshal my Heart does even now too much foretell me my Destiny of Loving one day this Stranger Madam reply'd the old Woman Smiling you are soon intangl'd in the Snares of Love without making a due Reflection upon what you are going about to do Your Love towards a Frenchman is too foreward if your Relations shou'd be inform'd of this matter you ' The Marshal who understood the threats of Tressa Alleva thought it time to quit his Mistress and having squeez'd her fair hand he whisper'd her in the Ear where he might see her again if it were possible for him to live without her till after to morrow Just by that Seat which you see built at the Foot of that Rock said she with a very passionate Air I hope to have the good Fortune to talk with you to morrow about ten a Clock at night if my Passion do not deprive me of this Life before that time This was enough for the Marshal who did now fansie himself the happiest Man in the whole World so that the rest of that day and the next following seem'd to him a Year or according to the Hyperbolical expressions of Lovers an Age which he spent in making reflections upon his approaching Felicity and Pleasures Which way wou'd he say to himself shall I begin to Court my Mistress What Favours shall I ask first It must not said he Smiling be tosee her Feet for the Spanish Lady's wou'd dye as soon as let any one see or touch them they being commonly so very small that they appear like a Puppet's in comparison of those of Men. Their own Husbands must not pretend to such a favour Our General who does not admire delays in Love was extremely disturb'd at first with his growing Passion but whilst he was ruminating upon the strangeness of this Adventure and by his amourous conceits had set himself all over in a Flame The appointed hour of the Rendez-vous drew near he went to the place nominated by his Mistress and having pass'd several times by the House he perceiv'd no Body which almost drove him to despair having lost all hopes of ever seeing again the Object which Tormented him with so much Violence The Marshal waited almost an Hour expecting what wou'd be the issue of this Adventure when he by the help of the Moon-light perceiv'd a Woman at a Window playing with her Fingers after a strange manner This is a certain way us'd in Spain for Lover thus to speak to one another in a mute Language the Marshal who was unacquainted with this odd way of Courtship did not understand the meaning of it but being come nearer to the Window which was pretty low and having perceiv'd that it was his new Mistress who call'd to him he at that Moment made use of all the most tender Expressions which are usual with Men at the beginning of a most violent Passion Donna Olympia was thereby touch'd to the very Heart and told him in a languishing Tone Sir pray don't speak so loud we dare not make use in this Country of our Liberty as we cou'd wish and turning all what the General had said into Raillery is it possible said she that so lovely a Gentleman as you shou'd have left France the very dwelling place of Love without some very strong praeengagement Alass without Flattering my self I can scarce be perswaded that you are come hither without having lost some part of your Liberty My case wou'd be desperate Madam reply'd the Marshal gallantly to have lost it before I had the opportunity to lay it at your Feet The most miserable Estate unto which you have reduc'd me is a convincing Proof of it you having depriv'd me of my own self I was not able to resist such dangerous blows as Yours you have Wounded me in the most sensible Part I did Love or rather adore you from the very first Moment I saw you There is none but you that can make me Fortunate or unfortunate Pronounce therefore with your own charming Lips my Sentence of Life or Death Donna Olympia look'd upon her Lover with Eyes which sufficiently declar'd her Passion and finding that Love began to overcome
him that he was strangely alter'd in his Temper from what she had known him before Alass Madam said he what good can you expect from the presence of a Man-hater who thinks the World too little for him to range in The Marshals de Crequi and de Navaille did also several times check him upon account of his cloudy Temper without knowing the true cause of it so that the Marshal de Boufflers at last beginning to grow weary of leading such a disconsolate course of Life and having communicated his Thoughts to the Count de Choiseul he was soon reliev'd by his good Advice How said he my Friend is it come to that pass with you that you cannot make a Woman Love you for whom you have a Passion You may now esteem your self a sorry Fellow indeed For my part reply'd the Marshal striking with his Hat upon the Table I know not what I am my self yet I am sure I am not the same I us'd to be I durst not so much as sue for a Favour from the Lady I Love I cannot believe but that she has bewitch'd me to be silent and to bear every thing with an awful Respect These are the true marks reply'd the Count of a Man in Love But why shou'd you complain since you have ask'd nothing of your Mistress and that you have no reason to accuse her of being Insensible Cruel or Indifferent Go go take my advice lay aside this dull way of Courtship and push on your Point as close as you can The English Ladies are not so averse to the French as you imagine The Marshal cou'd not forbear laughing at the Count 's jolly Humour who advis'd him to make use of his middle Point to advance his Amourous Design Courage Courage my dear Friend cry'd the Count clapping him upon the Shoulder 't is a very good sign when a Love Sick Person begins to laugh I 'll engage that before you are a Weak older you 'll be cur'd of your Distemper It seems that when we disclose our Heart to a Friend we share with him one half of our troubles This was very observable in the Marshal who after having freely deliver'd his Mind to the Count his Friend found himself half cur'd of his Pain having therefore embrac'd and return'd him a thousand thanks for his good Counsel he went to renew his Visit at my Lady Stone 's who had been very uneasie during his absence What have I done to you my dear Marshal said she that you thus fly from me as you do it seems as if I were become your Enemy Truly Madam answer'd he looking upon her with a languishing Eye in some measure you are so having bereav'd my Heart of all its Repose and Tranquillity ever since I had the first sight of you I am not the same Person I was wont to be I have given you some hints of my Passion but I am apt to believe you scarce ever thought of it since More than you think for Sir reply'd she I love you better than you can imagine 'T was not without some Confusion that she spoke these Words but imagining that he had not very well apprehended her meaning she repeated 'em several times very pleasantly The Marshal who understands a little of most Languages especially as to Love-Terms fell into an Extasy of Joy upon hearing these charming Words which sounded very prettily in English from his fair Lady's Mouth She having several times after repeated these Words I Love you I Love you the Marshal did no longer question his own happiness and having embrac'd his charming Mistress he gave her fresh assurances of the violence of his Passion which he told her was rais'd to that height that it must prove mortal to him except she wou'd vouchsase to prevent it Is it possible Divine Creature said he that at that moment when I look upon you there shou'd be any thing wanting to accomplish my Felicity Alass flattering Fancies deceitful Imaginations I am very sensible what it is that is wanting to compleat my happiness 't is that you my incomparable Fair wou'd Love me as well as I do you I will Sir I will from the very bottom of my Heart answer'd she Now I leave it to the Reader 's Judgment to imagine what effects these Words proceeding from the Mouth of his most ador'd Mistress had upon the Marshal Indeed he was quite transported beyond himself he Kiss'd her a thousand times and that so close as if he were in a Trance The English Lady giving him some weak Repulses they serv'd only to add Fuel to his Fire and to inflame his Passion and not being able to contain himself any longer he with the consent of his Fair One who was as hard put to it as himself to preserve her Honour took a walk in an adjacent Wood. When she found her self alone I expose my self to no small danger said she in entertaining a Person who appears very dangerous to a tender Heart Alass Heavens I am only too sensible of his lovely Accomplishments he has somewhat so charming in him that my Liberty is in great danger of suffering Ship-wrack This Conquerour will in time Triumph over my Weakness if I don't oppose him with all my Strength Having made these Reflections which her almost dying Vertue did inspire her withal she took her Pen and having understood by a certain Friend whō was going into Swisserland that her Husband had been seen in that Country she wrote him these following Lines Cruel Ungrateful YOU appear so despicable to me at this time that your neglect shall not cost me so much as one Sigh What cou'd induce you to leave your faithful Spouse without Remorse There need no great question to be made concerning the difference of our Sentiments they are so opposite to one another that they are pass'd all Reconciliation on my side Oh! had it pleas'd Heaven which has punish'd me for loving you too much to let me know you as well long ago as I do at present This Knowledge wou'd have sav'd me many a torrent of Tears and Sighs which I have so lavishly bestow'd upon an ungrateful Man who is not in the least worthy of 'em When you seriously consider with your self unto what danger you have expos'd a Woman of my Age and if I may say so my self who may also pretend to some merit you ought to blush for shame My Vertue has hitherto defended it self against those Temptations which daily present themselves before my Eyes But alass How difficult it is to be assur'd of an entire Victory over ones own Inclinations How do you know but that when matters come to the utmost extremity my strength may fail me Make haste therefore to help me before I am utterly lost which I shall certainly be without your Presence You have left me destitute of Mony and all other comforts What wou'd you have me resolve upon in this miserable Condition If it had not been for a certain Friend of
of some other Sciences for two or three Years during which time he became such a Proficient in every one of 'em that he attain'd to the highest perfections surpassing even his Masters especially in the Mathematicks to which his Genius was naturally inclin'd The King having made him soon after a Knight of the Order of the Holy-Ghost he was all of a sudden inspir'd with so much Devotion that he went every day to Mass and to hear Sermons of which he never miss'd one He was wont also frequently at that time to pay his visits to the Jesuits in the Professed House of Paris who by that means became his particular Friends and they prevail'd with him to make a Vow to St. Amable who is in great esteem in the City of Rion in Auvergne both for his antiquity and the great number of miracles which he is said to have wrought This Saint is to be seen in the great Church of that City and it is reported of him that if any one does but touch with a true faith a certain great Tooth which he has it secures him from ever dying of his Wounds receiv'd in the Wars or otherwise as well as from any others got by the biting of mad Dogs or Venomous Beast The Reader may easily judge from thence that the Marshal had rais'd his mind to the highest pitch of Devotion and some began to be of Opinion that he was in a fair way of turning an absolute Bigot if Love which is not a fit Companion for such sort of People and which had always the chief Ascendant over his Heart had not quickly made him change his Inclination and oblig'd him to re-assume his former Liberty Let us now see him go to the Battel of Fleurus which happen'd in the Year 1690 in the Month of June under the Command of the Duke of Luxemburg who was then General over the King's Forces in Flanders No sooner were the Enemies beaten out of the Field but Monsieur Boufflers who had had an ample share in the Victory took his rest in the Arms of a new Mistress who possess'd all his thoughts for some time This was one Mrs. Montberg the Daughter of a certain Flemmish Officer who had been kill'd in the same Battel It must be said to her advantage that never was seen a more beautiful Woman of a brown Complexion in the World and who had a more gracefull haughtiness in her whole Behaviour than she and it was not without a great deal of trouble that the Marshal cou'd find an opportunity to address his Courtship to her The loss of her Father who was one of the best Officers the Allies had in the whole Army had afflicted her to that degree that she refus'd to admit of any Consolation having by his Death been bereav'd of all what she cou'd call her own as having no other Subsistance but what depended absolutely upon her Father's Fortune Monsieur de Boufflers having been inform'd concerning her present Condition by one of her Acquaintance according to his generous inclination which extended it self more particularly towards the fair Sex offer'd her his Purse It was not without great reluctancy that she accepted the offer of a Man whom she suspected did not make his Presents for nothing and the truth is why shou'd any Man shew so much kindness toward a Woman unless with a prospect of receiving some favours They ought not to take the Liberality of their Gallants in any other sense because they very often pay dearly for ' em Our Marshal has often found it so by his own experience and to his Cost But let us return to Mrs. Montberg who by her passionate and Engaging Air had so Captivated the Heart of our General that he has protested to me since that he never was so much in Love in all his Life-time before she appear'd to him so full of charms and sweetness in her whole Deportment besides her Beauty which tho' it was always extraordinary yet appear'd at certain times with such a lustre that it quite dazzl'd his Reason so that in a little time he turn'd stark Fool and her perfect Idolater as he one day when he lay at her Feet was pleas'd to tell her himself You then Love me indeed my dear Boufflers said she very pleasantly Yes my incomparable reply'd the Marshal embracing her but I intend to discount with your Heart for all the sufferings it makes me endure You have Complaisance enough to make me a return of some small Favours but you will not grant me What is it you wou'd have me grant you my dearly Belov'd answer'd the young Lady laughing and interrupting his discourse If I had in my gift the most eminent Offices in the State or any thing else that is worth your acceptance nay if it lay in my power continu'd she with a charming Air to put a Crown upon your Head I protest to you that you shou'd not stay for it till to morrow The weight of that Madam reply'd the Marshal modestly wou'd be too heavy and troublesome for me It is in your power to make me a Present no less precious than that That agreeable Throne environ'd with Purple the sweetest seat of Love added he all transported with Passion is that to which my Ambition leads me This is that Soveraignty which is in your possession and which if you will put into my Hands I 'll make you my Queen and all my desires shall center in you My Scepter shall only be touch'd by your fair Hands and you alone shall have the whole sway and management of all the Affairs of State Mrs. Montberg cou'd not forbear laughing out as loud as she cou'd at the ingenious interpretation which her Lover had made of her Words to whom she answer'd with a smile Sir it is a Talent peculiar only to the French Gentle men to express themselves in so extraordinary a manner other Nations cannot pretend to that subtilty of Wit And pray Madam reply'd the Marshal with a great deal of feigned sincerity what great Subtilty can there be in Expressing things naturally as they are Is there any thing more common among Men than to endeavour to be happy And as it is in your power my Divine Creature to make me the most Fortunate of all Mortals I come here to embrace your Feet and to pray you not to delay any longer my Happiness There is another Thought reply'd the young Lady no less witty and pleasant than the former I cou'd wish my self now a larger share of Wit than I have that I might have the satisfaction of giving you a suitable return to these excellent Expressions Madam answer'd the Marshal you 'll certainly make me a suitable return when you shall vouchsafe to grant my Request And what is it then Sir reply'd the Lady abruptly that you desire for that I see you are not very easily satisfy'd Yes my lovely Creature pretty easily said the Marshal kissing her fair Hands you are not ignorant
all Expression except by him who had the good Fortune to be made sensible of ' em Nothing cou'd appear more Charming than she did as she lay in Bed A careless Head-dress ty'd behind with a Carnation Ribbon in the nature of a single Top-knot together with a sweet engaging Air which was natural to her made her appear the most lovely Woman in the Universe The Marshal having now met with a favourable Opportunity to enjoy the happy Minute told Guisson who had introduc'd him that Morning to the Countess Mademoiselle Let me be with your Lady for two or three Hours in private because I have some Matters of Moment to impart to her This young Damsel who very well understood his Meaning ask'd her Mistress Whether she wou'd have her withdraw Yes said the Lady and if any shou'd come to enquire for me this Morning tell 'em That I am indispos'd and not to be spoke with at present The Young Woman having receiv'd her Lady's Orders left the Room and our Marshal finding himself now at liberty threw himself upon the Bed by his fair Lady kissing and embracing her without Intermission and finding nothing that was likely to obstruct his Passage if he advanc'd farther he in very passionate Terms begg'd of her to grant him the last Favour Alas cry'd she half vanquish'd and entangl'd in his Embraces Who can deny you any thing my Dear Alas I am ready to faint pray pity my Weakness Oh! what ravishing joys my Soul my Soveraign The Marshal now in the midst of his Enjoyments thought himself the happiest Man in the World and keeping her still in his Arms protested to her with a great many Oaths That he never in all his Life-time had receiv'd so much Satisfaction as with her He desir'd her after having by a thousand Oaths assur'd her of his Fidelity and that he wou'd love her for ever To keep their Intriegue secret and to let no Body in the World know of it lest that if the Count de should get the least scent of it it might prove of dangerous consequence both to her and himself who cou'd not suffer her to be misus'd by a Jealous Husband The Countess told him with a Kiss That he needed not in the least fear her that she did not admire Confidents in Love that she was so tender as to this Point that she scarce trusted her own Heart lest it should betray her These Assurances were sign'd by both Parties several times over and the poor Countess who was of a very tender Constitution seal'd 'em with some Drops of her Blood in hopes that their mutual Promises shou'd outlast their Lives The Marshal now more contented than a Prince left his Beloved in Bed having reiterated his Promise to come and see her often But before a few Days were pass'd the King being dissatisfy'd with the Inhabitants of Liege who had by some Acts of Hostility incurr'd his utmost Displeasure order'd That some Batteries should be rais'd against that City and the whole Management of this Affair being left to the Conduct of the Marshal de Boufflers he prepar'd himself to put his Orders in execution against Whitsontide Our General having therefore taken Leave of his Countess and repeated his former Assurances of an everlasting Love Bombarded the City of Liege for Two or three Days causing a great Consternation among the Inhabitants very many of whom were ruin'd by it But while he was taken up in this Expedition the Count carry'd his Lady back to Paris and tho' he shew'd her all the Complaisance imaginable yet she who cou'd not think upon nor be pleas'd with any thing but her Gallant receiv'd all her Husband's Caresses very coldly The Count who was not insensible of her Indifferency and lov'd her extremely was ready to dye with Vexation not imagining that she cou'd love any one but himself after he had so much advanc'd her Fortune he having marry'd her not for her Portion or extraordinary Quality but merely for her Beauty she being by Birth the Daughter only of a Private Gentleman in Poictou But to return to our Lady who never having had any great Love for her Husband was easily comforted for his Death which happen'd soon after pleasing her self with a Fancy That the Marshal de Boufflers wou'd marry her conformably to those passionate Protestations he had often made to her But she was much deceiv'd in her Aim for having notify'd to him the Death of her Husband in such Terms as were convincing enough to the Marshal That she lov'd him sufficiently to invest him with the same Quality he turn'd the whole into Raillery and answer'd her in Terms full of Equivocations which most sensibly afflicted her And the Marshal who after the Campaign was ended return'd to Paris told her with his own Mouth That he cou'd not as yet resolve to Marry but that this shou'd not hinder him from loving her as well as if she were his Wife and more for said he Marriage often suppresses the vehemency of Love and sometimes quite extinguishes its Flame But these Reasons were not cogent enough to make her lay aside the Thoughts she had of Marrying him On the contrary she conceiv'd such an Aversion toward him perceiving her self thus despis'd after she had done so much for him that Hatred succeeded in her Heart instead of Love to that degree that she refus'd to see him nay she wou'd not so much as hear him spoke of as if his very Name were terrible to her Which vex'd the Marshal to the very Heart who lov'd her to the highest degree notwithstanding he cou'd not resolve to make her his Spouse One Day as he was walking in the King's Gardens at Versailles it being a very fair Day he espy'd from far his Countess's Coach and drawing nearer and finding no Body in it but one of her Footmen he ask'd him where his Lady was who having told him That she was taking a Turn in one of the Walks of the Gardens with the Marchioness de lae Mothe the Marshal with all possible haste made up to the Place where his fair Lady was But being willing to over-hear their Discourse he hid himself behind some Trees hard by where they were walking and heard the Countess de who was wiping her Tears away with her Handkerchief say thus to the Marchioness My dearest let us bury my Misfortune in Oblivion 't is pass'd Expression when I consider what I have done for that ungrateful Man the very Thoughts of whom now are frightful to me This perfidious Wretch has not only given me his Word but sworn a thousand Oaths That if the Chance of War should happen to take off my Husband I shou'd alone dispose of his Destiny But good God! continu'd she what is become of all those Oaths He says he loves me more than ever and yet refuses to keep his Promise You are a very good-natur'd Lady indeed reply'd the Marchioness de la Mothe laughing are you to learn yet
among the Religious Vrselines the strictest Order in all France especially as to sensual Pleasures upon which they look as so many Monsters that strive to devour Mankind and to exclude 'em from Paradise If you are dextrous enough to insinuate your self into her affection you are a happy Man but you 'll find the Conquest not very easie Above all things I wou'd advise you to deal sincerely with her she being a great Lover of that Vertue I will endeavour Madam reply'd the General having made first a profound Reverence to her to follow your wise Counsel and I will strive to gain the Affections of this Beauty by all the most sincere and honourable means that can be found out Madam de Maintenon having given some further Advice to the Marshal concerning his Marriage and receiv'd his humble Thanks he return'd to his Lodgings where he began to meditate upon the event of his intended Marriage The next Day after Dinner he gave a Visit to Mademoiselle de Grammont who being just a little before gone to S. Cyr and he not thinking it convenient to interrupt the Discourse that might pass between this fair Lady and the Abbess staid at some distance from the Abby But she making a longer stay than he expected and being on Horse-back follow'd only by one Footman 〈◊〉 took a turn in the Wood of Vincennes He had not been there long e're he espy'd the Livery of Madam de Maintenon afar off and not questioning but that his Mistress was with her in the same Coach which went on with a very slow pace he with a Hand-gallop advanc'd nearer to ' em Mademoiselle de Grammont being plac'd at the same side where he came let the Glasses down and saluted him not without Blushing which Madam de Maintenon having immediately taken notice of she made a Sign to our Marshal to make him sensible that this sudden Emotion cou'd not be interpreted otherwise than to his advantage He soon understood the meaning of the Sibyl of Versailles and being unwilling to surprise his Mistress he look'd another way as if he had not observ'd this change of her Colour Madam de Maintenon who was ready upon all occasions to second his Love told him And what Sir makes you come hither What is it that enforces you thus to wander so far in this Solitude Perhaps 't is some amorous Melancholy which has carry'd you into this Wood. You have guess'd it to a Hair's Breadth Madam cry'd he and I protest to you upon my Faith That nothing else has brought me into this solitary and delightful Place The Marshal said Mademoiselle de Grammont interrupting their Discourse is always employ'd in some new Love-Intriegue or another in which he seeks his Diversion 'T is true Mademoiselle reply'd Madam de Maintenon he was made both for Love and Wars and his noble Heart Hero like triumphs over both Madam reply'd Boufflers in a very submissive and respectful manner you that determine all Matters before you with equal Skill and Goodness pray don't deny me Justice My Heart is like a Slave that is accustom'd to wear Chains without regret 'T is no hard matter to conquer it provided the Person who attacks it be like Mademoiselle whose force it is not able to resist You always are very gallant Sir said Madam de Maintenon and what do you think of him my Dear Madam reply'd the fair Lady I cannot think otherwise than that you judge in favour of the Marshal 'T is a Character peculiar to a gallant Man to be always tender and complaisant in Lady's Company and tho' he shou'd not be so in good earnest yet he ought at least out of a Principle of Gallantry to make 'em believe so But as to flatter my self so far as to believe that it is in my power by any means to disturb the Repose of Monsieur Bousflers I am well satisfy'd 't is much beyond what I can pretend to Ha! what do you say Mademoislle cry'd the Marshal transported to that degree that Madam de Maintenon cou'd not forbear laughing there never was any Person living upon the Face of the Earth who cou'd be more capable of making me unfortunate than your self Pray look Mademoiselle reply'd the Abbess of St. Cyr in a very obliging manner what effects your Charms have produc'd upon the Marshal Alass how much alter'd he is since the time that 'T is very true reply'd the Marshal de Boufflers I don't rest Day or Night and from that very moment that I began to be in Love I found my Heart so continually distracted and tormented that all whatever I felt before in my Life-time is not comparable to it I know who is the cause of it and it 's for this reason that I cherish those Evils which when I rightly consider 'em cannot but be very charming to me As far as I see said Madam de Maintenon you are both happy and unhappy at the same time and I don't question but that Mademoiselle who is all Goodness will take some care not to let you suffer so much for the future She will undoubtedly take some Method or another to make you more fortunate Do you not give your Consent to what I say incomparable Lady added Madam de Maintenon taking our young Lady by the Hand I 'll see I 'll see Madam reply'd she with a Smile I believe the Pain which the Marshal talks of not to be so violent but that he may have a little patience till some body else apply a Remedy to appease it I am not so skilful in giving Relief to such Gentlemen as he who are continually in want of the Assistance of fair Ladies The Marshal wou'd certainly have made some gallant and agreeable Reply to his Mistress if Madam de Maintenon and Mademoiselle de Grammont had not both stept out of the Coach on purpose to take a Walk upon the Grass which was very green and pleasant at that Season of the Year Boufflers walk'd constantly by his fair Mistresses side to whom he told a thousand tender and passionate Things At last he entreated 'em to go and refresh themselves at a fine Country-Seat hard by belonging to a particular Friend of his which he made use of his own But Madam de Maintenon not being willing to go they agreed to defer it till another Opportunity The care of the Abby which lies altogether upon me said she after a very devout manner not to speak now of the Engagements I have to use a great deal of Complaisance to the King who has his particular Humours does not allow me so much time as to think of Pleasures Not but that he is a very good natur'd Prince but his Majesty very often insists upon doing Things which I shou'd not approve of if I had the liberty to explain my felf so that being frequently oblig'd to pass a great many things by in silence it causes me many a vexatious Hour I cannot but admire at what you say Madam reply'd
her Reason she reply'd not without some confusion O Heavens How weak do I find my self at this Instant What crime am I going to commit against my Duty Sir Sir pray have pitty upon me The Marshal was vext to the very Soul that he cou'd not make use of so Favourable an Opportunity as presented it self he cou'd have wish'd that the Wall which parted his Beloved and him had been of Paper or Cloth that he might have made his way thro' it He struck with his Sword several times against the Window the Enemy of his happiness but alass in vain for he found her so barricado'd up with Iron Grates that he cou'd scarce put a Finger thro' it His belov'd Angel who was not insensible of his disquiet and wou'd very willingly have had a more secret interview with him cry'd out to him take Courage Sir Fortune has always a kind chance for Lovers The Marshal was so Transported with this charming Expression that he cou'd not forebear telling her Divine Creature I dye a thousand times a day by a most violent Death being uncertain of my destiny if you be so Inhumane and Cruel as to deny me your pity and prohibit me to enjoy the Pleasure of seeing you in Private Rather suffer that after having declar'd my Passion and what Pains you have made me undergo I may dye for grief at your Feet But continu'd he I am resolv'd to do it without delay and drawing his Sword and putting the Point towards his Breast I will sayd he dye in your Sight He swore these Words in so Melancholy a Tone that Donna Olympia fearing he was in earnest cry'd out all in Tears hold hold for Heaven's sake don't let your Passion drive you into despair don't make your self the most Criminal of all Mankind why will you make an attempt against your own self for want of a little Patience Preserve your self for my sake and I promise that I will find out a more favourable Opportunity The Marshal seem'd extremely pleas'd with the assurances he had receiv'd from his Mistress and glad that his feign'd attempt had made her believe that his intent of killing himself in her presence was real tho' God knows it was the least of his Thoughts being not so much a Fool as to dye for her sake Nevertheless looking upon her with a very Passionate Eye Madam said he I am infinitely oblig'd to your Goodness for saving my Life which was ready to be Sacrific'd before you if you had not stopt my Hand and thereby prevented the fatal Stroak I shou'd have certainly executed it without delay but now since you flatter me with hopes of seeing you again in private I will leave my most adorable Olympia to convince you of the greatness of that Passion which I have for you and to shew you that an Age will not be long enough to satisfy my Desires The fair Spaniard perceiving some of her Women to come that way retir'd into another Chamber and the Mar. who surmis'd that some body had surpris'd her whilst she was talking with him retir'd somewhat backward from the Window with a resolution nevertheless to stay all Night to watch an opportunity of entertaining his Mistress a second time Having thus walk'd up and down near the Ditch of an adjacent Castle he saw at the very break of day a Black-Moor coming from under the Ground out of a Vault and making up towards him who presented to him the following Letter SIR I shou'd think my self over happy if I cou'd find Words suitable to that Passion which I have for you But alass I find my self quite at a loss in this point of extremity and if I may judge of your Love by my own both are beyond Expression If Absence were able to cure it I wou'd make use of that Remedy but I am too well convinc'd to the contrary Wherefore let nothing disturb your quiet but rest satisfy'd that you shall see me very shortly that is to say to Morrow at the same Hour The same Page who has deliver'd this Letter to you is to conduct you into my Chamber by the same way that he came out to you In the mean time be not Impatient and remember that you are answerable to me for a Heart which you have Robb'd me of in spite of all my resistance This shall be the reward of your Sufferings if you continue to Love me The Marshal who had not without some fear taken the Letter from the Black-moor did imagine that perhaps it might be the Devil who was come from the infernal Regions on purpose do him some mischief and being at some uncertainty what to resolve upon he went back to his Lodgings and enquir'd of his Land-Lady as well as he cou'd in the Spanish Tongue which she understood very well whether she knew that Lady who liv'd at the Foot of that Rocky Castle which he nam'd to her Yes very well said she she is the Relict of a certain honest Gentleman who is lately dead his Name was that of the Marquess of Toledo but good God! continu'd she how unhappy is that pretty Creature since the Death of her Husband who lov'd her even to a degree of Folly She is at present under the Government of a Brother who Tyrannises over her like his Slave not allowing her the Liberty of speaking one word to any Man His name is Don Bilboano he is Jealous even to a degree of Madness and 't is the common discourse of the Town that he is in Love with his Sister At that rate reply'd the Marshal carelesly as if he had not known her a Man must expose himself to no small danger if he shou'd go about to Court her for a Wife O Lord cry'd the good Woman being much surpris'd this cruel Man threatens to Sheath his Sword in the Breast of any Gentleman that shall have the boldness so much as to think of his Sister he intending to be her only absolute Master Here the Marshal interrupting her said but for God's sake do you believe that Donna Olympia entertains her Brother's Passion I don't believe she does reply'd the Woman for how can so charming a Creature as she Love the most ill shap'd of all Men for besides that he is as ugly as the Devil he has a hunch Back enough to frighten Children withal and his Legs are as crooked as a Hoop tho' as to his internal Qualities he is not inferiour to any Man having accomplish'd himself in all manner of Arts and Sciences Monsieur Boufflers being extremely well pleas'd with the Womans Answer which he found very agreeable and pursuing the former Discourse ask'd her what was the reason that this Marchioness had chang'd her Name from Donna Toleda to Donna Olympia Oh! reply'd she that is the contrivance of that ill favour'd piece her Brother who will have it so This evil Spirit cannot endure the name of his Brother in Law his Head being fill'd with a fancy that his Sister is a
England a Woman shou'd commit these extravagancies she wou'd be thought only fit for a Mad-House But it is to be consider'd that in no other place in the World these violent attempts are so frequently put in Execution as there I don't know what hard sentiments they have concerning themselves but this is certain that for a small disappointment 't is often known that they Hang Poyson or Pistol themselves without any sense of thir crime Our General being touch'd as much with compassion as with Love threw himself ather Feet entreating her to tell him the truecauseof that affliction which had inspir'd her with so desperate a Resolution the mark 's of which plainly appear'd in her Countenance The English Lady being somewhat of a haughty temper cou'd at first scarce resolve to discover the Circumstances of her Affairs to Monsieur de Bouffflers looking upon it as a thing very unbecoming herself and as somewhat which cou'd not but most sensibly affect her Honour Nevertheless considering with her self in what a generous and obliging manner she was treated by the Marshal she at last determin'd to make an ingenuous Confession in these Words Is it possible Sir that my ill Fortune shou'd drive me to this point of Extremity in which you see me at present My Husband who scarce deserves that name having left me without Mony and without any prospect of receiving assistance from any Person I have been for some time in this Inn with my Valet du Chambre and my waiting Woman and besides other Necessaries requisite for a Person of my Quality I have not wherewithal to satisfy my Host whom I cannot expect to entertain me Gratis I am quite beyond all Patience to see my self reduc'd to this extremity by the neglect of an ill Husband who She cou'd not proceed the Tears which trickl'd down her Beautiful Cheeks having quite stopt her Speech The Marshal was so touch'd with compassion that immediately he offer'd her his Purse desiring her to make use of it as if it were her own and to shew her that his Words were not bare Compliments as 't is the common Custom of a great many but that his Offers were real he went immediately down to the Host whom he ask'd how much that English Lady who with her Servants Lodg'd in his House was indebted to him The Inn-holder having brought him her Bill he immediately pay'd him what he demanded telling him that he had receiv'd Orders from her Husband Mr. Stone to pay him his Mony and to engage his Word for what ever she shou'd have occasion for in his House for the future In a few Moments after Monsieur de Boufflers sent to his new Mistress a Purse full of Lovis's d'or Embroider'd with fine Pearls on both sides and trimm'd with Ribonds of all sorts of Colours to supply her self with such little Necessaries as she might have occasion for at that time The Marshal discovering in this fair Lady every day new charms was extremely glad of this Opportunity hoping that his Liberality wou'd be repaid him in another Coin that is to say by his Mistresses Favours Is it possible said he to himself that any Husband can be so unworthy thus to abandon a Person of her merit and who is so Charming and Amiable in outward appearance Truly I don't know what may be in the bottom of this matter which perhaps is past my finding out if she shou'd perhaps continu'd he with a Smile have some resemblance to my Spanish Mistress what a disappointment wou'd that be but let it be as it will I don't repent of having given her some assistance at a time when she was just at the point of Despair I have at least done a work of Charity if her Charms shou'd not prove answerable to my expectation If Monsieur de Boufflers was thus employ'd in reasoning with himself my Lady Stone did make no less Reflections upon the Liberality which she had receiv'd from an Officer whom she did not know before she had seen him in the same Place where she Lodg'd Oh! cry'd she being all alone in her Chamber I insensibly engage my self to I know not whom Perhaps this Stranger will scarce be contented with a bare Acknowledgement he appears to me so Passionate that I have all the reason to believe he aims at no less than my Heart Without this prospect which is natural to all Men what cou'd have induc'd him to shew his Generosity to me Oh cruel Husband cry'd this Lady sighing If I part with something which only belongs to you alone remember that you your self are the cause of it For when I reflect upon your Behaviour towards me I find a strong Inclination in me to grant it I beseech thee good God to give me Vertue and Strength enough to resist so powerful a Temptation I foresee by some secret Instinct that I shall not be able to come off a Conquerour in this Engagement My Lady Stone was thus Tormenting her self when the Marshal came into the same Room where she was and after having pay'd his respects and Saluted her he set himself down by her What is it Madam said he that occasions all these troubles Why do you strive to render your self unfortunate in Reflecting too much upon your present Condition Don't let the Spring-season of your Life pass away without Pleasure so charming a Person as you ought to be made sensible of the satisfaction which attends the full enjoyment of the happy Minute If you have the least inclination to Love I know a certain Gentleman so violently charm'd with your engaging Air that he declares he loves you more than his own Life And how come you to know this answer'd the Lady in a Melancholy Tone are you the Guardian of this Gentleman's Heart Yes Madam reply'd the Marshal with a very Passionate look I know him as well as my own self and I will be answerable for his Passion and Constancy and that he shall protest to you that he will Love you as long as he lives You surprise me Sir reply'd the fair Lady pray tell me who is this Gentleman that has such advantageous Thoughts of me do I not know him Madam reply'd the Marshal casting on her a very amourous look He is not unknown to you 't is the same whom you see before you This Declaration of the Marshal's having put our English Lady to the blush he continu'd to make to her all the most sincere Protestations of a violent Passion according to the Custom of most Men at the first rise of their Love The Marshal was so extremely delighted with his growing Passion that he protested with a Thousand Oaths at the Feet of his Mistress that he Passionately lov'd her that he ador'd her that he was Inchanted by her powerfull Charms and a Thousand such like extravagant Expressions Is it posible reply'd my Lady Stone coldly that you shou'd Love me so much as you pretend you do May one rely upon your Words Commonly Persons
which was the name of the fair Lady's Brother you 'll make but a very indifferent House-Wife if you don't intend to make that your chief business as becomes an honest Gentlewoman such a one as you have been Educated at home what can continu'd he be more Reproachful to a Woman that values her Reputation than to hornify a poor harmless Man who has not deserv'd it And how dost thou know Landrirette answer'd his Sister briskly that he does not deserve it his Brother-in-Law I am sure has great Occasion for a lusty Pair to rouse up his dull Spirits and to clear his cloudy Brains Truly Sister reply'd Landrirette you either intend to make sport with me or else I believe you are not in your right Wits if I thought you were in good earnest I wou'd be the first that shou'd give notice of it to your Husband who I don't question wou'd find out a way to prevent his being dignify'd with Horns by you Indeed reply'd his Sister scoffingly I don't know whether he cou'd or not a Woman is a strange sort of Creature to deal with when she has once set her Resolution upon such a thing I am only too apt to believe it answer'd Landrirette as he was going away but pray Sister be mindful of your Duty and consider that you have a Husband unto whom you are accountable for your Actions Come hither you Block-head reply'd Madam Niguese calling back her Brother canst thou believe me to be such a Fool as not to tread in my Mother's Foot-steps I have heard my Parents say that when I was born my Mother perswaded my Father who is as thou knowst a good honest Man I suppose thou dost apprehend my meaning that she was big with me Ten or Eleven Months which is contrary to the course of Nature My Father who was willing to be absolutely satisfy'd in this matter having been absent these Eleven Months took Counsel of a Physitian who had had more than half a share in the begetting me whether it were possible for any Woman to go so long with Child You may easily imagine that the Doctor told him it might very well be partly out of self-interest and partly mov'd by the entreaties of my Mother who was sorely afraid that the Plot might be discover'd If any Sinister Accident shou'd happen to me I warrant you we shall go near to find out means to clear that mistake Is this your way to rectify your Errors reply'd her Brother for shame blush at these Reproachful Designs Adieu I cannot endure to hear you talk at this rate any longer Her Brother having thus left her she enter'd her Closet where she began to Reflect upon her Passion which she felt for Monsieur de Boufflers who had appear'd in her Eyes the most charming and most accomplish'd Man in the World and as she said to herself who deserv'd to possess the Heart of a Beautiful Woman Oh! what a Satisfaction is it said she to make such a Conquest His whole Air is charming and I have observ'd that all his Actions tend to honourable Designs but supposing he shou'd not be so nice in his Honour as I cou'd wish for what hazard can I run in the Case I am a Marry'd Woman if I were a young Maid he might after he had deceiv'd me expose me to his Scorn but as I am I need not insist upon these Trifles I shall enjoy a Thousand happy Minutes without any farther charge to my self than a little Complaisance As to the Horns which my Husband is likely to get by the Bargain I matter it not knowing that he well deserves 'em besides that there are a great many others who think themselves fine Fellows because they have the Honour to be admitted into that Order 'T is at present the grand Mode of Paris a fine business indeed to make so many Scruples about is there not such a Multitude of Persons who are content to wear 'em that their number is not to be express'd Monsieur Niguese her Husband coming into the Closet prevented her from making any farther Reflections for that time being come to lead her to Supper The next Day the Marshal de Boufflers who seldom looses a prize gave a visit to this Lady who very joyfully bid him welcome to her House and her Husband who as I have told you before was a Counsellour desir'd our General to come into his Study which was furnish'd all over with Baggs of Writings Monsieur Boufflers was at that time actually engag'd in a Law suit and having occasion for the advice of a Lawyer he deliver'd his Writings to our Counsellor who return'd him a Thousand Compliments for the Honour he did him in making use of him in this Law Suit He promis'd that he wou'd peruse 'em all over and not be wanting in his endeavours to gain him the Cause I shall think my self very much oblig'd to you Sir answer'd Monsieur de Boufflers putting two or three Golden Lovises into his Hand I will desire your Lady to put you in Mind of my business She is your Servant Sir reply'd the Counsellor leading him into his Wifes Chamber who had left 'em by themselves not questioning but that the Marshal wou'd give her a Visit in private before he departed Pray observe Sir said the good Man peeping his Wife in the Face she has more Interest in the Courts of Justice than my self When my Lord chief President comes to our House Come hither my Dearest will he say take you my Robe and Cap and do you give Sentence as you think Convenient O dear Sir said the Marshal Smiling I hope this may turn to my great Advantage Come Madam Come said he making a shew as if he wou'd embrace her if you will but take my business in Hand I don't question but we shall manage the Cause to very good purpose But Sir continu'd he ere I forget it are not you a Native of Normandy if I don't mistake I have heard 'em say that you have great skill in the tricking part of the Law as most of your best Gentlemen of that Country have No Sir reply'd Monsieur Niguese I was born near Paris but Normandy is the Native Country of my Wife O you then are the Person who is best skill'd in that part reply'd the General in a Familiar manner it is to you that I must make my application and give you Instructions concerning my whole Business No question Sir reply'd the Counsellor but that we shall find it out in time I will leave you with my Wife to open the Cause whilst I go to a certain Abbot one of my old Friends to draw up a Petition for him of great Consequence I cannot but tell you before I go that this Abbot having got a young Wench with Child she now Sues him for a Maintenance both for her self and the Child for their Lives My Dearest do you relate the rest of the Story to Monsieur Boufflers O yes yes said the Lady being
Office does not belong to Chamber-maids he told her throwing himself at her Feet Madam I beg your Pardon I was not so happy as to know you before besides 't was the excess of my Passion that made me take too much liberty but I find you Cruel and Inexorable to the highest degree As far I can see you wou'd let whole Troops of Lovers dye at your Feet without the least Compassion on your side certainly Madam this is a crime of the highest Nature to be so Inhuman I take it to be a greater Crime in you Sir reply'd Janneton laughing at his being in this Posture to endeavour to perswade us if we were so Foolish as to believe it that you are most Passionately in Love with all such Persons to whom you address your Courtships but as for my part you must excuse me if I cannot give Credit to your Asseverations I know a little too well the true Character of you Courtiers not by Experience but by the Relations of others who have had the Opportunity to try ' em And what do those pretty incredulous Creatures say of us reply'd the Marshal carelesly O Sir said Janneton they 'll tell you of a thousand Dissembling and Perfidious tricks such as are altogether unbecoming a great Soul I wonder how Gentlemen of Quality can condescend to make use of such mean ways to deceive our Sex I shou'd think that Love being the most innocent Commerce among us Mortals shou'd be founded upon honourable Principles You have spoke very well my most adorable Janneton cry'd the Marshal Transported with Passion but you must consider that these Lady 's of whom you speak deal somewhat unjustly with us in representing all Men of one and the same Temper There are some that are Lovers of Honour and Integrity and wou'd scorn to deal upon other Terms with your Sex thanks to my Stars I am of the number of these and I wou'd sooner added he drawing his Sword out of the Scabbard thrust this thro' my Heart than deceive a Lady that Loves me Then Sir reply'd the young Lady smiling one must Love you if one wou'd make sure of your Heart Yes Divine Creature said Monsieur de Boufflers that is the only way to Conquer it and to make it your Vassal Madam Garenne who had re-conducted the Countess to her Coach coming in interrupted 'em otherwise our General wou'd not have broke off so soon But this Lady as soon as she was enter'd well Cousin said She has Mademoiselle de la Fleur entertain'd you with some satisfaction concerning the unfortunate She-Lover Yes Madam reply'd the Marshal casting a tender look upon Janneton but I have in my turn entertain'd her with that of the Unfortunate He Lover who cou'd not perswade his Mistress of his sincerity upon which subject I have enlarg'd to the utmost of my Ability Your Mademoiselle there is the most unlucky unbelieving Creature in the World she will not believe a Word one says except you forswear your self to the Devil you cannot perswade her of the least thing that can be O dear Cousin said Madam Garenne don't Swear you are not ignorant that the fair Sex is always incredulous and that they take a particular Pride in making their Gallants languish for ' em Plague on this way of making Love reply'd the Marquess pleasantly I wou'd have 'em take my Word at first Oh! my dear Kinsman answer'd the Lady this wou'd abate a great deal of the pleasure you know that every thing that is bought dear pleases best If a Woman shou'd at first sight surrender her Heart you wou'd be deprivd of the most charming part of your Passion What is easily obtain'd soon looses its Vigour and fades as fast as it grows But come let us talk of other more substantial matters one cannot live upon Love and in my mind Love is but a slender Diet. No sooner had the Lady broke off this Discourse but she order'd that a good Collation shou'd be got ready in the mean time the Marshal who appear'd very pensive retir'd into another Room where having fix'd his Eyes upon several Pictures representing some Rural Nymphs he diverted himself with some Pastoral Songs which his Kinswoman having taken notice of Come Come Cousin cry'd she awake out of your Amourous slumber come taste whether my Wine be good By my Faith Madam answer'd the Marshal I am so drunk with Love that all other Food is insipid every thing else is indifferent to me Not very long ago continu'd he being at Supper with the two Marshals de Crequi and de Navaille and my Thoughts being taken up with a certain amourous Assignation at a place where I had been entertain'd some time before with a great deal of Delight and Satisfaction these Gentlemen finding me thus pensive were so spiteful as to slip upon my Plate a great piece of a Candle which I swallow'd ere I was aware of it and when this was done you may imagine they jeer'd me very handsomely What a Fool dost thou make thy self Boufflers said Madam Garenne thus to put thy self into Amourous Raptures if a compleat History of thy Love-adventures were to be committed to Writing it wou'd undoubtedly make a very large Volume When you have drunk this Glass of Wine which she presented to him be so Complaisant said she to him as to tell me who it is that at present has Captivated your Heart And wou'd you have me tell you sincerely my dear Kinswoman reply'd the Marshal 't is Mademoiselle de la Fleur who has chain'd me so closely that I shall scarce be able to bear it long except this lovely Child will take some pitty on me She appears to me the most amiable Person in the World her pretty little Mouth her roguish Eyes which send forth their Rays like so many Darts every moment Lord I shall run Mad if I think any longer of 'em Come Truce in Love for some time Come let us drink once continu'd he Drinking a hearty draught of Wine which was extraordinary good Here is to your best Inclinations here is to your charming Eyes said he to Mademoiselle de la Fleur who was just coming into the Room Come Janneton said Madam Garenne laughing Pledge the Marshal that same Health Madam reply'd the young Gentlewoman very modestly I have business of greater moment than to pledge the Marshal's Health to my Inclinations which as I am apt to believe are not agreeable to his sentiments who admires good natur'd and plyable Lady's and those too must be as sweet and tender as young Mutton Thus I wou'd wish it to be Mademoiselle reply'd the Marshal taking her by the Hand Pray Sir said Janneton very gravely let me go I am just now about to paint you one which I am sure will please you Provided she be like you reply'd Monsieur de Boufflers I am sure I shall like her Mademoiselle de la Fleur being gone out of the Room our General who was really in Love
both with her Wit and engaging Air spoke concerning her with a great deal of earnestness to his Cousin who gave him to understand that she was a Gentlewoman of good Quality and that out of Respect she had made her her Companion Indeed she told me so answer'd the Marshal and she did not forget to mention the great Obligations she had to you I have a great deal of Compassion for her upon that score reply'd the Lady truely I know her to be a young Woman of a good Reputation and I hope she has Wit enough to keep it And so do I Madam reply'd the Marshal if she will take my Word for it I assure you I Love her as much The Lady having soon understood the Marshal's meaning Pray Cousin said she don't you go about to Debauch this young Gentlewoman for whom I have a particular kindness it is a strange thing that you Gentlemen cannot employ your time better than to put Love-tricks into the young Womens Heads who of a sudden turn Fools and are undone by it Your Amourous Intreagues are as dangerous as your Martial Exploits You talk of nothing when you are together but of consuming of Hearts as well as Villages by Fire and by your good will you wou'd reduce every thing to Ashes Come employ you Fire-locks in another Place than in my House which you ought to Honour and Respect But Madam reply'd the Marshal briskly supposing this Fire you speak of shou'd first break out in your House may not a Man complain of ' it or make himself satisfaction Ay Ay you are never unprovided for a Repartee reply'd the Lady but let me desire you if you will oblige me not to talk of Love to Janneton whenever you see her Then the Devil take me my dear Cousin said Monsieur de Boufflers hastily if any thing in the World can make me do that at that rate I must go and cut out my I dare not name it Oh! cry'd the Lady laughing you are not half so desperate as you wou'd make us believe Farewel you are only sick in Fancy I leave you to your self But Madam reply'd the Marshal pleasantly and shall I not have the liberty to love Mademoiselle de la Fleur and to tell her No No not her cry'd the Lady Declare your Passion to some Body else where it will turn to better Account Janneton was not made for such Sparks as you You may say what you please my dear Cousin said the Marshal just as he was going but this I am sure of I am resolv'd to adore her No sooner was the Marshal gone but Madam Garenne call'd for Janneton who was at that time making a piece of Embroidery-work which was the Figure of Diana wrought with Silk and Gold she had represented this Goddess so lively sitting just upon the Banks of a small Current that it was charming to behold and one cou'd not chuse but extremely admire both the skill of the Work-Woman and the exactness of the Work When she was come down to Madam Garanna she began to give her a very sober Lesson concerning the Marshal de Boufflers whom she told her she must by no means hearken to but fly from his presence as that of her greatest Enemy if you did but know my Dearest said she unto what danger a young Woman exposes her self whenever she lends an Ear to the flattering Courtships of your Soldiers it wou'd make you stand amaz'd nothing but what is terrible and frightful belongs to 'em and a vertuous Woman must inevitably loose her Reputation if she be conversant with 'em if they happen to meet with any one that is so foolish as to be catch'd in the Snare she will be sure to be rewarded with a certain loathsome Distemper which is not fit to be nam'd and makes a great many Women undergo the Martrydom of Love Young Women who design to make their Fortune in the World must not set up for light House-Wives but fly from the Company of Men as it were so many evil Spirits this is the ready way to advance themselves the sooner by a good Match I remember that the first time that I saw my Husband I had not till then spoke to any other Man in somuch that he was more taken with my innocent Behaviour than with my Beauty and Portion tho' both of 'em if I may say it without Vanity were not despiseable I having at that time the Reputation of being one of the most beautifull VVomen in Paris You have still a great share of it reply'd Janneton smiling you are still worthy of the same Character Let us set jesting a side reply'd the Lady and let us return to Boufflers who is one of the most dangerous Men in the World to hear him talk of his Passion you wou'd imagine that the whole Universe was not able to contain it which often comes to no more than a Visit I don't know Madam reply'd Mademoiselle de la Fleur with a very serious Countenance why you shou'd give such a Lesson to me who never knew any thing of the General but what I heard you speak and to whom I never spoke in my Life before till now Well Well Janneton said Madam Garenne that advantage is not very great on your side For to tell you the true motive which makes me talk thus to you you must know that he has declar'd to me that he is fall'n in Love with you Jesus Maria reply'd Janneton much surpris'd is it possible that he shou'd be so Silly as to tell you a thing of this nature which I am apt to believe he scarce ever dream'd of Madam if you will take my opinion in the matter it was only to divert himself don't you observe what delight he takes to banter the Women He banters 'em often to some purpose said the Lady laughing he has by these bant'ring Tricks got many a young Soldier to defend our Frontiers 'T is not above two Months ago that a young Country-Damsel brought forth at one Birth two lusty Boys of his begetting which I believe lye a little hard upon him at present because he is oblig'd to take care as well of the Mother as of the Children whom he says he will make his Foot-men as soon as they are able to wear a Lavery-Coat He does very well reply'd Mademoiselle de la Fleur to find out so honourable an Employment for 'em in time Madam I wou'd have you be at rest as to this Point for I assure you that I never shall love Monsieur de Boufflers But Alass how difficult a task it is for a young tender Heart to forswear Love which by degrees Triumphs over all the World This fair One was no sooner got-up into her Chamber again but she began to feel some extraordinary Emotions for the Marshal whose Idea was firmly fixt in her Mind tho' she had spoke of him with so much indifferency to her Lady It seem'd as if the Lesson which she had
receiv'd from her Mouth had only serv'd to raise some kind of tenderness in her Heart of which she was not so sensible before I Love him in spite of what resistance I can make said Janneton while she was ruminating upon the matter the Idea I have conceiv'd of him begins to be very delectable to me if I had not been so much Tutor'd about it perhaps I shou'd never have lov'd him What strange Fatality They describe him to me as a Man equally terrible both in Love and War but good God! notwithstanding all this I am not able to controll my growing Passion I am sensible I shou'd stifle that secret Voice which calls to me Love Love and I shou'd not make the least return to the Marshal's Protestations which like Thunder-claps soon strike down to the Ground a Heart so feeble as mine She was making these Reflections with herself when Madam Garenne who began to repent of having said so much to her upon that Subject coming up into her Chamber ask'd her whether her Work went on a pace Yes Madam reply'd the young Gentlewoman in a very Melancholy Tone I do what I can to bring it forward What is the matter with you Janneton said the Lady looking in her Face you seem to be much discompos'd what is it that disturbs you Nothing Madam reply'd she 't is impossible for any Person always to retain an even Temper there is none that is not out of Humour at certain times I don't deny that my Dear answer'd the Lady but at the same time a young Woman as you are must not give way to Melancholy Fancies What can be the cause of it Janneton made no further answer but under pretence of looking about for something that she had mis-laid she got free of her Lady who began to be troublesome to her at that time for the Lady imagining that her silence proceeded from being to over diligent at her Work left her to her self in her Chamber and went down into her own where she spent her time in reading a Book of Devotion which bears the Title of Moral Reflections upon the Lives of the Saints But let us leave these two Lady's for a little while and see what is become of our Marshal who went to his Lodgings as enamour'd as ever he was in Life-time He represented to his Imagination the perfections of Mademoiselle de la Fleur which had such an influence over his Spirits that he did neither Sleep nor Eat as he us'd to do because he never went either to Bed or Table without being disturb'd by his amourous Disorders He appear'd always pensive being overwhelm'd with a thousand distracting Cares which almost reduc'd him to the extremity of Despair when he consider'd with himself all the obstacles which he was to surmount before he cou'd have the least hopes of obtaining his aim for Madam Garenne his Cousin had peremtorily declar'd that she wou'd not allow of the least Intercourse between him and his Mistress from whom he as yet had receiv'd but very small encouragement but that which afforded him most Consolation was that he had observ'd in her whole deportment a natural inclination to tenderness tho' she feign'd in some of her Actions a great deal of haughtiness and cruelty This hope the common attendant of Love made him ruminate a long time what means might be most expedient for the accomplishing of his Design which was contrary to the Will of his Friend to whom he ow'd infinite obligations because it was her Husband who had lent him the Mony with which he had purchas'd the Royal Regiment of Dragoons which he commanded as Colonel at that time However all these considerations were not strong enough to divert him from pursuing his former Intentions But before he went again to his Cousin's he took a Resolution first to go and give a Visit to his Counsellor Monsicur Niguese being now resolv'd to break quite off with his Wife for whom he cou'd not any longer have either Love or esteem When he came to the Counsellor's House he ask'd him for his Writings at which the Lawyer being much surpris'd told him that he scarce had time enough to peruse'em desiring him to let him know the reason of his calling for 'em so suddenly No other Reason Sir reply'd the Marshal but that both Parties have agreed the matter pray let me know how much I am indebted to you for your trouble Monsieur Niguese who was a Master at his Trade as most of that Profession are made him a Bill which amounted to as much as if he had manag'd the whole Cause from the beginning to the end What the Devil said the Marshal de Boufflers whilst he was paying the Mony Do you thus manage all your Clients Purses I think he was in the right on 't that was wont to compare you Counsellors and Sollicitors to Familiar Spirits who usually get all the Mony they can to carry it along with 'em to Hell into Lucifer's Treasury The Lawyer perceiving an Affront to be put upon him by this Expression told him that he cou'd find a way to make him hold his Tongue and taking him by one Arm was ready to thrust him out of the doors How now Block-head answered Monsieur Boufflers I 'll make you know whom you have to do withal and no sooner had he spoke these Words but he seconded 'em with his Sword which he very smartly laid over the Counsellor's Head take this for your Pains said our General Mr. Cuckold take this it may serve to polish your Horns a little which as yet are somewhat rugged Madam Niguese the Counsellor's Wife having heard a sudden noise in the Entry came running out with all speed to see waht might be the matter She happen'd just at that time to be in Company with a Frier who as 't was suppos'd was accustomed to kiss her in Private and being surpris'd at the Scuffle had forgot to put down her Petty-coats which were still up as high as to her Knees When she saw her Husband and Gallant thus engag'd she was so extremely amaz'd that she was not able to speak one Word but seeing the Marshal lay his Sword over her Husband's Horn's without intermission she cou'd do nothing else but make a most lamentable out-cry which soon brought the Frier out to her assistance but in as bad a Condition as her self For the good Father had forgot in the fright to put up his Business in its right place which was all expos'd to the view of the Spectators Monsieur Boufflers as angry as he was having receiv'd some blows from the Counsellor cou'd not forbear laughing out aloud How now said he Religious Father if a Man may call you so are you not asham'd to act thus above board You pretend to teach us Chastity and you appear in our sight just recking from your unchast Embraces fy what a shameless sight is this And pulling him by the Sleeve at least Sir said he put up your
your self and tho' her wound appears to be but slight outwardly her Heart is nevertheless most sensibly touch'd by a more dangerous Weapon and Here the Marshal interrupting the young Officer according to outward appearance since you know said he the Countess so well pray deliver to her this Letter which I give you and tell her from me that I most impatiently desire to see her The Lady who admir'd her own dexterity in Personating herself so well as she did took the Letter with a great of Respect to carry it to his Mistress But she was not gone far from the place where she had left the Marshal de Boufflers e'r she retir'd into an adjacent Wood where having unfolded the Mystery of Love with which she was entrusted she read these following Words Dear Countess IF the rigour of my Destiny keeps me one day longer from your sight I must resolve to embrace death but a death a thousand times more cruel to me than that which my Wounds cou'd have procur'd to me Heaven has against my will restor'd me a Life that I might love you more now than ever before But alass how can I be sure whether you Heart continues still the same as to me It 's possible it has chang'd it's inclinations and parhaps some fortunate Rival possesses But oh I dare not enlarge farther upon that Subject lest the very thoughts of it shou'd Kill me in an instant I will rather flatter myself with some sweet hopes which may prolong my Life at least for some time Don't therefore put me out of your Remembrance my most incomparable Queen consider with your self that you have Captivated a Heart which adores and loves you even to an excess of Passion When I receiv'd my Wound in the Heat of the Engagement I than believ'd I shou'd never have seen you again but since I begin to grow better and that I am likely to stay some time longer in this World on purpose to serve my Prince and you I will employ the precious remainder of my days in making you sensible of the sincerity of my Affection Farewell my incomparable and believe that my Love is far surpassing what can be conceiv'd in that kind by any Mortal I remain if I live till to Morrow The most tender and Affectionate of all your Lovers After the Countess had read this Letter which was altogether agreeable to her wishes Is it possible said she to her self that thou my Dearest shoud'st not know me It is four or five days since I have been with thee in the same Tent and does not thy Heart tell thee that it is she that Loves thee Alass I have a great deal of Compassion for thee and I attribute this want of knowing me wholly to thy Distemper which appears to me very violent altho' it seems as if thou woud'st insinuate the contrary And notwithstanding all the pains thou endurest thou still keepest me in Remembrance nay thy Remembrance is founded upon sincerity I am my self an Eye-witness of this secret which nevertheless thou hast put into the Hands of an unknown Person Thy Integrity and eager desire of hearing news from me have made thee hazard all but dost thou not O Soveraign King of my Heart consider unto what dangers thou hast expos'd me and that if my Husband shou'd discover the least of this Passion that I have for thee I am infallibly undone Thou know'st that he abominates Horns and that nothing in the World cou'd touch him so sensibly as to find himself a Cuckold and especially to be so dignify'd by the means of such a one as thee whose singular merits and charms he ought most to dread The Countess was making these and such like other Reflections when the Marshal who had taken a walk into the Wood for alittle Air and being come by chance near the place where she had seated herself understood some part of what she had said Never was any agreeable Surprise greater than this he having immediately known her Voice which was then without disguise Having embrac'd her several times Is it you said he is it you my adorable Angel Unto what dangers do you expose your self for my sake Alass I am at present in an unspeakable pain for you You see my Dearest reply'd she with a languishing tone what one is willing to do to enjoy the sight of an Object one Loves and how a genuine Passion triumphs over all the most frightful Obstacles I have hazarded all to see you and I have Sacrifis'd even my Honour for your sake I am ready to own it Madam said the General kissing one of her pretty Hands which she had given him without a Glove And I protest to you that I at the same time acknowledge my self unworthy of these Favours you bestow upon me I Will endeavour to give you the most sensible and livevely Marks of my Gratitude Some Officers who were at the same time walking in the Wood and knew Monsieur de Boufflers coming up towards 'em broke off the Intercourse of our Lovers for that Time The Countess who was afraid of being discover'd made the best of her way to her own Lodgings being well satisfy'd that she had seen and spoke to her Gallant who was not long without repaying her Visit When this Lady went first from her Lodgings she told her Gentlewomen and the rest of her Domestick Servants That she was going to see one of her Acquaintance who was in a Monastery near Mons which was the Reason that during her Stay with our General which was about Five or six Days they were not disturb'd at her Absence She had made one of her Waiting Gentlewomen whose Name was Gvisson and one whom she had a more particular Respect for than all the rest her Confident in the Business she waited upon her in one Corner of the Wood with her Woman's Apparel which she had there chang'd for the Man's Cloaths he had worn before Thus our Heroine Lady return'd Home to her Lodgings accompany'd only by this Damsel leaning upon her Arm as if she had been the most harmless Creature in the World and as if during her Stay she had employ'd her Time in nothing else but praying with those Religious Sisters for the Preservation of her Husband from the imminent Dangers of War The Marshal de Boufflers after he had got clear from the other Officers that met him in the Wood spent all that Night under most terrible Agonies not knowing what was become of his Mistress whom he had search'd for all over the Forest but no sooner did the next Morning appear but to ease himself of the Trouble which distracted his Mind he mounted on Horse-back steering his Course directly to the Place where he knew his Beloved lodg'd all that Time He found his lovely Countess as yet in Bed who having receiv'd him with incredible Joy and clos'd him between her Arms told him a thousand passionate things in Terms so engaging and charming that they are past
Coachman's Name who run away out of the Box before cry'd the Lady very angry What is become of that Coxcomb I can't tell Madam reply'd the Footman we have heard nothing of him since his over-hasty Flight Certainly reply'd the Countess with a Smile he did not act very discreetly in leaving me thus but 't is you Marshal said she that is the occasion of all By my Faith Madam reply'd Bousflers if your Coachman has no more Courage than he has shewn to Day he is a most damnable Coward is it possible that a single Pistol should frighten a Man out of his Wits If I saw an hundred Fire locks discharg'd at me at once they should n'er make me shrink All the World has not such a warlike Soul as you my Dearest said the Countess you were born to conquer the Vniverse and to make every thing submit to you your Power even extends it self over me and Here she stopt not thinking it convenient to proceed in her Discourse by reason of the Footman who stood by and heard what they said but having order'd him to withdraw she renew'd her Love-Protestations and began to prepare for going but the Marshal who did not intend to part with her as yet detayn'd her for some time longer telling her That since he had frighted her Coachman away he wou'd supply his Place himself which he accordingly did For having pay'd the Reckoning he wrapt himself up in his Scarlet-Cloak and drove the Coach to Paris as well as if the Coach-man himself had been in the Box it being dark Night she was not disturbed at the Frolick but being come to her Lodgings she entreated the Marshal to stay with her at Supper All her domestick Servants were extremely surpris'd at this sudden Change What an alteration is this said they to one another our Lady not long ago wou'd not so much as hear him nam'd in her presence nor wou'd allow us to speak of him and now he seems to be as much in her savour as ever But Mrs. Guisson her Lady 's Confident guess'd without much difficulty at the true reason of it not questioning but that there had been a reconciliation between ' em After Supper the Marshal stay'd for a considerable time with his Mistress in her Bed-chamber where they began afresh to argue the true Reason of their Quarrel they being now at Liberty to talk with more freedom than they cou'd do at Boulogne where they were in danger of being overheard by every one belonging to the House The Lady then no longer making any difficulty of disclosing her Heart to the Marshal and their mutual Reconciliation having been Seal'd by some Kisses he left her to her Repose But alas in vain the poor Lady was not capable of enjoying one moments Rest The surprise of this last Adventure and that too by a Man whom she had resolv'd to Banish from her Heart for ever together with the behaviour of the Marchioness de la Mothe who had left her to the Mercy of a Gentleman whom she cou'd not but know to be very dangerous to her Repose had most horribly distracted her Mind She made a thousand Reflections upon the strangeness of the Accident and not being able to be at rest at home she went the next day to pay the Marchioness a Visit who did not fail to upbraid her with her wanton Humour How said the Marchioness in a most scornful manner are not you that same Lady who wou'd never see Monsieur Boufflers any more nay that wou'd not so much as hear any one speak of him and scarce had you cast one Eye at him but without any further consideration you threw your self into his Embraces I cannot deny it Madam reply'd the Countess not without some Confusion but what is it one will not do when one is in Love alas Love makes us all subject to Frailties and that to such a degree that we scarce know what we do Alas good Heavens the Marshal at his first sight disarms me entirely and makes me in spite of all my anger recal all my former Resolutions which immediately vanish in his presence I know Madam reply'd the Marchioness that he will prove very dangerous to your repose and therefore you ought to force your tender Inclinations you ought not to surrender your Heart upon so easie Terms after he has had the boldness to carry you away along with me who did not know him any farther than by sight His manner of proceeding savours of too much familiarity and a Person of his Character ought to have treated us with more Respect My greatest trouble my Dearest said the Countess interrupting her was that you shou'd leave me to the management of a Man of his Humour Come come Madam reply'd the Marchioness maliciously I was well enough satisfi'd that you were very well acquainted with him before and that his Courtships were not disagreeable to your Inclinations 'T is not since Yesterday that you have perceiv'd his Amourous motions You are not ignorant of his intentions you are not insensible how far he is likely to carry it and whatever you may pretend to the contrary I am not bound to take your word as to this particular When any Persons are in Love they seldom think themselves oblig'd to speak truth they take delight in disguising the matter and upon the whole I am of opinion that no account ought to be made of any thing that they assert The Marchioness de la Mothe wou'd not have stop't here but that one of her Acquaintance coming in very earnestly entreated her to go with her to hear a Sermon at Versailles The Countess who wou'd rather have staid at home went along with her more out of Policy than Devotion and in the evening being return'd to her Lodgings the Marshal de Boufflers after he had for some time entertain'd her with his Passion told her that his most Christian Majesty design'd to besiege Namur the Capital City of the Province of that Name this Year which was that of 1692. and that to facilitate this Design his Majesty intended to go thither in Person with the Dauphin and the rest of the principal Officers of his Court. You will without doubt my Dear reply'd she very Sorrowfully have your share in this glorious Enterprize and perhaps I may be so unfortunate as to hear of your Death which will unavoidably hasten my own What wou'd you have me do Madam reply'd the General with a serious Countenance I am oblig'd to obey my King's Orders If it shou'd be my fortune to perish in this Campaign continu'd he I shall dye your Lover and I hope you will take care that Prayers may not be wanting for my poor Soul which perhaps will be fluttering about in the airy Regions without finding any repose O good Sir reply'd the Lady don't be prepossess'd with any such thoughts that cannot but be destructive to your own welfare We Religious Sisters will take care of you we 'll prepare
your Soul for Paradise O Lord Madam said he I hope you 'll pardon me If I can scarce believe it how is it possible that such a Devil as I whose whole practice has been the destruction of Mankind by Fire and Sword shou'd be sav'd from Hell tho' I have heard some say that there is a particular place of Rest appointed for us Soldiers but who can rely upon such fantastick Notions I am afraid I shall be leisurely Roasted by the heat of Purgatory the Flames of which as they tell me surpass in fierceness all the artificial Fires in the World How foolish you are Boufflers answer'd the Countess thus to fill your head with such Melancholy Thoughts Don't you know that our good Works will deliver us both from the Fire of Purgatory and of Hell And as you have done more good than bad Deeds I don't question but that you 'll pass directly to Paradise But let us have no more of this pray who are to be the General Officers that are to Command this Year under the King and Dauphin Madam reply'd the Marshal these are to be the Count d' Auvergne the Marshal de Humieres the Princes de Soubise and Conde and his eldest Son the Duke de Villeroy and a great many more whom it wou'd be superfluous to name to you in regard that you have not the least concern with ' em 'T is true my Dear reply'd the Countess sighing I don't pretend to any interest but what I have in you and good God! what a trouble wou'd it be to me if I shou'd chance to lose you Are not you a very pretty Gentlewoman said the Marshal smiling I 'm sure I know the time when you wou'd not have said so How often have you when you were in your freekish humours wish'd that the Earth might open to swallow me up how often have you call'd me ungrateful Wretch Monster Villain and such like fine Names These are the Weapons of an angry Woman Oh! how extremely does your Sex take delight in Revenge If you had the same strength in your Arms that you have in your Tongue you wou'd defeat an Army of ten Thousand Men in an hours time I take it to be a very great misfortune for a Man to have a Woman for his Enemy as for my own part I wou'd rather be oblig'd to fight against a whole Battalion of Enemies than to stand the brunt of so Beauful a Lady as you when put into a Passion Do but see how cruelly you deal with us you are not content to overthrow us by the force of your Charms but you wou'd also trample upon us by your Threats and drive us to the utmost Extremity of Despair But e're I leave Paris I 'm resolv'd to make you lower your Topsail and to bring you to more reasonable terms Your presence alone said the fair Lady with a charming Air is capable of making me do whatever you shall think fit I can compare it to nothing so appositely as to that Head of Medusa which Metamorphos'd every thing and chang'd its Situation I have often taken a resolution to hate you as long as I shou'd live and no sooner had I seen you but all my Aversion to your Person and my seemingly firm Resolutions immediately vanish'd 'T is not long ago since the Marchioness de la Mothe upbraided me with this frailty How Madam reply'd the Marshal briskly that remedy aaginst Love durst she talk thus to you Certainly continu'd he laughing a Man must be very hard put to it for a dainty Bit that wou'd venture to thrust his Dagger into her Scabbard Vah that nasty hole if I may believe the description which the Abbot de la Trape has given me of it This Prior has sworn to me that he never met with so ugly black and deep a Gap in his Life-time Fie Boufflers said the Countess as if she had been displeas'd at his Discourse are not you asham'd thus to represent that pretty retiring Place of the Marchioness as she her self usually calls it when she is in a good humour and truly if she knew you thought otherwise of it I can assure you you wou'd be but a very unwelcome Guest to her She told me one day that the Abbot de la Trape of whom you spoke just now had indeed once set up his Candle before her Altar and had Sacrifis'd upon his Knees in her presence Then Monsieur Boufflers interrupting her 't is a pleasant subject to insist upon said he the Devil take me if this Lady wou'd let me I wou'd rather chuse a Cow for a Play-fellow But away with it let us talk no more of it for I begin to be sick at the very Heart It is you said he my lovely Creature embracing her that carry about you that sweet retiring Place which is the very Seat of Delight and Pleasure I am very sensible of the tenderness of your Heart which rewards it's Friends with plenary satisfaction 'T is true what you say answer'd she this is the chiefest Ambition which I ever pretended to This Conference wou'd have lasted longer if one of the Marshal's Servants had not come to tell him that Madam de Maintenon was desirous to speak with him as 't was suppos'd by the King's Order he having been wholly employ'd for several days after in assisting at the frequent Councils of War that were then held at Versailles A few Weeks after he was oblig'd to enter upon the Campaign which began very early this Year The King to encourage his Generals march'd in Person at the head of his Army and Namur was Besieg'd in the Month of May in the Year 1692. as it has been already intimated and the Trenches being open'd before it between the Twenty ninth and Thirtieth the Place was carry'd by Capitulation The Marshal did signalise himself there at several Times as did also the Marquess de la Valette and de Gasse Marshals de Camp after the surrender of the Town both the Armies remain'd for some Time without Action during which Interval the Marshal de Boufflers was captivated by the Beauty of a certain young Gentlewoman who was retiring with her Mother into a Nunnery and by the King 's express Command pass'd through the Camp in order to go to a certain Abby of Religious Sisters At the very first Sight of this young Lady who was of good Quality and extraordinary Beautiful he was touch'd with so tender Love and Respect for her that for a considerable Time he cou'd not be at rest and that which vex'd him most was that she was in a Place where he had not the Opportunity to see her when he had a Mind to it At last being grown impatient at the Absence of his Belov'd Mistress and consulting more his Passion than his Reason he resolv'd to disguise himself in Woman's Apparel on purpose to give her a visit Having in this Disguise met her in the Parlour of the Nunnery he did not delay to
that instant was to send for an able Surgeon who heal'd her Wounds in a little time with so much Skill that not the least Scarr appear'd However the Marshal conceiv'd so great an Aversion toward the Countess that all the World was extremely surpriz'd at it considering to what a degree he had Lov'd her before One evening during the Carnaval the Marquess de Boufflers came in Masquerade to a Ball made by the Order of the Duke de Villeroy of which the Countess having had some notice she also went thither in a disguise and took out our General to Dance with her but he by some secret instinct supposing it to be her excus'd himself and to avoid any further confusion immediately left the Company The next Night was wholly spent by him in running thro' the Ball disguis'd in the Habit of a Satyr with his Page who with her fair Hair spread all over her shoulders Danc'd to the admiration of all the Spectators every one being amaz'd at the becoming Air and Meen of Fransson who pass'd for a young Man among those that did not know her to the great satisfaction of our General who cou'd not forbear laughing at it Not long after Madam de Chatillon Sister of the Marshal de Luxemburg fell desperately in Love with her which was a most pleasant Scene to Boufflers and serv'd as an agreeable Diversion to him for a long time after She never made him a Visit but all her Discourse run upon the excellency of this Page whom she thought as fair as an Angel besides said she that there is somewhat so uncommon and so amiable in his Air that 't is impossible for a tender Heart to resist such engaging Charms 't is very well for you Men that he was not born a Woman for he wou'd certainly have set you all in a flame and burnt you to ashes I must confess Madam reply'd the Marshal with a smile a Beauty so fair as my Page might cause great disorders in the World and therefore prudent Nature having foreseen this evil judg'd it most expedient to make him a Man as he appears to be But Sir said Madam de Chatillon interrupting him and casting a very Passionate look upon Fransson Don't you believe that a Man who is endow'd with extraordinary perfections may cause as many Commotions among our Sex as a fair Lady does among yours Yes very well Madam said our General I am throughly convinc'd that your Hearts are as tender as ours nay that you out do us in certain respects You Love with more constancy and reality whilst we Men are continually upbraided with Levity in changing our Mistresses as often as we please For my part if I were oblig'd to speak sincerely I must confess that I have seen great variety of Countries in the Empire of Venus and have made those Ladies sufficiently sensible of it with whom I have had any Love-concerns for some time For I never set up for much Constancy it being a thing I never was ambitious of An Engagement which lasts above two or three Months becomes burdensome and variety is most agreeable to my Humour especially in matters of Love which nevertheless seldom suits with the Temper of the Female Sex who take a particular Delight and make it a point of Honour to preserve the remainders of an old Passion almost quite worn out meerly to have the satisfaction to say Such and such a one still continues to Love me a convincing proof that my Charms have been so powerful as to keep him in Chains even to this very Day Truly Sir reply'd the Lady you speak very favourably of our Sex when you tell us That you take 'em to be more Constant than yours We are at least as fickle as you and if it were not for a certain kind of Modesty inseparable from our Sex believe me we shou'd be as forward to seek for new Gallants as you are to find out fresh Beauties I know not what to say to it Madam said the Marshal laughing this I see plainly that none in this World can be free from Faults if Changeableness is to be counted so Fransson who was almost tir'd with hearing her thus Prattle without intermission and knowing that Monsieur de Boufflers paid her a great deal of Respect more out of Policy than any thing else went into a Room over head from whence through the Clefts of the Planks she pour'd some dirty Water upon her Head-Dress of which she was the nicest Woman in the World and which was always exactly set in the Quills whilst she affected to imitate the motions of a Puppet Monsieur de Boufflers seem'd to be very angry with his Page chiding him and calling him an awkward Fool. But the Lady immediately took Fransson's part telling the Marshal That 't was of so little consequence that he ought not to chide so pretty a Creature as that about it especially since it was done by mischance without any malicious Intent No Madam reply'd the Page with a great deal of affected Simplicity It was my Master's Ape that in running after me overthrew the Water-bowl We are Play-fellows together and I often suffer for his Tricks of which 't is impossible to break him She spoke all this with so much seeming Innocency that she charm'd Madam Chatillon to the highest degree who went home more amorous than ever She had no sooner enter'd her own House but having first chang'd her Head-cloaths and Linnen she lock'd her self up in her Closet to make Reflections upon her growing Passion The Marshal after she was gone ask'd Fransson Whether she had spilt the Water upon the Duke of Luxemburg's Sister on purpose Yes my Dearest reply'd she embracing him I had only a mind to be rid of this prattling Creature who is continually Talking without intermission You are an unlucky Baggage reply'd the General with a Smile thus to abuse a poor Gentlewoman who shews so much Affection towards you O reply'd Fransson that is because she verily believes me to be a Man but if she shou'd go about to search me she wou'd soon be convinc'd to the contrary so that is behoves me to take a great deal of care not to let her come thereabouts for in regard that she has no great share of Discretion it wou'd not be long e're she wou'd divulge the Matter to all the World I only wonder that the Marshal her Brother has not found out the Mystery before this time by the help of his Magical Art Indeed I am sorely afraid of that old Devil as often as I see him My pretty little Creature said the Marshal he has the misfortune to be a Scare-crow to the handsome Ladies he never has had any success in Love concerns I don't know by what means he insinuated himself into the favour of the Countess de Soissons she being the only Woman that ever lov'd him in his Life-time as he has often told me with his own Mouth not without much regret he being