advice of his friend Thales to withhold him from proclaiming the secrets of his Soul to all the World We are not now alone Solon said the Milesian in his ear recal that Wisdom is ready to forsake you and believe that Solon is too much obliged to the opinions the Athenians have conceived of him thus at once by his weakness to convince them of Error Solon strove hard to recollect himself and appear what he was thought and receiving Orgina with that gravity his heart approved not he got rid of the company in the most unconcerned manner he could but after he thought himself at liberty to return to himself and love and beheld after having believed his Orgina lost himself alone with her What said he not or what did he not do to pay his love those Rites Philosophy would have rob'd it of The love of those who make Profession of Wisdom is much more ardent then that of ordinary Lovers it is not dispelled by any exterior ceremony but as it reserves it self inward and intire for great occasions so it ordinarily breaks forth to advantage I know said Solon to Orgina Pisistratus believed himself ascertained of your love yet I know not whether he had reason to believe it But Orgina I conjure you tell me he had none I have so great a confidence in what you say that your words should make me give my very eyes the lie therefore tell me nothing may make me less happy for why should you declare your self guilty when I will believe you innocent if you will but say you are so I thank you Sir for your confidence replied Orgina it is of all your qualities what I shall make the least use a Mistress should not be believed but upon unreproachable testimony and a Love so confiding has a Face of Indifference Believe me to be with Pisistratus in Argos till such time as you are well assured that he mistakes my Fathers Slave for me and that by the help of that disguise I am preserved wholly for Solon How cryed Solon in an extasie Is it your Slave then Pisistratus hath carried to Argos and is it you he hath always thought the Slave of Amphicles Yes Sir replied Orgina my Father made use of this precaution the better to preserve me in the dangers of our flight he believed he might more easily conceal me as a simple Slave then as his Daughter the person be chose to supply my place is young handsome and vertuous Pisistratus easily believed her what she appeared and I thought it a just debt to the merit of that fair Maid not to hinder her Marriage with one of the cheifest Men of Athens the adventure of the Carbuncle was innocently contrived to give you notice of the place where I was But Sir methinks you believe me very easily the quiet and tranquility of your mind has gained head since I have been out of your sight you are neither jealous nor suspitious Can one be a Lover indeed without these qualities Solon relieved Orgina from the fears of these nice apprehensions by making to her protestations never learn'd in the Schools of Wisdom and impatient to hasten the hour of his happiness by advancing the publication of those Laws might permit him to marry a Salaminian he finished that great and painful work But to let Orgina see that he dedicated not himself so absolutely to the service of the State but he still reserved his Heart to his Love the same day that he engraved his serious Laws and Policies on those Tables whereon they were to be presented to the People he made particular ones for his Mistress of which see here some Articles The Laws of Love 1. WHo would a perfect Lovers title gain Must bind his Love in a mysterious chain His Flames under a cloud must wear Jealous least any trembling Air Should to the vulgar Ears his Passion bear This is Loves seasoning For he Who would a curious Lover be Fears less a Rival then Discovery 2. The nicest Lover oft does find A Happiness in his Extream For Doubt and Caution make the Mind Value what else had been a Dream The greatest Goods have their Esteem Not from themselves but what we pay We to our Passions guide the way And the great Deity of Love does live Not by the wounds he makes but by the leave we give 3. When all we wish crowns our Desires If Jealously but gently move 'T is like a Fan to blow those Fires And seems a kind transport of Love But let that frenzy never gain the Field Nor by continuance grow so high That Reason cannot force it yield Or the least Oath make the Vsurper flie 4. Th'unfledg'd Gallant at his first sight does swear His Love eternal course shall hold Though try'd experience tells those Vows are Air And that no hope can be more rash or bold Happy the Lover whose kind Star Thinks worthy of a Gift so rare But if its Influence prove retrograde Let not a sullen Grief your Brest invade For Stars you will like Women find Who are by Hum or false or kind Without consulting the fond Lovers mind 5. That Lover whose Desires unjustly tend And onely to his Pleasures bend 'T is fit should miss of his main end But they are Stages in our way And though they oft a Heart betray Are pretty Baits our Travails to allay 6. Sincerity in Love I much esteem As of all Laws the most supream Yet for their Interest oft the wise Must cloath the Truth in a disguise I like a dainty Lover would know all Yet like a Man of humane frailty sure Would not my own disease procure Nor headlong on Disquiet fall But rather Ignorance then Dispair endure As he finished this Gallantry Thales entred his Chamber I return to Miletum Solon said he I have sojourned but too long at Athens you shall I hope never see me more and therefore before I depart I thought fit to tell you that your Daughter is lost Pyrates who were coursing for Booty about the Aegaean Isles hoping her beauty might make her prize considerable took her away without ever since being heard of I came hither to tell you this misfortune rather then to speak to you of the Tripod but I found you so weak that I thought to attempt the reducing you to the Estate of Wisdom before I put you to this tryal I now find you are perverted for ever and therefore I do what I hoped in vain to do more to the purpose another time Solon was so surprised at this news and the manner in which his friend told it him that he had not the power to interrupt him but having had time to compose himself whilst he discoursed Is it Thales said he that tells Solon one of the greatest misfortunes could possibly happen to him without appearing himself concerned I have been too much concerned for you replied Thales nor should I had I not been sensible of your misfortunes have entertained
that love and tenderness she once had for me We were in this condition when the King left Rouen I have done all I could since to regain the Admirales good will but cannot effect it The Progress of the Court to Bayonne not requiring my attendance I stayed at Paris and knowing that the Duke and Dutchess D'Aumale the Admirale de Brion and Prince Portian went to Fontainbleau I am come hither either to disturb their content or with hopes so firmly to establish my self in the kindness and affection of the Admirale that nothing may hereafter ruine me But I have yet been deceived in my hopes Madam D'Aumale still loves me and dispises Prince Portian who loves her so well The Duke continues my rival I am fearful least he should be happy and the Admirale adds to my fear by the obliging manner in which she treats the Duke and I am the more unhappy because I cannot renounce my love nor ever hope to incline Madam de Brion to be touched with what I suffer or to restore me to the same place I once possest in her heart Your condition is not so bad as you think said the Marshal de Moutmorency to D'Andelot I know the very thoughts of the Admirales Soul and am confident she preserves very kind ones for you but you must deserve them What would you have me do to be happy said D'Andelot Me thinks it is no hard task replied the Marshal and were it my case I would surprise the Admirale in her Chamber cast my self at her feet acknowledge my crime refer my self to her for punishment joyn sighs and tears to my repentance promise never more to see Madam D'Aumale and in short not part from her till I were as much beloved as I loved D'Andelot took the Marshal's counsel who was a notable man in affairs of love and whose story shall follow D'Andelots he surprised the Admirale he sighed he repented till his grief made her relent and that soon turned into love and that love became as kind as passionate and as happy as ever it had been before The Dutchess D'Aumale was quite disconsolate to have thus utterly lost all hopes of D'Andelot Prince Portian underrook to comfort her but he succeeded not at first but since Love and Patience overcome the greatest difficulties it need not be wondered at if they vanquish those which would oppose their Felicity The End of D'Andelot THE LOVES OF Great Men. BVSSY D'AMBOYSE THe Battel of Jarnac was fought under the Reign of Charles the IX the Prince of Conde chief of the Hugonots lost there his life Admiral Chatillon rallied the ruines of the broken Army and put his Brother D'Andelot into Cognac who by his valor made Monsieurs Victory fruitless 'T was in this Field Bussy D'Amboyse began to give such large assurances of what he one day would be that Monsieur though he loved him not had the Generosity to praise him at the head of the whole Army War had its time to revenge Hate and sustain Authority and Love must have his to create Pleasures for those who had the happiness to reach them and Pains and Sufferings for who were destined to be miserable Three months after this Battle Bussy conceived a design of gaining an esteem in the heart of the Widow to the Marshal de St. Andre the number of her Lovers was great he had reason to think his Rivals dangerous but Bussy feared nothing from Mankind and hoped all things from his Merit and his Love 'T was with the Duke of Guise and Ligneroles the favourite of Monsieur that he was to dispute the heart of the Lady Mareshalle There were many other Rivals but these two were the most considerable Bussy tries all imaginable ways to please he makes addresses to the Lady Mareshale he observes she delights in them he continues them he becomes both pleasing and necessary and makes himself be desired his Rivals believed they had reason to be jealous of him and he took little care to perswade them the contrary He durst not speak for a long time of his Love but at last ashamed of her silence he breaks it He goes into the Lady Mareshales Chamber at a time she would not be seen Mr. Lover who let you in said she with a severe cast of her Eye return immediately He feared he had displeased her that fear was obliging to the Lady she perceived it and recalled him who was withdrawing not expecting this return I came to tell you Madam said he that I am in love you have put it into my heart which all others might have attempted in vain I comply with delight to all it inspires 't is very tender and what will not you lose by being unsensible but Madam I see you are angry continued he perceiving she turned her Eies towards him in a manner forbidding despair The Mareshale was angry with her self that she had cast so kind a glance at Bussy Never see me more said she I cannot endure you Take away my Love and I consent said he interrupting her I have nothing to give you nor nothing to take away replyed she but once more I forbid you my sight Bussy goes forth just at the same time that Ligneroles was told she was not to be seen he believed Bussy happy and that belief increas'd his grief without diminishing his Love The Duke of Guise jealous and impatient and who found no pleasure in loving alone prays the Lady Mareshale to bear him company but her heart beginning to be engaged received coldly the Dukes proposition Ligneroles was the handsomest and best proportioned Man in all the Court yet his Love making no progress he would at least give some trouble to his Rivals he entreats Monsieur to feign to love the Mareshale Bussy who had preserved some intelligence with Chareauneuf let her know that she was about to lose Monsieurs heart if she found not a quick way to withhold it Assoon as she saw Monsieur she fills his Ears with reproaches and complaints he justifies his Love and Fidelity and promises no more to see the Mareshale Bussy durst not go near her and Ligneroles sharply repaid the jealousie he had given him The Court was at Paris but preparing for a Progress to Blois where the Peace lately made with the Hugonots was to be Signed and the Marriage Treated between Madame and the King of Navarre The Duke of Guise and Ligneroles knowing that she would not go this progress pressed the obtaining some favorable answer but she declared for neither there was only observed in her more civility towards the Duke and more complaisance for Ligneroles the Dukes Melancholly rejoyced Bussy but Ligneroles joy made him almost despair The King was two days at St. Germains with Monsieur and a very small number of Courtiers Ligneroles entertaining the King was so indiscreet to let fall some words made him suspect that the secret of the Marriage of Madam with the King of Navarre was not unknown to him Monsieur
kept nothing from him and therefore he thought it was not to be doubted but he had discovered all the design The King who knew best the Art of dissembling of any Prince in the world cunningly interrupts him by asking whither it was true that he loved the Lady Mareshale as much as some would perswade him Ligneroles acknowledged that he did Love but was not beloved The King being in Bed caused Monsieur to be called with whom he grew so angry that he made him consent to the destruction of Ligneroles and promise that he would not speak to him of it but nothing can be kept concealed from what we love the King returns to Paris Monsieur goes to visit Chasteauneuf she perceives his sadness he suffered her Solicite a long time before he let her know the cause and knowing it she condoled and became partner in his grief without acquainting Ligneroles The King gave a Ball at the Louvre the Mareshale takes out Ligneroles to dance Bussy believed her carriage not indifferent towards him and that which doubled his grief and his jealousie was that she never so much as cast her Eies on himself He comes to Chasteauneuf who had something to say to him the Mareshale knew he had loved her she feared lest Love should be renewed between them and Chasteauneuf perhaps found an easiness in it to which Bussy agreed not His heart no longer able to bear the Mareshales disdain which he believed was caused by her kindness to Ligneroles he resolved to challenge him The friendship of Bussy with Grillon was begun some few days before for he not enduring to live without Love in so gallant a Court found Madam Bonneval the most proper to beget it in him she was a very well made person but her Manners were more engaging then her Beauty Grillon follows her in all places she perceives it but forbids him not to follow her What would you have with me Grillon said she one evening in the Queens Closet All that should be given to those love well Madam answered he the King who overheard it began to laugh Madam de Bonnevall was vexed and Grillon somewhat abashed from that day forward she was very rigorous to him he complained to Bussy who was beloved without knowing it He promises to serve him with Madam Bonneval and without any longer delaying the effects of his promise that very day he goes to her and finding her alone Who knows not says he that you are lovely and that your Eies have the infallible secret of inchanting Hearts but I was ignorant till now that to so many Excellencies and so many Beauties are joyned such strange cruelties and that the pleasure of seeing you has for its certain consequence such mighty sufferings 'T is that I come to complain of continued he looking on her with an Eye full of Love without any design but I have some counsel to give you will you receive it continue I beseech you the chains of those which adore you 't will be no great favour done them 't is so great a misery to be disdained that it becomes natural to wish for happiness Speak Madam he was about to say and give some joy to the unhappy Grillon when Madame and Chasteauneuf came in Bussy conceiving he could not now continue the entertainment he had begun went and found out Grillon and gave him an account of what he had said Madam de Bonneval believed not at all that it was on Grillons part she had heard those loving words but on his own she was resolved to have kindly answered Bussy had not Madame come in He was the Man of all the world she most desired to engage she loved him and she believed her self Beautiful enough to create Love in him This easily perswaded her not to doubt but it was the design of his heart and not being capable of a cruel thought towards him and moreover being perswaded it might produce a good effect to spare him any farther trouble She sent him this Note next Morning LOve me and tell me so what should hinder you And to let you see I am more lovely then you think look here what Chains I command you to carry This Note was without superscription and inclosed a Bracelet of Hair of admirable weaving Bussy rejoyced he had so well succeeded in his amorous Embassie as much as he would have grieved had he known the tender goodness of Madam de Bonneval was addressed to himself and not to Grillon who was much affected when Bussy gave him both the one and the other he applied to himself all the sweetness was in that Note and received the Bracelet as a favor so much more worthy because less expected Esteeming himself happy by an adventure had made him despair had he known the truth of it But how should he come to learn it if Madam de Bonneval without appearing furprised at so ill tuned an accident does put on so cunning a disguise that Grillon cannot know her thoughts yet she cannot digest the affront it is a touch too sensible for Ladies and they never pardon the slighting of their Beauty Let Bussy serve for example Madam de Bonneval stifles all the love she had for him and onely meditates revenge she alters not her behavior towards him but endeavors to discover the cause of his refusal What is often said of love is true it cannot be long kept secret Madam de Bonneval lets nothing scape may serve towards the revenge as she designs She interprets and comments upon the Actions the Looks the Words of Bussy and draws thence Suspitions which become Truths and tell her he is in love One day she was with the Lady Mareshale when Bussy comes there but his carriage seemed so unconcerned that none but Madam Bonneval could have divined his thoughts Not able long to contain he throws on the Mareshale such amorous glances that Madam Bonneval perceived them though he durst not sigh so loud as to be heard She discovered love in the eyes of Bussy and was enraged it was not all for her by all these signs she knew he was deeply intangled And the more ingenuously to advance her revenge she doubles her appearances of Friendship and under the false resemblances of a complacent sincerity which she affected successfully labors to create confidences with the Mareshale Bussy had designed to sight Ligneroles on the first occasion presented on the morrow one brake forth the King would speak with him he loved him and doubted not a good issue of any dangerous design if entrusted to him The King comes into his Closet where he was told he attended and proposed the killing of Ligneroles Can you have any esteem for me Sir answered Bussy and make choice of me to rid you of Ligneroles by unhandsome ways Ah Bussy said the King what will not any Man undertake to revenge himself of a beloved Rival and to sustain the Interest of his King when he finds in his own Courage a
all that Evening Madam de Brion observed what I did I perceived it but I forbore not discoursing with the Dutchess On the morrow the Duke came to visit the Admiral I happened to be there and having observed her more nearly then at the Ball began to suspect her already in a condition to make me lose my wager the loss was considerable and many reasons obliged me to prevent it Mean time the Prince prosecuted his love with Bourlemont and his endeavors were not successless he had the satisfaction to know she did not hate him he let me know his happiness and not trusting to any other the secret of his Passion gave me a Letter for her but I lost it and it unhappily fell into Madam de Brions hands who not knowing my Character thought after having read the following Lines I had deserted her for the Dutchess You unjustly accuse me with loving the Admiral have a better opinion of your own Beauty and my Faith and think not I can love by halves 'T is possible I may have given occasion for your suspitions by those enterviews you have seen between us but believe me they were not all on the score of love and when their causes shall be known you will repent you Injustice and I shall have the satisfaction not to have any cause to reproach you Though at the sight of this she dissembled a joy and content I found afterwards she had much ado to restrain her grief and anguish The Dutchess loved her very well and that she might have the more of her company she left her Lodgings and went to sojourn at Madam D'Aumales during her stay at Orleans The first night she went to lie there there happened a tumult in the City One of the Duke D'Aumales servants quarrelled with a Citizen who was wholly interessed for the party and called him Rebel He could not endure that injury and the servant was very scurvily treated other servants came in to his aid and the Neighbors to the Citizens The quarrel grew general and the Citizens in great numbers pressed even to the Dukes Gates and entered them and their animosity made it be feared they would force in that tumultuous manner through all the Lodgings The Duke D'Aumale being with the Prince had news of the commotion and having told it me I made haste and came just at the instant they had past the Court and were breaking open the Dutchess Chamber I appeased the multitude and at my name the door was opened and I took the Dutchess and conveyed her out by a convenient postern I knew not that the Admiral had that night changed Lodings nor did the Dutchess tell me so till I had put her in a place of security Saint Cire whom I had made stay at the Dukes Lodgings to compleat the appeasing of the tumult took care of the Admiral and I returning immediately to see if I were obeyed was surprised to see Madam de Brion coming out with Saint Cire who was conducting her to the Princesses I excused my self not knowing her to have been at the Dutchesses she received my excuse very coldly yet upbraided me not but civilly dispenced with my attending her The Prince understanding from Bourlemont I had not given her his Letter asked me what I had done with it I told him how I had lost it and sought in vain for it in all places where I had been Bourlemont was mighty angry at my neglect fearing his privacies with the Prince might take air by it but I satisfied her by telling her none could suspect to whom it was writ being without superscription and the hand was so well counterfeited 't would rather be taken for mine then the Princes All which was but too true and that resemblance but too much justified when the Admirale saw in the Dutchess hands Verses she had prayed me to give her and which I had writ For my part I who suspected not Madam De Brions thoughts employed all my cares to incline her affection The Duke managed the same design and I often feared with better success then my self Though the Dutchess was still extreamly favourable to me yet I constrained my self not to perceive what she would have me see how easie had been my passage unto her Heart had I had a design to enter it All Prince Portiau's Merit had vanished for me and I plainly saw it must be my fault if I were not beloved by one of the fairest Persons of the world but I could not consent to it whilst my Love to the Admirale withstood it and I chose rather to be constant and unhappy with her then dearly beloved elsewhere My mind told me these thoughts ought to hope for some reward if they were but known but there was nothing beheld in me but Treason and Inconstancy and that was a strange kind of way to gain Love from any Person They were playing one night at the Princesses the Admirale was onely looking on and I thought it a convenient time to speak to her and having drawn her out of the hearing of the company I begin to apprehend said I that you will not love me and that I shall lose my wager but Madam is not the Duke D'Aumale the causer that reproach drew on hers and she appeared to me full of anger and jealousie and yet in the mixture I could discern some Love you will supply that loss with Madam D'Aumale said she and her Beauty will make good all you can lose by me Ah Madam 't is onely your heart I am ambitious of replyed I and though I cannot obtain it with all my sufferings I will never give you the pleasure to call me unfaithful You have fully done it already answered she with a disdainful smile but you deserve not I should complain of you that would be a mark of esteem and I have onely scorn for you I besought her to no purpose to explain why she treated me thus She returned to see them play and I withdrew satisfied to know a part of her thoughts but terribly afflicted at the reproach she made me The Duke D'Aumale having finished his Treaty with the Prince returned to Court The Dutchess at departure seeing me sad and melancholly attributed it to her self and obliged her thoughts with an opinion I was concerned for her The Admirale thought as she did and continued for some time that she staied at Orleans to shun my company and scorn me The Constable being brought back to the City the Prince and Princess went thence together with Madam de Brion She would not have seen me but I would wait on her on the way I expected at least some indifferent regards but I had not so much as that small content and believed my self unhappy Fontpertuis perceiving my grief made me assign to hope and I answered her by other signs My Brother the Admiral was come to Orleans one day before the Princes departure he was dissatisfied with the Treaty and would have had
hear them at the Foot of an Organge Tree adjoyning to an Arbor On a sudden I heard a noise on the Terrace and saw the Duke D'Aumale passing swiftly by we imprudently staid in the place where we were and he perceived us and sighing withdrew I was half distracted at this adventure but much more when I discerned I was not with Madam de Brion but the Dutchess I perceive by your surprise said she you thought your self happier then you are At that a door opened and out came Fontpertuis but I had said so much to the Dutchess I had not a word to say to her who strangely reproached me for that silence she did not expect The Dutchess withdrew by the Terrace over which she came and retired into her Chamber much confused to think on what might happen on the morrow not knowing what to resolve nor how to bear the reproaches she expected from the Duke He had other thoughts then to suspect it was she that I entertained so kindly on the Terrace he was as well as I deceived by the likeness of the Gowns and believed it was Madam de Brion with his Rival It was that sight troubled him and he rose as soon as it was day impatiently waiting the Admirales rising she stirred not till it was late and he attributed her sleeping so long to her last nights watching on the Terrace which ranged all along the Lodgings and therefore it was an easie matter for the Duke the Dutchess Fontpertuis and me to meet The Dutchess had heard what Fontpertuis said to me in the Garden and studied to inhanse all the sweetness of that rendezvous and had her desire The Duke thinking the Dutchess asleep softly passed her Chamber and having observed some kind glances and perhaps more imprudent signs pass between the Admirale and me which bespake a great Union of Heart his jealousie urged him to spy whether I went not into Madam de Brions Chamber who having watched longer then I thought went to Bed onely at break of day and rose not till an hour before Dinner As soon as she was up she asked for me and hearing I was with the Dutchess was coming directly to her Chamber when the Duke coming out desired a moments audience She was irresolute at first but at last consented You are onely ingrateful to me Madam said he and I must be the unhappy witness of an action of love represented last night on the Terrace between D'Andelot and you Though Madam de Brion was not disposed to mirth what the Duke said seemed to her so full of raillery she could not forbear laughing that action madded him and he had rather have heard her rave and be angry then have beheld so injurious a scorn He could not apprehend the meaning of it and I believe had he known it would have excused himself from acquainting the Admirale with what had hapned But her laughter being all the answer the Duke could with all his complaints and reproaches obtain she comes into the Dutchess Chamber who asks her the cause of her mirth but Madam de Brion could not truly tell it her She found her intelligence false as to my being there for I was before gone out into the Garden where I began to muse of the cruel consequences might arise from that adventure to my love if the Admirale knew it Alass she but too well knew all the circumstances for having heard a noise upon the Terrace she had stept into her Closet whence she saw the Dutchess and soon after knew me and saw my infidelity at large Till no longer able to endure the sight she withdrew to her Bed but the remembrance of what she had seen so afflicted her she could not sleep a wink such strange thoughts it possessed her with One came in the morning to tell me the Duke desired me to come to his Chamber but it was the Dutchess would speak with me I imagined it was her love had formed this deceit and would have retired but she withheld me Had I believed said she to me that the gift I have made you of my heart would have onely been the parent of such an indifference I should have struggled hard ere I had given way to it what has love done to you to make you so little sensible of his favors received from me Have you so soon forgot how kind and endearing they were Must I first send for you Or should you have first begged my sight unless you think me so unworthy that I am bound always to be the wooer Though you love the Admirale you still seem lovely to me and you shall always find me with the same amorous intentions you thought so happily to find upon the Terrace The Dutchess desires were very violent as you may perceive but I willing to preserve all mine for Madam de Brion whose wager I would gladly win was content with the reservedness and moderation to which they were restrained whilst solicited by a person so beautiful and fair She was forced to break off her complaints against my unconcernment by the Dukes entrance who found us alone And I began as well as the Dutchess to fear some eruel effects of his resentments for the offence we had committed but he not knowing it our fears were soon blown over I met Fontpertuis in the Garden walking with one of Madam D'Aumales Women I perceived she was angry with me I knew well that I deserved not to be loved by Madam de Brion I had neither given sufficient testimonies of love nor done all I ought to arrive at such happiness but all my hopes lay in the inclination and kindness of my Judge who now avoided my sight The Admirale who was filled with anger and disdain looked now no more on me with the accustomed sweetness that change made me sensible she knew all passed upon the Terrace and I was fully convinced of it when from on one of her Gentlewomen I received this Letter I Write to the most ungrateful Man living Examine the perfidiousness of your heart and you will soon find it is to you this Letter is addressed How happy had mine been had it never had thoughts for you But what has it done you should affront it with so much cruelty That heart which thought onely of you and was decreed onely for you But of what use are these feeble complaints and reproaches You have affronted me and it is a sin to forgive you Yet could I find the least doubt of your infidelity my grief would be allayed and I should not be reduced to the doleful constraint of never more seeing that Man I have so much loved But alass I saw your disloyalty nor could ever Man be more guilty then you You cannot now say you love nor have any pretence to justifie your self therefore begone immediately and flie from the pretence of that unhappy Woman can no longer endure your presence After having read it I entreated her that brought it to carry an
love he had for the Mareshale withstood this great Fortune but the interest of his family and his ambition made him comply with what was desired He began therefore in more steddy manner to fix his thoughts on Madame and considering her as the daughter of a great King and whose Wit and Beauty might pleasantly revenge him of the rigors of his Mistress he steered all his love and cares towards her This change surprised Madam de Bonneval and afflicted not at all the Mareshale Grillons Constancy was yet unhappy Madam de Bonneval was perplexed and melancholly she had laid designs which she could not execute and Grillon must suffer for it He was impatient and would have love immediately returned for love and the refusing him with any sharpness the recompence he requested was enough to make him believe there was none to give Sometimes anger and suspition tempted him to inconstancy but when he thought to love no longer one glance of Madam de Bonnevals recalled him to his Chains She thought on nothing but revenge on Bussy for being in love with the Mareshale She knew almost all passed in her heart her inclination for Bussy was no secret to her but she strove to lessen it by her malice and counsels and by the cunning she had to possess her with the thoughts of his love to Chateauneuf In sum she made her so ashamed of her thoughts that the Mareshale could not have kept them alive had she not been strongly prepossessed with the worth and honesty of Bussy Ligneroles had onely some shows of Monsieurs favor Dugua had the substance whose subtile spirit raised so many quarrels and caused so many disorders Yet so cunningly was his disgrace concealed that he could never discover whether he had consented to his death the same signs of trust and friendship still appeared but all those signs were onely kept up like false lights to deceive him Bussy not able to disabuse him together with Grillon very rarely left him Beauty good Men Birth and love in Monsieur could not banish from Chateauneuf the Passion she had for Bussy she envied the Mareshales happiness and the difficulty she foresaw would be found in depriving her of her lover strongly increased her desire Neufville not having succeeded with the Mareshale Bussy resolved himself to speak to her and his attempt was happy She was ready to go forth but her confusion was so great at the sight of Bussy that she would have drawn back into her Closet but he placing himself before her in a Suppliant and respectful posture Stay Madam said he I come not to speak of my love but of Ligneroles You know him continued he seeing she stayed to hear him and you know he loves you A little of your pitty would be a great allay of those cruel sufferings his Passion torments him with and I shall be happy in obtaining what I request for him The Mareshale blusht with anger at this discourse of Bussyes not doubting but he had given over loving her but willing to conceal her concernment You shall not obtain what you pretend from me replied she I find I have no disposition to do good and Ligneroles is to be pittied if he accounts upon any favorable thoughts I have none my heart is submitted to whatever I will and I fear not its betraying the interests of my glory to take part with those of my love Madam replied he Treason is easily pardoned when we find a sweetness in being betrayed and since you will find a great deal in this crime if your heart commit it you will without doubt be induced to pardon the fault by the pleasure you will receive in loving and being beloved Remember then Ligneroles Madam he is unhappy without deserving it he has a tender and violent Passion which he cannot communicate to what he loves besides his destruction is resolved I come to tell you of it who should have been the minister of the Kings revenge he would have obliged me to have killed him and Monsieur has resigned him to those cruel Reasons of State may possibly produce effects dismal to all France it is not from him I speak this he is ignorant I prest to a sight of you nor durst I have done it for myself but I thought I could not neglect serving him without leaving my self liable to just reproach he had already been lost without the assistance the Duke of Guise gave him Say without yours said the Mareshale interrupting him and fear not I shall value you too much That which you tell me surprises me not without cause and I should hardly believe all you have said were I not well perswaded of your sincerity but what can I do for Ligneroles I have not any power you have an absolute one over his heart replyed Bussy and the Commands of a Person beloved may gain from him what neither the Counsels nor Prayers of a friend can hitherto do Employ your Beauty to oblige him not to go this progress and let him know he has now no part in Monsieur and that his death is unavoidable if he withdraw not from Court This Madam is all that I have to say can you now complain of me or are you at all troubled to have heard me She was about to answer when Ligneroles entred from whom she concealed not the least circumstance of what had been said to her My destiny's very strange said Ligneroles to find more succor from a Rival then from the friendship of a Man I have so long served or from the heart of a Mistress I have so dearly loved No Madam I deserve not your love one alone is worthy of it if any can be his thoughts are so Noble and Virtuous his Love so excelling his Heart so great he possesses all qualities required in a true brave Man and all that the most delicate Lady can desire in a Lover Therefore love Bussy continued he sighing Hold said Bussy interrupting your indiscretion ought to be reproved The Mareshale could not enough admire the Character of these two Lovers Bussy refused to rid himself of Ligneroles it was as much as his life was worth to let scape the secret entrusted him by the King he believed it not important not enough to make Honour its sacrifice he advised Ligneroles of the designs against him and defended him after that against those the King sent to take away his life He speaks of the Love of Ligneroles and not only endeavors to serve him as a friend but essays to make him be beloved Ligneroles soul yields not in greatness to Bussy's he declares himself unworthy of his concern for him praises his Rival and pronounces him alone worthy of Love The Mareshale seeing Bussy about to withdraw stay said she and be witness I will spare nothing to save Ligneroles but all her goodness proved in vain he let her know he would rather chuse to die out of too much confidence in Monsieurs friendship then secretly accuse him by
me Madam said I and I obey his commands Let me never see you more said she interrupting me It begets a horrour in me to behold such unworthy proceedings in a man of Honour At these words she turned to reproach Madam de Bonneval and I withdrew in confusion and despair After this cruel adventure Madam proceeded Neufville Repentance for having offended you and done so great an injury to Bussyes friendship threw me into such deep affliction that could I but tell one part of it you would possibly have the generosity to pardon me I came to Madam Bonnevals with intent to beg it you avoided seeing or speaking with me and I am come hither to tell you all this 'T is my fault said Bussy interrupting him I ought not to have requested you to take care of my concernes I might easily have understood it because what I feel in seeing you Madam said he turning towards her with a look full of love and kindness must be likewise felt by others Could Neufville answer otherwise then he did when you spoke so kindly let us forget his fault and lament his misfortune for my part I will never spy out in him any other qualities than those of a Friend without ever remembring that he has been my rival and that he may yet be so The Mareshale yielded to what Bussy had declared his mind forgave Neufville and permitted him to visit her At this one came for him from the Queen of Navarre to whom Byron gave a Treat at the Arsenal And Bussy and Neufville went together to the Louvre and sometime after to the Arsenal where Madam de Bonneval saw plainly that the Mareshale had discovered her Treacheries as well by a biting reproach she made her as by the good intelligence she observed between Bussy and Neufville She easily allayed this misfortune with Grillons love and that remedy seeming to her very sweet and very pleasant she took good care to apply it Bussy was now free from all Melancholly Trouble and Rivalship He was in Love he was Beloved What could he more desire One great delight he yet wanted which his Love made him hope for and which he resolved to obtain On the other side the Mareshale had retrieved her Lover she loved him and those that Love can refuse nothing During the Collation they spoke a thousand things by looks which their hearts understood but this is not enough for true Lovers there are yet greater pleasures they had both the same impatience and the same desires and they were both perswaded they should find an infinite joy in their first Entertainment and that then they should find a recompence for the so many griefs they had endured by Suspitions Absence Anger and supposed Infidelities They wanted but opportunity to make them happy but this happy opportunity came and 't was Love that brought it 'T was about this time Madame was to marry the King of Navarre and nothing wanted but the arrival of a dispensation to compleat the affair The Duke of Guise loved her but she answered not his Love again and Bussy was beloved without loving He still received some favourable glance from that Princess she blusht when ever she saw him and he observed she delighted to converse with him He knew himself in love and doubted not her capable to be one day as much he often shun'd her glances and as often avoided her presence Those that love truly act thus They are neither pleased nor desire any person but that they love And 't was this made Bussy design to surprise the Marashale in her chamber without letting her have notice She was in a charming negligence Bussy saw her and Bussy was in love and alone Whence comes it said she That I have such a kindness on my Spirit and that all the motions of my Heart are so favourable to you 'T is because you love me Madam replyed he and that you could not see me have so much love without following me in so fair a path There is your question decided proceeded he casting at her glances full of Love and Eloquence which so well express what the Tongue is not able to utter But I have another more amorous question to ask you 't is for your Wits your Heart and your Experience to resolve such difficulties and the decision you shall give is so important that on it depends our happiness Bussy's Question to the Lady Mareshale That which I would know from you Madam is Whether Love that ingenious Artificer of the most voluptuous Delights has nothing beyond Looks and Words Some Pleasures and Transports which may confirm the Thoughts I am in that it consists not only in the Sight and Discourse The Mareshale blusht at the question he would have her decide but when her blushing and confusion were suppressed by what she inwardly felt she made this answer Beyond Looks and Words to use your own terms I find a confused mixture of impressment Pleasure and Love It is made up of all these I know not well how to decide your question proceeded she My Heart never learnt what it has now told you but I had it from a friend of mine to whom all the delicacy of this passion was a familiar Virtue and not from my self who am less knowing and experienced then she Madam said Bussy interrupting her Since your self know not whether the decision you have made be just let us essay by a sweet Tryal of our desires to find out a truth we cannot doubt of he ended these words with a kiss she made at first some resistance with design only to enflame his desires but in the end fearing to offend his kindness she attempted to give Bussy an amorous and ready revenge for his kisses and that she might not appear ingrateful she returned them with usury and neither the one nor the other would have the last kiss The Mareshales Eyes were more sweet and languishing then usual and seemed to invite Bussy to treat of the most endearing mysteries of Love In this very moment her chastity began to yield to the violences of her Lovers passion but alas can any one believe the cruel destiny of this amiable Person Her Face was on a suddain painted with a Mortal colour Bussy perceived it and called L'Hermite to her assistance but all remedies could be applyed were in vain she died within an hour after in Bussy's Arms. Her death was diversly spoken of but when within three days after happened that of the Queen of Navarre the perfumed Florentine Gloves were suspected and in the clearing those suspitions it was found that the Queen of Navarre had given a pair of those Gloves to the Mareshale In so dismal an adventure Bussy could not leave the Body of the Mareshale he lamented in so feeling a manner that his sorrow seemed almost as grievous as the death of the Mareshale He had lost the fairest Person in France just at the point of being happy his dispair was violent and lasting but yet he died not what he did we may hereafter tell you FINIS
his to win the Athenians by applause he was one of the first to give Solon joy for the greatness of his actions he exhibited shows to the People as a token of his congratulation and made a magnificent Feast where he exposed to view all his riches a vanity usual among the Ancients and which made up an essential part of the Treat There was to be seen at this of Pisistratus Vessels of Gold of an excessive weight very rich moveables and Stones of great price among which Solon observed a Carbuncle of singular Beauty which he knew to be the same he had given to Orgina at his departure from Salamina The sight of it moved him to the Soul he asked Pisistratus where he got that Carbuncle Pisistratus smiled and replied It was a Mystery he could not explain before so many Witnesses This answer troubled Solon so much that he could scarce dissemble it he was impatient till the company were gone that he might clear himself of the perplexities of his mind and pretending some private business to stay with Pisistratus he asked him If he were one of those Witnesses whom he thought unfit to hear the explanation of his mystery You of all the World replied Pisistratus the mystery in which I am concerned is a Mystery of Love Judge then Whether it ought to be trusted to a conformed Philosopher whose Soul stands like a Rock against all the storms of Passion and who is continually Preaching its impossibility I am none of those Philosophers you speak of said Solon interrupting him I reverence Wisdom and would be truly wise if I could but this Wisdom consists not in a brutish fierceness Those who describe her so never knew her well she was made for Man and should be a sociable Vertue How replied Pisistratus If I tell you that I am in love and that this Carbuncle is given as a token of my Mistresses kindness will not my Passion seem a weakness to you or can you pardon my amour It is possible replied Solon whom this discourse troubled more and more I may there are crimes carry their excuses with them Love is indeed of it self a great extravagance but there may be a Mistress so perfect that that Love may become an effect of Reason Pisistratus had no love for Solon and believed him as severe as he seemed to be but it is hard for any lover to resist the occasion of speaking of what they love and he was so extreamly delighted with the thoughts that so famed a Wiseman approved his Passion that he could not forbear crying out Then a thousand thanks to love that hath made me become the most reasonable of all Men for never was there Woman so perfect as Orgina nor ever was the effect of that Reason made me love her so powerful in any Brest as in mine That name of Orgina put all the Philosophy of Solon to a stand Do you call your Mistress Orgina said he interrupting him Yes replied Pisistratus that is the name of the person I adore I have heard speak of her at Salamina said Solon She is indeed of that Island answered Pisistratus and Daughter to Amphicles considerable both for her Birth and Degree her Father having been always inclineable to the part of the Megarians escaped out of Salamina during the Siege with intent to retire to Megara but was met by an Officer of the Athenian Army who seeing him followed by his Daughter and a very fair young Slave thought he might make considerable booty by seizing them he kept his prey very close fearing some sharers and returning to Athens after the Army was dismissed he sold me the prisoner and his two fair attendants Had not Solon been accomptable to Posterity for the title of Wiseman that Age had given him he had ill-recompenced Pisistratus for the confidence wherewith he obliged him But the quality of Philosopher is a heavy burden for those who undertake to bear it He was forced to keep a guard upon his Sences as upon his declared Enemies and not daring to lift up his eyes on Pisistratus fearful least his countenance should betray him he asked him in a doubtful and trembling key If he were as much beloved as he loved I cannot guess I am hated replied Pisistratus with the briskness of a successful Lover and you may judge it by the Carbuncle which hath been the occasion of this converse Orgina gave it me telling me withal That it was the greatest token of Love could be given by the Daughter of Amphicles and that if I knew the secret contained in it I would confess that Orgina offered an obliging Sacrifice when she intrusted me with it This Relation so much increased Solon's trouble that grown doubtful of his power to master it he thought it best to leave Pisistratus and seeming to satisfie himself by faintly telling him That Salamina was become one of the Members of Athens and that he ought not to treat as a Slave a Virgin whom his Countrey had adopted he bid him adieu but in such a disorder as was very slenderly agreeable to the reputation he had gained Being come to his house he found there Thales sirnamed the Milesian one of the most famous Wisemen of Greece and particular friend to our Athenian The Inhabitants of the Island of Coos had sent him a Tripod of Gold fished out of the Sea near their Island which was pretended to have been cast in there by Helen in her return from Troy and which by the Oracle of Pythia the Prophetess was destined to the wisest Man of all Greece The modest Thales not believing himself worthy that renown resigned it to Solon and now came to prepare him to receive the present intended to be made him next morning Alas cryed Solon when he understood the occasion of his Friends journey What a labyrinth is the Heart of Man None dear Thales can find out its Mazes and Windings those who think a Philosopher as perfect in the practise of Knowledge as in his Precepts would soon quit that Error if the Eyes were as certainly the Windows of the Soul as they are but the Mask This Morality looks prettily from you replied Thales in the glorious occasion that now courts you I applaud my self for the opinion I have conceived of your Wisdom and I observe with much satisfaction it is not friendship hath prepossessed me in your favor Accept the Tripod dear Solon for you onely are worthy to receive it nor can any other possess it without usurpation Thales and Solon had contracted so strict a friendship there could be no Vail or Hypocrisie between them Solon had discovered to the Milesian the birth of a Daughter which he had in his youth whose horoscope had told him She should be one day fatal to her Countreys Liberty It was by Thales Counsel she was secretly brought up in one of the Isles of the Aegean Sea without knowing either her birth or the misfortune threatned her This trust injoyned
to Timandra when I came into this house but having forgot them all have now nothing to say but take my leave Alcibiades had a might winning way both in his carriage and converse which subdu'd the hearts o◠all that saw him The Astrologess wa◠smitten as with an Arrow and unable to submit to the loss of an object so soo◠known dear to her I see you are some what startled said she to the supposed Phrigian you have doubtless heard Me describ'd fairer then you find me but Sir added she presenting her hand to Alcibiades I will let you see with what kin◠of beauty the great Socrates is affected and at that word she led the Illustrious Athenian into a Closet set out with Globes and Figures and showing him a Scheam◠which lay on the Table See there said she what deserves more admiration the◠all the fraile Beauties Nature can show us 〈◊〉 that Scheame containes the destiny of sundry Empires I read in the Stars all th◠happens memorable upon Earth and have more knowledge of things to come then ordinary persons have of things present ◠alone have secured Socrates against the fea◠he had of the Illustrious Alcibiades D◠you then know Alcibiades said the pretended Phrigian interrupting her 〈◊〉 Aglaonice gave a disdainful smile at tha◠demand and affecting a certain tone of a woman well satisfy'd with her skill Is there any thing in the world I would know and do not replyed she I learn'd from Socrates the houre of Alcibiades 's Birth and have Calculated his Nativity see there said she drawing it out from many other Papers the directions and revolutions and by this I dare boast to know all that happens to him as well as himself How said Alcibiades interrupting her Does your knowledge teach event to his indifferent actions I know even his indifferent actions reply'd Aglaonice which includes all not excepting any thing I did not believe pursu'd Alcibiades smiling that Astrology entered into the search of trivial things I know well there may be drawn from the influence of the Stars a judgement upon the inclination and the temper I will likewise believe the life of Man may be subject to Revolutions surprizing enough to be worth Heavens notice but that you can tell what Alcibiades is doing this very minute I speak is what you will hardly perswade me to You know not what I can do said Aglaonice People who judge things but in gross have onely penetrated into a superficial knowledge of the Stars I have made my searches farther and when I erect a Figure for any one I can if need he give an account of the very number of his words Pray Madam said the supposed Phrygian favour me with a proof of this rare knowledge in the person of Alcibiades I knew him in Phrigia have an honour for him and resolve to go seek him when I go hence I shall make proof of what you tell me and it will be no small conversion if you can make me a Proselyte to Astroloty Aglaonice well pleased with the opportunity of keeping still with her the lovely Phrigian searches her Books and after a long confronting of the Signes and Planets Are you discreet said she to the disguis'd Athenian Yes without doubt replyed he and for your better assurance one of the best Friends Alcibiades ever had He is then said she inclining her head to whisper it in his eare at present making Courtship to one of the fairest Ladies of Athens whom he loves and by whom he is as ardently beloved Alcibiades could not forbear bursting out into Laughter at the result of this Observation and the Astrologess being half put out of countenance I believe said she you doubt of what I have told you Pardon me Madam reply'd Alcibiades you could not hit any thing righter I have such visible proofes of the certainty of your Science that I will go admonish Alcibiades to be more cautious for the future for since all he does is so perfectly known he ought to do nothing which he feares should grow publick With this Irony Alcibiades took his leave leaving the Astrologess more taken with the Charmes of the Phrygian then he was ill satisfied with the ugliness of the false Timandra he had gone but few steps from thence when he was met by Socrates That Philosopher made his publick Lessons very short having more pleasing private ones to give elsewhere he cast a sower look at his Friend when he saw him disguis'd in that manner and not doubting but Love had a part in the Metamorphosis he was preparing to make him one of those Remonstrances wherewith he used to Declaime against Voluptuousness But Alcibiades preventing him I guess all you would say dear Socrates said he I confess I am in an error and that you have reason to upbraid me but I am punish'd enough by my own curiosity and by the displeasure it gave me I shall never hereafter be so vain and if I could have suspected you of so gross a discernement your Timandra had not cost me the trouble of a disguise At that word he parted not being in humour to hear Socrates his Morallo And the Philosopher more troubled at what he had heard then at all the accidents of his life hastned the small remainder of his way to Aglaonice's whom asking for at entrance and understanding she was in the Garden he posts to her to upbraid her negligence You have promised me said he chasing that you would not let Timandra be seen by any other Man i' th' world It was agreed you should receive the Compliments addressed to her that we might better order all our Measures for the defeating the Snares and Stratagems of the Curious and yet Aglaonice you whom I believed a woman of extraordinary trust and to whose charge I have committed the person in whom I had placed all my happiness betray this confidence and your Promise in favour of Alcibiades I cryed out the Astrologess I let Alcibiades see Timandra From whom have you this false Story 'T is too much a truth replyed Socrates I have it from Alcibiades own mouth whom I met not ten steps off disguised like a Phrigian and who told me he came from Timandra If it were Alcibiades continued Aglaonice came to aske for Timandra in the Phrigian habit forbear to trouble your self 't was I received his Visit and 't is me he takes for your young Phrigian Whereupon she related to him all the passages of the interview between her and the supposed Phrigian making him almost break his Spleen with Laughing at the fallacies of her Science and the surprize wherein she represented Alcibiades Timandra's Closet windows answer'd directly to the place where this Conversation was held so that she lost not one word of it and discontented with the Captivity of her Condition designes a revenge by undeceiving Alcibiades To this purpose she Bribes one of Aglaonice's Houshold Servants and entrusting him with a Letter for the Illustrious
he loved him tenderly and he knew that his inclinations to love were often hurtful to his affairs He got rid of Myrto who was come that day from Athens to fetch him back and coming without any attendance to the Philosophers Grove he found the Astrologess beginning to grumble at the Stars that Alcibiades was so long a coming she believed her cause of grief was ceased when she perceived Socrates It was dark and the Philosopher who would not show himself till it were to purpose slipt among the Trees Aglaonice follows his track coughing twice or thrice to discover her self and seeing that signal ineffective Alcibiades said she to Socrates in a tone which her vexation changed from her usual voice is it for tryal of me that you flie me thus The Philosopher ashamed at the impudence of this unknown Lady stop'd to reproach her for it Aglaonice perceiving he staid and as she thought for her run to him with open Arms but was suddenly stop'd by a Woman who rushing from behind a Tree thrust her self between her and him she took for Alcibiades This Woman was Myrto who finding her Husband absent and learning at his Countrey House that he was gone to the Academy had followed him at a distance to pry into his actions and see what she could discover When she had this Reason by the Action of Aglaonice to believe it was an Amorous Rendezvous And is it thus Socrates said she you prepare to dispute for Wisdom against its opposers must there be an intrigue of Gallantry to dispose your Soul to the defence of Vertue and do you employ that time you feign to dedicate to the study of Philosophy in making your self unworthy the name of a Philosopher The name of Socrates informing Aglaonice of her mistake she was thinking of a prudent reatreat when Plato the beloved Scholar of Socrates appeared to hinder her he had lost some Notes which he much valued and came to see if they might not be let fall in the Academy whether he remembred to have brought them and because it was dark he had brought a Torch in his hand That light discovered the Astrologess before she could escape It is not easie to imagine the Philosophers surprise at this apparition How cryed he is it you Aglaonice who have made an assignation with Alcibiades The disorder the Astrologess was in joyned with the words she had uttered assured Socrates of a truth she had not the power to confess the Philosopher soon dived into the secret of this intrigue Alcibiades was too dainty to court a Creature of Aglaonices make Socrates remembred what he had said coming from her house in the Phrygian habit Aglaonice feeble Aglaonice said he sighing thou destroy'st in a moment the precautions of many years At these words he runs towards Timandra's that quarter of Athens wherein stood the Astrologesses house was not very far from the Academy Myrto followed him for some paces continuing her clamors but he vouchsafed not a word to appease her nay scarcely did he perceive his Wife speak so strongly had his suspitions seiz'd his spirit He found Alcibiades still with Timandra he was so charmed with the sight of her that neither policy in him nor prayers from her could make him consent to leave it There is Tyranny in what you have done said Socrates in an angry manner You snatch from me a secret I would have kept and without respect to that friendship should be so dear to you refuse me the first compliance I ever exacted from yours 'T is not that friendship Socrates makes you thus hot said Alcibiades interrupting him your anger would have been better moderated had it had so easie a cause but Socrates you love Timandra I ever mistrusted it the disorder wherein now you appear confirms all my suspitions It was most certain as Socrates had protested to the prying Alcibiades that he did not believe he loved Timandra he had that confidence in his wisdom gave him not leisure to examine himself on this point but his friends reproach forcing him to a sudden review of himself he found his precaution was strong Jealousie and examining the dreadful fears he had had least Timandra should love or be beloved he found out that nothing but love could create such violent apprehensions he let himself fall into a Chair more concerned with what he began to discover then a criminal at the reading his sentence and looking on Alcibiades with an anger mixed with kindness which at the same time drew Compassion and Jealousie from his friend What have I done to you Alcibiades said he thus to stir up in my Brest thoughts I knew not of and which prove most cruel because they can be no longer unknown I have loved you better then you have loved your self I have hazarded my life my credit and the esteem of all Athens to maintain your interests I have opposed your weaknesses and frailties with all my power and when I could not master them have concealed them Ingrateful Alcibiades why should you discover mine If I love not Timandra you injure my reputation in accusing me and if I love her as I begin to fear I do you transgress against friendship by exposing your self to the hazard of being my Rival Withdraw your self from this danger Alcibiades and whether you regard me as a Philosopher who would preserve his Schollar exempt from Passion or whether you regard me as a faithful friend who merits some compliance Withdraw your self and see Timandra no more I esteem your Philosophy too much said Alcibiades interrupting him to do it this injustice it is fit it should triumph over those desires have the boldness to contend with it Stand out then Socrates and stand out with success you will sully the glory of your life if you leave Posterity to believe that the voluptuous Alcibiades had gain'd over himself what you dare not enterprise on yours Socrates was not pleased with these Reasonings he would have sacrificed all his reputation of Wisdom to the priviledge of loving Timandra without disturbance but Alcibiades keeping firm to his Proposition Socrates was constrained to submit Alcibiades loved Timandra and Timandra loved him These Precepts of Wisdom so carefully instilled and which a long habitude seemed to have made impregnable against all Protestations and Assiduities yielded at the first assaults of Alcibiades 'T was for this Timandra he died some time after as the Historian of his life tell us and if I may believe my satyrical memories it was the displeasure that Socrates conceived at this adventure made him meet death with such constancy The Astrologess was fain to call the Stars to her defence for the Heart they had made her hope for but when we are reduced to make use of such Cautions we find often the Stars but very ill security I will leave her to consult her Books about their deceit and pass to the Loves of some great Captains which may ease my stile of that preciseness
reasons were lull'd asleep yet when things were reaccomodated it became between these two great Men a solid and violent Friendship not expiring but with their lives They were together in the same Garden where Pompey over-heard the Discourse between Caesar and Servilia and the sight of the Bower where it was held calling into Pompeys mind the troubles he felt during that entertainment What a strange kind of Madness said he to Cato is that point of honour a Husband places in his Wives Chastity Why should the glory of a man depend on a Caprichio of which he is not Master When a General flies out of terrour of his Enemy 't is a personal remissness and 't is fit that he who commits the fault should suffer the disgrace but when my Wife acts a Gallantry I contribute neither by Connivance nor Counsell and yet the whole shame of the Action lights on my head Who told you so said Cato interrupting him I perceive not that an honest man is lest esteemed by reasonable People because his Wife is non exactly tender of that we call honour in her Sex I am sure he ought not to be reply'd Pompey but yet Custome gives Authority to this injustice and the title given to a Husband whose Wife is unchast is one of the greatest Ignominies can be thrown on him Hold hold said Cato interruping him and shaking his head I esteem my self not a rush the less for having seen Martia in Hortenfius his Armes and would take her again when forsaken by her Lover as the relict of one of my best friends if at least I found any benefit by doing it This is not the sort of moderation that surprizes me reply'd Pompey Martia should not be lookt upon by you as a disloyal Woman you surrendred her to Hortensius by contract in form of Law and were forced to make use of all the power you had over her to oblige her to ratifie your Gift All things in this life wear two faces Pompey reply'd Cato and they show to the good or bad but just as the prudence of man knows how to hold the light to them Listen to what I never told any but Munatius and judge of the sincerity of my returne in friendship to you by the secret wherewith I shall intrust you Martin is as you well know Sir perhaps one of the fairest persons of the world I loved her dearly and thought she loved me as well The charmes of her Soul had preserved and gave new life in my heart to those flames which Marriage usually extinguishes I found Martia more worthy of love when I absolutely and perfectly knew her then when decency and good manners conceal'd a part of her merit and if the words of a Woman may have any credit with a well-grounded understanding Martia acknowledg'd to have found in me all I discover'd in her I am in the exterior severe but this severity is only in appearance I am in private sociable and love divertisement like other men and Martia us'd to tell me I prov'd a more loving Husband then she durst hope for when I was but her Lover she would often say that that Cato which permitted himself to be seen by his familiar friends was not that Cato show'd himself to the Senate and Common-wealth and methought she spoke truth I justifi'd her opinion with all the complacencies a wife could expect from the best of Husbands and those who are perswaded they deserve any ones kindness easily believe they possess it I had an absolute confidence in Martia's faith she might have betray'd me before my own eyes without fear of conviction she perceiv'd without doubt this advantage and would not let it lie fallow Hortensius is a handsome Man his riches vast which make his expence easie and Women naturally weak are sooner taken with glittering then solidity Hortensius was captiv'd by Martia's beauty and Martia yielded her self to Hortensius gayety dispence with me from telling you how they did declare their thoughts I have not entred into so nice a deduction of the Story Martia has betray'd me she is at present the Wife of Hortensius great things alwayes presuppose the less and when effects speak a discourse of the wayes is needless Hortensius got admission into my House by becoming a feigned servant to my younger Sister Portia being a person both of great honour and as great riches his propositions were easily listned to but Drusus Livius our Vncle under whom we had all been bred and whom we respect as a Father is a Man infinitely scrupulous in the Customes of his times and would never consent to marry Portia the younger before Servilia her elder Sister you know Servilia and many other persons know her as well as you and that Matches for Maids of her humour are rare to be found out Hortensius was therefore forced to prepare himself for patience He at first made it mighty difficult but has since acknowledged to Munatius that it was a difficulty he foresaw and for the reason of which alone he chose to ask Portia rather then Servilia The intentions of this supposed Lover appeared to us as sincere as they were false we endeavoured to support his patient expectation with a very strait familiarity he had the same liberty in my house and my Vncles as if he had been my own brother and he continually seem'd to behave himself more and more worthy of the love he professed to my Sister My Wife grew not at all Jealous of him she had so well made up conditions of accord with her Lover in that point that whatever was done for Portia was placed to the account of Martia but it happened not so nor was she so just with him in the case of Lucia Daughter of Drusus she there lookt upon as seeds of Love what was indeed but a simple Civility and these suspitions troubling and disturbing her humour which was naturally somewhat imperious she writ to Hortensius in these termes I Believe I deserve to be beloved Hortensius and that opinion makes me easily believe you do love me I have done no less for you These dispositions of our hearts may as you perhaps think raise some trouble in mine at the sight of your inconstancy but Hortensius expect not that glory I shall behold your change with as much tranquility as scorn and 't is by that effect of my courage I design to make you know what you lose when you lose She was doubtless about to write the Name of Martia but I gave her not time I had been at the house Drusus had built in the Marches of Ancona and had once designed to spend some time there but an oppressing Melancholly making me apprehend something had happened to Martia that fear made me post home to rid me of the Suspition of it and taking upon me the humour of Gallant that I might surprize my Wife with my arrival I had forbid my People giving her notice I surprized her indeed as I designed but
Going thence I met with Saint Cire who told me the Prince would speak with me I hastned to him but found 't was no state affair he had to communicate you know him and know he is very inclineable to love and hard to forego it once entred into Mademoiselle de Bourlemont whom you have seen near the Princess had smitten him ere he was aware the letting her know it was a thing wherein the Prince was obliged to observe much Caution Yet he had so well ordered the affair that he had spoke and the Lady had not believed it dangerous to hearken to him nay more she appeared jealous as if she could have wished the Princes love no straggler This was in short what he had to communicate having drawn me to a Window that none else might hear he told me he had chosen me for his confident and encouraging me thereby to a freedom I declared to him my concern for Madam de Brion he promised me and I assured him of a reciprocal assistance in his love Hereupon we went into the walks to wait on the Princess and the Admiral who as soon as we came up to her 't is tedious being here said she to me cannot you invent some pleasing divertisement to drive away melancholly I have it at hand Madam said I what can be more pleasant then to talk of love you have nothing here to divert it and I find my heart inclineable to treat of it with none but you Where did you learn to talk thus said she smiling who has taught you to look so on me Madam replied I in a jovial manner but was much afflicted I could say no more for Bourlemont and another of the Princess Women coming up to us interrupted us and I could not find a minutes opportunity all that Evening to continue what I had begun Bourlemont who took notice with what delight I observed Madam de Brion softly in my ear asked me if I were in love as much as the Prince is with you replied I so that the rest might not hear She would needs know what I meant by that and I explained it to her she blusht and seem'd coy as if she desired not his kindness but I judged the contrary and told my observations to the Prince who requited them with giving me such an accompt of his Negotiations with the Admiral that I began to believe my attempts not impossible Soon after the Duke D'Aumale came to Orleans to treat on the Kings behalf as you very well know about the Restitution of some places which the Prince could hardly consent to The Dutchess was with him whose arrival turned the whole Town into pleasure and divertisement and many days were spent in Feasts and Balls That day the Dutchess coming was first known I happened to be with Madam de Brion we were at first talking of a thousand indifferent things but in the end I changed the discourse endeavoring to improve those few minutes my good Fortune gave me The Admiral answered very wittily to all I said of my Passion but I sought a return of love and was little satisfied with those reperties I observed the melancholly and seriousness with which I discoursed caused some joy in her and I loved her too well to rob her of that pleasure I guessed Madam said I that love would rejoyce you and you would not believe me but if you would now frankly declare your thoughts I am sure they must agree with mine I 'll swear your company does divertise me replied she and I cannot but laugh at your design of Courtship but you must understand I have a kind of stubborn heart that neither knows love nor desires to know it I 'll awaken that desire in it Madam replied I and will assure you on Loyes behalf he takes it very ill you should treat me so cruelly Take heed of quarrelling with him he is a powerful enemy who infallibly revenges himself on his despisers To let you see I don't fear him replied she I 'll wager with you he never overcomes me Do not lay any wagers answered I for you will be sure to lose She would not take my advice and we concluded to agree on the wager when Fontpertuis came in and was chosen judge if any difference happened between us she is a Kinswoman of hers whom you have often seen with her and who had a great power over her We had much ado to agree what our wager should be I would have had hers to have been some favors but that was not her design yet having represented to her that she run no hazard being as she affirmed she was sure to win she consented in the end to engage to admit my utmost service and I consented never to see her more and to quit the Princes party if I lost What will not men in love promise I gave her my word and she assured me hers two Moneths was the time allowed for tryal at the end of which Fontpertuis was to give judgment which had won I took my leave of her with telling her that I was resolved to neglect nothing to gain her she answered that she already accounted me of the Kings party and I you Madam said I of loves I came thence well satisfied with what I had said and what I had done and my joy made the Prince suspect me more happy then he I endeavored to perswade him the contrary who easily believed me but I told him nothing of the wager You cannot imagine said he to me how lovely Bourlemont appears to me I fancy I shall ever love her All say so said I when they begin to be in love and there is a pretty delight in saying and thinking our love shall never end but afterwards when its fervency begins decay and the kindness decreases without knowing a reason for it Believe me we return to our selves and to our wonted tempers and yours being to be inconstant so soon as you are satisfied we shall hear no more from you that Madam Bourlemont is fair or that you shall love for ever It s very true answered he I love change and finding it delightful cannot think of confining my self Believe me D'Andelot there are pleasures in inconstancy and 't is a mighty satisfaction to make love in a great many places at once and to find answers suitable to our desires I left the Prince in this opinion in which I could not resolve to imitate him That Evening the Duke and Dutchess D'Aumale arrived there was a Ball at the Princes where I received without thinking of it some favorable glances from Madam D'Aumale I desired not hers but Madam de Brions whom the Duke entertained and me thought I observed in his addresses to her something of the courtship of a Man in love He was a Rival might well be feared the Admiral hearkned to him and my jealousie made me discover a thousand things distracted me The Dutchess came to take me out to dance and I left her not
opportunity Soon after my return to Tanlay the Duke and Dutchess of Aumale came thither the sight of my Rival troubled me as much as the Dutchesses I understood presently that the Duke could not pass by without seeing the Admirale and those desires made him submit to perswade the Dutchess to pass by Taulay which found in her a readier compliance out of hopes her Beauty and address might at last vanquish the indifference I had shewed towards her They stayed two days at my house where I entertained them with all the divertisements a Countrey House could afford in the best season of the year since 't was impossible for me to avoid conversing with the Dutchess she took her time when the Duke was otherwise imployed I found in her discourse so much love would have ravished me had it come from the Admirale what would not I have given to have heard her say halfe those kind things the Dutchess did You are pensive D'Andelot said she to me jogging me by the Arm and take no care to answer me I turned my self towards her sighing without thinking of it what would you have me answer Madam said I recollecting my self you cannot but think as well as I how little I deserve the respect you give me I could not have thought replied she there was a Man in the world so cruel or who had so great a value of himself as to slight the intreaties of one of my birth but you have made me believe there are such and I find it so great a torment as nothing can counterpoyse unless you change your thoughts Ah Madam cryed I interrupting her why cannot I love you or why may not I lay open to you the secrets of a heart I cannot give you for if I should divide it 't would give you continual cause of complaint and me no satisfaction No no said she I will have no divided heart and had much rather it should be all Madam de Brion's then I have but a part One of the Admirales Gentlemen came to interrupt us his message was to compliment the Dutchess on her arrival and to desire her to come and spend some few days in her House she was somewhat at a stand what to answer when the Duke who came up to us took the word out of her mouth and promised on the morrow to come wait upon her I perceived her discontent at the Dukes haste to leave Tanlay but now she must submit and I had too much interest to accompany her to omit it The Duke and Dutchess had Lodgings appointed them looking out upon a Terrace of Orange Trees as most of the rest do the Dutchess lay in one Chamber and the Duke in another by the side of it At Madam de Brions we received the news of the preparations made to besiege Havre de grace the English Forces were much feared the Prince was in League with them during the War and it was feared upon a breach they would send him considerable relief Orders being brought to me for the march of the Infantry I dispatched them to all places whither they were to be distributed and I made ready my Equipage to be in eight days at Soissons where the Rendezvous was appointed The Duke D'Aumale was much affected at the sight of Madam de Brion and I was as much pleased to know I was beloved The Dutchess easily spied out my joy and all I could do to conceal my happiness was of no proof against her jealousie which formed things bigger then they were The two moneths the Admirale and I had taken for the decision of our wager were now expired within four days I put her in mind of it she only blusht and answered nothing but her silence was a Million my Love understood it very well I was diligent to secure my Judges favour by that complaisance a faithful Lover should onely give to the Person he loved but Interest changes maximes of Love and that obliged me to treat thus with Fontpertuis to whom my kindness was but policy There were sent from Paris to Madam de Brion two China Gowns excellently stained with little Antick Figures which appeared the more admirable because Europe had seen so few of them She gave the finest to Madam D'Aumale who seeing the Admirale wore hers put it on the same day That Evening as we were all in the Garden and that walking in the Serene gave us a delight the heats of the day had robbed us of I coming near to Fontpertuis be sure to meet me said she on the Orange Terrace I have somewhat to say to you in behalf of I made her a sign to speak lower Madam d'Aumale being by us The Duke Amorous Zealous and withal ill treated talked of love with the Admirale Will you be always cruel Madam said he and never pitty what I suffer you will find much more sweetness in that amorous conversation I so sincerely propose then in that indifference hinders and by its niceness obstructs the injoyments of those pleasures love would confer but Madam d'Andelot loves you and can you be so insensible as you appear These words smote her but after having stood mute a while Should I permit you said she to search my heart you would find little there conributing to your desires your love should be applied to the Dutchess onely she is one of the most charming persons of the World and I will never be upbraided to have bred a disunion between you He would have replied but the Admirale unwilling to hear any more called Madam D'Aumale who was still talking as fast of love to me as I was assuring her that if she knew me well she would soon be convinced I did not deserve her kindness The Duke D'Aumale closing continually with Madam de Brion it was impossible for me to have any talk with her but my eyes spoke what my tongue could not and hers answered me so that I enjoyed not onely the content to know I was understood but that my sufferings were shared in The Haut Boys and Flutes I had brought playing us some tunes we stayed till night being pretty well spent Supper was brought into a Pleasure-House in the Garden and having afterwards taken some few turns about the Alleys all withdrew to rest but I to expect the good hour Fontpertuis had assigned me All the obliging signs and glances Madam de Brion had given me made me believe she would hasten my felicity and that Fonpertuis had order to be the intelligencer I came therefore to the appointed Terrace the night was as cloudy as lovers would desire I gingerly marched on towards the Admirales Lodgings and as well as night would give me leave methought I perceived a Woman come out I advanced and she came towards me I thought I knew her by her China Gown and her stature but methought much more by her desires and mine that were so pressing they made her understand I would speak with her and she had the goodness to
Answer but she excused her self as being forbid All her rage fell not upon me Fontpertuis had her share she had seen her on the Terrace with me and that place looked suspiciously at such a time of night She took unkindly all that Fontpertuis could alledge to her believing she had betrayed her in favor of the Dutchess I knew not what to think nor what to resolve in this accident the securest way had been to speak to the Admirale but she blasted all opportunities That therefore being impossible without displeasing her I chose rather to be gone and by that observance of her commands make her sensible I still wore her Chains But I did not that till I had spoke with Fontpertuis showed her the Letter the Admirale had writ and given her one in return of it Which done I took Horse for Tanlay where after I had stayed two days I went to the Rendezvous at Soissons I lay under great vexations after my departure though I heard my Letter had driven away most part of her suspitions At first she was unwilling to see it but Fontpertuis having opened it Madam de Brion read these words in it I Am not so guilty as you think me Madam Love brought me not where you saw me nor thought I to find what I met with Though my absence from you makes me unhappy enough my condition is much more to be lamented for the distraction caused by your belief of my infidelity I am unwilling were it possible to accuse you of any thing But why should you not ascertain your suspicions Why should you break off a love in its infant sweetness No you never loved me since you could do thus Farewel Madam I shall never lose the remembrance of having displeased you yet I do love you never ceased loving you and have that inward satisfaction to know that I must for ever love you She could not read this Letter without being touched at the very Soul Fontpertuis perceived it and we having before any departure agreed upon a correspondence she sent me word what effects my Letter wrought on Madam de Brions heart The Dutchess dream't not of my so sudden departure she was now almost convinced I had no intent to answer her kindness since I had neglected taking leave of her The Duke and Dutchess went next morning for Paris where having stayed some time the Duke attended the King towards the Siege of Havre de Grace whether the Queen Mother likewise coming was waited on by Madam D'Aumale You went every morning to Fecamp to give an accompt to the King what had passed that night at the Siege I seldom followed you for fear of seeing the Dutchess least the Admirale might have cause of complaint but one day I could not excuse my not going the Constable sending me My Commission being performed I was just upon return when Madam D'Aumale having heard of my being at Feeamp under pretence of inquiring news from her Husband made very heavy complaints of me I very quietly heard them and could not yet answer in the manner she desired Prince Portian came luckily to take me off and I returned to the Camp This Prince had formerly great pretences on her heart and it was thought he was beloved he was still in love but now his cares and kindnesses were not valued at a rush I was the darling that could make no returns Madam de Brion being come some time before to Maule informing her self of the particulars of the Siege understood that Madam D'Aumale went with the Queen her jealousie revived her love she feared the losing me Fontpertuis gave me intelligence of all the Admirales thoughts and I found my self less unhappy then I thought The same day that I assailed the Watch-Tower which I made my self master of I received a Letter from the Admirale which spoke these words MY Anger and Resentment cannot hold out against my love I have nothing more to upbraid you with and could I but see you I should think I had nothing more to desire But is not this too kind to you Or do you deserve this goodness Were it not more just in me to hate you pursuing the Counsels your unfaithfulness gives me But alass when I am apt to yield to that the secret intelligences you have in spite of me preserved in my heart blast all these thoughts Yet you could not expect these expressions and therefore must think them very kind But I demand an equivalent reprisal and will not be refused it tell me not that your honor and glory oppose it I will be preferred before both for all should be renounced at the command of her you love Dismiss your self then from the Siege what you lose on the score of glory you shall retrieve from the pleasures of a passion I will make happy If you obey me not never see me more and suffer me to believe you prefer the sight of Madam D'Aumale before mine Never was Man in a greater plunge then I I could not imagine which way to steer Love offered me pleasant and pretty things but I could not consent to blemish my reputation by quitting the Siege Saint-Cire was the first perceived the trouble I was in since I always used his advice I held it unfit to conceal from him the cause who upon first hearing it told there needs no consultation on this matter You must not stir nor can your going off be any way justified Stay but till the Siege be ended and then in the name of God go see Madam de Brion as long as you will and in the mean time take no heed of a Womans jealousie or anger Your Ladies will find out a return of kindness when once their lover pleases them and your peace will easier be made there then here whatever Articles she have against you Saint-Cire was a true friend and reason counselled me to follow his advice but love would not listen to it The Treaty with the Town which began about two hours after eased me of my trouble and made me determine to depart at the beginning of the night taking along with me onely one Gentleman I got to Madam de Brions on the morrow having rid that long way post and on the Wings of Love Never did I find in my self so great a disposition to joy and content I was going to see the onely person in the World I loved best and I was sure to find her heart full of a violent Passion which I had begot there I would not suffer her to be told I was come but chusing rather to surprise her myself went directly up to her Lodgings and into her Chamber which I found open But is it to be believed what I there saw Madam de Brion in the arms of a Man and Madam de Brions as I thought kissing him very lovingly She perceived me and came running towards me with an obliging air the joy in her face displaying nothing but pleasure but what I had seen making me contemn
his flight of having consented to his death Bussy joyned his Counsels and Reasons to the Mareshales but he remained firm in his reselution of going the progress The next day the King hunted with the Queen Madume and several other Ladies all on horseback After having for some time chaced an Hare which the Dogs eat the King had a desire to take some Conies with a Ferret saying He would kill all came out of their Buries These woods were observed by the Hugenots and Politicians and they drew judicious conjectures from his humour which might have served to secure them against those cruelties acted soon after upon them but they suffered themselves to be deceived by Soveraign Faith by the cunning of Katherine de Medices and by the Honours and Dignities they received At this Chace the Duke of Guise was still neer Madume taking the same course to win Love from her as he had done with the Mareshale Bussy carefully observed all the Duke did to whom the Queen had made a signe to come speak with her just at the same time that Madame having taken notice of Bussy's curiosity called to him to know the reason In the last Assembly at the Louvre Madam said he I observed that the Duke of Guise always had his Eies turned towards you and seeing nothing so perfect and accomplished as he I wisht he might fall in love for I thought you alone a worthy object of his passion I had those thoughts when you took him out to dance I observed his joy when he received your hand and the blushes that seised you In summe Madame I employed so well my Eyes that I could not doubt but you might one day love I know not but I might be deceived but it seemed to me as if the day approached this is what I observed Madame when you took notice of my hearkening to you She begun to laugh at what he had said you fetch your conjectures a great way off said she but I have too much esteem for you to leave you in an opinion that I will ever dispose my heart to the Duke of Guise To whom then that is worthy of it can you give it replyed he if you refuse it to him To Bussy interrupted she inclining her self towards him when he shall cease to love the Mareshale Ending these words she rid off leaving him confused and not knowing what to think how many reflexions did he make on this adventure He believed Madame had a mind to divertise herself with him rather then hoped she had any design of inspiring him with the boldness of making love to her The Chase ended all returned to Paris In the way Bussy and Ligneroles complimented the Duke of Guise that the Beauties of Madame had delivered them from so dangerous a Rival He received with a good Grace what they said on that point not utterly disowning his love to her and yet not seeming too much affected to have it believed Madam de Bonneval was at this hunting and would fain have perswaded the Mareshale that Bussy had held some amorous Propositions with Madame but she began to give less Faith to what ever she attempted to say against him He was grown powerful in her heart his merit his generous thoughts and above all the love which had touched her had made him gain a place in the tendrest receptacle of her Soul from whence it was very hard to snatch him Bussy was ignorant what his happiness was and despaired of being beloved A great delight which surprises us when we least suspect it is that brings most sweetness with it Bussy made this pleasant tryal he could not think himself happy but how joyful was he when he could not doubt it The Court prepared to depart next morning and the Courtiers took leave of those Ladies did not go the progress Bussy intended not to take his of the Mareshale fearing to offend her by his sight and by this respectful and prudent carriage he light upon the secret of making himself be desired not to go without seeing her he thought not to find her at Madam de Bonnevals Lodgings whom he believed his friend and therefore would not omit waiting on her having employed the time he thought necessary in this visit he rose up to be gone How will Bussy part then without seeing me said the Mareshale to him he answered that before he durst not but now he took what she had said for a Command He failed not to attend the Mareshale about two hours after her going from Madam de Bonneval who the better to deceive him had at his going out assured him of her friendship in a manner that appeared so full of fair Faith that he went away well perswaded he had not a better friend then she and that without doubt she would be serviceable to him in his Love Bussy was so quick-sighted as to have observed that the Mareshale began happily to purge away her errors of indifference and with such sweet reflexions and such kind thoughts he came to her his Looks were full of Languishing and Submissiveness and his Words full of Love and Eloquence He spoke at first of what he felt of the torments absence would create and of his fears to be hated The Mareshale answered to all this or rather her passion answered for her In the sequel of the discourse she made some complaints but they were obliging ones should you permit me said she to have the least occasion to reproach you Could you goe without seeing what you love is it thus you would perswade your passion or do you know how to love better then you Madam replyed he you dare not stand the tryal for then you would find all the knowledge is on my side and therefore you would save your self that shame she blusht at this answer and asked if he went with the King No Madam you have affronted me said he and being resolved to be revenged I am not now for the progress and what revenge can you take of me replyed she as I can acknowledge Benefits so I am sensible of Injuries and let me advise you that 't is dangerous making me your Enemy Whatever you can say Madam said Bussy interrupting her my resolution is fixt and without fearing your threats I must attempt to make you love me this enterprise will displease you and then I at least shall have the delight to have given you some vexation Revenge your self every day thus upon me replyed she I shall know how to give affront for affront and then I shall have the pleasure of not having yielded to you in resentment This discourse gave much relief to Bussy who was before in great disquiet out of the uncertainty he was in of the Mareshales thoughts for him but never found Lover more kind ones nor greater hopes of happiness when l'Hermit came to give notice that the Duke of Guise entred His new passion could scarce subsist his heart lean'd towards what he had so much
her cunning becoming fruitless on the Mareshales part she attempted to succeed by Neufvilles who assisted but two much with his love all being fittingly disposed for the design by her contrived she sends an express to Grillon with Letters which he received at Orleans after Ligneroles death was known at Paris at which the Mareshale was very lively afflicted but had the satisfaction to know that she could not alone grieve his death whom all the world lamented Bussy received a Letter by Grillon from Madam de Bonneval which gave him notice of the infidelity of the Mareshale After he had made Grillon read it what shall I do said he this unlooked for misfortune over-whelms me and in the condition I am I know not what to resolve Grillon seemed at first as troubled as he but at length counselled him to make hast to Paris and above all things convince himself of the matter Bussy approved Grillons advice and sent back the Express empty Being come to Paris Madam de Bonneval who was content with Grillons love received him like a lover she bated not and he appeared not unworthy her reception However though she gave him a thousand testimonies of her trust and kindness yet she never let him know either her anger or design of revenge on Bussy she spoke of him with esteem she seemed earnest to serve him and it was she had advised him of his Mistress treason We are less sensible of any affront then that committed against our love That offence is most cruel and he that receives it without deserving it has strange griefs to undergo In the midst of all these perplexities his love still subsisted and the inclinations of his heart told him sufficiently that he must still love though he knew himself forsaken Then thinking of his unknown Rival who had snatched from him what had cost him so much to seek after fain would he have found out who this happy man should be but would never have guest Neufville whom he believed his friend tell he was disabused the next morning when Madam de Bonneval made Grillon tell him she desired to speak with him He came at the hour appointed and without stopping at the unnecessary circumstances of this interview I will onely tell you that she hid Bussy and that soon after Neufville entred he had a Black Satten Suit Embroidered with Silk of the same and between space and space might be seen double L L in Embroidery of Pearls Bussy at first sight guest not what those Cifers meant but he soon found out they were the Mareshales who was of the House of Lustrac She was not long ere she came and Madam de Bonneval feigning to order her head tire at the Glass Bussy over-heard the Mareshale say to Neufville I fear least you undertake to please me you must succeed in it your manners are so obliging you are so ingenuous and complaisant and have so much estimable merit that I fear I cannot resist it Change your procedure it is too winning and know that I will not be affected These words were pronounced by a delicate mouth and the fairest eyes in the World glanced favorably on Neufville and Bussy believed all this due onely to his love Have no care nor complaisance for me continued she nor prefer me before all other Ladies nor shall I be so weak to love you for it How happy was Neufville And how desperate grew Bussy He was in the mind to come forth and upbraid the perfidiousness of his Friend and Mistress but knowing that it is love always makes reproaches and complaints he withdrew without hearing out the remainder of their discourse which he believed he could not quietly listen to The Mareshale knew not of his return no more then did Neufville About twenty paces from the Mareshales Bussy met Chateauneuf who desirous to know some news from the Court and to tell him that Neufville was his Rival carried him to the Tuilleries whither he had designed to go Whilst he walked two turns with her he gave her an accompt of all she desired to know and told her so respectively that he would never love that she had not the power to complain of a Man she could not hate In vain would she have disswaded him from loving the Mareshale he remained constant though he thought himself not obliged to do so As soon as Neufville was parted from Madam de Bonnevals House the Mareshale and she came to the Tuilleries they discerned Chateauneuf at a great distance and the nigher they drew the more Madam de Bonneval obliged the Mareshale to observe that the man was with her did much resemble Bussy She granted the resemblance but could hardly believe she saw him till Bussy and Chateauneuf turned towards them the Mareshale blushed at the sight of her lover he passed by her with much respect and could not forbear looking after her but he spoke not and continued his walk with Chateauneuf Madam de Bonneval whose design was to increase the Mareshales grief put her in mind how she would not believe her when she had formerly told her Bussy loved Chateauneuf Ingrateful Man said she to her do you see in what manner he treats you after all this can you love him to be in Paris without seeing you and publickly sacrifice your love at the feet of your Rival Alass said she I feel all you can instil into me but let me suffer and complain I have no need of your Counsels and will onely follow the dictates of my own heart Bussy at his return home told Grillon all he had seen and heard at Madam de Bonnevals So great a cause of despair in so constant a Passion the Treason of the Mareshale and the death of Ligneroles infinitely perplexed him and created sufferings he could hardly undergo sometimes he was resolved to love no more but to seek in a quiet Retreat the Remedy of so many Griefs Grillon told him that was to yield the Mareshale to Neufville and that he ought to make her return either for glory or for loves sake but he was too incensed to follow this advice Some days after the Court arrived at Paris with the Queen of Navarre who joyned it at what time it was at Bloys The ties of Friendship and Interest which had formerly been between the late King of Navarre and the Mareshale de St. Andre had made her have a great esteem for his Person after his death she had preserved for the Mareshale the same thoughts she had had for her Husband she Commanded her to see her often and had no cause to blame her neglects for that she seldom was from that Queen but shared in all her divertisements and all her pleasures Queen Catherine of Medices mortally hated her she knew that Jean of Albret had remonstrated to the King of Navarre that he might be chosen Head of that Faction divided France if he knew how to make use of the occasion of taking the Authority into his
made use of an ingenuous feigned device to discover his thoughts Will Bussy refuse to serve me said she I should said he but I cannot I have loved you too well Ah 't is not that which I desire replyed she interrupting him come to me to morrow and you shall know what I have to say She had time to say no more by reason of the arrival of Madam who beginning to fancy some interest in Bussy observed nicely all his actions On the morrow going towards the Mareshales he passed by Madam de Bonnevals where he saw Neufville enter L'Hermite had order to make Bussy stay she told him his Mistriss dined at Madam de Bonnevals and that she would return immediately He was about to go and surprize the Mareshale and Neufville and to load them with a thousand reproaches but L'Hermite who understood the most part of his melancholy hindred his going out In short the Mareshale soon returned she would not see Neufville but had left him in the hands of Madam de Bonneval who too officiously pressed her to hear what he would say Being then alone in her Chamber with Bussy Though all treaty of love be for ever ended between us said she yet I have so great an esteem for you as to aske your Counsel Will you give it me Bussy promised it and she proceeded thus Since I have lost all hopes of being beloved by you I think it may be permitted me to engage in another violent passion which may last all my life my heart whispers me in favour of Neufville he is worthy of love he loves me What do you counsel me To hearken to all that your heart dictates Madam reply'd Bussy and to give your self wholly to Neufville But if I love him reply'd she if I have given him markes of it and if I do all I can to perswade him that no one can be more beloved than I do him Will you have no regret for what you lose What matter whether I am unhappy or desperate reply'd he you may love you may be happy and you may have the pleasure never more to remember Bussy follow follow your own thoughts Madam and never think of those cruel torments you make me undergo Ah Ingrateful Man said the Mareshale Will you forsake me then you that have made me so sensible Can you Counsel me to give my self to another You have done it already said Bussy interrupting her and sighing and I have known but too well how dearly you love Neufville Is it possible that you can upbraid me in the least reply'd she you who went hence for the progress in despite of that kindness of mine to request your stay Ah Ligneroles cry'd Bussy How happy were you at that time and how did I envy the delights you then enjoyed He told the Mareshale in what manner she had been deceiv'd she blusht at what she understood from Bussy and the confusion she appeared in made her yet seem fairer In sum he told her he could no longer doubt her being false that he saw her at Madam Bonnevals with Neufville and heard her say to him a thousand kind and obliging things The Mareshale fell a Laughing at this discourse Bussy grew angry and would have been gone when Neufville entred the room whatever L'Hermite could do to hinder him and though the Mareshale had forbid his entrance He looked pale and grief and repentance seemed lively represented in his Countenance Having demanded only the favour of Audience from the Mareshale and Bussy it was granted him and he spoke thus Had I not been assisted and pressed forward to become so guilty I had never betrayed either the trust or friendship of Bussy or have dared to prosecute my Love but Madam will you believe me 't was Madam de Bonneval who counselled me to love you and to tell you so thence had my crime its spring your inchanting carriage your charming features and in short all your Beauties brought it into a Stream The Mareshale who had a respect for Madam de Bonneval could scarce believe this perfidiousness but Bussy having pul'd out of his pocket a Letter which she had writ for his return she could no longer be doubtful of her treason after having read her words REturn Bussy the Mareshales constancy stands in need of you Her heart is assaulted in one of its most sensible places I know it and know she cannot visit You have a Rival thought too lovely his sight in one moment destroyes all that ought to be reserved for your passion How unhappy are men to have so much Love for ungrateful Women She well knew the Character to be Madam de Bonnevals and withal remembring how she had still endeavoured to divert her from loving Bussy she began to search the cause Will you tell me the truth said she to him Did Madam de Bonneval never love you possibly some refusal you made of her heart has made her attempt revenge on yours I know nothing certainly Madam said he after having thought a little while on what she had said but I have some suspitions you may possibly help me to give some light to He then began to tell her of the request Grillon had made to him to serve him with Madam de Bonneval in what manner it was performed and the interruption given by Madame and Chateaneuf and that on the morrow she sent the Note and the hair Bracelet which he carried to Grillon There needs no more said the Mareshale The cause of Bonnevals hate is plain she applyed to your self what you said for Grillon and Grillon doubtless received a favour design'd for you In the end she would justifie her self concerning those thousand kind things Bussy had heard her say to Neufville assuring them to be caused by Madam de Bonnevals artifice and that she had engaged her to speak so to Neufville to discover if he were truly in Love with her by counselling that if it were so to command his absence that Bussy might have no cause of complaint at his return He understood as well as the Mareshale that he had unhappily contributed to make the Treason succeed and that Madam de Bonneval had managed all things so well that any other as well as he would have believed her the most unfaithful woman living Neufville hearkned and could not but be amazed to hear how farr Madam de Bonneval had carry'd her lies and treachery when the Mareshale prayed him to let Bussy know how she had finish'd that Discourse of which as he had told her he had heard the beginning Imagine said he what pleasure I had to hear such kind and charming words pronounced in my favour for Who had ever the like said to them I hoped and I dare say I believed I was beloved but How great was my despair when after having acknowledged I was in Love Ingrateful and most perfidious man that you are said she going away from me Is it thus that you serve Bussy Love will not permit