expos'd tho' in her state of Innocence Besides to evince her guilt and that she had been actually happy in anothers Arms the lucky Youth when from the Bed he leapt had left the usual Marks of Love behind him This indeed the Duke had not the misfortune to see for one of the Maids who was privy to the Amour enter'd the Chamber with him and hid the base remains of interrupted Love Eriphile at once blush'd and wept she saw 't was impossible to deny what had past between her and Erinthus and did not so much as offer to extenuate the Crime Entheon knew his Honour betray'd his constant Love repay'd with Treachery and griev'd that e're he went to Cisala's House Then again remembring her Blushes when first he saw her in the Garden her Love which at that time was real and all those tender words she utter'd in his Arms since she became a Wife he grew almost mad and the thoughts of losing so much sweetness rack'd his very Soul Again he ey'd the weeping Fair and again storm'd and griev'd He curst the hour brought Erinthus to his House and saw that if he reveng'd this great affront he could gain no honour by it the Quality of the offender consider'd Besides Eriphile was always dear to him and now tho' false to the last degree as lovely as ever she had been The powerful Charms of a weeping Beauty can ne're be truly painted To have seen the Dutchess at this time was to be eternally hers and when she look'd upon her injur'd Lord she show'd a certain softness of force enough to enslave at once the Judgment and the Soul You may believe then Albisinda the generous Entheon was not insensible when he beheld her He sate sometime speechless and thinking on his loss then suddenly starting up he threw himself upon the Bed took her in his Arms and kiss'd away her fears Ah Eriphile cry'd he how I lov'd you Heaven and you can tell How my constancy has been rewarded I 'm asham'd to speak But oh why Erinthus is preferr'd to Entheon you alone can say Was your Honour now inseparably ty'd to mine a Triffle and Marriage Vows a whim of Priesthood No no Eriphile the World will take notice of the first and Heaven I fear can scarce neglect the latter But I by all that 's good forgive you Let not my disgrace and your weakness be the Table discourse of a whole Nation Let all that 's past be hush'd up in eternal Silence and for the future to Entheon and to your self be just Sure Albisinda you 'll confess 't was a double Sin to offend so good a Husband The tender Eriphile for that time was truly sensible of this and drown'd in Tears tho' yet in Bed threw her self upon her Knees graspt Entheon's Hand and weeping swore by all the Powers above and by that just Heaven she had too much offended she griev'd what she had done and for the future would prove her self the most obedient humble Wife that ever yet was known adding his excess of Goodness and Generosity encreas'd the weight of her Guilt she saw with sorrow how far she had err'd and assur'd him that no temptation should e're again perswade her to forget how much she ow'd to Entheon or her self The kind Duke forgave her all rais'd her up took her again to his Arms and told her he griev'd nothing more than that Erinthus proud of so great a Conquest might betray the Secret to prevent which 't was fitting he should bleed for the security of hers and his own Honour The lovely Eriphile tho' she truly repented the wrong she had done her Husband yet found too soon she had not wholly banish'd her Lover from her Breast She ey'd the Duke with concern and reading in his Face the signs of close revenge she fell a second time upon her Knees conjur'd him to believe that she was heartily sensible of that fault she had committed but could not think the death of Erinthus the most proper method to secure his Honour begg'd as he tender'd her Life he 'd lay aside that thought and as he had already promis'd pardon all that was done The Duke could deny her nothing and sure Albisinda his easiness that way was very pardonable for had she stood before that surly old Cynicks Diogenes he 'd not have us'd her with that freedom he express'd to the World 's great Conquerour he 'd willingly have quit his Book and gaz'd upon her or at least have sought no other light but what her eyes could give Oh Albisinda some People may blame him for an excess of good Nature upon this and other Emergencies that concern'd Eriphile But then believe me their Hearts are of a different Mould from that of this Noble Man and they ne're saw Eriphile or were capable of any tenderness that think they could have resented the ill she had done especially when she kneel'd and begg'd forgiveness In a word my Albisinda Entheon granted every thing she promis'd any thing he believ'd all she seem'd sensible of all and both were happy in a new Agreement I 'm afraid Albisinda for I frankly confess my want of Art or Power to move the Passions that by this time you wish my Letter finish'd But the story affords no great number of Adventures and that of Daria having wasted more than half my time you will find me generous in spite of my self because necessarily oblig'd to relieve you from the trouble I shall then Madam like our famous Teachers only beg one minutes patience and venture to take two The Duke tho' he had lov'd much and believ'd much yet could not chuse but fear more He remembred that Eriphile was a Woman that Erinthus was young and handsom that he was new and already in possession of her Favours These considerations taught him to observe her Conduct narrowly he consulted her very looks and tho' his Judgment always master'd his Passions yet sometimes he could not chuse but think he read his own dishonour painted in her Eyes On the other hand the Dutchess fear'd to offend because she could not reasonably expect to find him always merciful Erinthus griev'd the loss of his happiness but more Eriphile's cares and knew not that the Duke had sign'd her pardon and seal'd it with his Love Unwilling nevertheless to lose that happiness he had enjoy'd by the help of powerful Guinea he convey'd the following Billet-deux to the longing Dutchess Madam I know not how to write or how to express my thoughs I am ignorant upon what terms you stand with the Duke and oppress'd with sorrow for what happened I am safe but if Eriphile Loves not more unfortunate than if that Bullet design'd for my ruin had lodg'd within my Heart From all my pains I rely upon you for ease and till I see you Madam believe me your unhappy Erinthus The Dutchess tho' once half resolv'd to forget him was o're-joy'd to know him safe and in spite of all her
could yield and after they had discours'd some time about the injustice of his Sentence they came to see me I was amaz'd at the unlook'd for Accident and had almost fainted with the sudden Apprehension of my Husband's danger When Assapan who saw my fears approach'd and begg'd a thousand Pardons for being the Author of my griefs Swore he was glad to see his Friend happy commended my choice and added he wou'd not disturb my happiness tho' he lov'd much to be Master of the World I return'd him those thanks his kindness merited excus'd my self for not having sooner acquainted him with my Circumstances that it did not suit with my modesty and that I was not sorry for his knowledge because 't was what my heart wou'd willingly have inform'd him of before He answer'd that my Honour and his Friends safety should be his greatest Care that it was not convenient for my interest that he shou'd leave off his Suit so suddenly because the World had already seen him my Lover that while he continued his addresses none could suspect him conscious of my real Fortunes and he would for the future proclaim to all my virtue as hitherto he had done his Love I was o'rejoy'd at this Resolution the more because I did not think he would have born the Misfortune so patiently or the Affront I put upon him with so much Moderation When he was gone Adrastus who had dissembled his real Thoughts began to let me know his Fears that he doubted Assapan's virtue would not be proof against so many Charms that Love and Beauty had often destroy'd the most setled Resolutions and trampled Honour under Foot that he was a dangerous Friend and knew the Arts of Love and all the weakness of a Woman's nature I found the aim of all this Discourse and cou'd almost have reprov'd him for his fears But then considering his Jealousie as the Child of Love I smil'd and embrac'd him gave him all the Blessings mighty Love bestows and lull'd his fears asleep Assapan came frequently to see me and I could observe nothing in his Words and Actions that was not quadrant to those Promises he had lately made me But at last prevail'd upon either by the heat of his Love or the hopes of my weakness he made those Addresses which did not at all please me and swore Adrastus was too happy that he could no longer be my Friend or his but a Lover to the one and a constant Rival to the other This cruel and sudden change gave me inexpressible sorrow and taught me to fear a thousand Mischiefs then as an addition to my Affliction I saw it was what I cou'd not safely communicate to the lovely Partner of all my Cares for when mighty pains are in one Bosom found 't is over-charg'd and may in time be rent but having got a breast that shares the load they straight take Wing and leave the oppressed Heart the o'reburden'd Soul mounts upwards joys in its new Liberty and finds its Weights remov'd In the mean time the Earl continued his Visits and fail'd not to urge the violence of his flame in words that never express'd a modest Love and one Day the most unfortunate I er'e had seen or now can know told me if I was not marry'd to Adrastus I was not virtuous and if I was it spoke me regardless of my Honour if I consider'd him as the Author of Minoya's death and remembred what the World thought of me in that Husband's time You see Madam how Men are converted by Love into as many different Resolutions and Humours as Proteus e're knew shapes he who a few Days ago was all Love all Friendship and Tenderness now became ill-natur'd indiscreet and unkind I was about to let him know how much I resented what he had said but then I remembred the weight of that secret with which my ill Fortune had intrusted him and with grief and anger painted in my Face told him he spoke not like the gen'rous Assapan for he was my Friend nor could I believe the words meant to the Dutchess of Minoya because I was assur'd he once lov'd her and had a better opinion of her Virtue When he saw me so modest and calm in my Answer I fancy he was at first sorry for his indiscretion but when men once doubt a Woman's virtue 't is impossible they should Love and where there was Love in the beginning Lust supplys its absence though her faults have make her too deform'd for a Wife yet her Beauty serves to make her good enough for a Mistress besides those who are known to have yielded to one Man are often if not always by the uncharitable World suspected of the same weakness towards another Thus it was with the unkind Earl for after he had paus'd some Minutes he told me I must consent to his Happiness or begin my own Misery This sentence flash'd like lightning to my Heart I remain'd silent anger and sorrow shar'd my Thoughts and all my Courage was scarce able to support me He saw my Countenance but mistook my Passion and from my silence drew Consent caught me in his Arms kiss'd me and ask'd if I was yet resolv'd to bless him with Enjoyment All his words were wounds each of them reach'd my Soul and I still continued dumb This he concludes a faint denial embrac'd me in his Arms again and when I offer'd to resist or call for help he swore Adrastus should answer for my unkindness with his Life Fear made me weak and the sudden assault bore my Virtue head-long before it Weeping I lay beneath the treacherous Mass and wish'd each moment he consum'd in Joy might bring whole Years of cruel deadly Pains The gods look'd on and saw Lucretia ravish'd no wonder then they had no Thunder bolts in store to relieve one who so often had offended While thus in height of Pleasure he lay drown'd remembred what had pass'd to move a new desire rov'd wildly and immodestly o're each part to kindle expiring Flames and surfeited with Joy still sought for more The unlucky Adrastus led by wild Chance or by unerring Fate enter'd the Room to find his lov'd Timandra I saw him first but gods you only know what torments seiz'd my Mind and rack'd my guilty Soul A while he stood immovable and gaz'd then fury enter'd and his judgment fled all thoughts of mercy from his nature were excluded revenge the darling of his Soul grew high and in that frenzy drawing nigh the Bed with one dire stroak as swift and sudden as if from Heav'n it had come he stab'd the guilty Ravisher to the Heart Curs'd be the hour he cry'd when first I lov'd but doubly that in which I first betray'd Minoya Heav'n just Heav'n has now repay'd that injury I did him The Earl groan'd grasp'd at his Sword and in that Action dy'd Besmear'd with Blood all mixt with briny Tears trembling and fainting from the Bed I rose then threw my self half
Closet with that joy at my Heart which none can know till doubly bless'd like me Here he ended his Relation and I felt the motions of my Heart which are not easily express'd I griev'd the easiness of his Nature that by a seeming guilt suffer'd his Reason to be dispossest that unheard he could resolve to punish and without Tryal pronounce my Doom Yet these thoughts were soon remov'd when I remembred his constancy how for me he had renounc'd the hopes of a Crown and for the smiles of a Wife abandon'd courting Majesty But that which most rack'd me was the necessity I lay under of traveiling to Peru-alta I form'd to my self a frightful Idea of the Court dreaded the Queen and Princess and thought Valentio already forc'd from my Arms between them But then remembring how far his Honour was engaged how gratitude forc'd his return and that he 'd forfeit life sooner than his Promise how the King esteem'd him how Reduan lov'd him and the interest his eminent Services had gain'd him in the Nation I began by quick degrees to change those thoughts for others more agreeable In a word Madam after a few Weeks we began our Journey and because nothing of consequence hapned on the Road excepting that Melissa lay three days sick I shall change the Scene and in a minute place my self at the Court of Pharnaces The King swore himself o'rejoy'd at my Husband's Arrival Reduan show'd a constant Friendship the Queen smil'd and Almeria alone seem'd dejected She upbraided Valentio with Treachery because he had dissembl'd his real Circumstances yet said she forgave him seeing the Charms of his happier Delia sufficiently excus'd the Crime The Youth at Court came frequently to see me and Antharsus who by the King 's special Command was reconcil'd to my Husband made always one in the Crow'd He seem'd very much to affect my Maid and believe me Madam she out-did all the Beauties at Court The Princess 't is true was lovely and had a singular Majesty in all her Actions yet not so powerful in the assault of a Heart as Melissa Things stood not long in this Posture for my Husband 's ancient Enemy still retain'd a perfect remembrance of the affront put upon him and studying revenge at last this opportunity offer'd The General and Valentio were discoursing concerning the Natures of Women the constancy of some and the weakness of others if the Causes proceeded from the disposition of the Body or the Mind and if any Man could assure himself of his Wife's fidelity Reduan according to his usual goodness swore my Husband was happy that he believ'd his Delia's Virtue proof against the strongest Temptation and I seem'd Mistress of a Judgment of force to beat off those assaults which with incredible ease would o'return the resolutions of others Valentio thankt him for this Complement and Antharsus swore all Women were fickle as the Winds he 'd debauch her that pretended most to Chastity and banish Virtue from her thoughts in less than three Days that modesty with our Sex was but a Cloak to private Sins our Nature's wavering or rather veering towards the point of Vice and with-held only by a fond Love of Reputation which exactly weigh'd is rather innate Pride The General show'd his dislike of what he said and calmly bid him consult his Reason e're he spoke but my Husband who took impatiently every thing that came from him and who knew the words levell'd against himself in particular told him with anger in his looks that Delia was proof against him and all Men that he should have access to his House and if I chang'd my Love or endanger'd his Honour he 'd forfeit his Life Antharsus suddenly reply'd 't was too great a Wager but he 'd lay his Fortune at stake a common Bet in that Country that Valentio should absent himself for three Days and at his return receive undeniable proofs of his errour in trusting to a Woman Honest Reduan chid his Kinsman and oppos'd the budding mischief But my Husband confident of my Conduct was resolute and swore he would not upon any terms desist and that a few Days would experimentally teach the young Man not to trust too much to his Merit or to over-rate his Person or Parts Valentio soon writ to me by which I was inform'd he had receiv'd sudden Orders from the King that he was oblig'd to visit a Town some Miles distant and I should not expect his return till the fourth Day following Antharsus already half assur'd of success came immediately to see me and took care that most of his acquaintance should have notice of his Visit he frequented the Windows and upon every trivial Occasion fool'd me thither that all might know us together At Night he enter'd privately and finding Melissa in her Chamber he renew'd his Addresses to her she whom Ambition had blinded had scarce the power to deny him any thing He swore boundless Love for her and seem'd to desire nothing more than a speedy Marriage between them With this bait he easily deluded the credulous Maid and gave her large presents to confirm her in the mistake On the other hand he propos'd no other proof of her affection than the delivery of that thing which her Mistress most esteem'd and which she knew Valentio had given me She readily comply'd and while I slept stole the Key of my Cabinet taking from thence this Cross which now you see and which my Husband had given me when he fled from Merintha The young Man glad of his feign'd Victory gave her a Jewel of a considerable value conjur'd her to conceal this Transaction from all the World and retired to his own Appartment eas'd because he had begun his Rival's ruin When Valentio return'd he saw too soon the stoln mark of fictitious Conquest and believ'd me base He dissembl'd all when in my Company tho' not so well as to blind my fore-boding Soul I askt the cause of his discontent and he reassum'd his old excuse want of Health Thus we liv'd I was ignorant of what had past he jealous and tormented Melissa glad of her coming Fortune and Antharsus fond of his own Villany The Nights were spent with different passions on all sides and Day was always welcome to my watchful Soul One Morning the lost Valentio askt me if I would go with him into the Fields I readily consented and having seated our selves in the Coach we drove a Mile by the River's side and then alighted Sorrow prest his Brow and his looks spoke his Heart plung'd in grief yet still methought I read anger or rather gloomy revenge in his Eyes We walkt another whole Mile without exchange of Words and my Heart sinking with the sudden apprehension of some coming mischief taught me to expect greater troubles than yet I had known While thus we walkt he caught me in his Arms cry'd aloud This for my Honour lost Now Love Antharsus Then threw me head-long down the hanging Bank The
concern'd at the Proposition and with some passion ask'd him if he thought my Love had banish'd native modesty or if he had advis'd me to stay with a design to attempt my Honour The kind Youth fell upon his Knees and clasping mine Swore by all the Gods he never meant me ill Daria's welfare and that of his Soul were equally his care and if I deny'd him that assurance of my Love he begg'd he would believe himself yet unhappy after all I had done for him Why Daria said he is Odmar a Common Lover Is he not thy Husband Let me hope our Hearts are Joyn'd and sure a few trifling Ceremonies serve not to confirm the tye before Heaven but our fellow Creatures whose unbounded Passions must be limited and restrain'd by Laws To the Virtuous and good no force is needful and I shall be just to thee as I would expect mercy from the powers in Heaven when my last hour approaches O! Madam 't is needless to say any more I Lov'd even to distraction nor did he merit less I yielded and hid my blushes in his Breast he was blest nor could I think my self unhappy That sleep he had at first propos'd was to both deny'd nay was not wish'd or look'd for we consum'd the hours in each others Arms and Jove sat wishing when he view'd our Joys When the unfortunate Sun appear'd and lovely Odmar rose what agonies did my poor Soul know He embrac'd me tenderly but without one kind word leapt from the disorder'd Bed I already fear'd I had shown too much of fondness and that the Joys of that Night had cloy'd the appetite of his easie Soul When he was dress'd he came again to the Bed's side took me in his Arms sigh'd and ask'd me when he should be bless'd again With Tears in my eyes I told him I was his and that now my happiness depended upon his pleasure To morrow's night then said he let me find my Daria here doubt not my Love or honour kiss'd me again and so quit the Room Oh! Madam if you knew those cares oppress'd me when he was gone I remembred how eloquent he had been before I yielded and now saw he had not one kind word to spare His sighs encreas'd my fears and I had nothing to comfort me in this new affliction but that last kiss he gave me which notwithstanding of his silence methought did yet express a constant tender flame When I opened the Door I trac'd his footsteps on the Dew and almost sunk with the fresh remembrance of what had past Go said I Odmar go and if thou art not so Honourable as I have judg'd thee I know how to be reveng'd my Death shall attone for my guilt and thou shalt mourn the loss of her that lov'd thee As I spoke I cast my Eyes that way the Youth had gone and saw my Father coming I trembl'd so much as he approach'd that my fears indeed were enough to betray the secret Ha! Daria cry'd he is this the reward of a Father's care Have I lov'd you to be the more easily betray'd by you and is your Virtue and Honour fled beyond Redemption my passion is not master of my Judgment and I forbear to use you as I ought to do tho' I 've trac'd Odmar and saw him on the other side of the River But take this for my positive resolution never see me more since you obey'd not the instruction of a kind Father I shall nay I have forgot that ever I had a Daughter I had spent the night in pleasure and the morning in Tears so that I had not time to feign a story to divert his Anger I threw my self therefore at his feet and sunk with grief could hardly bid him think I yet was Virtuous Yes yes Daria reply'd he you are Virtuous I can read in your Eyes no signs of last nights Revels But come continued he and taking me by the hand let 's see the Scene where the dishonour of my House was acted When he came to the Bed Oh Madam I blush to tell that the marks of Virgin Loves confess'd that weakness which I strove to hide My Father was Thunder-struck with what he saw and running out of the Room I could hear him at some distance cry Oh my lost Daria I 'm sure Madam you will confess 't is impossible to paint that grief I then felt I fell into a swoon upon the Bed and there lay some hours e're I recover'd my senses When my Judgment return'd I felt a new return of all my pains too I was ready to end all my griefs by one dire Blow and I 'm firmly perswaded if any instrument of Death had been nigh I had not now liv'd to mourn the loss of Odmar However amidst all my sorrows I remembred that Appointment he had made the succeeding night and tho' I doubted much his Constancy I resolv'd to wait the event Till that time should come I knew not whither to betake my self I could not fly to a Friend's House because then my shame would be notorious and durst not venture to show my self at home when Aristeon had sworn he ne're would own me e're I could come to a resolution my afflicted Mother enter'd the Lodge Well Daria said she I come not to reproach you with a Crime that cannot now be mended but to tell you that no Arguments can yet reconcile you to your Father He denies your admittance to his House This indiscreet way of Loving has sown that reproach upon our Family for can you think Odmar will wed a Fortune so mean as yours which no time shall be able to Root out In a word Aristeon is mad with Grief and you may guess at mine However come along with me and stay in your Chamber without his knowledge for my Tears may yet perswade him to forgive this fault of Love and Youth I was not able to give any answer to this tenderness of Julietta's my grief was visible in my Face and sufficiently pleaded my excuse I obey'd then and when I was left alone in my Room in a few minutes my condition was the same it had been a little before my Mother had come to me and when the troubles of my mind again allow'd me the use of my senses I read my Odmar's Letters a thousand times but found not half that pleasure in 'em I had known before At Night Julietta came again to see me told me my Father's sorrow was nothing yet abated and that he was resolv'd not lose Dion's Friendship bid me make use of my Reason and shun immoderate Grief and so left me to my self I spent the Night without sleep and the next Morning yet encreas'd my fears for now the hour approach'd in which I was again to see my Odmar from whom alone I hop'd and wish'd relief To be short Madam Night at last arriv'd but not my Lover How I long'd and waited for him in that Lodge where I had been once so happy no Tongue
Resolutions found she lov'd him more than ever When she retir'd to her Closet to consult her Judgment what to do e're she was aware she writ him this Answer Erinthus DAnger adds to Pleasure and Fears endear the Blessing when enjoy'd Meet me in your Coach to morrow's Night precisely at eight in the King's walk beyond the Garden E e. The happy young Man receiv'd it and fail'd not to obey When the hour came he appear'd upon the place with all the longings of a Lover as yet he saw not one Woman there and was almost assur'd of a disappointment when a lovely Youth approach'd his Chariot Erinthus believ'd him sent from the Dutchess and bid the Coach-man stop and you may think him happily surpris'd when he found the handsom Youth was no other than the Dutchess of Entheon The Duke shortly after by chance drove the same way and as he past Eriphile gave him a low Bow as other strangers did You may assure your self they stay'd not long in the Walk there were greater sweets to be found in a Bed-Chamber than in the open Fields and they forgot all those hazards they had lately past At ten they parted and the Dutchess got home with all that ease and security she desir'd Her two faithful Maids stood at the Gate to receive her and as she enter'd inform'd her that Entheon was at home that he had enquir'd after her but that they had told him she was indispos'd and begg'd his Grace's pardon Had Fortune continued this kindness all had been well but Albisinda you 'll confess 't was hard that e're she had fairly enter'd the Room and ready to undress the impatient Duke knock'd at the Door Eriphile with a Voice seemingly faint askt who it was and knowing too soon that 't was the Duke you may easily think she was startl'd with the sudden apprehension of her danger But not so confus'd as to neglect her own safety she told his Grace she was so very ill she could not yet come to the Door without difficulty Entheon who lov'd her to distraction fear'd that her indisposition might indeed be dangerous and unable to live one minute from her sight gently forc'd it open and found her in the same dress in which she had bless'd her Lover her Wig and Sword lay obvious on the Table and not one sign of indisposition appear'd The great Entheon became dumb with sorrow and the charming Eriphile knew not what to say for her self At last the Duke broke silence and calmly but with trouble told her That if she was not really sick she ought to have been so seeing his Honour had again been stab'd and hers was truly dead This generous Man Albisinda said no more he lov'd her even yet and griev'd her weakness He ey'd her a while and in spite of all his Courage his Heart melted But willing to hide his softness he feign'd another Passion show'd anger in his looks and yet in Tears withdrew When he was gone Eriphile threw her self upon the Bed wept her own Misfortune and wish'd she could yet be sensible of Entheon's merit and when with pain she view'd him noble as when first he saw her Erinthus leapt between her and the lovely form and she could think of nothing else but him In the mean time the Duke sent for the Earl of Cisala and acquainted him with all that past since that Night she and Fidelia went to the Play-house The old Man was infinitely surpris'd with what he heard and thankt him for that moderation he had shown in an affair where so many provoking causes were given and told him that Eriphile's Education had ne're taught her to dishonour his House and again bless'd him for not exposing to the World the disgrace of his seduc'd Daughter Eriphile yet lay upon the Bed and was perfectly mad with grief when she saw her Husband and her Father enter She was too in that dress which betray'd the Secret and weeping as she rose to receive them Ah my Lord said she to Cisala I own my guilt load me not with reproaches but rob me of my Life for I deserve not to live since I 've dishonour'd you and wrong'd so good a Husband Oh Entheon continued she I cannot ask forgivness you have been too kind and I too ingrateful yet e're I dye let me receive your Pardon Whether she truly repented or not Albisinda is not to be doubted for she ne're saw Entheon but she lov'd him But when he and Erinthus were both absent her Heart inclin'd to the latter and own'd him much the happier Man But Madam why should I detain you longer upon this Adventure since I 've already promis'd a speedy Conclusion In a word then the Duke lov'd too well and she was too charming Her new dress gave her a thousand Graces expos'd the tenderness and delicacy of her shape and show'd so much of softness in her Air 't was enough to have charm'd the most insensible of Human Kind for even when in the Grove she lay and show'd by chance what else had been conceal'd her Limbs appear'd not to the vanquish'd Youth with half those Beauties which he now discover'd Cisala too interceded for her and 't was morally impossible for the Duke not to be reconcil'd to so fair an offender Things being thus setled they liv'd for some time in a seeming Union How far their Hearts were engag'd in this peace I shall not offer to determine but by what has follow'd it appears the Dutchess kept not to Articles on her side Erinthus it seems had too many Charms to be with ease forgot and even in Entheon's Arms she sigh'd and wish'd for him The Duke some Months after was oblig'd to go into the Country where he stay'd a considerable time He trusted much to Eriphile's Promises and confident of her future conduct left her with that ease and peace of mind which happy Husbands know of virtuous Wives possess'd In his absence 't was impossible for Eriphile to be constant to her Vows Erinthus attacqu'd her with Letters and all the Arts of a cunning Lover knowing that where a Woman once has yielded 't is rarely found she can deny again In a word the Lover was again happy and the witty fair Eriphile again was faulty The continued absence of Entheon gave them all that security they could desire and frequent meetings made the Crime at last so obvious that all the World took notice on 't Every Servant in the House knew it and tho' they lov'd the Dutchess yet hated the happy Lover He often stay'd all Night and 't is known that two of the Maids at a certain time peeping throw the Key-hole saw them in Bed together the Curtain at foot being open and next morning could perceive the marks of impious Love and signs of Honour lost Nay the Intrigue grew so notorious that Erinthus's Friends enquir'd for him no where but at the Duke of Entheon's and Fidelia one day before many witnesses by way of
observ'd that change in your Humour you mention No Madam cry'd he interrupting me and with a brisker Air had it been my Happiness to be taken notice of by you amongst the common Herd of men you had e're now seen that change which all the World takes notice of The truth is he had grown something more reserv'd of late and carry'd in his Countenance the Marks of a violent Flame this I acknowledg'd in part to him but willing to Convert it to raillery Adrastus said I smiling I hope your Melancholy proceeds not from the absence of your elder Brother whom all men conclude long since in the other World if it does methinks you are too tender to mourn a loss that brings so great a profit Madam said he with a look that pierc'd my Heart my sullen Humour has another Original had you been less fair I still had been happy half of those Beauties you possess are sufficient to impose Chains on a Heart more stubborn than mine In a word Madam I 'm your Lover I must for ever be so I die for you and nothing but a return can create my Happiness Here he ended with a look so am'rous and submissive 't was enough to have Charm'd even Niobe Nevertheless I feign'd a mighty displeasure at the freedom he had assum'd he saw me frown and was just ready to speak in his own behalf when the old Earl and my Mother enter'd the Room he presently withdrew a considerable distance from me with that confusion in his Face which his Father easily observ'd however the old Man seem'd to take no notice on 't yet he soon engag'd me to take a walk in the Garden and taking my Mother by the Hand left me for his Son Adrastus had so much of Love in his Eyes that for my soul I cou'd not be angry with him yet gave him my Hand without any signs of my being appeas'd while we walk't I cou'd observe the disorder in which he was a sudden Paleness overspread his Face next moment a Ruddy Blush betray'd his quick surprise unusual beating seiz'd his trembling Heart and methought I felt that eager melting tenderness in every touch as if his trembling Hand had reach'd my fireing Soul he fear'd I might lay hold of the least opportunity to reproach him and therefore kep't as nigh the old Earl as possibly he cou'd he was not so much in Love with my Mother but that he cou'd easily perceive his Son's Behaviour be gave him a look that show'd his sentiments and then chusing another Walk left us Adrastus much repented his Temerity in the discovery of his Flame because he fear'd I should never more admit his Visits but seeing what was past cou'd not be recall'd he resolv'd to make the best on 't Madam said he as soon as they were gone I doubt not but that you are incens'd at the Declaration I have made you but if that can attone for the Sin I have committed believe that nothing but invincible Necessity cou'd force me to transgress those Bounds I have so long prescrib'd my self I have ador'd you since I first saw you even to Idolatry and the Suppression of my Flame so long has only serv'd to make it burn with more violence Having thus said he consulted my Eyes for his future Destiny and I was willing to arm them with more Fury than my Inclination cou'd well permit 'T is impossible to hold out against those we love I had long admir'd him in secret and often wish'd for what I was then about to destroy I read Passion in his looks I 'm straight disarm'd then all my Counterfeit anger in a moment leaves me and 't was with difficulty I cou'd hide my real Sentiments As soon as my Soul was settled Sir said I I can't chuse but wonder at what you have told me for if you had lov'd more you had not presum'd so much but I 'm willing to forget what 's past if for the future you avoid the like Error How these words drop't from me I know not I Lov'd 't is true but at the same time I swear I was asham'd of my own weakness I cast down my Eyes and was just ready to lessen those hopes I had given by words of a harsher Nature when he o're-joy'd at his unlock'd for success threw himself at my feet he grasp'd my knees with the eagerness of departing Souls thank't me a thousand times for that new Life I had given him and said so much that 't was impossible to doubt him I was nor much displeas'd at what I saw or heard I had scarce the Power of speaking left me and with a faint Voice bid him moderate his Joy he knew not how soon it might be at an end he presently râ—se with that Satisfaction in his Eyes which none but Lovers can enjoy and taking a cross Alley which led to that where the Earl was we soon reach'd 'em and so continued together till the Night Air Commanded us to withdraw and then we parted both pleas'd with what had happen'd THE next Day he came to see me I cou'd see a new-born Joy in all his looks and I fancy he read very little of anger in mine I repented heartily of that silence I half enjoyn'd him often imagining with my self what moving words he 'd utter were the liberty of speaking granted he easily perceiv'd part of that esteem I bore him and therefore ventur'd to whisper in my Ears a thousand moving things natural to a passionate Lover young and eloquent I hearkned to all those Vows he made with an inward Satisfaction that sometimes display'd it self in my Eyes he came often to see me protested a violent Love for me and seldom left me without some new Addition to his hopes THINGS stood in this posture when Huascar his elder Brother came home The old Earl was beyond expression o're joy'd at the sight of a Son he had so long mourn'd as Dead and I 'm perswaded Adrastus was not so much discontented for the loss of that Estate he was rob'd of as at the thoughts of my esteeming him the less he instantly acquainted me with it by a Note he privately convey'd to my Hands and tho' it was the first he ever sent me I cannot say I was angry at the freedom If I remember well 't was to this purpose Madam I Have presum'd without liberty to give you this Billerdeux my Brother is come home and a thousand feare possess me I put on your Chains without any thoughts of your Fortune and I hope you won't lessen that esteem you have hitherto had of me for the loss of mine I die with Impatiency to wait on you pity me for till then I think of nothing but of you or of a dang'rous Rival newly arriv'd Adrastus I was not sorry to see him afraid of losing that which I was willing no other shou'd possess I lov'd and found nothing about him in all my search that told me he did not deserve it
a suit of those Cloaths I often wore with Orders to my Maid Zibelline to pay her the same Respect she did to my self they were both instructed how to behave themselves upon every accident and the Counterfeit Timandra had seen the Earl was truly handsom and every way qualifi'd for that part she was to perform I had chosen a convenient place in the Field where I might see and not be seen and had not waited long before I saw Rucana approach my Coach his Impatiency wou'd not permit him to wait the approach of Night not doubting but if I was as amiable as People spoke me his Birth and Fortune were sufficient to mount him on his Brother's Ruins I was beyond belief pleas'd at what I saw he made more account of my Maid than perhaps he had done of my self he swore a thousand times he lov'd her while she answer'd coldly to all he said adding that as yet she did not believe any such Passion had got footing in the World and that for her part she cou'd ne're be sensible of any such Flame for the Handsomest Man in the World No Madam cry'd the Earl interrupting her and pulling out my Letter I presume you writ this obliging Billet to the happy Adrastus and I see no Reason why he ought to be preferr'd to an elder Brother to whom he is in all things inferior Casmia for that was the Maid's Name answer'd she had seen Adrastus and that she thought him infinitely beyond him who styl'd himself his Brother but that she ne're felt a Flame for him nor did her Soul distinguish him from other men and that the Letter he spoke of was none of hers of this she gave him what assurances Oaths cou'd give he cou'd not chuse but believe a Woman who swore so unfeignedly and at last concludes his Brother Courted a Timandra but not that one he spoke to this thought gave him in a moment store of hopes then addressing himself to his Mistress with a submissive tone Madam said he I beg a thousand pardons for that unjust opinion I had conceiv'd your Beauty made me easily believe you the same my Brother ador'd but since it is not so let me hope my happiness the greater because you are not prepossest in Favours of another if it be my misfortune to be less in your esteem than the young Adrastus I hope time and my ensuing Services may raise me some steps beyond him Casmia catch'd Occasion by the foretop and laying her indifferency aside tells him that Fame spoke sufficiently on the Earl of Rucana's behalf that he was a Servant the handsomest Lady in Capac might be proud of and that tho' she found her Heart nothing inclinable to Love yet if time shou'd show his Passion the same he now swore it was he might perhaps o'recome that indifferency which every Man had hitherto met with from her The Earl o'rejoy'd at this sudden change made a thousand Protestations of inviolable Fidelity swore that his Heart was never before engag'd and that it shou'd for ever wear the Chains of the fair Timandra who alone was Mistress of those Charms that cou'd make it a Prisoner The Coach was so nigh me that I cou'd hear ev'ry word distinctly and you may assure your self Madam I was sensibly pleas'd to see the Comedy Acted in which my Maid perform'd her part to my wish The Earl was proud of his imaginary success and she not forbidding him that happiness kiss'd her hand a thousand times with the greatest transport imaginable protesting he thought himself the happiest of men While he continu'd in this extasie I cou'd see a Gentleman attended by one Servant steal softly towards my Coach listen some minutes and then retire where he plac'd himself behind Tree unknown to any but my self I cou'd have wish'd the Conference had ended sooner the invisible Gentleman saw whose hand the Earl kiss'd and doubtless concluded it mine by the Livery of my Coach and was the more Confirm'd when he heard Zibelline's Voice with which he was well acquainted I was perswaded it could be no other than the young Adrastus drawn thither by his Jealousie and whom I resolv'd to punish next Morning for his Disobedience But I soon perceiv'd my Error for the Earl had no sooner left my Maid who order'd the Coachman to drive immediately home than I cou'd see the Gentleman leap suddenly from behind the tree and meet Rucana almost in the same place where the Coach had left him Sir cry'd he I have been a witness of your happiness Timandra prefers you to all men living And tho' I have long ador'd her with a Passion infinitely beyond what you are capable of yet I cou'd ne're find those returns You are my happy Rival and it now remains we shou'd decide with our Swords which is he who best deserves those Favours blind Love throws upon you without respect to merit I presently call'd to mind whose Voice it was and found it to be the Duke of Minoya's I was ready to run in between 'em to prevent that quarrel I already saw commenc'd but then I consider'd how far I endangered my Reputation shou'd it be known I was in the Fields with two such men as Rucana and Minoya at so unseasonable an hour However they took but little time for deliberation for the Earl without examining with whom he fought us'd his utmost Art and Strength to Chastise the insolence of an Enemy who had so boldly assaulted him In a little time to my infinite amazement I saw the Duke fall while his Servant who fought with the Earl's meeting with worse fortune tumbled down dead at the feet of his Master Rucana put up his Sword and immediately departed the Field He had receiv'd no wounds nor was his Page's fortune less so that when he came home Adrastus saw no signs about him of that Tragedy he had been acting I remain'd almost motionless with fear I repented a thousand times the folly I had committed I wish'd I had never Written to Adrastus and was even ready to dye with grief when Zibelline arriv'd I conceal'd my trouble as much as possible and she having the Key of the Back door that gave us entry to the Garden we soon reach'd the House undiscover'd by any I concluded Minoya a dead Man and therefore us'd no care for his preservation I recommended secresie to Zibelline and Casmia as to the Enterview with the Earl but did not mention the Combat because they knew nothing of it In the morning Adrastus came to see me and told me the Duke of Minoya was desperately wounded his Servant kill'd and both found in the Field that it was not known with whom he fought but that his Servants gather'd from some of his words he had receiv'd his Wounds for a Mistress of considerable quality I was glad at what Adrastus told me because I found the Duke had not only conceal'd my name but was likewise ignorant of him he deem'd his Rival Thus we
And thereupon giving way to her passion pulls the poor Countess by the Hair from the Bed where she had lain silent and half dead with fear The Earl tho' o'rewhelm'd with Jealousie cou'd not see his Wife so ill us'd and therefore reliev'd her from the paw of the Lyoness In the mean time Zibelline had awak'd me and dissembling her knowledge of the cause told me the House was all in an uproar I soon got up and enter'd the Room just as Rucana had reliev'd the distress'd fair one My Mother as soon as she saw me ask'd if I was a stranger to the cause of all this confusion and if I held a Correspondence with the Earl equal to that I did with Adrastus I told her I had never seen Rucana but was inform'd he had endeavour'd to debauch one of my Maids I hop'd she did not doubt my Virtue and that my Conduct had been such as became hers and the Marquess of Huyana's Daughter The Earl who had hearkned with wonder and amazement soon found how he had been impos'd upon and was at first confounded and oppress'd with shame and anger But then growing calm and eying his Wife who lay drown'd in tears with all her Beautys open to his view his fury fled Love pleads in her behalf and a thousand tender thoughts possess'd his Soul He beheld a Woman whom he long had lov'd half naked weeping prostrate at his feet and all her Sexes best bewitching Charms about her Tears dropt from his Eyes and all the pains of love and sorrow jointly prest his Heart Then raising gently the afflicted fair one he beg'd a thousand pardons for his indiscreet management swore he shou'd ne're repent the happy mistake kiss'd away her Tears and sigh'd at every word After some minutes thus spent he made an Apology to my Mother for that disturbances he had occasioned in the Family then taking the Countess by the hand led her down stairs calls a Coach for 't was now day-light and drives home pleas'd because he lov'd My Mother was glad to find me innocent and her self doubly deceiv'd and by her Joy in some measure atton'd for the harsh usage I had receiv'd from her the foregoing Night Zibelline was pleas'd with her own good success and I thought my self fortunate in seeing a business I dreaded brought to a happy exit Thus we all went to Bed again well satisfied with what had hapen'd and each of us big with the hopes of Fortune's continu'd smiles Next Day I was inform'd the Duke had quit his Room and was able to take a turn in the Garden The Earl's Marriage was soon known and as it happens in such cases he was laugh'd at by the Wits pity'd by the Honest-hearted and commended by the Judicious for that Moderation he had shown in so provoking a juncture and I was by all concluded privy to the intrigue Minoya show'd his Sentiments in his Eyes where the inward Satisfaction this accident gave him visibly appear'd His flame is augmented with his hopes and the removal of a Rival he thinks a step to his Happiness These pleasant thoughts Contribute much to his speedy Recovery he imagin'd I was not prepossess'd to his prejudice and easily believ'd he had fought for my Maid In a few days he came to see me and I having in some measure laid aside the thoughts of my ingrateful Lover receiv'd him more kindly than I had done before his long absence This inflam'd him more my Mother seconded every word he spoke and 't was impossible to hold out against two such powerful Assailants Yet Young Adrastus took his place by turns and tho' the passion I had for him seem'd sometimes dead yet from what thought I know not it like Lamps just extinguish'd greedily catch'd hold of light and in a moment turn'd into a flame Thus divided after I had seen the Duke languishing for me three whole Months I at last consented to Marry him He was ravish'd at the wish'd-for grant and tasted all those Joys successful Love imparts to Youth impatient of delays On the other hand I saw the fatal hour approach with pain and cou'd not think of being for ever his while Adstrastus was in Being tho' absent and unkind but not knowing how to recal that promise I had given and the Town already too busie with my Name I was forc'd to confirm it by a Marriage Vow The Duke now happy in the possession of her he ador'd went seldom abroad he was uneasie but when in my Company and all his actions center'd in his Love One Evening he told me Laughing with what concern he had seen the Earl of Rucana's happiness that Night he fought him and wonder'd much how that Marriage came to pass ask'd if the Countess was handsome and applauded her mamagement I gave her those praises her Beauty deserv'd and wish'd him reconcil'd to Rucana because his constant Love after so great a disappointment spoke him a Man truly noble of a great Soul fix'd and steady in his resolutions generous good natur'd and of honest Principles And the truth is so great a change was never known as that which Love and Marriage had wrought on this Man his Soul seem'd new-moulded and imprinted with all the marks of Virtue Honour and Nobility Whate're I spoke was a Law and if I had but the least inclination to any thing 't was immediately perform'd so that my Husband next day waited for nothing more than an opportunity of speaking with the Earl but finding none at last went to his House Rucana receiv'd him and embrac'd his friendship with all the Sincerity which Man can be Master of when he pays his Devotions to Heaven They discours'd long of things indifferent and at last came to the Subject of their quarrel where the kind Huband spoke so advantagiously of his Wife that he charm'd the Duke into an extasie She who had not forgot what once she was kept a modest humility in all her actions look'd sweet and langushing and made it her only study how to please the Lord of all her wishes With this bewitching state she enter'd the Room where Minoya pay'd her those respects due to the Countess of Rucana and the Wife of his Friend from the Earl's discourse he had form'd a lovely Idea of this hppy fair one and was pleasantly surpris'd to see how far the sweet Original out-did that Picture he had newly drawn He intended at first no more than a short visit but the Earl's kindness and the Charms of his Wife made him forget that Resolution When he came home his wonted joys flag'd his appetite seem'd pal'd he look'd uneasie as if some sudden illness had seiz'd him thought much spoke little and the torments of his Soul after many endeavours to hide them were at last conspicuous I was sensibly griev'd at this new misfortune tho' I yet knew not what it was I us'd all the moving Arts of Honest Love to Charm him into mirth and wrestled even with
me some Letters to my Rival Bonzeda whom I am resolv'd not to acquaint with my arrival 'till I have seen the Mistress of my Vows the Charming Sirena a happiness I must expect from your Friendship not Fortune or my Merit Here Martius stopt and Artaxus who lov'd no less than he took him again in his Arms Swore he 'd serve him with his Life and Fortune and that very Night bless him with Sirena's Company Thus having spent part of the day they at last chose different Roads Martius back 〈◊〉 Zenitha and Artaxus home In the mean time I knew nothing of my Brother's happiness and when he came home tho' he strove to hide it because the Duke was present I cou'd read in his Eyes some signs of those hopes and motions of Joy which had wing'd his Soul Xensa was no sooner gone than he embrac'd me Ah! My Dear Sister cry'd he I am still happy Martius proves a just Friend and Indoretta waits for the Fortunate Artaxus These words pleasantly surpris'd me I lov'd too much to be disinterested in the Story and begg'd with impatiency he would let me know where he had this account of his and my good Fortune Then it was Madam he related the Story of my Lover's absence the same as I have already Writ it adding he had given him the Key of the Garden-Door and we might meet with all the privacy imaginable Love not he perswaded and I thought time mov'd backwards till the hour arriv'd It was when every Creature seem'd a-sleep the heavy Waters murmur'd as they went and mov'd as if they shortly meant to rest the adjoyning Shoar no raging Billows knew and every Fish dreamt in his Ousie Bed The Earth seem'd all one Cave the Heav'ns one shade and dying Stars did the new light invite All happy Lovers lay in slumbers chain'd and Cynthia to her Damon seems forgot The waking Joys of mighty Love were fled and Morpheus reign'd when that Young God gave way Sometimes a Bird half waking took the Wing and with slow motion reach'd some neighb'ring bough then faintly murmuring hush'd it self to rest and sleeping bill'd as if its Mate were nigh 'T was then I say Madam Artaxus and I stole gently forth to meet the wish'd for welcome gen'rous passionate Martius As we enter'd the Garden the Lovely Youth rush'd in Fancy that erring guide where Judgment 's gone paints him with all his Charms and perfect thoughts suppli'd the want of day I saw him kneeling begging at my Feet grasping my hands and sighing as he spoke his Eyes at least I thought so darted Love and all his trembling touches reach'd my Heart Faultring he cry'd Sirena Lovely Fair Now all the pains of absence are repay'd and present Blessings banish rooted cares Artaxus thou best of Friends to thee I owe this mighty happiness and if the Charming Mistress of my Vows had any favourable thoughts for the constant Martius of which her Brother's Love is not the Cause even that Joy which those thoughts wou'd impart to me I 'd own the effect of his Friendship or her Mercy without respect to Merit on my part My Heart was seiz'd with tenderness and joy I long had lov'd him and had mourn'd his absence and all his words like Arrows shot from Love dart to my Soul and kindle dying flames Night made him bold and Passion spurr'd him on and in this rapture rising from the ground he clasp'd me in his Arms sigh'd deep and kiss'd me with an eager action and almost banish'd Virtue from my Breast After we had seated our selves in an Arbour we discours'd of Love of the pains that Passion brings and day arriv'd e're we had thought it nigh In the morning he waited upon the Count and was by his Sister the Fair Manderina receiv'd with that Modesty which Young Women generally profess especially before those whom they see design'd their Husbands Xensa was soon acquainted with the arrival as he judg'd him of his Young Enemy and waited impatiently for Bonzeda's visit who no sooner came than he inform'd him of his fears and to prevent future danger resolv'd to see me speedily married The hated Lover was o'rejoy'd at the proposal and the third day following was prefix'd for that on which this Gordian Knot was to be ty'd My Mother acquainted me with the unwelcome news and I fail'd not to beg that assistance she had often promised and with Tears in my Eyes let her know how much I hated Bonzeda and what thoughts I had for the Young Mangroa She sighing told me That things were now come to the last extremity that I had been married some weeks ago if her Friendship had been wanting or diligence asleep That the Young Duke's Arrival gave the Count and my Father so many fears that Arguments were become useless and my Marriage alone was able to secure them But that one Remedy or at least a Reprieve offer'd it self which was to be purchas'd thus I should immediately feign my self indispos'd confine my self to my Chamber for some days and if the Duke still continued resolute at last to my Bed But withal that I should not attribute my Distemper to that Storm which threatned me and if 't was ask'd 〈…〉 him know that nothing impeded his 〈…〉 happiness my Sickness excepted that my 〈…〉 gave consent and my 〈…〉 time â—â—ey I comply'd so readily with this relishing Counsel that when the Duke enter'd my Chamber I immediately fainted He call'd for help and the Dutchess who knew my Distemper came running drown'd in feign'd Tears to my Assistance telling him I had been under this indisposition for some days that she wonder'd at the cause and fear'd some dangerous consequence Xensa was surpris'd with what he heard and the Count who was with him had only this Satisfaction that he saw me incapable of holding any Correspondence with his Rival However they both departed without acquainting me with what they had design'd the preceeding day Artaxus was perfectly vers'd in the Plot and told me Martius would wait upon me at Night that I must not deny him that happiness that none could be conscious to the interview and every thing conduc'd to promote the design I lov'd and a few Arguments serv'd to perswade the Youth possess'd my Heart and all my thoughts center'd in forming lovely Ideas of the bewitching Conquerour He had free access to Bonzeda's Garden and by a small Ladder of Ropes made for the purpose he easily got into ours His Servant as soon as he had ascended the Wall was order'd to Withdraw the Pliant Stairs and retire to his Master's Room least his continued stay had occasion'd a discovery for Bonzeda had many Windows opposite to that place My Brother waited at the Window to which a second Ladder was fastned and receiv'd him The Duke lay in the next Room and you may believe we forgot not to tread softly The happy Youth caught me in his Arms gaz'd and sigh'd as if this had been our first meeting since
which the Company of her we love and a moderate fortune never fails to bestow My Uncle now saw 't was too late to raise Objections and unwillingly consented to the Match on these Conditions that I should show no signs of aversion for his Person for he had the goodness to pretend to a Love of my welfare and that upon the first Day of the second Year after his Marriage he should add fifty thousand to the number of Malcors already given Thus Aratus secur'd himself for by the continued Poverty of my Husband he weakened the power of Revenge For Madam the form of Government in Marintha differs from that of Fabria and there Men often do themselves Justice without having recourse to Law while the Prince whose Authority is limited by the People or a chosen number invested with the power of the whole winks at these Outrages and sees the strong o'rethrow the injur'd weak without offering to disturb the course of either In the mean time I was kept wholly ignorant of these Transactions and was strangely surpris'd when after a consinement of two long Years where I was seen by none but my old Governess the Gay the Joyful blest Valentio enter'd I thought he too had forgot me and those sparkles of Love he had kindl'd in my Breast e're my Imprisonment were now almost extinguish'd or at least burnt so faintly I scarce perceiv'd the flame The amorous Youth fell upon his Knees darted his Eyes on mine sigh'd and with a voice that would have charm'd a departing Soul back to Life said does the Divine Delia remember her slave Valentio Can she believe I love her That my long absence was an effect of necessity not the will of my Heart And that now she has liberty if she can but Love My surprise at the unexpected accident made me uneasie I felt a new Pleasure and had a perfect remembrance of my past troubles knew not what to answer and wish'd he 'd consult my Eyes for the resolves of my yet wavering Soul In this confusion of the mind he graspt my Hand forc'd it to his Mouth and kist it with the Feaver of a violent Lover conjur'd me to remember how I had been us'd to consult my reason before I spoke and to make use of that opportunity which kind Heaven lent me lest my Uncle's humour alter'd to the worse made him for ever Miserable and gave me no hopes of better Fortune than I now enjoy'd As he spoke Aratus enter'd and with a sowre Countenance told me he had always shown himself a kind Parent and he came now to give me in his consent to my Marriage with Valentio a sensible mark of that affection he ever had for me This pleasant turn of sporting Fate elevated my Heart joy sparkl'd in my Face and tho' my reason could not find the Cause of this quick change yet I was eas'd because I had no ground to doubt the validity of that Proof which fell within the Cognizance of my senses Then looking on him I lov'd I blushing answer'd his Choice was to me a Guide and I should not be wanting in my endeavours to esteem the Man he design'd my Husband The surly old Man seem'd pleas'd with what I said and calling my Gouvernantée aside they both withdrew When he was gone the wonderful Valentio fail'd not to thank me for my compliance and spoke all that a Man who lov'd to excess could utter to the Mistress of his Soul and I forgot not to weigh his Merit You may wonder dear Madam at the easie conquest and that not having mention'd this God-like Youth during my Confinement I should now so suddenly resign my Heart and doat upon his Charms But to remove that consider my Years at parting that from my infancy I had more tenderness and esteem for him than for the rest of Mankind and that he being then very young his person and the beauties of his Soul were better'd in the space of two Years of this last I modestly inform'd him and he who never spoke otherwise than he believ'd swore mine surpris'd him that I was ever the wonder of my Sex and that Nature had spent the time of my long imprisonment in perfecting that noble Work she had begun with so much Art In a few days we were marry'd and my Uncle who could dissemble handsomely seem'd well satisfied with all that past while I who was wholly ignorant of what my Valentio had done for me promis'd to my self an age of Joys and eternity of Peace and Happiness to come My young Husband's Love encreas'd with the number of his Days and time that wastes all things serv'd to augment the force of his flame for me he seem'd to live and if at any time my nature was disorder'd it wrought that effect upon his Soul which Minds united for each other know His humour spoke his heart susceptible of Love and capable of any tender impressions subject to anger to revenge a stranger and form'd by bounteous Nature for a Lover In the day time he was ever nigh me sigh'd and swore he ne're could Love too well that I deserv'd the esteem of all Mankind and had Eyes of force to melt a savage Heart teach those inclin'd to War practis'd in deeds of horrour and conversant in blood to long and languish after softer Pleasures In the Night he seem'd uneasie for nothing but the privation of Light and when the Sun appear'd he 'd gaze upon my Charms and bless the day that brought us first together Then surrounding my panting Body with his trembling Arms he 'd smile upon me and swear by all the Powers above and by my self that no time or accident should e're deface my lovely form which the young god had rooted in his Heart if withering Age came on and Nature fail'd or laid waste the field of Beauty he 'd call to mind the present happy minute fetch it back from the boundless heap of Years long fled and place it before his Eyes renew his weaken'd Love and doat upon his charming Delia with all the longings of a hot young Lover who can ne're be blest enough my Eyes should kindle dying flames we should embrace like Youth and burn with equal Fires Thus have we lain and blest our mutual Fortunes heard the cold North Winds battering against the Windows and shivering Oxen lowing in the Plains the Birds chirping on the Battlements and bleeting Lambs proclaiming double wants the Trees crackling against each other and tender Blossoms wafted throw the Air. Then have we shrinkt lockt our selves together breath'd quick and low and laught at distant Storms forgot the chilling Airs that rag'd abroad and play'd and wanton'd on the yielding Downs But ah this charming Scene how soon it fled How quick time flew to finish so much Bliss He show'd his hoary Head and mov'd like Age to make us think he would have longer staid but while we lookt about and dreamt no loss he mounted streight and left us in
at my Prince's Feet and without murmuring obey'd At Night when all was husht Almeria came to see me she urg'd her Love the hazard she run for this dear Visit bid me hope for sudden Freedom and swore she 'd abandon the prospect of being a Queen rather than I should suffer While she spoke the generous Reduan enter'd and seeing the Princess was about to retire but she kindly call'd him back told him she was fully assur'd of his Honesty and Friendship and would conceal nothing from him my Friend begg'd her Pardon and mine for the indiscretion of his Kinsman and knowing the Prince's mind added he was glad of that choice she had made for no Man could better fill the Throne of Pharnaces than the Warlike Valentio for I had not chang'd my Name because assur'd none knew from whence I came that my Conduct spoke my Quality answerable to my Fortune and my Courage fit for Empire The Royal Maid was pleas'd with what he said and in the mean time ask'd him what expedient he could propose for my Liberty he who ever esteem'd me beyond my Merit advis'd her to confess to her Father that affection she had for me which in the first place would secure my Life if his Kinsman who was dangerously wounded dy'd and Pharnaces having no more Children could not with reason safe cross her inclinations too far lest he should endanger her Health Kind Almeria at first was silent but consulting Love she gave consent desiring Reduan first to speak favourably of me and give him a hint of her passion that she might not have the first shock of his fury which would undoubtedly follow the unlook'd for News The General fail'd not to obey and Pharnaces naturally hasty storm'd at what he heard wonder'd he should favour the murderer of his Kinsman and a stranger and swore my Life should answer for the Crime committed My good old Friend alledg'd he ought not to consider Valentio as a Foreigner but the preserver of his Life and Honour and one who possest the affection of his Souldiers and Daughter as he pronounc'd these last Words the Princess enter'd and by her Tears mollified the stubborn old Man for those subject to sudden anger are easily perswaded you may believe my Delia I long'd to be inform'd of the success and was pleasantly surpris'd when my Lieutenant enter'd show'd my Keeper his Orders restor'd me my Sword and told me I was again a Favourite I knew this sudden Change an effect of Almeria's Love Reduan's Friendship and the Queen's Dotage for as I was inform'd afterwards by her self she forgot not to intercede for me with her easie Husband Pharnaces receiv'd me with a calm brow the Daughter blush'd and the Mother bid me by her looks consider her as the Author of my Liberty I was divided amongst them thou my Dear possest my Heart Almeria my esteem Reduan my Friendship and Gratitude and the Queen my pity with a mixture of aversion In the evening I went along with the General and saw Antharsus show'd my grief for my own good Fortune begg'd he 'd believe me his well-wisher and swore I was ready to serve him at all times and upon all occasions A few days after the King took me aside and having call'd for Reduan we enter'd his Closet tho not before Orders given to acquaint the thronging Courtiers that he was not to be seen Valentio said he with a kind air my Daughter loves you too much and though I have that esteem for you which all good Men have yet I should be sorry if I were oblig'd to give my Crown to a Man who has none of my Progenitors blood in his Veins besides my Subjects will never submit patiently to the Government of a stranger Advise with your Friend and mine and if possible find a method by which I may be secur'd from my just fears and Almeria's too violent passion may be kept a secret I readily propos'd my absence to which he and Reduan seem'd much averse and forc'd me to second thoughts I had conceal'd my Marriage from them both and was now irresolute if I should inform them but finding no other way to escape I confess'd the truth told them I had a Wife with the Face of an Angel and the perfections of a goddess one whom I could never cease to Love and for whose sake I would abandon more than Empire Pharnaces rejoyc'd at the Discovery and generous Reduan was rather pleas'd than incens'd because as he said I had Courage without extravagant Ambition and a real Love without the base allay of Interest The King who was not long a plotting what next to do conjur'd me to bring thee to Court that nothing would sooner quench Almeria's flame than to see me fond of another whom I was more powerfully oblig'd to Love that I should ever be Master of my present fortune and as opportunity offer'd he 'd advance me to a greater that he was loath to lose so good a Friend and Souldier and if I left the Court without designing a speedy return his Daughter would think it an effect of his Commands and would for ever impute the loss to him languish for my absence and murmur at his cruelty that if my Delia's presence did not convince her of her errour he 'd afterwards bestow upon me a competency for Life and I should retire to what corner of the World I pleas'd I left thee without a Fortune I was ignorant of what Heaven had done for thee and in a word I embrac'd the offer I kist the Queen's Hand and that of the amorous young Princess promis'd to return in a few Months saw Antharsus in the way to perfect Health and left the constant kind Reduan sorrowful for my absence On the road I had a thousand Fears for thy safety and when I dreamt thee Well I joy'd because my relenting Stars had made me Master of a Fortune suitable to thy Quality tho' not Merit When I crost the River of Tara which divides Merintha from Amula I was inform'd of Arates's death and coming straight to this House I was told by your faithful Maid Melissa that you was in this Chamber alone concealing the Story of my little Son that you might glad my Soul with the welcome News When I enter'd I found you upon the Bed and espying the Hat and Feather beyond you the obscure light for the Curtains were drawn denying a full view of his Face I had a thousand sudden Fears I thought thee false and in a height of unaccountable passion drew my Sword with a design to punish the Treachery But oh ye merciful gods how ravish'd I was to know my self deceiv'd for while I struggl'd between sudden Passion Love and the weak remains of dying Reason the lovely Boy mov'd Pardon O my Delia continued he and taking me in his Arms this Crime which nothing but excess of Love can excuse and believe that satisfied and perswaded of thy fidelity I retir'd into the