too I rob'd my self and discharg'd them all excepting one Maid who had been with me from my infancy His incens'd Creditors seiz'd upon his Estate and I withdrew to a humble House some days Journey from that place where I liv'd unknown and secur'd from sharpest wants by Jewels of considerable value which my Valentio had left me In a few Months I brought a Son into the World and tho' I saw not a Fortune sufficient to maintain him like the Heir of the great Valentio yet I was o're-joy'd at this Gift of Heaven and methought I read already in his Face the features of his Godlike Father yet this comfort was scarce able to allay my griefs I sigh'd for my absent Husband and consum'd whole Nights in Prayers for his safety Thus I liv'd without any change of Fortune till one Morning as I sat by a River's side and recounted my past ills I espy'd on Horseback one of my old Servants This sharpned my memory and brought Valentio to my Soul with all his graces and ravishing looks about him But as I began to create this soothing Phantom the Man approach'd and with a merry Countenance told me Arates was dead That to me he had left his Fortune and that Heaven thought it fitting to reward my Virtue and Constancy This News brought more grief than joy for I no sooner remembred my sudden flight to Happiness than I considered my Husband's absence If he had been present how bless'd we had grown Friends had encreas'd with our Fortune and Love had Crown'd our joys In a few days I possest my Fathers House where his Brother had made me so long a Prisoner and was visited by most of the Quality in the Country and among'st those Valentio's Relations all wish'd the Youth at home but none yet knew that Kingdom in which he resided A midst this pomp I found my Love for him held the first place in my Breast Musick encreas'd my melancholy and Scenes of mirth fann'd the passion to a height At last another change befel me which in short was this My Son was indispos'd and I had laid him upon the Bed where soon after falling asleep I was oblig'd to endeavour the same state of silence to secure his so that in a few Minutes my Maids having quit the Room for fear of giving disturbance my senses were partly hush'd and I lay by him in that Condition which speaks the Soul not perfectly awake or capable of producing a series of coherent thoughts yet not wholly o'recome with the weight of drowsie Nature I had spent five tedious Years alone without any real comfort but the smiles of my Lovely Infant and therefore dreamt my poor Valentio dead Methought I saw him pale and trembling at my Bed's side accusing me of that I ne're committed then threatning sad revenge for injur'd Honour yet in his fury still with-held by Love This suddenly rouz'd my wandering Judgment and starting with the quick return of scatter'd thoughts I leapt from the Bed call'd for Valentio sought him through the Room as if I had really seen him then laughing at my own frenzy I retir'd into my Closet where to my infinite surprize a Cavaleer nobly drest caught me in his Arms and cry'd Oh Delia Delia I have thee I see thee my Reason runs to madness with excess of Joy and I could sink beneath the vast load of soothing pleasure The Charming voice soon inform'd my watchful Soul Oh gods Oh too kind Heav'n I cry'd my Husband my Valentio my Love Oh what shall I say gladness confounds me and â— am dumb with extasie To express this meeting Madam I need say no more than that our Tears of Joy were as numerous as those of sorrow at our parting when we never dreamt of being blest again My hasty impatient fancy started a thousand questions which spoke my love out-run my tardy Judgment and he who had as much to ask as my self answer'd in one word and made new demands in the next We gaz'd on each other then embrac'd kiss'd the dear pledge of our Loves who was now awake sigh'd and bill'd again like cooing Turtles in a shady Grove where peeping lights inform them storms are past and they may perch again on loftier Boughs When the first transports were over I inform'd him of my Fortunes and he to oblige me gave this succinct and Cursory account of his absence WHen I left thee my lovely Delia I felt all those pains which could possess a tender Soul one who had lov'd and made the Centre of his wishes miserable while her goodness that permitted her not to complain show'd in more lively colours the horror of his guilt I had not before that time examin'd my own resolutions and being wholly indifferent in what Country I spent the remainder of hated life I rid some days rather a confus'd Wanderer than a formal or resolv'd Traveller At last I arriv'd after 7 Months spent on the way at a Frontier Town of Peru-alta and there having learnt the Language of the Country I went to the Camp where the present King Pharnaces resided in Person I had not stay'd long e're oppertunity offer'd her self to my advantage Fortune courted my wishes and presented the Enemy to our view We encounter'd and my losses having taught me how to value my Person I did more than solid Reason could assent to and had the honour to save my General when dismounted and almost trod to death by the Enemies Horse who rush'd on in joyful crowds at their seeming Victory not coveting blood so much as a noble Prisoner This piece of service gain'd me his acquaintance and esteem and his Kinsman the haughty young Antharsus show'd me not a few signs of his good will But Winter soon follow'd the Battel and the Scene where honour was to be got withdrew and left the impatient Youth of the Army in their Winter Quarters wishing a return of the Year that Mars would again show his Head and rouze their dying Spirits When that time came my grateful General who remember'd my past actions gave me the Command of five hundred Horse And having receiv'd Orders to view the posture of the Enemy I found my self encompassed in a Wood by a greater Number My men shrunk when first assaulted and offer'd to secure themselves by flight But seeing that resistance I made with the remaining few and finding the way stopt they became more resolute and turn'd to sell their lives for dear-bought honour In this Engagement I lost three hundred and fifty Souldiers kill'd of the Enemy seven hundred and nine and return'd to the Camp with sourscore Prisoners of which he that commanded the adverse Party was one The General who was more o're joy'd at my success than my self swore such an Action as this deserv'd to be eternally remember'd and next day presented me to the King at which time I had the Honour to kiss his Hand and to be stil'd the Soul of his Army Reduan for that was the
sensible of that esteem her Aunt had for me but that it had never met with any Encouragement that since her Charms had been able to drive Amazonta for so I had always call'd you from my Heart they were sufficient guards against the fond assaults of an old Woman whom I esteem'd only because of that Relation she had to her I lov'd The fair one sighing answer'd all I said with so much modesty she look'd like innocence her self and told me her past misfortunes yielded to her present Happiness that all her losses doubly were repay'd and she no more complain'd of cruel fortune Her Face and Breeding spoke her Quality beyond her present Circumstances and seeing she was able to speak without prejudice to her health I gently press'd she 'd let me know who it was had taken the happy Conquerour Captive and if my Love was able to repay the least part of her by past Sufferings She all goodness and full of love after a few Tears began Here Adrastus stopt and waited my consent to the Relation of Olmechine's story which Madam for your divertisement I likewise send you and if my Letter be of too great length impute it to my Obedience and the desire I have to serve you MY Father was a Man well known in Naitrant by the Title of Manco an Earldom which was long possess'd by a noble series of his famous Ancestors handed down to him with additional Honours which their Kings according to their Merits had bestow'd In his Youth he discover'd a thousand signs of that extravagancy which possess'd him in his Elder Year's At Masks he still appear'd with all the gallantry of Youth dress'd profusely but danc'd well had â— pleasant Countenance but a large stock of Ill-nature a refin'd Wit imploy'd to ignoble uses quarrel'd with all men and seem'd a bubble to each Rook he knew His Father whom Heaven had bless'd with no more Children griev'd to see that Son from whom his Age had hop'd so many Blessings the cause of endless fears And to reclaim him from his wildness thought Marriage the best expedient Almado his Friend and Neighbour a Man equal to himself in Birth and Fortune the Father of two Daughters had often propos'd an Alliance with his Family and of this he now resolves to accept The Match is immediately agreed upon between them and my Father Accompanies the old Earl to Almado's House where he saw the Charming Arathea for that was my Mother's name and seeing Lov'd She whom Fame had acquainted with his Nature and her Father with his business had that grief upon her Soul the accident might justly give This languishment adds to her Beauty and to his Flame Almado who was of a gen'rous temper was sorry to see his Daughter averse to what he thought conduc'd so much to her welfare and tells her all the Advantages that attend so great a match that the Love my Father had for her wou'd settle his roving thoughts and stay his Soul at home Her Beauty wou'd doubtless reclaim him That Marriage wrought such changes was evident from every day's experience and that Youth in that state were oblig'd to reckon themselves amongst the number of men and as such to live that a lovely Woman had more Eloquence than a grave Philosopher and Love to Virâ—â—â— join'd more power than Vice with all her Maâ— about her The Daughter naturally Pioâ—â— knew what she ow'd to her Parents and show'â— Obedience by a quick consent The old Eaâ—â— was overjoy'd at his good success bless'd hâ—â— Friend and the happy hour which gave hiâ— Daughter Birth Their hopes were equal anâ— their thoughts flew high and every hour of added life was look'd upon as Cyphers joyn'd to the numbers of their Blessings But this pleasant Scene was not of long duration for the Brave Almado had the misfortune to be accus'd by Villains Enemies to Virtue of some designs against his Prince and was forc'd to seek for safety in another Nation where he shortly after dy'd Old Manco griev'd for the misfortune of his Friend but more to see his Eldest Daughter ill us'd by his own Son and the other expos'd a prey to Contempt and Poverty because her Father's Fortune answer'd for his seeming guilt and pay'd for Crimes not his But as if Heaven had design'd my Mother for the longest sufferer the Earl after he had settled a small part of his Estate upon her Sister Attabalippa dy'd and left the disconsolate Arathea to mourn a loss which Fortune ne're attempted to repay Manco soon forgot the loss of a Father whom he had always look'd upon as an allay to all his Pleasures and now being entirely Master of himself and Fortune he aims at Vice in all her pomp keeps an Army of Footmen plays incessantly at Cards with every Sharper and pays a double price for every pleasure While thus he liv'd I came into the World and tho' he look'd upon my Mothers Charms and Virtue as things not worthy of his serious thoughts yet upon this occasion there was nothing wanting that Money master'd by a lavish mind could bring and the poor Countess mourn'd in state to see her Infant born to cruel wants Sometime after it he sold one half of his Fortune to appease the rageing hunger of some gaping Creditors the remaining part cou'd not long supply his Disbursements and he at last reduc'd it all to nothing My Mother wearied out with this long Scene of misery in a short time sunk beneath the burden of her misfortunes and smiling plung'd into the other World while I whom Heav'n preserv'd to sport it self withal was taken care of by her Sister upon whom the Earl as I have already told you had settled a small part of his Estate She was not of Arathea's temper Gallantry seem'd the business of her life and tho' she was always Virtuous yet her Conduct seldom made her thought such for innocence it self is not sufficient for a Woman unless she also study to appear so because the World which only views the outside of affairs seldom offers to give its Judgment of things as they really are but as they seem to be I had reach'd the twelfth Year of my Age when Manco asham'd of what was past and terrified with the prospect of future disgrace and contempt the Companions of Poverty by madness brought abandon'd his House and Relations and threw himself naked upon the World in the quality of one of her beggar'd Sons possess'd of nothing but what in time she might bestow upon him for tedious Years of toyls and hated labour What few friends his poverty had left him were sorry for the accident but none strove to give relief and upon second thoughts inwardly rejoyc'd to see the poor spendthrift gone tho' they knew not whither My few Years did not protect me from a due feeling of these Misfortunes and that Beauty which already began to display it self in my Face now droopt and languish'd e're its day had dawn'd and darkness
him Winds had for ever been in Chains ty'd up and mutter'd for new vent within their Cells While she above in contemplation wrap'd had seen the Waves plow'd up by Trojan Ships and kept his men from danger for his sake Jove's Bed for ever now had nauseous grown and she 'd have left the joys and sweets of Heav'n for the Embraces of the God-like mortal she 'd envy'd Dido and her place supply'd and had by flames extinguish'd rageing fires Virtue and Marriage Vows had fled before the happy Conquerour and Cynthia her self with all her coldness and indifferency about her had smil'd if this young Man had seen her in the Water naked she 'd stood and gaz'd upon his Eyes and caught by Love forgot to seek Revenge then in the heat of wild desire expos'd to view what happy streams had hid to tempt the Youth into an equal flame Wonder not then Madam if I confess my weakness and tell you that I yelided that he possess'd what was anothers right and weigh'd the Blessing in the Scaâ—â—◠〈◊〉 Love That night he went to the Earl's who yet knew nothing of his being in Capac 't was there he found the Duke and was by both receiv'd with that joy natural to a kind Brother and a constant friend I had complain'd of Minoya's unkindness and he forgot not that Night to observe his behaviour and found the Countess shew'd no compliance to his Passion but what good Manners and his Quality commandâ— from her When he came to see me next morning my Husband fond of his Company wouâ—â— not live without him and he accepted of an Apâ—partment in our House You may condemn me Madam perhaps because I did not oppose this and shun'd 〈◊〉 Man that made me betray my Honour and 〈◊〉 Marriage Vows But I must plead the force 〈◊〉 his Love and my weakness for an excuse 〈◊〉 I hope you are no stranger to the force of tâ—â— Young Deity for had Apollo with all his cuâ—â—â—â— locks that wanton'd in the Wind and all 〈◊〉 Charms his Musick e're had wrought been hâ—â—â— so taking half so gay the lovely Virgin ne're had fled before him the Gods had laugh'd when she for pity cry'd and all the Goddesses had envy'd her Happiness her Heart so long cou'd not have flinty prov'd she 'd turn'd and look'd then lov'd and yielded Adrastus thus happily posted enjoy'd his Mistress and the friendship of her Husband and beneath that shade the Serpent lodg'd that stung his Honour when he seem'd secure in the mean time he goes often to Rucana's and assaults his Wife with all the Arts of Love but she too modest and fortified with a stronger Virtue than I was ever Mistress of withstood this growing Malady and hop'd to cure him e're her Husband took notice on 't In the Evening Adrastus came into my Room and there spent some hours our security made us careless and our repeated Joys had lull'd our wearied Souls almost into a Lethargy I was sitting in a Chair hard by him and my Head rested in his Bosom the young Lover wou'd sigh and eagerly press my hand look languishing upon me and tell how much he lov'd then wonder how the Duke became so blind and aw not Charms of force enough to move a frozen Hermit drag him from his Religious Cell into the World again make him lose what forty Years of cruel pennance gain'd â—â—d pull him back from Heav'n when almost â—â—ter'd As he pronounc'd the last words the Duke came into the Room he look'd furiously upon me his Eyes plainly speaking his thoughts and going to the other end of the Chamber seated himself in a Chair opposite to me Adrastus was confounded at the Accident and only griev'd for me Then rising up he embrac'd his friend ask'd the cause of his sudden melancholy from whence his frowns and swore his Wife was Virtuous even in thought Minoya gave him small encouragement to plead for me or himself and wou'd have forc'd himself from his Arms when Adrastus after he had given me a sign to retire threw himself upon his knees and to save my Reputation or at least my griefs swore by that friendship which he had always profess'd towards him Timandra was innocent that 't was true she had laid open her sufferings to him in hopes he might prevail with her Husband to abandon that passion he had for the Countess of Rucana and that he cou'd do no less than speak passionately and with tenderness to ease her present griefs The Duke whether it was because he saw his Love to his Sister-in-Law taken notice of or if he really believ'd what was said I won't determine but after a short pause he seem'd on a sudden pleas'd and begg'd a thousand pardons for that unjust opinion he had conceiv'd of his Friendship and my Virtue Then taking Adrastus by the hand after they had embrac'd he led him into the Room where I was I had thrown my self upon the Bed all drown'd in Tears in this condition he found me and falling down by me he claspt me in his Arms kiss'd me and smil'd Ah my dear Timandra cry'd he Pardon the first Crime oâ— this Nature I e're committed and accept of an unfeign'd Repentance By all the pow'rs in Heav'n I love thee to distraction and wou'd not again be doubtful of thy Virtue to be Monarch of the Universe curs'd be the thought and may Love and Peace be ever strangers to my House when e're I think the Just Timandra false Adrastus who saw with what tenderness he spoke how good his Nature and how great his Love almost repented what he had done in prejudice to his Honour and abhorr'd his own Treachery But then looking on me these Virtuous qualms forsook him Sorrow mixt with Jealousie took place he saw the Woman whom he first had lov'd now kiss'd and ruffled in anothers Arms and she by Vows to base compliance ty'd This shook his Nature made his Soul unfix'd and almost turn'd his passion into madness So mighty Jove from distant Heaven look'd down and saw Alcmena whom helong had lov'd now prest and folded in a Mortal's Arms a while with Love and Jealousie he burns and to himself he mutters sweet Revenge swears by his God head when Amphitrion's fled he 'l lay his Thunder and his Scepter by descend and in the dull Phlegmatick Husband's place lay both a burning Lover and a God For some days after the Duke forbore his visits to Rucana or rather to his Wife and Adrastus and I cou'd both of us have wish'd him oftner abroad we began to fear that absence might lessen that flame he had for the Countess and that which before the return of my Lover was my greatest torment now became my blessing and nothing possess'd my Mind more than the doubts I had of being eternally deny'd the Happiness of entertaining the fond young Man These fears did not last long but gave the way to new ones built upon better grounds for the Duke
express those Joys this Night brought me I saw Artaxus still my Friend was perswaded Sirena had not then forgot me and doubted not but that the answer of my Letter was forg'd by Ericis with the assistance of that young Man whom I had now punish'd for his Perfidy In the morning the Fair One came to see my Sister and I was surpris'd to find in her Countenance not one sign of grief or inward Disturbances The Duke soon after enter'd the Room and I was oblig'd to a greater Compliance than any I had yet shown she was heartily pleas'd with my looks and if she had any real Torment for the loss of her Lover she let me know by her Behaviour she enjoy'd a pleasure that o're-rul'd her Griefs and hopes of possessing a new Lover of greater Quality and as she thought Master of more Charms was able to attone for the death of one whom frequent Loves had rendred stale and homely to the view But that which most she fear'd was that he who had supply'd his place was not ignorant of her Quality and might disclose the secret for the loss of her Ring could not be easily digested But this trouble also fled and the present appearance of better Fortune like the Sun-shine of a new Day dispell'd from her thoughts the remembrance of that Storm and Horrour which had rag'd the preceeding Night In the mean time credit this sudden Change in my Fortune which followeth My Father now a Widower began to to entertain some thoughts to which he had been long a stranger and eas'd me of my feign'd Courtship by the reality of his own he forgets to bid me wait upon Ericis attones for my indifferency by a passion truly violent and practis'd all those little Arts which are inseparable Companions of growing Love I observ'd this Change but conceal'd my knowledge from him as much as possible and the kind Indoretta who was pleas'd with the fidelity of Artaxus and his continu'd Friendship to me upon which she knew the success of my Love depended thankt Heav'n and her kind Stars for this new addition to my Happiness The Countess in whom ambition was always prevalent wanted only to be a Dutchess and tho' she saw no hopes of seeing her Son a Duke if Heav'n should send her one yet she was pleas'd with her Fortune when she consider'd she might certainly possess the Father and had only hop'd and it may be upon small grounds the possession of the Son Thus we liv'd all happy hoping each Day might bring us some advancement in Fortune's Favour I never prais'd the lovely Sirena but when I found Mangroa pleas'd with the subject nor did he ever mention the Countess of Sirama My Sister was wholly devoted to my Interest and always found her happiness in mine One Evening the Duke sent for me to his Chamber and after he had made me sit down by him Martius said he with a kinder air than usual I have long observ'd that indifferency with which you treat the Countess and have consider'd that Love which has always possest you for Xensa's fair Daughter and tho' I confess she deserves all that passion you have for her I see it with sorrow and could wish your judgment might present to your View those difficulties which are to be o'recome e're this Match can be perfected the hatred that Man bears to my House and how far my Honour is concern'd in the resentment of Count Torrusco's death Here he paus'd some time but seeing I did not reply any thing he proceeded and told me That to ease me of one Pain that I might the better endure another he was resolv'd to Marry Ericis himself for the next morning should finish the Work if Coloa was not destitute of Priests that he had made it a secret till now because good things unlook'd for impart most of pleasure and consequently this news would bring me more of happiness This said he expected my Answer and Thanks instead of which I threw my self at his Feet and conjur'd him to remember that promise he had once made me that Xensa bad kill'd Turrusco Honourably and that his hatred to our Family proceeded only from that which he saw Mangroa had to his As for the Countess of Sirama he should add infinitely to my Misfortunes if he marry'd her for she was a Woman virtuous only to those who had not carefully examin'd her Conduct and thereupon told him the whole story of that night 's Ramble as I have already related it The Duke was infinitely surpris'd and for some time remain'd silent then on a sudden throwing his Arms about my Neck he swore he deserv'd not a Son so dutiful that he had hitherto us'd me unkindly but that his future Actions should attone for those past and if I wou'd promise to abandon the bewitching Sirena to whom Bonzeda was to be Marry'd I might begin my Journey for the Country when I pleas'd I return'd him that answer my Duty and his Kindness requir'd and withal assur'd him the Count's happiness should not be disturb'd that I would endeavour to Love Manderina as much as I had done Xensa's Daughter and should make it my Study to preserve by merit that place in his good opinion to which his goodness without that had advanc'd me He was satisfied with what I said and for that time left me without any diminution of my hopes In the Morning he writ the following Lines to his Bride Madam I must confess I 'm sorry to lose the Countess of Sirama but not the Mistress of Furinus To unriddle the meaning of this Remember only that another Man made happy by chance that night you lost your Lover has sufficiently inform'd me of your double dealing and that I am no longer in a condition to be impos'd upon Mangroa The detected Fair One was o'rewhelm'd with sorrow at the first reading of the Duke's Letter and after she had for some time given way to Tears sometimes in Women the natural signs of grief or pain Anger and Revenge the darling passions of that tempting Sex took place and she imagin'd with her self a thousand means and ways to bring distraction to our Family But willing first to use the force of her Charms she came to our House dress'd in smiles and modest looks My Father waited upon her and show'd more of sorrow for his loss than Pride or Resentment for the misfortune of this cunning Fair. She talk'd a while of things indifferent and at last fell upon the Subject of that Letter he had sent to her At which time the Duke gave the sign and I as he had commanded enter'd She soon perceiv'd her Ring for I had put it on for that end and with tears in her Eyes withdrew confirming sufficiently the truth of all I had said In short my dear Friend I began my Journey that Evening for Zenitha tho' not before I had receiv'd your kind Letter and had assur'd Indoretta of your Constancy The Duke gave
view'd a well-done Landskip and wanted something which these Scenes suggested to his fancy yet could harldly consult his Judgment to find what 't was he sigh'd for At last they resolv'd to take a turn in the Garden where the Earl meeting with some Friends that had come to see him that Evening was oblig'd to beg the Duke's Pardon and promis'd to wait upon him in a very few Minutes Entheon now left alone and about to pursue his walk was suddenly arrested by a Song that charm'd his Soul and ty'd up all his thoughts He wonder'd that he had not heard this Godlike Musick but fancy'd the Charm was just begun or not heard to perfection because of his past discourse with the Earl He stood sometime immoveable yet impatient to see her that sung so like an Angel he resolv'd to lose one part of his present happiness for the purchase of a greater and guided by the Heavenly Voice with eager steps he reach'd at last the Grove His Curiosity tho' great did not too far extend it self his passion ne're o're-rul'd his Judgment and this juncture he manag'd with the discretion of old Age For tho he could have enter'd as if chance not design had led him yet he chose rather to keep himself undiscover'd and to be blest unknown But â—hen he advanc'd and softly had prest down those small boughs that obstructed his sight how much was he surpris'd to paint his thoughts were a labour fit for a Muse at her full Strength let this suffice he saw Eriphile and grew divinely mad Mortality was forgot and he remain'd in that extasie which if exprest would seem wholly irreligious to any Man but a transported Lover The Fair One lay in a careless Posture extended on the yielding Grass Her Foot and half the Leg were obvious to his sight and the scanty Bliss prompted his lingering Soul to Paint the Beauties yet unseen even beyond the Original or what Nature when she us'd her utmost Art could form He curst his Fortune that shew'd no more or else expos'd too much and fear'd that a shape so far beyond what his eager thoughts had created should be attended with the alloy of a homely Face still waiting with the impatiency of a Man half blest till some kind accident should encrease the pleasure She who dreamt not of a prying Lover proves kind without design and taking her favourite Maid by the Hand with an accent that gave a perfect harmony to all her words suddenly cry'd my Dear Daria for that was her Name I 've unluckily lost one of my Garters The Duke had no time to weigh his coming Fortune and consequently lost part of the blessing for the charming Eriphile had no sooner said so than he could see the Pettycoat gently remov'd The pleasure of a longing stranger when the furling Curtain shews a guilded Scene and warlike Musick Charms the unsteady thoughts sickens the Mind and thrills the kindl'd blood but ne're yet gave a Joy confus'd like his His transports were such which some will think next door to impossibility that even Nature was husht the Soul alone imploy'd and Plato's way of loving was here practis'd to Perfection Yet 't is probable that had the old Philosopher himself seen so much he had quit the Argument and given the Body a conquest o're the Soul The amorous Duke blest too much was unable to contain himself and after he had at once survey'd the tempting Object and her more bewitching Face suddenly cry'd Oh Heavens Can so much Beauty ever give her self up to the embraces of a Mortal Sure 't is anticipating Heaven to lye panting in her Arms. 'T was well the Fair One started from the Ground the Lover else had prejudg'd the Duke and his raptures had spoke his Judgment not the same he possest the preceeding minute But a violent Love seldom knows any bounds and when powerful Beauty suddenly assaults the Heart Reason is often dislodg'd or at least gives way and then 't is pardonable if a Man rave However he begg'd a thousand Pardons for his Sin of ignorance and told her that tho' he thought himself infinitely blest by this Encounter yet he could have wish'd it had hapned at a time when she was less dispos'd to Solitude And offer'd to retire that by his speedy absence she might retrieve a part of that silent pleasure she had lost tho' not before he had assur'd her that if his Curiosity had led him to the Grove he paid the Forfeiture of his Liberty as a punishment for his offence The bewitching Maid not knowing he had seen so much was pleas'd with the accident their mutual surprise added to the Beauties of both and she found by her forc'd silence that the Duke was already more than indifferent to her Yet asham'd of this new weakness she strove suddenly to recollect her self and confusedly told him she presum'd he was the Duke of Entheon that her Father and the whole World spoke advantagiously of him and she could not think her self unfortunate in the Conversation of a Man so universally esteem'd But that if he paid too great a price for that which enrich'd her she would be so generous as not to urge him to so much bounty notwithstanding of those advantages she might reap by it This was indeed an obliging Compliment but the fair Eriphile already lov'd him and already knew it She had too much wit therefore to lose so favourable an opportunity of engaging a Man for whom the greatest Beauty in the Island would have dispenc'd with the out-gaurds of Modesty or rather the superfluous niceties impos'd by Custom not Reason upon those of her Sex On the other hand the Duke thought himself in Heaven His excess of Joy almost deny'd him the use of his Reason and if ever he was non-plus'd let me suppose this the time However from what she said he guest his stay could not be altogether unseasonable And after he had wittily acknowledg'd the Honour she did him was about to begin Encomiums on her Beauty when the Earl arriv'd and made the Number four He told the young Lover he was glad to find his absence supply'd by the Conversation of a young Lady in whom if he found any thing agreeable he was doubly Fortunate This too was a handsome beginning and the Duke who had too noble a Soul not to be amorous that moment renounc'd his Liberty which was repaid with hers To have seen this lovely Pair would have kindl'd flames in others when icy Age had banish'd native Heat The Earl himself curst grey Hairs griev'd he was born so soon and to be again capable of loving and fit to be belov'd would have renounc'd the World's Empire and that experience which his Years had brought him Entheon's looks spoke the agreeable disorders of his Mind and the charming Mistress of his Heart had so much of a languishing softness and new born Love in her Eyes they reach'd his very Soul and hurry'd him into extasie
I have of you Madam reply'd he that 's a Complement I know not how to answer for I 'm afraid you 'd think me faulty if I said your Honour were secure and you were safe because to mention that were to call my nobler Love in question No Odmar said I I would be very unhappy if I could in thought dispute the innocence of your Love or Mine but I 'm sorry that when I see you I must be guilty of a breach of Promise Ha cry'd he is Aristeon then so much an Enemy to my Love It seems he doubts not your Virtue but my Treachery But Daria he 's unjust to me for rather than wrong thee I 'd forfeit Life Estate or any thing yet dearer nay by Heav'n I 'd rather banish all my hopes of being Belov'd never see thee more and be for ever damn'd to absence from my greatest Blessing Yet Daria for thou art all goodness think of a way to redress this mighty ill secure thy self and ease thy Father of his fears and if you Love tye your self for ever mine Oh my Daria refuse me not that Heav'n I ask our Parents soon will be reconcil'd I shall yet if possible encrease my stock of Love thou shalt be more fond and all that see us shall confess us truly happy Madam I hope you will own 't was hard for a young Maid that lov'd well to keep a Medium 'twixt her Fears and Joys His Fortune was infinitely beyond mine he knew his Father would be incens'd and might perhaps from a kind Parent become a cruel Enemy all the World was sensible of his Merit nor could he himself be ignorant that 't was in his power to wed a greater Beauty and a larger fortune When these thoughts fled my sudden Cares took place and I already saw him unfortunate and forsaken by his Friends ' cause he was just to me I saw his frowns in poverty and an hourly decay in his Love and methought I already heard the poor chang'd Odmar whispering in my Ear I had been great had I but lov'd thee less This last thought stopt the hasty flight of my fond new fledg'd Soul and it was not in my power to give an answer to what the Youth had said My unusual silence equally mov'd his wonder and his fear when throwing himself at my feet Daria said he why do you use me thus Oh remember 't is Odmar speaks 't is the Man that Loves you one that can ne're be happy without you and thinks the Gods have not a gift to bestow upon their first Fav'rite amongst Mortals like that I ask of you Who can resist a kneeling Lover Madam I rais'd him in my Arms and fondly yet confus'dly told him His Love and Honour made me wholly his and I would be eternally rul'd by him For now I gave my all into his hands To tell you his Joy and the kind words he utter'd were to renew the sense of my misfortunes No man e're said more no Woman e're believ'd more or gave kinder yet more innocent returns and no two Lovers e're confided more in one another or were happier than we When we had said all we could we unwillingly were silent and gaz'd upon one another then began afresh prais'd lov'd doated sigh'd and languish'd This happy Scene had banish'd all my Cares I found my Odmar Just and sought no other Blessing At last my discreet Lover kindly told me 't was past twelve conjur'd me to forgive him because slipery Time had run away when he had seen his thoughts imploy'd I was heartily vex'd that I had manag'd so ill I saw how inconvenient 't was for Odmar to travel at an hour so unseasonable and yet knew my self necessarily oblig'd to leave him In this disorder of thoughts I heard a noise in the Garden and stealing softly to the Window I could discern my Father with one or two Servants enquiring earnestly of one another if they had yet seen me I trembl'd when I heard my name pronounc'd and my Lover was almost mad with grief because he saw me so At last they came to the Door where they knock'd aloud and receiving no answer concluded I was in some other place either dangerously ill with a sudden fit of sickness or by some other accident unknown My Father to be better satisfied commanded them to break open the Door because he said I might be there yet fast asleep But the Servants assuring him that 't was impossible considering the noise they had made he was at last diverted from his resolution My Lover while this was acting stood with his Sword in his hand ready to receive him swore he had been once tamely robb'd of me but wou'd be so no more that he wou'd not attempt Aristeon's Life but would secure my Peace and carry me off in spite of all his followers and I verily believe had my Father enter'd I would have trusted to Odmar's generosity and fled with him As they went off I heard Aristeon cry Oh Heavens Restore my Daughter or take back that wretched Life you gave me These words wounded my very Soul and I had almost cry'd Your Daria is not lost However seeing his search was to no purpose he retir'd to his House and there with my weeping Mother waited the arrival of a new day In the mean time 't was so dark and being naturally tim'rous I durst not go thorrow the Garden alone nor could I take Odmar with me lest I had met Aristeon or some of the Servants by the way My Lover saw my troubles knew they were upon his account and bore an equal share I stifled my grief as well as I could that I might lessen his and with a calm brow ask'd him what was my best course I bid him at once consult my Honour and my safety And he who never entertain'd a thought against either said he would be advis'd by me But if I rely'd upon his Opinion or Judgment I should stay in the Lodge all night he 'd stay by me and guard me while I slept In the morning he would retire as early as I pleas'd And that I could hardly satisfie Aristeon concerning my Conduct if I should go home at that hour of the Night Odmar's Voice was to me Madam no less than an Oracle and I knew him so good and just I scrupl'd not to grant him any thing he ask'd My silence shew'd I was resolv'd to stay and the glad Youth scarce knew how to thank me for my goodness and that opinion I had of his and swore he would not betray so much innocence to gain the first Beauty under Heaven and the greatest Empire on Earth Having thus spent an hour or two Odmar begg'd I 'd go to Bed for there was always one in the Room in which my Father often lay that sleep was necessary for the preservation of my Health which was dearer to him than his own Life and assur'd me he would awake me e're the Sun arose I was much
can utter I staid there all Night and tho' in the dark and alone void of my wonted fears and only wept my own folly and the young Man's unkind absence In the Morning I found a Paper lying upon the Bed I knew it to be Odmar's and wonder'd that my Father had not seen it the other Day You must know Madam for so I understood afterwards 't was written by a Friend of his to whom I have since that time been much indebted Having opened it with impatiency I found these words Accurs'd be those who Marriage vows began 'T was a meer trick to bubble easie Man An holy Cheat a promis'd Heaven ne're found Cozens the Traveller like enchanted Ground Which when he seeks to tread he ne're can find Flies quick away and leaves no marks behind Some doating Coxcomb may with pleasure Wed And with some lovely Female share his Bed who 'll sigh and clasp him in her treacherous Arms And feed his Letchery with a thousand Charms Weep when he 's sick and feign a real Grief Offer her Blood nay Soul for his relief The blind old Ass believes and mourning lyes Views the dear Jilt with sorrow in his Eyes Gives her a Joynture and a Cully dies While she poor thing to ease her anxious Breast E're he 's half cold admits an abler Guest His brawny Foot-man's Master of the Spoil And swims in Gold he gains with midnight Toil. The Roman Knight by all was prais'd when he Despis'd a Gulph to let his Country see He 'd plunge himself to set his Neighbours free To me no Love like that shall e're be known I 'll know no other Interest but my own Fond Maids may think I 'll Wed but I 'll enjoy Promise and ne're perform since for a Toy None but a Fool would's Liberty destroy When Heav'n would punish Sins and anger show It joyns two Beggars and it leaves them so Each crys for help which neither can afford This blames his Wife and that her needy Lord While Sir Loyn shunning noise forsakes the board Some yielding Nymph You see by this broken line Madam the piece was not perfected however there was enough to move my grief and wonder I was now fully perswaded Odmar was unjust and even when I believ'd him so wonder'd that a Man who look'd so like a god could in his Nature be the worst of Villains I knew he was a Poet for his own pleasure and found by what I had read he had spoke his Sentiments not half his Art or Wit I saw my Fortune painted in each line and now tho' ne're before I wish'd I had not seen him I found my ruine ineyitable for since Odmar was unkind I had no more to lose I had too convincing a proof of my ill Fortune when I consider'd he had written to me in the Morning when he was to see me that Night and could not reasonably have expected a Letter from him and that now when he had giv'n me the disapointment he had not been at the pains to excuse himself or say that yet he lov'd me This Madam is a tedious way of telling the story of my Love But I can do no less than acquaint you with my Griefs because the remembrance of these things fill my Soul and yet deny a room to any other thought To be short then as possibly I can I resolv'd speedily to abandon the World and retire to a Nunnery a few Miles distant from Odmar's House I had two young Cousins there whom Love had made Religious and I resolv'd to spend my Days like them I went privately to my Chamber and took from thence every thing of Value and of little Bulk read my Lover's kind Letters and afterwards burnt them with my Eyes took a long farewel of every thing in the House and drown'd in Tears I left it I had not walk'd far when my Grief and Trouble made me know I was too weak for a Journey of five long Miles on Foot Half faint beneath a shady Tree I lay and view'd the watchful Shepherds driving out their Flocks and wantoning ev'n in Rags I compar'd their happiness with mine and often wish'd I had been born like them to moderate Wants or to an humbler Fortune bless'd with Peace and Innocence I mourn'd all my Misfortunes at once but most of all I griev'd the loss of Odmar's Letters for I found even then when I suffer'd so much for him 't was not in my Power to hate him While thus I lay I could see at some distance two Men on Horse back 't was yet so very early in the Morning I could hardly think them less than Robbers My fears suggested a thousand things to me I remembred I was a Woman helpless and alone and yet Madam by that great Power I swear that gave me first a Being I wish'd them Murderers Ravishers or any thing that was Cruel Life was become a perfect burden to me and I was resolv'd some way or other to be reliev'd from the weight As they approach'd I step'd into the Road and expos'd as if I had done it by Chance any thing of value about me to tempt the vicious Wretches then by resistance prompt them on to fury This conduct I confess was a greater Crime than any I had yet committed but your Grace will consider that Despair has no acquaintance with Reason and I did it with a setled design to advance my ruin When they came close up to me Oh Heavens what art can express my surprise for I had almost fainted with excess of Joy In the depth of my misery and sunk beneath my self my kind just Odmar came to raise me up Oh Daria cry'd he alighting from his Horse Whither art thou going Why do I read in thy Face so many signs of past grief Did you suspect me Oh! by Heavens I 'm mad with Joy For whate're has brought thy Tears I find thy Sorrows to thy Beauties add When I could speak Oh Odmar said I do I owe this happiness to Chance or You No reply'd he suddenly to your self only if you had been less Fair or less Kind I had been less Constant and now I know you Love me we shall both be happy But I have nothing my Dear continued he to repay that Joy you give me a heart excepted which Heaven design'd but for it self and you for I have acquainted Dion with my Love but he tho' otherwise kind is inexorable and swears if I persist he ne're shall see me more The hopes nevertheless of obtaining his consent kept me from my Daria yesterday but could not do so to day Ah! Odmar cry'd I The gods were passive and you might have come But I am ruin'd my Father has banish'd me from his House and our stoln happiness is No said he interrupting me and with all the tenderness imaginable if my Love can repay the loss of Aristeon's smiles my Daria is not ruin'd Here continued he and turning to his Friend this is my Wife You can
Sword besprinkled both with Blood taught me to fear the worst and I cou'd hardly say speak on is the Duke my Husband well He all sorrow started up stared wildly upon me and cry'd Minoya was no more at this I fainted and when I came to my self again I found the lovely Murd'rer at my feet weeping and begging hard for Mercy he show'd me his innocence swore he wou'd love me to death tho' extended on the Rack and all his joynts dissever'd that if I remembred him as the Author of my Husband's death he 'd own it to the World a base treacherous Murder and throw away a Life that was not worth his keeping since undervalu'd by me Then ask'd me if I cou'd see that Neck stretch'd out under the hands of a common Executioner that I had so often embrac'd in my longing Arms or his Body hung in Chains like the loath'd Carcase of some wild Ruffian or base Malefactor expos'd to contempt and be the Object of each raskals mirth conjur'd me to remember all our Joys past his present Grief and constant Love Then raising himself up again he laid hold of his Sword curs'd his Stars his Fortune and Himself Swore he 'd end his Life that moment pointed it to his Bosom then â—ook'd again on me threw it from him fell at my feet groan'd and melted into a Woman's weakness and faintly murmur'd can I leave Timandra No! No! I cannot that were to lose Heaven and Life too In the mean time the Officers came with a Warrant to apprehend him I heard the noise upon the Stairs and desir'd him but in vain to provide for his safety When they enter'd he arose and told them if they wanted the Man had kill'd Minoya he was ready to answer for him Then looking back on me he ask'd me if he shou'd preserve his Life or if he was indifferent to me if the last he knew what to do for he cou'd ne're resolve to Live unless Timandra Lov'd him and seeing I did not answer come said he to the Officers let us go where Justice calls for us 'twixt grief and Love I faintly look'd after him and bid him remember that I ne're was cruel When he was gone I began to know some respite of my sorrows and in that state cou'd consider the nature of the Accident and my own Circumstances I remembred the Duke's Love when I marry'd him his good Nature and fond Compliance with every thing I desir'd Then call'd to view Adrastus saw him my first Lover Constant to a wonder that had conceal'd those favours from the World which I had bestow'd upon him had kill'd his Friend in his own defence full of Repentance but more of Love despising his Life for my Love and setting that value upon things just as he found I esteemed them Then I was all fear for him I saw the Duke's Friends already his Enemies and knew how Justice might be wrested But still my cares give place to flattering Hope I remembred we were now both single that Heaven seem'd to have ordain'd us for one another because of that Sympathy between our Hearts and Natures and dreamt already of a Heav'n to come for fear is but the prospect of a future ill which pain'd we view and yet might shun with ease cause when our thoughts on Phantoms are employ'd Giants are made which the next moment annihilates While thus I strove to delude and cozen my self it was told me the Earl of Rucana was found dead in his own Garden that some People had seen the Murderer make his escape over the Wall and had pursu'd him so close they saw him assault the Gentleman by whom he was kill'd and punish'd for that Blood he had so lately shed I was heartily sorry for the Accident and equally griev'd the loss of that good unfortunate Man and his fair Countess who felt double torments because she knew tho' innocent her self the cause of this great mischief But then to allay my sorrow I look'd on Adrastus as Earl of Rucana and imagin'd Heav'n had wrought that unlook'd for Happiness because it design'd to give me joy in full scorn'd a scanty Bliss weigh'd out by Drams and Scruples and threw upon me what my ambition scarce durst hope for The Duke's Relations came frequently to see me and to condole with me that loss which upon second thoughts I scarce esteem'd one I cou'd have wish'd them less kind or at least less formal and 't was a hard task for me to dissemble my real thoughts and feign a sorrow equal to my loss But harder when they prest me to inform them if any words or actions proceeded the Duke's death from which they could infer premeditated Murder and construed all Adrastus e're had done to serve their purpose and I had it by some of my best Friends privately told me that they suspected me conscious to the design because I had always shown a more than common esteem for the Murd'rer This most of all afflicted me not that I fear'd any present danger from their Malice but because I look'd upon it as an impediment to that Marriage I had already promis'd my self with Adrastus and considered how evidently I ruin'd my Honour and Reputation if I took to my Bed the Man who had kill'd my Husband and whom too many judg'd the wilful Author of his death to promote and secure his own Happiness While I was thus distracted between the distant prospect of future Happiness and present Cares Zibelline told me that Curacas had something of Consequence to impart to me I long'd to know what was become of his Master if he bore his confinement patiently and if he still lov'd me The faithful Servant answered me with sighs and delivered me that Letter which confirm'd all my fears The words were these if I remember THis day I come to my Tryal and am already assur'd that Banishment is my doom 'T is impossible to find me guilty of Minoya 's death but to satisfie that number of Enemies this accident has brought me I am charg'd with Crimes of another Nature I live for Timandra and in whatever corner of the world I spend my days there I shall find happiness if she prove constant Let me find her alone to night for I have no doubt of obtaining immediate liberty in order to a longer and worse Imprisonment made so by its distance from the Obect of all my wishes Adrastus This Letter gave me all the sorrow imaginable I had lost my Husband and was then convinc'd I shou'd lose my Lover too I knew part of what the World thought of me and found I shou'd be left to mourn my Misfortunes by my self My Mother was dead several Months before that time and whether she suspected the frailty of my Virtue or not I am not positive but there wanted not those who said she did and that it made too deep an impression upon her Heart and conduc'd to her speedier Journey into the other World At Night the
my departure from Coloa He swore no time or accident shou'd weaken his Love that he wou'd show the Constancy of a Martyr who suffer'd for Eternal Joys Nature shou'd start and all things suffer change the Frame of Beings inverted the Earth turn'd into its primitive Chaos e're he forgot my Charms That if the Globe shook beneath him or gap'd so wide it show'd the infernal Powers howling and grinning ratling in their Chains and all the Souls of damn'd departed men or if the Skies shou'd sink by slow degrees until the Crystal Arch press'd down his Head he 'd not fear or dream of coming death his thoughts shou'd then pay homage to his Love and in this vast and terrible Confusion he 'd clasp the Fair the lovely blest Sirena lay her all trembling to his faithful Breast and then possess'd of all Heav'n could bestow he 'd smile and sinking kiss the precious treasure laugh at the angry gods and bless his glorious fall Thus we spent the few hours he still swore he lov'd and my Eyes inform'd him how readily believ'd But the Servant returning gave the usual sign and we parted tho' not before we had made a new Appointment The following day appear'd to both an Age and Time seem'd drowsie by his tardy flight at last the hour much wish'd for took its place and brought the Welcome Lover to my Soul My Brother if by design or chance I know not was absent and we enjoy'd a Heaven without disturbance For tho' he was much esteem'd by Martius and belov'd by me yet we were both glad of his absence We spoke a thousand extravagant things and Love to us appear'd the darling Virtue of the World the end for which we were made and the very Cause of our Creation He sigh'd and gaz'd upon me spoke sometimes faintly and in a Minute would grow silent grasp my hand kiss it and almost breath out his Soul in raptures I felt a sick'ning pleasure at my Heart a longing joy distracted my Soul and I wanted something to compleat the Bliss yet knew not what it was my Blood flush'd to and fro seem'd all in every part and in no part to stay but spoke my Nature toss'd 'twixt fear and gladness While thus we sat blest with our present fortune yet uneasie in the anxious wishes of a better losing the present sweets in thoughts of more a sudden noise surpris'd us in this Lethargy and wak'd us from an extasie of Love My fears on this occasion were inexpressible and knowing it too late to make use of our hempen Stairs I caught my blushing Lover by the hand conjur'd him to save my Reputation and my quiet which were now evidently in danger made so only by my Love to him He who knew how to Obey smil'd and plac'd himself behind my Bed where he remain'd unseen The Duke soon knock'd at the Door and I as expeditiously opened it Ha! Daughter cry'd he I 'm glad 't is no worse I heard some small noise in your Chamber and was concern'd for your health This I took for my Cue and with a faint voice answered that I had been ill most of that day but that I was now grown better Ah! reply'd the Duke who stood shaking in his Night-Gown you 've been too long from your Bed 't is there you must expect rest for sleep to the Sick is a reprieve from pain This allarm'd my Soul and I made use of all the Arguments I could invent to show the inconveniency of that Method he propos'd to perfect my recovery but 't was in vain he call'd for the Dutchess and she not knowing the Circumstance of affairs confirm'd him in his Resolution He withdrew into the next Room and she staid by me as if I had stood in need of her Assistance e're I could be undrest Thus I was oblig'd to obey and the Duke returning took my Mother by the hand and so left me having first wish'd me good health commended Bonzeda and order'd one of the Maids to remove the Candles My Charming Martius thus reliev'd threw himself upon his knees clasp'd my hand and sigh'd as if his winged slippery Soul had sought an opportunity to escape its Prison his continued silence and eager grasps spoke him languishing for a Joy unknown and I divided between Love Fear and Honour found my self unable to speak my thoughts Sudden motions of alternate Passions stopt my faultering Tongue and my bosom ecchoed moving sighs to his While thus our Souls and Nature seem'd at War he gently mov'd and caught me in his Arms laid his Head to my panting Breast trembl'd breath'd quick and kiss'd me with the eagerness of departing Lovers Then giving way to a flash of Love inflam'd he â—eâ—ch'd too soon that pleasure which he sought and in â—he â—eâ—rch of the unbounded Joy he lost the present transports of the mind 'T was then Madam he spoke and begg'd a thousand Pardons for the indiscretion he had committed swore he lov'd me yet even to madness and would not for a thousand Empires quit the Room I begg'd but 't was faintly he 'd leave me I told him his Servant no doubt waited for his return because the time appointed was elaps'd and if he walkt too long in the Garden it might discover what our mutual interest oblig'd us to conceal He made no reply but stopt the sound of Arguments with kisses Love reasum'd his Throne and set his Soul on Fire He claspt me again in his Arms finish'd our imperfect Joys and I could say no more than Ah my Honour Will you Love Oh kind Heavens The Night was spent with all the pleasure Love could give he swore eternal Constancy I believ'd all lov'd all and dreamt my self in Paradise Sleep was to both a stranger and coming Day prov'd hateful to the sight we shrinkt and smil'd and wish'd a Night like that in which great Jove his dear Alemena blest inverting order to promote his Joys At last we parted but with those pleasant desires which Men enjoy when dreaming of a Heaven they ne're possest or know but faintly in a tempting trance they grieve their judgment was no longer husht and wish and long to see the Scene again In the morning the Duke came to see me the Count was with him and both of them alledg'd I had not slept last Night that my eyes verifi'd this truth and I was unjust to my self in not having a greater regard for my Health The fresh remembrance of what had past made Bonzeda's visit more unwelcome than ever and my aversion for him almost cast me into a Feaver Xensa who observ'd my disorder but not the Cause presently left me after he had told me that he hop'd a few Days would bring me perfect ease and give him that happiness he had so often wish'd of seeing me married to his Friend a Man who well deserv'd my esteem and lov'd me passionately A few minutes thereafter Artaxus enter'd and told me he had been at Bonzeda's had seen
leave her and to forget I ever saw her begg'd my Pardon again for those Tears her misfortune had brought me and swore that no temptation should fool her into a love of Life I set before her with more affection than Art the inconveniency of immoderate grief taught her to hope a better fortune and rely on Heaven But she dumb with excess of sorrow made no reply prest my hand between hers sigh'd and cry'd Valentio Unwilling to be gone I seated my self upon her Beds side and with Tears besought her to remember the present state of her health the impossibility of retrieving what was past and that her Stars though cruel in other things had been kind in bringing her to a House where she might freely command as at home She who was no stranger to good breeding and in the depth of affliction show'd a ready mind when able to speak gave me an obliging return adding that my cares augmented the weight of hers and serv'd to hasten the o'reburden'd Soul to an end of all its Labours But that to repay part of those kindnesses I had shown she 'd acquaint me with her life on whom they were bestow'd that the recital of her past adventures or emergencies of Love was now the only pleasure of which she was capable For the remembrance of Joys long fled brought back the happier State of Life and match'd it with the present then show'd how far we fell how low we sunk and Charm'd the melancholy Hypocondriack Soul with a full taste of misery the sweets of the one encreasing the sense of the other's bitterness I endeavour'd to divert her resolution and defer that account she offer'd till her Health could consent to the labour but 't was in vain for the harrass'd Fair after a few deep sighs and dying looks began as followeth THE Kingdom of Marintha to which I owe my Birth was long distracted with the fury of a Civil War the two pretenders to the Crown Othar and Decius divided the Nation and he who signalized himself for neither of the Parties was liable to the outrages of both and judg'd a common Enemy or at least one that had no regard to the welfare of his Country but to his own interest and waited with a semblance of quiet till Fate should decide the difference and Crown the Conquerour to whom he might safely pay homage and secure his Fortune In the mean time my Father who was naturally Loyal sided with Decius whose Party then was weakest while his Younger Brother to whom Mony was a God fled to Othar's Camp and there was receiv'd as a Man who brings supplies of Gold to a Prince in wants The two Young Kings for both were Crown'd and maintain'd an equal Title to the Throne impatient of delays and fond to reach a Diadem in view at last encamp'd in a large Plain where each of them waited for the nearer advances of the other In a few days the eager Armies met Victory hover'd o're their Heads view'd the terrible Combat with a secret Joy then clapt her bloody Wings and perch'd at last on cruel Othar's Standard Here poor Decius fell in search of Power and my Father whose Quality and Post in the Army advanc'd him to his Princes Person lost his Life in his defence Thus Othar Conquer'd Fame flew before his Arms and brought the sad news to that part of the Country which had own'd the deceas'd for their King and my Mother who soon became acquainted with her loss fled into the other World to secure her self from an Addition to her misfortunes in this My Uncle the unkind unjust Arates now Master of the new Monarch's favour forgot that respect he ow'd to the memory of his Elder Brother and having purchas'd with a bribe the gift of his Estate which the King had now taken into his own hands as a forfeiture upon the score of Rebellion he possest himself of the House discharg'd the old Servants and kept not one in his Family but my self that e're had seen or known the kinder Master I was yet too Young to be sensible of my own misery and smil'd and play'd about this Author of all my following ills But reaching too soon the Fourteenth Year of my Age and my Face promising a larger stock of coming Beauties and good Nature the Neighbouring Youth began to take notice of me to speak kindly to me pay me much respect covet to be nigh me and sighing often inform'd me of my Circumstances and that my Eyes would purchase more than cruel fortune had robb'd me of Arates observ'd my budding power and wisely foresaw that if I should marry to a Man of a good Estate I might assisted by the help of Wealth lay a claim to what he possess'd of mine and to prevent that Misfortune which his guilt taught him to fear he confin'd me to my Chamber appointed me a stern Governess and propos'd to my Lovers the advancement of two hundred thousand Malors a Sum that exceeded in that Country the value of any Estate possest by a Subject Thus he inverted the common Custom and instead of giving a Portion he set his Niece to Sale yet half assur'd that none would buy her at a price so large My Lovers in shoals withdrew at Night no musick reach'd my longing Ear no sighs but those the old Matron vented for her decay'd Beauty and chill'd Blood In the Morning the decrepid old Hag awak'd me and with eyes distilling scalding Rheum taught me how to imploy mine on Books of dull Morality and duller Rules for Life and Conversation then mumbl'd Praises to the Almighty Power on my behalf that sent me such a Friend as old Arates for now he had past his great Clymacterick Year yet still a Batchelour Thus the ignorant with the height of Devotion bless Heaven for a Mischief and when infernal Powers send a Plague they thank that greater Power whose Anger for committed Crimes only permitted the ill to be to punish stiff offenders Thus we spent the tedious day and my long imprisonment had almost taught my Soul to forget the thoughts of Liberty when the dear the loving but the lost Valentio who still had shown a Love beyond what mine or the noblest Beauty could claim as due at last offer'd the payment of the Sum propos'd The old Miser was startled with the News and told him since his all was spent in the pursuit of a Woman he must expect to live a marry'd beggar The young Lover laught at coming Poverty and swore Hell it self should not fright him or shake his Soul resolv'd he lov'd to madness and he 'd rather beg with Delia trace the open Fields for Bread and seek shelter in a Clift beneath some hanging Rock where bleak Winds grumbl'd round his careful Head and Waters murmur'd in the hollow Chasms than live in Courts without her where Wealth Pomp Pride Luxury and Ease with the gaudy shows of Honour tempted the Mercenary Soul to abandon that settl'd peace of Mind