he had in that Country for the procuring more certain proofs of Don Henry's being still alive The Merchant promised to use his utmost endeavours to procure those Informations and Souza returned to Eugenia whom they had put to Bed and who did not remember the News that had so much surprized her and occasioned so long a Swoon What ailes you My Lord said she to him seeing him oppressed with grief must my fainting needs make you so very sad or has some accident happened to you that we have reason to deplore Ah! Madam answered Souza overcome with Grief and letting himself fall into a Chair that was near him have you forgotten Don Henry No no I remember it very well he is still alive and you are my Husband Eugenia could not resist the anguish that this Reflexion opprest her with she fell again into a Swoon Souza was not in a condition to relieve her and her Women had all the pains imaginable to recover her out of it Madam said he to her when she had recovered the use of her Senses and he had sent all those out who were in the Chamber you must not abandon your self to Grief perhaps this News is not true the Merchant who brought it us could give no proofs of it and you know that a thousand such false reports ran abroad of all those who perished in that Battel No no reply'd she Don Henry is living he is living he is my Husband and I am Married to you Her tears and her sighs hindred her for some moments and repeating from time to time Don Henry is living and I am Married again Don Henry is living and you are my Husband she abandoned her self to such a Despair as deprived her of her reason She thought it Criminal to look upon Souza she durst not pronounce his Name she could not think without horrour of the Engagements they had made How unhappy am I or rather how guilty my Lord spare me the Confusion of seeing you said she to Souza begon from hence never see me more I can no longer suffer your Presence She had hardly finished these Words than that she would have recalled them What she was to Souza what he had done for her returned into her thoughts and fearing she had failed in the respect she owed so good a Husband she would have repared that fault by some kindness but the remembrance of Don Henry reproached her immediately with that tender motion as if it had been the greatest of Crimes Yes Madam I must leave you said Souza to her being something recovered from his amazement the delights of love are no part of my fate It is not the will of Heaven that I find my happiness here below I should have believed it perfect might I have been beloved by you and tho my grief be never so great I must renounce it for ever Do but form to your self all the horrours that this separation gives me Madam My Lord I feell their violence as much as you do answered Eugenia who could not forbear melting into tears Your love is very different from mine reply'd he and I have occasion for more Constancy than you regulate yours according to mine let us both endeavour to free Don Henry who is no less to be pitied than we He will comfort you for the loss of me and nothing can comfort me for yours While Eugenia and Souza deplored their particular misfortunes the Portuguezes lamented the Publick distresses The Spanish Army was all about Lishon Anthony was fled under a Disguised habit and the Dutchess of Braganza was retired to Villa Bohen Philip went to her thither in Person he promised her great advantages for her Son if she would retire to Villa Visola and recall some Forces she had furnished Anthony withal That Dutchess having lost all hopes of Reigning and fearing to be involved in Anthonies Ruine and yet not being willing to abandon that Prince quite to his misfortunes retired to Visola upon condition of leaving her Forces with Anthony who fled into France after having made some useless Efforts against Philip who shortly after entred Lisbon was saluted King of Portugal and they stifled with great care the News which the Inhabitants of the Terceras spread abroad of Don Sebastian's being alive The Spaniards were in a peaceablepossession of the Kingdom of Portugal Almeida led a private and solitary life at Venice and would not hearken to the vows of any Lover since she had lost Don Sebastian She often deplored the misfortunes she was the cause of and as she was one day all alone in her Chamber thinking of the several accidents of her life she was told that a Portugal Gentleman asked to speak with her She caused him to come in but how great was her surprize at the sight of that Portugueze she gave a great shrick and retired in a fright How Princess said the Portugal to her does Don Sebastian make you afraid Ah Heavens is it you said she turning languishingly towards that Stranger is it your Shade that comes to comfort me or renew my Griefs I am no Shade my Princess interupted he and I come once more to offer you a Life which you shall ever be Mistress of Almeida having recovered the use of her Senses told the Maids that came to help her that she would be alone and when they were withdrawn May I assure my self said she trembling that I see Don Sebastian once again and his Death that I so much bewailed and the News of which has for so long a time been spread through all the World should it not be real No reply'd she immediately Don Sebastian died in my Quarrel Europe and Africa knew it I am but too certain it is so and I cannot give tears enough to his death Impostor leave me to deplore what you cannot restore me No my Princess answered he casting himself at her Knees and kissing her Hand a thousand times that she had not the force to take away I am no Impostor I am that Don Sebastian who am come to dry up the Tears you honour his loss with and who redemands the affection that you have promised him If you do not know again my Shape my Voice and the Features of my Face at least remember my Love 't is not at all changed and you have too many testimonies to be mistaken Ah! Pardon reply'd Almeida after having well examined him I know you again by that Love that was so fatal to you How many Tears have I shed for your loss Sir and how often have I wished to die But tell me for Heavens sake by what miracle you could save your Life and your Liberty from the sury of the Moors Recover from your fright my Princess said the King to her and when you shall have taken some repose I will relate to you all that has happened to me since I left you in charge with Souza My fright is vanished Sir reply'd she and offering him a Chair and I impatiently
long to know your adventures Since you will not put off this recital till a more Convenient time said Don Sebastian to her and taking a Seat I will give you an account of the misfortunes that happened to me since my absence from you You have learnt without doubt how basely all those who were ranged under my Standard to fight on the day of Battel abandoned me when Fire was set on our Amunition I found my self alone in the midst of the Moors who attacqued me on all sides I fought a long time against a great number and I resolved rather to lose my life than be taken Prisoner but the Wound I had received in my Right-shoulder being unbound in the heat of the Fight the Blood I lost thro that Wound so weakned my Arm that I could no longer lift it up to defend my self I sought with my Left Arm till that wearied with so many Efforts I fell almost without life amongst the Bodies of the Enemies I had Slain Some Troopers of the Regiment of Mulei Magdelec a Prince of the Blood Royal of Morocco having seen me fall surrounded me to strip me of my Cloaths and as the first who approached me was in my reach I run my Sword through his Body and made him fall dead by me The others irritated at their Companions death would not have left me long alive if they had not found it more advantageous to make me their Prisoner than deprive me of life They drew me from that place into a little Wood near Tamista that violence and the fatigues I had suffered making me faint away they could not recover me in a long time I had laid aside in the danger I ran the marks that might have discovered my Quality But my Armour made those People judge I was a considerable Person some of them fell to Disputing with their Companions the gain they might pretend to from this Prize others pretended to have the better share in it because they had first laid hands on me and not being able to agree about their shares several of them resolved to kill me when Abdeliza Magdelec's Sister who being informed that her Brother was dead whom she tenderly loved came all in tears at the Head of thirty Troopers in the place where we were and demanded of the Men that held me whom she saw to be of her Brothers Regiment what was become of him They assured her that he had not been so much as wounded and his Lieutenant being killed by a Musquet Bullet and falling down at his Feet it was believed that it had been Magdelec who had been killed by that shot Abdeliza cast her Eyes upon me the state I was in raised her pity and after having learnt by some other particulars that her brother was living she asked those Troopers who I was if I was still alive and why they misused with so much Crnelty a Man who could not defend himself They told her to animate her to my ruine that I had kill'd above twenty of their Companions that I was only in a Swoon But this Discourse far from inspiring her with any hatred to me as those Barbarians had promised themselves she had an admiration and an esteem for my Courage and Commanded them to treat me more gently She Examined me more strictly Kings ever wear certain Characters upon their Faces that make them distinguished from other Men she knew I was no Common Person and the pity she took of my Fate being joyned to the esteem she had already conceived for me gave birth in her Heart to some tender Motions that interessed her in my misfortunes She perceived that I lost all my Blood and Commanded they should bind up my wounds and I received help by her Order even from those who would have deprived me of life When I recovered out of my Swoon I was surpriz'd to meet with so charitable hands which were zealous to give me ease instead of Enemies who before would have destroyed me but my surprize became much greater when I saw in the midst of all those People a Woman who set them at work and who appeared by her Habit and Air to be a Person of a high Rank Magdelec happened to come into the same place as I was attentive to all these things He had been told the disquiets and ardour with which his Sister sought for him Brother said she after having Embraced him and shewn him the joy she had for his return Brother the state this wretch is in has raised my Compassion I beg you would grant me this Prisoner and I will take care to reward your Men for that loss Magdelec was called away by other Cares he did not stay to look upon me and gave me to his Sister who caused me to be carried to her Palace and had a particular care of me during all the time I was constrained to keep my Bed I got up as soon as I found I had a little Strength I caused my self to be led to Abdeliza's Appartment and made her a thousand acknowledgments for her Favours She answered me very obligingly and told me that the Noble and Great Air she had observed in my Person had obliged her to Succour me that she had conceived a great esteem for me at first and did not doubt but in the sequel I would answer as I ought so many good Sentiments She spoke these words with a great deal of goodness but with a certain Air of Haughtiness that made me know she knew not who I was I answered her with all possible Submission to keep her in her Errour She would know who I was I told her that I was a Volunteer of an Illustrious Extraction and I acted my part so well notwithstanding all the Questions she asked me upon that point that she did not at all suspect I was the King of Portugal I quickly perceived that the cares she took in my Favour surpassed ordinary kindnesses she did not long conceal from me her Sentiments She believed her self to be of that Rank and Merit as I should look upon her Passion as an honour She made me a sincere Confession of it and promised me a Considerable Fortune if I was not ungrateful to her kindnesses Pardon dear Princess said Don Sebastian to Almeida if I seem'd to have some kindness for her The state I was in reduced to and the desire I had of seeing you again obliged me to that fiction My Complaisances abused her I did out of policy all that I could have done out of Love Ah! how afraid am I Sir interrupted Almeida you loved that Princess I know her she is young she is tender she has Wit and though of the Colour of the Negroes her Face is not without Beauties Don Sebastian vowed he had never loved her and remov'd her suspicions What kindness soever pursued he that Abdaliza had for me my Prison was not the less rigorous That Princess did not believe that she had chained me so fast as
committed to him of the Young King Don Lewis who was likewise his Uncle had signalized his Courage in several Rencounters and with Justice passed for the bravest and handsomest Prince of that Kingdom He had had a long time a very tender Engagement with Violanta and the report even run at Court that he had Married her and by her had a Son whom he brought up at one of his Houses near Lisbon Duke d'Avero had made his Prudence and Valour appear on several occasions under the Reign of John the III and had been one of his Favourites but Cardinal Henry had no great kindness for him knowing him to be ambitious and daring The Young Duke of Barcellos gave great hopes of his Dexterity and Wit and began to view of the Beauty of Leonora with a tender emotion The Count de Sousa was much esteemed both by the King and Cardinal Henry He maintained his Favour by a great merit and had taken care to joyn to all the fine Qualities that make a well bred-Man the solid Virtues that compose an honest-man Don Henry had a thousand good Qualities that made him be beloved by all the World he was well Built and Vallant and breathed nothing but dangers And as he was the chief of an Illustrious Family both for Nobility and Riches his Father had taken care before his Death to Conclude his Marriage with Eugenia they having loved one another from their most tender Infancy All things seem'd to conspire to unite them their Humours being alike their Qualities suitable and their Age almost equal gave all People great hopes of their happiness Amours were the Soul of that Court and even those who were only sensible of Ambition were constrained to call Love to their succours that they might the better succeed in their Designs The Dutchess of Braganza would have been willing to have been indepted for the advancement of her Fortune to this last Passion she placed all her cares to make the King love her but was not able to render his heart sensible He had no other Passion than for Arms he had raised a Regiment which he Exercised continually and frequently Review'd He would as often undertake the Labours of Common Souldiers as the Cares of chief Officers the greatest Perils had a secret Charm to invite him and not believing that any common danger was worthy of him he would not undertake any thing that was not attended with difficulties If he had any Voyage to make upon the Sea he affected to Embark during the Tempest disdaining to rock peaceably in a Calm that might lull his Virtue asleep Duke d'Avero had no less Ambition than the Dutchess of Braganza and likewise fancied that Love might be useful to his Designs He had a Daughter called Elvira He sought in her Beauty for the reputation that was refused his own merit and imagin'd that she had Charms enough to touch the heart of that Young King She had not yet been seen at Court though she was at an Age to appear there with lustre because the Dutchess her Mother having a long time languished in a Disease which occasioned her Death two Years before had retired her self to one of her Country Houses and had ever kept her with her and the Duke after the Death of his Wife had put his Daughter into a Nunnery near his House not designing to take her from thence till he had found out a Match suitable to her Circumstances In the mean time Eugenia had too many Charms to satisfie themselves with the Conquest of Don Henry The Count de Sousa had been long Passionately in love with her His Respects his Complaisances and Assiduities had sufficiently assured her of it but whether she was not willing to understand them or she had only Eyes for Don Henry the Count de Sousa always found in her so much indifference for him that he judg'd it not convenient to declare his Passion more openly He had too much respect and discretion to hazard an unprofitable Declaration Don Henry was his Friend Eugenia had ever seen him only under the notion of Friendship which he could not any longer support the constraint of He saw her every day she was ever lovely in his Eyes she had hardly in the least concealed from him the Passion she had for Henry That Lover likewise made him the Confident of his happiness What a torture is this to a Man whose love is extream and was not capable of easing himself by betraying his Mistress and his Friend After having been for some time in these Extremities and having in vain Employ'd the Succours of his Reason for to cure him he fancied that absence would diminish his Sufferings by weakning his Passion and so was desirous to remove from Court but his Merit had put him there in too good a posture for him to go away without some specious pretext Elizabeth whom Philip the II. had Married in his third Nuptials died in Spain about that time wherefore one was to be sent to make the Compliments of Condolance to this King on the behalf of Queen Katherine his Sister and Don Sebastian his Nephew Sousa fancied that occasion was favourable to him and for the obtaining that Commission he Employed Cardinal Henry's Credit with the King the Cardinal highly esteeming his Virtue used to Queen Katherine the Solicitations of Lewis of Granada his Friend whose Birth and Piety were had in veneration by all People and whom that King had caused to come from Spain to communicate to her all that concerned the Salvation of her Soul and the good of the Kingdom He obtained what he desired was sent to the King of Spain but could not depart without going to take his leave of Eugenia with whom he found Don Henry He used all his endeavours to conceal his Grief and his Love in that separation the Words he spoke had no coherence with one another and the Sighs he vented were half stifled And seeing he could not resist his Grief he quitted those two Lovers and Embraced them bidding 'em Farewell and live happy while I do lead a Languishing life far from you and my Friends His Sighs hindred him from speaking more than these Words he went immediately away for fear they should see him shed tears And Eugenia and Don Henry were really afflicted at his departure and attributed to Friendship alone what a more violent Passion had produced The Duke d'Avero caused Elvira to come and second his Projects He was himself surpriz'd with her Beauty and conceived fresh hopes at the sight of so dazeling an Object The truth is she was capable so â—ngage the most insensible Her blew Eyes were sweet and piercing all her Features were regular her Complexion was admirable and Hair was the finest in the World delicately accompanied by all the Beauty of her Face She was of a middle Stature but her Wit was above what is common she had an insinuating Prefence and engaging ways with her her Conversation was
all the Cares he had taken to extinguish it In the mean while Elvira no longer gave her thoughts up to Greatness and was not so much dazled with the Crown of Don Sebastian but that she considered of the merit of the Count de Souza with much admiration Her Heart engaged it self by degrees in seeing him and Love evermore usurping somewhat upon Ambition she begun to have more desire to please the Count than care to engage the King She saw Souza every day and always discovered in him some new Quality capable of pleasing She found that he did the most indifferent thing with a most particular Charm Not any Man about the Court appeared to her so well Made so Active or so Witty as he the greatest Divertisements tired her when he was not there and the inclination she was sensible of at first for him in a short time augmented after such a manner that it became at length a most violent Passion It is true that the Assiduities and Complaisances which this Count rendred her contributed very much to the Violence of her Love As he no longer made Visits to Eugenia and had resolved to apply himself entirely to the cares of his Fortune Elvira had with joy observed that she was the Person of all the Court whom he oftenest Visited she took for amorous Addresses the Devoirs he rendred her as the Mistress of his King and so ardently desired to be beloved by him that she easily imagined he had a love for her There appeared so much affectation in the Complaisances she had for Don Sebastian and she answered his tender respects with so great a Constraint that the King quickly perceived he was not beloved and as he loved with all the fervency that a first Passion can be capable of these coldnesses did very sensibly aggrieve him Sometimes he openly complained and walking one day with her and those that were the Companions of his Pleasures in the Gardens of Don Lewis After having proposed to her several sorts of Divertisements none of which she would accept of he reproached her for the indifference she seemed to be in to Pleasures She defended her self and told him there were a thousand Recreations capable of diverting her They are those then that I have no part in said the King to her and I do not believe that of a long time any of those has pleased you which I have proposed Elvira could not hold from blushing at these Words and Violanta who loved her tenderly perceiving her disorder and the King's vexation told him for to make up the business Ah! Sir it is impossible to be more gay than Elvira was at the Ball you gave two days ago And in truth she was in a very good humour in that Assembly because the King had Commanded Souza to do the Honours of it I must confess said Leonora that Elvira found the Ball very Charming I remember that at a Regal which Don Lewis gave to the Ladies sometime since she appeared the merriest of the Company I remember too said Don Lewis and I believe the four Moors who came to be her Slaves had put her into that humour These last Words put Elvira so out of Countenance that she would never have been able to have concealed her trouble if she had not luckily made a stumble which gave a pretext to this disorder The King after having lent her his Hand to hold her up enquired very earnestly who those Moors were the Count de Souza Arrived when the King asked this Question He himself was struck dumb and the sight of him redoubled Elvira's disorder they were both of them in an equal pain though they had different Sentiments and this trouble would without doubt have discovered Elvira's secret Passion if Cardinal Henry whom Don Sebastian still considered as his Tutour had not arrived at that instant and broke off that Conversation by his presence The King going to Supper presently after the Ladies retired and as Souza had perceived he was the cause of Elvira's trouble he very prudently avoided any particular Conversation with her and pretended he was obliged to be at the Kings Supper that he might be dispensed from leading Elvira as he was used to do But what Address and Care soever he employ'd to avoid the assurance of a thing which his Zeal and Modesty ever refused it was impossible for him to be long in suspence of what he feared Elvira loved him with too much Passion to be able to constrain her self When she ever talked with him she was strangely disordered she was even sometimes so bold as to let him know how much the Kings Cares and Complaisances fatigued her and what a torture it was to her that she could not follow her inclinations with an entire Liberty she began several times to talk to him of the disorder the Moors Conversation put her in the Count came always off from these perplexities with a great deal of Prudence and Civility but at length Elvira fan cying to her self that he had some affection for her and that respect hindred him from telling it she believed it was her part to encourage him She resolved one day in the violence of her Passion to declare to him openly what she was sensible of but the occasion could not easily be found because the Count carefully avoided her and saw her but at the Kings whither he could not dispense himself from going A light indisposition had detained this Prince in Bed that day Elvira was to see him the Dorekeepers told her he was asleep whereupon she stepped into the Antichamber and perceived near the Window Count Souza in all likely hood expecting Don Sebastian's waking and seemed to be profoundly pensive She approached him trembling and as they were far enough off from those who were present as not to be understood May I ask you what you think of at present Count said she to him all amazed Souza being surpriz'd at her presence would have retired after some Civilities No no stay said she to him stopping him I will Discourse you about something concerns you I participate too much in all that touches you to leave you in the trouble I have seen you in for some time Do you love are you ambitious continued she my Credit may equally serve you in those two things and I offer it you all entire if you will tell me what it is that makes you sad The Count de Souza was much out of Countenance to hear this Discourse and told her after having thanked her for her Civilities that he had no other ambition than that of maintaining himself at Court in the rank his Birth had placed him You are then in Love reply'd she immediately with an extream disorder I assure you Madam interrupted Souza gently I Love only my King A little affection is not incompatible with a great deal of Zeal reply'd Elvira tenderly A Heart all entire is not too much for so great a Prince answered he firmly we
owe him all our thoughts and I make it my business and am proud of Consecrating to him even the very least of my Actions This Discourse so discouraged Elvira and put her so out of Countenance that she could no longer bear the looks of Souza nor replyed any thing to him and she knew not whether she had best quit him or stay with him when the Door-keepers came and told her that the King was awake and that they might see him They went both into his Chamber the Court grew full in a little time and Souza retired presently after more troubled at what he had newly heard than he had been in all his life time The Duke d'Avero observing all his Daughters Actions and seeing the sequel did not answer the happy beginning suspected that some stronger Passion triumphed over Elvira's Ambition She had talked to him so often and with so much admiration of Souza and this Count appeared to him so proper to inspire love that he Examined them both with Care he saw Elvira blusht and was ever troubled at the sight of him He no longer doubted but he was the cause of this change and resolved to remedy it without seeming to be the least concerned The Count de Souza was of a Rank Merit and Conduct not to be easily ruined at Court Wherefore the Duke employ'd his Cares and his Credit to remove him after another manner An Ambassadour was to be sent to Pope Pius the V who was newly raised to the Pontificate by the Cares and Solicitations of the Great Boromeus and Cardinal Farnese The Duke d'Avero took such a course as that the King cast his Eyes upon the Count de Souza for that Embassy But so soon as Elvira had learnt this News the displeasure of ceasing to see what she could not forbear loving made such an impression upon her Mind that she went with all haste to the King pretending to be ignorant of what he had resolved to pray him with earnestness to give that Commission to Don Alvaro Castro whom all the Court knew to be one of her Creatures and the King having told her he had granted that Employ to the Count d'Souza at the Duke de Avero's desire the fear she was in that her Father had discovered her Passion and for that reason was desirous to remove him from Court made her so dumb and out of Countenance that she almost suffered all which passed in her Heart to be read in her Eyes but after being come somewhat to her self again she spoke with so tender and pressing an Air to Don Sebastian that not being able to refuse her any thing he told the Count de Souza in the Evening who came to thank him that his Council had judged it more convenient to give that Commission to Don Alvaro Castro who had already one of the same Nature and was perfectly well instructed in the several Interests of the Court of Rome This Change surprized all the Court They sought for the reason of it and it was found that Elvira's Credit was the cause Her Father did not doubt of her Passion He make her a thousand reproaches which did no good at all Alvaro Castro departed after having thanked her for a favour he was not indebted to her goodness for and the Count de Souza knew with an extream grief that 't was as great a misfortune to him to be beloved by the person he did not love as to be hated by her he loved The King daily perceiving more and more indifference in Elvira was so mortally grieved at it that it rendred him the most unhappy of all Men though he seemed the most happy And that which still augmented his trouble was that at that time arose one called Peter Bertrand the Eldest Son of the Illustrious Montluc not being willing to steep his Hands in the Blood of Frenchmen not to be on either side in the Civil Wars and Heresies that so Plagued all France fitted out a little Fleet and Manned it with about Twelve hundred Men or thereabouts His youngest Son and another younger Brother of the Family of Pompadour accompanied him in this Voyage and being come upon the Coasts of Madera they would have Landed to have taken in fresh Water but the Portugals who were Masters of that Island Fired their Canon upon them and Sallied out against Bertrand He immedietely set Eight hundred of his Men on Shore Cut the Portugals to pieces Sack'd the City that bears the Name of the Island and died a little after of a wound he received in that Fight Don Sebastian could not hear this News without a great deal of vexation he caused satisfaction to be demanded of Charles the IX and accused Bertrand and his Companions of being Pyrates and Infractours of the Treaties France having then Intestine Enemies enough without needing to draw upon it others was willing to Sacrifice to the King of Portugal's anger all those who had followed Bertrand in that Voyage but the reputation of Montluc and the Power of the Admiral who ever maintained the Glory of the French Nation fenced off this blow by his Subtilty The Count de Sanzay was sent to Don Sebastian to justifie the French-men and Queen Margarite who was ever contriving Great Designs took that occasion to attempt a Match between Don Sebastian and the Sister of Charles the IX to the intent this Alliance might the more closely unite France and Portugal and might augment the Rights that the French pretend to have upon that Crown The Count de Sanzay departed with secret Instructions for that Marriage He justified Bertrand and his Companions and knowing that pleasures are often very good means to succeed in Affairs he was at all the Divertisements of the Court to the intent he might the more easily bring to pass his secret Negotiation He was young and well made which was sufficient to get into the favour of the Portugal Ladies His Discourses and his Manners had a certain agreeableness that had the Art of Charming even in the best of things that free and easie Air that makes Gentleman be distinguished from others was more Natural to him than to any Man besides he was of that sort of gallant humour which ever engages it self in Love but is ever for all manner of Divertisements But his Wit was yet more Solid than Gallant and he oftentimes made those Trifles be useful to the greatest Affairs Leonora seem'd to him worthy of his Cares and fit for some little Engagements she had an Air of Sweetness and Sincerity which made one not afraid of those Artifices in her which her Sex commonly makes use of The Count de Sanzay entertained her with a thousand Gallantries He gave her Treats and Diversions nearly contrived he spoke to her of Love upon all occasions but he spoke after such a manner that one could not take seriously enough so as to be displeased and however appeared so sincere that Credit might be given to it designing to give
high Ideas of the Court of France for the facilitating the Marriage which he negotiated All that he did for Leonora was so magnificent that the Duke of Barcellos's affection was alarm'd and he was sometimes very uneasie He immediately found that Elvira had great Power over the King he endeavoured to make her his Friend and though he judged that the Ambition of the Duke d'Avero and the tender Commerce of his Daughter with Don Sebastian would bring great Obstacles to his Negotiation he persuaded himself that they would soon penetrate into his Designs and that before they could know them he might have perhaps brought them to pass He fancied he might draw great light from her for the carrying on his Projects He forgot none of all those little Cares that might procure him some part in her Friendship She could not refuse it him she took delight in seeing him she spoke to him with Confidence she often enquired of him News of his Amour he did not excuse himself from telling her hoping that the Confidence he put in her would obtain the like and others from her that might be useful to his enterprize but persons for Wit are too reserv'd in that matter she would sooner have acquainted him with the most secret Affairs of State than the least motion of her Heart and all that the Counts penetration could discover in that Intreague was that Elvira had no great inclination for the King but that he had a violent Passion for her He spoke immediately of this Marriage unto Queen Katharine because he saw her well intentioned enough for France she assured him she would endeavour it with all her Power But as she no longer concerned her self hardly at all with Affairs of State she was no great help to him He likewise managed Cardinal Henry with great Care He perceived that this Prelate did not approve of the Passion which Don Sebastian had for Elvira and that it was not his meaning to Contract a New Alliance with the Spaniards He spoke to him very slightly of that which Portugal might make with France But whether this Cardinal was not willing to procure Heirs to the Crown that devolved upon him after Don Sebastian's Death or not any of those Matches did please him he found difficulties every where and the Count de Sanzay did not think fit to Discourse him any more about it He turned all his Designs upon the King He praised upon all occasions the Wit and Beauty of the Ladies of France he shewed him all the advantages he might have by making an Alliance with that Crown He likewise cunningly let him see the Picture of the Princess Marguerite and often described her to him in all the extent of her Charms But of what effect are all endeavours against a prepossest Heart it was in vain he laid in view all the reasons of Policy and Charms of Beauty Don Sebastian had only Eyes for Elvira though she rendred him the most unhappy of all Men. The Dutchess of Braganza whose Jealousie did continually make some discovery of her Rivals inclinations and being also one of Sanzay's Friends was the first who made him observe that Elvira had a kindness for Souza This Dutchess fearing that all she could say to the King upon this Subject would be suspected cunningly set on Foot a report amidst the Secret News of the Court that Elvira had a greater Passion for another than for the King But as Souza saw Elvira less than any other the King did not suspect he had any part in that Intrigue and was not able to discover his Rival Chance at length acquainted him with what not any one about Court durst have told him and what was suspected but by very few People Elvira was coming one day to the Queen's as the Count de Souza was going out and as he always endeavoured to avoid meeting her bowing he would have passed by hastily but she stopped him and said to him Methinks Count you take a great deal of Care to shun me and I should have been glad you would have told me what reason you have to do so The Count perplexed at this Discourse answered her with a great deal of respect Since I have merited your hatred and you have judged me unworthy of serving my King in the Commission he had given me I ought to hide my self from all the World Is that hating you Count replyed she tenderly not to be willing you should go from us The King came at these Words and they were all three so discomposed that it was impossible for any one of them to speak so much as one Word Don Sebastian entred the Queens Appartment where his disquiet did not permit him to stay long Elvira did not make her Visit The Count retired to his House And the King who had only heard the last Words of that Conversation impatient to Explain himself with Elvira and all on a Fire to make her a thousand Reproaches went to her House in such a rage as threatned the ruin of Souza But the King's anger could not last against the feeble Reasons of Elvira she persuaded him that in the coldest indifference she could do no less than answer the Count to appease his trouble and she gave so innocent a Colour to that Conversation that the King went from her with very little suspicion and a woundrous deal of Love The Kings Choller being appeased all the Lovers of that Court enjoy'd for some time a very deicious Peace Elvira took care not to give any Jealousie to the King Souza comported himself so prudently that no suspicions could be conceived of his Behaviour The Dutchess of Braganza seeing all her endeavours were in vain renounced her Design and retired to the Duke her Husband The Duke de Barcellos being cleared of all Jealousies by Leonora was sure of her Affection and no longer alarm'd at the Addresses of the Count de Sanzay who did not apply himself very passionately to that Conquest Don Lewis and Violanta enjoy'd the sweetest pleasures of Love Don Henry was full of joy to know he was beloved of Eugenia And Souza's Reason was become so much Master of his Love that his presence gave not trouble at all to their Pleasures and there was only the Duke d' Avero who was still in disquiet and suspicions As he had to no purpose endeavoured to remove Souza from Court and his presence perpetually allarming him he fancied that the Count being Married he should be exempt from all those fears and should deprive his Daughter of the hopes that entertained her love He cast his Eyes upon Eugenia for that Design Some light suspicions that Don Sebastian made appear one day of Souza gave an opportunity to the Duke of proposing this Match to the King which he did not fail to Colour with sevenal Reasons of State This Proposition was well received by the King he undertook it with a great deal of heat and told Souza the next day that some important
aversion My Lord answered Eugenia in Confusion at what she had said and what she had newly heard so far from hating you I have ever had a perfect friendship for you I esteemed your Merit as soon as I knew you but I was not acquainted with your Love before I was engaged and I did not believe the Kings Orders would be so fatal to us Alas they are only so to me answered Souza you will injoy in Peace what you love and I am deprived of what I adore and opprest with the hatred of my King I shall wait for death with impatience Ah Count said she to him in suspence I would not have my happiness cost you so Dear and if your Life be concerned I will do all I can to save you 'T is enough Madam said the Count to her falling at her Feet I am content and I am going to think how to satisfie you No my Lord said Eugenia stopping him it is not just you should make me happy by your unhappiness Duty and Friendship conspire against my Passion I must obey I must follow your Example I have not so much force and so much firmness as you But what Torments soever it may cost me you may tell the King that if your Life be concerned I am ready to do all that is necessary to save you She could not speak these Words without an extream constraint and grief The horrour she figured to her self in losing Don Henry put her into a Condition to have raised pity And Souza who saw all sort of grief painted in her Face told her in reassuring her Madam it is for me to conquer my self my love has ever been concealed in silence and this season is very improper to make it appear You love Don Henry he loves you you have both conceived great hopes to enjoy your happiness you never loved me I never had any hopes you would let me die I shall be content provided the King believes me innocent and you allow some Tears to my Misfortunes The Count went our having spoken these Words and did not wait for Eugenia's answer who was in the Cruellst perplexity that ever was admiring Sanza's Gnerosity fearing the Kings Power and infinitely concerned for her love Don Henry came to her House as she was still in these Reflexions and asked her the reason of the sadness he saw in her Face She made him a sincere recital of all the Count had newly said to her commending his Generosity and his Constancy But as we ever fear to lose what we love Don Henry could not assure himself of Souza's Resolution he fancied there was never such an Honest Wellbred-Man as could resist an ardent love and so favourable an occasion he could not suffer himself to be convinc'd by the strong reasons Eugenia brought to reassure his affection He said to her the most touching things imaginable upon his fears he would have gone and flung himself at the Kings Feet and offered him his life instead of his Mistriss But she let him know that it was to expose two Heads instead of one to the anger of Don Sebastian and this Declaration would without doubt include him in the same disgrace there needed no more than this Declaration to stop Don Henry they both agreed that they ought to content themselves with employing all the Friends they had at Court to serve the Count de Souza in the misfortune that threatned him Souza was to make his Court the day following The King did not fail to ask him if he had executed those Orders He answered with a profound respect that he should be ever ready to obey his Highness but he had acquired so little Reputation and had yet so feebly served the State that he could not resolve to Marry and that such Engagements evermore took up the better part of the Cares that are due to ones Prince The King much displeased at this refusal did no longer doubt but he had an Intrigue with Elvira and told him furiously That a disobedient Subject could not render him good Services and bid appear no more in his presence The Count went away opprest with sorrow and was no sooner at his House than a Captain of the Guards came to Command him from the King to leave the Kingdom with the soonnest He received this Order with all the respect imaginable and not reproaching himself with any Crime nor imputing any thing to the King of his misfortune and Sacrificing all to his love he went out of the City some moments after without murmering and without going to any Friends House for fear of being oblig'd to see Elvira The Count de Souza's Exile being spread a little time after through all the City the best sort of People pitied him and in the Grief that Elvira was in for his a fence she could not forbear having a secret joy being he had refused Engenia she fancied as it is usual to flatter ones self that she might well be the Cause of that refusal and entertaing her self with that thought she resolved to employ all her Friends secretly to solicite Souza's return not daring to ask it her self This incident did help much to encourage the Confidence and Friendship she had for the Count de Sanzay she imagined that in the offers of Services and the promises he had made her he contributed very much towards the hindring the Execution of this Match she imparted to him all the Griefs that Souza's absence gave her she even confessed to him one day that the indifference she had before for the King was even changed into an aversion since this Exile Sanzay laboured in Court with her to cause Souza to be recalled All the better sort of People at Court begged the same of the King but their Prayers were useless Jealousie is not appeased like other troubles and the King being ever inexorable Elvira had coldnesses for him that they would have been capable of revenging Souza if he had known them and if he had been a less good Subject He was some time deliberating into what Kingdom he should go into Banishment and for what Quarrel he should expose his Life The End of the First Part. Don Sebastian KING OF Portugal An Historical Novel PART II. Done out of French by Mr. FERRAND SPENCE LONDON Printed for R. Bentley and S. Magnes in Russel-street in Covent-garden 1683. Don Sebastian KING OF PORTUGAL FRance had at length in a General Peace lulled asleep the Rage and Fury of the Civil-Wars all things were preparing in that Kingdom for the Marriage of Charles IX with Elizabeth Daughter to the Emperour Maximilian II. Queen Margarite who in the intestine troubles of the most Cruel Wars had ever carried along with her Divertisements and Pleasures prepared to Celebrate this Marriage by such Sports and Rejoycings as were worthy of the Princess But what Souza sought was quite different from Joy And Pius V had in his Politick Zeal obliged the King of Spain and the Venetians to joyn
him and he Commanded the Duke de Avero to cause all his Forces to Embark During the eight days he was Employ'd in putting them on Board the King never went ashore He himself caused the Seamen to labour He examined the Built of all the Ships he Visited the Equipages to see if there was nothing wanting to his Fleet and shewing Almeida the Ardour of the Passion he had for her by the care he took to Revenge her This Princess answered so many Kindnesses with as much Love as the delicacy of her Sex would allow of As the King never went from his Ships and all the Lords remained there with him the Ladies came there to see 'em and Don Sebastian who seemed to have Established his Empire upon the Waters had round about him a Floating Court that amidst the hurry of Embarking would however have been very agreeable if the trouble of parting had not traversed the Pleasures which those would have relished there whom Love had united Violanta quitted Don Lewis with all the grief that a real affection can be capable of in such an occasion The Passion the Duke de Barcellos had for War shared his Heart with the Love he had for Leonora and as she gave her self up entirely to her Inclination she was much more troubled than her Lover at their parting The Duke d'Avero's Ambition finding an opportunity to satisfie it self in that War made him quit Lisbon with joy But what Power soever Glory had over Don Henry he had all the pains imaginable to Renounce the Pleasures he enjoy'd with Eugenia Souza found some Comfort in thinking that notwithstanding the Bonds of Marriage in a short time his Rival would be no more happy than himself The Duke of Braganza who was arrived at Lisbon to accompany the King in his Voyage and had still a great deal of Vigour and a strong Passion for War was very glad that this Occasion was offered for the instructing his Son by his Example and by the Advices he might give him according to the Diversity of Occurrences And at length the King departed full of joy and of hopes with the Flower of the Nobility and People of Portugal and was accompanied by Adrias de Sylva Bishop of Porto and Emanuel de Mensis Bishop of Conimbre The whole Fleet made Sail with a fair Wind but as the Kings Galley took its turn to go out of the Port it struck with so much Violence against a Flemish Ship that its sides were broke to pieces and a Seaman of that Galley was kill'd at the same time in his Boat by a Canon Shot that the City had Fired upon the Kings departure These two accidents made the most Zealous Portugals tremble and seemed to be an ill presage to that Enterprize even Almeida appeared alarmed at it she conjured the King to put off the Voyage till a more favourable season She told him several times that she would rather choose to Renounce the Crown and pass the rest of her days in all the misfortunes and obscurities possible than to expose his life to Dangers the sole Idea whereof made her tremble but the more kindness and alarms she made appear to Don Sebastian the more eager was he upon this Voyage and all the Fleet arrived quickly at Cadiz where the Duke of Medina regaled the King with great Splendour and Magnificence and made all the Court during eight days relish all the Pleasures that Island could furnish The King caused all possible Sail to be made towards Africa this Fleet in a few days came between Tangier and Arsilles There he caused his Army to Disembark and after having made Almeida observe the Place where he had seen her the first time and having said to her the most tender things imaginable upon that point he himself appointed the Quartering of his Troops With an exact care he sought the most advantageous Posts he Encamped one part upon the Sea Shore and in the most Commodious Places His Army was composed of thirteen thousand Foot fifteen hundred Horse or thereabouts and thirteen pieces of Artillery He went every Night with an indefatigable Ardour to Visit all the Quarters He entertained the bravest he excited the most languishing flattered some made promises to others and being sometimes willing to awaken their Courage by a tender pity he shewed them Mahumet and his Sister cruelly driven out of their Dominions and promised 'em all great Recompenses on his and that Princesses part Mahumet on his side addressing himself to all the Africans he sound in his way endeavoured to engage them in his Party Some yielded to these sollicitations Almeida drew the Hearts of all those who saw her some Officers even Charmed with her Beauty and moved with her Brothers Misfortune came and offered themselves to serve them Don Sebastian and Mahumet having proved their sincerity received them with joy Moluc well knowing that Don Sebastian was Ambitious and Formidable would have Treated a Peace with him and have given him all the Chams the Portugals pretended to have Conquered for the making good to him the Charges of that War and for those People to Cultivate in all Peace and Safety they could have in their own Country This Proposition made Mahumet tremble fancying that so advantageous an Offer would make the King abandon a Party that could not be very useful to him But Almeida promising her self all she desired from her Charms and the Love of Don Sebastian reassured her Brother and did not at all doubt but that the Ardour which the King of Portugal had to Serve her would make him refuse more advantageous Offers He himself came presently after to assure him of the same and made answer to Moluc that the greatest Charges of the War being already made he would not hearken to any Proposition of Peace till Moluc should give him Alarache Tituan and the Cape de Agero which were three places of Extream importance to the Moors and of great advantage to the Portuguezes Moluc enraged at this demand and seeing how small were the Forces which the King of Portugal was at the Head of answered him haughtily That when Morocco should be Besieged he would think of that Proposition and he fansied he should have time enough to think of it and it would not be necessary to make or hear such a Discourse Moreover that the Kingdom of â—ez was not so easy to be Conquered that he had got it only by main â—orce and by winning three Battels that he would defend it in the same manner and that it was thus it was to be Attacqued Don Sebastian in the mean time seemed to be enslamed afresh by the Eyes of Almeida He could have wished that all his Forces had had the same Heart and the same Eyes as he had for the Consecrating their Lives as Generously to that Princess as he was going to Sacrifice his Moluc being a very prudent Man and knowing that a Battel oftentimes decides the Fate of a State and
were a sure Preservative against Love he let his Eyes continually enjoy the Pleasures of seeing that Dutchess and abandoned himself entirely to the Charms that seduced him without foreseeing what it would come to A Heart that never loved is as much a Novice at Sixty years old as in the tenderest youth and the frequent Conversations of a Beautiful Person have the Art of taming the most Savage Virtue that of Henry became susceptible by little and little The Dutchess perceived his Love sooner than he himself she saw it bud with joy and applauded her self in secret for that Conquest that might be of such advantage to her Designs As soon as the King knew that the inclination he had for the Dutchess was love attended with all its disquiets he was extreamly concerned he would have called his reason to his Rescue but love had drove it away 't was too far off to understand him or to return and all he could do against that Passion was to shut it up in his Heart to conceal it with care from the Eyes of all the Court and to declare nothing of it to her who caused it He had the pleasure of seeing the Dutchess and she was ever Complaisant She seemed to know nothing of his Passion but what he was willing to acquaint her with He insensibly explained to her all he was sensible of after this manner And as the kindness of Old Men is not so furious as ordinary love and that 't is rather a sweet folly than a strong Passion the violence he used upon himself did not put him in too much pain and he enjoy'd with tranquility enough the Pleasure of being near what one loves Souza's Passion was not so Calm what respect soever he had for Eugenia's Orders it was not without an extream constraint that he obeyed them He ardently desired to see her could not forbear making frequent Visits to his Aunt and the other Friends he had in that Convent took delight in being under the same Roof with his Mistriss They talked of her often to him and the violence he used upon himself to conceal his love from all the World did not hinder him from taking a great deal of Pleasure in those Conversations He had a Sister whom he tenderly loved She desired him one day to accompany her to her Aunts whom she had a mind to Visit which he consented to with joy When they came to the Convent they were told that the Abbess was in a Parlour with Eugenia who could not refuse seeing one of her Relations who was lately arrived at Lisbon Souza was full of joy at the News and was going hastily into the Parlour but the fear of displeasing her he loved immediately with-held him and made him think sometime upon that Design He let the Abbess know that her Niece asked to see her and as there was no mention made of Souza Eugenia stayed without thinking he was to come with his Sister he perceived she was vexed and surprized to see him The grief of having displeased Eugenia and the Lustre of her Beauty which seemed to be augmented since her Widowhood caused so much trouble in that Lover that Eugenia could not forbear having some pity though at the first sight of him she resolved to withdraw The disorder love respect and repentance that the Count made appear in his Eyes and the remembrance of all he had done for her staid her for some moments and after having thought upon what was her Devoir in that Rencounter she judged it more convenient to remain than make it believed by her retreat that she took a particular care to avoid Souza The Conversation was general the Count durst not speak of his Passion otherwise than by tender looks which a respectful fear sometimes curbed and which Eugenia's severity often refused to understand This Interview perplexing her she quickly found a pretext to withdraw The Abbess being called away by some Duties of her profession retired presently after This Visit was somewhat short and Souza parted from thence more charmed with Eugenia than he had ever been This Widow was afterwards something concerned she had staid in a Company where Souza was present and reproaching her self sometimes for having seen a Man who had loved her in her Husbands life time The Abbess having already observed that her Nephew had a great Passion for Eugenia discoursed her often about Souza and sometimes told her that Young and Beautiful as she was she could not remain long a Widow that the Affairs of her Family would oblige her to Marry again some one whose Credit and Prudence might support her Interest that she saw in the Count de Souza all that could render her happy and that if she found she had the least inclination for him she ought to consent to their Marriage But Eugenia possessed with the Memory of her Husband could not suffer any other Idea The Niceness of her Virtue fancied it Criminal to give Ear to such propositions She repulsed them with all the firmness that the Civility she owed the Abbess and the esteem she had for the Count de Souza could permit her and made them so well know that such Discourses were not pleasing to her as they ceased to be importunate The Pleasure Cardinal Henry enjoy'd with the Dutchess of Braganza did not last long Anthony who was then in Africa and had cunningly concealed his Quality from all the Moors found the means of escaping and returned to Lisbon but was but coldly received by King Henry All the Court immediately asked him News of Don Sebastian but as he had been amongst the Common Prisoners was one of the first that that had freed himself from Slavery and the Fate of this King had ever been kept very secret in Africa he could say nothing particular thereof He saw the Dutchess she charmed him and he fancied she might be useful to him in regard of the Pretensions he had to the Crown He thought if she joyned the right she had to that Kingdom to his they should carry it from all others He paid respects to the Dutchess which met with a favourable reception she consider'd his Pretensions in the same Design as he had done hers Great Intrigues were formed between them and though she kept great measures with Henry he conceived so strong a Jealousie of that Union that he made his Complaint to the Dutchess and fell in a rage against Anthony The one without disowning his Passion promised the King to Renounce it in his Favour and the other denied she had any Correspondence with that Prince Every thing Alarmed this Jealous King Anthony durst not be in any place where the Dutchess went and as forbidding to see one another does surnish those who have any disposition to love with the occasion of making secret assignations which ever advances the aims of a Passion Anthony who could not see the Dutchess in Publick saw her in Private he desired secret Rendezvouzes of her which she was
not able to refuse him They had mutual Interests that concerned the State Policie served Love in that occasion as Love serves Policie in others The Dutchess aimed at a Crown Anthony employ'd all his cares to make himself King He was very much beloved by the People he gained the Suffrages of the Principal Inhabitants of the City who went to desire Henry to name a Successour to the Throne and to consider in that Nomination the Rights of Anthony and the Voice of the People who declared themselves in his favour This Harangue frighted Henry he had conceived a mortal hatred to his Nephew since he had sancied him his Rival He resolved to deprive him at one Cast of the Kingdom and of the Dutchess by Marrying that Princess He coloured this Design with the necessity of giving a Successour to the Throne for the preventing those Wars the pretenders to that Crown threatned the State withal He Communicated this Design to the Dutchess of Braganza He flattered her Ambition she consented to it notwithstanding the inclination she had for Anthony This pretext did lure the simple but there were two great obstacles to this Marriage Henry was a Priest and sixty years old Kings never want able Men who remove the Scruples and Difficulties that are contrary to their Designs The Physiicans told him he was capable of getting Successours Some Casuists assured him that he might easily obtain a Dispensation from the Pope for a Match so necessary to the State and Edward of Castel Bianco was nominated Ambassadour to his Holiness for the obtaining that Dispensation The King of Spain having Advice thereof was very much alarmed His Partizans talked publickly that Henry was incapable of Marriage and he could never have any Children but such as were imposed upon him Philip caused the Pope to be desired he would not grant that Dispensation and sent to Lisbon a certain Jacobin called Ferrand du Castilio a very subtil Divine and Cunning Monk who by the free and good Reception the Fathers of his Order had at Court insinuated himself cunningly into Henry's Favour without making known to any one soever that he came from the Court of Spain and without acquainting any body with the occasion of his Journey he laboured under the Cloak of his Monkiship Habbit and under the appearence of Piety to effect and bring to pass the Designs of Philip. He coloured all his Practices with a great Zeal for the Church and devoutly represented to Henry that his Marrying would utterly destroy the Catholick Religion that the Heresies which then Reigned would be more Spirited by that Action that the Hereticks who pretend that Marriage is not incompatible with the Service of our Altars would cite him amongst all Christian People as an Example that would autherise their belief and would Scandalise the Romanists and that it would be much better to lose all the Kingdoms of the World than to make the least breach in the Catholick Faith But what care soever the Pretenders to the Crown of Portugal had taken since the Defeat in Africa to persuade the People that Don Sebastian was dead they had not been able to establish that belife so well amongst them but there always ran some report in that Kingdom how this King was still alive They learnt from time to time some News of his Captivity One of the Principal Inhabitants of the Isles of Tercera who had accompanied that unfortunate Prince in his Voyage and had escaped out of the Moors Prisons had so well persuaded it to the People of those Islands that they ever made mention of Don Sebastian as of a King who was living in the Publick Prayers He went to Lisbon himself to warrant this News and to assure it to all the Court but Cardinal Henry would give no Credit to it and fancied this rumour was only a New Artifice for the putting by his Marriage This Man was treated as an Imposture his Person was secured without any noise and secretly dispatched into the other World Almeida being still at Venice heard all these rumours and as she desired with more Passion than any other that they were real she gave easier Credit to them than any Body else and by Letters desired those Friends she had left at Lisbon to Contrive some means of Delivering Don Sebastian But all that came from that African Princess was odious to the Portuguezes and this News was so ill entertained at Court that the most disinteressed Politicians stisled it in its Birth Anthony was yet more alarmed at Henrys Projects than the King of Spain was he redoubled his Efforts to become King of Portugal and to render himself worthy of the Dutchess of Braganza He continually endeavoured to acquire new Partizans he sent to Solicite the Magistrates of all the Cities he made known to the People that it was for them to choose a King because the Salick Law being received in that Kingdom the Crown wanting Heirs Males in a direct Line the Election belonged to them and that John I one of their Kings on such another occasion had been chosen by the People He supported the Malecontents flattered the Bold and seduced the Weak But his Love was yet more troublesome than his Ambition he loved the Dutchess as much as the Throne and was no more sure of the Possession of the one than of the Love of the other When he had learnt that she consented to the Match which Henry Projected he went to her privately and told her after having entertained her with the Progresses he made upon the Peoples Minds Heaven is my Witness Madam that I less esteem the Conquest of a Kingdom than that of your Heart and if I did not believe that the Throne would one day advance me up to you I should never think of raising my self up to it I know you are worthy of a Crown I also know you cannot fail of it but I know not whether you had not rather choose to receive it from the Hands of Henry than from mine and if preferring a certain Possession before doubtful Hopes you are not more inclined to that King as old and decrepit as he is than to a young Prince who loves you to odoration But Madam without particularizing the difficulties that oppose the Match you have consented to Sir interupted the Dutchess those would be useless I know all that is contrary to this Vnion on the Kings part and am willing to acquaint you with all those that opposes it on mine I do not find that Henry is lovely you have all that is requisite to please I would prefer you with delight before that King and in fine I should love you if I believed my Heart but Prince better regulated Motions are to be Consulâ—ed for our Vnion Love must be silent and Reason ought alone to speak when we aim at a Crown My endeavours are to reign and tho I am not vain enough to abandon my self to that fancy I am so ambitious as not to
that she might rely upon the assurance of the Fetters she had given me and the more Passion she had for me the more afraid she was to lose me and I was observed and kept so strict that I could not give any notice of my Captivity In the mean time I learnt that the Portuguezes sought for me every where that they had asked leave of Hamet to search amongst the dead and wounded to see if they could find me Hamet likewise fearing some surprize on my part and being desirous to be fully informed of my fate made strict inquiries thro all the Army Some reported I was Drowned in the River of Meucasen as I fled away but he had seen me fight and could not persuade himself I could be capable of running Some of 'em again said that I must needs be unknown amongst the Common Prisoners and others assured that they had seen some Troopers seise me and they must needs have taken away my life Abdeliza was at the King of Morocco's when these accounts were given These last words filled her full of fear and joy she could have wished her Prisoner was a King but she feared he should be taken from her under that Title She had often commended at Court the Wit and Gracefulness of her Prisoner which sometimes made them railly her and Hamet turning towards her Do not you detain the King of Portugal in your Chains Madam said he to her smiling and is it not to that Quality you have given so high an esteem Abdeliza blushed at this Discourse and her Confusion confirmed the King in that Opinion He was afraid I should escape him and told that Princess taking her by the hand Let us go see that Illustrious Captive Madam whom your esteem renders worthy of a Throne if he be not already a King Hamet came to Abdeliza's Palace I was brought before him judge what a Confusion it was to such a heart as mine I had never till then been sensible of the shame of my Captivity I had only appeared before a Woman who loved me and knew me not but when I saw Hamet and that he knew me Rage and Despair seized my Soul and I spoke to him with so much Haughtiness that he immediately Commanded I should be loaded with Irons and be dragged to the Tower of the Old Castle 'T was in vain that Abdeliza cast her self at his Feet and shed tears I was forced away from that Place and put into that Tower where no Body durst approach within a hundred Paces Hamet judged that the rumour which had been spread abroad of my death might be of advantage to his Designs so that he would not undeceive the People And as he was followed but by very few Courtiers when he went to Abdeliza's he fancied he might easily hinder what passed there from being known He forbade all those who attended him to speak of my being alive upon pain of Death and likewise flattered that Princess to oblige her to keep silence However when a Month was near passed since the day of my Imprisonment she had leave to see me She came thither accompanied only by one of her Women and told me after having drawn me aside How little sensible are you of my kindness Sir and how Cruel are you to your self to have so obstinately concealed from me your Quality You should have been perhaps at present in Peace in your own Territories and you are instead of that in cares and in troubles I have ever been very sensible of your Favours Madam said I and I was desirour to see their Effects continue but was afraid that a Confession of what I was might have interrupted their Course Pardon that fear Madam 't is the sole Motion of my heart that you were not Mistress of and you see I endure a very severe Penance for it She assured me she would think of the means to deliver me I prayed her to make it known in Portugal that I was alive without daring to speak of you for fear of displeasing her But these Advices were too contrary to her and Hamet's Designs to employ her self for the making them known She feared I should escape her if I was delivered by any other than her self She came to see me as often as they would give her leave and ever gave me some new hopes of recovering my Liberty Magdelec perceived the love his Sister had for me he spoke to her of it and she did not deny it as he tenderly loved her and as that Passion was not unbecoming her he endeavoured to second her Designs He told Hamet when he had learnt the Conquests the King of Spain made in my Territories that he ought to oppose that growth of Power That there was a great kindness between Abdeliza and me that this Business might be of advantage to his State and that if they could make me consent to Marry that Princess the Moorish King would be sure of me by this Match and might make use of my Right and Power against Spain and place me at the Head of some Troops for the stopping his Projects Hamet seemed to relish these reasons but he had secret Engagements with Spain that hindered him from acting openly Then Magdelec who ardently desired to place his Sister upon a Throne told her that the King Consented to their Projects that he would grant me both Liberty and Forces if I would Marry her and that she needed only to make me those Propositions She came to see me and sounded me upon the point The Love I had for you and the Faith I had promised you my Princess pursued he addressing himself to Almeida were too powerful over my Mind to approve of such like Propositions My Captivity and the Complaisances I owed Abdeliza did likewise hinder me from denying them roughly and nor thinking fit either to reject or receive 'em I told her that a Match made in Chains would become neither her nor me and the Consequences of it could not be promising that she ought to be so well persuaded of my acknowledgments as to believe I should never forget her though I were at Liberty and that if she could procure me that advantage and my return into my Dominions she should be absolute Mistress of my Kingdom She sometimes let her self be moved with these weak reason but Suspicion and Jealousie seizing her on a suddain she reproached me as ungrateful and perfidious that I had never loved her and that the tenderest Motions of my heart were for her who had caused me so many misfortunes Go perish then Cruel Man said she at parting in the slavery you refule to be delivered out of Almeida sighed at those words and could not forbear shedding tears at at that reflexion Cease to bewaile misfortunes for which I am but too well rewarded Madam said Don Sebastian seeing her Tears trickle down her Face and let the sincerity of my Relation procure me Pardon for the trouble my indiscretion has newly given you Her