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
enter'd some time after without acquainting her that I lodg'd in the same House A few minutes after my Heart seem'd entirely hers and when it had for a while enjoy'd it self with the thoughts of a new Beauty and judg'd the Conquest past its first Mistress wou'd return recall the wand'rer and force him to obedience and the fair Timandra still possess'd a Heart in spight of its owner We often met and the Charming Olmechine for that was the name of this kind fair one at last let me know she lov'd But did it with all the modesty of her Sex show'd a strong and nice Virtue with a powerful Love paleness o'respread her Face trembling dwelt upon her Lips her Eyes were fix'd upon the ground and her Words were moving but her Beauty more 'T was then that Love show'd himself a capricious Deity for the Maid no sooner had attack'd my Heart than 't was entirely yours I had Eyes no more for her and my inclinations being wholly chang'd I receiv'd the tender address with more indifferency than good breeding or gratitude cou'd well allow However when I had recollected my self I gave her all that Satisfaction she cou'd justly expect from a heart she knew wholly prepossest and now firmly fortified against a change I see her home at Night and inform her that I lodg'd in the same House she blush'd at the unexpected adventure and tho' she lov'd was sorry to know a Man under the same Roof with her self that was conscious to her weakness Next day I din'd with her where I made my acquaintance with her Aunt and whom I found to be the Mistress of the Family The old Gentlewoman entertain'd me very kindly and commended my shape mien and garb with all the gallantry of which one at twenty is capable and I return'd her Complements with that careless gravity to which my griefs permitted me not to be a stranger At night she came to my Room and under the notion of asking if things were in that order I wish'd them spent some hours in my Company I cou'd observe while she stay'd that nothing pleas'd her so much as when the Subject was Love The Blood sparkled through her buff Cheeks and Love lay burning in her deadned Eyes Next day I found her painted and dress'd with that gallantry that only fitted Brides of fifteen and I was a second time oblig'd to accept of a splendid Entertainment from her Thus she continu'd kind and every day gave me new grounds of suspecting the old Letcher inflam'd While the Aunt made daily advances the lovely Niece saw me but seldom and when she did 't was with all the bashfulness of a guilty young sinner whose Virtue had newly been seduc'd I paid her all those respects she deserv'd and gave my Pity when I had no more She 'd sigh look pale and gently hang her head then leave me sad because I cou'd not love Attabalippa for that was the Aunt 's name in time became a perfect plague she haunts me like a Ghost my Will and Actions seem the guide of hers and she does nothing in which her hopes to please me has not a share This made me look out for new Lodgings and I was ready to depart when my Servant Curacas came and told me the fair Olmechine lay dangerously ill of a Feaver at this a sudden tenderness seiz'd me Pity and fears lodg'd in my Breast and a thousand Torments rack'd me till I saw her I soon got admittance and having seated my self by her upon the Bed enquir'd passionately after her health the Charming Innocent wept and sigh'd then looking upon me with Eyes all Languishing answer'd I am At this a new flood of Tears broke forth and all the Charms of Beauty in distress assault my Heart and mov'd a pity equal even to Love Then taking hold of her fair hand that lay above the Cloaths I kiss'd it with all the Transports new-born flames cou'd give conjur'd her to speak I long'd to share her griefs and almost wish'd my self the Cause to have the Power of giving some relief Thus while I mourn'd over her possess'd with all the tenderness of dying Mothers for their weeping infants I cou'd see her Lips like Roses pluckt grow pale her Heart beat thick and night o'respread her Eyes her Soul half fled and she at last lay fainting in my Arms. This adds to my sorrow and lab'ring 'twixt grief and Love I gently rais'd her drooping Head and strove to kiss her back again to Life my sighs ecchoed in her ears and my groans awak'd her from this little death She look'd upon me with all the Symptoms of a Love-sick Maid and blush'd to find her self lying in my Bosom with half her Beauties open then faintly strugling threw her self down upon the Bed Ah! Sir said she for Heav'ns sake think me Virtuous tho' you 've found me weak tenderness for your loss first begot my Love then use it as the darling Child of that generous passion and not the effect of a mind unfix'd pardon the excess of a flame so pure and give me pity if you cannot Love I answer'd these obliging words with all the sweetness which her Charms inspir'd and if a flame equal to that of hers did not then possess me I told her my Gratitude and her Beauty would assist me and my Heart shou'd quickly bid adieu to its old Mistress to entertain one whose merit justly claim'd a better This eas'd the Maid and I left her more sound in mind and better than I found her Attabalippa met me just as I came out and forc'd me with her back into the Room Olmechine blush'd at the unexpected Happiness and was scarce able to look upon her Aunt because her Lover look'd and was so nigh She was glad to see her Niece alter'd to the better and going to the other end of the Room view'd her self in a large Glass opposite to the Bed and ask'd me smiling how I lik'd her dress Then told me how such a one had lov'd her that a Lord had dy'd for her and that most of the Youth in Chira still sigh'd for her and wondered where that Beauty lay which charm'd them I answered her dotage very modestly and Olmechine whose Feaver was now abated took particular notice of all that past was asham'd of her weakness and sensibly touched to find a Rival where she least look'd for one In the mean time the old Gentlewoman who had forgot something below Stairs quitted the Room after she had desir'd me to wait upon her Niece and divert her melancholy thoughts till she return'd I look'd upon the fair one with an Air that spoke me pleas'd with the opportunity and imployment and she with a Charming Voice told me she was not the only Conquest I had made and tho' she fear'd some ill Consequences from her Aunt 's passion yet she had the satisfaction of seeing Age inflam'd and lookt upon it as some excuse for hers I confess'd I had been long
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
distress For six Months had scarce elaps'd when my Husband began to droop sigh when he lookt upon me frequent the solitary Walks and languish under a Disease unknown This gave me a thousand Fears I lov'd as when first the Priest saluted me a Wife and wish'd me happy in a marry'd State and that melancholy which possest my dear Valentio became Epidemick the Servants lookt like Ghosts of Men and I seem'd the reverse of Woman or something on this side or beyond Humanity my curl'd Locks hang'd loosely in the Air no smiles adorn'd my brow my Beauties fled and Love seem'd just a dying A thousand times I askt the Cause and with Tears in my Eyes conjur'd him to lay open his Heart to hide none of his thoughts from Delia whose very Soul he knew devoted his that if he lov'd me not why would he not tell me so and make me happy when he meant me ill for the killing sound would reach my fore-boding Heart and like sudden Thunder fright and strike me dead He still swore he lov'd me that his melancholy proceeded from some indisposition of his Body and begg'd I 'd inquire no further into the Cause with Tears in my Eyes I left him and all my looks spoke my Soul uneasie In the mean time my poor Valentio became a shadow his Heart was in perpetual agitation and heav'd his anxious Breast as if the mighty secret had struggl'd for a Vent I observ'd this with incredible Pain and us'd all the arts which Love inspir'd to extract the hidden Mystery At last when even Nature you 'd thought nodded as if the Globe would have slipt through her Fingers and crush'd our sleeping Antipodes as in Bed we lay I urg'd my griefs again bid him remember how I still had lov'd the joys of that Night when smiling Hymen gave his wish'd consent how I lay fainting in his Arms sick with pleasure yet willing to advance his and wellcoming the new Joy whose fierceness almost drown'd me how eagerly he graspt me how he prest my Lips and set my Soul on fire when past flames had half consum'd its strength He who now consider'd how constantly I shar'd in all his wishes melted into Love laid aside the Heart of stubborn Man took me in his Arms sigh'd and cry'd Ah Delia I am ruin'd Thou undone And curst Valentio is the cause of all 'T is needless Madam to repeat what follow'd besides my strength at present tells me I must be concise He inform'd me of what had past between him and Arates before the Marriage that his Creditors were become uneasie that his Friends had abandon'd him because he had acted in that affair without consent or advice and nothing could secure him but a speedy flight I believ'd my self miserable fall'n low from the height of happiness and spent the tedious Night in Tears while he whose cares were equal to my own conjur'd me by that Love I bore him to undergo patiently that load of Poverty to which his indiscretion had brought me to forget the scenes of past Loves and to rely upon Arates who could not chuse but relent for a return of Fortune Love was the cause and the Crime was easily pardon'd the weight of his griefs lessned the sense of my own and the throbbings of his opprest Heart stunn'd my Soul almost into a Lethargy I embrac'd him a thousand times swore the possession of his Heart repay'd the loss of Wealth and I 'd show the Courage of an Amazon under my new Misfortune begg'd he 'd tender his own safety and remember that when Valentio dy'd his Delia too was lost At last the unwelcome Day appear'd and the afflicted youth seem'd plung'd in an abyss of Despair O gods How often he did clasp me in his Arms gaze upon me and sigh as if he would have sunk into Eternity his rack'd Soul shook his tender frame and in the labour forc'd Tears from his eyes which the manly Youth strove to hide and tost in a Sea of o'rewhelming cares remov'd the signs of weakness from my sight Then starting from my embraces he 'd cry must I leave my Delia Must I be damn'd to the boundless pains of an eternal Banishment Oh can I abandon Heaven in view And shut my self for ever from the joys of Paradise Oh my Guardian Angel take me once more into thy Bosom give a new life to my fainting Heart and teach me to forget my past happiness or at least to be insensible of my coming torment hush my warring Soul to rest and let me dream no more of what I 'm doom'd to suffer But ah my Delia My all Thou better part of divided Valentio I must leave thee the curse of Poverty drives me from thy Arms and the jealous gods have envy'd my past happiness I must wander from my self for if I retain my strength of judgment I carry Hell about me But sure my kind Memory won't in this exigency forsake me she 'll stand the first shock of Fortune's Malice and prompt me on to madness awake me from a Lethargy of sorrow and by presenting thee to my view give a new edge to my Afflictions divide Valentio from the Husband and oppress me with a double load send me raving into the other World cursing my Stars my Fortune nay the gods but most of all my self yet blessing thee In this afflicting juncture my Courage fail'd me I saw misery before me and thought my self already contemn'd and trampl'd upon by every Fool whose Fortune not Merit had bestow'd upon him a larger stock of Wealth than mine for Virtue when o'reclouded with Poverty gains no esteem and he that 's poor may speak like an Oracle yet unregarded while the rich whose wit will hardly allow him the title of a Man speaks weighty Sentences is aplauded by cringing fawning Knaves and bubl'd into a Love of his own ignorance Poor Valentio read my thoughts in my Eyes and after a deep sigh that exprest sorrow to the life he fell into a new Delirium exclaim'd against just Heaven and wish'd for Thunder from the gods incens'd to drive his tortur'd Soul unto the shades that the Centre would open and swallow down his Body or falling Mountains hide his guilty Head Then reflecting on what he had said he begg'd Heaven's pardon for himself and protection for his weeping Delia took me into his Arms laid my Head to his beating Heart and conjur'd me in the name of all the gods to forgive him to Love him much or else forget him soon Now divine Sirena let me drop the Curtain and hide a Scene so moving that my frighted Soul starts at the view We lov'd and parted and let that express the whole When he was gone my cares for him increas'd I had forgot a thousand things I had to say to him nor could I tell to what Country he design'd to commit himself My Uncle by Nature cruel smil'd at my misery and I had no comfort but the Tears of my Servants of that
Several LETTERS Containing the AMOURS OF 1. TheVnfortunate Dutchess Or The Lucky Gamester 2. Love after Enjoyment Or Fatal Constancy 3. The unhappy Mistake Or The Fate of cross'd Loves Written by Mr. D. Cr rd Gent. Quod si tantus amor menti si tanta Cupido est Accipe quae peragenda prius latet arbore opaca Virg. Aenei Lib. 6. LONDON Printed for Job Austin in Fleet-Street and sold by the Booksellers of London and Westminster 1700. THE PREFACE NOvels of late have been so ill writ and Consequently so little esteem'd that 't is reasonably to be suppos'd a Bookseller has not such another drug in his Shop I was too weak to attempt the recovery of their lost honour and therefore chose a new method of my own This may appear something odd to the Reader because it insinuates as much as if I had said I writ Novels in Substance but alter'd the Form I confess I design to leave him in the dark and he may suppose the stories so many real truths or so many little Romances as his fancy or judgment shall guide him If it be objected that I feign'd Nations which is a thing rarely or never practis'd I answer if I make people bring them to good or bad ends and keep their Lives and Honours in my own hands by the same Authority I can easily create a Country to settle them in If the Amours be real I ought in good manners to lay the Scenes in a new World because 't is to be suppos'd I design'd them not for Monumenta Veneris Nefandae And to be particular as to the Kingdoms were the true way to discover those concern'd The Adventures of the Unfortunate Dutchess are but few not that the Subject could afford no more but because I had not much time to imploy that way Besides my Printer o're-took me e're 't was well begun and hurry'd me to a speedy close Daria's are indeed too long but I hope the Reader will not think it so I 've shown Entheon good Natur'd and upon all emergencies truly Generous and if I have made him too easie attribute the cause to his excess of Love and Eriphile's irresistless Charms The first confin'd his resentment and the latter disarm'd his fury The Dutchess's Conduct is not to be justified but you will find I scarce design'd any of my Lovers for exact patterns of Chastity and Honour These romantick ways of Writing and Loving are equally tedious and very rarely credited If sometimes I mention every Circumstance of an Action or the Joys of an happy Night 't is only to make the story appear more probable and to Cozen the Reader into a firmer belief of what may in it self be fiction Love after Enjoyment c. can hardly be thought a Misnomer since Adrastus in all his words and Actions speaks an excessive tenderness and passion for Timandra nor did she ever show less for him That in his absence she married the Duke of Minoya can hardly be reputed a breach of Love since for her excuse she reasonably alledges the World was too busie with her Name and 't was high time to salve her reputation lest the remedy had afterwards come too late or it may be not at all The story of Olmechine is in my opinion very Natural she Lov'd him yet was Virtuous and forgot that passion she had for him when Avilon who first had sought her Heart return'd What concerns the Earl of Rucana may at first sight seem too nice to gain the Reputation of a Truth but the Reader will hardly find any thing in it that is not very probable and in all points practicable In the Unhappy Mistake it may perhaps be thought that I have been guilty of one my self in crowding so many People into so short a story Xensa and Mangroa might have both been Widowers and Bonzeda had lost nothing had I robb'd him of a sister But I 'm confident 't will appear otherwise to any Man that deliberately weighs the Plott nor will he find it any difficulty to remember every Man's business Pretentions and Interest throughout the whole Delia's Adventures may indeed be too long But you will find by the end of her own and Sirena's story that I was sensible of my errour e're 't was fully committed I had wasted too much Paper and was forc'd to kill more People in one Leaf than I design'd at first in two Yet after all Martius and Artaxus fell not without Circumstances that largely entituled their deaths to probability and truth As for Ericis I was forc'd to use her ill lest Treachery had escap'd unpunish'd And Manderina's end might very well be occasion'd by her griefs if you consider her loss Thus much I thought no less than necessary in defence of particulars and as for general faults I presume they may all be comprehended under this one The passions are not painted with the height of Modesty If there is any thing that appears smutty I 'm confident a Lady can hardly own she knows it to be so unless at the same time she confess her own guilt and lewd inclinations For to the truly Virtuous 't is so well cover'd it will hardly show it self Besides to express any thing of that Nature nicely methinks requires more of Art and neat choice of words than a passion truly modest and if well done is in some measure pardonable but that is what I would not be thought to defend even tho' I were truly guilty I 've nothing to say in relation to my style or way of expressing my self I writ them for my own pleasure and improvement in the English Language and by consequence strove not to be too nice or elaborate yet to shun that trouble you will find I 've borrow'd nothing from others to indulge my wants The Reader will find an excess of grief or joy express'd with measure the better to move the passion and as for what 's purely narrative I have us'd a natural way free from force or Affectation The worst of Criticks pretend to some Generosity and spare dead Authors In reason they ought to show the same goodness to a stranger especially when he is absent if they do then I shall be safe and this little Posthumus may stay behind and live without its Father to protect and defend it D. Cr rd THE Unfortunate Dutchess OR THE LUCKY GAMESTER Written by Mr. D. Cr rd Gent. LONDON Printed for Job Austin in Fleet-Street and sold by the Booksellers of London and Westminster 1700. THE Unfortunate Dutchess c. To the Divine Albisinda Madam WHEN I first had the honour of your acquaintance amongst those numberless Qualities that render'd you so amiable and your Conversation so charming and easie I found that esteem you had for Plays and Novels to be none of the least considerable It speaks a tender Soul and a large Portion of wit To pity a feign'd Hero is commendable because 't is a sure Argument that Compassion would not be wanting
The calm Evening added infinitely to their Pleasure nor did they think of parting till the falling Dew oblig'd them to 't The Duke was already divided from himself his thoughts were wholly imploy'd on the Adventures of that Day and he was surpris'd to find himself in Clusa when he had hardly dreamt of his being on the Road. To inform you how he spent the Night were a needless labour if you have been in Love you can easily form his Pains his Hopes his Fears and the strange emotions of his Soul and if you have not you would hardly credit the Recital as for the beauteous Eriphile Albisinda I leave her to your unerring Judgment doubtless you can Divine her Thoughts and if you never was a Prisoner to resistless Love yet your fancy can easily paint her faint Joys distant Cares frequent Doubts and disorder'd Thoughts Next Morning the Duke was at Court e're the King had quit his Bed and waited the Earl's arrival with the impatiency of a young Lover When he came Entheon upon the first occasion told him how happy he was in being a Father and smiling said he Cisala sure you need no more to make you Master of all your fellow Creatures than to shew them what a Treasure you can dispose of The Earl who could ne're enough esteem a Man of his Merit was much pleas'd with this piece of Raillery for so he would term it and told him the World was indeed pleas'd to commend his Daughter's Beauty and that he was heartily sensible of the Honour he did him in heightning her Character For his good Opinion must needs be much to the advantage of a young Lady since no Man refus'd to pay homage to his Judgment and Choice in every thing else From this minute let me date their Friendship The Earl was no where to be found but with the Duke and Entheon must be sued to by Cisala The Lover thought Clusa no other than a Desart or if a Ball at Court sometimes oblig'd his Mistress to wait upon the Queen he judg'd himself in another World He found a livelier Air in every Man's Face and the transports of his elevated Soul were such that with difficulty he abstain'd from giving publick Testimonies of his inward satisfaction The happy Eriphile ey'd him with concern thankt the gods for the blessing of his Love and knew no real Cares but when she dreamt she did not please enough The Duke became the Object of her serious Wishes and he ne're petition'd Heaven without a Clause for her Thus some Months were consum'd Love was an equal Friend to both and mutual hopes encreas'd their growing flames Each of them fear'd the loss of the other and the Duke having obtain'd the Earl's consent Hymen could not be wanting in his In a word they were marry'd I hope Albisinda you 'll excuse me if for the first Night I draw the Curtain and hide her Maiden blushes when the hasty Youth took her in his Arms trembl'd with the apprehension of his coming Joy spoke in soft whispers yet scarce knew what he said and the beating of his Heart exprest the eagerness of his Soul When breathless on her panting Breasts he lay strove to be again blest and again sunk beneath the weight of the excessive Pleasure or better to express it when Love too prodigally kind gave him Heaven by the bulk without a strength of Mind adapted to the Blessing To paint the Joys of both were too much let this suffice They lov'd and were marry'd with consent of Friends The Days now seem'd Hours or rather lesser Scenes of happiness than the more welcome Night and in the morning tho' divided each of them thought they yet felt the fast embraces of the other and could hardly think themselves unlockt so vigorously had the remembrance of the Soul 's past Joys imprinted it self upon the consenting active Body But this fair Weather was not of perpetual Duration a Cloud hover'd in the Air thickned on a sudden and in time eclips'd the shining happiness of both Fidelia a Lady whose Wit and Humour had made her from a mean Station the exalted Mistress of a kind Monarch had come as usually she did once a Day to see the young Dutchess They were both addicted to gaming a Diversion Albisinda rarely known to the Ladies of your Country and having plaid some time at Cards they resolv'd to visit the Centura with us call'd a Play-house where desiring to pass Incognito they drest for the purpose and a little after the Play was begun they appear'd in the side Boxes Their Cloaths and Air drew the Eyes of a full Audience and the Actors themselves were so much surpris'd they scarce remember'd one Cue of twenty and were oblig'd to the care of the Prompter for every Sentence they spoke who himself had been incapable of rendering that timely Service if his Seat had fronted either the Stage or Pit The most daring of the Beaus advanc'd and tho' they judg'd them of Quality yet since they were Maskt they thought that without being guilty of ill manners they might attacque them Amongst those the Duke shew'd himself none of the least forward and Fidelia who was freer than the more modest Eriphile was the one he assaulted she fail'd not to entertain him kindly and the Dutchess who would not baulk the Adventure so oddly begun took up with the first that offer'd himself He was a handsom Youth and knew how to address a Lady as well as any Man in the World The Dutchess was very well pleas'd with his Wit and Conversation she already lov'd this invisible way of intriguing and thought it within a degree of goddessship to be pray'd to unseen The Duke who was young and naturally amorous spent the hours very agreeably and form'd a Beauty to himself like that of his fam'd Eriphile yet propos'd only this satisfaction to himself that to see her robb'd of modesty would serve to endear that which himself possest with constant Virtue joyn'd When the Curtain was dropt the Dutchess ey'd Fidelia as if wholly ignorant what to do she had rely'd on her and she who was all Gaiety and Mirth and knew well enough how to come off gave the Duke her Hand and having seated themselves in the Coach drove to some noted Tavern not far off When they enter'd the Room the Duke humbly begg'd the Lady would unmask Erinthus for that was his Name who waited upon the Dutchess did the same and both their unknown Mistresses were almost forc'd to cry out in their own defence or chuse to undergo a quick discovery but our Gallants perceiving they were obstinate were at last fatisfied with their Fortunes 'T was an odd freak on both sides and enough to move any Man's smiles had he seen how earnestly they talkt swore prais'd and lov'd what yet they had not seen The Duke was charm'd with the wit of his unknown Mistress and Eriphile felt those emotions which she ne're had known but when she first
own and preserve her Daria too The Maid was seemingly to yield to make an assignation and that done she was to leave what follow'd to Eriphele's Care and Management This was as soon perform'd as projected for the faithful Maid whose Beauties were better'd by her new Griefs was that Day more strongly assaulted than ever and she could do no less than make an Appointment Two in the Morning was the hour agreed upon and you may easily believe Entheon thought it an Age till Night In the Afternoon Erinthus came to see him of whose Company he was at that time more than ever desirous To Cards they went where the pleasures of Love were for a while forgot and Game and Wine the business of both In the mean time the Dutchess willing to enjoy what was for her Maid design'd took possession of Daria's Bed and with much impatiency waited the Duke's coming The hour at last appear'd but Entheon whither indispos'd by drinking sudden conscientious qualms or sitting up beyond his usual hour I know not felt no great inclination to the Combat This freak Albisinda is indeed unanswerable especially if you weigh the Conduct of this great Man but 't is confidently affirm'd that he acquainted Erinthus with the Intrigue Told him he found himself at that time unfit for the Field and that if he pleas'd he might supply his Place The forunate Youth was ravish'd with the kind offer and told the Duke that since he was only to fight for the first Blood he was proud of the service enjoyn'd him In short Entheon conducted him to the Chamber door which stood open on purpose for himself and there left him The Youth found the Bed in the dark and I suppose without the help of a Candle found the Dutchess too She receiv'd him as she 'd have done her Husband and if she found him richer in his Love she attributed the Cause to liberal Fancy that form'd her new and of a stale Wife made a tender young Mistress How e're it was they remain'd not long in the state of Ignorance and each of them wonder'd why the other was silent for tho' Erinthus would pass for Entheon and Eriphile would for a time be Daria yet the first Joys and transports fled she began to distinguish the Lover from the Husband and trembling said My dear Entheon why have you us'd me thus I have been Daria and under that Name much happier than my own Ev'n when she spoke she doubted the truth and us'd these words only to be confirm'd in her Opinion The Lover was ravish'd the place on a sudden was converted into a new Heaven and he only griev'd that much of his past Happiness was lost by being so long ignorant of the value of that treasure he had possess'd New Love new Wishes rouze him up to Life and e're he spoke he would be blest again Eriphile 'twixt fear and hope again receiv'd him and even in his Arms could hardly know whether she wish'd him Entheon or not At last the fortunate Youth confess'd himself told her that Chance and the Duke's kindness had made him happy but she alone could keep him in that state That he had long ador'd her and bountiful love had now repay'd his pains that his happiness should be conceal'd from all the World and her Honour was now as secure as if in Entheon's Arms she fainting lay A Crime when first committed is of greatest weight and frequent repetitions render those things familiar and seemingly innocent which we at first view'd with reluctancy and horror for a small sin past without grief speaks us in a fair way towards a greater The Dutchess 't is true lov'd and by his Voice knew the happy Man But then she remembred the loss of her honour saw how far she had fall'n and trembled when she look'd back upon the frightful Precipice She call'd to mind the Duke's past Love those thoughts she had for him when first he sound her lying in the Grove and knew his merit nothing yet diminish'd This my dear Albisinda gave the Fair One some pains for tho' her Nature had given consent her Soul was yet Virtuous and had Erinthus seen those Tears she shed all thoughts of Joy had vanish'd from his Breast grief had disarm'd his eager wishes and impotency by pity brought had supply'd the place of vigorous Love But Albisinda 't was in the dark the Curtains drawn they were alone both lov'd and both forgot their Cares you may easily believe he had his share for tho' he was a Burgoan that is a Man whose Conscience would never baulk his business if attended with pleasure or profit yet he had some faint remembrance of that injustice he did to a Man who had forgot his mean Birth made him a Companion and sharer in his pleasures and had or at least thought so bestow'd that Prize upon him in the seeeming possession of Daria which he himself had sought for many Months In a word all complaints were hush'd the Dutchess forgot what once she was what yet she ought to have been and own'd her Love was stronger than her Virtue When the Youth retir'd her Cares again encreas'd she griev'd a loss she could not then retrieve and wept and wish'd the business still undone These indeed were the first motions of her primitive Soul but Love again brought it to a modern Constitution she consider'd how securely she had enjoy'd the Man she lov'd and flatter'd her self with the thoughts of being really innocent because the World yet thought her so and believ'd the manner in which it happened extenuated the Crime In the mean time the Duke had waited the return of his Friend if now I may call him so and smiling ask'd how happy he had been Erinthus gave him a thousand thanks for that Testimony he had receiv'd of his Friendship but told the Adventure with so much indifferency that Entheon could hardly grudge that favour he had bestow'd upon him When he went to Bed he was yet insensible of his loss Eriphile was all lovely and that Crime against his Love he had almost committed endear'd the Object of his wishes more than all her wonted Charms or native goodness He found her melancholy greater than usual and griev'd that she was not so kind as she used to be earnestly ask'd the cause and to comfort her swore that he had that Noble Love for her which our first Father bore to his lovely Eve e're Hell debauch'd her She gave him feign'd returns alledg'd she was indispos'd begg'd his Pardon for her seeming indifferency and faintly said she did belive he Lov'd her The kind Duke was satisfied and in a few Minutes the Cares of both were swallowed up in sleep This account Albisinda is by some rejected and your busie Medlers or News-pimps who pretend to know every thing confidently affirm that Erinthus had won so much from her at Cards she was necessarily oblig'd to pay the Sum with a favour that might have been the price
of Empire Next day he came to wait upon the injur'd Duke or rather the kind Dutchess and forgot not to improve every opportunity to the Advanvantage of his Love In a little time he became too happy or at least too often so and if the generous Entheon had in the least suspected the Fair Eriphile's weakness or his Friendship their guilt had been too obvious His Noble Confidence made him too secure till an Adventure that hapened some time after taught them more caution and him more of Jealousie The Duke it seems was oblig'd to attend the King who then kept his Court twenty Miles from Clusa The Dutchess knew of it the preceeding Night and had therefore order'd every thing necessary for the reception of her Lover Her Husband took Coach about Eight next Morning and Erinthus was to wait upon her Grace at three in the Afternoon She thought every hour had borrow'd from Eternity and griev'd she had delay'd her happiness so long She sighing lay upon the yielding Bed and under the Modish covert of a sudden indisposition occasion'd by a Cold she ne're had felt avoided the unseasonable Visits of her troublesome Friends Daria was alone privy to the intrigue and tho' she had all that respect for the Dutchess which her Duty in the strictest sense could exact from her yet she griev'd to find her Virtue so much weakned and wish'd her innocent as when first she knew her Eriphile had the goodness to excuse her self as handsomely as she could Painted her Lover drest with all his graces about him and show'd the power of subtle Love in words that spoke her knowing in the Mystery Poor Daria sigh'd as if she had felt those pains of which her Mistress spoke and by her looks confess'd her inward griefs The Dutchess carefully observ'd her frequent change of colour and the flushing of her disorder'd Blood and ask'd if Love had ever led her Captive The tender Maid blush'd and by her silence confest the truth of what her Mistress had often much suspected She charg'd her upon her allegiance as she would preserve her esteem and make her think she lov'd her she would relate the whole and by the story of her Love divert her melancholy till the arrival of the fortunate Erinthus Daria excus'd her self from the performance as well as she could but seeing 't was not acceepted she sigh'd was some minutes silent and addressing her self to the Dutchess began as followeth YOU know Madam I was born in Scarronida your sister Nation and of the same Religion with your selves a hardy Warlike People yet no Strangers to Love and tho' we lye North from Armenis and by our bounds make up the half of the Island yet we seem nearer the Torrid Zone than you My Father was a Gentleman very much esteem'd and tho' his Fortune did not prefer him to that height his Soul always aim'd at yet his humour and agreeable Conversation made him the darling of his greater Neighbours and he match'd with an ancient Family rich in Friends and every way truly preferable to his own I was the first and last pledge of their Loves and was ever doated upon by those who saw me for that resemblance I had of the Fair Julietta for that was my Mother's name and Aristeon my kind Father esteem'd his Young Daughter even beyond Life or Empire He sought Wealth only to bless me in a Noble Marriage and with secret Pride already ey'd my growing Beaury Our Neighbour in the Country the great Dion who tho' a private Gentleman can for the service of his Prince muster an Army of his own Vassals and Dependants to the number of some thousands had a Son whom all the World esteem'd whom many Beauties sigh'd for and none attackt with success I was then in the sixteenth Year of my Age and tho' I had often seen him and heard him prais'd yet my Heart had ne're submitted to his Charms That Friendship which was between my Father and his drew them often together and the generous Dion has sometimes spent whole Weeks at our House It hapened once that while he rode a Hunting and eager in the Chase his Horse fell down a sloping Bank and bruis'd his hardy Rider Aristeon was much concern'd for this Misfortune and immediately sent for his Son The handsom Youth came to our House with Tears in his Eyes and mourn'd over his Aged Father with the tenderness of a weeping Mother that griev'd the loss of her darling infant There was so much of the Man mixt with a Woman's softness in his pains that I could not chuse but observe it I was insensibly pleas'd with every word he spoke and sighing wish'd I had had a Brother like him His Cares for the old Man brought mine and I could have wept for Dion more earnestly than when first he got his Wounds The Young Odmar for so he was call'd took notice of my Cares and from my Tenderness and Compassion argu'd the easiness of my Soul I shall not Madam praise my own Beauty but he has afterwards told me that the softness I then show'd reach'd his Heart and from small griefs wound him to Pity and tho' he had no cause much to sorrow for me yet my pains to him show'd double and from Compassion drew him up to Love I was one evening walking in the Garden disorder'd in my thoughts and examining my self to find if that uneasiness I knew proceeded from my Love to Odmar But as I began the scrutiny he enter'd who alone could confirm the truth of what I fear'd I trembl'd as he approach'd wish'd him gone yet lov'd to see him stay and scarce could tell what thoughts possest my Heart The Lovely Youth soon apologiz'd for intruding upon my Retirement and you may easily imagine how readily I forgave him There was a pleasant River at the back of the Garden-wall and beyond that a spacious Green where feeding Flocks attend the Shepherd s call forget their present wants and listen to the lov'd Musick of his tuneful Pipe There labouring Swains when toils out-strip the Day Dance with the Maids they Love and cheat those pains by cruel labour brought The Gard'ner it seems had by chance left the Back-door open and there being a Tarrass walk upon the top of the Bank we resolv'd from thence to view the open Fields The Water murmur'd beneath us and the little Fishes wanton'd in the Streams The seting Sun lookt back on that vast trackt he had left behind him griev'd to lose that prospect once he had and as he stoop'd beneath the veil of Night rouz'd up himself with eagerness and by a flash of new born Light would gild the distant Mountains Just so a Lover when he quits the Shoar with trouble views the Mistress of his Vows longs to be nigh yet still he slides away and when he 's almost banish'd from her sight he stands aloft and glads her from afar and by his gestures shows he fain would stay In a
form'd to encrease my own pain in half a minute vanish'd I thank'd Julietta for her tenderness and that good opinion she had of me and just as I spoke Aristeon enter'd He had left me in Tears and the fondness of his Nature made him impatient till in some measure he had restor'd my peace of mind Daria said he you see I 'm a kind Father and tho' you have offended I come to sue for Pardon and am pleas'd to confess I wrong'd you Come my Dear for the future let us have no cause for just complaints from either side and let mâ— hope that you truly deserve that good opinion â— have of you My Mother said she 'd answer in my behalf for tho' I had been weak yet she waâ— perswaded Odmar had a greater respect for him than to attempt the dishonouring of his Daughter Ha! cry'd Aristeon then my Julietta you have found the occasion of our quarrel Yeâ— reply'd she and am sorry you made a Secret oâ— what all the World may know without prejudiceâ— to her Honour or that of our House Aristeon said that at first his fears were it may be too great but now his mind was at rest and I could only keep him so by my solemn promise before Julietta never to see Odmar or to Love him more This Madam was a hard proof of my Obedience and at first I was very much surpris'd with the proposal But suddenly remembring that 't was no mortal sin if I should see my Lover afterwards I gave the proof of allegiance desir'd and engag'd never to converse with him again unless one or both of them were present Thus Madam the storm I so much fear'd blew over my sin of Love was forgot and I absolv'd for a performance of the penance enjoyn'd me How far I play'd the Penitent you may easily judge by what follow'd in a very few days Dion came to our House as he us'd to do attended by two or three Servants Methought I had a more than common interest in them and could hardly forbear testifying so much to his very Slaves I ey'd them with a passion that is not easily to be exprest for I cannot positively say that I hop'd for any thing from them and yet my mind gave me that Odmar had it might be spoke to some of them and if he had not written to me at least commanded them to observe my Eyes and afterwards inform him if there they saw any signs of Languishment or Sorrow for his absence In each of their Faces for from my Window I could see them playing in the Court methought I read my own misfortune remembred that next night they would be with Odmar yet were insensible of he happiness and almost dy'd with grief when I thought the Dear Youth had not sent me any Mark of his continued Love In this dejected humour I retir'd left the old People together and in the Garden sought for ease where first I lost it Rigd for that was the Name of one of the Servants follow'd at a distance and taking an Alley which cross'd that in which I walk'd he met me as if chance had led him You may believe Madam I was pleasantly enough surpris'd when he gave me a Letter and smiling told me his Young Master had been Post to himself if Dion had not prevented him When I received it I scarce knew what to say and I must confess I had not Art enough to hide my inward Joy Having opened it I found these words My Daria WOu'd to Heaven you knew the troubles of my anxious Breast and all those pains that rack my burden'd Soul Oh Daria If Aristeon's frowns have banish'd Odmar from your Heart I 'm the most wretched of Human Kind Think Think my Dear of some means to procure me that happiness I once possest To see thee and to hear thee speak gives those Joys that even a Lover cannot half express I 'm mad 'twixt grief and Love I would write more but Oh remember that during this absence I am thy unhappy Odmar How much I lov'd and how this Letter was receiv'd may appear from my Answer Which was to this purpose if my memory serves me My Odmar IF you Love like me I can easily paint your troubles and all those pains that rack you and to convince you that no power can banish Odmar from his Daria 's thoughts I 'll see you and speak to you tho' oblig'd to the contrary by a solemn Promise To morrow's Night then at Nine of the Clock come to the Back-door of the Garden on that side next the Fields and in the new Lodge you 'll find your longing Daria The Lodge much resembl'd a Pavilion 't was stor'd with Books and Pictures and from the Window one might see three Rivers joyn into one Body and falling from a mighty precipice in view you 'd thought they shak'd the very Floor on which you stood The bubling and hollow noise of the greater stream provok'd your Melancholy and fed the Lamp of Love I had of late much frequented that place I kept the Key my self and could not think of one more convenient for this stol'n enterview 'T was there I writ my Letter undiscover'd and there resolv'd to meet my welcome Lover my Father alone us'd to possess it 't is true but on the other hand I remembred that I had not seen him there for twelve long Months past In a word Madam I thought the place very secure and already wish'd the Night gone that stood like a heavy Age between me and my happiness Methought I already saw the transported Youth begging at my Feet melting my Heart and conquering as he spoke I dreamt of nothing but Odmar or if I awak'd I scarce knew that I did so for the lovely Image was so strongly imprinted I knew not if my Judgment or my active Fancy form'd him When Day appear'd the morning mov'd so faintly you 'd thought the lingring Night had dar'd him to the Combat and vow'd the sole possession of the Skies I quit my Bed so early that from my Chamber Window I could not descry any thing awake but my self a dead silence reign'd in every part and not one watchful Bird yet welcom'd in the light the yielding Grass lay cover'd o're with Dew and the nodding Trees spoke Nature in a Slumber To any but a Love-sick Maid this had been no other than a melancholy Scene and I must own that even to my self it appear'd no less But from that melancholy my pleasure grew Love in absence is naturally dejected and languishing and I firmly believe at least I think I felt it so that when we are alone and sad the Fancy is stronger than when our Reason drives our Passions from our Breasts and hardens the Soul which Love or Grief before had melted down and made pliant for any impressions While thus I stood and thought of Odmar and the coming Night I could see tho' with some difficulty a Man on Horse-back I
confirm our Vows already made and as you tender my Life obey To be brief Madam Odmar was singular in his Love and Virtues We were that day marry'd for his Friend was a Priest whom the kind Youth had brought on purpose bless'd with safe possession and both Exiles cause we lov'd too well We retir'd to a Gentleman's House who was Odmar's Relation and mine too He writ often to his Father but the old Man was deaf to all entreaties Mine would not lose Dion's Friendship tho' he pardon'd me in his Heart and my Mother alone was kind to us both and sent me frequent Letters in return of mine We went seldom abroad we were welcome to our kind Friend we lov'd more passionately than ever and scarce one Night past without a recital of our first night's Joys our mutual Fears that follow'd his longings my Pains and those thoughts we entertain'd for one another when first old Dion languish'd in our House Thus Madam we liv'd two Years and I can confidently affirm that to the last hour we had those little Cares to please true Love and constant fondness for each other we knew that Night I yielded in the Lodge At last this happy Scene vanish'd and tho' the story grates my Soul and awakes my slumbering Griefs yet Madam for your satisfaction take it thus Our King the good Othredus unfortunate in his Councils tho' of himself Just and Merciful even to a fault was at last by Knaves betray'd and by his Friends abandon'd In this extremity he fled and seeking protection from his neighbouring Monarch left the Government to the management of others Scarronida was so fond of their new Government that he was judg'd a Traytor to his Country who enterrain'd but favourable thoughts for his native injur'd Lord. The Eastern part of the Nation nevertheless betook themselves to Arms and tho' they were but a handful of Men the number of their Enemies consider'd boldly kept the Field and bid Defiance to the new crown'd Head Dion was one in this Loyal Army and finding he was incapable of enduring those fatigues inherent to his Post he sent at last for Odmar My Father fought as he did and whether or not he perswaded the old Man to reassume his good Nature upon this occasion I cannot positively affirm My kind Husband show'd me the Letter he had receiv'd and ask'd my advice concerning that Answer he design'd when at the same time he knew I had that respect for his Judgment which fond little Children bear to that of a tender Mother In a word tho' the old Man had freely pardon'd him yet he would not obey till first he had secur'd his Daria and therefore let him know that tho' he was kind yet his Son was still unfortunate unless he were doubly so to me and as a mark of his unfeign'd Reconciliation settl'd one half of his Estate upon me if 't were my Fortune to survive so good a Husband Dion readily agreed to this and assur'd him he deserv'd more than he had to bestow upon him since his constancy to me sufficiently excus'd his primitive disobedience upon the score of Love I firmly believe our hospitable Friend Tameran for that was his Name alone griev'd our better Fortune He was an old Batchelor and an hater of Women and the Author of those lines which Odmar had Copied and by chance drop'd in the Lodge yet he confess'd that in spite of his humour he found a certain pleasure when he saw our mutual fondness and happy way of living and often swore if he could find a Woman like me and himself could Love like Odmar he 'd be no more an Enemy to Marriage When we came to Dion's House we were receiv'd with all that respect and assurances of his affection we could desire and Aristeon wept for Joy to see his Daughter bless'd 'T was ne're my chance to be every way Happy and Odmar's absence lessen'd or quite remov'd the sense of my present Fortune The Loyal Army lay but a few Miles from Dion's House so that I heard from him every Day and by the gods I swear Madam I read the Letters with the same Joy I knew when faithful Riga gave me that one I mention'd under a pretence of seeking Papers which he ne're had lost Heaven ne're saw two such Lovers and when the new King's Army came into the bosom of our Country I felt a thousand deadly Fears for the constant sharer of my Joys In a few Days they came to a pitch'd Battle where the General of the old King's Forces lost his Life tho' he gain'd the Victory He conquer'd and Death o'recame the Conquerour Odmar flew to my Arms the danger once I fear'd was now past and security made us doubly bless'd He stay'd a Month which as an hour appear'd and the new King having muster'd new Troops he left me to seek new Hazards The Armies again met but Fortune had fled with the General and we if I may properly say I was on Odmar's side lost the Day and all that Honour we had gain'd before My Husband however was safe and I askt no more our remaining Troops were by degrees cut off and in a short time no Man appear'd in Arms but Dion and his Followers Unable to keep the Field he retir'd to a little Town which yet own'd no power superior to his own This he fortified and stor'd with Provisions such as the harrass'd Country could afford In the mean time the successful Monarch wearied with the Civil War and willing to secure with seeming mercy what with Blood he had purchas'd offer'd to every Man that would lay down his Arms the benefit of a Kariph with you call an Act of Indempnity Dion who wisely saw he could be no longer serviceable to his Prince by an obstinate resistance laid hold of this opportunity and made his Peace with Honour In short our Gates were open'd we rely'd upon the Conquerour's Promise admitted his Troops and made 'em bosom Friends Now it was I thought my self beyond the reach of Fortune's frowns and almost elevated above the power of Fate Dion and Aristeon found themselves bless'd beyond what e're they hop'd and never saw us without Joy and Wonder Oh Heav'ns how innocently we liv'd and lov'd as when first we swore we did so Poor Odmar thought of nothing but his Daria and I never dreamt of any thing but him We descry'd new Beauties in one another every Day long'd and wish'd like Bride and Bridgroom gaz'd embrac'd and knew no pains but when in each others Arms we sigh'd and fear'd we had not lov'd alike Now Madam pardon my Tears for when I have told you all you 'll own my griefs are just One Night as awake I lay I heard my Odmar groaning in his Sleep 'T was the first time he ever had done so and I was much amaz'd but more when suddenly raising himself up he cry'd Oh spare my Daria 's and I 'll give you mine Ha my Dear cry'd I Whither
spent part of the morning in reflecting upon the Accident and that ended the charming Youth began to enquire into the cause of his Banishment I wou'd not tell him why I had used him so and he departed very melancholy When he was gone I began to grieve for him remembring the pains this harsh usage wou'd bring him I straight cou'd feel them all my own and consulting my love not Reason I sent for him back again he soon return'd and found my humour much alter'd to his advantage He was infinitely o'rejoy'd and protested that when he went out of my Chamber he thought to have dy'd with the thoughts of my Indifferency He went home he knew not how and that when my message came to him he turn'd Sceptick and doubted much if he was awake This he spoke with an Air so passionate he perfectly charm'd me I lov'd and was belov'd we were alone and I cou'd not forbear to testifie my Joy Love wanton'd in my eyes and eager wishes o'rerul'd my nodding Virtue He well knew what 't was to be inflam'd He told me a thousand endearing things and printed kisses at each word he spoke We were sitting upon the Beds side it was yet early in the morning and I had nothing upon me but a loose Night-Gown and one Petticoat of a thin Silk The amorous young Man commended every thing about me my Limbs I must confess shone through the transparent Cloth and fed his fancy with a thousand Charms He claspt me gently in his trembling Arms faulter'd in his Speech and swore he dy'd for me that it was impossible to endure the violent separation from a Heav'n in view and that now he must be bless'd or for ever wretched that he fear'd his Brother's pretences and nothing cou'd secure him but a flame equal to that of his own 'T is needless Madam to tell you more I lov'd him and cou'd deny him nothing Desire grew wild fears the curs'd allays of Love fled I dream't of Joys and pleasures yet unknown my loosned Soul seem'd just upon the wing and I at last lay yielding melting trembling in his Arms his Soul sat hovering o're his Balmy Lips Love darted from his Eyes and all the Charms of that young God were in him Oh! kind Heav'n let me ever remember all those tender Vows he made while he lay panting and breathless by my side and blush'd at what was past then strove to bring the hasty Joy again Thus he obtain'd that favour which ne're bestow'd in Youth is frozen up by Icy Age and lyes unregarded till we are render'd incapable of those Blessings men wou'd give and Women can receive We gave mutual assurances of perpetual fidelity and parted both of us satisfied of others Love Some Trees seem pleasant when they first set out We give them Stays lest Winds shou'd shake the Root But in few days they shoot their boughs so far That all the Herbs beneath them wither'd are That ground which gave them Life they now destroy Stand proudly up and in the conquest joy So Love at first all gay all soft appears And next day chang'd to jealousies and fears 'T is like wild fires afar shows happiness But if approach'd grows in a moment less A Pleasure 't is before 't is fully known And that once o're it is insipid grown It cheats the distant eye and seems a Bliss But if 't is catch'd we hate the by past wish Then wonder why with so much pain we sought A thing which more allay than joy has brought For that which shin'd unto the Love-sick eye Now shows all Rust all homely when 't is nigh These thoughts did not then possess me tho' I found the truth of them too late and 't was when my misfortunes gave me melancholy hours that my Muse sung so gravely The Earl came privately and paid his Respects to the suppos'd Timandra he concluded himself happy from what the Duke told him and courted with a brisker Air than was natural to him I had order'd Casmia still to deceive him He was of a close temper trusted no Man with what was by himself reputed worthy of Secresie and when he saw his Mistress he came without Attendants About this time Adrastus who lov'd not the Earl's melancholy humour left his house and chose Lodgings for himself which chanc'd to be very nigh those of the Duke of Minoya's and therefore often paid him a visit during his sickness Adrastus was of an obliging temper and so far gain'd the Duke's esteem that he cou'd never be easie when without him While he to repay this kindness was seldom absent but when his Love to me requir'd it We liv'd very happy and Adrastus had nothing to fear or complain of He possess'd all that Love and Beauty could bestow without the prospect of a coming ill Sometimes he would tell me he heard of his Brother's visits to me but I assur'd him I had never seen him and soon calm'd those storms his growing Jealousies had rais'd One day when he came to wait upon the Duke he found him worse than he had been for some days and judging it the effect of something more than his wounds beg'd he wou'd impart the cause Minoya after he had Commanded his Servants to quit the Room my Dear Adrastus said he those wounds you see are nothing if compar'd with the Torments of my Soul I Love the Young Marchioness of Huyana I saw her that night I came to Capac and have wore her Chains ever since whose weight is nothing yet diminish'd tho I 've seen others happy even then when she strove to persuade me she ne're had nor could love any Man Adrastus was surpiz'd at what he heard and if the Duke had in the least suspected him he wou'd have read in his face-how much he was interested in the Story He durst scarce desire him to finish what he had begun so much he fear'd to be acquainted with the Infidelity of her he lov'd But the other to save him that labour proceeded and in few words told him all that concern'd the Encounter he had that Evening he receiv'd his Wounds Adrastus soon believ'd 't was his Brother he remember'd 't was the same day in which he had lost my Letter calls to mind the absence I enjoyn'd him and at last concludes me guilty When men once become Masters by Enjoyment Mole-Hills appear Mountains and that which before cou'd render them happy now they look upon as a thing useless and injurious to their repose they think Women shou'd from that moment abandon all Appetites but those they entertain for them And like wretched Misers grasp at all then sigh when they can hold no more and murmur because another may enjoy what they alone wou'd possess The Jealous Adrastus hides his pain as much as possible from the Duke and tells him that she whom he ador'd was truly the handsomest Woman in Capac and one who wou'd in time regard the Services of a Prince who merited the
esteem of all Mankind that he had several times seen me when his Father was alive and that he shou'd not fail to do him some good Offices upon the small acquaintance he had did not a very urgent business command his absence for some time The Duke gave him a thousand thanks for his kind offer and in the mean time tho' he was sorry for his departure wish'd him a good Journey Adrastus went to his Lodgings possess'd with Love Anger Jealousie and Despair thus passion o're-rul'd his Judgment and in that weakness he sent me this Letter Madam I 'M amaz'd to find in the fair Timandra a Woman regardless of her Vows and Honour I leave you with sorrow and can't longer stay in a place where I see a Woman I have so constantly lov'd possess'd by one that cou'd never pretend to so great a happiness by his Services whatever bis Birth might be to his advantage I will not offer to trouble you with a tedious recital how your Infidelity came to my knowledge let it suffice that to my infinite sorrow I know too much either for your Honour or my own Satisfaction Adrastus I was at first all fury I term'd him the most ingrateful of men my passion suggested a thousand things to me I was sorry for the Happiness I had given and heartily wish'd my Love had been more moderate But Love that seldom loseth possession in an honest Heart reassumes his Empire and represents the mistaken Lover Sorrowful and Passionate Jealous by a seeming guilt and desperate at his own loss I considered his Letter partially and thought there was still so much of Love in every line that it shone through all those Clouds his Jealousie and Anger had contracted and began in earnest to mourn his loss grief took place of former Joys and I have wept sometimes whole Nights and curs'd those Stars that forc'd me to love a Man I had so many reasons to pursue with my hatred My Mother wonder'd what might work this suddain alteration in my humour and imagin'd my grief arose from the Duke of Minoya's misfortune and doubted not but that I lov'd him for by the help of my Maid Zibelline Adrastus was seldom seen come or go from my House so that she neither suspected him nor the Earl who was still very cautious in his visits I was willing the better to conceal my misfortune to let things appear the same she took them for and in the mean time forgot not to use those ways that promis'd any likelihood of recalling the Object of all my wishes One Night while I sat all alone in my Chamber I could hear soft whispers at the Door my Curiosity was augmented when I thought it resembled the Earl of Rucana's Voice when I had look'd through the Key-hole I found I had not judg'd amiss He was looking very earnestly upon his supposed Timandra while she on the other hand seem'd not to curb his hopes for he cou'd easily read a fire in her Eyes equal to his own However she beg'd that this Night he wou'd abreviate his discourse adding she was afraid her Mother might find him in the House He answered that he cou'd not leave her so soon her Mother was then a-bed and that all she urg'd for his departure was not of force sufficient to make him delay the possession of a Bliss he had so long promis'd to himself In the end she was o'recome and suffer'd her self to be led along the Gallery and down a pair of back Stairs into the Garden where they enter'd a Chamber in which I often lay when the Season was excessively hot My Mother's Apartment was very nigh to it and had a Balcony from her dining Room exactly opposite to the Chamber Door I wanted to see the Earl's manner of Courtship and long'd to know upon what terms he stood with his Timandra My grief for the absence of my Lover having long kept me from the knowledge of what I had formerly us'd for my diversion And therefore I laid all Considerations of danger aside and stole privately after them They seated themselves at first familiarly upon the Bed and I cou'd soon perceive more between 'em than a nice Virtue cou'd well allow I was heartily displeas'd at what Casmia did and tho' the Earl was a close minded Man I was afraid Stones and Bushes might have Ears to disclose the intrigue I wish'd he had known whom he lov'd and was just about to show him his errour when they arose and went softly to that part of the Garden where she ordinarily admitted him I enter'd the Room immediately but good Gods how much was I amaz'd when I saw my Mother had got there before me having enter'd at the same Door from which they went out She was passionate even to madness and tho' I knew my self innocent yet I had scarce the power to tell her so she told me the Bed bespoke some am'rous dalliance that she had seen me enter and thereupon drawing the Curtains aside she took up the Earl's Pocket Book which he unfortunately had dropp'd I was a maz'd at the accident and presently saw my Letter to Adrastus taken out of it Daughter said she looking furiously upon me are these the effects of that care I have had of you Is this the Journey Adrastus has undertaken Never see me more you have abandon'd Virtue you have ruin'd your Fortune and in a Word are become the scorn of your Sex This said she flung immediately out at the Back door which stood half open not doubting but that Adrastus was gone that way she found Casmia returning and concluded I had sent her to show him the way The Maid was infinitely surpris'd at so unexpected a meeting and falling upon her knees first begs a thousand Pardons and then tells the whole truth of the matter This serves her not in any stead my Mother assures her self I'm guilty and believes that this story had been handsomely contriv'd to be made use of upon the first discovery and so instantly thrust her out of Doors to find new Lodgings and a new Mistress When she came back to me she found me drown'd in Tears tho' they proceeded more from the loss of Adrastus than from my new misfortune she soon told me how she had serv'd my Confident as she call'd her adding seeing me about to speak that I shou'd not endeavour to justifie my self because my guilt was too obvious to those of the least judgment and so left me to my soliloquies I was not ignorant of my Mother's humour and therefore being awak'd from that surprise into which her presence had cast me without further reflections on the matter went to Bed There it was that I began narrowly to search into my own Circumstances and found that tho' I was innocent of what was then laid to my Charge yet my Conduct had been such as deserv'd reproof I saw no hopes of Adrastus his return and fear'd the Earl might boast of an imaginary
And thereupon giving way to her passion pulls the poor Countess by the Hair from the Bed where she had lain silent and half dead with fear The Earl tho' o'rewhelm'd with Jealousie cou'd not see his Wife so ill us'd and therefore reliev'd her from the paw of the Lyoness In the mean time Zibelline had awak'd me and dissembling her knowledge of the cause told me the House was all in an uproar I soon got up and enter'd the Room just as Rucana had reliev'd the distress'd fair one My Mother as soon as she saw me ask'd if I was a stranger to the cause of all this confusion and if I held a Correspondence with the Earl equal to that I did with Adrastus I told her I had never seen Rucana but was inform'd he had endeavour'd to debauch one of my Maids I hop'd she did not doubt my Virtue and that my Conduct had been such as became hers and the Marquess of Huyana's Daughter The Earl who had hearkned with wonder and amazement soon found how he had been impos'd upon and was at first confounded and oppress'd with shame and anger But then growing calm and eying his Wife who lay drown'd in tears with all her Beautys open to his view his fury fled Love pleads in her behalf and a thousand tender thoughts possess'd his Soul He beheld a Woman whom he long had lov'd half naked weeping prostrate at his feet and all her Sexes best bewitching Charms about her Tears dropt from his Eyes and all the pains of love and sorrow jointly prest his Heart Then raising gently the afflicted fair one he beg'd a thousand pardons for his indiscreet management swore he shou'd ne're repent the happy mistake kiss'd away her Tears and sigh'd at every word After some minutes thus spent he made an Apology to my Mother for that disturbances he had occasioned in the Family then taking the Countess by the hand led her down stairs calls a Coach for 't was now day-light and drives home pleas'd because he lov'd My Mother was glad to find me innocent and her self doubly deceiv'd and by her Joy in some measure atton'd for the harsh usage I had receiv'd from her the foregoing Night Zibelline was pleas'd with her own good success and I thought my self fortunate in seeing a business I dreaded brought to a happy exit Thus we all went to Bed again well satisfied with what had hapen'd and each of us big with the hopes of Fortune's continu'd smiles Next Day I was inform'd the Duke had quit his Room and was able to take a turn in the Garden The Earl's Marriage was soon known and as it happens in such cases he was laugh'd at by the Wits pity'd by the Honest-hearted and commended by the Judicious for that Moderation he had shown in so provoking a juncture and I was by all concluded privy to the intrigue Minoya show'd his Sentiments in his Eyes where the inward Satisfaction this accident gave him visibly appear'd His flame is augmented with his hopes and the removal of a Rival he thinks a step to his Happiness These pleasant thoughts Contribute much to his speedy Recovery he imagin'd I was not prepossess'd to his prejudice and easily believ'd he had fought for my Maid In a few days he came to see me and I having in some measure laid aside the thoughts of my ingrateful Lover receiv'd him more kindly than I had done before his long absence This inflam'd him more my Mother seconded every word he spoke and 't was impossible to hold out against two such powerful Assailants Yet Young Adrastus took his place by turns and tho' the passion I had for him seem'd sometimes dead yet from what thought I know not it like Lamps just extinguish'd greedily catch'd hold of light and in a moment turn'd into a flame Thus divided after I had seen the Duke languishing for me three whole Months I at last consented to Marry him He was ravish'd at the wish'd-for grant and tasted all those Joys successful Love imparts to Youth impatient of delays On the other hand I saw the fatal hour approach with pain and cou'd not think of being for ever his while Adstrastus was in Being tho' absent and unkind but not knowing how to recal that promise I had given and the Town already too busie with my Name I was forc'd to confirm it by a Marriage Vow The Duke now happy in the possession of her he ador'd went seldom abroad he was uneasie but when in my Company and all his actions center'd in his Love One Evening he told me Laughing with what concern he had seen the Earl of Rucana's happiness that Night he fought him and wonder'd much how that Marriage came to pass ask'd if the Countess was handsome and applauded her mamagement I gave her those praises her Beauty deserv'd and wish'd him reconcil'd to Rucana because his constant Love after so great a disappointment spoke him a Man truly noble of a great Soul fix'd and steady in his resolutions generous good natur'd and of honest Principles And the truth is so great a change was never known as that which Love and Marriage had wrought on this Man his Soul seem'd new-moulded and imprinted with all the marks of Virtue Honour and Nobility Whate're I spoke was a Law and if I had but the least inclination to any thing 't was immediately perform'd so that my Husband next day waited for nothing more than an opportunity of speaking with the Earl but finding none at last went to his House Rucana receiv'd him and embrac'd his friendship with all the Sincerity which Man can be Master of when he pays his Devotions to Heaven They discours'd long of things indifferent and at last came to the Subject of their quarrel where the kind Huband spoke so advantagiously of his Wife that he charm'd the Duke into an extasie She who had not forgot what once she was kept a modest humility in all her actions look'd sweet and langushing and made it her only study how to please the Lord of all her wishes With this bewitching state she enter'd the Room where Minoya pay'd her those respects due to the Countess of Rucana and the Wife of his Friend from the Earl's discourse he had form'd a lovely Idea of this hppy fair one and was pleasantly surpris'd to see how far the sweet Original out-did that Picture he had newly drawn He intended at first no more than a short visit but the Earl's kindness and the Charms of his Wife made him forget that Resolution When he came home his wonted joys flag'd his appetite seem'd pal'd he look'd uneasie as if some sudden illness had seiz'd him thought much spoke little and the torments of his Soul after many endeavours to hide them were at last conspicuous I was sensibly griev'd at this new misfortune tho' I yet knew not what it was I us'd all the moving Arts of Honest Love to Charm him into mirth and wrestled even with
strugled with the glimm ring Light My Aunt still made a considerable figure in the World and strove to maintain some part of the Grandeur of her Family upon that small Estate Manco had given her and I was by those ignorant of our Circumstances reputed a Woman of no small Fortune This gave me the trouble of some Lovers amongst whom were the Lord Avilon's two Sons men of infinite parts the Eldest was tall of good Shapes had an incomparable Air danc'd well and sung to a wonder but addicted to Anger and Jealousie passions of sufficient force to oppress a large stock of Virtues The Younger was all good Nature of a prompt and piercing Wit Eloquent beyond expression had the softness of a Woman in his Voice and all the Courage of that mighty Ceature Man in his Soul I was equally belov'd by both each strove to gain a Heart insensible of their merits and tho' the youngest had a great share in my esteem yet neither of them possess'd my Love Thus for a while they Courted the present still speaking to the Advanvantage of the absent till Duverr for that was the name of the Eldest o'recome by his â—ealousie quarrel'd with his Brother the Handsome Sevilus by whom after a few thrusts he was kill'd in a field adjoyning to our House The Young unfortunate Conquerour kiss'd the wounded Clay wept over him some Hours and then consulting his own safety fled His Father us'd all his interest at Court to obtain a pardon for his only Son and Canador our present Soveraign all Mercy grants it soon as ask'd But he never returning it was useless and the afflicted old Man now concluding both his Children lost in a few Years dy'd having left his Estate to the next Heir-Male if his absent Son return'd not I cou'd not longer live in the Country where I was look'd upon as the cause of so many mischiefs My Aunt whose fortune now began to ebb was perswaded by necessity and we came to Chira where unknown we have liv'd these five Years without a change of Fortune nor have we yet heard what became of my poor unfortunate Father or the young Sevilus now if alive Lord Avilon The Court and foreign Trade renders the City very populous and private Families reside in it unregarded Thus you see Sir continued the afflicted Fair how misfortunes have pursu'd me from my Infancy and I have now added sensibly to their number by that weakness of which you have found me guilty Here she ended and the story wrought that Impression which the affliction of the fair Sex does on generous Souls I was all pity all tenderness all sorrow and each of these were swallow'd up in Love I wish'd her all the Happiness the loveliest of her Kind e're possess'd swore my constant Love shou'd attone for part of her past ills clasp'd her gently in my Arms laid her all languishing to my Breast and whisper'd comfort to the kind afflicted She whom Love had not robb'd of Modesty reprov'd me mildly for the rudeness and said she fear'd I doubted much her Virtue when I thus presum'd upon her Love I answer'd this with words that sufficiently spoke it the effect of my passion and my grief for a thought that differ'd so much from my real intentions or sentiments Madam cry'd I believe me I love that I think you Virtuous that I lament your past sufferings and shall be ever yours The Aunt jealous of her Niece's Charms made all the dispatch she cou'd of any affairs that kept her from me and enter'd just as I pronounc'd the last words At first she stood amaz'd at what she saw but willing to conceal that concern she had for the discovery turn'd it into Raillery and smiling ask'd her Niece if she stood in need of a Love-Physician to compleat the Cure of her Feaver Olmechine only smil'd and I who was obliged to answer for both the offenders told Attabalippa that I shar'd in her Niece's sickness that my Heart was naturally tender that Women's pains if fair were all my own and that I was glad of her arrival and thereupon show'd a Picture done by the best Master of the World which I vallu'd at a hundred Guineas This Madam said I the fair Olmechine at first view admir'd but when I beg'd she 'd accept the small Complement it was answer'd you better deserv'd it and I swore it shou'd be ever hers At this you appear'd as if kind fortune had sent you to decide the difference The old Gentlewoman was pleas'd to find things no worse and decided in my favours while the Charming Niece had Joys equal to hers in seeing how much I fear'd and what caution I us'd for the concealment of my flame for Cares are always Natural signs of growing love and our endeavours to hide any thing a mark of that value put upon it In a short time the fair one was perfectly recover'd and Attabalippa wou'd often call me an able Physician and attribute the cure to my Conversation But at last growing jealous to a degree of madness she deny'd her that Happiness and watch'd her with as many Eyes as Argus e're had open when he look'd to the Rival Cow at the command of the jealous Goddess While I was absent from this fond tender Beauty my Heart would struggle 'twixt the old and new recall to view my first and latter Vows show Olmechine in all her sweetness and Timandra with her Honour abandon'd for my sake then I wou'd immediately be all yours when with your Rival I lov'd her when absent I forgot her and still as the moving Object fled from my sight the flame she had kindled burnt no longer but serv'd to add to that I had for another The Aunt storm'd and lov'd saw me frequently and had always the marks of Anger Jealousie and Love evident in her Countenance and forgot not to tell me she took notice of that inclination the fond young Girl had for me meaning her Niece and was sorry to see how much I contributed to the encrease of her passion I deny'd all and certainly had left Chira to be rid of so many tortures if the Compassion I had for Olmechine's sufferings had not commanded my stay At Night Curacas told me she had met him upon the Stairs and desir'd to see me next Morning at the Rivers side I fail'd not to be there and had not waited long when she arriv'd We spent the first part of our time upon the Water where we discours'd our Loves anew laugh'd at the old Aunt pity'd her weakness and pleas'd our selves with the hopes of coming Happiness But the day growing hotter we forsook the inconstant Element for one more fix'd and chose to walk beneath some Trees which grew upon the Bank Olmechine on a sudden stop'd and offer'd to retire because the King was upon the place and I who had never yet seen this Prince was now resolv'd to lay hold of the opportunity But as I was about to
Earl with all that gravity in his Face which Age and misfortunes commonly imprint told her that Heav'n had now repay'd all his sufferings that he saw the Errors of his Youth and was sorry he had been the Cause of all her past miseries Then taking Avilon by the hand here my dear Olmechine cry'd he receive the Companion of my toyls and absence my good and bad Fortunes look upon him as the preserver of your Father's Life Honour and Estate and the Man whom kind Heaven designs you for your Husband At this she blush'd and the happy young Lover throwing himself at her feet conjur'd her to remember his past sufferings his continued Constancy and all his Vows The fair one fix'd her Eyes upon mine and with Tears answer'd all he said In the Morning she sent for me and after a thousand blushes and faint sighs ask'd me if I cou'd see her Marry'd to another I lov'd her when present and was scarce able to answer but upon second thoughts told her I cou'd see her possess'd by Avilon because his services best deserv'd her and that to purchase happiness for her I cou'd forego my own I shew'd the handsome Young Lover in his best shapes and forgot not to put her in mind of those obligations she lay under to him She confess'd his worth but doubtcd still the truth of what I said and ask'd me blushing if I spoke my thoughts I swore I did that as Compassion first begot her Love so it had done mine and the cause once remov'd the Effect naturally ceas'd that I cou'd mourn her misfortunes no longer when I saw her happily Marry'd to a Man who lov'd so well that she should ever have the greatest share in my esteem and in my Heart take place next to Amazonta and that for my self I hop'd time shou'd procure me that happiness which the thoughts of seeing her honourably match'd had already begun I cou'd read contentment in her Eyes and she might easily have found as much in mine When I left her I began more seriously to reflect on what had past and by my hopes of future Happiness I swear in all my search I found not one thought that was not for this Marriage and was confirm'd in my opinien when inform'd that Avilon had bostow'd upon the repenting Manco the profits of his Estate which he had not enjoy'd since his Father's Decease it amounted to a considerable Sum and wiâ—h iâ— he was able to relieve that half of his 〈…〉 which he had not sold and that which â—â—â—â—balippa possess'd became likewise his by her Death This Madam I say confirm'd me much in my Resolution of seeing her Married to another But your fair Idea which still haunted me confirm'd me more and finish'd what was begun my imperfect thoughts settled there and all my wishes center'd in Timandra The day following they were Marry'd Avilon 〈…〉 Mistress of all his Vows for whom he had endur'd Seven Years of tedious Exile she a Lover who had restor'd her Father to his Fortune and Honour Manco saw his Daughter Marry'd to the best of men and her self the most Charming and Obedient Nature e're had fram'd looks on his inclinations past compares them with the present and finds how far he had mistaken the Road to Happiness thanks Heaven for all those hardships he had known because they serv'd to show the value of his present Fortunes Attabalippa was o'rejoy'd at the return of her Brother-in-Law and the loss of a Rival in the Marriage of her Niece and I had all at that pleasure love and absence wou'd permit Thus we were all happy and a few days after began our Journey to the Country At Olmechine's desire I made one in this happy Company and I cou'd observe how blest the fair one was contentment and Love sat smiling on her Brow and Venus when she for the Apple strove exposing all her graces to the Youth was a homely Beauty rugged and deform'd match'd with this lovely Nymph Joys sparkled in her Eyes and the calmness of her Soul and Mind display'd it self in all her words But if by chance she fix'd her Eyes on mine thoughts of that weakness she had lately shown disturb'd her Peace and fann'd expiring Fires or if at any time they spoke of constant Loves she 'd sigh and blush then faintly look on me When we had rid two days Journey I met upon the Road an Inhabitant of Capac of whom asking several questions and at last concerning you I was surpriz'd to hear him say you 'l laugh when I 've told you how the Earl of Rucana Marry'd her The words like Lightning struck me to the Heart my Blood was chill'd and froze within my Veins and I had scarce the Courage to bid him tell me all At last he did it But good Gods you only know what passions swell'd my loaded Breast Grief Shame and Repentance first took place then Joys follow'd not to be chang'd for those the Gods possess Eternal springs and sweets seem now in view the thoughts of former pleasures are no more all past and present vanish'd like Birds of Night at the approaching Sun at the coming of a new Heav'n Timandra was innocent all Lovely all Virtue and tho' I found too late how faulty I had been yet to my comfort I still remembred the Nature of the offended Fair knew her all Mercy and blest kind Heav'n and her Olmechine no more appear'd the same her Eyes look'd dead her Beauties fled and all the footing which her Charm's had gain'd for Years of sighs within my faithful Breast was in one moment by Timandra won I acquainted the happy Fair with my good fortune and told her my Amazonta still was just that her Maid had borrow'd her name and was already Married The kind she shar'd in my Joys bid me post to Happiness which I oft had wish'd and had so well deserv'd Mounted on Wings of Love I hither came stole into Capac with all the privacy and inward Joy of Misers who at dead of Night go to view their hoarded Treasure and found Zibelline at the Garden Door when asking for the Object of my desires I was inform'd the Duke was possest of all and I for ever damn'd and excluded that Heav'n your Mercy had tempted me to hope I enter'd found you sleeping sigh'd over you till my trembling Soul prompted by the Heav'n-like outside strove to abandon my Body and possess it self of yours and while thus I labour'd you awak'd and by your griefs you taught me what to hope Here Adrastus ended and Madam I cou'd wish you 'd spare me the shame and trouble of Writing what follow'd Yet had the Trojan look'd but half so fair the Tyrian Queen was happy even in flames for to live without him had brought new pains each moment of her life and all her Years had been consum'd in sorrow or had he when at Sea so lovely been the Queen of Heav'n had laid her Anger by and smil'd upon
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
mourning Lover came I receiv'd him with that sorrow which our mutual Misfortunes had taught me and he unable to speak embrac'd my knees wept and look'd upon me Thus for a while we continued dumb and experienc'd the Truth of that Maxim that Wounds are deepest and most dangerous that Bleed inwards But at last this Lethargy which often attends immoderate grief was by degrees weakned and the lovely Youth could faintly pronounce these words Can the merciful Timandra be my Enemy Can she consent to my Banishment from Capac And shall I be blest with her presence but three short days for no more have my Judges allow'd me And must the remainder of my Life be spent in absence a Hell sufficient for the Punishment of Parricide Nay broken Vows or inconstant Love a Crime yet greater and known only amongst Infidels I shar'd all his pains and after I had ask'd him if he had stol'n with privacy enough to my House I caught him in my Arms kiss'd him and spoke all that my tender Heart could dictate to give him ease He still urg'd his Constancy and Love his present misery and prospect of a greater conjur'd me to be yet more kind and since he could not permit me to go along with him into a strange Country beg'd I 'd consent to Marry him and tye my self for ever his Time his innocence and his Friends might have his Sentence repeal'd and he doubted not if I lov'd him now of being more happy in his own Country than ever he had yet been He set before me a full Enjoyment of that Heaven in Love which hitherto we had only tasted that his Innocence was evident to every Man whose opinion was not prejudicated that none wou'd condemn me but those who envy'd my Charms and Happiness that Honour at best was but a Chimera invented to please giddy fools and perswade them into a belief of their own worth merit and judgment e're the pleasures of Love were fully known and preach'd up by Women in Years to keep younger ones from sharing the Blessing That nothing was more Honourable if I worship'd that shadow than a constant passion It spoke us fix'd in our Choice and by consequence of a good Judgment that enabled us at first to make that Choice of which we had never repented That we were born to love that without it we were meer pieces of moving Earth dull Phlegmatick lumps fit only for the Conversation or at least the Company of Brute Beasts that it could ne're be known meaning my Marriage that he knew how to value my Beauty and that even when old Age seiz'd me I would be still the same to him he 'd call my first Embraces back to view remember what I then was and again think me the same for tho' he graspt me cold and wither'd in his Arms he 'd delude himself with the fancy or Idea of my Youth imagination shou'd supply what Years had lost and I shou'd be still the Charming Gay the Young belov'd Timandra In short Madam I was again o'recome by this invincible Lover and tho' Minoya had been buried not above eight weeks I gave my hand and with it my Heart to this Young graceful Man tho' not before we had brib'd a jolly Priest with a handful of Pistols to a silence equal with that of the Grave and I had obtain'd my Husband's promise not to depart the Kingdom but to live privately with me till Fortune shou'd be as much his friend as Love had been We spent the Night with that pleasure known only to happy Lovers some fears and cares we had which serv'd to give it taste but none sufficient to destroy the Blessing In the Morning he waited upon his Friends who all sincerely griev'd his Misfortune and he seemingly prepar'd every thing for his sudden departure Three days thus spent he took a solemn farewel of them all without sorrow because in me he found all that made him happy for the possession of those belov'd is at any time a double recompence for the loss of Liberty It is not Madam the custom of our Country to mourn the loss of a Husband above a week and the gravest Matrons are satisfied with the long penance of Fourteen days in Tears So that I was already Courted by several who had envy'd the Duke's Happiness and that Beauty which prov'd always fatal to my self and others in a short time got me a new crowd of Adorers and tho' I was not look'd upon as a Woman nicely Virtuous yet still my Eyes atton'd for that defect and the more solid part of Mankind judg'd because I was Young that a Grave Husband and good advice might reclaim me and work wonderful changes and effects upon my easie Nature Amongst the first that claim'd my Love Assapan appear'd I have already Madam given you the Character of that Man but shall now add that Love had transform'd him for tho' he was every way a Man truly taking and one that well deserv'd a Lady's good opinion yet this passion to which he had been mostly a stranger wrought great alterations For whereas he was formerly addicted to Hunting Riding and such Manlike Exercises he became now tender in his Nature gentle and Complaisant spoke passionately lov'd dancing Poetry Romances and had all the softness and inclinations of a Lover He griev'd the loss of his Friend Minoya but had too great an esteem of me to believe what some People spoke of my betraying his Honour or my own Adrastus who mov'd no farther from me than into the Garden or another Room knew all that past and was the more happy in his Confinement when he saw others labour to obtain what he unknown and with ease possest For if the Addresses of a Gallant serve often to reclaim the Heart of an indifferent Husband much more must the real passion of another inflame a Man that lov'd so violently But Fortune that was never my Friend at last betray'd the secret Lover For Assapan one day as he came to my House met the happy Man at the Garden Door They were equally surpriz'd and equally griev'd the unluckly encounter Adrastus however embrac'd him and told him he had not yet departed Capac because Love had been his Friend and had till that time protected him That his Life and Honour were now in his hands and he dreamt no danger from a Man of Assapan's merit The Earl answered with that Discretion or Judgment which was natural to him but withal let him know he had been unkind in not trusting to his Friendship before Necessity not Choice had taught him so to do Adrastus alledg'd for an excuse how much I was concern'd in his Concealment and that it was not Honourable to betray a Lady's secrets especially those of love without her positive command for it and hop'd he wou'd Pardon a Crime of which love not want of Friendship was the Author Assapan smil'd and gave him all those assurances of his safety which Oaths or words
prevail with a Woman of my Years Then seeing me still silent come said he and taking Bonzeda by the hand we must not expect too much from a Young maid Silence is a Woman's best Rhetorick and their eyes ought to express the Sentiments of their Hearts especially in affairs of Love My Daughter no doubt knows what value to set upon your merit and has sufficiently weigh'd my Commands a few days shall compleat your Happiness and in the mean time leave the Burden of the management to my Strength This said he left me and I cou'd observe the Count well pleas'd with my seeming modesty Artaxus enter'd as soon as they were gone and I drown'd in Tears told him my liberty wou'd shortly be no more and I was doom'd a Victim to my Father's Ambition or mistaken judgment He sigh'd and faintly said Oh unkind Martius Oh my Divine Indoretta Wou'd to Heaven I cou'd love thee less yet thou deserv'st greater services than I am able to pay thee tho' for thy sake I parted with my life We complain'd of Fortune of our Stars and spoke every thing grief love and anger could inspire I wish'd for the happiness of seeing Martius once more languish at my feet that I might have the power of Revenging that injury he had done me And Artaxus swore he 'd ride Post to Coloa that with his Sword he might teach him to remember him While thus in pain we consum'd the tedious hours my Mother enter'd She discover'd in our Faces too many signs of our inward thoughts and after she had kindly chid us for concealing our Cares from her offer'd all she thought might give us some relief Artaxus threw himself at her feet and conjur'd her to have pity on his weakness and to remember that Love he had for the Fair Indoretta before he left Coloa that it was what he could not o'recome to lose her was to be eternally miserable and that to prevent all that mischief which threatned destruction to his Love nothing was more expedient than to put a stop to my Marriage with Count Bonzeda The tender Mother was sensibly griev'd for the pains of her Children she knew the Duke's humor and how little power she had over him but willing to contribute all she cou'd to our happiness she bid us rely upon her Conduct and in the mean time not to be distracted with a confus'd prospect of what was to come for that was to weave a long and tedious Web of Cares which one thought or kind word was able to unravel and we wou'd afterwards laugh at those Bug-bears our fears had made Her words obtain'd that end for which they were design'd and we enjoy'd that peace of Mind which much hope in midst of danger can bestow Night had her Curtains half asunder drawn and that faint light appear'd which speaks the coming of the welcome day The longing Birds were flutt'ring from their Nests and labourers weary with their former toyls began to think of others now at hand When Artaxus whom Love had robb'd of sleep sent to me and acquainted me that he design'd for Zenitha a small Village three Miles from our House and therefore desir'd me not to expect his Company till Night He often went to this pleasant little Town and the Duke though bred a Courtier had that regard to Religion which men wise and honest without Biggotry ought to have and told him he shou'd be glad to see him often pursue the same road because in the morning I might hear a Mass or two and in the Afternoon spend some hours in Conversation with the Abbess who was his particular Acquaintance and a Woman that deserv'd that imployment or Post in the Church to which his friendship had advanc'd her Madam that I may give you the story in that Order in which 't was acted permit me to tell you what happen'd to Artaxus before he return'd When he had drove about half way he enter'd into a pleasant Wood upon a River's side it was yet early day and the Dew lay shining on the mossy Banks No noise was to be heard but that of a gentle Wind which ruffled ' mongst the Leaves and play'd with every tender yielding Bough the place you 'd thought for happy Lovers made and so much sweetness Charm'd each sense 't was of force enough to inspire those with a certain desire who had ne're been sensible of a flame and made them wish for something which they wou'd possess even when they scarce knew what it was they wanted My Brother having seated himself after he had forbidden his Servants to enter the Wood began the faint remembrance of his past Happiness and then form'd a lively Idea of his present miseries He complain'd of Young Mangroa and sigh'd for the Charming Indoretta That Silence which reign'd in the place contributed to his melancholy and every Shade which was within his view serv'd for so many Charms to inflame and heighten Love While thus he sat and mourn'd his cruel destiny begging of Heaven a quick relief and making Vows unto the Gods as if on Love all happiness depended He heard a faint groan which seem'd but a few paces from him This accident surpriz'd him but more when he perceiv'd at the Root of a rugged old Oak which extended its Arms to welcome the noble guest a Man nobly drest and asleep His Curiosity tempted him to stay and having posted himself behind an opposite Tree he had not waited long before the stranger awak'd who after a few deep sighs with a Voice that Charm'd the very Heavens and set the Gods a list'ning sung to himself the following Lines 1. Ah! too fond Youth Why dost thou mourn For one that loves not thee Her Heart does for another burn Ah! happy happy He Oh! lovely Maid couldst thou but know How much for thee I undergo 2. Could'st thou but see how Martius lies Beneath this lonesome Tree No other Covert but the Skies And all for love of thee Sirena sure shou'd kinder prove And give me pity if not love 'T is impossible Madam to express my Brother's thoughts upon this occasion but having considered them since from that account he gave me I find joy was the o'reruling Passion for a sudden faintness seiz'd him and he could have remain'd immoveable upon the place if he had not perceiv'd his long-wish'd-for Friend who yet had not seen him about to depart This awak'd him from his extasie and having caught my Lover in his Arms Ah! Martius cry'd he are not my Eyes deceived And do I really Embrace the Brother of my Lovely Indoretta The handsome Youth surpriz'd with the unexpected happiness was at first unable to reply he hugg'd his Friend gaz'd upon him embrac'd again and said Oh! Artaxus Can you pardon my long absence and seeming infidelity is Indoretta's Brother welcome to Sirena's Is the Lovely Maid well And can Count Bonzeda be preferr'd to the Constant Martius Young Xenxa after he had again embrac'd him in few words
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
me some Letters to my Rival Bonzeda whom I am resolv'd not to acquaint with my arrival 'till I have seen the Mistress of my Vows the Charming Sirena a happiness I must expect from your Friendship not Fortune or my Merit Here Martius stopt and Artaxus who lov'd no less than he took him again in his Arms Swore he 'd serve him with his Life and Fortune and that very Night bless him with Sirena's Company Thus having spent part of the day they at last chose different Roads Martius back 〈◊〉 Zenitha and Artaxus home In the mean time I knew nothing of my Brother's happiness and when he came home tho' he strove to hide it because the Duke was present I cou'd read in his Eyes some signs of those hopes and motions of Joy which had wing'd his Soul Xensa was no sooner gone than he embrac'd me Ah! My Dear Sister cry'd he I am still happy Martius proves a just Friend and Indoretta waits for the Fortunate Artaxus These words pleasantly surpris'd me I lov'd too much to be disinterested in the Story and begg'd with impatiency he would let me know where he had this account of his and my good Fortune Then it was Madam he related the Story of my Lover's absence the same as I have already Writ it adding he had given him the Key of the Garden-Door and we might meet with all the privacy imaginable Love not he perswaded and I thought time mov'd backwards till the hour arriv'd It was when every Creature seem'd a-sleep the heavy Waters murmur'd as they went and mov'd as if they shortly meant to rest the adjoyning Shoar no raging Billows knew and every Fish dreamt in his Ousie Bed The Earth seem'd all one Cave the Heav'ns one shade and dying Stars did the new light invite All happy Lovers lay in slumbers chain'd and Cynthia to her Damon seems forgot The waking Joys of mighty Love were fled and Morpheus reign'd when that Young God gave way Sometimes a Bird half waking took the Wing and with slow motion reach'd some neighb'ring bough then faintly murmuring hush'd it self to rest and sleeping bill'd as if its Mate were nigh 'T was then I say Madam Artaxus and I stole gently forth to meet the wish'd for welcome gen'rous passionate Martius As we enter'd the Garden the Lovely Youth rush'd in Fancy that erring guide where Judgment 's gone paints him with all his Charms and perfect thoughts suppli'd the want of day I saw him kneeling begging at my Feet grasping my hands and sighing as he spoke his Eyes at least I thought so darted Love and all his trembling touches reach'd my Heart Faultring he cry'd Sirena Lovely Fair Now all the pains of absence are repay'd and present Blessings banish rooted cares Artaxus thou best of Friends to thee I owe this mighty happiness and if the Charming Mistress of my Vows had any favourable thoughts for the constant Martius of which her Brother's Love is not the Cause even that Joy which those thoughts wou'd impart to me I 'd own the effect of his Friendship or her Mercy without respect to Merit on my part My Heart was seiz'd with tenderness and joy I long had lov'd him and had mourn'd his absence and all his words like Arrows shot from Love dart to my Soul and kindle dying flames Night made him bold and Passion spurr'd him on and in this rapture rising from the ground he clasp'd me in his Arms sigh'd deep and kiss'd me with an eager action and almost banish'd Virtue from my Breast After we had seated our selves in an Arbour we discours'd of Love of the pains that Passion brings and day arriv'd e're we had thought it nigh In the morning he waited upon the Count and was by his Sister the Fair Manderina receiv'd with that Modesty which Young Women generally profess especially before those whom they see design'd their Husbands Xensa was soon acquainted with the arrival as he judg'd him of his Young Enemy and waited impatiently for Bonzeda's visit who no sooner came than he inform'd him of his fears and to prevent future danger resolv'd to see me speedily married The hated Lover was o'rejoy'd at the proposal and the third day following was prefix'd for that on which this Gordian Knot was to be ty'd My Mother acquainted me with the unwelcome news and I fail'd not to beg that assistance she had often promised and with Tears in my Eyes let her know how much I hated Bonzeda and what thoughts I had for the Young Mangroa She sighing told me That things were now come to the last extremity that I had been married some weeks ago if her Friendship had been wanting or diligence asleep That the Young Duke's Arrival gave the Count and my Father so many fears that Arguments were become useless and my Marriage alone was able to secure them But that one Remedy or at least a Reprieve offer'd it self which was to be purchas'd thus I should immediately feign my self indispos'd confine my self to my Chamber for some days and if the Duke still continued resolute at last to my Bed But withal that I should not attribute my Distemper to that Storm which threatned me and if 't was ask'd 〈…〉 him know that nothing impeded his 〈…〉 happiness my Sickness excepted that my 〈…〉 gave consent and my 〈…〉 time â—â—ey I comply'd so readily with this relishing Counsel that when the Duke enter'd my Chamber I immediately fainted He call'd for help and the Dutchess who knew my Distemper came running drown'd in feign'd Tears to my Assistance telling him I had been under this indisposition for some days that she wonder'd at the cause and fear'd some dangerous consequence Xensa was surpris'd with what he heard and the Count who was with him had only this Satisfaction that he saw me incapable of holding any Correspondence with his Rival However they both departed without acquainting me with what they had design'd the preceeding day Artaxus was perfectly vers'd in the Plot and told me Martius would wait upon me at Night that I must not deny him that happiness that none could be conscious to the interview and every thing conduc'd to promote the design I lov'd and a few Arguments serv'd to perswade the Youth possess'd my Heart and all my thoughts center'd in forming lovely Ideas of the bewitching Conquerour He had free access to Bonzeda's Garden and by a small Ladder of Ropes made for the purpose he easily got into ours His Servant as soon as he had ascended the Wall was order'd to Withdraw the Pliant Stairs and retire to his Master's Room least his continued stay had occasion'd a discovery for Bonzeda had many Windows opposite to that place My Brother waited at the Window to which a second Ladder was fastned and receiv'd him The Duke lay in the next Room and you may believe we forgot not to tread softly The happy Youth caught me in his Arms gaz'd and sigh'd as if this had been our first meeting since
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
which the Company of her we love and a moderate fortune never fails to bestow My Uncle now saw 't was too late to raise Objections and unwillingly consented to the Match on these Conditions that I should show no signs of aversion for his Person for he had the goodness to pretend to a Love of my welfare and that upon the first Day of the second Year after his Marriage he should add fifty thousand to the number of Malcors already given Thus Aratus secur'd himself for by the continued Poverty of my Husband he weakened the power of Revenge For Madam the form of Government in Marintha differs from that of Fabria and there Men often do themselves Justice without having recourse to Law while the Prince whose Authority is limited by the People or a chosen number invested with the power of the whole winks at these Outrages and sees the strong o'rethrow the injur'd weak without offering to disturb the course of either In the mean time I was kept wholly ignorant of these Transactions and was strangely surpris'd when after a consinement of two long Years where I was seen by none but my old Governess the Gay the Joyful blest Valentio enter'd I thought he too had forgot me and those sparkles of Love he had kindl'd in my Breast e're my Imprisonment were now almost extinguish'd or at least burnt so faintly I scarce perceiv'd the flame The amorous Youth fell upon his Knees darted his Eyes on mine sigh'd and with a voice that would have charm'd a departing Soul back to Life said does the Divine Delia remember her slave Valentio Can she believe I love her That my long absence was an effect of necessity not the will of my Heart And that now she has liberty if she can but Love My surprise at the unexpected accident made me uneasie I felt a new Pleasure and had a perfect remembrance of my past troubles knew not what to answer and wish'd he 'd consult my Eyes for the resolves of my yet wavering Soul In this confusion of the mind he graspt my Hand forc'd it to his Mouth and kist it with the Feaver of a violent Lover conjur'd me to remember how I had been us'd to consult my reason before I spoke and to make use of that opportunity which kind Heaven lent me lest my Uncle's humour alter'd to the worse made him for ever Miserable and gave me no hopes of better Fortune than I now enjoy'd As he spoke Aratus enter'd and with a sowre Countenance told me he had always shown himself a kind Parent and he came now to give me in his consent to my Marriage with Valentio a sensible mark of that affection he ever had for me This pleasant turn of sporting Fate elevated my Heart joy sparkl'd in my Face and tho' my reason could not find the Cause of this quick change yet I was eas'd because I had no ground to doubt the validity of that Proof which fell within the Cognizance of my senses Then looking on him I lov'd I blushing answer'd his Choice was to me a Guide and I should not be wanting in my endeavours to esteem the Man he design'd my Husband The surly old Man seem'd pleas'd with what I said and calling my Gouvernantée aside they both withdrew When he was gone the wonderful Valentio fail'd not to thank me for my compliance and spoke all that a Man who lov'd to excess could utter to the Mistress of his Soul and I forgot not to weigh his Merit You may wonder dear Madam at the easie conquest and that not having mention'd this God-like Youth during my Confinement I should now so suddenly resign my Heart and doat upon his Charms But to remove that consider my Years at parting that from my infancy I had more tenderness and esteem for him than for the rest of Mankind and that he being then very young his person and the beauties of his Soul were better'd in the space of two Years of this last I modestly inform'd him and he who never spoke otherwise than he believ'd swore mine surpris'd him that I was ever the wonder of my Sex and that Nature had spent the time of my long imprisonment in perfecting that noble Work she had begun with so much Art In a few days we were marry'd and my Uncle who could dissemble handsomely seem'd well satisfied with all that past while I who was wholly ignorant of what my Valentio had done for me promis'd to my self an age of Joys and eternity of Peace and Happiness to come My young Husband's Love encreas'd with the number of his Days and time that wastes all things serv'd to augment the force of his flame for me he seem'd to live and if at any time my nature was disorder'd it wrought that effect upon his Soul which Minds united for each other know His humour spoke his heart susceptible of Love and capable of any tender impressions subject to anger to revenge a stranger and form'd by bounteous Nature for a Lover In the day time he was ever nigh me sigh'd and swore he ne're could Love too well that I deserv'd the esteem of all Mankind and had Eyes of force to melt a savage Heart teach those inclin'd to War practis'd in deeds of horrour and conversant in blood to long and languish after softer Pleasures In the Night he seem'd uneasie for nothing but the privation of Light and when the Sun appear'd he 'd gaze upon my Charms and bless the day that brought us first together Then surrounding my panting Body with his trembling Arms he 'd smile upon me and swear by all the Powers above and by my self that no time or accident should e're deface my lovely form which the young god had rooted in his Heart if withering Age came on and Nature fail'd or laid waste the field of Beauty he 'd call to mind the present happy minute fetch it back from the boundless heap of Years long fled and place it before his Eyes renew his weaken'd Love and doat upon his charming Delia with all the longings of a hot young Lover who can ne're be blest enough my Eyes should kindle dying flames we should embrace like Youth and burn with equal Fires Thus have we lain and blest our mutual Fortunes heard the cold North Winds battering against the Windows and shivering Oxen lowing in the Plains the Birds chirping on the Battlements and bleeting Lambs proclaiming double wants the Trees crackling against each other and tender Blossoms wafted throw the Air. Then have we shrinkt lockt our selves together breath'd quick and low and laught at distant Storms forgot the chilling Airs that rag'd abroad and play'd and wanton'd on the yielding Downs But ah this charming Scene how soon it fled How quick time flew to finish so much Bliss He show'd his hoary Head and mov'd like Age to make us think he would have longer staid but while we lookt about and dreamt no loss he mounted streight and left us in
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
waited impatiently till he approach'd for those who Love much hope ease from ev'ry thing and at last knew him to be Dion and Odmar's Servant After I had askt concerning his Master's health and told him that I 'd awake some of the Servants to let him in I stole gently down Stairs my self and changing my Voice to a sharper Key desir'd to know if he had business with my Master meaning my Father Riga for 't was he and knew me not answer'd no. He begg'd pardon for that disturbance he gave the Family and said he had lost yesterday some Papers of consequence and was sure he had dropt them in our House and to his best knowledge the last time he had them was in Daria's Chamber when he waited upon his Master This encreas'd my hopes and I firmly believ'd 't was a Plot of Odmar's and willing to be speedily resolv'd I ask'd him by way of a whisper if he had not a Letter for my young Mistress No said he in a seeming Passion from whom should it come Why reply'd I she writ to Odmar yesterday and from him expected an Answer Did she cry'd he I know nothing of the matter I came out early in search of my Paper and am oblig'd by seven of the Clock to attend Dion because this Day he goes a Hunting with some of his Neighbours But pray added he in another tone Sweet heart if 't is possible let me into Daria's Chamber for there I 'm perswaded I shall find my Papers I was vex'd and knew not what to make of this Adventure If my Father had seen me I had been undone The fellow told me he had no Letter for me yet wanted to be in my Room and spoke the story of his Papers with so much gravity and earnestness that I could hardly doubt the truth of what he said Unwilling nevertheless to betray my own weakness I still personated the Maid and faintly told him that he might come softly up Stairs and stay at the Door till I had receiv'd her Orders He follow'd and when I enter'd my Chamber I was even sick with grief I wonder'd much that Odmar had not written to me and thought if he eagerly had long'd to see me he had slipt no opportunity of telling me so and of returning those thanks my too obliging Letter well deserv'd However I was yet unwilling to condemn him and to divert that pain the thoughts of his unkindness brought me I run immediately to the Door where I had almost forgot the poor Servant and Night being wholly fled he could perceive by my morning Gown who it was then admitted him and after a low Bow presented me with a Letter from Odmar I 've lost no Papers Madam said he but you see I 've presum'd to bring one and from a Man who would renounce a year of that term of life allotted him by Destiny to see you as securely now as I do Riga's good conduct and obliging Complement so prevail'd upon my fluttering gladed Heart that I could not for my life delay that Reward he deserv'd till I opened the Letter The faithful Servant thankt me for my bounty desir'd me speedily to read what he had brought me and assur'd me I should ever find him constant to his young Master's interest tho' I had not ty'd him to it by my Liberality The words Madam If I remember well were these My Generous Daria I am Blest beyond my hopes or what the most ambitious e're could wish Oh! every minute shows a painful hour till that markt out for my happiness arrive I 'll see thee by Heaven tho' all the Elements at once oppos'd me let the gods be passive and nothing shall stop my way I 'll for ever remember Nine for that hour my Daria chose to bless her Odmar shall for the future be set apart for Love and Wine Oppress me with heavy Cares all Day I 'll shake off the burden when that lucky minute comes remember the Happiness it now brings me and even while the Clock strikes I 'll doat upon the very sound Odmar I consider'd this Letter as the effect of his Love and the very product of his real Thoughts and knew by his stile and freedom he had remembred 't was in safe Hands and would be with secresie enough convey'd to mine However lest the Servant's stay should have render'd his Errand liable to suspicion I durst not write and only bid him tell his Master I was pleas'd with what he had sent me but could give no immediate return unless he hazarded a disapointment at Night as undoubtedly 't would come to pass if I should be suspected in the morning of holding any correspondence with my kind Odmar The Servant withdrew and I could see him mount his Horse er'e any in the Family were awake You may wonder Madam when you consider my reserv'd way of living and coldness of Temper how I was then so kind and perhaps you may quarrel my fondness too and that expression my kind Odmar But if your Grace consider my Years and that my inclinations were Virtuous methinks 't will not appear strange or faulty for in honest exalted Love there can be no Crime and what e're we say of obliging and tender is certainly pardonable if we do it as we ought which in the first place is to consider if we are truly belov'd the merit and conduct of our Lovers and most of all to do it privately and with caution for even Crimes themselves when we confess the truth if done in secret give not half that trouble to the mind which publick Trifles bring I read the Letter a thousand times and in that imployment consum'd the tedious Day When the hour approach'd I felt those little pains to which I had been a stranger or at least had not before that time thought of I fear'd that if the Youth came too soon my Father or some of the Servants might see him in the Fields and if I should go to the Lodge before the hour prefix'd I should be mist and search'd for These thoughts made me very uneasie However the danger I fear'd from the last Accident was the least and I ventur'd down into the Garden I had no sooner opened the Door than I found my hasty Lover muffled in his Cloak The kind Youth caught me in his Arms. Oh my Daria cry'd he I 'm lost in extasie Pardon me if I cannot express my thoughts to Heav'n and you I owe so much that I must still confess my self a Bankrupt O thou dear darling of my Soul forgive me if I have no more this goodness to repay but life and constant Love He was so welcome to my Breast Madam that I could say no more than Oh my Odmar What I wanted in words I supply'd in looks and I dare say the happy young Man was pleas'd with all he saw When we went into the Lodge I lockt the Door behind me you see Odmar said I how much I Love and the good opinion