should have so much craft to hide such vile defects and should prove so blind in her choice as to prefer a young Page that belonged to me who stole her away the day before the time appointed by us to have escaped together But are you very certain of it replies Sophia Fortune over rules all our Actions and often takes pleasure in disappointing our Projects and giving a success contrary to what we design'd Your Mistriss may have been compellâ—d to leave you and is perhaps less guilty then unfortunate would to God answered Don Carlos I had any place left to doubt of her frailty all my losses and trouble flowing from that Spring would have given me some comfort nor shoulâ— I yet think my self past all hopes of happiness haâ— I any reason to believe she kept her Faith yet buâ— that is all bestowed on treacherous Claudia whilâ— she only feigned a love to me and yielded up he heart to him It is evident by what you now sayâ— that you had never any great love for her saiâ— Sophia since you condemn her without a hearing and proclaim her as wicked as light and inconstant And can any creature be more so therâ— that imprudent Maid hath been since to take awaâ— all suspicion that her Page had been guilty of heâ— flight she left that night she fled away from her Fathers house a Letter which was too full of malice and hath made me too miserable to be ever blotted out of my Memory I shall repeat it to you and by that leave you to judge how much dissimulation that young Maid was capable of The Letter YOu should not have forbidden me to love Don Carlos after you had ordained me to do it so great a merit as his could not but inspire me with an Affection proportionate and when the heart of a young Person is prepossest therewith it leaves no room for any other interest And therefore I make my escape hence with him whom you encouraged me to love even from my youth without whose enjoyment it were as impossible for me to live as it would be not to die if confined to the embraces of a stranger whom I should never affect were he Master of much greater riches then he is Our offence if it can be justly esteemed any deserves your pardon which if you will vouchsafe we shall return with greater speed to obtain it then we now fly from the unjust Violence you would do us SOPHIA You may imagine pursued Dâ—n Carlos the extream grief it cast Sophia's Parent into upon the reading this Letter They flattered themselves with the hopes that I might be yet concealed in some part of the City with their Daughter or that at least we were not far frome thence They hid the knowledge of their loss from every one but the Vice-Roy who was of their kindred and it was scarcely day-light when the Officers of Justice came into my Chamber and found me asleep I was surpized at such a Visit as much as there was cause for it and when after they had asked me where Sophia was I had made the same Question my Answer my Adversaries were incensed and hurried me to Prison with extream severity I was examined and could plead nothing in my own Vindication against Sophia's Letter That evinced the design I had to carry her away but it was more apparent that my Page vanished at the same time with her Sophia's Parents made strict search after her and my friends likewise were no less diligent in making discovery whither the Page had conveyed her That was the only means to justifie my innocency but we could never get any intelligence of these Fugitive Lovers which made my enemies accuse me of being guilty of both their Deaths In fine Justice seconded by Power carried it against oppressed innocency I was informed that I should soon be sentenced and that it would be to die I could not hope that Heaven would shew any Miracles in my favour and therefore was resolved to adventure my own escape by an act of despair I clubbed with some Bandits my fellow Prisoners all resolute Knaves so we forced the Prison Gate and through the assistance of our friends we recovered the Mountains nearest adjoyning to Valentia before the Vice-Roy could have any notice of it we kept our selves a long time Masters of the field Sophia's Infidelity her Parents eager Persecution the unjustice I thought the Vice-Roy had done me and lastly the loss of my Estate cast me into so great a despair that I exposed my life in all the ingagements where my Comrades and my self found any resistance by which I acquired so high a repute amongst them that they would needs make me their Leader This I undertook with so great success that our Troop became dreadful to the Kingdoms of Arragon and Valentia we having the insolence to put those Countries to pay us contribution I here make a dangerous and confident discovery to you added Don Carlos but the honour you do me and my own inclination do so far make me resign my self up to you that I aâ— willing to make you Master of my life by revealing such mad Pranks as I then practised In the Conclusion pursued he I became weary of being so wicked I stole away from my Confederates who expected otherwise and took my journey towards Barcelona where I was entertained a common Trooper amongst those Recruits who were embarquing for Africk and came newly to this Camp I have no cause to be fond of my life for having made such ill use of it hitherto I think I cannot employ the remainder of it better then by hazarding of it against the enemies of our Faith and for your service while the infinite goodness you express towards me is the only comfort my soul hath tasted since the time the most ingrateful Virgin in the world hath made me the most miserable of mankind The unknown Sophia took the unjustly accused Sophia's part and omitted nothing that might perswade her Lover not to misinterpret his Mistresses actions before he had a clearer information She told the unhappy Cavalier she took his Misfortunes much to heart that she would willingly sweeten and allay them and to give him a more effectual evidence hereof then single words she intreated him to depend upon her and when she sound a favourable opportunity she would make use of all her credit and her friends power to implore the Emperour to free him from the violent Persecution of Spohia's Parents and the Vice-Roys anger Don Carlos could not be perswaded by any Argument the feigned Don Fernand shaped to justifie Sophia but he at length accepted of the proffer of her Table and Quarter The very same day this faithful Lover spake to the Camp-Master concerning Don Carlos and obtained that as a Kinsman of herâ— he might be under her command his I should say Thus our unfortunate Lover is in that Ladies service whom he believed to be dead or faithlesâ— He finds
least smil◠at this Gallantry but as I told you before h◠was rather an envious then a risible anima◠Rancour then asked him what he though or 〈◊〉 their she Players the Little Fellow answered not but blushed as red as Scarlet Rancour repeated the same question at last stuttering blushing afresh and turning his head aside he told Rancour That he was infinitely taken with one of them And which of the two is it said Rancour The discovery he had already made and this sudden question puzled him so strangely that he replyed I cannot tell nor I neither said Rancour This perplexed him more and made him cry it is it is he repeated the same words four or five several times over which made the Comedian so impatient that he added in troth I believe you she 's a very handsome Girle this confounded him so absolutely that he could never express the particular party and perhaps there was reason for this hesitation for I believe it was rather lust then love that had ceazed his heart but which of the two he most inclined to seduce he knew not himself In fine Rancour naming Madam Star he confessed she was the object of his desires but for my part I believe if he had named Angelica first or her Mother Cave he would have forgiven the rap the one gave him on his knuckles and the others age and have vowed both soul and body to the thing he had named so much was the Goat given up to his pleasure in Women The Player made him toss up another great glass full of Wine to wash down his confusion and drank the like himself after which he told him whispering in his ear and looking round the room as if it had been some weighty secret though he knew well enough no body was near Well Sir Your wound will not prove mortal since you have met with a Love-Chyrurgion that can bring you a Balsom may cure it provided you give faith and keep it secret and yet it is no easie Enterprize for Madam Star is a very Tygress and her Brother Destiny a meer Lion but however I believe you may prove more then her match if you follow my counsel for I know what I know in the mean while let us take off our drink to morrow is a new day The drinking of a fresh health or two interrupted a while their Discourse but then Ragotin again renewed it by giving a Catalogue of his Perfections and Wealth to Rancour and telling him That he had a Nepueu a servant to one of the Treasurers that this Nepueu had made acquaintance with the Partisan la Ralliere during his being at Manse whither he was sent to settle a Tax or Impost and made him believe he would get him as considerable a Salary as any of the Kings Players by this Nepueu 's interest Nay he told him moreover That if any of his Relations had Sons that were Schollers he could procure them some good Benefice or other by the intercession of a Neece of his who was married to a good Womans Brother that was maintained by an◠Abbots Steward of that Country who had many good places in his disposal Whilst Ragotin was thus displaying his prowess Rancour who grew thirsty with over-much drinking did nothing but fill the two glasses which were as soon tipt over their tongues again Ragotin not daring to refuse any thing at his hands who was likely to do him so much good At last with swallowing so much they began to grow full Rancour was only a little more serious then before but Ragotin grew so doz'd and heavy that he leaned his head on the Table and fell fast asleep Rancour called for one to come and make ready a bed it being too late to return to his own Inn. The Maid told him She thought it would not be a miss to make ready two seeing what a pickle Monsieur Ragotin was in In the mean time he slept on and never did any man snore louder then himself Two Beds were dressed in the same Chamber where there was a third unused but all the noise they made in putting on the sheets and ordering the Chamber could not disturb our Little Man He called the Wench a thousand Whores and Jades and threatned to slay her when she called him to go to his rest In the conclusion Rancour turned his Chair about towards the fire and then he open'd his eyes and suffered the Maid to uncloath him after which they threw him by main strength between his sheets and Rancour being gotten into Bed likewise puts out the candle after he had bolted the Chamber door An hour afterwards Ragotin rises up and goes out of his Bed for what I cannot readily tell He wanders about the room till he had over-turned most of the chairs and stooles and himself likewise groaping in every corner for his Bed which he could not find again for his heart In the end he lights upon Rancours and wakes him with haling off the cloathes Rancour asked What he would have I am hunting to find my bed said Ragotin You must go towards my left hand sayes Rancour the Little Drunkard creeps to the right and went and nestled himself betwixt the Rugg and the Matt of the third Bed which had neither Bolster nor Sheets yet there he takes out his full nap with a great deal of ease and quiet Rancour in the morning put on his Apparel before Ragotins eyes were open He rouz'd the Drunken Dandy-Prat and asked him whether it were to do pennance that he forsook a good Feather-bed to lye in lousie straw Ragotin maintained he did not remove at all and therefore for certain that Chamber was haunted with Spirits He quarrell'd with the Land-Lord who stood up for his own concern and threatned to Sue him for slandering his house But I have been too tedious in relating Ragotins debauch let us return therefore to the place where I left our Players CHAP. XII A Nocturnal Combat I Am a person of too much honour and sincerity not to Advertise my Courteous Reader that if he be offended with the Fooleries he hath hitherto met with in this present Volume he would do very well to proceed no further for on my credit he shall find no other though my book should swell to the bulk of a Grand Cyrus and if by the pattern he hath seen already he cannot give a guess at the remainder of the piece why he is in no worse condition then my self for by my faith one Chapter begets another I do like the careless Traveller lay the raynes in my Pegasus neck and let him take his own course Or perhaps I may have a studied design without stuffing my Romance with polite discriptions both to divert and teach at the same instant just as the sight of a Drunkard whose Vice gives us caution and aversion while his Apishness makes us tickle with laughter to see the strange effects of Wine But to conclude this Morality and
what I beg said he and I do faithfully engage that I will be your constant Votary in Sevil during my whole life What you now proffer me is brave and Courtly replied Dorothea and therefore I admire that a person endued with so much Gallantry hath not before this made choice of some worthy Ladies to express his wit and fancy to Is iâ— that you esteem them not worth the trouble 'T is rather because I doubt of my ability and power to compleat a Conquest said Don Sancho Answer me precisely to what I shall now demand added Dorothea and let me positively know which of all our Ladies you would the soonest submit to and be kept a constant Prisoner in Sevil for I have already declared that you may fix me here for ever if you will but give me liberty to put on the chains I shall willingly receive from your fair hands replied Don Sancho You never yet saw me said Dorothea therefore pray name some person I must acknowledge then Madam said he since you impose it that if the beauteous Dorothea de Montsalvo had as great a stock of wit as I have found in your self I should esteem that man most highly Fortunate whose Services and merits she would but own and smile upon There are many other Ladies in Sevil that equal nay surpass her said Dorothea but added she have you heard that amongst the crowd of her Servants there is one whom she prefers much above the rest Finding my self so much beneath her merits said Don Sancho I never busied my inquiry in the search of what you ask And wherefore should not you deserve her as soon as the more confident said she Ladies are of such pretty and sometimes strange humours added she that oftentimes the first attempt of a new-comer makes a happier progress then the â—ong-continued services of such Gallants as are hourly at their feet You have found our a very civil way to defeat and deny me your self said Don Sancho by chis encouragement to love another and I infer from hence that the services of a new Idolater would never appear so considerable to you as to become prejudicial to any one that had been formerly engaged by you Do not build your faith on that replies Dorothea but believe I am not so easily cajolled as to take all you say for the effect of a new born passion since your eyes never yet beheld my face If there be only that wanting to perfect the Declaration of my love and make it authentick said Don Sancho then do not hide your self any longer from one that is already so much charmed by your wit You would not be so taken with my face replied Dorothea ah I you cannot chuse but be most lovely reparted Don Sancho since you so frankly deny that you are so and I begin to give way to my doubts that you have a design to rid me hence either distasted with my too melancholly dull converse or because every cornet of your heart is prepossest with some more worthy guest It were therefore unjust the goodness you have expressed in giving me so favourable an audience should make me trespass any longer nor will I give you the least occasion to suspect that I had no other design when I made you the faithful profers of my life and freedom but only to divert my self To evince said Dorothea how unwilling I am that all this discourse should be lost in air and nothingness I shall yet be glad not to part from you till I am made acquainted who you are It cannot be a crime then to obey you Know then incomparable unknown Lady suid he that I am called by the name of Sylva which is my Mothers that my Father is the Governor of Quitto in Peru that I am come to Sevil by his order and that I have spent most part of my life â—n Flanders where I have by my service attained â—he highest commands in the Army and a Comâ—andery of St. James This in a few words is what I truly am and what I would be all my â—ife rests only upon you to give me leave to deâ—are to your self in some place less publick then â—his is That shall be as soon as I can possibly â—eplies Dorothea in the mean while not to â—rouble your self to make any fuller discovery who I am unless you will run the hazard of neâ—er knowing me at all be satisfied that I am a â—erson of Quality and that my Face is such as â—ightens none Don Sancho having humbly saâ—ted her quitted the place and encreased the â—umber of a great many Gallants that were disâ—oursing together There are some sullen Laâ—ies such as are ever censuring the Conduct of â—thers and magnifying their own who take â—pon themselves the Arbitration of what is good or evil though one might take odds in a â—ager of their Vertues as a thing not clearly â—erified who fancy that for a little brutish coyâ—oss and pretended Religious squeamishness â—hey may lay claim to a Supererogation in point of honour though the wantonness of their brisk â—outh hath left more scandals then ever their â—rabbed wrinkles will afford good examples These mumping Madams I say most commonly â—hort-sighted in their own faults and so sharpâ—ghted in others will hereupon affirm that Madam Dorothea was indiscreet and rash noâ— only for having so suddenly shewed such a willing forwardness to a person whom she only knew by sight but likewise in suffering him tâ— plead love to her and if any young Lady undeâ— their Jurisdiction had done the like she should within one quarter of an hour have been senâ— into the other world to expiate the crime Buâ— let these Novice Ladies learn from me that every Country hath its particular customs and though in France the Women and Maids who have the liberty of walking any where upon their parole are or should be offended at the least mention of love from so very a stranger in Spain where they are confined like Nuns they rake it not amiss that any one should declare his love for them though he that should profess it had nothing in him that might deserve their love again Nay they do much more for 't is the Women most commonly that make the first overtures and are first taken because they are last seen by their Gallants whom they have the opportunity to see daily in Churches Walks and from their Balcones and Jalousiers or Lattic'd Windows Dorothea made her Sister Feliciana acquainted with the conversation she had enjoy'd with Don Sancho and frankly confessed to her that this stranger had gained more upon her good opinion then all the Cavaliers of Sevil and her Sister approved the design she had upon his liberty The two fair Sisters moralized a long while upon the advantagious priviledges which men have above Women who seldom ever married any but such as their Parents chose for them which many time hapned contrary to their inclination whereas men were at liberty to
hide your head a week together and now play at boe peep behind a grate We shall have a neerer meeting in good time added she it is not want of courage that makes we delay the encounter but a desire to know you thorowly before I appear openly You know in Duels the parties meet with equall Armes and if your heart were not as disingag'd as mine then would you fight with advantage and therefore I resolved to be first well inform'd And what have you discovered by your information Said Don Carlos That we may be a fit match for each other replies the invisible Lady Don Carlos answered betwixt jest and earnest that there was no equality in that management for says he you see me and know who I am and I can neither see nor attain to any knowledg of you What conjecture can I make of the care you take to conceal your self since those whose designes are fair and noble scorn to hide themselves One that stands open without a guard as I do may easily be trappan'd But pray take notice Lady I shall not be apt to fall twice in the same snare If you make use of me onely to create some jealousie in another give me leave to tell you that I am no fit instrument for any sach purpose therefore if I must serve you it shall be only in loving you above the world or any other interest Have you any more trivial doubts left to urge says the Invisible These are not trivial replies he know then said she that I am very real and such you shall be sure to finde me in all my proceedings as I would desire you to be That is but just said Don Carlos But it is no less Just that I should see you and be made happy by your name You shall soon know that replies the Invisible In the mean while let patience rule your hopes for that is the way to deserve what you expect while in the mean time I shall assure you that all this entertainment be not fruitless that I am equal to you in quality and have revenues enough to make you live at as high a rate as any Prince in the Kingdom that I am young rather handsom then ill favour'd and for wit I douâ—t not but your own ingenuity can satisfie you whether I have any or not Having said this she immediately retired leaving the Don with his mouth open ready to reply but so surpriz'd at the brisk declaration she had made of her self and so charmed with the love of one he had never seen that he was so perplexed at the strange manner of her proceedings which for ought he knew might end in some cheat as he continued at least a quarter of an hour in the same place making divers conjectures of this extraordinary adventure He knew very well that there were in Naples divers Princesses and Ladies of Quality but he bethought himself likewise how many greedy Courtesans there were too notable crafty and catching after strangers who were the more dangerous because they are beautiful I cannot exactly tell you whether he had sup'd that night or went to bed empty as some Romance-mongers use to do who regulate all their Hero's actions making them rise early and tell on their begun story till dinner time then dine lightly and after meal proceed in the discourse or else retire to some shady Grove to talk by themselves unless they have somthing to discover to the Rocks and Trees Then at supper time meet at the appointed Pointed place and time where they sigh and sob instead of eating and afterwards build Castles in the air on some Tarrace which looks towards the sea whilst the Squire in the interim reveals the secret that his Master is such a one the son of a certain King and that there is not a braver Prince in the world and though at present he is one of the comlâ—est creatures that ever was born yet he was yet far more handsom nay clean another thing before love had disfigured him But to return to my story Don Carlos came the next day to his Post and found the Invisible already at hers She asked him whether he was not very much perplexed at their last conversation and whether in truth he were not in a kinde of doubt of every thing she told him Don Carlos not making any answer to these questions beseeched her to tell him what danger could accrue by discovering her self since the parties were equal and their Courtship tended to the same end on either side which the whole world could not but approve There is danger enough as you shall Jully know in due time reply'd the Invisible therefore once more let me desire you to believe I am real and have kept my self within bounds in the relation I made you of my self Don Carlos pressed her no farther in that particular their discourse continued a good while and they both took deeper and stronger impressions of love towards each other then they had done before parting with hearty promises of a continuance of their affection and a daily meeting at the place assign'd The day following there was a grand Ball at the Vice-Roys Don Carlos hoped to discover his Lady there and in the mean while endeavoured to make enquiry whose house that was where he had such a favourable audience He was informed that the house was an old Gentlewomans that lived very retired the Widdow of a Spanish Captain who had neither Daughters nor Neece He intreated to speak with her she returned him an answer That since the death of her Husband she admitted no visits which put him into a greater labyrinth then before But he puts on a gallant resolution and at night was at the Vice-Roys Bal where you may imagine there was a brave appearance Don Carlos took exact notice of all the Ladies in the presence to judge which might be his unknown Mistris He made his Address to all those he could conveniently talk with but found it labour lost At last he applyed himself to the Daughter of a Marquess of I know not what Marquesate as they say for it is that of all things in the world I should least swear for especially now every one is a Marquess at lest Entitles himself so She was both young and beautifull and had somewhat the tone of her voice whom he hunted for but at the long run he found so little resemblance in the behaviour and wit of this Lady and his invisible Lover that he repented he had made so great a progress in his Court-ship with this Lady as might without flattery give him some claim to her favour They often danced together and the Bal being ended with very little satisfaction to Don Carlos he parted from his Captive who was not a little proud that she alone had enjoy'd in that Glorious Assembly the conversation of a Person that was the envy of all other men for his gallantry and the highliest Esteemed of all Women
the last to the necessity of loving you a fate you do impose on all that have the boldness to lift their eyes up to your beauty I have loved you therefore fairest Leonora but with a lovâ— so tempered with respect that you in reason ought 〈◊〉 to hate me for it though I have taken the confidence 〈◊〉 discover it But how is it possible to dye for your sakâ— and service and not proclaim it to the world or hoâ— can you deny to pardon him this crime whom you wiâ—â— have so little time to chide 'T is true having so faiâ— a cause as you are for my death it proves a recoâ—â— pence not to be deserved but by a thousand serviceâ— which may perhaps make you regret I die so nobly 〈◊〉 do not envy me this happiness most lovely Leonora since you cannot deprive me of it and since it is 〈◊〉 onely favour I ever received from the hands of Fortuneâ— who never can sufficiently reward your Merrit but in raising you up servants as much above my meaness as all other beauties are below yours I am not therefore so proud or vain to hope the least sentiment of pitty I could proceed no further my strength failed me of a sudden the Pen falling out of my hand my body not being able to obey the Dictates of my restless fancy for otherwise that part had been the least of what I had in my thoughts to thrust into the Letter so much had Love and my Indisposition heated my heart and brain I was a long time in a trance not giving any signs of Life Signor Stephano who â—erceiv'd it opened the Chamber door to â—end for a Priest At the same instant Leonora and her Mother came to visit me They were â—nformed that I was wounded and believing â—y the circumstances it was upon their quarrel â—hough they knew themselves the innocent â—ause of this misfortune yet they made no â—ruple to give me a Visit in the sad condition I â—ay My trance lasted so long that they went â—way again before I recovered being both very â—uch grieved as you may conjecture believing 〈◊〉 would end in death They perused what I â—ad written and the Mother more inquisitive â—â—en her Daughter had also read some papers â—â—at were scattered at my Beds-head amongst â—hich there hapned to be one from my Father â—arigvez I lay a long time struggling betwixt â—â—e and death but at length nature proved strongest and in fifteen dayes after I was out of danger and so in six weeks time began to crawl a new about the Chamber My Land-lord often told me tidings of Leonora and gave me anâ— account of her Mothers Charitable Visit which bred an extream joy in me and though I waâ— somewhat dis satisfied that they had seen my Fathers Letter yet knowing they had read the other likewise it was enough to over-ballance the trouble it put me into I could talk of nothing but Leonora when ever Signoâ— Stephanâ— and my self were in discourse together and one day remembring how her mother had said thaâ— he could inform me what she was and why shâ— resided in Rome I intreated him to impart whaâ— he knew of her He told me she was called Madam De la Boissiere and came to Rome with thâ— Ambassadors wife from France where a Persoâ— of Quality neer related to the Ambassador falling in Love with her and she allowing of it they married secretly and from their lawful but private embraces sprung this Leonora Hâ— further related that the Gentleman havinâ— had some controversie with the Ambassadoâ— Family was thereby oblidged to quit Rome anâ— retire a while to Venice with Madam Boissierâ— till the Embassy was over and then havinâ— brought her back to Rome furnished a house foâ— her and taken such order that she might live 〈◊〉 a handsom condition he returned into Franâ—â— Whither his Father summoned him but duâ—â— not carry her as knowing the match wouâ—â— never be approved by his friends I must confess I could sometimes have wished my Leonora had not been the Legitimate daughter of so great a person that so her birth might have better corresponded with mine yet then I recanted those criminal desires and wished again her Fortune equal to her deserts though these last thoughts tumbled me into a kind of dispair for loving her above my own life I foresaw well enough I never could be happy till I possessed her tho I should make her unhappy in my poor and wilde condition When I was perfectly recovered and no sign of my late misfortune appeared but onely the paleness of my face caused by the over much loss of blood my young Masters returned from the Vinetians service the Plague which raged in the Army not suffering them any longer to remain there and exercise their Valour Verville continued to love me still as he had done before but Saint Far did not then discover he hated me so mortally as I have since experimented I made them a recital of all that had befallen me excepting only my passion towards Leonora They expressed an infinite desire to be acquainted with her which I heightned by exagerating the worth both of the Mother and her Daughter It is no policy to praise her we love before those that may possibly become as much in love with the same person themselves since affection oftentimes steals into the Soul as well thorow the Ear as by the Eye it being an oversight they too often repent of afterwards that commit it which I shall prove by my own sad experience Saint Far every day asked when I would go with him to Madam De la Boissiere and one day importuning me very earnestly I told him I knew not whether she would admit him by reason she lived very retired I perceive you love her daughter said he and then telling me he could find the way alone began to urge me so much that I was surprized and appeared so concerned that he discovered cleerly what before he onely barely conjectured which made him railly me so severely as made Verville pitty the condition I was in He took me away from his uncivil brother and made me walk with him to the Cours where I was extreamly perplexed notwithstanding all the pains Vervil took to divert me Mean time his ill-natured brother was indeavouring his own satisfaction or rather my ruine He goes directly to Madam De la Boissieres where they gave him entrance instead of me being Trappan'd by my Landlords servingman whom he had chosen for his guide as being well acquainted at the house without which invention he would scarce have had admittance Madam De La Boissiere was much surprised to meet a stranger there She told Saint Far that being unacquainted with him she knew not to what she might attribute the honour of his visit Saint Far without more ceremony told her that having a young fellow in his service who had been so happy to receive some wounds in their rescue he was desirous
oâ— several Horsemen galloping towards us Saldagne was soon after disarmed and at thâ— same instant I felt my self wounded in thâ— back by Saint Far. This made me throw aâ— side all the respect I had for him and retuâ—â— him a thrust that made no little wound Thâ— Baron his Father coming in at that instant anâ— seeing me make the thrust did now hate mâ— the more for having loved me so much foâ—â—merly He spurred his Horse up towards mâ— and stroke me on the head Those that camâ— with him followed his example and joyntâ—â— set upon me I defended my self most haâ—pily from them all but must needs at laâ— have fallen a sacrifice to this Multitude 〈◊〉 Verville the most generous friend on Earth had not thrust himself betwixt them and mâ— at his own Peril He gave his own Footman good out over the pate because he found hiâ— more forward then the rest to get his Masteâ— Applause I yielded up my Sword to thâ— Baron but that could not appease him he called me Rascall and ingratefull Villaiâ— and all the injurious Names his Choler fuâ—nished his tongue withall even so far as 〈◊〉 threaten to have me hang'd I smartly râ—plyed that as much Villain as I was I hâ—â— given his Eldest Son his Life when it lâ—â— at my mercy Nor had I offered to huâ—â— him in the least till he had too much proâ—oked me to it and wounded me unhandâ—omely behind whil'st I was busie in parting â—he other Combatants Verville maintained â—hat I was in the right but he said he would â—ever see my face again Saldagne went inâ—o the Barons Coach which they had brought â—or Saint Far and Verville who would by no â—eans leave me took me into another with â—imself He set me down at one of our Great â—ens Houses where he had many friends and â—eturned to his Fathers soon after Monsieur â—aint Sauveur sent a Coach for me that very â—ight and carried me privately to his owne â—ouse where he had as much tender care of me 〈◊〉 if I had been his only Son Verville came to â—e me the day following and told me his Faâ—â—er had been informed of the challenge by â—â—ldagnes Sisters whom he hapned to finde in â—y Chamber He likewise assured me with a â—â—eat deal of Joy that the business was taâ—â—n up by an agreement of a double Marâ—â—age to be consumate as soon as his Bâ—oâ—â—ers wounds were healed who was not hurt 〈◊〉 any mortal part That it lay in my power 〈◊〉 be made friends with Saldagne his Fathers â—â—ger being appeased who was very sorry he â—â—d misused me He added his hopes of 〈◊〉 suddain cure that I might be a sharer 〈◊〉 their Joy But I replyed I could not find 〈◊〉 my heart to stay in a Country where I â—â—s subject to be reproached with the meannesse of my Brith and Fortune but would suddainly leave that Kingdome either to loose my life in some forreign Service oâ— raise my self by my Sword to a condition proportionate to the sentiments of Honouâ— his Noble Example had inspired me with believe my resolution troubled him But on that is so much in love as he was then can not mind any thing long but his over-rulinâ— Passion Destiny was thus going on with hâ— story when they heard the report of a Peeâ— in the street and presently after one playinâ— upon a pair of Organs This kind of Musicâ— never perhaps before used in the street calleâ— all those People in the Inn to their Window that had been waked with the Gun Thâ— Organs plaid on and those that were nâ— strangers to such Instruments perceived it 〈◊〉 be a Church Tune No body could apprâ—hend the drift of so devout a Sevenade whicâ— yet they knew not what to make But thâ— doubt was soon resolved by two pittiful singing-men the one squeeling out a treble parâ— to which the other roared as sad base These two Catter-waulers making horrid a Consort with the Organs as sâ— all the Doggs a howling round about Thâ— Sung Let our Charming Notes and our Ivory Lutis Ravish every soul c. With the rest of that Dity After these harsh notes they over heard a third person reviling them for singing so Cuco-like always one Tune The poor Choristers replyed they knew not what the Devil he would have them sing sing what you will else said he speaking little lowder you must not think to come off thus since I have hired you so dear Upon this the Organs changed their Tone and sung another zealous Anthem with the like skill None of the hearers had yet spoken a word for fear of interrupting their Melody but at last Rancour who could not tye up his tongue though his life lay on it bawl'd out aloud What do they use to sing Divine Service here in the street This shews a Zeal to some Tune I-faith says another 'T is a nightly Procession adds a third They have robed some Chappel of the Organs pursues a fourth and are now singing their thankful Mattins to the Devil their master In fine every one that looked our had some merry saying or other upon this subject none neither knowing or imagining who should be the simple Author of that ridiculous freak Mean time the Musick went along playing When such a Baggage is blinde Fortune nine or ten great Dogs were sent by her to hunt after a proud Bitch who taking shelter betwixt the Musitians Leggs to save her self from a rope and these hot spirited Rival following her close at heels and quarrelling as Rivals are wont to do for their Mistris after some grumbling snarling and grinning of Teeth they fell together by the ears of a sudden with so much fury and animosity that the poor fellows to save their shins ran all away and left their Engine to the mercy of the Dogs whilst those immoderate Lovers were so uncivil in the heat of their scuffle as to throw down the Harmonious Machine with the Frame that supported it and I should be loath to swear that some of them did not lift up a legg and pisse upon the Reverend Orgains when the Fray was ended those creatures being extreamly diuretick naturally but especially when the smell of an Amorous Mistris tells them she is in a condition to proceed to the multiplication of her species The Consort being thus discorded mine Host made them open his door and would needs secure the Organs and Frame from further mischief Whilst he and his servants were doing their charitable office The Organist returns to his Instrument accompanyed with three others amongst whom were a Man with a Woman under his Cloak This Man was the very Ragotin himself who would needs bestow a Serenade upon Madam Star and to that purpose had hyred a little Eunuch who was an Organist belonging to the Church And this was the Monster being neither man woman nor Hermophodite that Sung the treble part and plaid upon the Organs brought thither by a Maid whilest a Chorister that had
I would not forsake her but endeavour to find out her father and reâ—tore her to his possession Not long after a French man rob'd me of all the rest of my money which reduced me to that necessity that was forced to get into your Company who â—ccepted of us for Actors by the recommenâ—ations of Rancour The rest of my advenâ—ures are not unknown to you they having a â—ependancy on yours only at Tours I think I â—aw that Devil Saldagne and if I be not very much mistaken I believe it will not be long â—re I meet him again in these parts Which I less fear for my own sake then Leonoras who would loose a most faithful servant if I should miscarry or be forced to part from her by my rugged â—ate Thus did Destiny finish his story and after he had comforted Madam Star a while whom the relation had a little disordered by renewing the remembrance of those disasters which made her weep as if they had but newly hapned he took his leave civilly of the Ladies and went to his bed CHAP. XIX Several Reflections which are not amisseâ— Ragotins new disgrace and other things whicâ— you may read if you please LOve which makes youth undertake 〈◊〉 thing and old age forget every thing loâ— which occasioned the Wars of Troy and manâ— others beside which I shall not stand to meâ—tion here would needs make it known in tâ—â— City of Manse that he can be as Imperious 〈◊〉 a pitiful Inn as in any place whatsoever 〈◊〉 was not satisfied therefore with depriving tâ—â— Amorous Ragotin of his appetite but inspirâ— La Rappiniere with a thousand irregular desire a person very susceptable of them and maâ—â— Rocquebrune languish for the Operators wife adding to his vanity bravery and Poetry a a fourth ingredient of Folly or rather constraining him to a double infidelity For he had prated Love a long while before both to Star and Angelica who often counselled him not to waste his time and bestow his labour in vain in courting them But all this is nothing to what I shall now relate Love triumphed likewise over the insensibility and Misanthropie of Rancour who became enamoured of the Operatress too and by consequence a Rival to the Poet Rocquebrune as a scourge for his wickednesse and expiation for the cursed writings he had published This Womans name was Donna Inezilla del Prado Native of Malaga and her husband or he that stiled himself â—o Signor Ferdinando Ferdinandi a gentleman of Venice born at Caen in Normandy There was divers others besides the above-named in â—his Inn infected with the same disease as danâ—erously if not more then those I have nominated And they shall be discovered too in due time and place La Rappiniere fell in love with Madam Star when she Acted Ximene and â—ntended then to have laid open his heart to Rancour whom he thought capable of underâ—aking any thing for a summ of Money Rocquebrune imagined he had met with a Spanish â—ady worthy a Soldiers Purchase and Conâ—uest But as for Rancour I cannot imagine â—y what potent charms this stranger-Lady could inflame such a person with Love as hated all the world beside This out-worn Commedian being tormented before his time I mean in love before his death was in his bed when Ragotin tormented likewise with his passion as with the Chollick came to implore he would remember his promise and have pitty on him Rancour assured him ere that day were at an end he would render him some signal service towards his Mistris La Rappiniere entred at the same instant into Rancour chamber who was dressing himself and having taken him aside confessed his infirmity and vowed if he could bring him into favouâ— with Madam Star there was nothing in hiâ— power but he would doe for him even to the making him one of his guard or bestowing hiâ— Neece in marriage on him who was to be solâ— Heiress after his death because he had no children of his own The cheating Rascal promised him yet more then he had done Ragotin which put this master Hangman in good hopeâ— Rocquebrune came likewise to consult the Oracle He was the most incorrigible presumptious feâ—low that ever came froÌ„ the borders of the Gâ—rone and one that thought every man believe all he bragged either of his Family Poetry 〈◊〉 Valour in so much that he slighted all the dâ—â— jests and bobs that Rancour perpetually put uâ— on him presuming that what he said was oâ— of ignorance or to prolong discourse besidâ— which gift he was indued with so much christiâ—â— Phylosophy that he took all their Raillery very patiently nor would be moved at the severest reparties He therefore believed he was admired by all the Players nay even by Rancour himself who had experience enough to admire seldome any thing and was so far from having a good opinion of this poor Squire of the Bay-sprig that he had made a full enquiry of his extraction thereby to discover whether those Bishops and great Lords his Country-men whom he often quoted for his Kindred were the true branches of that Genealogick Tree this fool of Arts and coats of Arms together with many other things had caused to be drawn in a large skin of Parchment He was very sorry to find Rancour had company with him though he had less need to be troubled at that then any one beside it being his ill custome to whiper at all times in peoples ears and often make a great secret of nothing However he took Rancour in a corner and very gravely desired to know whether the Operators Wife was a person of much understanding or not because he had loved Women of all nations but the Spaniards and if she were worth his purchase he should not be much the poorer if he presented her with a hundred Pistols of Gold which he as often mentioned on every occasion as the great Family from whence he was descended Rancour told him he was not yet so intimately acquainted with Donna Inezilla as to give his judgement in that particular though he had often met her Husband in the chieftest Cities of France where he fold his Antidotes but if he desired so much to know what wit she had he need but scrape acquaintance with her self since she began to speak French reasonable well Rocquebruâ—e would needs lend him his Parchment Genealogy that so the Spanish Don might know the splendor of his birth But Rancour said that was a fitter method for a Knight of Maltas Courtship Whereupon Rocquebrune with a smiling countenance added Well Sir you know what I am Yes yes replies Rancour I know well enough both what you are now and what you will ever be to your dying day The Poet went away as he came and Rancour his Rival and confident at the same time drew near to la Rappiniâ—re and Ragotin who were Rivals also though unknown to each other As for old Rancour besides the propensity we have to hate any
the better in the possession of her Don Carlos I have better and more happy counsel for thee if thou beest capable of apprehending me Deprive thy Rival of her Lover the way is facile if you dare believe me and though it requires some more then ordinary resolution yet not above what thou hast shown in taking the habit of a man upon thee which made thee run the hazard of forfeiting thy honour to obtain thy love Hearken therefore to me with attention continued the Moor for I will now reveal a secret to thee which I till now did never commit to any trust but thine and if the design I shall now propound be not both rational and pleasing it depends on you to follow or to slight it I am of Fez a person of Quality in my own Country my misfortune made me a slave to Don Carlos and my inclination subjected me as much to Sophia's beauty Thus have I in a few Syllables discovered many things of moment Thou thinkest thy misery above relief because thy Lover contrives to carry away his Mistress and convey her to Barcellona This makes both for thy happiness and mine if thou wilt take the best advantage of this opportunity I have treated about my ransome and paid it down An Africk Galeot attends for me in the Road not far distant from the place where Don Carlos hath appointed another to lie ready at Anchor to compleat his design He hath defered his Voyage for a day let us prevent him with as much diligence as policy Go and advertise Sophia on thy Masters behalf that she should prepare her self to go away this night when thou shalt come and give warning of it Conduct her to my Vessel I will transport her into Africk and thou shalt remain alone in Valentia to enjoy thy beloved who perhaps would as soon have chosen thee as Sophia had he been made acquainted with thy passion At these last words of Claudia I was so overcome with my just grief that fetching a deep sigh I fell into another swound without leaving any the least sign of life The shreeks of Claudia who happily then began to repent her that she had made me so unfortunate and yet undone her self summoned * Amet and his Brother into the Cabin where I lay They applied all the Remedies they could with which I recovered at length and then heard Claudia reviling the Moor for thâ— treachery he had used towards us Faithless dog said she to him why didst thou counsel me to reduce this beautiful Creature to the deplorable condition thou beholdest her in since thou hasâ— not left me to the possession of what she is robbed of and why hast thou made me perpetrate such a crime against him I so dearly loved which proves as pernicious to my self as him How durst thou avouch thou art of noble Parentage in thy Country since thou ownest a spirit beneath the meanest of slaves Peace simple Girl replied Amet do not asperse me in a crime in which thou art Confederate I have already put you in mind that whosoever could betray a Master like thy self deserved to be trapann'd and that in bringing thee away I secured my own and perhaps Sophia's life who might possibly have died for grief should she have known thou hadst remain'd with Don Carlos The noise made by the Marriners who were entring into the harbour of Salley and the shooting of some Guns aboard to which the Town gave answer interrupted the further reproaches betwixt Amet and Claudia and for a time freed me from the loathed sight of those two persons We went a ashore Claudia and my self had Veils thrown over our faces and we were lodged with the perfidious Amet at a Moors of his kindred The next day we were put into a close Chariot and driven to Fez whereas Amet was welcom'd by his Father with much joy I went in as the most afflicted and the most despairing person in the world As for Claudia she soon provided better for her condition by renouncing her Christianity and espousing Zaida the Brother to the treacherous Amet. This wicked wretch omitted no artifice to perswade me likewise to change my belief and take Amet into my Marriage bed as she had done Zaida and became the greatest Tyrant to me even when they having assaid in vain by kindness promises and civil treatments to allure me to a compliance Amet and his people exercised on me all the Barbarisms they could imagine I was fain to make use of my constancy every day in opposing so great a number of enemies and then found my self indeed more able to undergo my troubles then I could have desired when I began again to believe that Claudia repented her having been so strangely wicked In publick she seemed to persecute me with more animosity then the rest but in private she sometimes rendred me some good services vvhich made me look upon her as one that might possibly have proved Vertuous had she but been Educated accordingly One day vvhen all the rest of the Women vvere gone to the publick Baths as it is the custom amongst you Mahometans she came and found me vvhere I then vvas vvith a face compose to sadness and spake to me in these terms Fairest Sophia vvhatever former reason I have had to hate you that aversion is novv disbanded having lost the hopes of ever enjoying him vvho never loved me enough because he loved you too vvell I must novv condemn my self perpetually for having rendred you unhappy and for abandoning my God for fear of man The least part of vvhich remorse vvere enough to arm me to the undertaking of vvhat is most difficult to my Sex I can live no longer at this distance from Spain and the Christian Continent vvith infidels amongst vvhom I knovv it is impossible to find Salvation either vvhilst I live or after I am dead You may judge of the sincerity of my repentance by this secret vvhich I novv impart to you vvhich makes you Mistress of my life and puts an opportunity into your hands to retribute all those mischiefs I have been forced to act against you I have gained fifty Christian slaves the most part Spaniards to be for me all persons fit and capable to undertake a great design vvith some monies vvhich I have secretly furnished them vvithall they have procured a Bark able to carry us all into Spain if God vvill prosper so good a design It rests in you vvhether you vvill follovv me in this enterprize and save your self if I be saved or perishing vvith me at least free your self from the Captivity of your cruel enemies by putting a Period to so troublesome a life as novv yours needs must be Determine therefore Sophia and vvhile vve cannot be suspected to have any design resolve vvithout vvasting the time on that vvhich most concerns both your liberty and mine I cast my self at Claudia's feet and judging of hers by my ovvn heart could not at all distrust the
her Father had before obtained from that Princes liberality enriched her with a considerable Fortune for her whole life Charles the Fifth made Wars about this time in Africk and had beleaguered the City of Tunis He had dispatched an Ambassadour to Mulei to treat about the ransome of certain Spaniards of Quality that had been Ship-wrack'd on the Coasts of Marocco It was to this Ambassadour that Mulei recommeded Sophia under the Title of Don Fernand a Gentleman of Quality who desired not to be made known by his own name and Dorothea with her Brother passed as her followers the one in quality of her Gentleman the other her Page Sophia and Zoraida could not part without regret and many tears were shed on either side Zoraida presented the fair Christian with a row of Pearls so rich that she would not have taken them if that obliging Moor and her Husband Zulema who had no less respect for Sophia then his Wife had not assured her she could do nothing that would shew more unkindly then the refusing that pawn of their true amity Zoraida engaged Sophia to let her hear from her often by way of Tangier Oran or those other places which the Emperour held in Africk The Christian Ambassadour embarqu'd at Saller taking along with him Sophia whom we must henceforward call Do◠Fernand. He came to the Emperours Army which lay still before Tunis our disguised Spanish Lady was presented to him as an Andaluzian Gentleman who for a long time had been a slave to the Prince of Fez she had no great reason to be so fond of her life as to fear hazarding of it in the War and intending to play the Cavalier she could not with honour have declined to engage often in fight as many other Valiant persons did whereof the Emperours Army was composed She therefore thrust her self amongst the Volunteers lost no opportunity to signalize her self and performed it with so much bravery that the Emperour heard of the Fame of the counterfeit Don Fernand. It was her happiness to be near him when in the heat of a dispute wherein the Christians were worsted he fell into an Ambuscado of Moors was deserted by his party and surrounded by the infidels and in all appearance had been slain his horse being so under him had not our Amazon mounted him on hers and seconding his Valour with acts almost above belief given to the Christians leasure to rally and come to disingage that Valiant Emperour so Heroick a piece of service was not unrecompenced The Emperour bestowed on the unknown Don Fernand a Commandery of St. James of a great Revenue and a Regiment of Horse belonging to a Spanish Lord that died in the last Fight He also provided an Equipage fitting a person of Quality for him and from that day there was not in the whole Army any one either more esteemed or admired then this Valiant Maid All the actions of a man were so natural to her her Visage was so fair and made her appear so young her Courage was so admitable in so tender an age and her Wit so charming that hardly any man of Quality or Command in all that crowd but sought her friendship with eagerness It is not therefore to be wondred at if all pleading for her and above all her Gallant deportment she was suddenly risen to be a Favourite with her Master About that time some fresh Recruits came from Spain in certain ships which brought over Money and Ammunitions for the Army The Emperour would needs see them Parade in Arms being accompanied with his principal Officers with whom was our Heroine Amongst those new come Souldiers she fancied she had spied Don Carlos nor did her eyes give her false intelligence She was somewhat discomposed all the rest of that day caused an inquiry to be made for him in their Quarters but missed of him by reason he had changed his name she slept not all the night rose with the Sun and went her self to seek out that dear lover who had cost her so many tears she found him and was not known by him her stature being changed by her taller growth and her complexion varied from its primitive Whiteness to a more tawny colour by the heat of the African Climate she pretended to take him for another person of her acquaintance and inquired what News he brought from Sevill and from such a one naming the first that came into he thoughts Don Carlos told her she was mistake◠that he had never been at Sevill but was of Valentia you perfectly resemble a man that was extream dear to me said Sophia to him and becaus◠of this resemblance I shall gladly become you◠friend if you have no aversion to be mine◠The same reason which obliges you to proffer m◠this amity had already purchased mine in requital were it of equal worth with yours replies Do◠Carlos you likewise bear the image of a person 〈◊〉 have intirely loved a long time your countenance and speech express you one only your Se◠is different and certainly pursued he with 〈◊〉 deep sigh you are not of her humour Sophi◠could not forbear blushing at Don Carlos last words◠which he took little notice of perhaps by reason his eyes which began to be moistned with tears◠could not perceive the sudden shifting of her countenance she was somewhat moved at it and being unable to hide it any longer entreated Don Carlos to come and give her a Visit in her Tent whither she would return and expect him and so having instructed him where he should find her Quarters and told him she was called in the Army Don Fernand the Mestre del Campo she left him upon this information Don Carlos doubted whether he had shewed the respect due to such an Officer He had already learned in what esteem he was with the Emperour and how great a sharer of his Favour though an unknown person above the rest of the Court It was eafie to find out his Tent and Quarters which were noted of all and was as well received there as any Cavalier could be by any principal Officer He discovered Sophia's countenance in Don Fernands face again was more surprized then at first and that increased when he heard a Voice that struck him to the heart with every Syllable renewing the sorrowful remembrance of his dear absent Mistris whom he had loved above all the world Sophia still unknown to her Lover made him eat with her and afterwards having caused those which attended to withdraw and giving strict order that none should be admitted she made him again repeat what he had told her That he was of Valentia and then made him tell her what she already knew of their Adventures untill the day that she was forced into the Pirates Vessel Can you believe added Don Carlos that a Lady of Quality who had received so many testimonies of my love and had given me so many proofs of hers should have no Faith nor Honour
himself in a little time so much in favour that it perplexed him to guess whence sprang thâ— sudden love He is immediately made Treasureâ— Secretary Gentleman and Confident His feâ—low Servants respect him little less then Don Fernand himself and no doubt he might be happy finding so much affection in a Master that appear so amiable and one whom he is by a secret instinâ—â— constrained to love above the common rate 〈◊〉 inconstant Sophia did not so often come into hâ—â—â— thoughts and bring so great a melancholly there that neither the caresses of so dear a Master nor hâ—â— repaired Happiness and Fortune could in the least dispel whatever endearments Sophia used toward him yet was she pleased to see him afflict himselâ— so much not doubting but she her self was thâ— cause of it She spake so often to him of Sophia and Vindicated her often times with so mucâ— heat and tartness when he inveighed against he want of Faith and Honour that in the end he began to believe that this Don Fernand who ever renewed the same discourse had without doubt beeâ— formerly enamoured with Sophia and perhapâ— cherished part of that kindness still The War in Africk was brought to that period Recorded in the History of those times The Emperour afterwards carried on the like in Germany in Italy and divers other Countries Our Virago under thâ— feigned name of Don Fernand encreased her Reputation of a Valiant and experienced Captain by several acts of Courage and Conduct though this â—ist quality is seldom found in a person of so green â—ears as this daring Maidens Sex and Features â—ade her appear to be The Emperour was obâ—â—ged to go into Flanders and to that purpose deâ—â—red the King of France to grant him passage â—â—rough his Dominions The grand Monarch â—ho then raigned would needs in generosity and â—â—â—eness surpass a mortal enemy who ever had â—â—rpassed him in good Fortune of which he had â—ot always made the best use Charles the Fifth â—â—as received in Paris as if he had been really â—ing of France The fair don Fernand was one of â—â—e small retinue of persons of Qualiy that atendâ—d him and if his Master had made a longer abode 〈◊〉 that most Gallant Court that beautiful Spaniâ—d taken for a man had inspired a great many â—rench Ladies with her love and caused no little â—alousie in the mind of our most accomplish'd â—ourtiers In the mean while the Vice-Roy of Valentia â—â—ied in Spain don Fernand had confidence enough 〈◊〉 his merits and the affection his Master had so â—â—ong expressed as to adventure to Petition him â—or that important command and obtained it â—ithout opposition or envy He acquainted Don â—arlos as hastily as possible with the good success of â—â—e Petition made him hope that as soon as ever 〈◊〉 had taken possession of the Government of â—alemia he would compose the difference between â—im and the Parents of Sophia obtain his pardon â—f the Emperour for having been head of the Bandits and also endeavour to repossess him of 〈◊〉 Estate never leaving to do him all the oâ—fices lay in his power when ever any opportuniâ—â— did profer the means Don Carlos might havâ— tasted some consolation in these noble promises the too great unhappiness of his love had not ouâ— weighed all latter comforts The Emperour aâ—rived in Spain and went directly to Madrid anâ— Don Fernand to Valentia to be possessed of that Gâ—vernment The next day after his arrival at Vâ—lentia Sophia's Parents presented a Petition againâ— Don Carlos who had the Offices both of Steward 〈◊〉 the Vice-Roy and his Secretary The Vice-Roâ— promised to do them justice and to protect Dâ—â— Carlos his innocency a new Indictment waâ— drawn against him witnesses were heard a sâ—cond time and in Conclusion Sophia's Parents anâ— mated with the regret of the loss of their Daughter and a desire of a just revenge as they supposed pressed the business so vigorously that 〈◊〉 five or six dayes time it was ready for judgmenâ— They desired that the person accused might bâ— sent to Prison He gave his parole that he shoulâ— not stir out of the Court and appointed a day tâ—â— give judgment The Even of that fatal day whicâ— held all the inhabitants of Valentia in suspence Dâ—â— Carlos begg'd audience of the Vice-Roy in prâ—â—vate who granted it him He cast himself at 〈◊〉 feet and spake thus to him To morrow is the timâ— my Lord that you are to make known my innocency 〈◊〉 all the world Though the witnesses which have beeâ— sworn in my behalf do fully acquit me of the crime aâ—â— ledged against me yet am I come to make Oath beforâ— your Highness as if I were before a Deity that not only I had no hand in the conveying away Sophia but that 〈◊〉 did not so much as see her the day before she went nor had any intelligence from her then nor ever since It is â—ery true that I should have carried her away but a Misfortune hitherto kept from my knowledge ravished â—er hence to my Ruine and her own Enough enough don Carlos sayes the Vice-Roy to him go and sleep in quiet I am thy Master and thy friend and better informed of thy innocency then thou dost imagine and though I had some cause to doubt yet am I obliged not to be too exact in the search since thou art both in my Family and of my Family and hadst not adventured hither with me but on my promise of Security and Protection Don Carlos returned thanks to so obliging a Master with all the Eloquence he was indued withall He went to his repose but his impatience to be acquitted robb'd him of sleep he rose at the first approach of day and appeared before his Master in a braver Garb then was usual having dressed him with greatest curiosity attending his Lords rising But I mistake he came not to him till he was ready for from the time Sophia disguised her Sex none but Dorothea the Confident of her disguise and Travesty'd like her was admitted to the Chamber till she was habited nor rendred her such necessary Sevices which performed by any other might have discovered what she nicely concealed Don Carlos therefore entred the Vice-Roys Chamber as soon as Dorothea had open'd it for all comers and the Vice-Roy no sooner spied him but he reproached his early rising being a persoâ— accused who would have himself to be though innocent and told him that such a person as diâ— not sleep soundly must needs find his conscienâ—â— burthened with some guilt Don Carlos replied little startled that it was not the fear of being convicted had disturbed him so much as the hope that he should suddenly be disingaged from thâ— pursuit of his mortal enemies by that Justice hâ—â— Highness would shew in the decision of the Process But you are very fine and gallant sayes thâ— Vice-Roy to him and I find you very calm anâ— composed at a time when Sentence of life or deatâ—