Languishments Love takes his place But O La Rock La Rock says he my dearest charming Clitie still is true she loves unfortunate as I am still and since she cannot come a pure and spotless Virgin to my Arms resolves to wash her guilt off with her Blood. Alas she was betray'd as well as I. Then stops again and having paus'd a while Lie still my Heart says he and hush thy Injuries a while asleep and use the utmost means you can to save the life of one more pretious than my Soul of one the Gods themselves wou'd mourn to part with and grieve a Loss can never be repaid She must not shall not die for me or if she does flying again into a raving Fit I 'le sacrifice the lives of all those wicked Monsters nay the Blood of all their cursed Race to appease her Injur'd Ghost In the mean time the Prince's Lacquey had given him a full Account of every thing Mariana being by who as soon as she heard the Name of La Rock knew the other must certainly be Darbelle under the false Name of Conrade The Lacquey was dismiss'd and the Prince and Mariana staid together above two hours consulting what to do knowing that without they cou'd find some speedy way to prevent it nothing cou'd hinder a Discovery of their Practice They thought on many Projects but fix'd on none but what they first design'd to wit Darbelle's Death That will not be enough says the cruel Mariana for whilst La Rock survives we are not safe they must both die as they have liv'd together The Prince was soon brought to consent to it and without more ado left Mariana and went to her Brother who as was said before was conceal'd in a private House that the Prince had order'd When he came to him says he Adraste have you well consider'd what I told you last And are your Resolutions firm to the Design As firm answers Adraste as my Love and Faith to you and were I sure the Deed wou'd brand me o're with Curses nay throw Anathama's on all my Race and in the end procure the Wheel I wou'd not boggle at it The Prince embrac'd him and commended his Friendship and Resolution and withal told him since none in the World but them two and his Sister knew of the deceit none but themselves shou'd be employ'd in making good what with so much Success they had begun Therefore presently disguishing themselves in Russians Habits and arming with sure and good Weapons the Night now coming on apace they went out of the House into the Street where Lysidor's Man had told him he had dog'd the Gentleman They had not waited long ere by a light that was brought to the door they perceiv'd two Men in Cloaks come forth The Prince made no doubt but they were the very same he look'd for but for more certainty he went up to one of them and softly touching him on the Shoulder Darbelle says he a word with you in private It hapned to be La Rock who he had taken for his Master however the faithful La Rock thought it not safe to inform him of his Mistake but throwing his Cloak aside says Who is that The Prince replies One from the Princess Clitie At which La Rock stepping a little nearer him to hear what he wou'd say The Princess says Lysidor commends her to you and has sent you this running at La Rock with his Sword which by good chance miss'd his Body and was so intangled in his Cloak that he had time to draw his own in his Defence ere the Prince cou'd disingage it Adraste follow'd the Prince's Example and set upon Darbelle who as soon as he had heard himself named had put himself into a posture to defend him The Combat was not long for the second Pass La Rock made he run the Prince quite through the Heart who immediately fell pronouncing these words I am justly rewarded for all my Treachery and so ended his Life But Darbelle after he had given Adraste several Wounds seeing a light appear at the other end of the Street together with La Rock without inquiring who or what they were had set upon them fled to avoid being apprehended they had both the good fortune not to be wounded and lodg'd themselves in another quarter of the City in a place as private as the former The Light we spoke of was a Magistrate of the City with several of his Officers were going to search a suspected House in that Bye-street for Goods that had been stoln who so soon as they came to the place where before they heard as they thought some clashing of Swords they found the Prince who at present they knew not dead and a little from him the false Adraste all wounded and bloody on the ground who they perceiv'd still had life in him he caused both the Bodies to be taken up and conveyed to a House hard by where they laid Adraste into Bed and sent for Chyrurgeons to dress his Wounds and if possible to recover him again that they might learn of him the meaning of that Adventure and who he was that was kill'd for the Disguise the Prince had on hindred them from knowing him The next Morning the Prince not having been at his Lodging all Night not being known ever before to stay out Enquiry was made to know what was become of him and about four a Clock in the Afternoon the Report of his Death was spread over the whole City but they kept it at present from the Princess who was bewailing the Misfortunes of Darbelle to Mariana who was come at that time to visit her Alas Mariana says she to her What can we think of this Affair Who has betray'd us What more than savage Beast cou'd do so barbarous an Act What you tell me says Mariana is to me all Mystery and it wou'd require some Oracle to solve the AEnigma however Madam you can ne're be blam'd and all that you have done was what the most wise and vertuous Lady living might justifie therefore afflict your self no more about it but leave it to the Heavens and Darbelle who you say is alive and return'd a thing but that you say it I cou'd scarce believe to find out the Treachery Come dry those Eyes and think of this no more your Duty now does bind you wholly to your Lord in whom you 'l find those Joys and Comforts will allay your Sorrows You are young and in your Beauty's Prime and shou'd not wear so black a Cloud of Woes you 'l give him cause it may be to suspect your Love and think some other Object has usurp'd your Heart I wou'd not for a thousand Worlds that he shou'd see you thus O Mariana replies Clitie can you ere think I lov'd and lov'd so well and entertain one mite of Joy while I have ruin'd the most constant tender and most deserving man alive alive said I alas wou'd he had dy'd when false Report
your Injustice and Infidelity tell me therefore I beseech you why you have deceiv'd Darbelle and with what Reasons you can pretend ever to excuse your self of the Contempt you have of him Is it not sufficient that he has dy'd of Love and Despair hearing of your Marriage without giving the utmost Marks of your Hatred in blasting the very Memory as you do of one who died so innocent Clitie hearkning to what La Rock said to her with great impatience cou'd no longer endure his Reproaches but assum'd the Discourse and said to him I know not who you are but these two days past I have suffer'd all that you have entertain'd me with of the greatest Secrets of my Life and now I have met you according to your desire I wou'd willingly run yet a farther hazard and tell you something that yet you know not provided that on the other side you inform me likewise of all those things which give me so much Inquietude and have rais'd in me this Curiosity Tell me then says she what was the true Cause of Darbelle's Death for you have been at too great Charges and Pains in travelling so far to tell me things so contrary to Truth What Devil was assisting at his Death that yet inspir'd him to deceive even to the Grave And you that talk to me and asperse me with Falshood and Ingratitude how dare you say he lov'd none but me all the while he was in Tuscany when he who protested to me by his Letters of an Eternal Love at the same time paid all his Adorations to a Lady in Florence whom he married without giving me the least notice of any thing that might resolve me why he made so sudden a Change Darbelle married answers La Rock Ah Madam I swear I swear to you by all that 's good and sacred it is not so 〈◊〉 and if you wou'd give me leave to acquaint you what Pleasures and what Troubles he has had during his Exile I wou'd tell you he never had any Satisfaction or Content but when he receiv'd your Letters and that he gave himself up to all the Torments of Despair when he wanted them all the words that can express the most intollerable Pain cannot make you sensible of those that he endur'd when he saw that you forgot him he complain'd Night and Day of the severity of his Fortune But Madam it was in so moving a manner that I who was Witness to it as well as Confident of his Amours swear to you I had not the power to hinder my self from being sensible of his Afflictions and share with him in all his Troubles What! replies the Princess is not Darbelle married in Florence Is he not Favourite to the Grand Duke And in a word was he not establish'd in that Place with hopes to spend the remainder of his days there No Madam says La Rock to her nothing of all that you have said is true and he never had any other Imployment in a long solatary House whither he had retir'd himself about three Miles from Florence but to think on you and to sigh and grieve for your Absence Night and Day which perhaps ere long you will believe In speaking these words he rose and desir'd the Princess to give him leave to speak to his Page who he had sent about business and waited there to return him an Answer No sooner had he left his place but the Princes fell into a great Confusion by what she had understood from him that she cou'd not recover her self She enter'd into a deep musing so that she seem'd immoveable she lean'd against one of the sides of the Theatre ruminating of a thousand things one after another and knew not what she shou'd believe Mariana's Brother had seen Darbelle married and La Rock swears he never was but that he had always lov'd her most tenderly she consider'd that Mariana's Brother's Assertions were the Foundations why she her self had married which was the Occasion of Darbelle Death after she had been the Cause of 〈◊〉 Misfortunes Calling to mind all 〈◊〉 afflicting Adventures she cou'd not refrain strain pouring down Floods of Tears and giving her self up to an excess of Sorrow which had took possession of her Heart La Rock who had order from his Master to leave his place to him after he had satisfy'd the Princess of his Innocence and made his Fidelity appear return'd to give him an Account of what he had done and in what Condition he had let her telling him she was now more perswadded of his Death than ever insomuch that this poor Lover dying with Impatience to discourse with her with his Heart lay'd open cou'd stay no longer but went and supply'd La Rock's place In this obscure place the Princess having pull'd down her Hoods to hide her Tears so that Darbelle had no great Difficulty to keep himself unknown to her for some time She was plung'd into so deep a study that Darbelle was forc'd to draw her out of it by speaking thus to her Ah Madam what may be the cause of all these Tears you shed They wou'd accuse a Heart less barbarous than yours of Love But after having made Darbelle die for Love and Despair I can never believe that you cou'd ever be troubled for such a one as he The Princess at these words startled as one new waken'd out of a dreadful Dream remaining still leaning on the Pillaster that was by her supposing him still the same person that had spoke to her before answer'd him You but ill know my Heart which you so accuse of Infidelity and I shou'd be still happy did not my Love in spite of me yet seek for the dead even to the Grave Alas continued she Darbelle of whom you speak to me is past seeing and notwithstanding all the Care and Pains you have taken to justifie him I know too well he is false and ungrateful yet nevertheless his cruel Idea still haunts me every where Believe not adds she that I wou'd confess my weakness it I ever thought he could see me again for alas he is dead and cou'd I give the least credit to what you have told me of him or that he dy'd for love of me I know not the thing in the World that cou'd afford me the least Consolation Darbelle who heard her speak found so much Sincerity and Truth in her words that instead of answering her as La Rock had always done at the same moment felt such an Extremity of Grief that it almost kill'd him nor cou'd he refrain from bursting out in Tears The Princess who found something more than ordinary in his silence lifted her Hoods a little up and having perceiv'd Darbelle to weep who still she took for La Rock Certainly says she Darbelle is very happy in having such a faithful Friend as you who so much interest your self in things that perhaps have hardly ever concern'd him What wou'd you ungrateful as you are replies Darbelle kill him
LICENCED Octob. 1. 1617. Rich. Pocock CLITIE A NOVEL Written by Rich. Blackbourn Gent. LONDON Printed for Ric. Bentley and S. Magnes in Russel street in Covent-Garden 1688. To the HONOURABLE Sir Edward Sebright Bar. SIR THE Author 's untimely death preventing his Desire of addressing this Piece to your Patronage I thought my self obliged the Copy being left in my hands at once to make good his Intentions and gratifie my own Inclination It being therefore a Posthumous Work though the first Fruits of his Fancy your favourable Protection will be the more generous His Ingenuity might have made some proportionable Offer at your Character and indeed where so many Accomplishments of Mind and Person are happily united the most modest Account that could be given would have made no small Panegyrick without any Assistance of Artifice or Rhetorical Colours I dare not undertake to draw you to the Life nor can pretend to touch those many shining Graces wherewith Art and Nature have made you admirable Besides Sir your own Modesty that inseparable Companion of ingenious Tempers might think that too much which all that know you will find too little and short of the fair Original The Charms of Behaviour Civility and Courtesie especially when they are the Result of a good Nature in a Person of Quality are no small Inducements to attract the Love and Esteem of Mankind But if besides the Accomplishments of a Gentleman the strongest Dispositions to Vertue and Knowledge with an early and eminent Progress therein be enough to create an Expectation in the World your best Friends and nearest Relations have only this to wish on your behalf that your ripe Manhood may make good the Promises of your Youth and render you as undoubtedly they will an Ornament to the Nation But Sir my present Design being not to present you with an Encomium but only to beg your Favour to an Orphan-Piece of Ingenuity if it have the good Fortune to divert your leisure Hours as it was the Author's Ambition it will be no small Satisfaction to Sir Your devoted Humble Servant N. TATE CLITIE A NOVEL PART I. CLITIE is of an Extraction illustrious enough to make her esteem'd one of the greatest Ladies of the Kingdom but her Merits and her Beauty yet render her a thousand times more worthy the Respects and Adorations of all that ever knew her If Heaven has given her a Desert above others and a Beauty more adorable than ever was it has not given her a heart less tender or less passionate her Soul has naturally all the softness that Love is capable to inspire and none was ever made a fitter Object for the Seat of that soft Deity than her self She was but thirteen years of age when the whole Court looked on her with admiration and all the greatest Persons of the Realm made her Pleasure their care and study Her Father had many great Employments near the Person of the King who loved her extreamly nor did a day pass wherein many did not importune him to gain a consent to marry her but amongst the multitudes of those whom her Charms and Beauty had rendred her Captives Darbelle and Amasis seem'd to be the greatest Trophies of her conquering Heart Darbelle was a man of great quality and altho' he was very young and of a Beauty not common to men he was not less couragious and extreamly breve his Father had spent much money in the Wars and lived up to the height of those Employments that were given him which left him not that Wealth that the deserved however he had a noble Command and no small Estate Amasis was not inferiour to Darbelle in Birth but was so rich and magnificent that if Darbelle had some advantage on him by his Beauty and Behaviour he had the advantage of Darbelle by his Retinue and Equipage which were the most agreeable and most gallant of all the Court it cannot be deny'd but he had a natural Vanity and never man was more puff'd up with an opinion of his own advantages â—han himself Celse who was Clitie's Father had greater inclination for Amasis than all the other Suitors of his Daughter and earnestly desir'd a Marriage between them But Clitie young as she was had a Wit and Judgment so discerning that she â—ou'd not avoid having far more indifference for him than for Darbelle But Amasis who was of a violent Temper and whose Transports often carried him even to Brutallity after having rendred all the endeavours he was capable of â—o overcome the Rigours of Clitie saw there was no hope for him and that he had no longer any pretensions of marryâ—ng her her Father having declar'd he wou'd never force his Daughter's Inclinations but leave her the free choice of an Husband wholly in her own disposal believ'd he cou'd not better disintangle himself from the Chains of this inhumane but by applying himself to some other Lady of the Court. He had hardly thought of this design when the Eyes of the fair Julia help'd him to compleating of it he found her pliable enough to listen to him and so much the rather because this Lady who had no small esteem of her own Charms and Beauty had a mortal Jealousie against Clitie who young as she was had already robb'd her of a thousand Adorers Julia no sooner beheld the passionate Flame she had kindled in the Heart of Amasis but she was overjoy'd it being a matter of Importance and of Glory to gain so eminent a Victory over Clitie which was no small Argument of the good Entertainment he received from her Amasis on the other side who had no intentions but to beguile his time with Julia and dissipate some of those Troubles the Cruelty of Clitie had given him became really in love with her and as it is usual with Lovers to side with their Mistresses in their Opinions he failed not in a little time to share with her the ill will she had for Clitie In the beginning the matter was dress'd in a thousand little Raileries which Amasis and Julia made on her which at first she laugh'd at but at length the Insolence of Amasis 〈◊〉 to please his new Mistress came to be published in all places that he had received Favours of Clitie and that it was one of her fault that she did not marry him Clitie cou'd not hear these things 〈◊〉 of her without resenting it with a mortal Affliction She had not long the power to dissemble the Subject of her Grief for Amasis with an unpatallell'd boldness adds daily more and more to his Detractions and before so many Witnesses that every thing came to Clitie's knowledge Yet nevertheless ere she would resolve on any Revenge she wou'd have better grounds 〈◊〉 what she heard than publick Rumour Darhelle who was seldom absent from her had no small share in her Troubles and she had also for him a great esteem and some tenderness He daily intreated her to discover to him the cause
I have so little Honour as to abandon my Friends because they are miserable especially since I my self am the cause of it I must confess I am not yet thoroughly inform'd how yours have hapned to you tho I cannot but believe I have contributed much to 'em against my Will and my Heart innocent tho it be is already so touch'd with a sense of the Guilt that you may easily imagine that I am impatient to know it and have no small desire to assist you and render you such Services as may if possible make you reparation for all those Evils I have brought upon you In finishing these words she obligingly press'd his Hand and after Darbelle had return'd her Thanks with an Air and Words the most amorous that ever were he told her the Conference he had with Amasis his insolent Behaviour and the Combat which put an end to all he made her sensible he was not yet cur'd of his Wounds he told her both the name of the place and his Friend to whom he had retir'd and gave her an exact account of all that hapned since his parting from her but in the Relation which he made of all his unfortunate Adventures he inserted such tender Marks of a true Love and deliver'd all his words with I know not what of languishing so feelingly that it wou'd have moved the Hearts even of the most insensible But Clitie who was naturally of the most tender Disposition in the World being then in the prime of Innocence suck'd in the insinuating Poyson of his words for some space after he had finish'd his Relation she beheld Darbelle with dying Eyes and in those languishing looks discovered but too much the Sentiment of her Heart but no sooner did she perceive the small Command she had of her self but a certain blushing covered all her Face and dyed it of a Crimson Colour which render'd her so charming that Darbelle was ready to expire at her Feet Ah! most adorable Clitie cries he out how shall I relate to you what I feel when in the extremity of my Misfortunes you raise me to the highest step of happiness O how much am I beholden to my Enemies and to those Accidents which seem to cross my life who banish me from Court and from the Conversation of Mankind that I may have no Disturbance in the Thoughts of you and who have been the means of procuring me all those Transports of Love wherewith I am inspir'd Once more most charming Clitie give me leave to consecrate my life to you and to present you with a Heart which tho no ways worthy of you yet the most tender and most passionate of all Hearts Clitie was about to answer when Mariana running to her interrupted her and told her that her Father was just come from the Louver and ask'd to speak with her the Grief and Trouble that this News put her in was yet more obliging to Darbelle than all that she had said to him she gave him an absolute Command that he shou'd think of nothing but his Safety and his Departure from the Court. But because in this first Interview they had resolved of nothing of what might happen he intreated leave to wait on her the next day about the same time to which she consented So they parted Darbelle went to the outward Gate accompanied by Mariana without being known or suspected by any altho not a Servant in the House but wou'd have known at another time Clitie went to her Father who she found sad and out of humour and being desirous to be inform'd ask'd him the reason why he seem'd so Melancholy My Child says he I am just now return'd from receiving the King's Orders which much trouble me It is strongly reported that Darbelle is yet in some place hereabouts and that not taking notice of the Decree against him he has not fled from the Court. The King thinks it a point of Injustice to let him escape unpunished and looks upon the Combat as a Crime of State and to be short if he can be taken is possitively resolv'd he shall suffer Death he has commanded me to secure his Person a hundred Men of the Guards will be with me within an hour and we have order to force open the House of Lycidas in which it is supposed he is conceal'd Judge then my Child continues he if I have any cause of Joy since I must be the Instrument of bringing so vertuous a Man as Darbelle is to his end one who is so dear tome and one for whom I have a greater respect than all the Court besides however his Majesties Orders must be obey'd and 't is not in my power to avoid it Clitie who was not a little surpriz'd at this Discourse wanted not Prudence enough to conceal it but making an Effort upon her self told her Father that indeed he had reason enough for his grief yet nevertheless he ought to obey his Majesties Commands but withal she told him she cou'd no ways comprehend that a Person so criminal as Darbelle was shou'd not ere this have made his Escape out of the Kingdom Their Conversation lasted a little while after which they parted and Clitie that she might have the greater liberty to be alone feigned that she had the Head-ach Lycidas she knew was the Man at whose House Darbelle had conceal'd himself ever since the Combat insomuch that this pressing Accident which so much threatned him and the Danger and Difficulty which appear'd to Clitie in saving him did so extreamly surprize her and made so deep an Impression of his Affairs in her Heart that without any farther Consultation she writ him this Billet FLy unhappy Man fly from your Retreat the King and your Enemies have knowledge of it and in a very short time you will be apprehended the few moments on which your life depends are too too pretious to me to lose in saying any more Use all diligence then to save your selfe if you wou'd ever have me think you love me Darbelle received this Billet from Mariana's hands whom her Lady had sent with it he was much surpriz'd at it But the Interest which Clitie took in the safety of his Person was an incitement too powerful for him to slip the least moment and by good fortune he had not yet shifted himself out of his Woman's Cloaths not dreaming the least of what might fall out he was till now ruminating on nothing but the various turns his Fortune had shewn him Let us fly dear Mariana says he let us fly since Clitie has so commanded and the larger Interest she has in my Heart the more will I make it my Endeavour to preserve it for her In finishing these words they both went out together but hardly had they gone a 〈◊〉 from the House but they saw Clitie's Father at the head of a hundred 〈◊〉 men who had already seized and Guarded all the Avenues Both Mariana and Darbelle knew him a 〈◊〉 ways off which
that it was almost impossible to see her and not to love Thus she spent five or six Months and none e're knew the Secrets of her Heart or the Resolution she had taken to espouse none but Darbelle she was daily importun'd and it is no easie matter to conceive the Trouble she was put to in defending her self from the Solicitations of that number that ador'd her There was not any tho' never so perfect in whom she found not some defect which she still us'd for excuses to her Father she had no sooner clear'd her self of all these Lovers but Fortune resolving still to persecute her rais'd up one whose Courtship and Love gave her much trouble It was the Prince Lysidor he was indeed but a Stranger yet ally'd to the Court of France and preferr'd to noblest and chiefest Employments of the Kingdom he was handsome to a Miracle and by all look'd upon and the most gallant and accomplish'd Person of the Court He lov'd her to that excess that all fear'd it would have cost him no less than his Life his Passion was made publick to all and none that ever saw him but had matter of Discourse either concerning his Love or his Mistress the violence of his Passion and his assiduous Addresses to her freed her from all other Pretenders nor did he miss a day in which he saw her not He made his Court to her and had gain'd her Father's Consent but by no means cou'd obtain the Daughter's and all the Power of the Court and Kingdom strove in vain to bring it about she withstood all and it may be truly said that never any was more constant and faithfull than this fair One was to what she had promis'd Darbelle She was recompenc'd with the most endearing tender Letters that ever Love indited which almost every day she received from him nor did she omit to answer them letting him know the very least thing that passed And if the Absence of these two Lovers gave them unexpressible Sorrows yet the daily Commerce by Letters did not a little ease their Sufferings That which most tormented Clitie was the extraordinary Passion that her Beauty had inspir'd the Heart of Prince Lysidor withal which raged so in him and became so violent that some fear'd it might raise in him Thoughts of stealing her away He was so extraordinary handsome young liberal gallant and magnificent in all things that it may be said nothing cou'd have rais'd him any Obstacle in the Heart of Clitie but that Darbelle had got possession of the place and without doubt had she been disinterested none had sooner been preferr'd amongst her whole croud of Adorers than this Prince but there needed no greater Bar to his happiness than Darbelle's Love. He cou'd gain nothing on her Heart more than an Esteem for him which made her much concern'd at his Sufferings she told him often and conjur'd him to think on her no more and to give her Father no further Trouble about their Marriage that it was utterly impossible for her to alter her Destiny and that her Father was to her instead of the best Husband in the World. These Repulses highly afflicted the Prince but they wrought not their design'd Effect and were no hindrance to him to love her more tenderly and he hoped in time her cruel Resolution might be chang'd His Merit and the Gold which he was even profusely lavish of in every thing that might advance his Love had gain'd the Heart and Friendship of Mariana he oblig'd her by many Presents and left no means unassay'd to gain her Favour for he was not ignorant she was the only person in the World to whom her Mistress intrusted her Secrets and made her Confident he knew they were never asunder whether walking abroad to take the Air visiting or at home they were often discoursing together and Clitie and Mariana seem'd never to be weary of each others Company The particular kindness that Clitie had for her was the reason which oblig'd the Prince to make her of his Friends he imagin'd he should search into the Heart of her Mistress by gaining that of Mariana he spared neither Cost nor Presents to engage her to his Interests Mariana was insensibly won to it she hearkned to his daily amorous Complaints and promis'd to do him all the Service she was able and if possible to render him one day happy with Clitie Having gain'd Mariana he doubted not the success of his Amours and assumed new hopes of one day overcoming Clitie's Cruelty he acosted her with more Courage and better Assurance than ever Mariana knew that Clitie had infinite Wit and that none in the World had a more apprehensive and piercing Judgment than she took all possible care to conceal the Correspondence she held with the Prince and gave him Instructions to that purpose she would often before Clitie seem to be displeas'd at him that she might not be suspected of his Party In the mean time Clitie who conceal'd nothing from Mariana discover'd to her the Sentiments she had concerning the Prince and often told her That his Misfortunes made her pity him and that she was much troubl'd he should still preserve a Love for one who cou'd never make him any return nor have any more than an Esteem for him so long as Darbelle prov'd constant Mariana was not wanting to extol the Worth of the Prince and put her in mind of all he had done for her she recounted to her all his Languishings and all the Sighs her Absence gave him when he came to visit her and found her not at home and the Torrent of Tears that flow'd from his Eyes when he was forc'd to complain of her Cruelty One day as Clitie seem'd more than ordinary concern'd for the Affliction of Lysidor Mariana made an Effort to batter her Constancy saying seriously Madam 〈◊〉 believe you have much a-do to preserve your Heart intirely for Darbelle and to defend it against the daily Assaults of the love of the Prince Oh! if you had 〈◊〉 heard the Complaints he made two days since thinking none had been near him in a close Arbour in your Garden and had you seen as I did the Transports that his Passion hurried him to I am confident you could not but have pitied him For my part goes she on who have less reason to love him than you especially since I have promised Darbelle never to forsake his Interest and daily to put you in mind of him I swear to you that being witness to the Despair of this poor Prince tho' he saw me not I had not the power to avoid shedding Tears as fast as he for certainly said she to Clitie it is impossible for him to live in the Tortures he indures for you and that a Heart so strongly attack'd with so many Afflictions as his is cannot any longer resist his Fate She spoke these things to the Advantage of the Prince with such Artifice and Cunning that Clitie whose
Heart was not made of Adamant was capable enough of the tender Impression of Love and cou'd no longer defend it self from pitying this unfortunate whom she had made so miserable I am even in despair answers Clitie since this is arrived to this pitch of Folly that he must either marry me or die for if I have seem'd more cruel to him than to many whom I esteem'd less it was only to endeavour to free him of the unhappy Passion he has for me I am not altogether insensible and I acknowledge I feel a certain Compassion for him when I behold such tender and true Marks of his Love as he daily gives me But you know Mariana says she that nothing can dispossess Darbelle of my Heart my Duty and Inclination plead wholly for him and it is impossible for me ever to alter for which reasons I am resolv'd to forbid the Prince ever to see me again Ah Madam answers Mariana do not drive him to this cruel Extremity all the World knows that he has endeavour'd unsuccessfully all means possible to cease loving you but since 't is not to be effected envy him not the Consolation of dying in your sight As Clitie and Mariana were thus discoursing the Prince who had before been informed of the Conversation that should be made enter'd he appear'd 〈◊〉 dejected and sad that in short Clitie was surpriz'd and Mariana seem'd to be so much concern'd at it that she could 〈◊〉 forbear pronouncing some words that made known her Astonishment The Prince who seeing none present with Clitie but Mariana told her with Tears in his Eyes Alas thou cruel 〈◊〉 One make an end at once both of my Grief and Life that I may no longer importune you and since it is my misfortune to persecute you thus to no purpose let me die to make an expiation for all the Torment I have given you Alas pursues he your Eyes most Divine Clitie are a thousand times more beautiful than the Morning but I cannot render them either delightful or soft to me what then shou'd I do with life It is much better for me to expire at your Feet than daily to be the Object of your Anger He utter'd these words with a languishing sadness which became him so well they wou'd have mov'd compassion in the most obdurate Heart when a Death-like paleness cover'd all his Face his Strength began to fail him and he cou'd no longer keep himself from falling on the Couch whereon Clitie sate just like a man expiring Mariana presently skreek'd out O good Gods he is gone he is dead dear Madam says she say some obliging thing to him to recover him if possible Clitie who is certainly the most excellent of her Sex stood not now to consult either the Love she bore Darbelle or the Cruelty she had design'd to shew the Prince she regarded nothing at present but the lamentable Condition in which he was and believing that unfeignedly he wou'd die if she gave him not some Relief Prince says she if it yet lies in your Power have more regard to a life so valuable as yours and give not up your self as you do to an unparallel'd despair for be assur'd I have not the least unkindness for you and if I have not answer'd your Love in all Respects it is because the Heavens have other ways decreed it I am so far from seeking your Death that I wish nothing more than that you may live which by all the power you say I have over you charge you to obey After these words which gave a little Comfort to him he began to lift himself up The Prince being come to himself again wou'd have return'd her 〈◊〉 for what she had said to him but Clitie reflecting on what her Compassion 〈◊〉 made her utter fearing it would but augment his Passion went out of the Room angry with her self leaving the Prince with Mariana who pretended to stay while with him to prevent any extravagant thing his Despair might cause him do which might be more troublesome Clitie tho her Design was only to discourse with him and to make a favourable Construction of her last obliging words to the Prince's Advantage Mariana no sooner came into Clitie's presence but she feign'd new Stories of the Ravings Sighings Lamentations and Tears of the poor afflicted Prince and the great pains and difficulty she had to recover him after Clitie had parted from 〈◊〉 nor did she leave any thing unsaid 〈◊〉 might touch her Heart in favour of 〈◊〉 Prince But Clitie's Constancy and Fidelity wou'd admit in her a love for none but 〈◊〉 Darbelle his Merit the many Obligations that she had had from him and those reciprocal Promises and mutual Vows they had made eternally to love each other still possess'd her Memory and no less 〈◊〉 Heart besides she daily receiv'd from him such pastionate and tender Letters and full of Wit and Judgment that they 〈◊〉 wou'd have been potent enough to 〈◊〉 defended him against all his Rivals At length by little and little the Prince's Presents his Solicitations and the promises he daily made Mariana that she 〈◊〉 share with him in all his good Fortune quite corrupted her and gained her wholly to his side she now forgets all he had promised Darbelle and all the 〈◊〉 she ow'd to Clitie and not considering the fatal Consequence this horrid Perfidy might cause discover'd to the Prince all their Secrets and assur'd the Prince that Clitie lov'd Darbelle even to death and 〈◊〉 that was the occasion of the Quarrel between him and Amasis and that he had 〈◊〉 left her but by her Command and after she had given him a thousand Assurances to love him to her Grave and to marry him as soon as their Affairs were in Condition to admit it that no Day scarcely passed wherein Clitie had 〈◊〉 Letter from him and that she as often sent him Answers and to be short the Darbelle was the only hinderance of 〈◊〉 happiness and that she had cause to 〈◊〉 confidently assur'd that nothing but the Pre-ingagement cou'd hinder her from 〈◊〉 him and that his Person and Addresses had nothing in 'em but what 〈◊〉 advantageous and agreeable did not 〈◊〉 consideration of the Love she had to Darbelle interpose This Relation of Mariana's 〈◊〉 surpriz'd the Prince and sensibly afflicted him he was so amaz'd at it that it 〈◊〉 some time ere he came to himself and declar'd he had rather the Rigours and Cruelty of Clitie had sprung from a hatred 〈◊〉 his own Person than from the love she had for Darbelle he forgot not to return Mariana a thousand Thanks for the Favours and good Offices she had done 〈◊〉 in discovering to him such important Secrets from which he hop'd to reap great Advantage They swore a mutual Amity nor did they part before he had 〈◊〉 rewarded her for what she had done 〈◊〉 him he pull'd off his Finger a Diamond Ring of great Value which he presented to her and having
Feet without taking his part even against her self nor cou'd all that was daily said to her of him make her believe he was yet inconstant The suspence in which she was seem'd to aggravate her Miseries cou'd she have really thought Darbelle no longer lov'd her Grief wou'd put an end to her life or were she certain of his Falshood the Assistance and Helps she received from every body by their Cares and Consolations might in time ease her Sufferings but in the plight in which she was now ever felt such Grief and Afflictions as the unfortunate Clitie In the mean time the Prince and Mariana made Advantages of all that happen'd and ceas'd not day and night to confirm her in a belief of the only thing in the whole World that had the least truth in it and was the most injurious for her The End of the first Part. CLITIE A NOVEL PART II. THE Prince had so well by underhand Practice spread through all the Court that Darbelle was married to a person of great Quality in Florence whom he intirely lov'd ever since his arrival in that Country that at last there was no more room left for Doubt and every one talk'd of it as a thing most certain Clitie cou'd no longer take the part of one whom she deem'd so unworthy her Affections began to hate him now more than before she had lov'd him It is certain she did it not without suffering inconceivable Perplexities she cou'd no longer abide at Court the constraint she lay under to appear as she us'd viz. making and receiving Visits and being obliged every day to the Company of such who made Pleasure their business who are inseparable from a Court had reduced her to a very low Condition she became so alter'd that it was difficult to know her for which reason she resolv'd to pass away some time at her House in the Countrey where she might have more liberty she doubted not but there she shou'd soon blot Darbelle out of her Memory or at least have more freedom to make her Complaints of his Falshood and to take more pleasure in the Hatred she had conceiv'd against him Mariana fail'd not to follow her and the more to aggravate her Resentments for Darbelle she never nam'd him without cursing his person and forgot nothing that might make him appear more criminal urging still the Obligations he had to Clitie and the Punishment he merited What wou'd she be continually saying to her Mistress cou'd not this false man for a little time resist the Charms of one Woman when you for him have contemn'd so many gallant men at Court and scorn'd so many Lords Is it possible continues she that his in-human Heart cou'd be so false so soon as he once was out of your sight to forget your Beauty Merit and all that you have done for him What Punishment can he think he deserves not And wherefore shou'd you for the Fault he has committed and for her whom he has marry'd never return to Court again and use your utmost power to revenge your self Sometimes she counsell'd her to employ all her Friends utterly to destroy him and to declare a thousand injurious things against him that he might go no where where he might not hear of it and know that you have no longer an Esteem for him These cruel Discourses of Mariana seem'd to indulge Clitie in her present Condition and she cou'd not but hearken to the Railings and Revilings against a man who she imagin'd had so cruelly abus'd her The Prince who wanted no information of all that pass'd in Clitie's Heart seem'd far more concern'd and troubl'd for her than ever and more to bewail her absence than any other he sent to enquire after her health every day and fain wou'd have gone himself to see her But Clitie who was now possess'd with a mortal Hatred against Mankind in general wou'd not suffer any Visit and whatever he endeavoured to that effect was all in vain she sent word she wou'd see no body and that nothing cou'd be more offensive or injurious to her than to press her any farther This Resolution wou'd not have been very pleasing to Lysidor had he not known the cause of it and he thought it no difficult matter since by Mariana's Care and Management she was brought about to hate Darbelle to make her in time change the Resolution she had taken to seclude her self from the World and to perswade her to come again to Court. It is certain that considering the great and violent Passion he had for her he cou'd hardly endure being so long absent from seeing her But Mariana to deserve the Rewards he had made her hope forgot nothing that might ease him she promis'd to order things so that he himself by her means shou'd be a Witness of the obliging things which Clitie continually pronounced against Darbelle The matter was not hard to compass for Clitie had but few Attendance with her in the Countrey so that Mariana with ease found out a way to get him in unseen and hide him in her Chamber where Clitie commonly pass'd most part of the day in reproaching and vowing an eternal Aversion against the Infidelity of Darbelle and that she never wou'd forgive him A while after it so fell out that Clitie's Father fell sick of a dangerous Feaver which oblig'd his Daughter to quit her Solitude to come and attend him This Conjuncture so far was favourable enough to her for during the time of her Father's Sickness none wondred to see her afflicted and sad but all things have their change and at length her Father recover'd his Health again and Clitie maugre the Condition in which she was was forc'd to open her Eyes and look upon her old Acquintance and was oblig'd to live at Court after the same manner she formerly had done but always with an Aire altogether melancholy notwithstanding all the endeavours that were us'd to divert her cou'd not perswade her to be loss sad The time that she had been in the Countrey seem'd to have given her new Charms and to have made her more amiable every one thought it a happiness but to talk with her and divert her and the Prince more in love now than ever was not a little pleas'd to see his Affairs go so well forward He doubled his Cares and Addresses to her and appear'd yet more magnificent than before he spar'd for no Charges he made Treats and Feasts that surpass'd all that ever were made which pleaded so advantagiously in his Favour to his Mistress that he had no cause to repent it Mariana on the other side apply'd the matter home talking to Clitie of nothing but of him nor was there one Servant in the house who did not almost adore him so great a Master was he in attracting the Love and Respect of all People whom Gold and Presents had any Power over every thing made to his Advantage in Clitie's Heart she now saw him much more
for my sake that I shou'd not confess that I believe you one of the most worthy men alive but says she my Heart is so sad and so fill'd with Inquietudes when I propose to my self to love any that I cannot without much difficulty make any Resolution permit me I intreat you only eight days more that I may reduce it to an intire consent to make you happy In finishing these words she dissolv'd in Tears and whatever the Prince cou'd say or do to hinder her was to no Effect He departed thence the most satisfied and contended man in the World seeing so happy a procedure of his Enterprize while the poor unfortunate Darbelle wore way his tedious Hours with a Sorrow not to be parallel'd The sweet and undisturb'd Content in which he had liv'd five or six Months wherein he almost every day heard News from his lovely Clitie or had Letters from her cost him dear for all those cruel Passions that are wont to attaque the Hearts of the most desperate in love had took possession of his his Fears and Jealousies were grown so strong they hurry'd him even to despair how often wou'd he think his Clitie dead When as oft as he wou'd he read over her Letters and found such marks of Love and Goodness in them that he cou'd impute her silence to no other Cause But these Thoughts reduc'd him to so lamentable a Condition that it is not to be describ'd All the Cares of La Rock who only of all his Servants knew the true Reason was to no purpose he now resolv'd to run all hazards and return again to France whatever danger might befall him The Consideration only of Clitie and the Hopes he still had daily to hear from her deterr'd him for some time but his Fears did not always predominate in his Heart but sometimes gave way to his Jealousie he wou'd imagine within himself that it cou'd be possible any thing cou'd have happen'd to Clitie that cou'd have hinder'd her writing to him and that Mariana in whom he put such Confidence was now silent by her Mistress's Commands tormented with these Thoughts he cou'd impute it to nothing but her Inconstancy Oh unhappy that I am wou'd he often say in the depth of his Solitude Clitie for certain no longer loves me and I cou'd never lose her Heart but 〈◊〉 the Happiness of some more fortune Adorer who for ought I know she loves a thousand times more while ◠am now speaking of it than ever she did me and nothing but this change cou'd have hinder'd her from writing to me and the great Obligations by which Mariana is bound to her has prevail'd with her to hide from me the Secret and not to let me know the least thing of it lest it shou'd give me an occasion to interrupt their Pleasures To one who was so passionate a Lover these terrible Suspicions made him utter a thousand disobliging things against her but pausing a while and having well consider'd his Misfortunes he fram'd to himself what might seem most likely to be true he believ'd her Father against her consent had forc'd her to marry some other and that the Tenders she had for him and her Love being weakned by absence and length of time were not furnish'd with Fortitude to withstand the Commands of her Father who was now weary with the continual Disobedience of his Daugbter These Inquietudes wrought such Torments in his Soul that it cast him into a violent fit of Sickness in the same time that he had made a Resolution to return again to France to be certify'd of his Fate The Agitations of his mind caused so raging a Feaver in him that he was reduced to the lowest ebb of life But after he had pretty well recovered and the greatest danger past he was so weak and low for more than two Months that he was not able to quit his Bed so that he was constrain'd to do what he could to be expos'd to the most cruel Violences that Love was capable to inflict He had found out a Retreat the most sutable to his Condition of all the Seats in Tuscany it was near the City of Florence on the Banks of the Arne in the bottom of a Valley where all things that an amorous Heart cou'd desire were met together He bought an House from a certain Florentine which was handsome enough after his manner it was ancient and seem'd to have been some old deserted Castle built all of Marble the River Arne washing its Walls as it pass'd gliding by its Issues were of long Walks planted on each side with green Lemmon and Orange Trees at the ends of which was a Grove in whose Shades and Silence this unfortunate and disconsolate Lover found incomparable Charms In this sad Solitude had he made Arbours in which he us'd to read his Clitie's Letters and to return their Answers where indeed he spent most of his time This course of living was much more agreeable to him being a man so extreamly amorous who had never receiv'd any Favour from that blind Deity tho' by him he had suffer'd much Disquiet All his Actions were of Love and one might truly say Love was all his business he was indued with an admirable Wit and compos'd the finest Verses in the World but the whole and continual Subject of 'em was his charming Clitie there was scarce one Tree about his Mansion in which he had not carv'd his Clitie's Name after a thousand pretty ways on some he drew it in Cyphers on some her Name at large on others her Anagram and Acrosticks in soft and pretty Verses on some again he wou'd write the whole History of his Love so that on which side soever one walk'd they might see something or other to content their Curiosity it seem'd as tho' the very Spirit of Love govern'd the whole place and with such power that all who came there and took pleasure in reading those amorous Devices return'd thence either more loving if their Heart had been touch'd before by that soft Deity or else more fit to take the Impression if yet their Hearts had never felt it All the Nobility and Persons of Quality in Florence often came to visit him but he took little notice of any who came to see him nor wou'd he be troubled with them resolving to imploy the Remainder of his Life in thoughts of his dear Clitie and studying means to see her again so that most of those who came to his House contented themselves only in injoying the Pleasures of that agreeable Solitude and return'd without speaking to him Nothing was more talk'd of in Florence than this delightful Solitude there was something in it which at the same time gave content and rais'd a Curiosity in the most great and piercing Wits of that City they cou'd not comprehend why such a Person as he so young and handsome whose Air and Mean spoke him not of common Birth shou'd take delight in so solitary a
imagin'd the distance of the places wou'd hinder me from prying into these sort of Affairs but I am not so easily deceiv'd as you believe And for my part goes she on I cannot yet apprehend that he has repented him of the Misfortunes he has made me suffer by his desiring you to tell me that he always lov'd me Darbelle hearing the Princess say this was ready to die with a desire to discover himself and know the depth of all these Mysteries but he fear'd he shou'd spoil all in the Circumstances in which he stood with her he was willing to disabuse her first he took on him then the Discourse saying to her Madam these are all meer Inventions you have told me which you ought not to believe against the poor Darbelle I have told you already that I was with him all the time he liv'd in Tuscany and what I have told you of his Love to you is a most infallible Certainty As for a Wife alas Madam he never had any and I am sure that for the love of you he wou'd have refus'd the most beautiful and the greatest Queen in the World But Madam be ingenious and acknowledge that the Crime you lay to his Charge is but to excuse your self for what you have done contrary to your Faith and Promise which was never to marry any but himself Sir I find you know me not answers the Princess sharply if you believe what you say but let us talk no longer of him says she fetching a deep sigh from the very bottom of her Heart Darbelle is dead and I am married She cou'd not refrain shedding some Tears at these words and in the Rage and Shame that she conceiv'd she left Darbelle abruptly who was now alone ruminating on what the Princess had said to him which gave him greater Astonishment and Perplexity than what he had before he question'd whether the Princess was in earnest or no when she accus'd him of Marriage and for his life cou'd not guess the right meaning on 't All this while Love had got the ascendant of him and he cou'd now no longer counterfeit he beheld the Princess more beautiful than ever and her Discourse had disarm'd him of much of the Aversion he had conceiv'd against her he began to excuse her yet after all he was not the less unhappy since he had lost all hopes of ever injoying her knowing her to excel in Vertue and one who wou'd never exceed the bounds of Duty and Honour Having a while consider'd these things he addresses himself to her a second time saying Madam I have but one day longer to stay in this place and I have yet an hundred things to tell you ere I can discharge my self of the Commands the poor Darbelle gave me at his Death I humbly intreat you wou'd not refuse me one Meeting more where I may acquit my self and perform his Will. She told him he might come to her House the next where he shou'd have the liberty of discoursing to her alone I am much troubled Madam replies our Masquer that I cannot be so happy as to wait on you at your own Lodgings as you have commanded me therefore I humbly request you would permit me to pay my Duty to you in some other place for many Reasons which now I cannot tell you The Princess was surpriz'd at this Discourse nevertheless having thought of a convenient place I will says she to him grant what you desire meet me to morrow at the Theatre in the second Box where we shall have liberty to talk without being known I will not fail to be there attended only by one of my Women As soon as she had said this she mingled into the Company of several Ladies of her Acquaintaince not giving Darbelle any opportunity of speaking to her any more After they parted Darbelle return'd to his Lodging the most amorous impatient and most afflicted of men The next day he fail'd not to be at the Play-house above three hours ere any body else came there he thought it convenient to let La Rock speak to the Princess when she first came in as tho' he had been the same person whom she had been talking with the preceeding days He cou'd not appear there in a Disguise and therefore he cou'd not so well act his own part He instructed La Rock therefore in all that he had to say to her and order'd him as soon as he had thoroughly perswaded her of every thing he had a mind she shou'd know to make some pretence or other to leave her and that he himself wou'd supply his place and there lay his Heart open to her and the better to carry on their Design they dress'd themselves both so like that none cou'd distinguish between them Having thus order'd every thing he made La Rock sit in the place which the Princess had appointed retiring himself at a little distance that he might not be perceiv'd The Princess cou'd not but shew her Impatience by the haste she made to go to her Assignation where she believ'd she shou'd be inform'd of a thousand things which had given her so much trouble and of which she had so great a desire to be inform'd She came accompanied only with one Woman in a careless Undress with a Scarf that almost cover'd her all over As soon as she enter'd she saw a single man whom she judg'd to be the Party whom she sought but at the same time I know not what of Fear possess'd her Soul which set her a trembling all over nevertheless she advanced towards him and took her seat just before La Rock having first paid him the common Civility La Rock who knew her altho' she knew not him having a good Wit thank'd her for the Honour she had done him with a low bow and supposing it not amiss to begin their Conversation with some indifferent Discourse wherewith those sort of places easily furnish'd every body Madam says he I believe you will think the time long if you are not endued with a great deal of Patience before you hear the Musick or have any Diversion which never begins so early The Princess who apprehended she was mistaken and that this was not the man whom she expected was a little surpriz'd when she heard him talk thus imagining that if this had been the person whom she look'd for he wou'd have taken up the same Discourse they were on the day before she answer'd him nevertheless in the same manner he had spoke to her in civil and obliging words But La Rock perceiving the Princess to eye him well and sought to be inform'd of other things than what they were talking of began his Discourse after this manner For my own part Madam I have so much reason to hate the World and all its Pleasures not to come to this place But Madam continues he the Ghost which you saw at the Ball two days ago haunts me every where to give you an Account of
threw himself upon his Bed where for above an hour he lay without the least sign of Life till at length by the Assistance of La Rock he began to open his Eyes from whence whole floods of tears did flow O La Rock said he was ever any Misery like to mine What shall I do what will become of me O lovely Charmer goes he on there needed not this last Affliction why wou'd you have me still preserve a Life so full of Woes and Griefs Then ceas'd a while and after a small pause which multitudes of Sighs did cause he began to rave and cry'd O you immortal Powers what do you mean Can Heaven be Heaven Can it be the Throne of Mercy and yet not shew one glimpse of it to me Has Justice banish'd thence all other Attributes and that bright sparkling Roof beset with Golden Characters of Light has it not one not one propitious Star for me Must I be still the Mark at which you level all your Vengeance But oh why name I you who silently look on and see the Sport and Reaks my Fortune plays me La Rock while his Transports were thus furious thought it convenient not to interrupt them but stood a mute Spectator of his Master's Passion who having been silent for a time his Grief and Anguish stifling all his words lay rankling at his Heart steps to his Bed-side and with all the reason he cou'd urge endeavour'd to allay his Trouble What says he to him is become of all your Courage and whither is your Patience flown Patience is stale replies he and I am weary of it my passive Fortitude has quite forsaken me and nothing but despair supplies its place At least answers La Rock preserve your self till you have found out the Cause of all these Troubles my mind still tells me Clitie is not so much to blame as you imagine and 't is most certain there has been soul Play us'd to both of you her last words to you were not like those of Hate but rather might I judge of Love and Pity and 't is not impossible but Heaven may have yet in store a milder Fortune for you Wherefore once more look up and hope the best for worse cannot befal you O La Rock says he taking him by the Hand these words imply you are the best of Friends but they can never ease my Heart they are to me as Cordials to a breathless Corps and Fate has set me beyond the reach of Comfort Heaven my Friends Clitie and Hope it self have all deserted me cou'd I admit the smallest Hope I yet were happy but alas that Bladder that shou'd buoy up the sinking man with me is burst and leaves me in the Ocean of my Miserles 't is the last thing leaves us but our Lives but Life is forc'd upon me still to augment my wretched State shou'd Clitie as you would perswade me love me still what Profit will it afford me She is anothers now and I must ne'er expect to see her more The poor afflicted Princess was no sooner got into her Chamber but she went to Bed watring her Pillow with those streams of Tears which fell from her fair Eyes She began to reflect on this last Adventure Darbelle still lives says she to her self and as he says and I alas too late believe is constant still What Demon envious of our Loves contriv'd such false Reports And curst Adraste what more hellish Devil cou'd make thee tell me that thou sawest him married Thus for some time she wou'd take the unfortunate Darbelle's part when in an instant all her thoughts wou'd change and she wou'd say What tho' he does live may he not yet be married 'T is true I had no Witness of his Death but bare Report but of his Falshood I have Adraste Mariana's Brother who in Florence saw him with his Wife and whose Portrait yet lies by me wherefore then shou'd I afflict my self for one so false and treacherous no! let him go back again to Florence there he will find relief and in his Spouse's Arms forget his Troubles These Thoughts prevail'd a while yet maugre all she cou'd not think a man so guilty as he seem'd to be wou'd leave his Wife Employments and the Favour of the great Duke and run the hazards of so long a Journey nay and his Life to boot to come to Paris unless it were to clear himself She cou'd fix satisfied on nothing but with the Impatience she had to be better fatisfied early in the Morning she sent for Mariana who suspecting nothing of the business came to wait on her but no sooner did she enter but the Princess's Blood rose all in Blushes on her Cheeks and I know not what of shivering possess'd her Heart They being alone she made her sit down upon a Couch by her then in a low and lamentable tone she told her all that had happen'd since Darbelle came to Paris and that he was return'd again alive and unmarried and that her Brother had deceiv'd them all Mariana was not a little surpriz'd at this Relation however she conceal'd her Sentiments and assum'd the Discourse Can it be possible Madam says she that what you say is truth and are you confident you are not abus'd Yes Mariana answers the Princess I am abus'd and so is he but who has done this piece of Wickedness is yet to me a Mystery Mariana was glad to hear her say this and seeing she did not in the least mistrust her since she had so freely discover'd to her all her Adventures with Darbelle and his return to Paris and remembring that Machivillian Maxim That those who begin in sin must never quit that Road till they have reach'd their Journey 's end seem'd to be much concern'd and fearing lest the Princess shou'd send for Adraste and by Gold and Presents get the Truth out of him for she knew him to be one who would boggle at nothing if Gold were the Reward told the Princess that she wou'd write to her Brother who she pretended was gone into England with the Embassadour and know the truth and wou'd leave no means unattempted to sound the very bottom of this business They had many other Discourses concerning this Adventure when Mariana pretended urgent business and took her leave promising to come and see her again next day in the mean time she wou'd consider about what was best to be done in an affair of such great Consequence She no sooner quits the Princess but with all the Wings that Fear cou'd lend her she flew to find out Lysidor who she acquainted with the whole matter The Prince when he first heard it was no less amaz'd at it than she had been but having well consider'd every thing he order'd her to meet him in the Evening at a certain place which he appointed in the mean time to keep all secret and to go back again to the Princess and endeavour all she cou'd to wheedle out of her Darbelle's