violent and scarce contained it self before suspected witnesses but we constrained it not before our best Friends I was still speaking kind and feeling things to Flora and she answered me in terms every way as touching our eyes made a continual commerce of eloquent glances and the most indifferent things were advanced to profit by our laborious Passion every thing turning into an occasion of expressing the warmth of our desires Judge into what condition we put the passionate and discreet Geminius he was brought to that extremity that the Physitians gave him over and when he felt his death approaching he declared to me the cause of it The Friendship I had for Geminius could not be balanced by any thing but my love to Flora were I to have parted with my life to save my friends I should have given it without reflexion but when I understood Flora was the concern I asked time to resolve resolve nothing Pompey said the dying Geminius I discovered not my grief to find a remedy I am too happy to die for that I love best in the World and though your generosity would contribute to my recovery I know it depends not on you your happiness is so great it dazles you and you see but a part of it I am since so Destiny pleases more clear sighted I have observed particulars in the love of Flora that destroy the confidence I could have in your friendship Live happy and let me die miserable and give not that increase to my torments to let them cost you one sorrowful reflexion This discourse pronounced by an expiring Man and one I so dearly loved touched me to the very Soul I thought I ought to my friends life at least a seeming willingness to contribute to his cure and presuming enough on Flora's constancy to believe she would preserve her self wholly to me in despite of myself I assured Geminius that if he could gain her love I would look on his happiness without a murmur I have not faith enough in the fictions of the Poets to believe this assurance restored Geminius life but his disease being come to the Christs certain it is that from that day we observed his amendment I resolved to assist it by my absence and as well to convince him of my sincerity as to avoid the reproaches of Flora I went to spend some time at the Countrey-house whether Sylla was retired after having laid down the Dictatorship I writ every day to Flora Letters full of that Love possest my Soul I had not engaged never to love her more but onely promised she should love my friend if she could Wretch that she was she could but do it too much Love is no mighty task to one of that Sex Geminius Painted my slight compliance with such lively colours that at my return to Rome I learned from Flora's own Mouth her infidelity How cryed I can it be true that you loved Pompey with so much fervency and cease to love him with so much ease Who has told you I have ceas'd to love you replied Flora Do you give the title of change to that sacrifice you constrained Is it because I have restored you a Friend whose loss had made you desperate that you accuse me with want of love Alass I expected a thousand thanks for my chearful obedience 't was a thousand tortures to me to yield to it and I made use of all the powers of my kindness to resolve upon what you reproach for a decay of Passion Ah Flora said I how cruel is your obedience to me How much more would you have obliged me had I found you less submissive Flora ask'd pardon for her error and swore to me she would stop the career of it and doubtless would have done as the said That deadly grief she expressed at our separation hath-fully perswaded me Geminius destroyed me with my own Weapon and that Flora believed she pleased me in betraying me but the remembrance of that inconstancy has given me disgusts I could never vanquish Flora forbore to see my Rival any more she felt a remorse for her credulity which almost cost her her life I loved her a long time after our rupture and her memory is yet grateful to me but Cato I was born nice and delicate and in my mind true love is incompatible of partnership Night rather then want of Matter broke off the converse of these two Ilustrious Romans I shall find out a way to renew it hereafter but it is good to make use of the leisure of contriving it and leaving these two reconciled Enemies to their quiet rest endeavor after their example to enjoy some time of repose The End of the Discourse of Cato and Pompey THE LOVES OF Great Men. D'ANDELOT DUring the Progress to Bayonne the King had given leave to the Duke D'Aumale to hunt in the Forest of Fontainbleau and to kill the Wild Boar. In one of these Chaces the Dutchess D'Aumale Natural Daughter to King Henry the Second and Diana of Poictiers coming near to the Inclosure they had made a Wild Boar broke the Toyls and frighting her Horse he ran clear away with her towards the left-hand D'Andelots Horse frighted at the same accident followed Madam D'Aumales her Husband was a good way off with Prince Patien and Madam L'Admirale de Brion two other Ladies who were near the Dutchess cryed out that weak assistance being all they could give her none daring to venture their skill in riding at her rate except Madam de Brion who pursued her on full speed The cry came soon to the Duke who hearing how his Ladies Horse was frightned had not been concerned for her had he not at the same time heard that D'Andelots with a like fright took the same way with the Dutchesses he rid then with all speed to overtake them D'Andelot who could not guide his Horse letting him run where-ever he pleased heard a noise beside him and saw Madam D'Aumale coming up very near him but in a moment she was passed him and he lost sight of her by reason of a small Coppice was before him which the way dividing in two he was forced to enter and there saw Madam D'Aumale faln That sight made him strive hard again to stop his Horse but since he could not he threw himself down to take care of her whom he feared was hurt she was almost stunded and in that disorder discovered some part of her fair body There is scarce that Love and Constancy in the World can resist against so many Beauties and though possibly this minutes sight changed not utterly the object of D'Andelots love yet so pleasing an adventure made him at least very sensible but care of the Dutchess made him soon forego the pleasure he reaped with his eyes He was come to her and had just taken her in his arms to lift her up when the Duke and Madam de Brion arrived yet he gave not over his officious employ and the asking her whether she
hands If this counsel had been executed with as much boldness as was given with judgement Catherine de Medices had been no longer Mistrifs of affairs she could not live without ruling but the King of Navarre being too moderate and suffering himself to be carried away with the passion he had for Mademoiselle de Roy who was gained by Catherine de Medices he yielded to her what he could not keep This was the true foundation of that hate ended not but with the death of Jean of Albret Bussy was gone to Chantilly to visit the Duke of Montmorency then returned from England whither he had been sent to hinder Queen Elizabeth from giving assistance to the Hugonots by proposing a Match with the Duke D'Alanzon Bussy staid there two days during which came the Queen of Navarre under pretence of seeing his fine House but indeed to engage him in the interests of the King of Navarre the better to oppose the hatred and Authority of Katherine who in the ruines of the greatest Men of the Kingdom would not spare the Montmorency's whom she ever hated both because of their uprightness and because they would not abase themselves to depend directly on her power The Duke civilly received the Queen of Navarre but would not enter into any Treaty with her though some forbore not afterwards to give other interpretations to the conference he had with this Queen and had not he prudently remained at Chantilly during the King of Navarr's Wedding he had been possibly enveloped on that dismal St. Bartholomews day which cost France so much blood The Duke treated her with all the Magnificence she could expect from a great King The Mareshale was with her still fair but Languishing and negligent of her self Catherine de Medices not able to suffer the Imperious humour the Spirit the Courage and the Constancy of Jeane d'Albret and her hatred making her take cruel resolutions she soon after put them in execution Bussy's Merits were well known though he had not yet that great repute he afterwards gained There were then few men of France had so much Wit Valour or good Mien as he The Duke de Montmorency presented him to the Queen she received him so kindly that he was compelled to stay at Chantilly though he were resolved to return to Paris besides the entreaties of the Duke and the sight of his Mistress abating his desire of going so soon he the easier consented to stay There was in Chantilly a Hall and a Closet of Armes whither the Constable Anne de Montmorency had caused to be brought from all Europe what could most worthily embellish them with what ever was rich or rare Above all these things was in esteem a Scimitar set with Diamonds and Emeralds which the Grand Signor Soliman had sent him together with a Hanger or Dagger all adorned with Rubies The Queen curious to see all the several Rooms and Magnificent Furniture which adorned them passed into this Hall of Armes and thence into the Closet where she was showed that Dagger thought beyond all vallue both for the Stones which enriched it and for its workmanship which added to its beauty and Ornament After it had been in the Queens and some other hands the Mareshale would see it and having sufficiently admired it Bussy not being far from her having observed his stand she went towards him and drawing out the Dagger and setting it with a threatning look to his brest To what use said she ought this to be destin'd To pierce the most faithless of all hearts said he taking the point and turning it towards the Mareshale This Answer surprized her and she expected not such a reproach who could not believe she deserved it Ah Bussy replyed she in a doleful accent there was never a more faithless then yours Madam said he interrupting her They were entring into a Discourse had not been soon finish'd but the Queen going out of the Closet called the Mareshale who accompanyed her Madam de Bonneval was not at Chantilly the Mareshale had intreated her to go and Grillon had desired her to stay at Paris thus the Friend was refused and the Lover had his request Was not this very just they could never before converse with so much Love as they had a desire to do Grillon now passed one part of the day with her the Lady was tender in short they said a thousand things were never told This entertainment being on their own private account and they being discreet Lovers all that passed could never be known but it may be judged they treated of nothing less then indifferency and the curious have observed that they received often these Entertainments and that if Love had not been mixed with them they had not taken so much delight in talking without witnesses Was not Madam de Bonneval too happy she was beloved by one of the honestest men of France she had by her cunning betray'd her Friend made Bussy unhappy in stead of doing him Services as she had promised she fears not the penalties treason and perfidiousness deserve she triumphs o're the misfortunes of the Mareshale and Bussy and when she is with Grillon forgets all the World the better to think of her Love The Mareshale and Bussy found often at Chantilly opportunities of talking but the Mareshales fierceness and Bussyes shame and anger to be forsaken hindred them from uttering what they even died with a desire of speaking Thus each had their grief and affliction Bussy that to find the Mareshale more lovely since he believed her false The Mareshale to observe in Bussy a sadness which had very much changed his countenance The Queen of Navarre returned on the morrow to Paris but Bussy staid yet one day with the Duke of Montmorency after which he returned to Court he became every day more and more in Love and the beauty of the Mareshale made him forget the infidelity he thought her guilty of Madam de Bonneval continued still seeing the Lady Mareshale that is to say deceiving her L'Hermite told her judgment but it was not well received and she was silent Bussy seldome saw Madam de Bonneval she complained to Grillon that he might tell him but he had no more an inclination towards her he looked upon her as the cause of her misfortune without suspecting her Treason and he could have wished never to have heard the person he loved pronounce words in favour of another but the thing was done he had seen he had heard Can he any longer doubt So many causes of sorrow in a passion so tenderly preserved tormented him beyond a power of enduring so that he was often in the mind to quit utterly his love and silently retreat from the World The Soul of the Mareshale was tossed with no less violent storms she was loth to lose Bussy and she gave sufficient assurances of it one evening that she found him at the Queen of Navarr's She was resolved to know if he yet loved her and
converse with a Man in love I should have deserted you when I found you deserted that Wisdom first united us That friendship I had for you made me renounce my severity for your relief I have staid with you have endured to hear you talk of your Passion and wretch that I am there wants but little that your disease is become contagious I looked the other day upon your Orgina with an intention I never had for any thing but my Books I cannot banish from my memory the bewitching Idea that object left there I find a kind of indulgence for your weakness it delights me as much as it terrified me before and even the confused vapors of Sleep conspire to the breach of my quiet Athens pernicious Athens thou shalt never see Thales more the distemper he hath begun to contract in thee cannot be cured but by his flight And so finishing those words Thales went out of the Closet and without more delay hired a passage for Miletum not suffering the Prayers or Distress of Solon to stay him a minute longer After this so unexpected parting Solon went to see Orgina to acquaint her with what had hapned to him The Gods had too much favored me said he inrestoring my Orgina to me If they had likewise preserved to me my Danghter and my Friend I should have forgot my self in such height of Happiness and some great misfortune was necessary to ballance the joy I had in your recovery But then let my dear Orgina be all things to me since in finding her I lose all things Orgina received that obliging request as she ought to do it she made new Protestations of Love and Fidelity to Solon she endeavored to apply comfort to those misfortunes he already suffered under and to gain from him the knowledge of those he feared for the future she heard him relate all the particulars of the Birth and Horoscope of his Daughter but when in one part of the story she heard him call his Daughter Hypparete Hypparete Sir said she with a nimble hastiness Yes replied Solon so was my Daughter called and Sir continued Orgina of what age of what stature and what form of countenance as near as you can guess was this Hypparete She is of middle stature replied Solon slender fair complexioned bright haired her nose aquiline black-eyed and particularly remarkable for a Butterflie Nature took pleasure to imprint on one of her hands whence I took the Etymology of that name of Hypparete which I gave her Ah Sir replied Orgina seek not for Hypparete among Pyrates she is in the hands of one of your own Citizens It is that same Slave my Father bought some time before our departure from Salamina who passed for me during the time of our Captivity and whom Pisistratus at present keeps in the Kingdom of Argos This news was very unwelcome to Solon he loved his Countrey as may be judged by his own refusing the Dominion over it he knew the ambitious humor of Pisistratus and his flight from Athens having angred the Areopagites they had issued a Decree against his Body and Goods This rigor furnished him with a pretence to Enterprises and the Fortune of Hypparete assured their success Our Law-giver was so afflicted with the misfortunes his foresight denounced that he could not resolve to stay and be a witness to them he banished himself willingly from Athens and took that long voyage through all the Realms of Greece which his advice to Craesus made so memorable Those private Authors from whence I extracted this Relation have not told me whether Orgina followed Solon I will believe for the glory of the wise Man that his Folly reached not so far it is enough that he loved and that his love was the innocent cause of the enthralment of his Countrey I would likewise be perswaded that he married the Daughter of Amphicles but when we come to think his Mistress his Wife we cannot well think she staid behind at Athens Solons Predictions had a full effect Pisistratus subjected his Countrey and reigned peaceably the rest of his days Let us now search if this same City so famous among the Ancients and so fruitful in great Men cannot furnish us with other Examples to employ some pleasant hours The end of the Loves of Solon THE LOVES OF Great Men. SOCRATES T Is not of absolute necessity for that Man to be handsome who defignes to make Love The best Descriptions the World has given us of Socrates containe little answerable to the qualities of a Lover He was neither of a Courtly Humour nor of taking Shape or Feature He made Profession of an Austere Philosophy and yet for all this he was in Love But as Love knows how to change his shape and put on what disguise he pleases it was not under his ordinary figure he crept into the Soul of Socrates but under the Image of Virtue Timandra a young Phrygian Lady famous to Posterity for the adventures we are about to relate was Daughter to one of Socrates his Intimate Friends Some private reasons having obliged this Gentleman to frequent Athens he dies and valuing Soorates his Friendship equal to himself trusts to his care his only Daughter a charge which the Philosopher accepts with joy and generosity This Lady was very fair and Socrates discerned in her such sparkes of wit and good nature as he hoped might be one day improved into hands of Wisdom He undertook to make her a Philosophical Woman and prudently judging that converse with the World might obstruct his design he committed Timandra to the cares of Aglaonice the Astrologess who under the pretence of making her Celestial Observations lived in an extreame Solitude Socrates charmed with the good dispositions he found in the Soul of Timandra would spend whole dayes in forming her Manners after the Rules of Vertue For what reason would he say to her think you the gods have made you be borne so accomplished 'T is neither out of any singular love to your person nor out of any hate to other Women made less perfect but 't is to manifest in you the power of the qualities of the Soul above those of the Body had you had but an ordinary Beauty the assaults made on your Virtue would have been so feeble your Victory would not become an Example but now when in the fairest Lady of all Greece there shall be observed a Soul impregnable against all the assaults of Passion a laudable disdain of perishable and transitory pleasures and solid love for those can never wast you will become a Living Axiome which all the Arguments of our Libertines shall not have the boldness to insult over These Arguments which one would have thought should only have alarm'd the Gallant gave yet the Alarme to Conjugal Love and beat up a Charge to his Spouse Myrto Socrates Wife who for all her being Daughter to Aristides Surnamed the Just was not her self the more so observed some
Answer but she excused her self as being forbid All her rage fell not upon me Fontpertuis had her share she had seen her on the Terrace with me and that place looked suspiciously at such a time of night She took unkindly all that Fontpertuis could alledge to her believing she had betrayed her in favor of the Dutchess I knew not what to think nor what to resolve in this accident the securest way had been to speak to the Admirale but she blasted all opportunities That therefore being impossible without displeasing her I chose rather to be gone and by that observance of her commands make her sensible I still wore her Chains But I did not that till I had spoke with Fontpertuis showed her the Letter the Admirale had writ and given her one in return of it Which done I took Horse for Tanlay where after I had stayed two days I went to the Rendezvous at Soissons I lay under great vexations after my departure though I heard my Letter had driven away most part of her suspitions At first she was unwilling to see it but Fontpertuis having opened it Madam de Brion read these words in it I Am not so guilty as you think me Madam Love brought me not where you saw me nor thought I to find what I met with Though my absence from you makes me unhappy enough my condition is much more to be lamented for the distraction caused by your belief of my infidelity I am unwilling were it possible to accuse you of any thing But why should you not ascertain your suspicions Why should you break off a love in its infant sweetness No you never loved me since you could do thus Farewel Madam I shall never lose the remembrance of having displeased you yet I do love you never ceased loving you and have that inward satisfaction to know that I must for ever love you She could not read this Letter without being touched at the very Soul Fontpertuis perceived it and we having before any departure agreed upon a correspondence she sent me word what effects my Letter wrought on Madam de Brions heart The Dutchess dream't not of my so sudden departure she was now almost convinced I had no intent to answer her kindness since I had neglected taking leave of her The Duke and Dutchess went next morning for Paris where having stayed some time the Duke attended the King towards the Siege of Havre de Grace whether the Queen Mother likewise coming was waited on by Madam D'Aumale You went every morning to Fecamp to give an accompt to the King what had passed that night at the Siege I seldom followed you for fear of seeing the Dutchess least the Admirale might have cause of complaint but one day I could not excuse my not going the Constable sending me My Commission being performed I was just upon return when Madam D'Aumale having heard of my being at Feeamp under pretence of inquiring news from her Husband made very heavy complaints of me I very quietly heard them and could not yet answer in the manner she desired Prince Portian came luckily to take me off and I returned to the Camp This Prince had formerly great pretences on her heart and it was thought he was beloved he was still in love but now his cares and kindnesses were not valued at a rush I was the darling that could make no returns Madam de Brion being come some time before to Maule informing her self of the particulars of the Siege understood that Madam D'Aumale went with the Queen her jealousie revived her love she feared the losing me Fontpertuis gave me intelligence of all the Admirales thoughts and I found my self less unhappy then I thought The same day that I assailed the Watch-Tower which I made my self master of I received a Letter from the Admirale which spoke these words MY Anger and Resentment cannot hold out against my love I have nothing more to upbraid you with and could I but see you I should think I had nothing more to desire But is not this too kind to you Or do you deserve this goodness Were it not more just in me to hate you pursuing the Counsels your unfaithfulness gives me But alass when I am apt to yield to that the secret intelligences you have in spite of me preserved in my heart blast all these thoughts Yet you could not expect these expressions and therefore must think them very kind But I demand an equivalent reprisal and will not be refused it tell me not that your honor and glory oppose it I will be preferred before both for all should be renounced at the command of her you love Dismiss your self then from the Siege what you lose on the score of glory you shall retrieve from the pleasures of a passion I will make happy If you obey me not never see me more and suffer me to believe you prefer the sight of Madam D'Aumale before mine Never was Man in a greater plunge then I I could not imagine which way to steer Love offered me pleasant and pretty things but I could not consent to blemish my reputation by quitting the Siege Saint-Cire was the first perceived the trouble I was in since I always used his advice I held it unfit to conceal from him the cause who upon first hearing it told there needs no consultation on this matter You must not stir nor can your going off be any way justified Stay but till the Siege be ended and then in the name of God go see Madam de Brion as long as you will and in the mean time take no heed of a Womans jealousie or anger Your Ladies will find out a return of kindness when once their lover pleases them and your peace will easier be made there then here whatever Articles she have against you Saint-Cire was a true friend and reason counselled me to follow his advice but love would not listen to it The Treaty with the Town which began about two hours after eased me of my trouble and made me determine to depart at the beginning of the night taking along with me onely one Gentleman I got to Madam de Brions on the morrow having rid that long way post and on the Wings of Love Never did I find in my self so great a disposition to joy and content I was going to see the onely person in the World I loved best and I was sure to find her heart full of a violent Passion which I had begot there I would not suffer her to be told I was come but chusing rather to surprise her myself went directly up to her Lodgings and into her Chamber which I found open But is it to be believed what I there saw Madam de Brion in the arms of a Man and Madam de Brions as I thought kissing him very lovingly She perceived me and came running towards me with an obliging air the joy in her face displaying nothing but pleasure but what I had seen making me contemn
alass not with such a surprize as my blind passion flatter'd she turn'd her head as I entred into the Chamber and I observ'd a strange kind of trouble in her face I paid her as much respect as I should have done reproach taking for a sign of love what proceeded from another principle I cannot remember I ever carressed her with more obliging kindnesses then at this return She might have hid the Letter she had writ if she would the joy of seeing again my Martia so transported me that I neither observed what she was doing nor should not have taken notice of whatever she had pleased to do but whether she imagined me more quick-sighted or whether being one of the most witty Women in the World she apprehended cunning was never better concealed then under the cloak of Ingenuity I was said she to me smiling in a pleasant employ when you just entred I was writing a Love Letter I smil'd in a careless confident way at this discourse which was soon observed by my Wife I see you believe me not continu'd she but read what is in that Paper and you will perceive I tell no untruth I was so prevented by Martia 's wisdome that I was not at all moved by this Letter but as it was and had been my divertisement to draw new assurances of the happiness I thought I enjoy'd I feign'd some amazement at it and asked Martia what that Letter signify'd she took a Pen without giving me an answer and setting down the name of Portia where hers should have stood See there said she showing it me the resolution of the Riddle I went yesterday into your Sisters Closet when she was not there a Letter dictated much after this rate lay on the Table I read it and found the Contents so singular that I endeavour'd to preserve it in my memory to show you at your coming home but added she seeing me begin to look serious do not disclose my theft lest you make me fall out with Portia I will not speak of this Letter to my Sister reply'd I there is nothing in it but is authorized both by Drufus orders and my own but I will advise Hortensius to be more Regular in his conduct his suite to Portia has gone now too farr not to have its full effect and if it be true that he has given her any just cause of complaint I shall not be satisfy'd with those excuses wherewith such lightnesses are ordinarily colour'd Martia told me it was not convenient for me to concern my self in this business that it was a little quarrel between Lovers which Love would conclude upon the first interview I vallue not Love at all said I interrupting her Hortensius passion for my Sister is an affair too serious to be mixed with the revolutions of Gallants intrigues And thereupon whatever Martia could say to stop me I went directly to seek Hortensius he was walking alone near the Tribunal for Orations Hortensius said I with a composed countenance they seldome go unpunish'd who make sport of Men of my ranck I never sollicited you to love Portia the propositions were made by your self and without too much boasting my race and my authority Drusus believ'd he honour'd you in accepting you for his Nephew and yet I am inform'd that you treat of this affair as a trifle and intend to make a matter of sport of the engagement of your word with the Sister of Cato I said Hortensius not a little discompos'd I make a trifle of my Engagements with your family Pray Sir from vvhom have you advice carries so little sence with it From Portia her self reply'd I and to show you I say nothing without foundation read this Letter and judge if I am informed of your deportment herein Hortensius changed collour surpriz'd as I believe to receive from my hand a Love-Letter from my Wife The Person that gave you this Letter said he turning a little his head has a mind to create mirth to himself at your expence it comes not from Portia I know it said I but its being in Martia's hand changes nothing of the thing 't is sufficient that Letter is coppied from one you have or should have received this morning from my Sister Had I known then what I have since Hortensius his very looks would have told me what he thought whilst I thus discoursed but at that present I attributed all his changes of countenance to his confusion You alarme your self without reason said he I have not in my nature such lightness as I am suspected with I love nothing but what I have loved and what I shall love till I die this is an assurance of which I conjure you to become my security and that you may without scruple do me that service I call all the gods to witness I speak truth and may they punish me in your sight if I do not I did what he desired without thinking I did it and relating faithfully all this discourse to Martia gave her fresh assurances of the love and constancy of her Gallant I remember there escaped her from time to time little effluctions of joy which she could scarce restrain within the limits of a smile but I made no reflexion on them She took upon her to relate to Porcia what had passed between Hortensius and me and when I offer'd to ease her of that recital she perswaded it would not be convenient for me to concerne my self in that commerce Preserve your countenance of authority with your Sisters said she you know not what need there may be of it it is not fit to become too familiar with persons we would pretend to a right of Commanding and if you 'l be advised by me I will tell Portia that you are ignorant of the liberty she assumes of writing to Hortensius and make her apprehensive of your knowledge of it I approv'd Martia's Counsel and prais'd it because I thought it Judicious You then return'd from your Asiatick Victories and the great actions you had done in that part of the World having made a triumph a debt to you you yet thought you ought some recompence to the applause of the People You show'd them a fight of wild Beasts Martia could not be present at this Spectacle she had got a slip which confin'd her to her bed and my Sisters seldome appearing in publick but in her company staid likewise with her I know not whether her jealousie were renewed by some new complacencies of Hortensius for Lucia or if finding me so perfect in the part I had play'd upon her Letter she thought it pleasant to make me play it over again But she told me that very morning of the spectacle that she suspected Lucia was become the object of Hortensius new inclinations that she had observed some favorable glances pass between them and adding it was fit to be searched into and not suffer him to be in treaty at once with my Sister and my Cosin she engaged me
less kind to Sylla's Daughter had I had time to have perceived I was her Husband and the disloyal Martia will assure all the World that it was not any coldness or indifference of mine inspired her with the design of betraying me Such a particular inclination agreed not with the title of Curtizan which we cannot dispence with the giving to Flora but could I at that time have foreseen she would ever have deserved it she should never have been the Mistress of Pompey but she tendred her self to my hcart in such honest appearances that they overcame all scruples I was one day with Caecilius Metellus in the Temple of Castor and Pollux which was then to be dedicated and to take care of its adorning Metellus had Commission from the Senate he discharged his trust with as much care as magnificence and that I might be a witness of it he had then carried me into the Temple I there beheld many Pictures of an exquisite perfection and among the rest one of the Conception of the Twins where Leda was represented so fair it was impossible to look on her and not envy the divine Swan that enjoyed her The Painter who drew this piece said I to Metellus had his fancy very excellent and extraordinary it were to be wisht Nature were as perfect in her Lineaments we should not then see so many ill faces as we daily do Nature deserves all the praises you give the Painter replied Metellus that face of Leda's is taken from a young Roman whose Beauty far exceeds that representation you there see Is it possible cried I that there can be a Woman in Rome as fair as that painting and she not be as famous as the Capitol and other Singularities of the City The young Flora whom this Picture represents answered Metellus is of so mean a Birth that she has been as it were buried in that obscurity she is onely the daughter of a Mechanick and if he had not formerly wrought in my House Flora had been as unknown to me as to all other people of quality but Pompey that low Birth has not despoil'd Flora of a great Soul 'T is a small matter to see this Portraict and to know that it flatters not the Original I will tell you to perfect her description that I have loved this Maid for above two years and that there are no marks of Love capable to beget a sence of it in persons of her Character and Condition which she has not received of me I load her with presents I maintain the whole Family and would inrich it for ever if Flora would but comply with my desires but imperious as she is she disdains all my offers and stands more on her Beauty then I can either on my Birth or Quality She believes she should honor me in accepting me for her Husband if my Passion could carry me to that extravagance Flora entred the Temple as Metellus ended his Discourse she came to sit for some touches of a Picture wherein Clytemnestra was represented under some of her Features I protest I was dazled with the Beauty of the Maid and if I may say it she thought me not unworthy to be considered she blusht as soon as her eyes met with mine she looked earnestly at me when I feigned to look off her and she seem'd troubled to turn away when I surprised her with a glance I prais'd her Beauty exceedingly and I told Metellus he had administred a necessary preservative when he had told me of her cruelty she bravely defended her self from that quality and told Metellus in a pretty scornful way that of ten the title of Cruelty was given to what was but a result of right Reason and at the pronouncing that word turning her eyes towards me methought I read in them a destiny happier for me then that of Metellus You know well such favorable encour agements are seldom neglected I caused Flora be followed to learn her dwelling and on the morrow pretended some necessary business to employ her Father in and made use of the Occasion to speak with her I was at this time a Widower having buried Sylla's Daughter and not yet faln in league with Murcia so that I looked upon an intrigue with Flora to be the most pleasing amusement of my mind I could find out Sympathy had prepared me the way I need but speak to be listned to and I fancy had I kept silence I had been intreated to break it Facility generally disgusts delicated nice Minds but it produces a contrary effect when a Lover regards it as a miracle of Love That of Flora had this Character What Metellus had told me of the Vertue of this Maid what I daily discovered of the Reputation she had gained and more then all that somewhat of a sincere pressing forward of my heart and fully discovering to me that of my Mistress perswaded me that all the love in her was new and that no Star in the World but Pompey's could have had that influence You may judge by what I have told you of the discourse I had with Metellus he could be no long time without perceiving my good Fortune he had a mind to be cleared in his suspitions and Flora thinking her Love an Honor never took the pains to disguise it to my Rival Yes Metellus said she I love Pompey one main circumstance would be wanting to my happiness if you should not know his and my heart would be an offering unworthy so great a Man should it not be accompanied with a sacrifice of your desires This Declaration making Metellus observe as much Disdain in it as Ingenuity transported his Jealousie almost to a Fury I was forced to use all my credit and authority to rescue Flora's family from the effects of his anger and had he not died about that time he had possibly done by stratagem what he could not do by open force His death leaving me in a peaceable possession of the fair and loving Flora I cannot say I ever passed more happy time then the first five or six Moneths of this intrigue but there 's no happiness lasting here below and Man would forget the end for which he was born if the Providence of the Wise God did not mix his pleasures with some pain Geminius the Companion of my Studies and Comrade of my Travels and whom next Flora I loved more then all the World became unhappily in love with this fair Maid I concealed from him none of the secrets of my Soul he knew my Love and representing to himself the dispair into which I should fall if I should find my self betrayed by Flora used incredible endeavors to suppress this powerful inclination The Combats of the Soul are more dangerous to a sensible Man then the most Bloody Battles Geminius fell grievously sick I stir'd not from his Bed-side and Flora who could forbear my sight no more then I hers spent whole days with me in this sick Mans Chamber Our love was
opportunity Soon after my return to Tanlay the Duke and Dutchess of Aumale came thither the sight of my Rival troubled me as much as the Dutchesses I understood presently that the Duke could not pass by without seeing the Admirale and those desires made him submit to perswade the Dutchess to pass by Taulay which found in her a readier compliance out of hopes her Beauty and address might at last vanquish the indifference I had shewed towards her They stayed two days at my house where I entertained them with all the divertisements a Countrey House could afford in the best season of the year since 't was impossible for me to avoid conversing with the Dutchess she took her time when the Duke was otherwise imployed I found in her discourse so much love would have ravished me had it come from the Admirale what would not I have given to have heard her say halfe those kind things the Dutchess did You are pensive D'Andelot said she to me jogging me by the Arm and take no care to answer me I turned my self towards her sighing without thinking of it what would you have me answer Madam said I recollecting my self you cannot but think as well as I how little I deserve the respect you give me I could not have thought replied she there was a Man in the world so cruel or who had so great a value of himself as to slight the intreaties of one of my birth but you have made me believe there are such and I find it so great a torment as nothing can counterpoyse unless you change your thoughts Ah Madam cryed I interrupting her why cannot I love you or why may not I lay open to you the secrets of a heart I cannot give you for if I should divide it 't would give you continual cause of complaint and me no satisfaction No no said she I will have no divided heart and had much rather it should be all Madam de Brion's then I have but a part One of the Admirales Gentlemen came to interrupt us his message was to compliment the Dutchess on her arrival and to desire her to come and spend some few days in her House she was somewhat at a stand what to answer when the Duke who came up to us took the word out of her mouth and promised on the morrow to come wait upon her I perceived her discontent at the Dukes haste to leave Tanlay but now she must submit and I had too much interest to accompany her to omit it The Duke and Dutchess had Lodgings appointed them looking out upon a Terrace of Orange Trees as most of the rest do the Dutchess lay in one Chamber and the Duke in another by the side of it At Madam de Brions we received the news of the preparations made to besiege Havre de grace the English Forces were much feared the Prince was in League with them during the War and it was feared upon a breach they would send him considerable relief Orders being brought to me for the march of the Infantry I dispatched them to all places whither they were to be distributed and I made ready my Equipage to be in eight days at Soissons where the Rendezvous was appointed The Duke D'Aumale was much affected at the sight of Madam de Brion and I was as much pleased to know I was beloved The Dutchess easily spied out my joy and all I could do to conceal my happiness was of no proof against her jealousie which formed things bigger then they were The two moneths the Admirale and I had taken for the decision of our wager were now expired within four days I put her in mind of it she only blusht and answered nothing but her silence was a Million my Love understood it very well I was diligent to secure my Judges favour by that complaisance a faithful Lover should onely give to the Person he loved but Interest changes maximes of Love and that obliged me to treat thus with Fontpertuis to whom my kindness was but policy There were sent from Paris to Madam de Brion two China Gowns excellently stained with little Antick Figures which appeared the more admirable because Europe had seen so few of them She gave the finest to Madam D'Aumale who seeing the Admirale wore hers put it on the same day That Evening as we were all in the Garden and that walking in the Serene gave us a delight the heats of the day had robbed us of I coming near to Fontpertuis be sure to meet me said she on the Orange Terrace I have somewhat to say to you in behalf of I made her a sign to speak lower Madam d'Aumale being by us The Duke Amorous Zealous and withal ill treated talked of love with the Admirale Will you be always cruel Madam said he and never pitty what I suffer you will find much more sweetness in that amorous conversation I so sincerely propose then in that indifference hinders and by its niceness obstructs the injoyments of those pleasures love would confer but Madam d'Andelot loves you and can you be so insensible as you appear These words smote her but after having stood mute a while Should I permit you said she to search my heart you would find little there conributing to your desires your love should be applied to the Dutchess onely she is one of the most charming persons of the World and I will never be upbraided to have bred a disunion between you He would have replied but the Admirale unwilling to hear any more called Madam D'Aumale who was still talking as fast of love to me as I was assuring her that if she knew me well she would soon be convinced I did not deserve her kindness The Duke D'Aumale closing continually with Madam de Brion it was impossible for me to have any talk with her but my eyes spoke what my tongue could not and hers answered me so that I enjoyed not onely the content to know I was understood but that my sufferings were shared in The Haut Boys and Flutes I had brought playing us some tunes we stayed till night being pretty well spent Supper was brought into a Pleasure-House in the Garden and having afterwards taken some few turns about the Alleys all withdrew to rest but I to expect the good hour Fontpertuis had assigned me All the obliging signs and glances Madam de Brion had given me made me believe she would hasten my felicity and that Fonpertuis had order to be the intelligencer I came therefore to the appointed Terrace the night was as cloudy as lovers would desire I gingerly marched on towards the Admirales Lodgings and as well as night would give me leave methought I perceived a Woman come out I advanced and she came towards me I thought I knew her by her China Gown and her stature but methought much more by her desires and mine that were so pressing they made her understand I would speak with her and she had the goodness to
hear them at the Foot of an Organge Tree adjoyning to an Arbor On a sudden I heard a noise on the Terrace and saw the Duke D'Aumale passing swiftly by we imprudently staid in the place where we were and he perceived us and sighing withdrew I was half distracted at this adventure but much more when I discerned I was not with Madam de Brion but the Dutchess I perceive by your surprise said she you thought your self happier then you are At that a door opened and out came Fontpertuis but I had said so much to the Dutchess I had not a word to say to her who strangely reproached me for that silence she did not expect The Dutchess withdrew by the Terrace over which she came and retired into her Chamber much confused to think on what might happen on the morrow not knowing what to resolve nor how to bear the reproaches she expected from the Duke He had other thoughts then to suspect it was she that I entertained so kindly on the Terrace he was as well as I deceived by the likeness of the Gowns and believed it was Madam de Brion with his Rival It was that sight troubled him and he rose as soon as it was day impatiently waiting the Admirales rising she stirred not till it was late and he attributed her sleeping so long to her last nights watching on the Terrace which ranged all along the Lodgings and therefore it was an easie matter for the Duke the Dutchess Fontpertuis and me to meet The Dutchess had heard what Fontpertuis said to me in the Garden and studied to inhanse all the sweetness of that rendezvous and had her desire The Duke thinking the Dutchess asleep softly passed her Chamber and having observed some kind glances and perhaps more imprudent signs pass between the Admirale and me which bespake a great Union of Heart his jealousie urged him to spy whether I went not into Madam de Brions Chamber who having watched longer then I thought went to Bed onely at break of day and rose not till an hour before Dinner As soon as she was up she asked for me and hearing I was with the Dutchess was coming directly to her Chamber when the Duke coming out desired a moments audience She was irresolute at first but at last consented You are onely ingrateful to me Madam said he and I must be the unhappy witness of an action of love represented last night on the Terrace between D'Andelot and you Though Madam de Brion was not disposed to mirth what the Duke said seemed to her so full of raillery she could not forbear laughing that action madded him and he had rather have heard her rave and be angry then have beheld so injurious a scorn He could not apprehend the meaning of it and I believe had he known it would have excused himself from acquainting the Admirale with what had hapned But her laughter being all the answer the Duke could with all his complaints and reproaches obtain she comes into the Dutchess Chamber who asks her the cause of her mirth but Madam de Brion could not truly tell it her She found her intelligence false as to my being there for I was before gone out into the Garden where I began to muse of the cruel consequences might arise from that adventure to my love if the Admirale knew it Alass she but too well knew all the circumstances for having heard a noise upon the Terrace she had stept into her Closet whence she saw the Dutchess and soon after knew me and saw my infidelity at large Till no longer able to endure the sight she withdrew to her Bed but the remembrance of what she had seen so afflicted her she could not sleep a wink such strange thoughts it possessed her with One came in the morning to tell me the Duke desired me to come to his Chamber but it was the Dutchess would speak with me I imagined it was her love had formed this deceit and would have retired but she withheld me Had I believed said she to me that the gift I have made you of my heart would have onely been the parent of such an indifference I should have struggled hard ere I had given way to it what has love done to you to make you so little sensible of his favors received from me Have you so soon forgot how kind and endearing they were Must I first send for you Or should you have first begged my sight unless you think me so unworthy that I am bound always to be the wooer Though you love the Admirale you still seem lovely to me and you shall always find me with the same amorous intentions you thought so happily to find upon the Terrace The Dutchess desires were very violent as you may perceive but I willing to preserve all mine for Madam de Brion whose wager I would gladly win was content with the reservedness and moderation to which they were restrained whilst solicited by a person so beautiful and fair She was forced to break off her complaints against my unconcernment by the Dukes entrance who found us alone And I began as well as the Dutchess to fear some eruel effects of his resentments for the offence we had committed but he not knowing it our fears were soon blown over I met Fontpertuis in the Garden walking with one of Madam D'Aumales Women I perceived she was angry with me I knew well that I deserved not to be loved by Madam de Brion I had neither given sufficient testimonies of love nor done all I ought to arrive at such happiness but all my hopes lay in the inclination and kindness of my Judge who now avoided my sight The Admirale who was filled with anger and disdain looked now no more on me with the accustomed sweetness that change made me sensible she knew all passed upon the Terrace and I was fully convinced of it when from on one of her Gentlewomen I received this Letter I Write to the most ungrateful Man living Examine the perfidiousness of your heart and you will soon find it is to you this Letter is addressed How happy had mine been had it never had thoughts for you But what has it done you should affront it with so much cruelty That heart which thought onely of you and was decreed onely for you But of what use are these feeble complaints and reproaches You have affronted me and it is a sin to forgive you Yet could I find the least doubt of your infidelity my grief would be allayed and I should not be reduced to the doleful constraint of never more seeing that Man I have so much loved But alass I saw your disloyalty nor could ever Man be more guilty then you You cannot now say you love nor have any pretence to justifie your self therefore begone immediately and flie from the pretence of that unhappy Woman can no longer endure your presence After having read it I entreated her that brought it to carry an
of what I loved and perceived not the Treason practised against me but committed one my self against the Admirale and knew it not was ever such perfidiousness heard of or could any Man be made more unhappy Y' are very much to be pittied indeed said the Marshal of Montmorency laughing to have obtained such a favor from one of the finest Women of a Kingdom I know not the Man would not have been glad to have supplied your place as scrupulous as you are to account the greatest of pleasures for an unsupportable torment When one is in love replied D'Andelot we value not the finest Women but think onely of those we love and yet methinks said the Marshal you digested very well your kindnesses to Fontpertuis and are not so regularly faithful as you would have us believe 'T is true replied D'Andelot that I have not observed that maxime with her but I was to work her to my designs and could I better engage her to my interests then by engaging her love But pray proceed said the Marshal interrupting him to tell us what you did in the little Chamber I knew continued he Madam D'Aumale by her voice I sighed for grief at the deceit put upon me and was about to be gone when Fontpertuis brought in Lights and I saw not Madam de Brion but was alone with the Dutchess so many Beauties of which I might dispose at pleasure made my heart utterly unfaithful and upon tryal I found that there is sometimes as much pleasure in Infidelity as in a true and constant Passion I renewed again and again my Disloyalties to the Admirale and my Treason began to grow familiar to me when there had like to have hapned a scurvy accident The Duke D'Aumale came home and wanted but little to surprise us Fontpertuis came running in afrighted and had scarce the time to say He followed her I hid my self behind the Bed had I gone into the Chimney as I was once thinking to do I had perished either with the fire or smoak for the Duke coming in pale and heavy and his looks enough declaring him distempered called for some fire believing a fit of an Ague was seising on him I knew not possibly how to get out and Madam D'Aumale seemed to be in more trouble then I. Each of us were deliberating what was the best course to be taken when it pleased my evil destiny to bring in Madam de Brion who having heard I was at the Dutchesses came either to know the truth or to surprise me in the very Act of Treason against her love She met with Fontpertuis and asking what her business was there she replied I come says she to satisfie my self about some suspitions I have of D'Andelot I am afraid he abuses your love he has been a whole hour together alone with the Dutchess and is at present hid behind the Bed The Admirale upon this came in full of anger against her lover and unable to endure the cruel injury she believed she had received the Dutchess began shrewdly to apprehend her rage and resentment Fontpertuis having carried her treachery thus far went home to the Admirales and left the persons concerned in no little trouble and perplexity brought on them by her cunning and artifice The Duke whose Feavor augmented not able to keep up any longer retired into his Chamber and went to Bed Scarce was he gone out but the Admirale maliciously told the Dutchess she was somewhat ill and throwing her self upon the Bed pretending to have a pain at heart she leaned her head towards my side and drawing the Curtain gave me such fierce looks as spoke a thousand things to me without uttering a word when on a sudden her first dissembled grief became a true one and I perceived her swound away At that fight without premeditating what might happen I gave so grievous a shout that almost all the house came into the Chamber I came out from behind the Bed and endeavored to assist her what I could My sight had much contributed to her swouning but the Picture Case which Fontpertuis had without my knowledge given on my behalf to the Dutchess was that compleated it Madam D'Aumale chanced to have that Case in her Pocket and it was faln upon the Bed The Admirale by chance laid her hand upon it and looking to see what it was knew it and presently imagined that either I had given it the Dutchess or that it was dropt out of my Pocket whilst I was tumbling with her on the Bed The Duke returns to the Chamber my sight amazes him and being jealous of both he knew not which to reproach his Wife or the Admirale who was long before she recovered out of her swound I took her by one of her hands spoke to her she at last opened her eyes and seeing me turned them towards the Duke on whom she kept them a good while fixt The Duke could not imagine what to make of this adventure there was a secret in Madam de Brions distemper which he would have given any thing in the World to discover The Picture Case which he knew partly satisfied his desire and he thence apprehended the cause of the Admirales sudden grief and the Dutchess confusion yet he could not clear all the doubts his heart mustered up touching his Honor and his Love neither by it nor by the convincing knowledge he had of his Dutchess love for me and his amorance I enjoyed all the Admirales affection not able therefore to stay there any longer he retired into his Chamber The Admirale restrained her Passion and gave me not a reproaching word but she ordered me to be gone with all the authority of a commanding Mistress Madam D'Aumales eyes requested my stay and seemed to entreat they might be preferred before Madam de Brions but Love gained the day over Infidelity I repented my crime and went away more in love with the Admirale then I had ever been before Soon after I was gone she retired to her Lodgings not without easing some of her fury on Madam D'Aumale who not caring at what rate she gained my love was little troubled at the discontent of her rival Fontpertuis glad at this success added new Treasons to them by telling Madam de Brion I had given the Picture Case to the Dutchess That our correspondence was setled and that I had received a Letter from Madam D'Aumale which she had cunningly and without suspition got from me All these apparent Truths such exact Reasons of Suspitions and the Imaginations Fontpertuis inspired into the Admirale made her resolve never to love me more but to abandon me to my inconstancy and leave me master of the Dutchess heart which I could not accept I was guilty but still I loved I would fain have been pardoned and endeavored all I could to deserve that pardon by a sincere and lasting repentance which I had the better hopes of because I believed the Admirale could not refuse it to
kept nothing from him and therefore he thought it was not to be doubted but he had discovered all the design The King who knew best the Art of dissembling of any Prince in the world cunningly interrupts him by asking whither it was true that he loved the Lady Mareshale as much as some would perswade him Ligneroles acknowledged that he did Love but was not beloved The King being in Bed caused Monsieur to be called with whom he grew so angry that he made him consent to the destruction of Ligneroles and promise that he would not speak to him of it but nothing can be kept concealed from what we love the King returns to Paris Monsieur goes to visit Chasteauneuf she perceives his sadness he suffered her Solicite a long time before he let her know the cause and knowing it she condoled and became partner in his grief without acquainting Ligneroles The King gave a Ball at the Louvre the Mareshale takes out Ligneroles to dance Bussy believed her carriage not indifferent towards him and that which doubled his grief and his jealousie was that she never so much as cast her Eies on himself He comes to Chasteauneuf who had something to say to him the Mareshale knew he had loved her she feared lest Love should be renewed between them and Chasteauneuf perhaps found an easiness in it to which Bussy agreed not His heart no longer able to bear the Mareshales disdain which he believed was caused by her kindness to Ligneroles he resolved to challenge him The friendship of Bussy with Grillon was begun some few days before for he not enduring to live without Love in so gallant a Court found Madam Bonneval the most proper to beget it in him she was a very well made person but her Manners were more engaging then her Beauty Grillon follows her in all places she perceives it but forbids him not to follow her What would you have with me Grillon said she one evening in the Queens Closet All that should be given to those love well Madam answered he the King who overheard it began to laugh Madam de Bonnevall was vexed and Grillon somewhat abashed from that day forward she was very rigorous to him he complained to Bussy who was beloved without knowing it He promises to serve him with Madam Bonneval and without any longer delaying the effects of his promise that very day he goes to her and finding her alone Who knows not says he that you are lovely and that your Eies have the infallible secret of inchanting Hearts but I was ignorant till now that to so many Excellencies and so many Beauties are joyned such strange cruelties and that the pleasure of seeing you has for its certain consequence such mighty sufferings 'T is that I come to complain of continued he looking on her with an Eye full of Love without any design but I have some counsel to give you will you receive it continue I beseech you the chains of those which adore you 't will be no great favour done them 't is so great a misery to be disdained that it becomes natural to wish for happiness Speak Madam he was about to say and give some joy to the unhappy Grillon when Madame and Chasteauneuf came in Bussy conceiving he could not now continue the entertainment he had begun went and found out Grillon and gave him an account of what he had said Madam de Bonneval believed not at all that it was on Grillons part she had heard those loving words but on his own she was resolved to have kindly answered Bussy had not Madame come in He was the Man of all the world she most desired to engage she loved him and she believed her self Beautiful enough to create Love in him This easily perswaded her not to doubt but it was the design of his heart and not being capable of a cruel thought towards him and moreover being perswaded it might produce a good effect to spare him any farther trouble She sent him this Note next Morning LOve me and tell me so what should hinder you And to let you see I am more lovely then you think look here what Chains I command you to carry This Note was without superscription and inclosed a Bracelet of Hair of admirable weaving Bussy rejoyced he had so well succeeded in his amorous Embassie as much as he would have grieved had he known the tender goodness of Madam de Bonneval was addressed to himself and not to Grillon who was much affected when Bussy gave him both the one and the other he applied to himself all the sweetness was in that Note and received the Bracelet as a favor so much more worthy because less expected Esteeming himself happy by an adventure had made him despair had he known the truth of it But how should he come to learn it if Madam de Bonneval without appearing furprised at so ill tuned an accident does put on so cunning a disguise that Grillon cannot know her thoughts yet she cannot digest the affront it is a touch too sensible for Ladies and they never pardon the slighting of their Beauty Let Bussy serve for example Madam de Bonneval stifles all the love she had for him and onely meditates revenge she alters not her behavior towards him but endeavors to discover the cause of his refusal What is often said of love is true it cannot be long kept secret Madam de Bonneval lets nothing scape may serve towards the revenge as she designs She interprets and comments upon the Actions the Looks the Words of Bussy and draws thence Suspitions which become Truths and tell her he is in love One day she was with the Lady Mareshale when Bussy comes there but his carriage seemed so unconcerned that none but Madam Bonneval could have divined his thoughts Not able long to contain he throws on the Mareshale such amorous glances that Madam Bonneval perceived them though he durst not sigh so loud as to be heard She discovered love in the eyes of Bussy and was enraged it was not all for her by all these signs she knew he was deeply intangled And the more ingenuously to advance her revenge she doubles her appearances of Friendship and under the false resemblances of a complacent sincerity which she affected successfully labors to create confidences with the Mareshale Bussy had designed to sight Ligneroles on the first occasion presented on the morrow one brake forth the King would speak with him he loved him and doubted not a good issue of any dangerous design if entrusted to him The King comes into his Closet where he was told he attended and proposed the killing of Ligneroles Can you have any esteem for me Sir answered Bussy and make choice of me to rid you of Ligneroles by unhandsome ways Ah Bussy said the King what will not any Man undertake to revenge himself of a beloved Rival and to sustain the Interest of his King when he finds in his own Courage a
would not want advice of the assistance he gave him Bussy impatiently endured what Ligneroles said and parry'd most part of the thrusts made at him The Duke of Guise chancing at this moment to pass by took their part the four men yielded to the courage and constancy of the Duke Bussy and Ligneroles they fled in disorder some of them wounded and one of them was taken by Bussy's servants whom Ligneroles let go against the Dukes mind not doubting but from him might be learned the first authors of this attempt But Bussy and Ligneroles who judged it commanded by the King drew off the Duke from those suspicions he might have had by feigning a Family quarrel which they would revenge This assassinate made a great noise and Monsieur talked publick That he made Ligneroles case his own but in private he said otherwise He knew from whence the blow came and Dâ—gua who was beginning to enter into his favor and who was gained by the King had made him approve the design conceived for the killing Ligneroles at his coming out of the Gardens of Soissons The King who was violent in the first eruptions of his anger was about to command mand the arresting of Bussy for assisting Ligneroles and whom he believed had betrayed his secret but the esteem he had for him banished this design of revenge The Duke of Guise had no share in the Kings resentments not being at all faulty Bussy came that Evening to the Louvre and saw the King who received him with many praises for the action he had done though he did not approve it but he undershood dissimulation On the morrow Bussy sent to request of the Lady Mareshale he might have the honor to kiss her hands he had never spoke to her since she had forbid him seeing her She was full of anger and of shame and could not prevail over her heart to bring it to that indifference she desired which hindered her agreement to Bussy's request Just as her answer was brought to him Ligneroles came into his Chamber understood it and assured him he would omit nothing possible for him to do to procure him an enterview with the Mareshale It is hard to be obliged for such a kindness to a Rival but Bussy was constrained to it Ligneroles was still of the same mind not to retire from Court and Bussy argued hard against a resolution which had no other foundation then Monsieurs Friendship on which he had much less reason to conside then on a provident and quick withdrawing which was the onely way to fecure him Ligneroles came to the Mareshale and at first pleaded in vain on Bussy's behalf but at last she consented to see him She after asked him who were those had assaulted him he would not tell her the secret but he told her that without Bussy's assistance he had been in very great danger and that the Duke of Guise had likewise defended him It was agreed between them that Bussy should come after Supper and that on condition he brought him which he did She was beginning to be undrest and desired him to be present at their entertainment to deprive Bussy of the happiness he might find in seeing and discoursing her alone which Bussy feared but Ligneroles who would not be genenous by halfs civilly retired and by his retreat left him full liberty to see speak and he heard She went for a moment into the Alcove to change her shift whilst Bussy staid looking on a Picture of a Mignon love which endeavored to climb to the top of a Rock he drew a Pencil out of his Pocket to write I shall drrive when the Mareshale gave a great shriek and came running almost naked into his arms Such a sight would certainly affect one indifferent what then could be Bussy's thoughts who was in love He stopt her asking the cause of her sright and endeavoring to reassure her but he perceived she swounded and was in condition to create extasies of love So that Bussy suckt in pleasures at his eyes their employment was to him obliging and charming and they showed him curious things it is impossible to express the sweet and tender motions of his Soul love onely can do it but love is discreet and tells not all it feels L'Hermite who was as fraid as her Lady was fled to call other Maids to her assistance whilst Bussy endeavored to bring her to her self They entred readily into the Chamber followed by Ligneroles who being got onely to the Stairs foot ran back in hast to know the reason of the noise he heard How was he surprised How astonished And how afflicted all at once to see the Mareshale in the arms of one she loved What jealous thoughts did not this sight inspire him with He believed himself unhappy but what thought he not of the happiness of his Rival Yet those thoughts gave place to others more sad and grievous when he perceived that all Bussy's trouble proceeded from the Mareshales swounding They put her in Bed and soon after she opened her eyes and her fright being allayed Ligneroles and he withdrew The Mareshale had as was well known a strong natural antipathy against Spiders of which she could tell no cause she then saw one on the Hanging and saved her self whereever she could and L'Hermite sharing in her Mistress fright fled as I said before On the morrow Bussy returned with design to see her but the shame and confussion wherein she was to be seen in a condition so contrary to Modesty made her resolve to refuse a pleasure she would gladly have received under pretence of not being well recovered from her fright He divined one part of her thoughts but unwilling to be a second time obliged to Ligneroles and trusting in Neufville he gave him Commission to let the Mareshale know he had some important business to discourse with her Neufville did it but not being happy in serving his Friend he in vain attempted to perswade her she ought to hear what Bussy had to say to her In the mean time Bussy was to be pittied he had not onely the pangs of his love and the cruelties of the Mareshale to groan under but must likewise endure all that grief caused by Ligneroles his misfortune The Duke of Guise assisted by the Counsels of Madam de Bonneval who he had formerly loved and who was still his friend neglected nothing he thought might make him be beloved This Prince was young brave ambitious and handsome every way lovely and deserving but to what end were all these great qualities whilst he was not beloved and yet made all his happiness consist in the being so But in a Conference he had his love changes object it was with his Uncle the Cardinal of Lorrain who having already broke off the Match between Madame and the King of Portugal would do the like with the King of Navarre and by his credit with Queen Katherine of Medices marry her to his Nephew The