committed to him of the Young King Don Lewis who was likewise his Uncle had signalized his Courage in several Rencounters and with Justice passed for the bravest and handsomest Prince of that Kingdom He had had a long time a very tender Engagement with Violanta and the report even run at Court that he had Married her and by her had a Son whom he brought up at one of his Houses near Lisbon Duke d'Avero had made his Prudence and Valour appear on several occasions under the Reign of John the III and had been one of his Favourites but Cardinal Henry had no great kindness for him knowing him to be ambitious and daring The Young Duke of Barcellos gave great hopes of his Dexterity and Wit and began to view of the Beauty of Leonora with a tender emotion The Count de Sousa was much esteemed both by the King and Cardinal Henry He maintained his Favour by a great merit and had taken care to joyn to all the fine Qualities that make a well bred-Man the solid Virtues that compose an honest-man Don Henry had a thousand good Qualities that made him be beloved by all the World he was well Built and Vallant and breathed nothing but dangers And as he was the chief of an Illustrious Family both for Nobility and Riches his Father had taken care before his Death to Conclude his Marriage with Eugenia they having loved one another from their most tender Infancy All things seem'd to conspire to unite them their Humours being alike their Qualities suitable and their Age almost equal gave all People great hopes of their happiness Amours were the Soul of that Court and even those who were only sensible of Ambition were constrained to call Love to their succours that they might the better succeed in their Designs The Dutchess of Braganza would have been willing to have been indepted for the advancement of her Fortune to this last Passion she placed all her cares to make the King love her but was not able to render his heart sensible He had no other Passion than for Arms he had raised a Regiment which he Exercised continually and frequently Review'd He would as often undertake the Labours of Common Souldiers as the Cares of chief Officers the greatest Perils had a secret Charm to invite him and not believing that any common danger was worthy of him he would not undertake any thing that was not attended with difficulties If he had any Voyage to make upon the Sea he affected to Embark during the Tempest disdaining to rock peaceably in a Calm that might lull his Virtue asleep Duke d'Avero had no less Ambition than the Dutchess of Braganza and likewise fancied that Love might be useful to his Designs He had a Daughter called Elvira He sought in her Beauty for the reputation that was refused his own merit and imagin'd that she had Charms enough to touch the heart of that Young King She had not yet been seen at Court though she was at an Age to appear there with lustre because the Dutchess her Mother having a long time languished in a Disease which occasioned her Death two Years before had retired her self to one of her Country Houses and had ever kept her with her and the Duke after the Death of his Wife had put his Daughter into a Nunnery near his House not designing to take her from thence till he had found out a Match suitable to her Circumstances In the mean time Eugenia had too many Charms to satisfie themselves with the Conquest of Don Henry The Count de Sousa had been long Passionately in love with her His Respects his Complaisances and Assiduities had sufficiently assured her of it but whether she was not willing to understand them or she had only Eyes for Don Henry the Count de Sousa always found in her so much indifference for him that he judg'd it not convenient to declare his Passion more openly He had too much respect and discretion to hazard an unprofitable Declaration Don Henry was his Friend Eugenia had ever seen him only under the notion of Friendship which he could not any longer support the constraint of He saw her every day she was ever lovely in his Eyes she had hardly in the least concealed from him the Passion she had for Henry That Lover likewise made him the Confident of his happiness What a torture is this to a Man whose love is extream and was not capable of easing himself by betraying his Mistress and his Friend After having been for some time in these Extremities and having in vain Employ'd the Succours of his Reason for to cure him he fancied that absence would diminish his Sufferings by weakning his Passion and so was desirous to remove from Court but his Merit had put him there in too good a posture for him to go away without some specious pretext Elizabeth whom Philip the II. had Married in his third Nuptials died in Spain about that time wherefore one was to be sent to make the Compliments of Condolance to this King on the behalf of Queen Katherine his Sister and Don Sebastian his Nephew Sousa fancied that occasion was favourable to him and for the obtaining that Commission he Employed Cardinal Henry's Credit with the King the Cardinal highly esteeming his Virtue used to Queen Katherine the Solicitations of Lewis of Granada his Friend whose Birth and Piety were had in veneration by all People and whom that King had caused to come from Spain to communicate to her all that concerned the Salvation of her Soul and the good of the Kingdom He obtained what he desired was sent to the King of Spain but could not depart without going to take his leave of Eugenia with whom he found Don Henry He used all his endeavours to conceal his Grief and his Love in that separation the Words he spoke had no coherence with one another and the Sighs he vented were half stifled And seeing he could not resist his Grief he quitted those two Lovers and Embraced them bidding 'em Farewell and live happy while I do lead a Languishing life far from you and my Friends His Sighs hindred him from speaking more than these Words he went immediately away for fear they should see him shed tears And Eugenia and Don Henry were really afflicted at his departure and attributed to Friendship alone what a more violent Passion had produced The Duke d'Avero caused Elvira to come and second his Projects He was himself surpriz'd with her Beauty and conceived fresh hopes at the sight of so dazeling an Object The truth is she was capable so â—ngage the most insensible Her blew Eyes were sweet and piercing all her Features were regular her Complexion was admirable and Hair was the finest in the World delicately accompanied by all the Beauty of her Face She was of a middle Stature but her Wit was above what is common she had an insinuating Prefence and engaging ways with her her Conversation was
had explained his budding Passion Wherefore she passed over Formalities and went the next day with her Son to see Elvira You will find perhaps said she to her entring my Visit rash and too hasty Madam this is not the only fatigue your Beauty will cause you and the Duke to whom I made Yester day the recital of it has forced me to come and importune you with so much precipitation But he is still Young Madam continued she smiling and knows not what he demands Elvira answered with a thousand Civilities At this meeting the Conversation was less serious and more warm than usually those are of the first Visits and the Duke de Barcellos shewed so much admiration for Elvira that the Count de Tavora who was then there fancied he had conceived a great Passion for her and said the day following in Entertaining some Persons that came to see him with the News of the Court that Elvira's Beauty made a great noise there that the Duke de Barcellos was extreamly in love with her had been to see her and declared to her a great deal of kindness Leonora was present at this Discourse and could not hear it without shivering For above two Years that the Duke de Barcellos saw her with assiduity he had not dared to declare what her Charms had made him suffer and their hearts having been used to love one another from their tenderest Infancy upon the credit of their sighs without having otherwise explained themselves they had spared themselves the vexation that Reflexions give at the birth of a Passion and the confusion which these forts of Declarations cause in those that hear them She returned into her Chamber to conceal her trouble and as soon as she was at liberty she let some tears fall without knowing the reason that made her weep She saw her self opprest with a grief that she had never felt sometimes she abandoned her self to all imaginable hatred against Elvira sometimes she complained confusedly of the Duke of Barcellos and not knowing what Motions to keep to Why should I complain of him said she did he promise me never to love any one has he told me he had a kindness for me does he know that I have an inclination for him or rather have ever loved him Alas I know nothing of it my self continued she but I know very well I have been deceived in the opinion I had of the care he took to purchase and preserve my favour She had not yet so strictly Examined the Sentiments she had of the Duke de Barcellos she durst not even in that moment tell her self that she loved him and attributed to the hatred she had for Elvira all that the strongest Jealousie made her suffer I should not care said she sometimes though he loved another but I have so great an Antipathy for Elvira that I cannot suffer the Passion he has for her he must renounce it or never see me more I 'le rather from this present deprive my self of the pleasure of seeing him without asking him any thing continued she and likewise the sacrifice that I pretend from him would oblige me to too much acknowledgment Ah! what would my Father say if I should engage my self without his Consent Alas perhaps he has already discovered my trouble and perhaps he attributes to Jealousie the disorder I have made appear This fear for some time suspended the violence of her Motions and made her at length take the resolution of concealing her grief from the Eyes even of those who caused it The Duke d' Avero rely'd much upon the merit of his Daughter and hoped to see her one day Queen of Portugal She likewise conceived great hopes of her Charms and both in concert without imparting to one another their Designs laid Ambushes for the liberty of a Prince who came and cast himself into Chains Don Sebastian distinguished Elvira from all those that endeavoured to please him He paid her a thousand little passionate addresses that are never offer'd but to one Person and are the forerunners of the tenderest Passion Elvira's heart was too sensible and her Soul too ambitious not to be touched at the distinctions and the eagernesses of a Prince so gallant so well made and so lovely as Don Sebastian but how prone soever he was for Love his domineering Passion was Glory He impatiently suffered the prudent Zeal of Cardinal Henry who opposed the boyling ardour with which he sought out dangers he often stole from the vigilance of his Guards and quitted the company of Ladies and tender Conversations to go encounter the most Savage Beasts in the midst of the Forest He passionately loved Hunting the more dangerous it was the more Charming it seemed to him And as Queen Katherine and Cardinal Henry did with all their power mollifie the violence of that Exercise and the ardour which he gave himself up to it they got the Ladies of the Court to be often of the Parties and endeavoured to make a Diversion of so rude and so dangerous an amusement He was one day at Queen Katherine's and proposed a Match to go hunt Lions the next day The Queen whom this Proposition had caused to tremble and who knew very well that directly to oppose this Princes Designs would but so much the more irritate his desires cunningly made use of the Power she saw Elvira had over the King and told him gently The only name of Lions has made Elvira tremble my Son and I believe if you hunt them to morrow you will have but few Ladies in your train I love hunting passionately answered Elvira having penetrated into the Queens Design but the truth is this Chace seems to me too terrible and there are much gentler wherein I made the greatest delights of my solitude consist Well then we will run a Stag to morrow answered the King hastily the Ladies shall be of the party and you will be there Madam pursued he looking tenderly on Elvira The Queen had a great deal of joy she had made her Son change his design Elvira was much pleased she had served the Queens intentions and she had received this mark of Complaisance from Don Sebastian The Dutchess of Braganza who was present at this Conversation could not see without blushing for spight this slight proof of the Kings tenderness for another than her self and every one retired some moments after to give Orders for all that was necessary for that Match The King sent one to tell the Duke d'Avero the next day that as Elvira had not perhaps had time to prepare her Hunting Clotths he prayed him to give her those he sent her which was a Justicore covered with Spanish Point of Gold and Silver the Flowers of which were raised to the life with Jewels of several Colours a Riding Petticoate of the same Fashion and a Cap loaded with a number of long and very beautiful Blew Feathers The Duke accepted this Present for his Daughter with a great deal of
from Elvira any favourable Answer made him pass very troublesome Moments He sometimes Figured to himself that he could never be beloved by her The Languishing and the Tenderness which Elvira made appear to him in her Eyes when she left him could not reassure him against this fear but he was not long in his Suspicions and he had all manner of reason to believe in the Conversations he had afterwards with Elvira that she had no aversion for him She even assured him in several Rencounters that she could suffer that Passion with joy provided it might sute with her Duty and told him all these things with all the sweetness and complaisance that though she cunningly referred her self to her Father as to all the sentiments of her heart the King conceived hopes that he should be beloved and even sometimes flattered himself with having some part in her tenderness their Commerce became at length so great and so manifest that the Dutchess of Braganza seeing she could not break it feigned to second it and fancied that introducing her self to those two Lovers by the Title of a Confident she might on some occasions of falling out or inconstancy recover her favour with the King rather than by the Jealousie she might make appear She quitted the Design she had taken of Engaging her Son in an Intreague with Elvira rightly judging that in the posture things were this enterprise would be more disadvantageous than profitable to her Projects And the young Duke having never had any inclination but for Leonora and seeing himself treated with more rigour than usnally without having yet penetrated into the Cause of it endeavoured to clear this point with her He saw her all alone Vexation did in her what all his Tenderness had not been able yet to do and Jealousie made known to the Duke the love she had for him He first complained of her and then comforted her with a great deal of affection for all that unlucky juncture had made her suffer and gave her a thousand assurances of fidelity against her suspicions All these Lovers enjoy'd with Tranquility enough during some time the pleasures of their inclinations But how accomplished soever Don Sebastian was he was not born to be happy and the most civil Man of the Court was the innocent cause of these first misfortunes The Count de Souza having worthily acquitted himself of his Embassy abandoned the Court of Spain loaded with Glory and Presents The News of his speedy return was immediately spread about Lisbon As he had a great deal of Merit and a great many Friends he was only heard spoken of in all Companies and the Conversations were almost all composed of his Praises Elvira heard his fine Qualities cry'd up in several Places She had never seen him and conceived a great desire to know him Don Lewis had a very fine Country House two Leagues from Lisbon and near unto a Lordship that belonged to Souza whither he often carried Violanta and her Friends Elvira was one of her most intimate acquaintance and Don Lewis Treating them there one day after the Ball was begun four Persons were seen to enter disguised like Slaves who drew the Eyes of all the Assembly by the Magnificence of their habit But one among 'em charmed all People by his Air and his manners they took him at first for Don Henry because Eugenia having never had any great kindness for Violanta they were not of that Assembly and could only come in Masquerade but they afterwards observ'd that Don Henry was much fatter and of a less advantageous shape than this Slave He at first placed himself at Elvira's Feet and told her with the best Grace imaginable that he came from the farthest part of Africa to have the honour of wearing her Chains She answered him very Obligingly And by the discourse she had with him she easily observed that this Slave had as much Wit as he had a good Meen Violanta took him out to dance and he acquitted himself in the most seemly and pleasing way that can be fancied He took out Elvira who danced better with him than she had done before None knew him and they all impatiently longed to see his Masque off At length Elvira so earnestly begged it of him that he was constrained to retire apart and shew her his Face She was much surpriz'd she did not know him but much more at his Lustre Ah! since I do not know you said she to him being somewhat recovered out of her astonishment and you are so well formed you must be the Count de Souza I beg you would not name me Madam said he to her I am unwilling to be known I had a desire to pass this night at my Country-House and have not been yet at Court Elvira promised she would not discover him and kept her Word As no body knew that the Count de Souza was Arrived at his House none of them suspected any thing of the truth He made his Court to her during the Ball as to the Mistress of his King whose favour he ought to manage She hearkned to him with a delight that caused an emotion in her and found a secret Charm in his Words and Actions The Ball being ended Elvira returned to Lisbon with a numerous Train of Coaches and Souza came several times into her mind in the Night under the most agreeable Idea that can ever be formed of an accomplish'd Man He appeared the next day at Court and went to give an account of his Commission to the King who was with Elvira She could not forbear blushing at the sight of him she found him yet more charming than he had appeared to her but she so well knew how to conceal her Blushes and Emotions that no body perceived ' em They discoursed of the Court of Spain the Count de Souza of whom they asked the News of it said that Don John Natural Son to Charles the V. was lately Arrived there and appeared in great Splendour that he was a Prince equally understanding in War and in Policy that he had shewn him a great deal of kindness and had a particular Esteem of his Merit That King Philip who had been three times a Widdower was going to Marry Ann of Austria his Niece and Sister of Maximilian II. and that Katherine Michela Daughter to Philip and the late Deceased Queen was one of the most Beautiful Persons of Europe He was going to tell several other particulars more of that Court but Don Henry entring in that moment caused him so much trouble that he could not continue his Discourse He received his kindnesses with the greatest Civility having resolved to avoid as much as he could the meeting with his Mistress and his Rival and being afraid that Eugenia would suddenly come to see Elvira he took leave of the King and retired to his House where he employ'd all the Efforts of his Reason to stifle a Passion that he perceived was ready to revive notwithstanding
owe him all our thoughts and I make it my business and am proud of Consecrating to him even the very least of my Actions This Discourse so discouraged Elvira and put her so out of Countenance that she could no longer bear the looks of Souza nor replyed any thing to him and she knew not whether she had best quit him or stay with him when the Door-keepers came and told her that the King was awake and that they might see him They went both into his Chamber the Court grew full in a little time and Souza retired presently after more troubled at what he had newly heard than he had been in all his life time The Duke d'Avero observing all his Daughters Actions and seeing the sequel did not answer the happy beginning suspected that some stronger Passion triumphed over Elvira's Ambition She had talked to him so often and with so much admiration of Souza and this Count appeared to him so proper to inspire love that he Examined them both with Care he saw Elvira blusht and was ever troubled at the sight of him He no longer doubted but he was the cause of this change and resolved to remedy it without seeming to be the least concerned The Count de Souza was of a Rank Merit and Conduct not to be easily ruined at Court Wherefore the Duke employ'd his Cares and his Credit to remove him after another manner An Ambassadour was to be sent to Pope Pius the V who was newly raised to the Pontificate by the Cares and Solicitations of the Great Boromeus and Cardinal Farnese The Duke d'Avero took such a course as that the King cast his Eyes upon the Count de Souza for that Embassy But so soon as Elvira had learnt this News the displeasure of ceasing to see what she could not forbear loving made such an impression upon her Mind that she went with all haste to the King pretending to be ignorant of what he had resolved to pray him with earnestness to give that Commission to Don Alvaro Castro whom all the Court knew to be one of her Creatures and the King having told her he had granted that Employ to the Count d'Souza at the Duke de Avero's desire the fear she was in that her Father had discovered her Passion and for that reason was desirous to remove him from Court made her so dumb and out of Countenance that she almost suffered all which passed in her Heart to be read in her Eyes but after being come somewhat to her self again she spoke with so tender and pressing an Air to Don Sebastian that not being able to refuse her any thing he told the Count de Souza in the Evening who came to thank him that his Council had judged it more convenient to give that Commission to Don Alvaro Castro who had already one of the same Nature and was perfectly well instructed in the several Interests of the Court of Rome This Change surprized all the Court They sought for the reason of it and it was found that Elvira's Credit was the cause Her Father did not doubt of her Passion He make her a thousand reproaches which did no good at all Alvaro Castro departed after having thanked her for a favour he was not indebted to her goodness for and the Count de Souza knew with an extream grief that 't was as great a misfortune to him to be beloved by the person he did not love as to be hated by her he loved The King daily perceiving more and more indifference in Elvira was so mortally grieved at it that it rendred him the most unhappy of all Men though he seemed the most happy And that which still augmented his trouble was that at that time arose one called Peter Bertrand the Eldest Son of the Illustrious Montluc not being willing to steep his Hands in the Blood of Frenchmen not to be on either side in the Civil Wars and Heresies that so Plagued all France fitted out a little Fleet and Manned it with about Twelve hundred Men or thereabouts His youngest Son and another younger Brother of the Family of Pompadour accompanied him in this Voyage and being come upon the Coasts of Madera they would have Landed to have taken in fresh Water but the Portugals who were Masters of that Island Fired their Canon upon them and Sallied out against Bertrand He immedietely set Eight hundred of his Men on Shore Cut the Portugals to pieces Sack'd the City that bears the Name of the Island and died a little after of a wound he received in that Fight Don Sebastian could not hear this News without a great deal of vexation he caused satisfaction to be demanded of Charles the IX and accused Bertrand and his Companions of being Pyrates and Infractours of the Treaties France having then Intestine Enemies enough without needing to draw upon it others was willing to Sacrifice to the King of Portugal's anger all those who had followed Bertrand in that Voyage but the reputation of Montluc and the Power of the Admiral who ever maintained the Glory of the French Nation fenced off this blow by his Subtilty The Count de Sanzay was sent to Don Sebastian to justifie the French-men and Queen Margarite who was ever contriving Great Designs took that occasion to attempt a Match between Don Sebastian and the Sister of Charles the IX to the intent this Alliance might the more closely unite France and Portugal and might augment the Rights that the French pretend to have upon that Crown The Count de Sanzay departed with secret Instructions for that Marriage He justified Bertrand and his Companions and knowing that pleasures are often very good means to succeed in Affairs he was at all the Divertisements of the Court to the intent he might the more easily bring to pass his secret Negotiation He was young and well made which was sufficient to get into the favour of the Portugal Ladies His Discourses and his Manners had a certain agreeableness that had the Art of Charming even in the best of things that free and easie Air that makes Gentleman be distinguished from others was more Natural to him than to any Man besides he was of that sort of gallant humour which ever engages it self in Love but is ever for all manner of Divertisements But his Wit was yet more Solid than Gallant and he oftentimes made those Trifles be useful to the greatest Affairs Leonora seem'd to him worthy of his Cares and fit for some little Engagements she had an Air of Sweetness and Sincerity which made one not afraid of those Artifices in her which her Sex commonly makes use of The Count de Sanzay entertained her with a thousand Gallantries He gave her Treats and Diversions nearly contrived he spoke to her of Love upon all occasions but he spoke after such a manner that one could not take seriously enough so as to be displeased and however appeared so sincere that Credit might be given to it designing to give
high Ideas of the Court of France for the facilitating the Marriage which he negotiated All that he did for Leonora was so magnificent that the Duke of Barcellos's affection was alarm'd and he was sometimes very uneasie He immediately found that Elvira had great Power over the King he endeavoured to make her his Friend and though he judged that the Ambition of the Duke d'Avero and the tender Commerce of his Daughter with Don Sebastian would bring great Obstacles to his Negotiation he persuaded himself that they would soon penetrate into his Designs and that before they could know them he might have perhaps brought them to pass He fancied he might draw great light from her for the carrying on his Projects He forgot none of all those little Cares that might procure him some part in her Friendship She could not refuse it him she took delight in seeing him she spoke to him with Confidence she often enquired of him News of his Amour he did not excuse himself from telling her hoping that the Confidence he put in her would obtain the like and others from her that might be useful to his enterprize but persons for Wit are too reserv'd in that matter she would sooner have acquainted him with the most secret Affairs of State than the least motion of her Heart and all that the Counts penetration could discover in that Intreague was that Elvira had no great inclination for the King but that he had a violent Passion for her He spoke immediately of this Marriage unto Queen Katharine because he saw her well intentioned enough for France she assured him she would endeavour it with all her Power But as she no longer concerned her self hardly at all with Affairs of State she was no great help to him He likewise managed Cardinal Henry with great Care He perceived that this Prelate did not approve of the Passion which Don Sebastian had for Elvira and that it was not his meaning to Contract a New Alliance with the Spaniards He spoke to him very slightly of that which Portugal might make with France But whether this Cardinal was not willing to procure Heirs to the Crown that devolved upon him after Don Sebastian's Death or not any of those Matches did please him he found difficulties every where and the Count de Sanzay did not think fit to Discourse him any more about it He turned all his Designs upon the King He praised upon all occasions the Wit and Beauty of the Ladies of France he shewed him all the advantages he might have by making an Alliance with that Crown He likewise cunningly let him see the Picture of the Princess Marguerite and often described her to him in all the extent of her Charms But of what effect are all endeavours against a prepossest Heart it was in vain he laid in view all the reasons of Policy and Charms of Beauty Don Sebastian had only Eyes for Elvira though she rendred him the most unhappy of all Men. The Dutchess of Braganza whose Jealousie did continually make some discovery of her Rivals inclinations and being also one of Sanzay's Friends was the first who made him observe that Elvira had a kindness for Souza This Dutchess fearing that all she could say to the King upon this Subject would be suspected cunningly set on Foot a report amidst the Secret News of the Court that Elvira had a greater Passion for another than for the King But as Souza saw Elvira less than any other the King did not suspect he had any part in that Intrigue and was not able to discover his Rival Chance at length acquainted him with what not any one about Court durst have told him and what was suspected but by very few People Elvira was coming one day to the Queen's as the Count de Souza was going out and as he always endeavoured to avoid meeting her bowing he would have passed by hastily but she stopped him and said to him Methinks Count you take a great deal of Care to shun me and I should have been glad you would have told me what reason you have to do so The Count perplexed at this Discourse answered her with a great deal of respect Since I have merited your hatred and you have judged me unworthy of serving my King in the Commission he had given me I ought to hide my self from all the World Is that hating you Count replyed she tenderly not to be willing you should go from us The King came at these Words and they were all three so discomposed that it was impossible for any one of them to speak so much as one Word Don Sebastian entred the Queens Appartment where his disquiet did not permit him to stay long Elvira did not make her Visit The Count retired to his House And the King who had only heard the last Words of that Conversation impatient to Explain himself with Elvira and all on a Fire to make her a thousand Reproaches went to her House in such a rage as threatned the ruin of Souza But the King's anger could not last against the feeble Reasons of Elvira she persuaded him that in the coldest indifference she could do no less than answer the Count to appease his trouble and she gave so innocent a Colour to that Conversation that the King went from her with very little suspicion and a woundrous deal of Love The Kings Choller being appeased all the Lovers of that Court enjoy'd for some time a very deicious Peace Elvira took care not to give any Jealousie to the King Souza comported himself so prudently that no suspicions could be conceived of his Behaviour The Dutchess of Braganza seeing all her endeavours were in vain renounced her Design and retired to the Duke her Husband The Duke de Barcellos being cleared of all Jealousies by Leonora was sure of her Affection and no longer alarm'd at the Addresses of the Count de Sanzay who did not apply himself very passionately to that Conquest Don Lewis and Violanta enjoy'd the sweetest pleasures of Love Don Henry was full of joy to know he was beloved of Eugenia And Souza's Reason was become so much Master of his Love that his presence gave not trouble at all to their Pleasures and there was only the Duke d' Avero who was still in disquiet and suspicions As he had to no purpose endeavoured to remove Souza from Court and his presence perpetually allarming him he fancied that the Count being Married he should be exempt from all those fears and should deprive his Daughter of the hopes that entertained her love He cast his Eyes upon Eugenia for that Design Some light suspicions that Don Sebastian made appear one day of Souza gave an opportunity to the Duke of proposing this Match to the King which he did not fail to Colour with sevenal Reasons of State This Proposition was well received by the King he undertook it with a great deal of heat and told Souza the next day that some important
aversion My Lord answered Eugenia in Confusion at what she had said and what she had newly heard so far from hating you I have ever had a perfect friendship for you I esteemed your Merit as soon as I knew you but I was not acquainted with your Love before I was engaged and I did not believe the Kings Orders would be so fatal to us Alas they are only so to me answered Souza you will injoy in Peace what you love and I am deprived of what I adore and opprest with the hatred of my King I shall wait for death with impatience Ah Count said she to him in suspence I would not have my happiness cost you so Dear and if your Life be concerned I will do all I can to save you 'T is enough Madam said the Count to her falling at her Feet I am content and I am going to think how to satisfie you No my Lord said Eugenia stopping him it is not just you should make me happy by your unhappiness Duty and Friendship conspire against my Passion I must obey I must follow your Example I have not so much force and so much firmness as you But what Torments soever it may cost me you may tell the King that if your Life be concerned I am ready to do all that is necessary to save you She could not speak these Words without an extream constraint and grief The horrour she figured to her self in losing Don Henry put her into a Condition to have raised pity And Souza who saw all sort of grief painted in her Face told her in reassuring her Madam it is for me to conquer my self my love has ever been concealed in silence and this season is very improper to make it appear You love Don Henry he loves you you have both conceived great hopes to enjoy your happiness you never loved me I never had any hopes you would let me die I shall be content provided the King believes me innocent and you allow some Tears to my Misfortunes The Count went our having spoken these Words and did not wait for Eugenia's answer who was in the Cruellst perplexity that ever was admiring Sanza's Gnerosity fearing the Kings Power and infinitely concerned for her love Don Henry came to her House as she was still in these Reflexions and asked her the reason of the sadness he saw in her Face She made him a sincere recital of all the Count had newly said to her commending his Generosity and his Constancy But as we ever fear to lose what we love Don Henry could not assure himself of Souza's Resolution he fancied there was never such an Honest Wellbred-Man as could resist an ardent love and so favourable an occasion he could not suffer himself to be convinc'd by the strong reasons Eugenia brought to reassure his affection He said to her the most touching things imaginable upon his fears he would have gone and flung himself at the Kings Feet and offered him his life instead of his Mistriss But she let him know that it was to expose two Heads instead of one to the anger of Don Sebastian and this Declaration would without doubt include him in the same disgrace there needed no more than this Declaration to stop Don Henry they both agreed that they ought to content themselves with employing all the Friends they had at Court to serve the Count de Souza in the misfortune that threatned him Souza was to make his Court the day following The King did not fail to ask him if he had executed those Orders He answered with a profound respect that he should be ever ready to obey his Highness but he had acquired so little Reputation and had yet so feebly served the State that he could not resolve to Marry and that such Engagements evermore took up the better part of the Cares that are due to ones Prince The King much displeased at this refusal did no longer doubt but he had an Intrigue with Elvira and told him furiously That a disobedient Subject could not render him good Services and bid appear no more in his presence The Count went away opprest with sorrow and was no sooner at his House than a Captain of the Guards came to Command him from the King to leave the Kingdom with the soonnest He received this Order with all the respect imaginable and not reproaching himself with any Crime nor imputing any thing to the King of his misfortune and Sacrificing all to his love he went out of the City some moments after without murmering and without going to any Friends House for fear of being oblig'd to see Elvira The Count de Souza's Exile being spread a little time after through all the City the best sort of People pitied him and in the Grief that Elvira was in for his a fence she could not forbear having a secret joy being he had refused Engenia she fancied as it is usual to flatter ones self that she might well be the Cause of that refusal and entertaing her self with that thought she resolved to employ all her Friends secretly to solicite Souza's return not daring to ask it her self This incident did help much to encourage the Confidence and Friendship she had for the Count de Sanzay she imagined that in the offers of Services and the promises he had made her he contributed very much towards the hindring the Execution of this Match she imparted to him all the Griefs that Souza's absence gave her she even confessed to him one day that the indifference she had before for the King was even changed into an aversion since this Exile Sanzay laboured in Court with her to cause Souza to be recalled All the better sort of People at Court begged the same of the King but their Prayers were useless Jealousie is not appeased like other troubles and the King being ever inexorable Elvira had coldnesses for him that they would have been capable of revenging Souza if he had known them and if he had been a less good Subject He was some time deliberating into what Kingdom he should go into Banishment and for what Quarrel he should expose his Life The End of the First Part. Don Sebastian KING OF Portugal An Historical Novel PART II. Done out of French by Mr. FERRAND SPENCE LONDON Printed for R. Bentley and S. Magnes in Russel-street in Covent-garden 1683. Don Sebastian KING OF PORTUGAL FRance had at length in a General Peace lulled asleep the Rage and Fury of the Civil-Wars all things were preparing in that Kingdom for the Marriage of Charles IX with Elizabeth Daughter to the Emperour Maximilian II. Queen Margarite who in the intestine troubles of the most Cruel Wars had ever carried along with her Divertisements and Pleasures prepared to Celebrate this Marriage by such Sports and Rejoycings as were worthy of the Princess But what Souza sought was quite different from Joy And Pius V had in his Politick Zeal obliged the King of Spain and the Venetians to joyn
more than that of the Mightiest Kings and would gladly have followed his Warlike Ardour without renouncing the respect he had for her While his Mind floated between these two Motions the Governour he had put into Arsilla sent him word that Moluc had vanquished his Nephew a third time in a set Battel that with a handful of Men he led he had defeated in that last Battel an Army of sixty-thousand Horse and ten thousand Foot that he had newly constrained Mahumet to fly the Kingdom and 't was to be feared that this Conquerour after having drove away his Nephew out of Africa would recover the Places the Portugals had in that Country This piece of News inspired Don Sebastian with so much Courage and Emulation that he considered the Glory which Moluc had acquired as a Jewel he had robbed him of and which he was resolved to make him restore he impatiently longed to signalize himself against him and the occasion was but too soon offered for the good of the State Mahumet being drove out of his Country came sometime after with Almeida to take refuge in Portugal The King learn't with an expressible Joy that he should suddenly have the happiness of seeing that Princess again who had Charmed him and who he had never seen but in that Instant and had so often desired to see since that moment He would immediately have made them a Magnificent Entry but that the King and Princess let him know that Pomp and Triumph were not very suitable to the deplorable condition they were then in The King went to meet 'em with all his Court he Embraced Mahumet a thousand times he rendred profound respects to Almeida and after the first Civilities were passed on both sides You see Sir said that Princess to him I am come to Demand the Succours you offered me so obligingly in Arsilla Have you not forgot that Goodness continued she in a Modest and Languishing Air or rather do you remember you have seen me Never any first sight made so much impression upon a Heart Madam answered Don Sebastian passionately as that rencounter did upon mine and you have acquired absolute Power over me from that moment Don Sebastian continued this Conversation till they were arrived at the place that was prepared for their reception After that Mahumet had made known to the King the Justice of his Cause he represented to him the Moors being divided it would be easie for him to vanquish them that if the Portugez's would but descend into Africa tho with but mean Forces they might render themselves Mesters of all the Kingdom he had newly been stript of how the Enterprizes the King had already made and the Glorious Successes he had had there terrified all those People and when they should see him who was born their King joyn'd to those who had already Vanquished 'em they would come of their own accord and range themselves under their Power Glory and Love incited Don Sebastian much more to that War than all the reasons Mahumet could invent His Valour had a long time disposed him to make some Enterprize in Africa and Almeida's Beauty had rendered him too sensible of her Misfortunes to neglect the attempt of revenging her The Council of Portugal opposed his Design with all its might Almeida knew it she went to the King she Employ'd all her Charms she lamented her Disgrace A sensibe Heart makes little resistance against the Tears of a Beautiful Person he promised to Aid her notwithstanding these Obstacles she gave him some hopes of being beloved and he caused Troops to be raised in all parts for the Execution of this Enterprize How great a Comfort was this to Almeida in her Misfortune She saw her self Adored by the most accomplished King that was then in the World she saw that her Beauty Triumphed over all Policy and over all the Forces of Portugal she was persuaded that Don Sebastian would Sacrifice all to her Revenge Her Brother often told her that she was Mistriss of his Fate and hoped they should suddenly be Re-established upon the Throne But that which still Augmented the pleasingness of these hopes was that she found Don Sebastian as Lovely as he was Amorous and that she was yet more sensible of the Affection he had for her than in the Cares he took in her Favour She would have been sorry that any other had rendred this Good Office to her Brother and esteem and acknowledgment conspiring in her Heart in favour of Don Sebastian gave Birth there to a Passion little different from that the King felt for her If he spoke to her passionately she heard him with delight if he continually and eagerly sought her out she never met him but with an extream joy The most fatal Amour has ever in its beginning a thousand Pleasures to engage us this at first laid only Charms to view in the sight of those Lovers All the Court was with Justice alarmed at it Queen Katherine used all her Efforts to destroy it Cardinal Henry opposed it with all his Power but the King was absolute these Obstacles the more enflamed him and they were constrain'd to leave a free Course to his Passion Don Sebastian thought it convenient to take a Journey into Spain to implore Succours of his Uncle in Favour of Mahumet He departed after the Ambassadour he had in that Court had agreed with Philip that Guadalouppe should be the Place of their Interview and gave Order at his Departure that the Moorish King and his Sister whom he left at Lisbon should be Treated and Respected as himself The King of Spain came to the Rendezvous accompanied with one of his Daughters and all the Lords of his Court and received Don Sebastian with great Testimonies of Joy and Affection He endeavoured to dissuade him from so dangerous an Enterprize But danger does but the more enflame Great Souls He then Prayed him not to go in Person to that War but it was to no purpose being he would have exposed his life a thousand times for Almeida's sake Philip at length being desirous to try if Pleasures would not have more Power than Reasons over the Mind of that young King caused Turnaments Lists of Combates to be made for to Divert him He even caused Catharina Michela one of the Daughters he had by the Deceased Queen Elizabeth his third Wife and whom he had brought with him to Guadelouppe to conceive some hopes of the Crown of Portugal And as Philip was then Married again to Anne of Austria his Niece and Sister to Maximilian II the Princess Catharina Michela would have been glad to have freed her self from the Power and ill humour of a Mother-in-law she was Ambitious and the King of Portugal being handsome she took care to engage him and even engaged her self a little But Don Sebastian thinking of nothing but of Re-establishing Almeida's Brother upon the Throne was not much moved with all these attempts and would quickly have returned to that
neglect any thing that may place me upon the Throne Ah! Madam answered Anthony after a Passionate manner when we are sensible of Love Ambition has not that Power over our Actions and for my part I call Heaven to Witness I hardly ever dream of Reigning but I think incessantly of you That is not the way to please me reply'd the the Affairs of the Kingdom are much more pressing than those of our Love When you have employ'd your thoughts with advantage upon the Throne you will have time to think agreeably of me Procure Sir your self a Crown and leave the Care to me of making you be beloved If I am not as sensible as you I am at least more sincere and am willing to avow to you that with a Crown you would please me more than the King but that the King will please me more than you as long as you are not Crowned As to the rest if you believe these Sentiments too severe for your love think that 't is not to be very indifferent to hear you in private and without anger and to declare my self in favour of your uncertain Cabals and doubtful hopes against the sincere and sure Offers which the King makes me of his Crown But Madam answered Anthony you have continual favours for Henry This is all I can do for you Prince reply'd she I will not openly fall out with the King nor would you Counsel me to do so I have neither Forces nor Friends to offer you we have both of us some Pretensions to the Crown I am willing to joyn mine to yours Endeavour on your fide while I shall Act on mine and be persuaded that if I could be Mistriss of the Kingdom without sharing it with Henry I would share it with you These last Wards filled Anthony full of joy He made a thousand Passionate acknowledgments to the Dutchess they both agreed at parting to use their Efforts for the procuring Father Ferrand to be of their Cabal Anthony perceiving that opposing as he did Henry's Marriage he would not be contrary to their Union and the Dutchess believing that being Anthonies Friend as he had declared himself he was he would sometimes facilitate their interview This Good Father who did not so much fear the Marriage of the Dutchess with Anthony as with Henry consented to favour the Passion of those two Lovers After having exacted from them an authentick Declaration of the purity of their intentions believing he should ever have means and time enough to destroy the tender Commerce he thought fit to entertain if it should once happen to be contrary to his Masters Designs this Religious acquitted himself worthily of that Commission Anthony not thinking Father Ferrand to be a Pensioner of Spain and daily receiving a thousand good Offices from him declared to him part of his Projects which the zealous Father immediately gave notice to of Philip. He was very diligent and rendred himself necessary to the Dutchess insomuch as she only concealed to him her most secret Designs An occasion that offered of serving her augmented the Confidence she had in him The King of Spain was in no haste to answer the Letters that Henry had writ to him concerning the Liberty of the Duke of Barcellos He was still detained at St. Lucars the Dutchess his Mother was extreamly vexed the People murmured and the Jacobin seeing that this Detension might have ill Consequences wrote secretly to Philip and at the same time promised the Dutchess that the Duke of Medina whose particular Friend he said he was would doubtless give Liberty to her Son upon his desire And indeed the Duke of Barcellos went presently after from St. Lucars 'T was given out that the Duke of Medina out of too much precaution had detained him without any Order from Court Father Ferrand seemed to be principal Agent in that Affair The Dutchess was full of acknowledgment and the King of Spain by very obliging Letters desired this young Duke to pass into Spain and come and divert himself at that Court pretending to be very desirous of seeing him But the Duke of Barcellos distrusted the Spaniards Carress and thought not fitting to undertake that Journey The Dutchess his Mother not being willing he should engage himself further with Leonora sent him word that it was as unsafe for him to be at Lisbon as at St. Lucar ordered him to retire to Villa Visola where he would be Master and have nothing to fear What Instances soever Leonora had made to this Duke he was forced to obey War Ambition Absence and Pleasures had almost effaced her out of his Heart and times and the cares of his Fortune quite disengaged him from that Passion which had never been very violent After Eugenia had passed some Months in the Monastry she was retired into the Counsels of her Relations the Prayers of her Friends and the necessity of her Affairs obliged her to return to Lisbon All the Court Ladies made her their Visits The Dutchess of Braganza was of this number she made her some obliging reproaches upon the difficulties there was to see her where she was in that Convent You would hardly consent to see your Relations said that Dutchess to her smiling and of all the Men in the World the Count of Souza had only the happiness of Discoursing you there Tho Eugenia had nothing to reproach her self for that interview she was however out of Countenance and Confused at this Discourse she was afraid they would suspect her of having some intrigue with a Man who had loved her so long a time and defended her self as well as she could from this Reproach But the Dutchess having observed her Disorder and Blushing fancyed there was some intelligence betwixt those two Persons Lewis of Granada who formerly justified Souza acquainted the King that he was in love with Eugenia The Dutchess had been told it and as Gallant Women are ever glad to make it believed that the most severe are ingaged in some Intrigue of Galantry this Dutchess continued maliciously that Railery and reported every where that Eugenia had a long time had a kindness for Souza This Widow was extreamly Jealous of her Honour she was extreamly vexed at Souza for having brought upon her that Disgrace tho she very well knew it was not his fault She resolved never to see him more and let him know every time he came to Visit her that she was indisposed and could not see any Body Souza knew not by what Crime he had merited all these Cruelties He was sure he had never failed in his Respect to Eugenia and had ever Sacrificed all things to her he perceived that she could not be ignorant of what he had done for her and knew too well the severity of her Virtue to dare to undertake to write to her She had left off seeing the Abbess of the Convent she had made her retreat to because she was ever talking to her in favour of him The Relations of