sensible either of hatred or indifferency towards her rival While that these three uneasy Persons did abandon themselves unto their Melancholy Elvira who was resolved not to let her vengeance remain imperfect was contriving by what means she might accomplish it Her Brother on whom she did depend did shew her a great affection and guessing that the Loves of Don Pedre and Agnes of Castro would not be approv'd of by the King she discover'd it to Don Alvares who was not Ignorant of the former that the Prince had had with his Sister He found himself most powerfully concern'd in the news she had told him through a secret passion which he had for Agnes which he had concealed in his own Breast least it should in any sort thwart the smooth course of his good Fortune and he was in expectation of a continuation of Don Alfonses Favours whereby to render his Heart a more considerable present He concealed not from his Sister a Mistery which he had found very difficult to keep secret and it prov'd a duplication of vexation to her to find Agnes the Sovereign of all those Hearts over which she had any pretentions Don Alvares was one of those Ambitious men that are so without Moderation Proud without Generosity of cruel inclination and who to attain his ends could not see any thing that was either difficult or Illigitimate He Naturaly lov'd not the Prince who in all reason was to possess the first place in Don Alfonse's Heart and who set limits unto Don Alvare's good Fortune But he understood that he was his Rival Jealousie increas'd his hatred and he intreated Elvira to employ all her cares to cross an engagement which could not but be opposite to his designs She promised him all aid and assistance though she was not satisfied as to her own concerns and he rely'd on her promise and dexterity Don Alvares who had sensibly felt the Prince of Portugal's concurrence in his amours had no other thoughts but of thwarting and opposing his Merits He had no handsom presence neither was he of an agreable temper and Don Pedre had those advantages and possess'd divers others also but being Husband to Constantia and that he wholly depended on a Father who was absolute and that Don Alvares was under no restraint and Master of a considerable Fortune he trusted his good Fortune on that score He knew well that Don Pedre's Love could not but inspire Don Alfonse with a violent anger and being over diligent in doing evil his first Care was to inform him of it After he had given sufficient Leasure to his anger to rouse unto that Pitch he would have it he spoke for himself and soon did render the King Protector of his Passion Though Don Alvares had no other Merits with the King of Portugal than a continual blind Complacency he had poured all hiâ— Favours upon him and in that State in which the Kings Liberality had placed him few Women could well refuse his Allegiance Don Alfonse did assure him the connuation of his Friendship and Favour and did assure him that he himself should loose his authority or that he would make him Master of Agnes Don Alvares perfectly learned in the Art of managing his Master did answer his last bounties with a profound submission and very fit to continue them He had never spoken to Agnes what he did feel for her but he then thought it time to break forth and immediately sought after the means to perform it The galantry of Coimbria which lay in oblivion did then rouse it self up again The King to pleasure Don Alvares under a pretence of diverting of Constantia did order some public sports and it was his Pleasure that all things should appear very magnificently Ever since the adventure of the Verses Don Pedre had endeavor'd all means to constrain himself and of appearing less concern'd but in the bottom he still equally suffer'd and it was not without great uneasiness that he fitted himself for the Justing And seing that he could not appear so Publicly with Agnes's Colours he took those of the Princess without any Motto or Agreements Don Alvares set himself off with Agnes de Castro's Liveries and that beautiful Maid who found no comfort in what the Princess had said had this further addition of Sorrow Don Pedre did appear in the List extream graceful and Don Alvares who look'd upon this day as his own did appear all Glittering with Gold and Jewels mixed with blew which was Agnes's Colour and his Equipage was all over sprinkled with inflamed Hearts and Love Knots with aboundance of double As his Motto was a Cupid breaking out of a Cloud with these four Verses under it My Bashful Love Banish all fear From your concealing Cloud appear For nows the time most Charming Eyes To know that heart you made your Prise Don Alvares's Pride was laid humble at Don Pedre's Feet who bore him down with twenty more and he alone carried the honour of the day At Night there was a gallant appearance at Constantia's appartment where Agnes had not been without an express and absolute order from the Princess She did appear very negligently drest though still charming with Vexation she had seen her Name and Colours us'd by Don Alvares in a public Solemnity and if her Heart was capable of any tenderness it was not for such a Person as he that her Nicety design'd them She look'd on him with a Contempt which hinder'd him not from pressing much upon her and she was forc'd to give Ear to what he had a mind to say She was not rude but her Coldness would have repuls'd all other but Alvares Madam said he to her so soon as he could not be heard but by her self I had till this present concealed that Passion which you had Inspired me with in fear of your displeasure but it has forc'd my respect and I can no longer conceal it from you I have made no reflections on your Actions reply'd Agnes with all thâ— indifferency imaginable and if you offend me you wrong me the more in desiring my taking Notice of it This Coldness is of evil Omen to me reply'd Don Alvares and if you have not this day taken notice of my love it is to be fear'd that you will never approve of it Alas what time have you chosen to shew iâ— me contin'd Agnes does it so much Honour me that you shew it with so muâ—â—… care and do you believe me so greedy of Glory as to Aspire at that which derives from you You have ill maintain'd it in the Justs and if it is that vanity which prompts you on you will make no great Progress in a Soul which loves not shame Though you were in Possession of all the Advantages which the Prince has merited yet you ought to reflect on what you are doing and it is not a Person like me that can be mov'd by such respectless enterprises Don Alfonse's Favourite was too Proud to
all the Cautiousness which she us'd to conceal her design the Prince was inform'd of it endeavour'd all he could to dispose his constancy to submit to it He beleiv'd himself stronger then he was in that point but after he had well Consulted himself he knew but too well how much Agnes's presence was necessary to his welfare Madam said he to her one day his Heart ready to break and his Eyes full of Tears which of the Actions of my Life may have caus'd you to resolve on my Death Though I have never told you how much I Love you I am Perswaded that you are not Ignorant of it I have been forc'd to silence during many years for yours Constantia's and my own sake But it is no longer in my power so to constrain my self and I ought to express my self at least once with you Receive therefore the assurance of a passion full of respect and of heat with the offer of my Fortune which I should not wish better but to share it with you Agnes answer'd not at first to these words but with abundance of Tears at last having dryed them up and looking on Don Pedre with an Air which gave him to understand that she was not well agreed with her wishes If I were capable of that Weakness which you would inspire me with My Lord reply'd she you were oblig'd to Punish me for it What Constantia is scarce in her Tomb and you would have me to offend her thus No my Dear Princess added she with more vehemency No she who you have so much weighed down with favours shall not deserve the curse of Heavens and the scorn of Men by so perfidious an action Do not therefore my Lord â—bstinate your self in a design which I shall never approve of You owe Constantia ever after her Death such a fidelity as may justifie you and I to repair those Afflictions which I have caus'd her I ought to avoid all Conversation with you Go Madam reply'd the Prince changing Colour go and expect the News of my Death in those places where your Cruelty shall Conduct you They shall follow you close and that War that now employs our Neighbours will soon procure it me Those words made the Beauteous Agnes of Castro to feel that her innocence was not altogether such as she had taken it to be and that her Heart did concern it self for the Prince You owe the Preservation of your Life unto the Prince and Princess that Constantia has left you she tenderly reply'd Would you abandon their Youth to Don Alvares Live my Lord live and Permit the most unhappy Agnes to fall a single Sacrifice Ah! thou Cruel Maid reply'd the Prince why do you order me to Live if I cannot live without you Is it an effect of your hatred No My Lord reply'd Agnes with some concern I hate you not and would to Heaven that a little of indifferency would come and assist my Weakness cause me not to say more You perceive my Blushes expound them as you please but still consider that the less Aversion I find in me towards you the more guilty I render my self and that I ought not to see or spake to you In fine My Lord if you oppose my retirement I declare that Don Alvares as odious to me as he is shall serve me as a fence against you and that I shall rather resolve to marry a Man which I abhore than to favor a passion which has caus'd Constantia's Life Well Agnes reply'd the Prince with looks full of sorrow follow those Motions that your Barbarous Virtue inspires you with Take those cautious Measures which you judg most necessary against an Unfortunate Love and enjoy the Glory of having refus'd all to my desires He retired at these words and all troubled as was Agnes she would not retain him Her Courage overcame her Grief and she thought more then ever on her depart It had been difficult for her to leave Coimbria without the Kings consent and not to defer that which appear'd so necessary to her she was at Don Alfonses Apartment Maugre Don Alvares interests he shew'd her a severe brow and yet not being able to give his consent to her request you shall not stir from hence said he and if you are wise you will here share and enjoy any Friendship with Don Alvares I have design'd another way Sir answer'd Agnes and the World has no share in it You might except Don Pedre reply'd the King of Portugal his condition may satisfy an ambitious Person but you would not succeed Constantia who so tenderly lov'd you and Spain hath more Princesses wherewith to fill a part of that Throne which I am to leave to my Son Sir reply'd Agnes touch'd to the quick with that discourse If I had any dispositions for Love and designs of mariage the Prince should be perhaps the only Person on whom I could fix them and you Sir know that if my ancestors wore no crowns yet they were not unworthy of them However I will be gone and I believe not my self a Slave in a place in which I came free This bold Answer which discover'd truly Agne's Character did startle Don Alfonse and at the same time did vex him also You shall go when we shall think it convenient reply'd he and without being a Slave at Coimbria you shall however expect our orders there Agnes well saw that there was no shrinking from thence and she was so troubled at it that she kept her Chamber for many days without daring to inquire after the Prince and that solitude sav'd her the labour of seeing Don Alvares During this Don Pedre fell sick with so much violence and danger that the fear of his Death was general Agnes could not doubt but that it was an effect of his troubles she at first believ'd her self sufficiently strong to see him dye rather then prove favourable but some small reflections did soon convince her of the contrary She found not in the bottom of her Heart that cruel constancy which she thought to be so firmly establish'd there She felt some trouble and disorder shed Tears made wishes and finally discovered all her Weakness None could behold the Heir to the Crown and a Prince that so well deserv'd it in that extremity without a general affliction The People who lov'd him did pass whole days at the Palace Gates to learn news of his health and the Courtiers were sorrowful Don Alvares alone could conceal a Malicious Joy before the King under sorrowful appearances Elvira full of tenderness and perhaps of remorse suffer'd on her part also The King who though he condemn'd his Sons love did however love him could not resolve to loose him and Agnes de Castro who knew the excess of his grief expected the end with strange agitations Finally after more then a Month of fears some little hopes did appear The Prince himself with Don Alvares were the only two that had no joy at it but Agnes did
last to her Companions Importunities She told them that she had pass'd divers years without knowing what was Love though she daily heard her Companions Discourse of that Passion which produced such strange Effects in those Maids mind that she could perceive them to pass in an instant from joy to sadness and from Love to their Jealousy and Desire and that Faces would change as frequently as their Hearts were agitated with different Passions That so Woful a Condition had caus'd her to fear such like Engagements and that she had shun'd them as much as she could But at last said she Love anger'd at my resistance forc'd me to yeild to his Power and inspired in me some Feelings of Tenderness for a Young Turk Neighbour to a Jew with whom I Boarded to Learn the Exercises of Reading Writing Singing Playing on Divers Instruments and Dancing in Order to be Admitted into the Seraglio This Turk named Issouf Son to Mahomet Bassa was both Neighbour and good Friend to the Jew and he did frequently come to his House to hear me Sing He conceiv'd so strong a Passion for me that he pass'd both Days and Nights at his Window or in his Garden to see me And one day he ventur'd to spake to me of his Love but his Discourses made so small Impression on my mind that I had not at that time the least Sentiment of Tenderness for him Sometime after that Person who had put me to the Jew finding me sufficiently Instructed Presented me to the Sultaness my Mistriss Absence which is a great Remedy against Love instead of alaying Issoufs Passion serv'd but to increase it while I liv'd without the least disturbance in the Seraglio where Love had not yet disturb'd my Rest He did endeavour by all sorts of means to learn some News of the Person he lov'd all his endeavours were fruitless The Gates of the Womens Apartment are inaccessible places Those Cerberuses that keep them enraged and desperate to find themselves depriv'd of that which might render them agreeable to so many Beauties which they have under their Conduct become Jealous and have more Eyes then Argus to examine all their Actions So many difficulties had a most repuls'd Issouf who had consumated three years in fruitless Attempts He did Abandon himself to Grief and complaining when one of his Friends who shar'd in his Sorrow inform'd him that a Jewish Woman Merchant named Boullaster had free Access in the Seraglio where she sold a great many Jâ—wels to the Sultanesses Issouf who had Wit and Means made good use of his Friends Advice and built great Hopes on it being perswaded that Money overcomes all difficulties and that Liberality moves the most obdurate Hearts He resolv'd to confide his Love to this Jewish Woman and to engage her in his Concerns The Enterprise was not very difficult considerable Presents and Promises of Reiterating them upon a favourable Success did engage the Jewish Woman to serve Issouf in his Amours He put into her hands a Pair of Pendants of Emeralds cut in the shape of Pairs a pair of Diamond Bracelets and the Buckles of a Girdle set with Rubies in Enamel'd Gold. He Accompanyed this Present with a Billet and a Seliman put up in a Watch Case of Enamel'd Gold set with Diamonds He Conjur'd his Messenger to use all her Industry to perswade and convince me of the excess of his Love and to represent to me the Disorders which that Passion had made in his Heart the deplorable Condition in which it had reduc'd him that I had been almost three years in the Seraglio and could not all that while learn any News of me that he was ready to Dye if all that he had suffer'd for me was not capable to molifie me and to inspire some kindness for him in my Breast The Jewish Woman who was very Dextrous and Prudent coming to the Seraglio as she us'd to do took her time when the Sultaness was not visible and seeking of an opportunity of speaking to me conveniently requested that I should give her leave to rest her self a while in my Apartment which I could not in Civility refuse her I being she which this Jewish Merchant best knew by reason of my Place of Treasurer to the Sultaness to which I had been advanc'd in a short time through the Sultanesses singular Bounty Women are naturally Curious I inform'd my self of the quality of her Jewels She heightned their Beauties and Perfections pulling out of her Bosom a box in which those things were put up she shew'd them me The fires and sparklings of those precious Stones on which I most earnestly gaz'd with an envious Eye invited me to put them on me for a while The Jewish Woman who perceiv'd that I was coming to the Lure and that this dress pleas'd me did invite me with her praises to frequently Consult a small Looking-glass which I had found by chance which made me observe an extraordinary redness on my Face caus'd by a Vexation that Fortune had not favour'd me with such a like Treasure Boulluster who easily perceiv'd what pass'd in my Heart knowing that every moment was precious thought it high time to Play her Part and to discover to me Issoufs Passion in giving me his Letter and Present Charming Gulbeas said she I must confess to you how much I am surpris'd that the Sultan is not yet taken with your Beauty and with so many Graces which I observe in your Face there is nothing in you but what is capable to Produce Love and if that Emperor had once seen you in this Dress the Sultaness would conceive some Jealousie thereon and I easily believe what has been told me of the Passion of a Young Turk whose Name is Issouf Though I had not heard him mention'd since I had been Admitted into the Seraglio no more then of the Jew with whom I had liv'd that Name made me change Colour for that young Man's Passion was not unknown to me seeing he had entertain'd me with it before I did all I could to disguise my Surprisal and to Conceal the Motions of my Soul but that Poison that had thrown it self there and so long fomented without perceiving it discover'd it self against my will by a Sigh drawn from the bottom of my Heart which I could not for my Life retain Boullaster made so good use of the disorder in which she perceiv'd me to be and made me so lively a draft of Issoufs Passion and Merit that laying aside her indifferency in that business she made an end of engaging me in presenting me with the Box of Diamonds I thought at first that it had been a Watch My Curiosity invited me to open it but in lieu of a Watch Movement I found in it a Billet Honour made me immediately shut it up again and return it to the Woman I Counterfeited the Angry Body yet would I gladly have been inform'd of the Contents of that Billet not doubting but that it was
Issouf's Declaration of Love who began to please me The Jewish Woman who had too much of Experience not to discern my feigning did Press me to take the Box I did it protesting it was meerly in Complaisance and to free me from her Importunities I pulling out the Billet found under it a little Packet which inclos'd a Selam but because I can Read well I instantly open'd the Billet which was express'd in these Terms To See and to Love you Divine Gulbeas have been to me the same thing The Gods who have made you so Fair ought to have made you more sensible also or not have possess'd we with so much Love and so little of hopes My Passion is as Ancient as the knowledge which I have had of your Merit and Time which Consumes all things has serv'd but to increase it There are pass'd divers years since I am no more my self and that I live but for you I pass both days and nights in that part of the Garden where I did hear you Sing and Play on your Instruments and from whence I did sometimes spake to you That place once the Confident of my Delights is now the same of my Sorrow and will soon be that of my Death if you cause not my Destiny to alter not being any longer capable of Life without seeing you I am not Ignorant of the difficulty of the Attempt but most Incomparable Beauty if you will afford me but a little pitty who Languishes for you and the happiness of casting my self down at your Feet leave all the rest to Prudent Boullasters Cares she will know how to manage my Bliss and your Reputation The Reading of this Billet gave me the Curiosity of unfolding the Selam It was Compos'd of a grain of Grape a little Race of Ginger a small piece of Cole and Alum lapp'd up in white and yellow Silk which signified as follows I wish My Eyes that you were perfectly inform'd of that Love which I feel for you It deprives me of my self and if you take not pitty of the Condition I am in I shall Dye while you will enjoy an happy Life Honour me with an Answer and put an end to my sufferings Though I feign'd not to be well pleas'd at this Declaration which I thought something too free my Heart was very well satisfied with Issoufs Constancy It spoke to me in his hehalf and there needed not any great effects to perswade me of his Love and to inspire in me some tenderness towards him The Jewish Woman who studied my Countenance perceiving the Effects of the Letter and of the Selam did presently offer me the Jewels with which I was already adorn'd My reason which was not yet wholly prepossess'd made me to refuse them and to Represent to her the wrong which it might do to my Reputation should the Sultaness discover it and that I could not accept of a present that would be the cause of my Ruine At the same time I undid those Jewels which I return'd her with the Box retaining nothing but the Letter and the Selam Boullaster who a long Practice had render'd expert was of Opinion that sometimes a too great earnestness does impede the success which is most desir'd did endeavour to convince me by a means to which I could make no resistance She told me that my Beauty being Assisted with so powerful an Addition I might please the Grand Segnior and peradventure be made Sultaness The Ambition of Reigning at least in an Emperors Heart carried it above my Reason and made me consent to receive the Present She would gladly have had me as ready to have receiv'd Issouf in my Appartment My Heart did not reject the proposition had not my reason render'd me inexorable Finally after long instances and reiterated intreaties I consented to see him in the Garden Boullaster could have wish'd to acquit her self handsomly of her Commission that I had given her an Answer Honour and Reason oppos'd it but Love did engage me to let him know by a Selam that his Passion was not unpleasing to me it was lapp'd up in an Handkercheif of Silk Embroider'd with Gold wrought with my own Hand after which the Woman retir'd pretending before my Companions who had surpris'd us in the Conversation that she left those Jewels with me that I might shew them to the Sultaness Issouf impatient to learn the success of his enterprise expected his Agents return who made him an exact Relation of all that had pass'd and gave him that Handkercheif which I had sent him The Joy which he resented at the receit of this assurance of the acceptance of his Passion did Transport him in such manner that without examining what it contain'd he kiss'd it a thousand times and water'd it with his Tears with the most tender Expressions that Love could inspire Boullaster who would not interrupt him during the height of his Transport when he was come to himself again a little made him to take Notice of the Selam It was Isabella Silk a Sprig of Jessemy a little bit of Spunge some Time and some Mirtle I cannot express to you the excess of the Joy which Issouf conceiv'd at it it was so great that he was struck Speechless and that Rapture had lasted longer if Boullaster as Curious as he was Contented had not press'd him to give her the Exposition of it I accept your Vows said the Selam be perswaded of my Constancy provided you be so I pray Heaven to bestow you on me and that our Souls may be inseparably joyn'd together Is it possible most Amiable Gulbeas said Issouf that my Passion is agreeable to you is it not to deecive me and to Laugh at my Grief that thus you seek to engage me further and kissing the Handkercheif he said dear Pledge of the fidelity of she who I adore will you be it also of the sincerity of her Heart Then Addressing himself to the Selam and you Dumb Mouth will you assure me the duration of her new Born Love He had said more but all Moments were Precious to prepare himself for this Enterview The difficulty of this enterprise did cast him in a new Sorrow and plung'd him in a Melancholy more profound then the former He was in a dispair of finding in the Seraglio a Friend so faithful as to be trusted with his Amours and his Impatiency did increase still as he grew nearer the so desired time After he had much Tormented himself on the means of bringing about his design he remembred that there was a Master Gardner nam'd Ousta Mehemet who was greatly oblig'd to his Father and that that consideration might engage him to do him Service he resolv'd to find him out Ousta Mehemet who had preserv'd for Issouf a natural Inclination receiv'd him with Demonstrations of a perfect Friendship and great protestations of acknowledgments of the good Offices which he had receiv'd from the Bassa his Father Though Issouf was satisfied of Mehemets fidelity and that
Gulbeas overcome with the strength of her disease peirc'd to the quick at Issoufs illness and weakned with the violence of her Crisis could not answer those tender assurances but with Tears which made her faint away Here it was that Poor Issouf had need of his whole stock of reason to resist so much Grief and yet Act nothing that might betray the secret he was forc'd to rest contented with sighs which were attributed to his late fainting Gulbeas was long in that condition and beginning to Breath again Boullaster who fear'd some new accident endeavour'd all she could to bring back Issouf from his afflicted Mistriss He could not resolve on such a sad separation which he foresaw would be eternal He would fain have expir'd near what he lov'd yet he was forc'd to obey his Mistriss's orders who made signs to him not being able to spake and gave him her hand which he kiss'd protesting that he would not out live her All those accidents which had accompanyed so sad an enterview was not sufficient to overcome our unfortunate Lovers It happen'd that passing by one of the doors of the Seraglio where there stands Baltadges which are certain varlets from without that one of them distrusting the feigned Gevahers going which was become careless through her grief and pain fancy'd it a disguise and stop'd Issouf by the arm Boullaster whose Wit was always at hand without speaking to the Baltadgj for fear of bringing more to them drawing near dropt into his hand a ring which she pull'd of her own Finger and pressing his hand she thereby oblig'd him to give liberty to this poor Lover to get out who thought much less on the present accident then on Gulbea's troubles So soon as Issouf was return'd to his Palace he went to his Bed his Feaver increas'd and finding himself press'd with that disease which kill'd him he would employ that little time he had to live in taking leave of his dear Mistriss and to give her his last farewell I dye for you Incomparable Gulbeas and Death is the more pleasing to me because I hope that its Cause which was your Crisis will be that of the prolongation of your days I should dye without trouble had I the certain news of it The disease presses upon me and I employ that little time which is left me in giving you testimonies of a love which I shall carry to my grave happy if that last moment can better convince you then divers Years of Sighs and Tears have done Adieu all lovely live and remember that the same love which restores you to Life is the Cause of my Death No sooner had he ended his Letter but he immediately sent it with the Ring on his Finger in which his Mistriss's name and his were Ingraven on a very clear Ruby to Boullaster and was presently seis'd with a disturbance in his head and a redoubling of his Feaver which depriv'd him of his Senses and Speech which never return'd again but with the last sigh which he vented in pronouncing the lovely name of his Mistriss Gulbeas whose Crisis had put out of all Danger the sweat having Dissipated the Tumors of the Plague was more Distemper'd in the Mind then the Body Issouf's silence and Boullaster's stay from giving her an Account of all that had pass'd since their parting did strangly Perplex her and giving her sad Warnings of what was coming she felt most mortal disquiets she would Weep all Day and the Night was pass'd in Watchings or in Terrible Visions which foretold her nothing but those Dangers which she fear'd The same night that Issouf expir'd she thought that a Woman of a Prodigious height as Lean as a Skelleton and of a frightful Deformity her Hairs spread abroad approaching her with the Face of a Fury a great Knif in her Hand was opening of her side and pulling out her Heart All those Nocturnal Visions Augmented her Sorrows She had made Choice of me for her Confident ever since Issouf's adventure I did endeavour to Divert her and turn her off of all those Melancholy Thoughts nothing could Administer Comfort to her But it was much worss when Boullaster came to the Seraglio some days after Issoufs Death to acquit her self of the last Commission which he had given her So soon as she did see her she earnestly Inform'd her self of Issouf's welfare but the Jewish Woman's silence who could not dissemble nor keep in her Tears gave her easily to understand that truth which she fear'd to learn Ah! Cry'd she Issouf is no longer in being and presently fell in my Arms in a Swoon When she was come to her self again Issouf's Letter and Ring which Boullaster put into her Hands not being able to speak one word did Confirm that Sorrowful News She Divers times kiss'd those dear Pledges of Issouf's eternal Constancy Water'd them with her Tears and did hang the Ring at her Neck as a Mark that she Devouted her self to her Lover's Ghost and having remain'd sometime without Speech her Face from Pale as it was became Red and as if she were become Furious Fatal Destiny cry'd she thou Renders me my Life in killing what I Love and thou sellest me very dear that which I can no longer Love seeing that he with whom I design'd to share it is no more Why didst thou not kill me or why didst thou Conduct him here that I might be further oblig'd to him of my Life after so many Services so ill rewarded I will no longer Live after such an Accident Alas what will Life signifie to me after that he who Animated me is Dead No Issouf I design'd not to Live but for you and I should be unworthy of your Love should I have any other thoughts That Death which was to have taken me off has not spared me in taking of you It has doubly slain me in depriving me of what I Love and permitting me to Linger out a Miserable Life which shall be but a Continual Death You Live Issouf and your most happy shade enjoys at present the Pleasures of the Elisicumfields and I shall never cease Dying till I am reunited to you Then Addressing her self to the Ring This Ring continu'd she shall be henceforth the Faithful witness of my Love and seeing it could not Vnite our Bodies during our Lives it shall be the indisso lubbiletye of our Wills and the Mark with which I will appear before you I will continually wear it in my Bosom and it shall Accompany me in my Grave seeing you could not have any other thought when you sent it me at your Death than that of uniting me more strictly to you in the other World. She had continu'd and gone on further with her Complaints if the presence of our Companions had not interrupted their Course and oblig'd Boullaster to retreat The Grief for his Death brought her into a Lingering Feaver which has caus'd that Languishing Condition you see her in and of which there is
hear Agnes thus spake without Colour but his design being to render her flexible and not to anger her he conceal'd his Resentment and taking Notice of the Observation which she had made on Don Pedre's Tryumph with an Addition of Jealousy If I have not overcome at the Just â—eply'd he I am not less Amorous 〈◊〉 less capable of Success in other â—â—â—â—…sions They were interrupted but from that day Don Alvares who had gone over the first difficulties no longer observ'd any Measures and Persecuted Agnes to whom the Kings Protection Inspir'd not the least considerations for him Don Pedre was still Ignorant of the means by which those Verses which he had lost in the Garden had fallen into Constantia's hands The Princess appearing very Indulgent to him he had no other trouble but for Agne's Interest Don Alvare's Love that was now so known did perplex him and if he had follow'd his own Dictates he had not left her expos'd to the Persecutions of that unworthy Rival On the other hand he fear'd that the King should be inform'd of his Passion but he did not then reflect enough on Elvira to fear her Resentments She Burnt with a desire to ruine Agnes against whom all her Poison was stirr'd up and she was not tyred with making daily new reports to her Brother assuring him though she had no proofs for it that Agnes did answer to the Prince's tenderness that it was the true cause of Constantia's Grief and that if that Princess should dye of it Don Pedre might Marry Agnes infine she did so irritate her Brothers Jealousie that he run to shew it wholly to Don Alfonse who Trembled with Anger at it My dear Alvares said he to him Marry her that Beauty that is so dangerous and let your Possession secure both yours and my quiet If I have protected you in other occasions Judge what a business of such Importance to me can make me undertake Act without any reserve The Powers of the Kingdom are in your Power and all that I possess shall be certainly at your disposal provided you but render your self Master of Agne's Destiny Don Alvares well pleas'd with his Master took hold of all the Authority that he gave him He really Lov'd Agnes and was loath to come at first to any violence but he promis'd himself to be beyond all Management if she still continu'd insensible Mean time Agnes de Castro highly importun'd with his Assiduities desperate at Constantia's Griefs and peradventure molified by those which she cauâ—'d the Prince to suffer did take a Resolution worthy of her Virtue As Amiable as was Don Pedre she could not see in him but the Husband of a Princess that was most dear to her and far from seeking to improve that Power which she had over his Heart she thought of nothing but absenting her self from Coimbria Don Alvare's Passion which she would not favour did furnish her with a pretence and press'd on with the fears of causing at last a Divorce most Cruel betwixt the Prince and his Spouse she found out Constantia in a perplexity that all her cares could not conceal The Princess easily observ'd it and their common misfortune having not alter'd her Friendship What 's the matter with you Agnes said she with her wonted sweetness and what new misfortune does your sorrow come to inform me of That Attachment which I have for you Madam reply'd Agnes does put me to a Cruel Tryal and pouring forth a Flood of Tears I had limited the happiness of my Life in the hopes of spending of it near your Person yet I find that I must Transport somewhere else an Uunfortunate Face that renders me but ill Offices and it is to obtain from you that Permission that I come to Embrace your Knees looking on you as on my Sovereign Constantia was so surpris'd and so mov'd at Agne's proposition that she remain'd Speechless for some Moments some sincere Tears express'd her first grief and after she had sufficiently shed them to give Agnes a sufficient Mark of her Tenderness she fixed her Sorrowful Eyes upon her and obligingly holding forth her hand to her then you will go my dear Agnes continu'd she and further expose me unto the sorrow of seeing you no more Alas Madam reply'd that amyable Maid Conceal from the Miserable Agnes a Bounty which increases her Sorrows It is not I that would depart it is my Duty and my Reason that will have it so and those days that I shall pass absent from you cannot promise me any thing so agreeable as to inspire me such a design if I found not my self absolutely compell'd to it I cannot be Ignorant of what passes at Coimbria and I should be an Accomplice to those Unjustices which are there committed should I reside there any longer Ah! I know your Virtue cryed out Constantia and you may remain here in all security if I stay you here and whatever does happen I shall never accuse you of any thing We must not promise our selves any thing of future Madam reply'd Agnes sorrowfully and I shall still remain sufficiently Guilty so long as my presence shall entertain such thoughts as cannot be accounted Innocent Moreover Madam Don Alvare's importunities are unsufferable and finding in my self nothing but Aversion against him that the King protects his Insolency and that he is in a Condition of undertaking much my flight is absolutely necessary But Madam though he possesses nothing but what is odious to me I call Heaven to Witness that if I could Cure the Prince by Marrying of him I should not defer it one moment and finding in my mind the Consolation of having Sacrific'd my self for my Princess I should bear it without any Murmur But in fine though I should be Don Alvare's Wife Don Pedre would still have the same Eyes and I find nothing better then to go hide my self in some Corner of the World where I shall certainly Live without Comfort but where I should preserve my innocency All that Justice which you can find in this design answer'd the Princess shall not oblige me to approve of it Would your Absence restore me Don Pedre's Heart and would he not fly with you His Cares are mine my Life is link'd with his reduce him not then to a dispair if you love me I know you I once again declare it to you and what power soever you have over the Prince 's heart I shall not permit that you should leave us Though Agnes believ'd she had a perfect Knowledg of Constantia she did not expect such a fund of Virtue she found her self the more Unfortunate by it and the Prince more Guilty Oh! Wisdom Oh! Bounty beyond Example cry'd she out why do not the Cruel Fates afford you all that you deserve You are the Arbiter of all my Actions continu'd she kissing one of Constantia's hands I will not do but what you please but I beseech you to think on what reason ought to prompt you to prescribe to
me Don Pedre who had not yet seen the Princess that day came in just then and finding them both disturb'd he inquired after the reason with some earnestness My Lord reply'd Constantia the too Wise and too scrupulous Agnes fears the Effects of her Beauty and will no longer live at Coimbria and it is on that Account which cannot be pleasing to me that she is asking my Advice At this discourse the Prince grew pale and with more disturbance then either of them had Agnes cannot err said he in following your Counsels Madam and I leave you with free Liberty of given them to her He presently went out and the Princess whose heart he did so absolutely possess not being able to conceal her discontent My dear Agnes continu'd she though my satisfaction was not chain'd to the sight of you I should still desire it on Don Pedre's account It is the only Advantage that his Unfortunate Love can hope for and should I not be with Justice reputed barbarous if I should contribute towards his being depriv'd of it But that object is but a Poison to him reply'd Agnes and what should I do my Dear Princess if after so much restraint his Mouth should add to those Evils which I have already felt that of hearing him spake of his flame You should hear him without running him into dispair added Constantia and I should charge that new Obligation on my Account You would have me to wait for events that I fear Madam answer'd Agnes I shall obey you But ye just Heavens If they are Fatal punish not for them an Innocent Heart Thus ended that Conversation Agnes retir'd into her Chamber but it was without hopes of being more at ease That which Don Pedre had learn'd of her design produc'd a strange Disturbance in his mind he wish'd he did not Love her and desired Death with great earnestness but it was too late for him to wish against what the Fates had decreed and whatever he endeavour'd to resolve himself to bear as to the Absence of Agnes his Love never had the Power to consent to it After he had long strove he firmly resolv'd to do that which he would not have Agnes to do His Courage did reproach to him that idle Life which he lead during his happiest years and representing to the King that their Allies and even the Prince Don John Manuel his Father-in-Law had business in hand which required his presence upon the Frontiers he easily obtain'd the Liberty of making that Voyage unto which the Princess could make no opposition Agnes did see him depart without any sorrow but that did not proceed from any Aversion Then did Don Alvares convert his first importunity into an open Persecution He omitted nothing to touch Agne's Heart and for some considerable time employ'd none but the. Arms of Love but finding that his respect and submission were fruitless he took another Course and fram'd most strange Designs The King deferring all things to his Advices he did easily inspire in him what he pleas'd he complain'd of Agne's Ingratitude and fail'd not to let him know that it was but through her too great sensibility for the Prince that she was so insensible to him so that Don Alfonse apt to be irritated reiterated all those Promises which he had already made him The King of Portugal had not yet discours'd Agnes in Favour of Don Alvares and not doubting but that his Will would overcome all sorts of Obstacles he sought after an opportunity of Entertaining her and putting her at some distance from those that might over-hear them I did think Don Alvares to be of a sufficient Merit he said to obtain some small share in your Esteem and I did not think it necessary that I should require it of you for him I know you are all charming but he has nothing unworthy of you and on the least Reflection you might make of the Choice that my Friendship has made of him amongst all the rest of my Courtiers you would doubtless readily do him more Justice His Fortune is not to be disputed since I am the Protector of it He is of a Noble Birth his Courage does him Honour he adores you and in my opinion so many reasons ought to over-come your Scorns Agnes's Heart was so little dispos'd to give it self to Don Alvares that all the King of Portugal's Exagerations prevailâ—d nothing in his behalf Though Don Alvares were without Merits Sir She reply'd he possesses sufficiently of Advantages in those Bounties with which your Majesty does Honour him to supply all other defects It is not to find any defects in him that I answer not his wishes But Sir through what Obligation would he have me to Love him if the Heavens have not furnished me with a tender Soul and why does he pretend that I should submit my self to him when that nothing ought to be more dear to me then Liberty You are neither so free nor so insensible as you speak reply'd Don Alfonse blushing with Anger and if your Heart was free from all sorts of Affections it might receive a more reasonable one then that which possesses it But Imprudent Maid that you are guided by an ill fate added he with Fury what can you pretend from Don Pedre Hither to I have conceal'd the sorrow that his and your weakness have caus'd me but it has not been the less violent for that and since you oblige me to let it break forth I ought to tell you that though my Son were not tyed to Constantia his Marriage should never consern you Renounce those vain Ideas and take a course that may cure him and justifie your self The Courageous Agnes was scarce Mistriss of her first Transport at a Discourse so full of Scorn but calling her Virtue to second her Anger she overcame her self by her own reason considering the wrong which she sustained not as proceeding from a great King but from a Man blinded and wholly possess'd by Don Alvares She thought him not worthy of her resentment Her fair Eyes were animated with a sparkling brightness which witnessed the purity of her intentions and fixing them on Don Alfonse if the Prince Don Pedre has failings said she with an Air that inclin'd something to disdain he has never inform'd me of them and I do not believe that I have contributed to them To cure your distrust and set my Honour safe I shall live at a distance from him and all that belongs to you Yes Sir I shall contentedly leave the aboad of Coimbria and as to that Man so dear to you added she with a Noble boldness of which the King of Portugal was very sensible that Favorite who is so worthy to possess the most tender affections of a great Prince I do assure you that in what part of the World soever my Fortune leads me I shall not carry the least thought of him with me At these words she made a profound Bow and did so suddainly distance
Maids Hands that she might deliver it to Constantia with the first opportunity telling her that Agnes had dropt it This was the Substance of it I employ not my own Hand to Write to you for Reasons that I shall acquaint you with How happy am I to have overcome all your Scruples And what Happiness shall I find in the Progress of our Intreague The whole Course of my Life shall continually represent to you the sincerity of my Affections pray think on the secret Conversation that I require of you I fancy still that all Persons that approach you deprive me of something of my due I dare not spake to you in public Therefore come this Night where you know I conjure you to it by all that I have suffered Mention no more Constantia to me she must be satisfy'd with my Esteem since that my Heart could be none but Yours The false Portuguise Servant obey'd Elvira exactly the very next day perceiving Agnes coming from the Princess she brought the Letter to Constantia who receiv'd it and found in it that which she was far from thinking on Never did tenderness produce so sorrowful an Effect as then Alas they are both Guilty said she sighing and notwithstanding that Tendency which I find in my Heart to justifie them my reason must needs Condemn them Unfortunate Princess Sorrowful Subject of Fortunes Capricios why canst thou not Dye seeing thou art not of a Humor to Revenge thy self Don Pedre ought you to give me your Hand when you knew you could not give me your Heart And thou fair and ungreateful Agnes wer 't thou born to produce the Evil of my Days and to be the cause of my Death After she had given some Moments unto the violence of her Sorrow she call'd to her that Person who had brought her the Letter charg'd her not to spake of it to any body and then order'd that no body whatsoever should be Admitted into her Chamber Then did she with more Liberty think on him whom she could not inspire with Love and on her that betray'd her The trouble of her Soul did not hinder her from seeking some means to excuse them And desirous to do all that she could for Don Pedre she took a firm Resolution of not complaining of him Elvira was not long without being Inform'd of what pass'd and of the Princess 's Sorrow whence she hoped for all that she could wish Agnes far from imagining any such Storm return'd to Constantia and learning her indisposition she pass'd the rest of the day at her Chamber door to learn some News of her but she was not permitted to enter That Novelty did surprise and disturb'd her The Prince had the same fate and was startled at an order that was not to concern him Finally the next day Constantia appear'd but with so much Dejection that it was difficult to believe that she had suffer'd much Agnes was the most pressing to approach her The Princess could not contain her Tears They both kept silence along time Constantia did attribute that of Agnes to some remorse and that Unfortunate Maid not being able to contain any longer is it possible Madam said she that two days can have depriv'd me of all that Bounty which you had for me What have I done And for what Crime are you thus to punish me The Princess look'd languishingly upon her and did not answer her but with a sigh and Agnes offended at such a reservedness went out after an hasty manner which contributed much to make her be thought Guilty After this the Prince came who found Constantia more disturb'd then usually and he most obligingly did Conjure her not to neglect her Indisposition My greatest good is not the Preservation of my Life My Lord answer'd she I should take more care of it did I love you less But she could not go on and the Prince being put into a Consternation through her disturbance did most sorrowfully sigh'd without answering which caus'd her an increase of Sorrow To this some grains of anger being added and all things tending to perswade the Princess that she was Sacrificed amongst them she did not enter on any discourse that might produce a right understanding so left her Husband retire without speaking to him Nothing is more capable of disturbing our Reason and of altering our Health then the secret Motions of Jealousy and Solitude Constantia who was accustom'd to spake freely to Agnes and who beleiv'd she was deceiv'd by her did Abandon her self to such Perplexity as quite did overcome her She fell violently Sick. The whole Court was concern'd at this Misfortune and Don Pedre was really Afflicted at it But Agnes appear'd more Concern'd then all the Rest Constantia's Coldness towards her her continual sighs and her obstinate Distemper caus'd that after she had sought after the occasion of it in all that she could recal into her Memory she began to fear her self and to reproach her self for all that the Princess did suffer Mean time the Distemper did so increase that Constantia's Life was extreamly fear'd and that she her self began to find that it was time to think no longer of it that though caus'd her no disturbance She look'd on Death as a great good and perceiv'd the despair those Persons approach'd her were in without the least Concern Don Alfonse who lov'd her and knew her Virtue was mov'd at the Extremity she was in and Don Alvare's who had not lost the least occasion of making him conceive that it was Jealousy which caus'd Constantia's Death did but too much Exasperate him against such Criminals as were most worthy of Compassion The King of Portugal was not of a Temper long to Conceal his Anger You give Examples said he to the Prince that will render your Memory very Illustrious and Constantia's Death of which none but you can be accus'd is the Unfortunate Effects of a Guilty Passion Dread Heaven after this and look on your self as a Monster that deserves not to Live. If my Blood did not still Plead in your behalf what might you not fear from my just Resentments But what may not the Imprudent Agnes to whom nothing Binds me expect if Constantia Perishes She that in my Court Foments your foolish Passion with vain hopes and causes us to loose so Amiable a Princess that you were not worthy to possess Don Pedre knew that Constantia was not Ignorant of his concerns for Agnes but he also knew with what Moderation she had always express'd her self on that point The Kings reproach was very sensible but his fault not being voluntary and that an Imperious Accident did force him to Love in despight of all his resistance he appear'd more Afflicted then Confounded Without well examining of me you have accus'd me Sir answer'd he and if my intentions were well known to you you would not may be find me so guilty I should take the Princess whom you say I Sacrifice for Judge of my Actions were she in a
Condition to be Consulted If I am Guilty of any Weakness her Equity has never reproach'd me of it and my Mouth has never informed Agnes of it But Sir though I had Committed some Fault wherefore would you Punish an Innocent Maid for it Who would perhaps Condemn them as much as you do Ah! Wretch reply'd the King she has but too much favour'd you and thy flames had not been so constant had they not been well rewarded Sir reply'd the Prince peirc'd with Sorrow for the wrong which was offer'd to Agnes you offend a Virtue most pure and those expressions which proceed from your Anger do not become you Agnes has afforded me no Favours I did never ask her any and I protest that I have not had so much as a thought against what I owe to Constantia While they were in this Discourse one of the Princesses Women came all in Tears to Advertise Don Pedre that she was at the last Gaspe Go look on your Work said the King and expect no longer from a Father who has but too much spar'd you but that Severity which you deserve The Prince did run to Constantia who he found Dying and Agnes in a Swound in the Arms of some Women That which had caus'd that redoubling of illness was that Agnes who could no longer bear the Princes indifferency had Conjur'd her to tell her what her Crime was and either to deprive her of life or restore her Friendship to her Constantia who felt that she must suddainly Dye would not retain a secred Anger against Agnes and after some words that prepar'd her to a sorrowful clearing of the business she shew'd her that Pernicious Note which Elvira had Compos'd Ah! Madam cry'd out the Beautiful Agnes after she had Read it Ah! Madam how many sorrowful disquiets had you spared me if your Heart had express'd it self with its accustomed Bounty It is not hard to see that this Letter is Artificial and that I have most Merciless Enemies Can you believe the Prince so Imprudent as to employ another Hand then his own in such an occasion as this And do you think me so simple as to keep that testimony of my shame with so little Cautiousness you are not betray'd neither by your Husband nor by me I call Heaven to Witness and those Attempts which I made to get out of Coimbria Alas My Dear Princess how little have you known she that you have so Honour'd Believe not that if I have justify'd my self I shall ever suffer the Worlds Conversation No no there is no retreat distant enough for me to flye to and I shall so well conceal my face that it shall never give offence The Princess mov'd at Agnes discourse and Tears did press her hand which she held and fixing her looks on her capable to move compassion in the most insensible Souls If I have done you any wrong my dear Agnes answer'd she Death which I expect every moment will avenge you of it I ought also to protest to you that I have not ceased loving you and that I believe all that you say in giving you again my most tender affection It was then that that sorrow which acted on them both did reduce them to that extremity which caus'd the Prince to be call'd in He was incapable of doing any thing at the fight of them and notwithstanding those tender motions that inclin'd him towards Agnes he run directly to Constantia The Princess unto whom a cold clammy sweat did denounce her last moment felt that she had no time to loose and causing all Persons to withdraw that she suspected my Lord said she to Don Pedre Though I quit my life without repining I leave not you without regret and trouble But dear Prince I must overcome even dying and I will wholly forget my self to turn my thoughts only on you I reproach you not well knowing that it is inclination alone that disposes of Hearts and not reason Agnes is sufficiently Beautiful to inspire most ardent passions and sufficiently virtuous to deserve the best Fortune in the World. I also ask her Pardon for some small wrong which I have done her and recommend her to you as a Person most dear to me Promise me before I expire to give her my Place in your dominions It cannot be better fill'd You cannot make choice of a more perfect Princess for your People nor a better Mother for your Children And you my dear and faithful Agnes continu'd she lend not an ear to a too scrulous virtue which might oppose it self to the Prince of Portugals happiness Refuse him not an Heart that he is worthy of and give him that Friendship which you had for me with that which you owe to his Merit Take care of young Ferdinando and of the two little Princesses that will retrieve me in you spake of me sometimes to them Farewell live both happy and receive my last embraces The afflicted Agnes who had recover'd a little of strength lost once more all her senses Her faintness was follow'd with such violent Convulsions that her life was in very great danger But Don Pedre kept close to Constantia what Madam would you depart and with a belief that it were an advantage to me Ah! Constantia if my Heart has in any wise wrong'd you your own virtue punishes it against your will for it Think you me so barbarous as he was going to continue he perceiv'd that Death was closing for ever the generous Princess 's Eyes and it little wanted that he did not follow her But what an abyss of Sorrow was this to Agnes so soon as she learn'd during a respite that her reason receiv'd that Constantia was newly expir'd she would have destroy'd her self and gave a full scope to her dispair At the Noise of this Death both the City and Fields were in an uproar Elvira who then saw Don Pedre free to dispose of himself repented for having contributed to the Death of the Princess Don Pedre who accus'd himself of it did condole his Misfortune And Agnes who thought herself the true cause of it did promise to her grief that she would never forgive herself for it There was reason to watch her for diverse days in which she dryed not her Tears The Prince imploy'd them in a deep Mourning But when the first Notions of grief were over those of his love made him sensible that he was still the same Don Alvares who fear'd now the Prince's disengagement made new attempts to gain Agnes de Castro who was become insensible of all things but of her own discontent Elvira desirous to reap advantage from her own dexterity imploy'd all the Art and Craft in her brains to rekindle those fires wherewith the Prince had formerly courted her but his inconstancy was already limited and Agnes alone was to reign over his Heart She had taken a firm resolution since the Death of Constantia to give her self wholly up to retiredness for the rest of her Life Maugre