his own hand or name but desir'd Bileront to write the following words Madam THE Cordelier you saw to Day in the Garden begs you wou'd defer all hasty Resolutions An Affair of weighty moment calls him back to Court in a few Days this shall be Explain'd What I have said is by directions from the What remains is only that I am Your most Humble and Obedient Servant Bileront Emilius gave a Fryar this Letter and charg'd him to deliver it that Night Then he took his leave of those Hospitable Fathers saying he was sent for in great haste to Court and promis'd that he wou'd acquaint the Prince how Courteous upon his Account they had been Emilius fancy'd his Deportment so odd in the Convent that their Curiosity might prompt them to open the Letter which caus'd him to have it writ so ambiguously But they without the least thought of such rudeness accomplisht his desires Lovisa had the remainder of that Day been discoursing with her Uncle of her resolution to enter the Nunnery of St. Clare That good Man us'd all the Arguments a tender Affection cou'd Inspire against it Told her that being Childless he had design'd her for his Heir which said he added to your own Fortune will as to Estate render you a Match for any Prince in Christendom And Beauty Virtue or whatever Graces else adorn your Sex the World that is the Happy World which knows you with Justice owns you in Perfection Mistress of Alvarez said this and a thousand more kind things to no purpose Gratitude and Love possest her Noble Soul nor cou'd she in honour act less when brave Emilius set the great Example The Arrival of the Cordelier with the Letter of Bileront surpriz'd her extreamly and for the time desir'd she remain'd in wondrous Expectation framing many Conjectures wide of the matter Prince Emilius and Bileront reacht the Court just as the old Duke had been in another swooning Fit Emilius went directly to the Dutchess who almost Distracted with her Unexpressible Sorrow beheld him as a Vision After the Dutchess had chid him for his Disobedience she in Mourning Terms of real Concern related the Misfortune and Danger his Father lay under adding that he had been that Day so earnest to see him that they were forc'd to own his Absence Which News the Duke receiv'd with less Passion than was expected The next Interval when his fainting Spirits were a little retriev'd Emilius enter'd his Chamber and going towards the Bed he kneel'd Silence and a sadness unfeign'd stampt his Face with humble Duty and pleaded more in his Excuse than if he had offer'd at extenuating words The Duke beheld him but with no signs of Rage and with a weak Voice said Emilius I know my past Severity rough Usage and my positive Commands thy tender Nature cou'd not kindly brook Believe me Son 't was well meant I wou'd have form'd thee Youth a perfect Souldier but thy Mother's softness hangs about thy Soul and she hath stampt thee all a Lover And since I 'm going to the Land of Peace I will not ruffle the Calmness I 've so late obtain'd in strugling with Desires violent as yours With my Blessing Possess the Mistress you with such an Eagerness have Lov'd and do not hate the Memory of your Departing Father who only for your Interest oppos'd this Passion too great it seems to be remov'd Oh! Heavens cries the poor Prince o'ercome with Filial Sorrow must I ne'er aim at Joys sincere Live my dear Father live though to continue Cruel divided ever from my Unhappy Fair I fancy I cou'd bear it now No more no more the Duke stops him on this Theme Come nearer receive and remember the last Instructions of thy Dying Father The Prince being seated by him he gave him such Politick Rules as he by long Practice had found most useful the constant observing of which has inlarg'd his Dominions and augmented his Power That Night the Duke Expir'd Emilius was immediately Proclaim'd according to his Right Successor The Young Duke manag'd his Affairs with a most uncommon Prudence being Affectionately Dutiful to his Weeping Mother and obliging all whom his Father had lov'd and favour'd Lovisa was by his Order acquainted with all these Particulars yet so fearful was he of committing any undecency that he deny'd himself the satisfaction of seeing her for three Months The delight of reciprocal Love being the highest Abstract of Joy he justly judg'd it improper to possess at a time which in Duty he ought to dedicate wholly to Affliction All the Court look'd on Lovisa as a Person ordain'd for their Dutchess and already gave her a profound Respect Don Alvarez who lov'd her entirely was so pleas'd with her Exalted Fortune that he settl'd all his Lands and Lordships on her after his Decease This render'd it Policy as well as Pleasure for the Duke to Espouse her the Estate being too Opulent for a Subject without danger to injoy The Dutchess Dowager prevails with Lovisa to return to Court and the time of strict Mourning being over Emilius constantly Visits her his Love if possible still seeming to Increase At length the Nuptials are concluded and with great Solemnity perform'd Billeront deservedly remaining his dearest endless Favourite I think I safely may affirm added Francisco Prince Emilius a happy Man His publick Affairs are Prosperous his Beauteous Dutchess Fruitful in Issue as well as Charms indearingly kind to him and naturally good to all Whatever progress he undertakes she by his desire still accompany's him except to the Camp where he hath done wonders since his Accession to the Throne Demonstrating that a perfect Lover may be a compleat Souldier Thus ends Francisco By the Commands of your Highness bowing to Olympia I have to the utmost of my knowledge discover'd each particular relating to the Loves of that Incomparable Pair The Ladies were liberal in their thanks to Francisco and infinitely pleas'd with the Narration especially Melora her Sentiments were Delicate and by a Sympathetic Power the Misfortunes or Blessings of others sensibly mov'd her Passions This the Cardinal observes and improves by a thousand new Protestations of everlasting Fidelity Melora was so full of the foregoing History she did not seem to listen much to the Cardinal's Complements Olympia took notice of it and said My Dear you are mightily delighted with Lovisa but I don't perceive you intend to follow her Example She did not maintain her rigour half so long True added Barberino Emilius in all his Sufferings had the rich Cordial of Lovisa's Love for his support but I pay all my Vows to an obdurate Rock to a fair Marble Statue Deaf to my Prayers and with my Sighs unmov'd I thought reply'd Melora Blushing and looking on Olympia my Royal Governess wou'd have chid me as discovering my Weakness too far and I assure you my Lord went she on smiling you cannot oblige me more than in comparing me to Rocks and Marbles and such impenetrable stuff
be reveng'd on Bileront nay said she pleasantly your Highness ought to join with me since he occasion'd this interruption of your thoughts Madam return'd he bowing you you might much more properly call it an Elevation of thoughts for I assure they were full of you in Courts in Camps in Cells in Grotto's Answer'd that fair one in a pretty Heroick tone Emilius is still the same all Compliment all Rhetorick Yet not so to all replies the Prince looking passionately upon her 't is only Lovisa merits more much more then I can say were my tongue immortal and Tun'd to nought but praise Ah! sit Lovisa and hear the State of poor Emilius's Heart lest you find too late how fatally I was in earnest Lovisa still smiling said Ha! it seems the Plot lyes deeper than I imagin'd I am to believe your Highness is in love am I not to help the Jest The Prince vex'd to see the real Language of his heart turn'd into raillery threw himself at her feet and spoke with a moving Air thus If to have you the perpetual Image of my waking thoughts or when I sleep the charming Vision of my Dreams if it be greater pleasure to hide me from the inquiring World that I may shut out all but you to fancy joys in you beyond the Crowns the united Universe cou'd give to draw it Hell without you to sigh and wish and tremble when I hear you named if this be love I 'm sure I am in love Lovisa rising and viewing the kneeling Prince with a becoming Majesty said Remember Sir as you are born a Prince so I descend from the same Line my Soul as great as yours therefore if you vainly think depending on your Birth the conquest easie and I with open Arms must receive your offer'd love I say you are much deceiv'd for whilst there are Monasteries or distant Kingdoms to the Earth's Verge I 'll fly rather then meet with Arrogancy instead of that respect which humble Love Creates Am I arrogant reply'd the passionate Prince when prostrate at your feet I Lye Carry these dying Eyes a look of pride Blasted be the Honours of my Birth unless it helps me forward in my Love And for yours to me you are a Queen a Goddess Rise my Lord Lovisa interrupts him I have heard enough This is a strange Theme forget it Prince indulge not such desires destructive to your Peace and never like to be fulfill'd ' Were I said the Prince as he lead her out of the Grove so wretched convinc'd that destiny must attend me Life so tormenting I wou'd not bear too long They had walk'd but a few paces when they met Bileront and the Lady Lovisa wanted whom Bileront had entertain'd that she might not disturb Emilius The Count soon read in both their Faces the Minutes had not been spent in common talk Many Weeks this Amorous Prince employ'd in trying to perswade Lovisa that he lov'd her above all Earthly things yet had obtain'd no more than a bare permission to tell her this whenever opportunity favour'd The Court was all this while ignorant of the Amour they knew there was a Cabal of Wits and thought Emilius only went often for the sake of the Conversation Love 's an unexhausted Spring and still hath something more to say nor cou'd the Prince be satisfy'd with short Discourses stollen at Windows or got some moments before other Company came He long'd for whole hours and fancy'd if he had time enough he might move her heart to pity To that end he sent Bileront whom Lovisa had given him leave to make his Confident with this Letter said Francisco pulling out the Copy Emilius to the fair Lovisa IF you have not Cruelly resolv'd my Death thou dear unequall'd Charmer grant me an hour when my longing Eyes may gaze without Controul where I may throw me at the feet of my adorable and say a thousand thousand tender things that Love like mine inspires I do not ask a pitying word or a kind look in answer to my sighs I only beg a hearing that sure the nicest Vertue will allow since Virtue guides and honour dictates every Wish that fills the heart of your poor wounded Slave Emilius Lovisa was hard to be prevail'd on for this private interview but the faithful Count pleaded with so much Zeal for his Amorous Friend that the fair one almost compell'd yielded and gave Emilius leave after his formal good night to return with Bileront a back way into her Closet Lovisa also brought the Partner of her heart a dear lov'd Friend When the Prince came the Lady and Bileront retir'd to the farther end of the Closet Cou'd any Man win a heart only with the silent Language of the Eyes sure 't was Emilius for in his Lovisa might plainly read Sparkling Joy for the permission she had given him to see her yet intermix'd with so much awe and fear that the charming confusion show'd her love had taught him to forget he e'er was born a Prince And Ambition's Lessons prompted him no farther than to become her Slave His words were soft as flakes of falling Snow his person lovely who then can blame that charming Maid if she forgot her rigour and heard with pleasure He kneel'd and snatch'd her beauteous hand and printed these his Vows He said he lov'd her more much more than Life Oh! went he on were all the pleasures of my past Years cramm'd into one happy hour 't would not reach the least part of the Raptures this blest Moment gives this dear important Now. If then to have but one Minute when I dare call you Mine fills my Heart with such Content what would a Week what would a Year an Age Oh I fear the Cordial wou'd prove too strong and I shou'd dye with Joy These Imaginary Visions returns Lovisa gravely exceed Love's real Joys Love like a Course Picture set in an advantageous light at distance we admire and gaze with wonder but when nearer to our view a hundred unthought of faults appear and the imperfect daubing's seen Ah! No there 's nothing but perfection here cry'd he transported and grasping her hand I long said he looking earnestly on her to break Conditions I promis'd not to ask a look or word of pity yet my Soul is on the Rack to know how your heart is towards me If constant love can ever gain admittance there if you can ever feel a warmth I do not hope that it will burn and rage like mine I must not dare not hear you Lovisa stops him yet I am well but who knows not 't is dangerous Prince listening to words like these Why said Emilius in a moving tone where lies the danger Heaven grant they prove infectious and you Catch but the same pleasing Fever possesses me If I shou'd returns Lovisa blushing if I shou'd not that I do incline my Ear to the soft story of your Love place you first in my esteem and suffer my Virgin thoughts sometimes to be
employ'd on you and after this an offer'd Princess state interest takes you from me where shou'd I hide my blushing face For then not Angels Eloquence shou'd e'er perswade me to behold false men again Emilius answer'd with Vehemence By all my hopes were there an Empress who brought the conquer'd World her dower and beautiful as painted Deity me she wou'd not move You do not know Emilius nor Punishments nor Pleasures prevail when I am resolv'd Lovisa wou'd hear no more nor cou'd she force him from her till he obtain'd a Promise in a little time to receive the same favour such another Audience and that procur'd another In short the Prince a thousand ways so tenderly express'd his Love that Lovisa was content he shou'd discover his Passion was not disagreeable that her Sentiments were kind though Nicety deny'd her words to express it Mean time Count Lodowick laid close Siege the Dutchess thought it a good Match her Uncle press'd her hard on his behalf but she was deaf to all nor had scarce Patience to obey the Dutchess in letting him see her Yet this disturb'd Emilius he hated Lodowick shou'd view her with such greedy Eyes or have the privilege to Visit her alone As he was one Night in Lovisa's Closet complaining of this that fair one chid him and said She fear'd he was naturally Jealous since he saw Lodowick was her aversion and that all she did was by compulsion yet still he was displeas'd 'T is that compulsion answer'd the Prince with a sigh I fear if you should be forc'd to Marry him Heaven avert that thought what would then become of wretched me No No My Lord return'd Lovisa though I am not a Man yet I am Mistress of such resolutions that I 'll never Marry Lodowick There is one way said the Prince kneeling and turning pale for fear of Angring her one way secures my fears and makes me blest above all humane kind What 's that says Lovisa surpris'd I dare not tell you 'll promise not returns the Prince unless you 'll promise not to be displeas'd nor think that I presum'd too far and make too bold a Suit incourag'd by the favours I to your pity owe. Since I know said Lovisa with a reserv'd look Prince Emilius will not ask but what 's within the strictest Rules of Honour I give you free liberty to speak Emilius trembled as he spoke and clasping her lov'd Knees Wou'd you said he but let the Priest before these two pointing to the aforemention'd Lady and Billeront who were in the Closet join our hands knit that Sacred Knot which only Death unties then all my fears wou'd be remov'd Know you the raging temper of the Duke saith Lovisa raising him and ask you this without his consent or knowledge No let it suffice I ne'er will be anothers and let us wait till fate will smile and Crown our Wishes without danger Then my fair Life will venture nothing on the score of Love when I 'd forego a Crown for her said he passionately Oh! satisfy my fears give me but the Marriage Vow I 'll beg no more At this awful distance still remain nor offer at the Crown of all my Joys your Bed till the Fate you speak of smiles till there 's not the least shadow of a danger Lovisa told him she durst not resolve on a thing of such a Consequence lest he or she or both hereafter should repent but against the next meeting she would consider and bad him rest assur'd all Lodowick's Efforts were vain A few days after this there happen'd a sad accident which alter'd the face of all things in that Court the Eldest Prince of Parma dyed suddenly of an Imposthume You may imagine the fright and confusion the Court was in and that decency confin'd Emilius to his Closet yet in the midst of his Grief he was not unmindful of his Love but sent Bileront with a Letter which contain'd these words Emilius to his Dearest Life Lovisa THE Lamented untimely Fate of the departed Prince my Brother fills my Soul with Grief and that I may not have a Glimpse of Joy I dare not yet see my fairest Mistress But Oh! Believe Lovisa no vicissitude of Fortune has power to lessen Love My Death only ends the Passion vowed by Yours Emilius A short Postscript beg'd a line to bless his Solitude She taking her Pen while Bileront staid wrote thus Lovisa to the Prince Emilius AH Prince why do you still persist in my Vndoing the distance was too great before now the Ducal Crown hangs near your Brow Court Glory that 's the Brighter Mistress and gives Reward beyond the Power of Poor Lovisa The Prince was tenderly touch'd with the kind Doubts of his Beloved and in a short time visited her renewed his ardent Vows of Constancy and Endless Faith Whilst Lodowick whose Glass told him he was not Unhandsome who Danc'd well Drest well had all the Perfections of a Young Empty Airy Courtier and Master of a vast Estate raged to be Repuls'd in his first Amour One day he grew so importunate to know the Cause of her Aversion that she resented it and told him sharply he was Troublesome and were it not for the Commands of those whom Reverence taught her to Obey she had long e'er that forbid him her sight He Answer'd warmly with an Air too haughty for a Lover I see too well your scorn but I fain would find what 't is said we can't in Woman a Reason for 't Is your heart made of that impenetrable Mould that Sighs and Prayers are vain Batteries or doth some hidden happy Youth rob me of my desir'd Prize She blusht at that and he observ'd it Ah! 't is so went he on your conscious Blushes reveal it If I blush return'd she with a look full of Anger and Disdain 't is at your Rudeness Go You are Insolent Durst your conceal'd Lover call me so said he throughly nettl'd I cou'd Answer him As he spoke the last words Emilius enter'd and hearing 'em so loud he stopt When Lodowick turn'd to go away Emilius came up to him and looking fiercely on him said Is this like a Man of Honour to be Noisy in a Ladies Chamber I say 't is Insolent and Brutal Now your Answer you threaten'd Not to my Country's Heir return'd he Bowing nor dare I contend for a Jewel my Prince lays Claim to Soon as he had said this he went out Ah! what have you done Cry'd Lovisa looking with a Melancholy sweetness on him this flies like Lightening through the Court and I must never see you more Never see me more answer'd he eagerly Oh! I must ever see you nor can it be conceal'd My Eyes my Tongue betray it How often unawares I start mistaking every Name for yours My longing looks devour your Charms my Sighs redouble at your sight and every Motion shows the Fires of my Soul Oh! I 'll cast me at my Obdurate Father's Feet nor leave his Sacred Knee 'till he
Seal'd it again and gave it Bileront to deliver When Emilius saw Lovisa's hand he kiss'd it eagerly and transported cry'd What Summons hath my Goddess sent Has she kindly revers'd my Doom and given me leave to share her Banishment Oh! Bileront went he on his Eyes sparkling with the same Passion his heart was full of Methinks I cou'd do wonders for my Love wou'd she consent With her fly the riâ—â—â—urs of an Inexorable Father Fly Ungrateful Parma And in some peaceful Corner of the Globe fix my unimitable Fair whilst for the loss of Crowns Glory Ambition All bewitching dear delightful Love makes up and far excels He open'd the Letter and Bileront saw his Countenance alter as he read it that short Beam of Joy which so lately shone through his Face Eclips'd with blacker Clouds of sadness than before Read my Lord said the Prince for sure my Eyes only us'd to sorrow transform the words of Kindness into Cruelty even from her Lovisa to the Prince Emilius WHen will my Malignant Stars have shed their Baneful Venome Remorsless Heaven Must I with Justice complain of Emilius Must he become my greatest Persecutor And by his cruel Obstinacy draw down the Curses of late Posterity upon me Will no Retirement but a Monastery though never so remote prove an Asylum for this Tortur'd Wretch I 've cause to think you wish me in a Cloyster Now Prince you shall have your desire Conclude within few days I am a Votaress Since you dislike the offers I made at parting since my Eternal Love promis'd as far as Honour wou'd allow on the Condition of your Obedience is not acceptable My next Task shall be to banish you my Heart This is the last unalterable Resolve of The Unfortunate Lovisa After Bileront had ended the Letter the Prince remain'd half an hour silent then rising hastily from the Couch where he had thrown himself he took his Pen and wrote and giving it to his Favourite bid him carry it to the Dutchess saying he suppos'd Lovisa's Letter came by her Approbation and he hop'd she wou'd like the Answer Bileront did as Commanded and the Dutchess found these words Emilius to Lovisa BAnish'd Lovisa's Heart That 's a punishment I cannot bear Believe me Madam I 'd sooner chose to Reign Absolute Monarch there than over half the Vniverse But since the unrelenting Fates deny rather than be totally Expell'd give me that cold Corner allow'd for Friendship Change your unjust Design of Quitting the World as I must do the happy Name of your Adorer to that of Your Eternal Friend and Servant Emilius Think you my Son is real in this said the Dutchess I know not Madam answer'd that young Lord Indeed in my Opinion his looks discover a new Resolution The Dutchess dispatch'd away her Letter and straight put the Duke upon sending the Articles again to the Prince which he did and Emilius immediately sign'd them and said his Letters to the Princess shou'd be ready in a day or two He appear'd publickly look'd pleasantly and all except Bileront thought the Alteration unfeign'd The eyes of Friendship next to Love are the most Prying Bileront alone observ'd his stolen Sighs and those Absences of Mind which so oft possess'd him And meeting him opportunely he with a concern'd obliging Air began What Breach of Faith have I been guilty of wherein offended that my Lov'd Royal Master hides from me his Soul conceals from me as well as all the World the Griefs that Prey upon his Noble Heart Griefs reply'd the Prince Ironically I've none Am I not to Marry the Infanta There Beauty Wealth and Merit join to Bless my future Reign Ah! Prince return'd Bileront why will you use your Faithful servant thus I wou'd not press nor wish to know your secret thoughts but only in hopes to assist to serve you Be satisfy'd say'd the Prince going towards some Company he saw I conceal nothing from you or if I do 't is because I 'll not Involve my Friend in the inevitable Woes ordain'd for me Bileront cou'd not answer then but he resolv'd to Watch him That night Letters for Isabella were to be deliver'd to the Duke on the Pretext of writing them Emilius dismiss'd his Attendance and shutting himself up in his Closet said when his writing was over he 'd sleep the remaining part of the Night upon his Couch Bileront who heard these Orders hid himself behind a loose piece of hanging till the servants were all gone Then stealing along he softly Unlock'd the Closet Door The Prince was writing though not to Isabella he heard Bileront stir and turning with a furious Aspect ask'd who was there That Faithful Lord affrighted to see his Prince look so stern cast himself at his Feet and with Tears implor'd he might share his Fate For said he I 'm sure you have determin'd to abandon Parma rather than your Fair Mistress The Prince cou'd not but be sensibly touch'd to see the sincere Affection of the Count and Raising him said with a sigh why wilt thou not with Fortune leave the Wretched lost Emilius I am a Barque that 's bound for sure Destruction All near must share the Tempest and meet the Face of horrid Ruine Did I like a Coward Answer'd Bileront start from your side in War that I am now Discarded No No! return'd Emilius nor did I then Deny thy Going Alas Alas It is not now the Field of Honour Emilius seeks Lethargick Love hath seiz'd my Soul and in a Cell I mean to Dream away my Life Endeavour not diswading me went he on showing him a Cordelier's Habit near these the only Robes that I shall ever wear a Dagger lies if I 'm prevented that sends me to a long Eternal Sleep Therefore if out of Zeal to my advantage as thou think'st it this gets air before I am past their reach they take me dead my Bileront unalterable truth is in my words thou may'st believe me I do believe said that Troubl'd Confident and only beg to participate I can brook the solitude of a Cell as well as my dear Lord nay the Court wou'd seem to me a Desart were you absent No by our past Friendship I conjure you stay returns the Prince on that condition I 'll to you alone unfold what I 've design'd I 'm inform'd near the Palace of Don Alvarez there stands a Monastery of the Cordelier's thither I direct my steps speak once to my Lovisa then leaving Parma Imbarque for France and in some Cloyster I best shall like end my wretched Days I tell you this continu'd he with a resolv'd Countenance and you know what I have sworn if you discover it I am not us'd to faulter or break my word therefore Dear Bileront now retire I 'll send you word of my abode in France and shall accept a Visit kindly Bileront saw it then in vain to diswade him and having learnt where he went designing to follow him said nothing against it only ask'd him how he thought
for I have a great vanity to be thought Inexorable Melora deliver'd this with an unusual chearful air infinitely charming the amorous Priest He snatcht her lovely Hand and moulding it with burning Kisses cry'd passionately this warm softness is I 'm sure no Kin to Marble Unavoidable Business call'd Olympia next Day to the Court of Rome For this Politick Niece of the Pope's was as busy in the Ecclesiastical Affairs as any Favourite Nephew before or since Most part of the last Night at the Villa they spent in woing Melora that the next Journey to this convenient Solitude shou'd complete the Happyness of the pretended Prince Alphonsus Reiterated Prayers prevail'd and that Fair Sacrifice by her sweet blushing silence gives consent Transported with their Fatal Success they all return to Rome the Ladies by themselves and the Cardinal another way Fate as if not fully resolv'd to destroy such Perfection and Innocence as sweet Melora's made offers at a Discovery offers only they prov'd and the black contrivance went on The first Prospect of undeceiving her was Francisco's falling in love with her His being privy to the Design gave him often Opportunities of her Conversation And you may as well suppose it easy to dwell in Flames and not be scorch'd as to be often near Melora hear her talk and view her Charms yet feel no warmth Stifl'd Fire can never be long conceal'd much less the Hottest Flame Smother'd Love Cunning Olympia catcht his unwary Eyes Rivetted to her fair Face observ'd his frequent Sighs his Tremblings and his change of Colour when she talk'd to him or he by accident was near This in the first beginnings of his Love Olympia informs the Cardinal He consider'd it as dangerous and being sending dispatches into Spain makes him the Chief Commissioner and hurries him away giving him no opportunity again to see Melora Francisco guess'd the Cause of this new Employ and was upon the rack He knew shou'd he disobey or give Melora caution of her approaching Ruine if there were Daggers or Poysons to be bought in Rome his Life must satisfy the revengeful Cardinal Then he justly thought Melora's hate would fall on him as well as all the rest of her Deceivers He vainly hop'd diversity of bus'ness wou'd efface her Charming Image from his Breast He knew his Fortunes destroy'd for ever shou'd he forsake a Prince Cardinal whose Power was so vast to raise him Yet against these gentle Compassion increas'd by Love pleaded strongly and always whisper'd him to save such Matchless Innocence But e'er he had determin'd the Impatient Cardinal forces him on Board When Melora ask'd for him Barberino told her he was gone to Modena by his Order Olympia now began to press her earnestly for this design'd Journey to the Villa Melora knew what they expected from her there and her Virgin Fears representing Marriage without her Father's Knowledge terrible still caus'd her to put it off delaying with many excuses Olympia had procur'd a Priest she having a hundred of them at her service Preferment lying so greatly in her Power The Priest knew not the bottom of the design was only told it was two Friends of Donna Olympia's who desir'd to be Marry'd privately Whilst things remain'd thus with no other stop but Melora's delays she happen'd passing through her Father's Hall to drop a Letter of the Cardinal 's which her Father following her took up and read these words Divine Princess Each moment that I see you not seems to drag a heavy Chain To live another Day and Night without you wou'd be a Torment wholly Insupportable When I see you next to read a little Anger in your lovely Eyes for my long stay will please me more than the smiles of Empresses So much is every word and look priz'd by the Humblest of your Servants The Embassadour strait calls for his Daughter and showing the Paper in his Hand ask'd her from whom that Piece of Gallantry came It is observable that Women are so ingenious and quick at nothing as the Affairs of Love And the most ignorant and illiterate commonly have cunning enough to manage an Intrigue I believe the Reason is Love being the most agreeable Passion of their Minds employs every Faculty of their Soul readily no wonder then Melora was so quick at an excuse For she without any hesitation answers her Father it was a Letter of her own composing and design'd for Olympia He suddenly returns upon her but how comes it then in a Man's hand I have it always drawn over by one of her Pages replies Melora without any visible discomposure to divert her the more Though this sounded a little strangely yet so unblemish'd was the Carriage and Conversation of this Young Lady that her Father gave her back the Letter without the least mistrust Glad was Melora thus easily to recover it and going to Olympia acquaints her with the story Who thereupon presses her again for the Marriage assuring her that the Duke's Bus'ness went on successfully and that she wou'd quickly be Proclaim'd Dutchess of Ferrara and Modena will you then adds she earnestly neglect the opportunity of this proffer'd Glory and by backwardness delay time till some sinister accident occur that may frustrate all our designs These Arguments deliver'd by so faithful a Friend as Melora took Olympia to be mov'd her to yield This joyful News is communicated to the Cardinal who came that Night and expresses his transports by a thousand Extravagancies of Fondness Now the third Journey is made to the Villa where these Unhappy Nuptials are Celebrated at which Hymen ought to have hid his Face and only Portentous Omens appear'd Melora's Genius still whispers she has done ill which foreboding Thoughts take from her Eyes their chearful Lustre Innumerable were their Prayers before they cou'd obtain a full Consummation at length powerful importunity overcomes and the Cardinal has sacrific'd to his Lust Nature's Master-piece Who if her Fate had equall'd her Beauty and other rare Indowments might justly have expected in reality as much Greatness as Olympia only flatter'd her with Six Months this Insatiate Priest Revels on that Luxurious Banquet Blooming Youth and yielding Beauty By which time his fierce desires begin to cool in that certain Cure for Love full Enjoyment Then he with vexation reflects on the almost unaccountable sums this short-liv'd Pleasure hath cost him besides Melora's Pregnancy which spight of their utmost indeavours wou'd in a short time appear adds infinitely to his Terrors These Thoughts take from his Conversation that Vivacity and Livelyness which before made it pleasing Melora quickly perceives this alteration and sensibly resents it Her demeanour was replete with Duty and Love nor can she but with inexpressible regret indure this cold return He excuses it with the crossness of his Affairs which Melora in part believes for by the publick Discourse at her Father's she understands the real Duke of Modena was near a Rupture with the Pope and that a War was like
to follow She represents this to Olympia who puts her off with fair words only Whilst these unhappy things were Acted in and near Rome the foremention'd Francisco whose Soul was agitated with a hundred different Resolutions arrives in Spain But neither the Sea nor distant Climates can Efface Melora from his Memory Slight Wounds Absence and Time may heal but this Charming Beauty gives no such and his pains augment Then he Curses his Cowardise and calls himself a thousand Villains for leaving the Lady expos'd first to the Lust and then the Cruelty of the Cardinal For he knew Antonio's Temper too well to doubt Barbarity would follow his satiated Love These Apprehensions distract him to that degree that he resolves to leave unfinish'd all his Bus'ness and return disguis'd to Rome and rescue if possible the Guiltless Maid from the Jaws of Ruine Pursuant to this design he immediately goes on Board but is unfortunately by contrary Winds kept on the Seas till the time is Elaps'd for his doing any service to Melora At length he lands comes to Rome in the Habit of a Pilgrim discolouring his Face to that degree that 't was impossible any Body shou'd know him He rejoices in his safe Arrival at Rome and vainly hopes something hath hitherto disappointed the Cardinal's Consummating his Wishes Then Love presents him with the false flattering Joy it being natural for that Passion to deceive us that he saving Melora from the dire Fate that hung over her she might in recompense give him leave to own his Flame Not then considering that when Melora was convinc'd of the Treachery design'd against her she must needs detest every Instrument of the Treason Now the difficulty that remain'd was the getting an Opportunity to speak with Melora she being perpetually almost at Olympia's where he not daring to venture was in a great Perplexity He lurks in the Evening near Olympia's House discovers the Cardinal go in by an usual door of the Garden and resolv'd to watch his return but was amaz'd to find it not till the Morning's approach Then his fears began to inform him all help was past however delays must certainly make it so Therefore he designs the next time Olympia went to the Pope's Palace to ask boldly for Melora and trust to his Disguise But he was prevented in this by seeing Melora take Coach in the Afternoon accompany'd only by Olympia's Woman and inquiring whither the Coach was going he was inform'd to Olympia's Villa He immediately follows them and the next day with a Key he had preserv'd got into the Garden hoping he might find Melora there if he did not he knew his Habit would protect him from Violence shou'd any of the Family see him But here his Wishes were answer'd for e'er he had searcht far he beheld that sweet Lady lying on a Bed of Grass near a Fountain whose murmurs joining with her own Sorrows had lull'd her into a slumber For sorrowful he perceiv'd she had been by the rich dew which wet her Handkerchief and yet hung upon her fair Cheeks He cou'd scarce view this Mourning Fair without joining in the Womanish Grief After he had gaz'd and sigh'd and talkt things sad as despair cou'd utter he spies her Table-Book open where something seem'd to have been just written Taking it up finds these lines Happy 's the Nymph born in a homely Seat Nor knows the troubles of the rich and great Wrapt in th' Embraces of her faithful Swain Feels still new Joys with no allay of pain Ambition ne'er disturbs their gentle Love Nor Cares nor Fears their harmless Mirth remove In Huts as humble as their Minds they lye And lofty Roofs despise that reach the Sky To these alone does Heaven true Joys dispence And with content rewards their Innocence Content a Jewel that is seldom known To bless or beautify a Regal Crown Ah! How have my unwary Footsteps straid While noise and glory my soft hours betray'd My purchas'd Pomp my Happyness has cost So in pursuit of Toys the Gem is lost Alas Unhappy Beauty said he with a sigh as he had done reading if thou art already sad how wilt thou mourn with endless Wailings when the bottom of thy Fate is known all the woful truth discover'd This Francisco Transported with his Passion spoke so loud that he wak'd the sleeping Fair who seeing a Man so near her starts up and cry'd who art thou that thus rudely pressest on my solitude and disturb'st my quiet Moments A Wretch he answer'd putting one Knee to the ground that 's born to Curse himself nay worse one whom you are bound to Curse with direst Imprecations pursue nor ever mention but when an Invective of the bitter sort must follow Sure replies Melora calmly you take me for some other Person since I dare boldly say my Conscience my Soul 's faithful Register does not accuse me with so much Injustice as ever to have an Inclination to Curse a Stranger much less one who bears the Religious Show which I in all Persons venerate Is this Voice wholly a Stranger to you he return'd passionately Oh that it were or that the Name of Francisco had been blotted with Eternal Oblivion rather than have reacht the Ears of the Ador'd Melora Or that an avenging Bolt had struck me to the Center before I had been made the detested Instrument of deceiving you Why do you perplex me thus with Riddles says Melora the Blood beginning to forsake her Cheeks if you are Francisco my Lord 's Chief Favourite whom he sent to Modena what means this Habit And why this strange Address Your Lord answers this feign'd Pilgrim hastily then all my fears are true and you must prepare to hear a story at which my Bleeding Heart sinks down and my faultring Tongue almost denies me power to relate What does Alphonsus then design to abandon me interrupts the fearful Creature falling upon a Bank her trembling Knees not being able to support her has he cruelly resolv'd went she on all in Tears to deny his Marriage and expose me and his Off-spring to endless Infamy Oh! haste Deliver me from these Fears or see me dead And is said she before he cou'd speak Olympia join'd with him in my undoing Why do you not answer me and ease my Throbbing Heart If the Duke and she are both false to Love and Sacred Friendship pronounce my Doom at once let me not linger long in Torments Since Providence has Ordain'd you so unkind a Fate replies Francisco take to you Madam the resolution your Innocence affords Let your Injuries disrobe your Soul of Tenderness Arm your self with a noble scorn and make your just Resentments overcome your Sorrows Oh! Do not pause cries that weeping Fair go on though it give me Death Heaven is my Witness says he still delaying I wou'd not undeceive you so sad's the task did not I fear a farther Mischief But to prevent that know Madam your Husband is not Alphonsus nor Duke of Modena but