Tears from her Eyes and this having put Mariana in mind of the Papers she had found in the morning she pull'd them out of her Pocket told Clarinda how she had found them and then read as follows Verses for a Song WHile Beauteous Cloris on the Waters lay Panting for Life Damon wandred that way He ' spi'd plung'd seis'd and to the desir'd Shore His expiring fair Prize in triumph bore But when his Purchase he had laid And saw no signs of Life he said Why made I not more hash to set thee free Or being too late Why died I not with thee The charming Nymph after some moments rest Gave signs some Life still harbour'd in her Breast She sigh'd she groan'd she open'd both her Eyes She struggl'd hard but yet she could not rise Till Damon giving her some ease Her helpless Hand did gently cease Which having warm'd with Kisses down he laid And cried Heaven pity this poor dying Maid At this her Eyes which she again had clos'd Were lifted up on his Breast she repos'd Her wearied Head look'd gashly on the Youth Not knowing whither 't was a Dream or Truth 'Till he be sought her to declare How she within her self did fare To which with languid Looks she did reply 'T is too late Shepheard Cloris now must die These Words did so transpierce the poor Youth's Heart Who first had wounded been with Cupid's Dart That to cold Death he was resigning all When the fair Nymph from Death thus did him call Do not die said she and I 'll live And streight her gentle hand did give So were they heard no longer to complain But liv'd to Love and lov'd to live again These things did but add fuel to that amorous Fire which flam'd in the afflicted Clarinda's Brest Why were the Heavens so kind said she to provide so worthy a Preserver of my Life and so cruel again as to snatch him from me before I could let him know the gratitude of my Heart His first brave action had sufficiently engag'd me to him without being twice made beholden for my Life but as if that was not yet enough to make me his Debtor beyond hopes of redemption he also cruel proves in his passionate Expressions and brave Performances Mariana who did all she could to divert her from those Reflections told her that she had a great fancy to give the Verses to set to her Master of the Lute the next time he should come that she might sing and play them both together Clarinda said that would but increase her sorrow for the absence of the Composer yet do continued she since I cannot have his sweet presence let me injoy what I can of the Fruits of his Love my greatest comfort in all my afflictions is to find he loves me No said she again that is rather grief upon affliction as circumstances are it had been better had he prove unkind Thus was poor Clarinda afflicting her self and her dear Mariana comforting of her when news were brought her Musick-Master waited in the Parlor Clarinda would have him sent back saying she was not in condition to hear Musick but Mariana did so strongly plead in hopes it would aid to compose her Spirits that he was sent for up and part of the accident that had befallen her related to him as it had been to the rest of the Houshold to put a stop to their over-curious Inquisitions He took up her Lute which having tun'd he plaid on it such Lessons as vs'd to delight her most but she seem'd not to hearken to them Ask of Mariana the Verses which she began to read then returning them to her again there said she do what you will with them Mariana taking this as a tacit consent to what she had propos'd shew'd them to the Musick-Master and desir'd him to set them to a Tune so as that they might be sung and play'd upon the Lute he promised so to do and to bring them with him the next day and having play'd two or three Tunes more he took his leave and retired Then had Mariana leasure and not before to unfold the other Paper which she had taken up but she found it written in a Language she did not understand Here is I know not what said she to Clarinda giving her the Paper which was that Letter which Peregrine received from that Lady I mentioned before the day before he left England Clarinda was as far to seek as Mariana she fancied it to be a Woman's hand and was confirm'd in that Opinion so soon as she had read at the bottom of it the word Isabella her Heart started at it as a presage of the sorrows which it would cause her she dreaded the contents yet was impatient to know them she doubted not but this was a Letter to him from some English Woman writ in that Language and therefore was the less in hopes of having it decyphered they both beat their Heads very much about it but to no purpose 'till at last it came into Clarinda's mind that she had heard her old Aunt say That presently upon the death of her Husband who had died at London she had been forc'd to go thither to recover some considerable Sums of Mony that were due to her Husband which she could not recover but by long and costly Suits at Law which had caus'd her to remain in that Kingdom near two years in which time she had got some imperfect knowledge of that Language Clarinda sent Mariana immediately with the Letter to her Aunt to desire her that she would Translate it for her as well as she could possible The old Gentlewoman was very unwilling to undertake such a Task pleading her long discontinuance in that Tongue but being over-persuaded by her Neice's and Mariana's Importunities she writ out of it that which follows pick'd out here and there as well as she could gather it without any coherence The despair of ever seen you more has my Passion was too great not to be to bestow on others that which by my so Cruel to one who never but in loving you my Death a salve to all Peregrine hear of the unfortunate Isabella The old Lady had required time 'till Night for the unravelling of those Mysteries which Mariana was forc'd to allow her but through Clarinda's Impatience she was frequently interrupted by Mariana which caus'd the old Lady to lock her self up 'till she had done to avoid any further Disturbance at last the Business was Accomplish'd as well as could be done by her and Mariana called up to whom it was delivered not without being ask'd by the old Gentlewoman how she had come by that Letter adding that that was all she could make of it Mariana told her she had found it by chance so run down immediately to shew it to the impatient Clarinda Heavens What do I see Said Clarinda after she had read a little How 's this Cried she again reading on What read I more Continued she here
much inclined him to clear Peregrine in his Thoughts ever since he had without passion or prejudice read over and over those broken Fragments which did pretend a passionate Love from the Woman but no Perfidiousness in the Man who after all might never have lov'd her However he was resolved to put Peregrine on very severe Trials that should throughly confirm him of his constancy towards him before he would admit him again to the same place he before that discovery possess'd in his Heart to that purpose Frederick resolv'd to conceal himself under the Character of a Friend of the Counts and in that Humour writ the following Lines If all the Men in your Armies were as expert as you are at killing of both Sexes we should have reason not to fear for our selves only but for our Wives and Daughters also you are not contented with those Murthers which you have committed at home but wearied there with Blood you are come to exercise your Talient amongst us also we have had but too woful Examples of it in the late unfortunate Count Mansfielt and since that in the much to be lamented Clarinda whose knowledg of your Domestick Perfidiousness has untimely snatched away from us As a Friend to both these I declare my self your Mortal Enemy who will never have quiet till I have washed with your Blood those stains which must render you odious to all Mankind This short but smart Epistle being seal'd up he gave it without Superscription to the Groom with some Gold and bid him to get himself in a Readiness to Sally out the next Night with a Party that was appointed to that purpose and gave him one of the Soldier 's Coats to conceal himself under which he might well enough do in the dark then giving him an handful of Silver he thus dismissed him The following Night the Garrison made four false Sallies in one of which the trusty Groom made a shift to get out of the Town and return to his Master to whom having given the Letter he related all that had happened to him since his Absence You may imagine into what surprising terrour a Letter so fill'd with horrour did put him he was for a long time mute and as stiff as a Stake without the least Motion out of which he suddainly starred asking the Groom if he had brought him e're a Letter There 't is in your hand said the Fellow Thou liest Villain replied distracted Peregrine then looking on the Letter See added he Is this directed to me Holding it to the poor trembling Fellow Alack Sir I cannot read not I said the Groom but I am sure that he who gave it me bid me to deliver it into your own hands Why who am I Dog Said poor Peregrine my Master Sir I think answered the Fellow but I think strangely chang'd I 'll go ask what is the matter added he with that he slipt out of the Chamber and left Peregrine alone to descant upon that severe Letter where we will leave him for some small space to inform you of what was become of the Count and of Mariana As for the Count he had been so carefully look'd after that he was perfectly recovered of his Wound but not of that extream Weakness which that vast quantity of Blood he had lost had brought upon him he and his Friends were resolved not to give over that Business so but to have a full revenge so soon as they could but hear where Peregrine was retired to that purpose they had made all the inquiries they could possible from the Servants at the Castle as also of the Chirurgeon They had learnt that he was an English Man Peregrine by Name that he design'd to pass the Campaign in the Confederates Army and they believed that without doubt he was retired there but they would not attempt any thing against him to the prejudice of the Count's Honour wherefore they but staid till the Count was in Condition to call Peregrine to an Account himself As for Mariana she had been so afrighted and the old Lady also by a Party from the Confederates who had committed a world of Rudeness that they were retired Servants and all to a place Twenty Miles off of the Castle Mariana having concluded that it would be as impossible to send any News to Clarinda as she fear'd Peregrine had found it difficult to send to her at the Castle she still continuing in that Confidence she had of Peregrine's Virtues wherefore was willing to attribute his silence to any other Cause than his Inconstancy Things were at that pass amongst the Lovers Conserns when that the Confederate's Army had made their Approaches very near to the Town at 450 Paces from the Counterscarp where the Saxons amongst which Peregrine was a Voluntiere had taken their Post on which the Enemy did Fire continually all that day and one of their Shot out of a Falcon unfortunately killed the Prince Palatine Frederick William who was come as a Voluntiere in the Camp and was that day with Peregrine at the head of the French where also were the Prince Elector his Brother and the Grand Master of the Tutonick Order The Body of that unfortunate Prince was carried to Francfort there to be embalmed Peregrine who notwithstanding all his Afflictions and Grief would not let pass any opportunity of shewing that he was not come so far only to see and to be seen did not omit this occasion of waiting on the Prince at the head of the French but did wish a thousand times that the Bullet had met with his Head in liew of the Princes since he had received that fatal Letter there had not been any dangerous Enterprise but he had been in it with a purpose Design of not out-living his dear Clarinda whom he concluded Dead of which he counted himself the Cause but still he did come off with Honour his better Fortune reserving him to injoy his Hearts Desires How often did he call himself negligent Fool for not having burnt that fatal English Letter to which he attributed all his Misfortunes as was intimated in that which he had received from an unknown Hand He was resolved with the first opportunity to get into the Town to inform himself more at large and to find out that unknown Person who had been so severe in his Censure of him That of Truth had been the Occasion of his going on all Parties but as yet he had not met with any opportunity of accomplishing his Design which still did distract him more and more in so much that his Friends and especially the Count Zinzendorf had divers times inquired what was the matter with him What Cause of Discontent he had had which appeared so visibly in his Countenance And that made him so desperately throw himself into all kind of Dangers Desiring him to manage himself a little better But to all these Interrogatories and Advices he would make no Answer nor give his Friends who were really highly
relate The Confederates did throw abundance of Bombs every Night into the City which fired many Houses that in which poor wounded Prisoners lay having been set on Fire they were forced to be removed as fast as they could and they put a wounded Gentleman into a Chamber at the very next House which proâ—ed to be in Frederick's own Chamber â—ill they had found some other conveniâ—ncy for him Frederick having given â—ut when he left his Lodgings that he â—hould not return in three or four days â—ecause he was to go to the other end of â—he Town about earnest business he â—ad taken the Key of his large Closet â—ith him but had left his Chamber â—oor open and this Fire happening in â—he Night they had carried the wounded Gentleman in there as being nearest at â—and with a design to remove him aâ—ain so soon as the owner of the Chamâ—er should return That Night divers â—eserters got into the Town and Fredeâ—ick heard that two or three French Offiâ—rs had gotten in at noon day that â—ave him hopes of having as good a sucâ—ess in his attempt in these hopes he â—alks out to take a little Air as he preâ—ended but it was to observe which way â—e should attempt to put in Execution his â—esign As he was thus walking pensive alone â—â— perceived a small Party riding up toâ—ards him he who had no mind to be â—en stept a little out of the way that they might pass him unregarded but as the company was got close to him he thought he knew one of their Voices he looked suddainly up and perceiving that it was Count Mansfeilt he presently turned his Head another way and observed which way they were marching and saw them go into that Tent which belonged to the Officer that had taken him The Count being now perfectly recovered of his Wounds and Weakness and having learnt where Peregrine was entertained had been with his Kinsman Count Zinzendorf to demand Justice of him against a Stranger who had wronged him and taken something from him whom he protected The Count who was related to Mansfeilt received him very Courteously and assured him of all the Services that lay in his power but told him withal that he had had so many Proofs of that Gentleman's bravery and generous Temper whom he accus'd that none but his Kinsman could suspect without offending him that he hoped he was mistaken in the Person and that to be satisfied in that he himself would conduct his Kinsman to his Friends Quarters having not heard of him in two days They were going to seek after Peregrine when Frederick did take notice of them It enter'd into Frederick's Head that the Count came not there for any good to Peregrine which made him though Peregrine was far from thence if he was at all to have a Desire of knowing the nature of the Count's Business He therefore walks back â—oâ—â—ly after and getting in by the back way of the Tent waited to hear what would be said He had looked on the young Count as the first Cause of all his and of Peregrine's Misfortunes and even of his Death if he was slain This had bred such an hatred in his Breast rowards the Count that he wished he could be the Death of him wherefore very far from ever receiving him into Favour again Being thus prepossest he heard the Officer relate how Peregrine had been lost and that he had a young Prisoner who he had taken that Night that had declared he had permitted himself to be taken but to be brought where Peregrine was that he might kill him for being the Death of a Kinswoman of his He is very desperate added the Officer and Careless of his Life expresses much Courage though very young Upon this the Count said That it was not he alone who complained of Peregrine's Unworthiness and that besides that Gentlewoman for whose Death he was accused he believed that the Death of another Lady might be laid to his Charge also of whom no News was to be had and who doubtless he had made away it may be after he had had his Pleasure of her Here Frederick could not any longer forbear but rushing into the Tent adressed himself to the Count with a stern Countenance and his Hand upon his Sword Thou liest Count cried he aloud in the Relation thou givest of Peregrine and because he is not here to justifie himself of those base and false Accusations I come to vindicate him in the presence of all these therefore draw added he and with that drew his Sword and run at the Count The Count had but time to draw and making a pass gave a slight Wound to Frederick's Hand and disarmed him before any could come into them They were parted and Frederick put out of the Tent and every Body remained in a maze at the rash and desperate Actions of so young a Youth but above all the Officer was strangely surprised to see one who had declar'd was come to kill Peregrine espouse with so much fierceness his Interest in so rashly exposing his Life to maintain Peregrine's Reputation Mean time Frederick was glad he had been put out before he had been discovered by any there and for fear of being called to an account for this Action before the Count who might at last know him he went his way telling some Servants he met that he was going to seek some Chirurgeon to dress his Hand Of Truth the Count began to entertain some Ideas of that Face which persuaded him he had seen it somewhere before and upon that he had desired that Person should be brought in again that he might have a more full view of him but he was gone and was not found by any at that time All this did still breed more Suspition in the Count and Wonders in the Beholders he at last with pondring much upon the knowledge of that Face did really conclude that this was none but Clarinda in a Disguise but on what account could not imagine he had but too well found that Peregrine had rendered himself absolute Master of Clarindas Heart he fear'd beyond all the Art he had to reclaim it again yet he was loth to absolutely give over the pursute he found he still had the same Love and Affection for her but had great reason to believe she hated him witness her late Action in this Agitation of Spirit he knew not what to resolve nor indeed what to say to his Friends He thought that if he could but once more set his Eye upon her he would haunt her Day and Night rather than not receive some favourable answer from her In this Resolution he takes his leave of Count Zinzendorf and of the other Officer and with those Friends that he had brought along with him returns with a design to separate and all go in search after her several ways and in case Peregrine was dead as it was believed never to abandon her till he had gained her good
and left the Pistols on the Table and the Count to do what he pleased with them The Count so soon as Mariana was gone took the Gold and with it went to an Inn where he got a Messenger to go to Count Zinzendorf in the Camp He after that began to reflect with a more compos'd mind than ever he had done before on all his Concerns he dwelt much on Mariana's kindness to him he believed that she had all along been his Friend he fancied he could make that out from her Actions and something in her looks Of truth Mariana was of a very compassionate Temper apt to side with any Person in Affliction she had look'd on the Count when she left him with a Countenance full of tenderness in the Opinion that the Count had no hopes left now of ever possessing Clarinda for though she had said true that she was still at her own disposal yet she knew her thoughts so well that she was certain none but Peregrine would carry her Clarinda and she were near related had been brought up and Educated together and her Portion which had been left in Clarinda's Father's hands at the Death of her Father and Mother while she was yet very young had increas'd to very near the Sum of Clarinda's and her Beauty not much inferiour so that she was as Clarinda's Companion and they lov'd one another intimately All these things running in the Count's mind he thought himself oblig'd to Mariana's Bounty and that he ought to requite all her Favours in an handsome manner and in that resolution he remained till the Town was Surrendered The Articles were That the next day the Confederates should have possession given them of St. Jacob's Tower and of the Gau-Gate that they should send five thousand Men to possess themselves of it that the next Day after early in the Morning the French Garison should march out of the place with six pieces of Cannon two Mortars with the Arms of France and as many Carts and Waggons as were necessary to carry their Baggage with their Colours flying Drums beating lighted Matches and to be guarded to Landau with a Convoy of ten Thousand Men of the Imperialists These Articles did very much displease the Soldiers who had all along been very desirous to take the City by Storm to be reveng'd of those perfidious Incendiaries the French as they term'd them Peregrine's Men were got into the Town and had given an account of these things to him from Count Zinzendorf who had sent him word also that he should be with him the next day whereupon Peregrine fearing some Disorders might happen as there is usually in such Affairs so soon as Mariana was returned he caused the Chamber-Door to be continually locked and his Three Men to be in constant waiting at it He after that endeavoured all he could to stand upon his Leg and he found that he gathered much strength by it so that by the next day he was able to walk with the aid of a Staff Both he and Clarinda inquired of Mariana how the Count did and how he had received their Civilities or yours rather said Clarinda very indifferently answered Mariana I was forced to leave the Gold on the Table before him and to go abruptly from him for fear he should have returned it me How does he look Said Peregrine very dismayed answered Mariana full of trouble so that I could not but pity him very much I wish said Clarinda you had the Power dear Mariana to change all his Sorrows into Love of thee I mean I fear said Peregrine that who ever has once loved Clarinda can never be capable of any other Love I am of your mind replied Mariana I am not said Clarinda he never loved to an excess and I believe there has been more of Obstinacy and Revenge in his Conduct towards me than oâ— sincere Affection so that he will easily be diverted by some other Object when he is once passed all hopes Pray wave this Discourse replied Mariana and let us speak of other things Agreed said Peregrine but first give me leave to say that next to seeing my dear Clarinda intirely mine past all Disputes I heartily could wish the Count so happy as to be in full Possession of the obliging Mariana from this they fell into various Discourses with which they passed the rest of that Morning After Dinner they desired Mariana to give them in a continued Story the Course of her Life since they had been separated which they had not heard yet but by pieces Mariana having assented to their Request thus began After you had been two days gon and that the Servants you had sent back had assured me of your safe getting into the Town and of your Father's Death and Burial I every moment expected with great impatiency to hear from Peregrine in what place of safety he was retired that I might send you word if possible which I much dispaired to do when I heard how difficult it was for any one to get into the Town since the Confederates had laid a formal Siege before it I was out of all hopes of hearing from him also and was very willing to lay the fault on any thing else than on his neglect though I believed it more easily to have heard from him than to have sent to you this made me apprehend that he might have fallen into some Disaster I was in those fears when a Party of the Imperialists came to the Castle where they acted a great deal of Rudeness not only towards my old Aunt and my self but every one of the Servants were made sensible of their Insolencies and the worst was that when I had made my Complaints to the Officer under pretence of taking me into his Protection he offered things to me beyond what I could tamely endure so that I was forced to Repulse him with fury mean time the Soldiers did ransack all the Castle taking what they thought convenient to carry along with them not sparing my poor Aunts Chamber which put her into such a fright that I verily believe much contributed to her Death presently after They were not contented with that but went to the Stables where they exchanged their worse Horses for ours and took away the rest When they had done all the mischief they could except firing they left us to condole our Misfortunes I found my poor Aunt in so lamentable a Condition that she looked then as if she had been dead so soon as she was recovered from her fright so much as would permit her to speak she said Let us begon good Niece as far as we can from these merciless Devils before another Party of them come to make an end of us Where shall we go dear Aunt I answered her to my Farm said she which is Twenty miles further from Mentz I told her she would scarce be able to endure the fatigue of so long a Journey especially on Horseback and there was then no other
conveniency to be had but she said she had rather chose to die by the way than be again frighted as she had been before which would certainly procure her Death We therefore the very next morning very early set forwards with all they had left us that was carriable but though we went but slowly considering we fled my poor Aunt was so much fatigated that she fell sick of a Fever of which she died the day after we came to the Farm she by her Will parted all she had betwixt us two she left to my Cousin your Brother a Legacy in case he were alive which if he was not was to return to us I took Care to have her decently buried according to her Quality as well as I could after which I gave my self up to lament her loss and your Absence I remained so till hearing no News of either of you and being in Despair of having any I inquired of all the Men Servants which would be so Couragious as to attempt the getting into Mentz with me to learn what was become of their young Mistress your own Groom was the readiest to answer but your Brother's Faulkner was the most forward to attend me he only asked When I would set forward I told him the next day he said no more but got all things in Readiness both for me and himself and coming to me the next morning Are you ready Madam Said he Why Answered I Have you got every thing as it should be Every thing answered he even to one of my young Master's Suits which he was pleased to bestow on me when he went into Hungary for I believe it impossible for a Woman to get through so many rude Men without receiving some Affronts I readily accepted his Kindness assuring him I should gratifie him for that and all his other Troubles and Civilities and in Conclusion I goton Horse-back accoutred like an absolute Cadett and he like my Servant both well provided with Arms. Our Design was to get into the Camp where we were to inquire after Peregrine and so to have conversed with him how to have proceeded but when after a long search we had no other News of him but that it was believed he was killed because his Horse had been found dead with a Shot we then resolved to attempt the getting into the Town as Deserters so soon as possible we could to that purpose we were in the Night time getting as close as we could to the Wall when we were espied by a single Horseman who making after us shot at us and kill'd the poor Faulkner I perceiving him fall fearing that my turn would be next slack'd my pace and turning my Horse cried I yield save my Life and you shall have a Ransome my pursuer seem'd satisfied with that and was going to secure me from an escape when we were presently surrounded with a Party of Horse that was retiring into the Town which took us along with them You have heard since how it proved to be the Count that had taken me Prisoner but how he happened on me or what he was doing there I am still to learn Thus did Mariana put an end to her Narrative they spent the rest of the day in contriving how Peregrine should meet with his Friends and how they shall dispose of themselves after things were setiled again in the Town Mariana said That she long'd to see them all safe returned to their own homes What say you to it Madam said Peregrine Must I return to my own home also That would be too far a Journey for you to perform at once replied Clarinda you shall rest your self some time at the Castle and then I must begon added Peregrine Goodness cried Clarinda you are such a troublesome Man you shall stay there till you are sent away That may be the next day after Madam answered Peregrine or so soon as your Brother returns if you do not anticipate him in that employ Shall I propose an expedient said Mariana that will salve all Let 's hear it answered Clarinda Nay will you stand to it added Mariana I assure you before hand it shall be to both your Likings and Advantages I will stand to it cried Peregrine irrevocably What say you Madam added he to Clarinda Upon Marianas assurance I care not if I do Give me your Hands to the Bargain said Mariana with that she took both their Hands and joined them together saying Marry without delay Spoken like an Angel cried out Peregrine with Joy and finding Clarinda to pull back her Hand and to look surprised Nay Madam added he it is too late to draw back we have your consent I did not think said Clarinda that Mariana would have served me so I believed her more firm to my Interests Can I be more firm to Clarindas Interest answered Mariana than to promote them to the outmost of my Power What can be more your Interest than to be inseparably united to what you Love What is there more Advantagious for you than to once be fixed in Peregrine's Arms So fix'd as not to be remov'd but by Death All this is true Madam added Peregrine If your Heart does not gain-say your Mouth add the last of your Blessings in assenting to what our dear Mariana has so justly proposed Nay she cannot deny me for shame said Mariana of she should I should for ever dis-own her for my Friend but I know she will not she has too much of Justice of Sense and of Love for me besides what she has for you Sir to act against her own Satisfaction and Quiet Come I must have it so added she bringing Clarinda near to Peregrine and giving her Hand to him once more Tell him you are his and that you will confirm it by Marriage with the first opportunity Well replied Clarinda on Condition that you shall not refuse to do that which I shall propose to you Mariana I will Then spake Clarinda answered Mariana spake to Peregrine then next to me Well then said Clarinda with a soft sigh since it must be so Clarinda is yours Sir here is my Hand to it and so soon as opportunity shall offer it self I will be Married to you I leave you to guess at Peregrine's Transports for I cannot express them Now added Clarinda let me speak to you Mariana Love the Count and endeavour to make him yours Very well repartied I 'll swear said Peregrine and I add may you by that means be the cause of our perfect Reconciliation Amen said Clarinda nay if you will all have it so I say Amen too After this Supper was served in they cat and drank and were merry Peregrine walked about the Chamber and after they had tired themselves with Mirth Clarinda at Peregrine's request took her Lute and Sung those Lines which Peregrine had made and when it came to the two last they all in Consort Sang So were they heard no longer to complain But liv'd to Love and lov'd to
sallied out which gave an alarum to the Germans who soon drove back the Salliers who took but one Man Prisoner that prov'd to be Peregrine's Groom He was brought into the Town and some would have made him pass for a Spie but that the Fellow had so much wit as to call himself a Deserter who being sent with a Letter from a Gentleman came but the day before into the Camp of the Confederates to a Lady that liv'd in a Castle about a days Journey from thence he had taken that opportunity of escaping into the Town and that he was waiting for some opportunity of doing so when he was luckily brought in this and the Fellow's Readiness to produce the Letter soon gain'd Credit so that he was releas'd and the Letter after read return'd to him Amongst those who were present at the Fellow's Examination a person who lived in the same House where Frederick â—ay had been a Spectator and being ask'd at his return what news from the Party that had sallied out that Night he said they had lost three or four Men but had got but one Prisoner who it seems was a Deserter then he told them the whole Story this having been related just by Frederick's Chamber Door so that he had over heard all he began to fancy that he might be something concern'd in this Business more than ordinary he therefore inquir'd where he might see this Deserter and what Livery he had on But could learn neither he only was offer'd by the Fellow to go seek after him and bring him to him if he would consider him for his pains Frederick having promis'd the Fellow a good reward and given him a small advance he went his ways to seek after Peregrine's Groom who he found about some two Hours after drinking with some Soldiers but he scarce knew him again because the Soldiers had taken the pains to ease him of his upward Garment which was Peregrine's Livery But hearing him say that the Lady must excuse him if he made bold to light his Pipe with some of these Compliments which his Master sent to her that made the Fellow confident it was the same Person he stopt his Hand and told him there was a young Gentleman in the Town that had something to say to him The Groom presently put up the Letter again with his Pipe and said he was ready to follow him desiring his Comrades to forbare drinking the rest of his Coat 'till he return'd to have his share of it with that he follow'd his Guide who soon brought him to Frederick The Groom having never seen Frederick before no not in his former Aparel nor Frederick him he was oblig'd to interogate him the more strictly and the Groom gave Frederick such satisfactory Answers that when he was presented with the open Letter all rompl'd he soon knew the Character and remained well satisfied of the truth of all the rest he gratifi'd both the Fellows and bid the Groom come to him the next day then he retir'd to his own Chamber to read with the greater leisure and privacy that which he thought most concerned him in this World he could not but reflect at Fortune's figaries who had mis-lead this Fellow by which means he had come the sooner to hear of that false Man to whom he was resolv'd to send a severe Epistle Frederick read but did not kiss'd those Lines which Peregrine had writ an Hundred times over as he had done before when he was still Clarinda and finding so much Passion in them he thought he could not dispute them too much He was impatient of the Groom's return that he might further examine him and find whither he might intrust him with his Designs in the mean time he busied himself in reading all Peregrine's Writings after which he took his Lute Play'd and Song to it those Verses which his Musick-Master had given him that same day he had set forth for Mentz which he had got very perfect with repeating them continually as he daily did but not with that pleasure he had formerly done Of Truth this had been the greatest of his Diversion ever since his coming to that place where he had liv'd retire without any Communication even at his Meals so that he passed under the Notion of the Woman hater because there were divers Gentlewomen in the same House Boarders whose Company Frederick did avoid as if they had had the Plague and when any one came to make his Bed or clean his Chamber he would all that time retire into a Closet at the further end of his Chamber which contained all his Trunks Boxes and Chests and where he would frequently retire to play on the Lute or to meditate on those Writings once so precious to him that he might still be the less heard and thought on There he began to think in what perplexities Peregrine would have been in had he been true at his not hearing any News from him which made him think the time very long before the Groom's return who at last came Frederick brought him into his Closet after he had shut the Chamber Door where he examin'd so closly the Groom that he confest to him he had pretended to be a Deserter when he had been taken by the Enemy only that he might have the better opportunity to get to that Castle where they had been made so much on by the good Lady of that place on his Masters Account he was sure for he had heard his Fellow-Servants who were oftner within Door than he whose whole Business was in the Stable talk strange things of them And do they believe said Frederick that your Master does really Love that Gentlewoman Love her answered the Groom doats upon her ay and will e'en run statk-staring Mad for her to it 's believ'd for a does neither eat drink nor sleep but all Night he 's a sighing and sobbing as if his own Hearts Blood and Guts would burst asunder By 'r Lady I could not live so for my part continued he Well honest Friend replied Frederick since thou hast been so faithful to thy Master and dost design to continue so here is to encourage thee to go on in serving him truly and now I will tell thee that I am nearly related to that Lady to whom thou were going with the Letter and that if thou wilt venture to carry back a Letter to thy Master I shall reward thee well for thy pains Odds-buds Master answered the honest blunt Groom I did fancy so much so soon as I saw you though I never saw her and might my Girdle never hold if I do not venture my Whizle at any time for any of you Three trie me else continued he do ye but contrive and drive me forwards and trie if I don't go This hearty proffer from so blunt a Fellow could not but highly please Frederick who resolved to take this opportunity to make a Trial of Peregrine's Constancy beginning to hearken to his Love who very