all there and am going towards Normandy to find out â—n Uncle of mine Brother to my Mother and see if he will take pity on me or find me out some place whereby serving I may get my Living Youth said Baldwin it is easy to be seen that you have not been brought up to serve at least wise in painful Offices it is true Reply'd he if it had pleased God to have spared me my Father who was an Honest Merchant I should not be reduced to this misery but Merchants are not known till they dye his Shop was fair and his Credit great but at his death all failed and his debts were found far greater thâ—n all he had So that being destitute of all means I must make a Vertue of necesâ—ity and seek to eat my Bread by the Sweâ—t of my Brow Baldwins heart was mollifyed at this Youths Disaster and he resolved to râ—tâ—in him in his Service imagining that he had on hâ—s Forehead a certain Râ—y of 〈◊〉 and â—idâ—dity wâ—ary with staying for his Men he enter'd the â—oat with this Youth who Named himself Gervase Baldwins Habitation was from thence about three short English miles wherein Gervase found himself but a bad Footman yet on the way he entertain'd his new Master with such good discourse that the time seemed not long Being arrived home and saluting his Wife he said unto her Madam I bring to you a new Guest whose good Countenance serves for Letters of Credence I have destinated him to wait on our Son this was a Child of some Nine or Ten years of Age his Lady looking on Gervase found hiâ— to be perfectly acceptable and praised her Husbands judgement for applying him so worthily as to wait on their Son Vincent for that was the â—hilds Name was in a short time so taken with the Conversation of Gervase and Gervase betook himself with so much care and diligence to tend and serve him that Father Mother and Son were equally satisfied therewith the whole Family taking extream delight in the modest behaviour gentle dâ—sposition and charming Conversation of this Beautiful Young Man which could not but Charm the most Savage Spirits But Alas Beauty that acceptable Gift of Heaven as 't is a pleasing illusion of the Sence so 't is a Snare to the Soul it Tyrannically extendeth its power over the heart of Aurelia Baldwins Lady insomuch that Love and Honour are at strife which shall most predominate the one striking her Soul with a cold fear the other with a burning desire but all the efforts of honour were vain Love usurping Sole Dominion over her heâ—rt When having made choice of one of her Maids Named Judith for her Confident She made known to her with what Disease she was infected and how she was forc'd to seek Remedy from the Serpent that had bit her Judith promiseth her Mistriss to assist her with the utmost of her endeavors although her thoughts were quite contrary to what her Mouth uttered for she was struck with the same Dart her self however she thinking it a probable means to oblige Gervase that he might no longer continue the disdain wherewith he had hitherto repayed her Love she declared to him the passion and affection of Aurelia towards him Gervase who had divers times shewed unto Judith that those discourses were no ways pleasing to him rejected this also Judith finding she could not obtain Credence in his mind Councelled her Mistress to speak her self if she would be understood this froward Youth having no Ears to her perswasions What Grief felt Aurelia to find she had in vain declared her self to this Maid whose Answer was a sad presage of the small hopes she might have to bring Gervase to her desire what new pains took she to pluck this Thorn out of her Soul but at the first Sight of this fair Object all these Endeavours vanish'd into Smoak and new fires took possession of her Heart Judith had brought them together and to give her Mistress more freedom retired her self into another Chamber Aurelia then talks to Gervase with Stuttering Language and with anxious fears like unto those of a Guilty Person before a Judge she Labours to make him Suscâ—ptible of her Torment Fair Gervase is Amaz'd to find himself alone without a Witness by a Woman which uttered unto him such Language as he could not hear without Extream perplexity the different Charges of his Colour sufficiâ—ntly witnessed by hâ—s Face the inward Resentments of his mind his Eyes bâ—ndâ—d to the Ground his Silence and his immoveable Countenance gave Aurelia an Answer which was not pleasing Her presents were Liberal her promises large her intreatyes unseemly her Sighs Vehement her tears in abundance but these Winds and these Waters were as Storms against a Rock Gervase appeared insensible like the Statue Pigmalion fell in Love wâ—thall The heat of Love pierced by a bloody contempt commonly turns into a â—uâ—ious Wrath Aurelia was upon the point of this Change when Gervase to conjure this Tempest and cut out the Root of this Disease at its first breeding resolves to Unmask the Counterfeit and cause pity of himself in her who Craved it of him Madam said he unbuttoning his Doublet behold these Breasts and ask no Answer except you will see me dye at your Feet with shame Men are not better known by the Beard than Women by their Breasts This sight left no manner of doubt in the Soul of Aurelia but that Gervase was a Woman and as it is said that Thunder falling upon a Serpent in lieu of taking away life doth but take away his Venom so this sudden Clap rooting out of this Womans Heart all the poyson of her bad desires took not away her Love to Gervase but left it there with pity and this pity bred a desire to know the fortune of this Man-Maid that she might seek to yield her some Assistance in her Disaster and with this intent said since Heaven hath made me Fortunate by this knowledge and changed the Rock whereon I would have made Shipwrack into a Haven of safety for mine Honour I do promise you for your freeness towards me to conceal your Sex as long as you please and if you desire any help you may as freely discover the cause of your being in this State assuring you that you shall find in me all the Assistance which you can Expect from a Woman desirous of the preservation both of your Honour and of your Person Madam Replyed Gervase mischiefs are so contagious that the very Recital of them doth ever breed some Alteration even in the calmest Spirits Let me therefore Grone under the burthen of my Misfortunes and suffer not your Felicity to be troubled by the Recital of them Rest contented to take Pity on a Poor Maid who puts her Honour and her Life into your Protection This Evasion did but whet in Aurelia that Curiosity so Natural in Women and gave her occasion to reply thus as â—hysicians heal no Diseases but
Observ'd by all his Acquaintance but particularly by the compassionate Eyes of tender Ortelia who seem'd very much concern'd least the same probably might be for some more Happy Mistress he had lâ—ft in England Under this anxiety and disquietude she had suffer'd some Weeks which perhaps had wrought more effectual to her disadvantage had not Amasius one day took an opportunity when she was alone in her Chamber employ'd upon a piece of curious Needlework wherein she had drawn the little God smiling at a disconsolate Lady whose Heart he had newly struck with one of his Feather'd Weaponâ— prostrate at his Feet as if she seem'd by her tâ—ars and piteous looks to beg his Mercy Taking notice of the fancy Is it possible my dearest Ortelia says he you should be such an Artist in your Draughts of this God of love and never feel a Dart from his quiver How know you Sir reply'd the Fair One but what you have seen may have a nearer Relation to Me then you are pleas'd to Imagin and that this wounded Lady may be a proper device to represent my Vnfortunate self That Madam is Impossible pursues Amasius for then should I view you in another posture I should see you Seated on a Throne with Crowns and Scepters at your Feet an Imperial Canopy above your Head supported by admiring Angels disposing of bleeding hearts and my own amongst the Fatal Number Oh Fy reply'd she you Complement me Amasius as if I were that Object of your happiest desires the Seas now part you from and I cannot but believe at the same time you address your Commendations to Ortelia you intend them to one more Lovely in your Esteem I did not think Madam replyes Amasius you was so much a Stranger to your own perfections to believe these Eyes could be so much deceiv'd as to place my respects on any other Object Oh no assure your self that if Amasius must not be admitted to admire his Ortelia to steal a kiss and Imprint his Lips on those fair Hands to Languish at your Feet and beg your Compassion the grave shall have my Courtship and for ever will I bid Adieu to all the empty pleasures on this side the Dust With these and such like Courtly Expressions as opportunity would give leave did our Enamor'd Pair pass away the Hours and give each other the assurance of as strong and lasting an Affection as Love it self could implant in the minds of the most passionate Nor was the same so secretly caution'd but that the Parents of Ortelia took Notice of its Growth which as they saw no reason to discourage so neither would they give License to the câ—ntinuance of it till such â—ime as Anasius his Father was acquainted with it and they had obtain'd his consent To which purpose thâ— Dutch Merchant discours'd Amasius teâ—ling him that he was on his part ready to give Ortelia a proportionable fortune to what his Father shouâ—d settle on him and was no wayes averse to his Marriage with his Daughter Amasius with tears of Joy return'd his acknowledgements and Entreated him by all the Endearments Imaginable 〈◊〉 the next Pacquet to acquaint his Father with it and beg his leave that it might be forthwith Consummated this he promised and accordingly did This Letter Amasius Seconded with one of his own wherein he described the Vertues and agreeable sweetness of Ortelia's temper begging pardon that without his leave his thoughts had been fixt upon her which he believ'd were directed by the Hand of providence and design'd by Heaven for the Establishment of his future happiness The Father was well pleased with the proposals made by his Correspondent and in a short time after return'd his consent This was certainly welcom'd with no inconsiderable Joy by the Lovers who had Spent the last month in fear that some cross accident might Obviate their expectations or at least procrastâ—nate their Nuptials which they so earnestly wished for But having now the Consent of their Parents Concurrent with their own desires the day oâ— Marriage was agreed upon to be within a fortnight and all necessary pâ—eparations taken care of to render it as Splendid as publick The pulses of our Lovers be at nothing but desire 〈◊〉 the Minutes seem'd to Travel on Crutches and the Hours with a snails pace followed after Ten dayes were now past and the Eleventh had shewed his Face when early in the Morning a Letter came by a particular Hand to Amasius from his Father the Contents were in these words My Dear Amasius If ever thou intendest to see thy Living Father and as thou tenderest my Blessing upon Sight of this without any delay make all possible hast to Thy Loving and Dying Father R. A. Never did the young Swain with greater Horrour sâ—e the Enlâ—ghtned thy Da t out a growing Thunderbolt amidst his harmlesâ— flock then did Amasius receive this killing Message which struck his Enlivened Joy into Mortal apprehensions A Command so peremptory admited no excuse nor can I relate with how great a discontent he was forced to obey the Mandate or in the least proportion express the sad Farewell he wâ—s constraâ—n'd to take of his weeping Ortâ—â—lia The tears they Shed or â—he Sighs that broke prison from their Breasts were as innumerabâ—e as the tears of Autumn or the drops that fâ— l â—he Ocean yet obedience was indisputable and his dolatory and unwilling departure Criminal in short he Sigh'd and vow'd Eternal Love promis'd his return almost dying on her Lips in his last salute took leave repaired to his Ship which waited for him The willing winds wafted him unwillingly from the Joy of his Soul and in a few Hours he lost fight of shore where he had continualâ—y fixt his Eyes and left his dearest treasure In every blast he thought he heard Ortelias lamentation and grew angry with the Churlish winds that they would not do him the sâ—me kind Office and return his Sighs to Her His Voyage was but too prosperous in Conveying him thence though in some measure he was pleased therewith in that it gave him hopes he should be the less while from the Mistress of his affections with whom he had left his heart the pledgâ— of his resolv'd return In a few days he arrived at London where he found his Father upon recovery from a dangerous sickness in wâ—ich hiâ— Physicians had dispaired of his Life The old Genâ—lâ—man wâ—lcom'd his beloved Amâ—sius with the hearty affections of an Indulgenâ— Father whilst he Congratulated his eâ—cape from the Grave with all the Transports of a dutiful Son After a little time he recover'd a good state of heaâ—tâ— and receiv'd the Visits of his Friends and Neighbours The General Accomplishments of Amâ—sius his affable discourse and Courteous behaviour were observ'd by all who Commended him for the most compleat Genâ—leman they had ever seen amongst others an Antient Gentleman Master of a great Estate and Father of one only Daughter to inherit
Country of his Love and Fortune failed not to make him come at Night when she would put him into his discourse and fall a slâ—ep thereon but whilst she is in Bed and Gervase sitting at her Beds-Head talking to her Baldwin is preparing Fire and Sword to revenge the injury which he believes to be but too Apparent he starts forth of his Ambuscado and comes with his Pistol in Hand crying with full Mouth Ha Accursed Woman now is the time that thou shalt Wash my Spoted Honour with thy Blood and that both your Self and your Adulterer shall pay interest for the wrongs you have done me and without hearing any Answer shoots of his Pistol thinking to dash out Aurelia's brains but she turning her Head aside the shot went into the Feathers without doing any other Effect only that it burned the Cheek of this poor Lady who in this trouble misdoubted the cause of her Husbands Wrath but had no more leisure than to cry out O Sir Gervase is a Woman wherein Baldwin whose Sword was already drawn to end therewith what the Fire had spared as if a flash of Lightning had dazled his eyes stood in Suspence at these words when Gervase more dead than Alive cast her self at his feet and with the discovery of her Breasts assured him that Aurelia's Words were but too true And presently to clear his understanding of so many confuâ—ions wherewith his Soul was troubled Gervase though tremling related to him the whole History as you have heard of her Misfortune which drew tears from the Eyes of Baldwin and made him infinitely repent what he had done mâ—an time Remâ—dies were applyed to the burn on Aâ—relia's face which beside the pain threatned her with a great deformity but whether it were the inâ—lamation that redoubled or through the extream terrour which she had felt in hearing a Pistol Thunder at her Ear and see her self near losing her Life she fell into a strong Feaver which in three days lay'd her in her Grave Baldwin laâ—ented much for her both because he truly Loved hâ—r and for that he saw himself to be the cause of her death he had almost discharged the burthen of his Wrath on Judith and Sacrificed her to the Manes of her Mistress but when he knew that she her self had been deceived and that the Conjectures of the Evil had been so strong he was contented only to discharge her his House Mean time Gervase having changed her habit and being become Sophronia appeared so fair in the Eyes of Baldwin that Love being Enter'd into his Soul by the two Gates of Beauty and pity he resolved to Marry her as being a Gentlewoman of good descent and the Widow of a Gentleman Sophronia perceiving her Fortune to be desperâ—te if she with opeâ— Aâ—mes reâ—â—ived not this occasional proffer immediately consented to Baldwins proposition by a Sâ—lemn Marriage and since hâ—ving advice that Sophrâ—nia's Father was dead Baldwin had that part of the inheritance that fell to her thereby which amouâ—ted to as good a portion as he could have had with a Wife chosen out of his own Country Thâ—t Sophronia's Misfortune was by Divine Providence changed into a good Fortune and that moment of timâ— intended for her Death was to her a bâ—ginning of a Happier Life it may be that the patience which she shewed in that extream adversity for the loss of Valeâ—ius and her Wise Carriage and behaviour in the Government of Baldwin's Son brought her to this felicity not without great wonder to little Vincent who saw his Tutor in a short time changed to his Mother in Law As Theodosia had concluded her Story in came Count Melintus his Vncle and some other Persons of Honour from Court to give him a Visit upon which the Company broke up Mâ—lintus pâ—ying his more pâ—rticular thanks to Theodosia for her Delightful Story which was Seconded by all the Gentlemen and Ladies and as they took â—â—ave Melintus told the Company he was in Arrears himâ—elf but must bâ—g Pardon till their next Meeting when he did not question but he should discharge himself to their Satisfaction FINIS