temerous and put far from you the hopes ever to possess ERMELINA This letter having been subtilly conveyed to the hands of Alexio insteed to rejoyce him rais'd a confusion of thoughts in his minde and bereft him of his rest were it either out of his little practise in love matters or that he saw the possession of the fair so easily granted him which he valued by so much the more as he supposed the access difficult he confessed himself penitent to have advanced so far Whilst without resolution he was thus solicited with a thousand doubts the Count of Bellombra came to visit and entertain himself with him a youth of a great birth but of a mean fortune at first encounter having discovered Alexio agitated with some passion he with some resentment and extraordinary commotion enquires the cause Alexio with a like facility both in being disturb'd and in discovering of it communicates all the motives to the Count which engaged him in those troubles of his minde desiring him as a friend by his advise to reduce him to the best resolution The Count perswading himself that it was a good occasion to better his own condition and coveting that for himself which was offered to another admonisheth Alexio not to venture on the invitation of a child rather deserving disdain then love since with so much facility she prostituted her self to the will of a lover that to introduce one at night whom she intends for a husband gave an evident sign that she had admitted others Besides he being not assured of the il which might happen he run the hazard to lose himself if following the lusts of his sense he should accept of the offer he added thereunto so many considerations which meeting with Alexio's little courage easily perswaded him to resolve absolutely to abandon the enterprise and so much the more for that with so much difficulty and displeasure her mother had denyed him leave to go from thence The Count a while after taking leave pretending some imployment and the night being come he goes to Aurelia's Garden door who received him with open arms beleeving it to be Alexio he being no less deceived supposing her to be Ermelina after some short complements with a low voice both fearing to be discover'd without light they retired themselves to a ground Chamber where on a narrow pillow they gave their senses liberty to enjoy the fruits of love At last Ermelina beleeving her mother drown'd not in pleasures but in sleep gets out of her loathed bed by reason of her struglings for sleep and goes to the window at the very same time when Alexio was come thither disturb'd with no less agitations Ermelina sometimes sigh'd both for the injuries she had receiv'd from her mother and for that she despair'd the end of her loves since they had had so unfortunate a beginning Alexio perswaded himself that these sighs proceeded cause he had not answered her defires not without violence to himself told her Madam I know not whether I should complain of Fortune or of my little merit which renders me unworthy to receive the favours of love Ermelina thinking he reprov'd her for not having sent him an answer replies Love is the greatest of all things and since for my satisfaction he is unlike himself I know not what to criminate but destiny which will that I should love without hopes He answers there is no love without hopes since from them alone he acknowledgeth the true substance of his being And what would you says she have me hope since all accidents conspire my mischief to render me desperat He replies to be fully answeredin love is it not then enough to quit you here in a full calm But who assures methat says she the promises of Lovers are the frisks of the wind I replies Alexio who dedicate my self unto you These said Ermelina are words which lose themselves in the air where they are fomr'd You shall see the effect says he did I not fear to be too temerous And what would you do said she I would get into your Chamber and there conclude our loves and save my heart from the shipwrack of hopes and fears Hereat Ermelina paused a while doubtful whether she should refuse or receive this offer and then she tells him to so great a proposition I have not courage enough at this time to answer He who by the vertue of love had cast off all fear and cloathing himself with boldness which was the more hightned perceiving himself passionately lov'd Answers her Who will be wary loves not love admits of no consults and in love matters all that is deferred is lost there was no way left either she must grant his demand or confess she lov'd him not Ermelina answered although my desire to be yours is far beyond my expression I can never consent that you should resolv to enter this casement to bring equally your reputation and my life in danger Alexio considering these words were rather injurious although they seem'd denials by the help of a stool climb'd to Ermelina's window and so enters the Chamber there after some faign'd disdains and repulses which the more incited him Ermelina was content he should reap those fruits which Lovers most defire In the mean time Aurelia had partly satisfied those itchings which proceed from no other reason but that of fense when fearing least her action might be discover'd leaving the Count to his rest she softly visits the house at last she arrived at the furthest parts which was her daughters Chamber at that time when with a struggling murmur of kisses the Lovers were preparing themselves to new amorous assaults It seem'd strange to her that her daughter being in so tender an age durst be so bold as to give her self up to the embraces of a lover But considering that errors of love deserv'd all indulgence and also knowing her self guilty of the same escapes she resolv'd in her self to dissemble the faults of others that she might not discover her own Yet for all this she would needs know who was her daughters choice whether with a fit election she in some sort civiliz'd her bold resolution Scarce did she perceive him to be Alexio when being deceiv'd beleeving him her Lover she sacrificed her self to fury rendring her self like those who are tormented with a legion of Spirits she tears her hair beats her self strikes her brest neglects no demonstration to discover her disdain and express her grief and at last with injuries and reproofs she thus declares her passion Perfidious man After having enjoy'd the mother must thou contaminate also the daughters innocency Why did Nature or Fortune render this wicked deceiver so lovely Are these the promises of the love you made me but now are these treacheries the testimonies of thy Faith O Heavens I shall beleeve your motions insensible and your influences hid if you do not thunderstrike this wicked sacrilegious fellow Ermelina at the hearing of her mothers
Cannot exaggerate the quality of my ardors which are even exstinguish'd by the ink discredited by the Hiperboles which a pen can afford Prohibit but these and I am denied to express the truth of my affections yet nevertheless if the reflection of your countenance will illuminate the obscurity of these Characters you will know what the fire is which is enlightned by the rayes of so much beauty Admit me but to your presence the tongues of my flames shall speak in my eyes to witness that my heart is a living furnace my blood shall assure you that the wound of my affections is made by your looks so that as its usual in presence of my Murtheress my face will shew you a blushing mantle to testifie it worthy of a kiss Besides I shall shew my heart not onely wounded but torn whereby you cannot but be oblig'd out of pitty to the duty of a civil correspondence Your Servant and Lover IRLANDO To testify his amorous thoughts he recommends this Letter having sealed it up to a faithful servant of his commanding him to conceal especially from his friend this love negotiation affirming that secrecy was the chiefest part of his hopes Who in the same manner and with the same orders had received a Letter from Armando for so was the other Cavalier call'd In which this was written Fairest Lady AFfection hath no bridle to restrain it within those limits which bound the knowledg of my smal merit unruly in Love's carriere from that point where it received the impulse of its violence which being frō your beauty it s now at last reduc'd to this resolution considering that all wills guided by reason are oblig'd to love what 's fair whereupon I ought not to fear the discovery of the excessive love of this heart which were guilty if it should not love you If it act then conformable to its duty it deserves no punishmen forbid your cruelty therefore to punish me with rigour since I love you and rather let it acquit me the reward of an amorous correspondence obliging me to serve your merit with the weight of those sufferings which love begets which you your self knowing may assure your self that my affections lye not but you ought also to consider it injust to suffer for me the fallacy of my hopes It s sufficient I say I love you for your knowing what your beauty deserves will also know what your affection owes to Your Servant in Love ARMANDO Both these Letters come to Rosalia's hands almost at the same time when those of their Messengers were delivered Irlando from the two Ladies The soul of this Cavalier ran with its most vital spirits to honor with gratitude that of his beloved In the tenderness of his highest Jubily the affections extended themselves that they might the more actively rise to the Sphere of so much contentment and to shun the necessity of being carried away by the violence of so great a joy Finding himself gratified with a correspondence which he desir'd he thought he might presage that his love would most happily succeed when graces ran before the very flight of his desires 'T was fit for him to moderate the effects of so much sweetness in reading Emilia's Letter whose civility rather invited then enticed that heart which rejoyc'd onely in its effects for the beauty of the other Armando comes in when his eyes and his minde were attentively examining those Characters to whom smiling he shews the Letter discovering those heedless loves but hides Rosalia's esteeming that confidence without judgment might ruin the interest of his felicity When Love will be alone all his lawes are contrary to those precepts which conversation or friendship hath established The remembrance of Love raiseth suspitions original even in him from his own knowledge they having unanimously ador'd that Lady But although they had had no occasion to doubt rivality yet he might fear least he might fail of such a beauty who was so apt to afford favours and love So that in discoursing of Emilia he shew'd himself even in his memory far from thinking on the other naming her onely when it was necessary to circumscribe this comparison of hers The Gentleman who thought this occasion fit to felicitate his thoughts us'd all the efficacy possible to perswade his his friend not to refuse the favors of so loving a Lady which if he could have oblig'd him to he pretended that it would be free for him to seek Rosalia's love Extending his discourse in her praise celebrating her singular merit to shew him how unjust the refusal of his affection would be He tells him that the fairer a woman is she is so much the prouder and less tractable then another who being inferiour in beauty would be wanting as much of pride which usually checks the delights of love In a fair woman quarrels and contests were ordinary forasmuch as knowing the power her looks have over hearts she alwaies pretends such an Empire over her Lovers that it often deserves the title of Tiranny He added that it was the common course of Nature that where beauty was wanting she supplied it with abundance of graces which give the best relishes to amorous delights At last he concluded That when we aspire to the highest pitch of prosperity in love a man never ought to make choice of a Lady of excessive beauty It being sufficient so she be not deform'd to that heart which seeks true and continued enjoyments In obliging them by the interest of higher contents a man might perhaps presume to make the observance of that duty inevitable whereby he was bound not to refuse the invitation of so much civility And in fine That his perswasions were not ill grounded That as Emilia's beauty was not in excess yet was it not far short Yet all this could not pervert Irlando's thoughts who treacherously glorious applauded in himself how he was lifted up by his towring hopes to a heaven far more sublime He could not have prejudic'd his fortune by changing his propos'd election for all the treasures of the world yet on the other side he fancies thinking he might gain a greater liberty in his love with Rosalia could his dissimulations but be credited as made to Emilia The other remains so fully deceiv'd in beleeving these appearances whence concluding that he could not offend their friendship he designs to follow the waies of love with that Lady who wholly possest his minde Nevertheless Irlando advanceth to enjoyment before the other procures himself to be loved He writes back to both the Ladies with a diverse sense according to the pleasure of his affections or according to the little correspondence of his minde Those he sent to Rosalia were thus express'd Fairest Lady THE showers of your civilities which dissolves in deluges of grace might justly threaten tempests of disdain should I not come to enjoy the presence of that sun from which there distils a dew of delights To night I shall come to sacrifice
Marquess Arderico was perswaded onely to love him by her husbands commendations The Marquess on the other side as he was going to reap the fruit of his Love being assured thereof by her leaves off his design IN the noble City of Vicenza amongst other Ladies which ravish'd the Eyes and Hearts of all Men the beauty of Aleria descended from the Counts of Malo was singular amongst the rest so that shee gave way neither to flattery nor Envy The fairest Faire yeelded to the Charms of that Face which would have been beleev'd Divine and adored with continued devotions had it not glorified her Humanity So that being pretended to by those who despair'd of gaining her she obeying onely those affections which yeeld onely to desert marries with the Count of Sancta Croce who both by birth and Vertue was chief amongst the greatest He had no Conditions but those which were desirable neither had He any thing in him which did not beget admiration The Wedding was celebrated with as much solemnity as was requisite for their Nobility and Wealth Those who in the common Joy lamented the Funerals of their own Hopes did not forbear to come to the Wedding They in the Joyes of another saw their own Sorrows Musick and Dancing which have the power to ravish Hearts even out of the hands of Melancholy it self could not sweeten the Grief of those Mindes which even lost the hopes of Life with the beauty of Aleria Many submitting to the Laws of Necessity according to the variety of their genius when they could not resist their own affection they dedicated it to other objects Others knowing that their eyes were the instruments of their pleasure would also oblige them to be the Messengers of the longing desires of their hearts Some flew from that heaven where the Sun shone but in favours of others Others observing the precepts which the art of Loves remedy prescribes they observ'd a heaven of beautie in her looks which could not be without shaddows Arderico onely the Marquess of Castel-Novo in the impossibility of the undertaking enlivening the more his hopes found in that daies solemnity his flames encreased where others had found the remedy of their passion He did I beleeve stupified with grief assist at all the ceremonies imitating the Fly who to injoy the light careth not to lose its own life He suffers this torment with so much impatience that his least dotings were to forget himself The feast ended he found his fire more enflam'd absence from the beloved object exstinguisheth not love but foments it This Arderico prov'd his ardor being so much the more violent when he could not recreate himself with the fight of his Aleria She on the other side so Idoliz'd her husbands countenance with such continued demonstrations that any hope would have despair'd but that of Arderico which was vowed to obstinacy The more he was despis'd the more he lov'd He let slip no occasion to discover his wound He being continually in her sight assaulted her with sighs and begged pitty from her with his looks In fine following her every where and waiting diligently upon her at the ball no accident happened which he did not signalize with some shew of respect and testimony of love Aleria not beleeving or not caring to be lov'd never regarded him but with indifferent looks And although the obligations of civility forc'd her to return him the favour of the ball and to correspond by way of salutes yet did she never priviledg his affection with the least token of acceptance Arderico have ing no other means to insinuate his love into Aleria's minde had recourse to the benefit of his pen with much trouble he dictates this Letter his tears even washing away his ink Fairest I Should feare to deserve the rigours of your disdaine by discovering my flames did I not know that all hearts are obliged to the love of divine things The raies of your beauty have introduc'd such a fire in my brest that I should rather think it an effect of stupidity then of vertue Aleria I love you and if the laws of love were as powerful as those of Religion I would say I adore you But what the pen silenceth the heart licenceth so as you will not disdain the obsequiousnesse of Your most humble servant ARDERICO The letter being sealed he sighs for the means how it might be securely conveyed to Aleria's hands The servants although they were all gain'd by the excess of his liberalty durst not assault their Ladies affections so much the chaster for as yet she gave no leave to be tempted To use other persons might prove both scandalous and dangerous so that he resolves to be himself the bearer Having fitted a day when she was at Church perhaps more pray'd to then praying getting neer her cheating the suspition and observation of many he puts his note in Aleria's Offices when she casually had laid them behind her to intend her mental private prayers No body was ware of it Aleria her self although she took up her Offices did not presently perceive it Scarce did she finde it but she was presently overtaken with blushing more disdain'd against her self that she had given the boldness to any man to tempt her then that she was displeased at the temptation The prudence of this Lady knew well that she did not deserve the name of chast who did not resist the flatteries of Lovers whoever is chast out of necessity is unworthy the title Aleria having quieted her mind from the first confusions which had stoln the blood from her heart and had left the Characters on her face when she thought it fit overcoming her curiosity which is natural to women she tears the letter in a thousand pieces as if that had been guilty of the fault which his audacity deserv'd who had given it her Ar. derico felt his own heart torn in pieces with the tearing of the letter despairing ever after of any invention whereby he might make known his affection He was lost in a confusion at her behaviour who being ador'd not onely took it ungratefully but seem'd as if she would not know her adorer yet the miserable man continues his servitude so much the more unhappy as his hopes were far from their reward It so happen'd that Aleria accompanied with her husband retires to a Villa to enjoy that season which bearing more fruit then the rest flatters with the more pleasure the gust of men Arderico who was this Suns Heliotrope follows her not without hope that the pleasures of the Villa might bring him to what he was debarr'd off by the divertisement of the Town he thought more easily to corrupt the people of the Villa the minds of men being the more vile the more they are interested He was seen to come thither but he begins to go the round about Aleria's house faigning to plant nets to catch birds and to hunt wild beasts Whilst his heart was in the nets of love and
Characters of assurances of hatred He then would by several replies be certified whether that were Rosalia's house he could not but beleeve himself deceiv'd thinking it impossible that he should be come thither to receive favours when he purposely came to beg pardon When at last he was undeceived of all error either from himself or the servants he begins to doubt least those incitements of security were not directed onely to betray him He suspects least snares to revenge herself were hidden under that faign'd appearance of love and that heaven appear'd serene the more grievously to punish him with the thunder of her disdain Having pull'd up his courage he went up the stairs considering that he ought not to abhor to fall a victim immerc'd in his own blood in her house whom he had ador'd Being come to the top he meets Emilia who taking him fast by the right hand without saying any thing to him leads him alone with her into a Chamber At this action the Gentleman had a greater occasion to ground his suspitions He with reason doubted that she being offended by his refusals and thereupon out of disdain had with the other conspir'd his ruin He condemns the fallacy of such thoughts when the door being shut Emilia begins with sweet kisses and affectionate embraces to express the tenderness of her exviscerated passion His civility was confounded with these replicated encomiums professing to gratifie his favours so much the more did these move Irlando to astonishment not knowing what obligation of gratitude she could have unless she was of his race who esteem'd offences and slights favours The Lady seeing this sullen starchness in her Lover and appropriating the cause to a coldness of Nature even to a chilness she thought to warm him with using the more carresses and courtships the exhalations of an amorous fire Yet he stifning himself the more at this heat insteed to liquifie a sweet tenderness of heart she toucheth him with the iron of reproof to try of what stuff he was made since he obstinately resisted the flames which every way issued to fire him since he neither restrained the knot of her embraces nor returned the strokes of her kisses nor counterchang'd the words of her carresses Perhaps says she I am a Medusa since with the shield of my looks I change them who look upon me into stones What novelty renders you insensible What change renders you immoveable to my amorous effects Did you then so curteously consent to my invitation and do you now despise the guift Did you admit into the brest of your civility my offers and now do you refuse the favours Let it not invigorate your passion answer'd Irlando that you see your self deprived of your preceded contents since your hopes are unjustly clothed with the spoiles of my affection I am astonish'd that the denials I sent you in my Letters advised you not what a correspondence you might expect in the most evident expressions of love What denials says she with the signes of astonishment do you speak of what Letters Rather because I credited yours now I may say scorns which before I thought the acts of a Gentleman whom I have but too much favour'd In saying so she shews him the Letter which discovers the deceit to his understanding In looking over those lines which were paths of love made for his heart to make way to Rosalia Do you call these said the Lady denials Are these demonstrations of love importunate and unfit Alas either the remembrance betrays the intention to have scorn'd me or the pen in writing betrays the heart which refuseth me Afflict not your self Madam says Irlando as despis'd by me who may rather complain as having been abus'd by Fortune There is no crime in this that your hopes should rise where the accomplishment cannot succeed Mine was to give flight to these amorous Characters that they might nest my affections in Rosalia bosom Chance brought them to yours which was his mistake to whom I trusted my Letters for their safe delivery You are not therefore to think your self offended since he doth not despise the desert of a Lady whom he cannot love chiefly because his affections are oblig'd to another This passion naturally knowing no curb or rule thinks it its property to run whether its genius or sense inclines it I am forc'd by your civility and love to be oblig'd to you though I cannot be a Lover Love as an act of free will knows no other laws but election If this gratifie not your desires condemn Destiny or Cupid and not me who respect and admire in you your admirable qualities Emilia's thoughts being undeceived she oblig'd them to aspire to another sphere for that there they could not fix the Center of their felicities She lets him go faigning a disdain with all possible appearance that she might not be seen in a necessity to beg a mans love The Gentleman goes out of the house thinking he went out of hell where his stay every moment had increas'd new griefs The cause being already understood of the revolution of Rosalia's affections had fixt in his thoughts the recovering of the loss of her love by assuring her that not his own despight but the abuse of Fortune had provok'd his disdain He assured himself of regaining her favour when from the quality of the accident she should acknowledge the bonds of his sincerity Her fury not suffering her to attend to words he determines to discriminate himself in a Letter wherein he describ'd what hapned by anothers and not by his fault Yet they came not in a prosperous time according to his desires Rosalia being sollicited by these recriminations to her beleev'd disdain at the coming of Armando's Letter she was perswaded to give her self with her affections to him since by his refusal Irlando had already rendred himself undeserving To oblige these she consider'd that there resplended more in him the conditions of a compleat Cavalier and consequently that he more deserv'd to be lov'd Resolving at last to employ her thoughts which being kept idle might perhaps reconcentrate again in Irlando she wrot for an answer to his as followeth SIR BEing honor'd by your favours I ought to be grateful by my correspondence Should I refuse to be lov'd by you I should prejudice my self by depriving my self of a greater glory then I can pretend to deserve If even it were grateful to me to be beleved without returning you love it would be unjustly to enjoy those graces without exchange of obligation Be therefore assured of my affection for a pledge of which I to night invite you to the Chamber of Emilia my Neighbour where the comfort of your presence shall be expected by ROSALIA The news of so much felicity came late to Armando yet he speedily transports himself to take possession Whereupon at the same time wherein Irlando contested with Emilia he enjoy'd his practice with Rosulia Being pleas'd with her fashions he long entertains himself
continually disturbed with the sense of his own passions One day being carryed either by chance or choice he enters her Palace pretending the recovery of a Hawke which he had lately set off his fist The Count of Sancta Crâ—ce Aleria's husband receives him with all kinde of civility usual amongst Cavaliers after having commanded his servants to look after the flight of the Hawke he leads Arderico to his wife I can say nothing of this incounter but I remit it to your imagination its sufficient that Arderico blusht grew pale again sweat and freez'd at the same time He with a curteous violence was constrain'd to eat some fruit but whilst his eyes fed on those beloved beauties all other food was noisom At last having recover'd his Hawke after some Complements he parts with a greater passion then he brought He never saw Aleria's looks so favourable neither had he so experienc'd her so officious as then Aleria being pleas'd with the fashion of Arderico demands of her husband the Cavalier's name who had deserv'd from him such a friendly treat The Count smil'd at the proposition and says What do you not know Arderico the Marquess of Castel-Novo Is it possible you should be so blinde to the splendors of the Sun Pardon me if you trouble me not passing by a subject so worthy to be known one must necessarily judge that your heart is hard or your minde deviated since you want eies to know the deserts of such a Cavalier Perfection which in all other things regrets its wants in this Lord all wishes are at full Who with an unerring prudence causeth those to love who even should hate him with a disinterested strength never arms himself but in favour of what is just with a moderation of practise he hath overcome envy In fine he hath no equal in armes no superior in letters and in Nobility is without a fellow he enjoyes all priviledges of the Mind and of Fortune there is no Lady in Vicenza who would not beleeve her beauty fortunate were she honor'd but with a look from that noble Cavalier do not shew your self so careless in knowing the prerogatives of others if you will have me have worthy thoughts of you Aleria coldly excuseth her self repenting in her own heart that she had so long past by the service of a man who for his singular conditions deserv'd the affections of all Being thus fill'd with his praise she grows so fervently in love with Arderico that she quite rebels against the laws of honesty That honesty which could not be overcome by a continued obsequiousness which aw'd the perswasions of her servants and repugn'd the treacheries of her lover the combats of sense and the power of love now postitutes it self to ordinary words betray'd by his tongue who should have guarded it That heart which could not be fully vanquish'd by the eyes findes it self betray'd by the ears Carried thus away with the furies which agitate the minde of one in love The Count being call'd to Vicenza by the necessity of some affairs she signes a paper with these Characters Marquess ARDERICO IF the demonstrations of your affection do not deceive the boldness of my desires I resolve to hazard my self that I may serve you I must condemn so precipitate a resolution but I desire reality since my crime makes me yours I would say more but Love being a child cannot speak At three this night I shall expect you in my Chamber neer the Garden Gate which you shall finde open consolate therefore with your presence Your most devouted servant ALERIA She sends the letter by a girle whom she had exceedingly oblig'd so that she no waies misdoubted her fidelity She brings it to Arderice who beleeving it the deceit of a dream knew not what to answer But at last he takes his pen and writes these words Beloved ALERIA I Should thank that benignity which hath enrich'd the poverty of my hopes if divine favours did not rather oblige silence then the return of thanks I shall according to your appointment at three this night sacrifice my heart to you I am glad 't is at night the night magnifying all things will perhaps greaten the smalness of my being besides that in the dark the nakedness of my merit will pass undiscern'd Yet you may please to esteem me what I am Your most devouted and unboivel'd Servant ARDERICO Having dispatched the letter he begins to long for the night with those amorous desires which usually tyrannize lovers He suffers not the appointed hour to pass one minute but he moves presently to Aleria's house Carresses and Complements are remitted to the consideration of those who have been subject to the like accidents Aleria was already got to bed expecting the amorous wrastler to quench those desires which torment the mindes of Lovers Arderico asham'd to see her prevent him begins quickly to unclothe himself Whilst with an amorous impatience he pulls off his clothes he demandes the reason of Aleria why after so many disdaines against the proofs of his affection she so unexpectedly condescended to his desires at that very time when he had resign'd all his pretences to dispair My life answered Aleria the praises of your merit so lively exprest by the tongue of my husband did in such a manner wound my soul that without having been yours I beleeve I could not have lived And thereupon relates all what her husband had spoken of him Then replies Arderico neither my affection nor my service had the power to violence your heart had not the Count your husband's voice by the sound of my praises inchanted your minde 'T is very true replies Aleria God forbid then says Arderico re-aparelling himself God forbid that I should do an injury to him who favour'd me with such worthy Characters that I should violence the chastity of one most truly noble Aleria pardon me I cannot prejudice his honor who by his praises encreaseth the merit of my condition Having said so he readily goes out of the Chamber teaching worthy men by this action the bounds of true gentility To husbands that they ought not to fill their wives eares with the commendation of other men and instructing women especially the married not to trust the affections of man who by the least occasion may be in a moment changed AMASIA NOVEL III. The ARGUMENT The Countess of Castel Novo upon an urgent occasion of hers hath recourse to the Marquess Oliverio who was desperately in love with her for her supply which having obtain'd with a handsome cheat in the darkness of the night she saves her own honor and satisfies the indiscretion of the Marquess IN a City of Alexandria della Paglia situate on the confines of Montferrat was a generous Lady whom I shall title Countess who was so singular for beauty that she caused love in all the men and envy in all the women that beheld her The contentment Lovers received to see those admirable graces in her countenance
the reason why he had after that manner provok'd him The reason was reply'd Riccardo an amorous Jealousie I ought that night says he to have gone to the house where you were for the interest of Love by my Mistrisses appointment I was to pass through the streets playing after the same manner as you did now having seen you pass before my house out of curiosity I followed you and seeing you enter and stay a good while in Lisetta's house I thought you had enjoy'd her whereupon being enrag'd I resolv'd in my heat to murther you but Fortune would not second the malignity of my will forasmuch as you had reason on your side every man having reason to take the good things which occasion offers Armidoro knowing by Riccardo's discourse the true occasion of what had befaln him and thinking that perhaps it might draw out of trouble a whole family if he took the way which Fortune afforded him for its deliverance He tells Riccardo that if he lov'd Lisetta as it seem'd he did why did he not ask her in marriage Riccardo answer'd that he thought to have done it but since that she committed with other men he would see her no more Armidoro having handsomly got him to his home which was not far from Lisetta's house his wounds being already drest promising a sudden cure he relates to him what had befaln him and withal the danger wherein he had seen Lisetta unless she were presently helped by some speedy resolution and that if he thought well of it hewould go and demand her of her parents for him to wife which being granted all occasions of distast would immediately cease Riccardo being very glad to hear aswel that Lisetta had not falsified her faith as above measure he was grieved at the discovery of his love practices answer'd Armidoro that he wholly remitted the whole managing of the business to him Now as Armidoro was going his way to the house of Cosmo for so was the old man Lisetta's father call'd he meets a maid who was secretly gotten out of the house to finde out Riccardo to advertise him of Lisetta's danger and to intreat him as guilty of those practises to relieve her He knew from her that Lisetta's eldest brother Anastasio had that day entred her Chamber and found her reading a letter which he snatch'd out of her hand wherein was written as followeth My Soul YOu shall see me this night playing according to my custome May it but please love that this as it is not the first may not be the last of my felicities Anastasio having shew'd this to his father and to his brethren they argued that Lisetta had faln into the sweet sin of love were resolv'd to punish her with death but when by neither threatning nor flattering they could extort nothing from her they resolv'd to expect till he came by playing whom inviting up they intended to kill whereupon they were cheated by Fortune who caused Armidoro to go by insteed of Riccardo so that they were all in a confusion but that they were resolv'd to send the unhappy Lisetta out of this world Armidoro being the more inflam'd hearing of the young Ladies danger to procure the reconciliation of this funeral broyl in four steps reached Cosmo's house to whom in presence of his sons he relates the accident happen'd to him with Riccardo and in his name demands Lisetta for him to wife which said he if you do you will take away al dangers wherwith this Family is threatned and all blemishes which you can pretend might defile iâ— Cosmo presently having call'd Lisetta would from her know whether Riccardo was truly the man that enjoy'd her which she being secur'd by Armidoro at last confest Since there remains says the old man no other remedy to wash away this stain of dishonor from our blood contracted by thy fault I am content that Riccardo be thy husband Armidoro having giving thanks to Cosmo flyes quickly back again to Riccardo who in a Sedan was soon brought thither for by any means he presently would be at Cosmo's house To Lisetta who was come from death to life every moment seem'd an age till she saw her Riccardo although hearing that he was grievously wounded it very much disturb'd her contentment He at last being come and after having begg'd pardon of Cosmo for his past errors he espous'd her in the presence of all her parents changing the appearance of death into the pomps of jollity After which these Lovers liv'd long Felicitated by Heaven with a fair Progeny AVRELIA NOVEL VI. The ARGUMENT Aurelia carefully observeth the behaviour of her daughter the love sick Ermelina and at last finding a love letter about her falls in love with her Lover whom faining her self Ermelina she invites to her bed but deceiv'd by another gives way to her daughters being enjoy'd whereupon finally they both marry AURELIA was daughter to the Prince of Ancastle and so highly endued with the goods of the Minde of the Body and of Fortune that she scarce attain'd to her thirteenth year but she rais'd the hopes of many who pretended to aspire to the possession of so great a treasure And although her Fathers wealth mov'd the avarice of some to seek her in marriage besides the beauty of her countenance which tiraniz'd over the affections of all so that favor'd by all the Graces she was reckon'd their inferiour in nothing but number The ascension to this amorous heaven was granted to Edoardo the noblest but oldest of all her pretenders The fate of those Aurora's who are onely possest by the Titons This union appear'd to the world monstrous which did beleeve Edoardo fitter for his grave then a Nuptial bed He was in his three and fiftieth year which with the winter which he wore in the wrinkles of his face and on the snow of his hair to the belief or all rendred this union necessarily harsh with this spring of beauty which was without fruit or flower Aurelia readily applyes her self to the cold embraces of an old man and their age affording them no higher desires she plac'd the comforts of her marriage in the riches of her habit the choice of her jewels the abundance of her treasure and number of her servants with her continual attendance on her husband Who already grown jealous thought himself never secure of her when she was but out of sight This continual practice oblig'd Edoardo to many and often endeavours and taskes beyond his strength and age so that the consummation of his marriage terminated with that of his funeral Edoardo's death was accompanied with such sensible expressions of his loving wife that weeping sighing mourning and tearing her hair were the least arguments of her grief She would even have gone with him to the grave had she not been conscious how neer she was to the time of her delivery which flatter'd her with the hopes to revive him again in the birth of a son But her desires were betray'd
by the birth of a girle who yet in her very swath-bands forc'd all who beheld her to a hight and singular opinion of a threatning beauty Aurelia would not so much as give ear to any so far was her heart from beleeving but that all those who could ever felicitate her were dead with her Edoardo She voluntarily buried her self in her house intending nothing but the instruction of her daughter but with so strict a discipline that she was already advanced to the thirteenth of her age and could not yet brag to have seen or to have been seen by any other men but those who were of the Family She never went abroad but twice or thrice in a year and then so covered and watch'd with such a care least even the air onely might ravish her Her chamber scarce gave admittance to the Sun so far was it from the eyes of mortal men And then the continual company of her mother permitted no other divertisement but som sometimes childish pastimes Fortune the ordinary helper of Lovers operated so that Aurelia and Ermelina for so was the daughter call'd were violently carried to the window by a great noise which by how much the more violent it was by so much it rendred them the more curious They saw the life of Alexio their neighbour assascinated by the swords of many whilst he defended himself with a courage far beyond his age The youth and beauty of Alexio mov'd a fudden pitty in the brest of Aurelia so that commanding her servants to let him in they free'd him from the hands of the others who having wounded him in one hand and grievously in the flank were even ready to murther him Alexio after some short complements was easily invited to rest himself in bed Hether was his mother brought to attend his recovery the Physitians denying him to stir from that house least motion and air might the more exasperate his wounds Ermelina altogether ignorant of love whose name was even unknown to her lost her self at the first sight of Alexio being altogether ignorant of love she fals in love neither could she contend against the first struglings of love so that now with a curious ear she attends the discourse of the Physitian and now she enquires of the servants and sometimes though very often reprov'd by her Mother she slips into the Chamber masking under pretty pretences the desire she had to see him The nights increas'd her disquiets sleep wanting strength to still her agitations that at last her minde is tiranniz'd by a confusion of thoughts and if at any time her eyes overcom with watching not with sleep yeelded they presently open'd to them other fantasms which tormented her even more slumbring then waking Ermelina entertains her self for some daies in this amorous phrensie till Alexio upon his recovery recovers his own house He had often observ'd in the Girles eyes some pretty testimony rather of love then of Pitty But being little practis'd he condemn'd all those thoughts as suspected which perswaded him he was belov'd But fed with the incitements of that beauty which would render all undertakings excusable and keeping house the better to confirm his recovery he continually recreated himself at a Window which answer'd Ermelina's Chamber There she readily discover'd how he mov'd by a thousand impatiences made no other vowes but to see her Finding a way to open a window opposite to her lovers which had been advisedly shut up by her Mothers jealousie she took occasion to see him at her pleasure but was forbid to speak with him either by her own modesty or the fear of her Mother He also by his treacherous love being rendred mute gave his eyes theliberty of all the functions of his tongue At last overcoming himself he in Paper exhales his Passions Thus expressing himself Lady LOVE who violently tyes my tongue with the same tyranny moves my hand and forceth me by these Characters to acknowledge the vassalage of my heart already contracted and sworn by my eyes These violences were very necessary to oblige me to this testimony which in respect to your singular merit cannot be but temerous Beauty which is the splendor of Divine light disdains to be ador'd and worship'd with ordinary terms of humanity I know it well yet can I practise no other way Let these expressions fairest Fair be grateful to you which issues from a soul which gloryes more in being subject to you then in its own being Refresh these hopes with your Answer which is onely able to save the life of Your most devoted and most oblig'd ALEXIO This letter was convoyed to Ermelina without difficulty for having expected the occasion as she was looking out of the Window he darted it gently to her brest The Girl no less curious then amorous took liberty and strait her eyes ran to the reading of it whilst her soul was ravish'd with these Characters she minds not her Mothers observing her who every moment examin'd and censur'd the actions and passages of her daughter The first effect of Aurelia's despight was to snatch the letter out of her hand adding so many injuries and threatnings that tears and sighs were the least witnesses of Ermelina's sufferings The loss of her Letter prognosticating the shipwrack of her love and hopes the greatest of her passion Aurelia leaving her in a deluge of tears withdraws her self into another Chamber to read the Letter and to discover how it had been conveyed Scarce did she know it to be Alexio's but her minde was agitated with a thousand thoughts Youth and Beauty made way for desire to gain possession Repentance assaulted her to have so many years neglected her life from the enjoyment thereof all other pleasures were too apparent besides those which a conjugal love produceth On the other side she misdoubted the free censure of the world in taking such a resolution after thirteen years stay She fear'd her daughters temerity and the tender youth of Alexio and consider'd that a second Marriage after having so long regretted the first was but to incur the bold censure of fame and a voluntary loosing of her liberty That part prevails in our affection over which sense is most predominant she resolves to lose all rather then the love of Alexio Taking her Pen in her daughters name she thus invites him ALEXIO WHo yeeld at the first encounter discovers the more weakness and cannot shun the censure of base and rather deserve hate then love But for all this who loves ought not at all to disemble Love is a fire the more it is supprest opperates with the greater force These therefore come to assure you that I heartily love you and had I not been moved by the doubt that I should have incurr'd your disdain your letter should not have prevented mine Now if you have a thought to legitimate our love by matrimony I shall this night expect you at our garden gate which you shall finde open Otherwise condemn your affection as
words and believing her self abused by Alexio gives her self over to tears and crying with such lively declarations of grief that it would even have entroduc'd pitty into insensible things saying Why O cruel man Hast thou betray'd the simplicity and innocency of a girle Why didst thou deceive me with a treachery so much the more execrable as being mask'd with love When where O wicked wretch hast thou learn'd these inhumane manners not us'd even by those creatures which heaven endu'd not with reason Pardon these effects dear Mother where sensuality did never believ it should have offended the reason of nature and hindred the satisfaction of her who gave me my being She would have continued had not Alexio who till then remain'd like a stone immoveable interrupred her My Ermelina who misdoubts my Faith may as well doubt whether I live or no I declare my self thine and offer my self ready to authenticate the promise of this vow by marriage where I will make no delay but what may arise from your want of courage The disdain of Aurelia encreased the more at these words whence redoubling her cries with her hands she flew to satisfie the desire of her passion Ermelina's love permitted her not so much forbearance to see Alexio injur'd without defending him interposeth her self to quiet her mother but she at every moment receiving new alterations was ready to take some strange resolution had not the Count 's unexpected arrival stopt and silenc'd them He having staid with impatience a long while the return of his mistris but not seeing her appear he went out of the Chamber to meet her not without some doubt that her stay portended him some disaster scarce did he hear the outcry but he the more credited the suspition whereupon with celerity he came where Aurelia with tooth and nail vented the fury of her disdain All were amaz'd at the sight of him and the Count terrified at that of Alexio Whence Aurelia took time to ask him how he came into the house He answer'd invited by Ermelina It s a lie answer'd the Girle and besides Alexio there is none can boast either of my love or of the loss of my honesty The lye in the mouth of a Girle replies he injures not Besides the carracters declare you guilty Saying so he draws out the letter and beginning to read it was interrupted by Alexio who told him faithless friend that letter is mine It s true said the Count but you refusing to come I came in your steed and have enjoy'd her with promise of Marriage Then answers Alexio must Ermelina have two husbands having been upon the same pretence enjoyed by me Aurelia finding that she had been deceived intending to deceive and unwilling that the publication of this accident should serve for the idle entertainment of publick discourse tells the Count and Alexio Sirs if with actions worthy of Cavaliers you will keep your words to marry I will do so that who you have enjoy'd shall be yours I replyed the Count confirm what I have promised and esteem it as an honor Alexio said the same Yet with change of countenance in both knowing that Ermelina could belong but to one The wonder ceas'd when Aurelia discover'd that she had writ the letter and been enjoy'd by the Count supposing him to have bin Alexiâ— The Count pursuing his end which was to enrich himself made no distintion between the mother and the daughter and so was satisfied Thus the weddings were with a common joy concluded making them know that the love of sense when it surpasseth not the confines of what is just hath alwayes a good end NIARPE NOVEL VII The ARGUMENT A Dream imprints in the minde of Euridea that Niarpe attempted to murther her whereupon she changed the love she bore him into hatred He exposing himself to death to deliver Euridea makes himself found guiltless and so he is received again into her favour ON The River of Genuoa there dwelt a Lady of a mean beauty but endew'd with so many good graces and such sweetness of manners that she ravish'd the affections of all who beheld her together with their liberties She was wooed and courted by many Cavaliers which if they were not satisfied with a compleat correspondence yet were they answered with a discreet rigour she rendred her self even lovely in her refusals her severity being clothed with so gracious a modesty oblig'd mindes even in tormenting them Niarpe onely a youth of a most lively spirit and of high blood was favour'd by heaven to deserve her love which was long'd for by many even with Idolatry Whether it were his happy destiny or the sweet violence of the sympathy of his Genius he at first scarce without seeking it gain'd the reciprocal affection of Euridea for so was the Lady call'd Sighs lasted not long their air wanted none since he scarce entred the Sea of Love but he happily arrives at the port He was rais'd to pleasures before he was sensible of pain tasting hony without wormwood which usually prevents or accompanies the contentment of Lovers A long time was spent whilst he deliciated himself causing the envious to murmur at his fortune and at the partiality of Love who directly contrary appear'd so cruel towards them Now they being guided by prosperity so ordered their daies that with extraordinary delights their life did flow away in amorous dalliance But at last Fortune who is Loves companion to give tryal of her wonted changeableness with an unthought of accident disturb'd the happiest peace of these blessed Lovers Whilst one night amongst others they slept together having buried their sences in so much the more profound a rest the satisfaction of their desires had the more open'd their brests to enjoy a most sweet repose the fantasms of Euridea were disturb'd by melancholy humors which engag'd her minde in the horrors of a dream Which presented her with a frightful treachery which made one appear before her who with his Steel threatned to murther her all was troubled in her spirit which easily gave credit to those shaddows of terror which solicited her tongue to call for help with outcries Aloud she casts forth these accents Alas I am betray'd Who will help me Her Lover being suddenly wakened with the noise yet his waking gave him not leave so well to discern the original of these complaints but he quickly obeys his affection which was the life of his motion now by the vigour thereof having even sleeping known the voice of his beloved so that at first impulse he was onely solicited to her defence he takes up his Dagger which always lay at his beds head At which very instant the Lady distracted with the fright whilst at first she could not distinguish whether the accident were true or a dream casts her eyes on her beloved seeing him by the light of a little lamp which was in the Chamber with his naked Dagger which he held in his hand as to strike a
that no body observ'd it Deadora taking it unawares and perceiving that to make shew of it were but to publish her own shame having dextrously hidden the letter goes home agitated with a thousand thoughts She was no sooner alone but her curiosity or perhaps even her affection sent her looks to the reading of the note before she had made an end of it she gave her self for lost those characters were too powerful against the weakness of a womans heart which is soft to all expressions Being tyranniz'd by amorous affections she found no rest but in her disquiets She brought all her affections to confult in her minde which at last gave sentence in favour of Lovanio Whereupon being forc'd by the power which knows not reason and operates with the greater impetuosity the greater refistance it sindes she commits her thoughts to the paper which contain'd these conceits LOVANIO DID I not beleeve I should move your despight by declaring my self so easily overcome by your entreaties I would freely tell you I love you and that I am yours but because I know the inconstancy of humane mindes which nothing esteems what is gotten with ease and possess'd without paines I resolve to entreat you to forbear your undertaking which can never succeed without the hazard of life and reputation I have a soul so full of gratitude that I could not but venture my self for the satisfaction of one who with so much civility was not wanting to help me in my need I therfore assure my self that so worthy a Cavalier who hath merited all the favours of Nature and Fortune would not disquiet the repose of my heart nor torment the affection of a woman who in despight of her self must yet confess her self to be yours You are with so much tenderness interessed to quench fire which excerciseth its fury on senseless things That you ought not now to nourish it in my mind least it consume my life and reputation could I have shaken off this so grievous a yoak which proceeds rather from my destiny them my will your letters should not have prevented mine Pardon me if I unhandsomely trample on the honesty I owe my sex and the lawes of marriage since the first thing which Love cancels is reason But I have discovered my self too much to one who perhaps laughs at my infirmity This letter being secretly conveyed into Lovanio's hands fills him with so much joy that he could scarce contain himself knowing that Deadera would not belye these characters these repulses being invitations and these doubts assurances of love Whence argumenting that the Ladies affection was greater then he ever hop'd he so operates that without communicating his affections to paper he gets the oportunity to speak to her at a little grate and there to concert the accomplishment of their amorous pretensions Gelasio Deadora's husband was so given to all kinde of love that with the Camelion who assumes all the colours which comes neer it he at ever object chang'd his love and affection To satisfie the vanity of his lust he made no distinction of nobility or beauty He confess'd himself as well enchain'd with silver hairs as with golden looks and was equally tyranniz'd over by a Lady of honor and a common Courtesan His affection triumphs as much over that fair one who was without blemish even from the observation of envy as over that beauty which was offended with a thousand and metamorphosed by an infinity of imperfections Deadora who knew her husbands genius thinks on a means to enjoy her Lover she knew that her Chamber maid Aleria was sollicited by him with promises gifts and often with threats to satisfy his lustful desires whereto occurr'd that Aleria was naturally tormented with all kinde of dishonest desires so that nothing bridled her but the fear of her mistris who with Argus eyes watch'd Gelasio's immoderate affections Deadora therefore that she might accommodate her self with her Lover was content that Aleria in the mean time should entertain her husband which very often happily succeeded the warm season of the year concurring in favour of their loves Gelasio and Deadora slept in two several Chambers so that Lovanio being let into a ground Chamber whilst Gelasio enjoyed Aleria who at the same time garded her mistris satisfied her master and recreated her self But because the felicities of love are but as flyes which live and die in a day Fortune with the same facility would precipitate those she had lifted up Lovanio was one evening let in by Aleria somewhat sooner then was usual She after having received him with a thousand caresses expresses of love which her breast nourish'd tells him that Deadora would be a while busie having not yet ended her supper and that in the mean time she had commission to entertain him Lovanio kindely thanks her saying That it was not the first of his obligations to her Aleria suffered him not to proceed but taking him by the hand she says Signor Lovanio There can be no greater infelicity then to see others reap the fruits of ones pains I have suffered so much that at last I might get your love and I have gained nothing but dangers and fears Is it possible that least out of gratitude if not out of love I may deserve the favour of your good Graces Truly I do not so much envy my mistris in possessing your whole heart I onely lament the miseries of my fortune which hath plac'd me in a condition to be despised even by those whom I continually pleasure which having said she begins to kiss his hand which she held fast in her own with so many tears that Lovanio who at first laught at her folly being unable to resist gave himself over to sense The more readily because the beauties of Aleria were so singular that he would rather have deserv'd the title of stupid had he not taken the occasion of enjoying her Lovanio and Aleria were ingulf'd in the sweets of Love when Deadora grew impatient that she was not call'd and perhaps not without jealousie since t is the usury of the pleasure of those that love having seen her husband in bed she silently comes down into the ground chamber and there having found her Lover in the amorous lists carried away with an unspeakable impetuosity without considering the danger of her life and honour she at once furiously begins to move both her hands and her tongue saying Traytor do you thus triumph over my shame Is this the reward of my confidence and of my faith I will so treat you that I shall rejoyce to see you buried in my precipice that my ruin may not be the more funeral by your laughter or lasciviousness She accompanies these words with so many blowes and bitings that Aleria bled in several places Lovanio in the mean time casting himself at her feet begged of her with the sweetest words which would have introduc'd pitty even into insensible sensible stones Sometimes remembring her of the danger
discourse now with one and then with another turning to Emilio she favours him with a smile and says It displeaseth me to see that your Lady suffers you to appear so poor in favours Emilio answer'd That he wanted one but the following day he hop'd to make prize of one and shewing the manner how he intended to pursue his design he shews her the gun he had one his shoulder Then says Cleria you would have a dead Lady To whom Emilio replies That he followed his deer but to cast her down Cleria adds That since he had such thoughts there was no Lady but would be proud of his service I know very well replies Emilio That a Lady hath no greater pleasure then to fall before those who desire her and though she flees she desires to be taken and overcome I says Cleria but by other means For me replies Emilio at this time I know no other more proportionable means then this for to compass my ends At this answer Hippolito jestingly says Signor Emili I shall resign you my wife for your Lady assuring me that you will willingly quit me of the trouble Cleria turning to her husband with a disdainful smile says I thank you with so good a heart that perhaps you may repent it They fell upon other discourse till they all took their way towards the appointed place Emilio walk'd along with Cleria and led her by the hand introducing by this oportunity several discourses whereto Cleria alwayes concluded That she indeed was his Mistris Hippolito hath given me to you now it belongs to you to cast me down but beleeve me I will not dye alone and at last she said she resolv'd to live hereafter but only in and for him These discourses assur'd Emilio of Cleria's heart to his great displeasure forasmuch as her husbands friendship permitted him not so maliciously to offend him in his reputation He answered her with ceremony seeming not to understand the end she aim'd at The day past with infinite solace Emilio was onely troubled that he could not correspond with the Love of Cleria whose beauty forc'd all hearts to adore her After a few daies winter drawing neer Hippolito retreats to the Town to the great grief of Cleria who thereby was deprived of the opportunity so frequently and familiarly to commerce with her Dear Before her departure she importunately exacted from him promises with oathes whereby she oblig'd him every day to let her see him in that street where she liv'd that at least she might be consolated with the sight of him Emilio inviolably observes his promise and thence forward about the shutting up of the evening his ordinary walk was by Cleria's window who constantly expected him giving him multiplied signs of Love which being observ'd by many neither can it happen otherwise in what publick place soever rais'd the general opinion That although very secretly yet Emilio and Cleria were contented Lovers There liv'd in Lucca banish'd from his Country Millan one call'd Diego a Gentleman of Spanish blood who having observ'd the mutual looks which past betwixt Cleria and Emilio and concluding that they secretly enjoy'd the fruits of Love he resolv'd to tempt his fortune with the Lady And giving way to such thoughts flyes out in words saying that he even also would enjoy her since she felicitated Emilio with an amorous correspondence A Cavalier hears these words and answers him You have a very base esteem of Emilio I know that he is not of such a humor that he will either suffer a rival in love or abandon the Lady If he forsakes not his beloved answers Diego he must abandon his life This his arrogancy displeas'd the Gentleman so that he could not at least but discover it to his friend who burning with disdain was resolv'd to make tryal of his pride He prays his friend that he might do it alone and presently going towards Cleria's street He went not far but Diego comes thither Emilio orders it so that he meets him under the window where Cleria was and with a loud voice says Signor Diego this is the place where one of us must leave his life or his Lady and his hand accompanying his tongue he at the same time draws his sword Diego does the like who although he behaved himself gallantly yet he remains mortally wounded and his death had suddenly followed had not Cleria with her crying out oblig'd Emilio to retire Diego was carried home and knowing that himself had been the cause of his mischance was easily reconciled so that their peace was soon made The success was divulâ—'d in Lucca The love of Cleria was found guilty who by her husband who threatned to kill her was sent away to his Country house This opinion was noised about the Town struck Emilio to the heart since it covered her with shame who was the soul of his soul and that himself was accused as having broken his faith with his friend Hippolito He was afflicted so that he gave all up to dispair and thought on nothing but to finde out a way to undeceive the people and recover the Lady her honor and restore his own reputation Being thus agitated in a Sea of trouble he continued his accustomed walk through Cleria's street to shew that he had not yeilded to Diego Fortune had oblig'd Leonello a Neapolitan Gentleman to love Silvia by way of marriage who liv'd just over against Cleria's house He began to frequent that street which suggested to Emilio's minde that he might take this occasion to abolish the suspition of those who perswaded themselves that he for love of Cleria had fought with Diego He hereupon resolves to quarrel with Leonello and brings his intention to pass at such a time when Hippolito was looking out of the Window and stopping him there Emilio says to the other with a lofty voice That if he valued his own life he should voluntarily banish himseelf from that street nor any longer pretend to Silvia Leonello although a youth encouraged by the presence of his Lady who then lookt on him made ready to answer him with his sword and boldly defends himself against Emilio Yet he remains wounded the other being a perfect good sword man and at that time seconded with his own natural fury reduc'd Leonello to beg his life of him who as he was retiring wraps himself in his own cloak and falls Emilio gets him up and leads him to his house where by the intercession of friends they were soon pacified Hippolito who had seen all was confus'd and divulging the sequel about the City firmly concluding that both disputes had been for the love of Silvia neither was there any who now doubted otherwise forasmuch as in both the written agreements which were already published in Lucca Emilio had alwaies declared how he drew his sword out of his jealousie for Silvia Hippolito had no sooner thought himself an Acteon but he had shun'd the company of the Hunter and fled from Emilio
oblivion that even himself as he had judg'd this occasion as a dream so he should put it out of his remembrance He promised that he would never commit the like with his wife which she for her part also authenticates assuring him that she intended ever hereafter to live according to the laws of honor Afterwards he protests with threats that if for this occasion he should ever disgust Cleria with the least sign of remembring this escape he would reserve to himself a notable revenge The other promiseth what was requir'd of him with the greatest Oathes and Assurances that his Minde could think Obliging himself never more to trouble his thoughts with the remembrance thereof With the truest Acts of a sincere affection this Agreement was made of a peaceable Union Neither was the peace ever broken neither did they fail in their promises Hippolito was oblig'd by the natural baseness of his minde and the fear he conceiv'd from the Lovers threatnings Cleria being warned by this danger was perswaded to keep her replicated faith knowing that it is alwaies dangerous to violate it And Emilio returning to his own Country oppos'd absence to Love whose Laws otherwise perhaps would have forced him to despise all other obligations LIMISINDA NOVEL X. The ARGUMENT Gelindo to gain the love of Limifinda secretly kills her husband she suspecting it and desirous to revenge it invites Gelindo to lye with her and insteed of enjoyment sacrificeth him to her disdain WOMEN have not alwaies as som would perswade bin unfaithfull to their Husbands many examples are read of their imprudence and very many may be related which serve for Rules of Chastity one among others which comes in my minde to discourse certainly may be numbred amongst the most laudible worthy to be recommended to Posterity In that City which after the destruction of Troy was built by Antenore on the most famous River of Brent after that Limisinda and Eusebio had lov'd with a singular correspondence of affection They attain'd from the curteous favour of the Stars and from the concordant will of their parents the desired end of their Loves Being both bound together in the bonds of Matrimony their affectionate union was not diminish'd but so powerfully day by day increased that they were singularly admired by all good husbands and by all kinde wives but paralell'd by none although many at that time by their example oblig'd themselves to illustrate their marriage with an access of affection But Heaven is not alwaies Serene neither do Rivers alwaies run with pure water The beauty of Limisinda was of such a temper that it made even such as Senocrates know themselves to be men although without ornaments borrowed from Art although seldom seen although look'd upon with curiosity by those eyes which beheld them and desired by all hearts innocently murtherous they bound to themselves amongst others the good will of Gelindo a youth to be respected amongst the first of his Country both for the Nobility of his Blood and for the Gentility of his Manners He so fiercely lov'd the Lady that he gave himself over to pursue her with all manner of serviceable diligence After a long succession of time Limisinda was at last aware of the importunate sollicitation wherewith her new Lover pursued her nevertheless either she would not see or car'd not for him but so despis'd him that the miserable man by reason of her honest behaviour was often falling through despair into an excess of phrensy he tempts by the force of prayers and presents to possess himself of her servants that at least he might procure them to present her with his service or his letters but none of them knowing the Ladies disposition durst take the boldness to offer it being confident to incur onely shame and perhaps danger The poor young Gentleman knew not what to do he did his best to free himself from those chaines but all his endeavours were vain Many many months were past yet in vain he could not dispence with his love having not as yet receiv'd the least sign upon which he might ground the least hope at any time of being lov'd again Being agitated with all and the greatest furies which can overwhelm the minde of a desperate Lover The miserable man often thought even to bereave himself of his own life that withal he might free himself from his torments In these perturbations of minde he grew so weak that every man thought he was even at deaths door and that with his loves he would cease to live He had not although he had a long time been a lover of Limisinda discover'd to any the secret of his heart but seeing himself reduc'd to such a condition that he had no more hope of safety he resolv'd to desposit it in the bosom of a friend of his whom before others from his childhood he had singularly preferr'd To him he discover'd what had been so long time hid in his brest and in his words fell even to these expressions that his ill was derived from no other cause but from his love and that he could attribute his death to nothing but the cruelty of Limisinda thus being blinded with passion did he wrongfully cal the Ladies chastity cruelty not knowing that a man cannot dye unless at the fatality of the determin'd time he should beleeve that his death was caus'd by the beauty of a womans face His friend who cordially lov'd him and who would not have spared his own life to preserve Gelindo's having reproved him that he had not before discover'd this secret to him comforts him perswading him to expect the health of his body if he did but intend his cure and so finde a certain remedy for the sickness of his minde Our Lover having receiv'd some ease from his friends words and hoping that some time or other he would tell him some easie and secure way to gain the end of his desires he with patience receiv'd the application of remedies for his disease and after a few daies although his infirmity past slowly yet he found himself freed of his indisposition and scarce had he recover'd but a part of his strength when he had recourse to his friend that the hopes which from him he had conceived in his minde might not be defrauded desiring him to teach him the easiest way he could devise whereby he might enjoy his Limisinda His friend who knew the Ladies vertue to be such that it admitted of no paralel and discovering in Gelindo an excess which might rather be call'd a foolish fury than an amorous affection with a free discourse seeks to reclaim him shewing him that in following the vanity of his Cappricio's or rather in persecuting the praise worthy constancy of Limisinda he behaved himself like a mad man who would plough the Sea and catch the Winde in a Net and finally after a long discourse concludes That if he would not retire from his undertaking some ill accident would certainly befal him That
the Lady would either resolve to put him from his importunity either accusing of him to her husband or making it known to her kindred who assuredly would not let pass unpunish'd so foolish a temerity which endeavoured to stain with notes of infamy the honest reputation of another mans Family Love admits of no advise he acknowledgeth the truth of reason in his friends words but it being not possest by him the words were but cast into the air with this answer onely leaves he him You shall soon see saith he whether I or who else it is that shall be lost His friend was astonished and afflicted that he could nothing move him from avoiding those dangers which threatned him if he should obstinately pursue his intentions Many daies were not past when Eusebio going to a Villa of his was shot in the flank with a brace of bullets he knew not from whence and having enmity with no man he could not imagine from whom it should come This hurt made him fall to the ground from his horse so that he could not help himself til some Country men passing by who knew him put him on their Cart which was loaded with Corn going for the City and brought him home to his wife who for the disaster which had befaln him was unmeasurably afflicted The Physitians and Chirurgians were sent for who knowing the wound to be mortal gave him over yet they did not forbear to apply the best remedies they knew which were but all in vain the miserable man at the end of the seventh day was forc'd to leave his life and his wife I should say his wife first since by him she was preferr'd before it What sighs and complaints she made how she toar with her white hands her golden locks and beat her candent brest cannot be exprest the excess of them was so great that men would hardly find faith to beleeve the truth of them The last day of the month was scarce at an end the fair having perform'd the obsequies of her deceased Husband when Gelindo was observ'd more then he was wont frequently to go about the Ladies house and with words and gestures to discover himself more enflam'd then ever with her unparalell'd beauty He often tempts by means of a neighbour of hers that she might procure her for him to wife causing her in his name to make as generous offers as could be made from a heart which loves immoderately But all vainly succeeds for she was resolv'd never to consent to any the rather for that although she was not assured yet she very much doubted that her husbands death had been effected by none but by Gelindo so that she did not onely deny to exchange love but she return'd him one of the fiercest hatreds that ever woman bore a man Women as well in hatred as in love have no bridle but have both in excess The most beautiful Widow nourishing the fire of this disdain within her heart against Gelindo who ador'd her often meditates to revenge her wrong'd and murther'd husband and because she could finde out no way more secure then one which was to execute it with her own hands she deliberates with her self to dispatch it after this manner It was about the end of the year of her mourning widowhood when on a day she cals one of the most faithful amongst her maids and having shut themselves up together in a secret Chamber she speaks to her after this manner Fosca for so was her name My long experience of thy fidelity towards my person assures me that I may confide in thee even one of the highest resolutions which I ever made in the whole course of my life but before I discover it think well upon it whether you can be sure to keep it secret for if you finde that you have not resolution enough to silence it tell me that I may not speak it and I shall take another expedient for to accomplish my thought It s needless to relate what Fosca answer'd it s enough that her words were such that Limisinda pursued her already began discourse I have alwaies heard say that its impossible for a young woman that 's handsom and that hath tasted the delights of her husbands embraces to live long after his death without the company of a man I have prov'd the truth thereof from the affections of my minde I have endeavoured a long time since the death of my dear Eusebio who is now amongst the Stars to violence my self and to repress the heat of youth which a fresh fomented my desires of those amorous pleasures but because I perceive it impossible any longer to overcome the force thereof I have taken a resolution that I will not live altogether the rest of my life unaccompanied of a man It s true I would not subject my self to that Noose which is not to be unloosed betwixt man and woman unless by the death of the one or other of them Other thoughts other desires possess my mind The Maid remain'd a while suspended at these words of her Mistris who observing it continued Wonder not my Fosca at what I am to tell thee and if you see me chang'd in my opinion which in the esteem of all was of an unparalell'd honesty I must hereafter live otherwise Resolve therefore on what I shall impose upon thee for I am confident you will one day praise me when you shall entirely know the end of these thoughts which revolve in my minde Servitude fidelity and the importunity of a Lover with the time overcomes the most obstinate rigour of a womans brest I am not the first who have been subdued If thou hadst ever found thy self in the like case thou wouldst compassionate help me so that what thou art to execute may be effected with all possible secrecy that it at no time may be known by any but by us two and Gelindo whom at the shutting in of the Evening thou art to expect at a window of the lower room and when he according to his custome passeth by cast him out this paper wrapt up in this sarsenet and then presently retire thy self that he reading it may think upon what he is to do The wench takes the letter from her Mistris and full of astonishment by reason of the novelty of the accident wonders at so unexpected a resolution Yet she promiseth diligently to perform what was commanded her and so departs to go about her other house affairs till the hour come wherein she was to execute it The Evening being come Gelindo passeth the street and whilst he cast his eyes towards the uppermost windows of Limisinda's house where sometimes he had had the fortune to see her there comes to him thrown by the Maid who stood hid behinde the glass of a Balcony in the lowermost part of the house this letter involv'd and having observ'd him to take it she presently returns to her Mistris to acquaint her with the success
The discreet widow shew'd some tokens of joy in her countenance women can faign at pleasure and a fresh commands Fosca that she should go into one of the lower Rooms and prepare a convenient bed for that she was confident her Lover would that very night come to finde her alone and there she intended their amorous enjoyments All was executed Gelindo having open'd the letter reads it and findes these words GELINDO BECAVSE it often happens that those women who easily give themselves in prey to young Lovers finde themselves quickly deceiv'd and penitent I that I might not fall into the like error would from length of time have experience of your faith and affection whereof being assur'd I cannot deny you the reward ef the excesse of the love which I know you bear me If it please you therefore about midnight to come to my house where my Maid shall expect you to let you in to the place where you may be happy we will either contract marriage or otherwise as you shall think fit Since I desire nothing more then to be for ever Your Servant LIMISINDA He was astonish'd at the reading of this Letter and gave Love and Fortune thanks that they had shew'd themselvs so favourable towards him Retiring himself full of thoughts to the others dwelling expecting with impatience grievously sighing after that midnight which was to be the last of his life The hour came and he departs and alone goes to Limisinda's house behinde the door which was half open he findes Fosca who with a small light in a little Lantern stood there expecting him He enters and is presently led into the Chamber which he fancied should be the Theater of his Pleasures but prov'd afterwards that of his Tragedy O how ill doth a man oppose himself to what must happen Alas with what blinde steps Love guides us to precipices The Maid leaves him in the Chamber with some Candles lighted and goes up Stairs to give notice to her Mistris She having taken some Comfits and some costly Wines though sleepy sends back the Maid telling her Bid Gelindo from me refresh himself with these Junkets the better to prepare himself for those delights and then come back and I will presently come to him Fosca goes and returns The lovesick Gelindo forc'd himself although against his will to tast a part of them and having taken a cup of Wine he sends it down his brest sending to his heart the advertisement of his own death He had scarce drunk but he findes his eyes out of measure possest with a heavy sleep He sits himself down on a Chair and scarce was setled but he falls profoundly asleep When Limisinda imagin'd that the Poyson began to work she comes down Stairs and enters the Room where Gelindo was asleep The young Lady was in a confusion and almost repented that she had before taken such a resolution Nevertheless taking up her Heart with a Courage and although she had hid a Dagger in a Corner of the Chamber yet would she not take it but takes from the young man that which he wore by his side and striking it often through his throat he not stirring at all otherwise then streching out his last with his Legs and his Arms. Thus dyed this unhappy man and thus she sacrificed his Soul to the Soul of her dead Husband Having executed this she goes up and brings Fosca with her to terrifie her with the horror of this miserable Spectacle The Maid sayes twice or thrice with a loud voice and with actions as of a desperate person Alas O God! Alas And had follwed it with other words had not Limisinda cryed out and threatned to call out for the Neighbourhood reversing all the crime on her Poor Fosca was thus forc'd to be quiet to fly her own shame and the danger of punishment which the Justice might have inflicted And being help'd by her Mistris they silently carried the body to a place where they buried it that none ever knew any thing of the Fact till many years after it was known from Limisinda her self a while before the hour of her death Let the unwary Youth learn by this History to Regulate his Immoderate Affections Nor so much trust Women as to beleeve they may not at last be deceived IRLANDO and ARMANDO NOVEL XI The ARGUMENT Irlando and Armando love Rosalia and Rosalia and Emilia love Irlando and after many various deceits and turns of Fortune finding fidelity in their Lovers the Ladies fix a constant and sincere affection IN Padua a City the more noble by how much the more ancient the compendium of beauty was to be seen in the likeness of a most graceful Lady who might have boasted to have debauched the graces from Venus to get a glorious train for her self Whensoever she made shew of her self to the eies of others 't was necessary to beleeve that heaven keeping open Court did abundantly disperse its splendors Who with a chance look could steal away pledges of Love she had a perpetual light in her minde which rallied up in the thoughts of all the hight of the greatest beauties which possibly could be admired in a created object Glances need not be repeated in that face which lightning with Majesty oblig'd the errors of a timerous boldness to correct themselves with modesty Sitting sometimes at a window she sent abroad Love her son to hunt after hearts born from her eyes and bred in the cradle of her lips and raigning in the throne of her countenance There were bound with the chains of her looks the souls of a thousand Lovers With an extraordinary violence being so neer the sun every one was constrained either to have the tenderness of his heart melted or burnt with the bait of affections In fine the rayes of Divinity could finde no fitter sphere then that most beautiful face when it would make it self visible to mortal eyes It was once gaz'd on by two Cavaliers born in France but following their studies inhabitants of that City The conjunction of their minds had unanimously led them out of their Native Kingdom and indissolvably link'd them together with the tye of a singular friendship inviolably observing the laws thereof they never suffered their alwaies regulated affections to disturb their mutual contentment They were unanimous in their apparel and diet inseperable in conversation and indivisable in love so that they it seem'd agreeâ— together to lose their liberties the soul willingly following the looks fled away to imprison it self if we may call Heaven a prison in the bosom of so eminent a beauty They unanimously Courted the Idol who on the Altar of her Window receiv'd the victims of their hearts they sometimes fix'd their eyes on one another I know not whether to move a mutual pitty towards eithers ardors and to testifie the excess of that beauty which silencing the tongue rendred the eyes talkative yet was it superfluous for the eyes to speake the language of
admiration since all the visible species which that face represented were as many Characters which circumscrib'd the necessity of astonishment It was needless also for them to communicate alternatively the kindled flames of their inward affections since either of them had in him a living fire wherein the most vital spirits of the minde were cousumed But perhaps those looks were with more truth to be call'd effects of the already conceiv'd jealousie of their hearts for those beloved beauties so that they would spy one the others countersigns paralel with their own whereby they might conjecture the others love The winde of a concordant sigh at last blowes away the ashes which hid the fire of love whereupon not to belye the truth they both confest themselves to be Lovers A remedy for ills which might have been bred with the discontent of their wills in consideration of their ancient friendship which ought not to suffer prejudice by this improvident fury rather then affection both of them did glory to yeild this object to the other which the more estimable it shew'd it self it so much the more authenticated the excess of their faith whereby they corresponded with a voluntary privation to felicitate his friend with the possession with the touches of a gentle affection they mutually consecrated to eithers contentment the enjoyment of that beauty which although it was the life of their hearts was willingly renounc'd by them whose mindes were the will and pleasure of his friends this strife lasted long till by an absolute protestation they both denyed themselves to be Lovers The like contest at the same time hapned with the beloved Lady a neighbour and friend of hers who by accident was there at the same time when the two Cavaliers were looking on them The beauties of her face were not despicable but worthy of a publick esteem had they not been prejudic'd by the vicinity of those which exceeded in beauty even the ordinary power of Nature They both observed the Cavaliers looks wherein they saw the sparks of Loves fire which cannot be hid when they transmit flames from the heart to the eies They were both also onely pleas'd with Irlando who was inferiour in age though superiour in that desert which by youth and beauty prevailes with Ladies In the course of their praises they discover'd either of them unawares their inward affections the more freely having as yet not known the knot of their rivalship but they were no sooner advis'd of the consent of their thoughts which harmoniously agreed to the love of the only beauty but they oblig'd themselves to repentance least they should go too far in their discourse Emilia most of all fearing a treacherous prejudice to her practises being inferiour to the other in beauty thought to dissemble the inclination of her minde absolutely denying to love Irlando to retreeve the error she had before committed by the liberty of her discourse yet within her self she resolves to outgo her with excess of favours forerun the others endeavours who presum'd the victory from the excess of her beauty After some discourses she taking leave seeks to confound the remembrance of Love yet with a sollicitous dilligence by countersigns she sends to enquire that Cavalier's lodging and writes him a letter to this purpose SIR I Cannot withhold my self from acquainting you that I am your Lover 't were to offend the singular merit of your condition to think it hard for you to beleeve your self adoreable even from one who hath learnt it but by the knowledge of a look only I invite you to enjoy me not to return me your love for I dare not pretend such a reward being oblig'd to sacrifice my self since my affections have already destin'd me your victim Besides that I know no qualities in me worthy of you I hope only that I may acquire with a flood of delights the fertility of your love I shall this night expect you preparing a Room for you in my besom where you shall receive the Caresses of that heart which to please you would exviscerate your EMILIA With these invitations she thought to catch the young man who commonly loves but to enjoy Sense predominating causeth that violence with is attributed to affection The end of his amorous thoughts are a bed although he fancy a Celestial beauty for the Sphere The offer of enjoyment was the fittest bait to make a prey of his heart which sooner might be caught by the hook of once delights then colour'd appearances Emilia being thus perswaded resolves to be thus prodigal to triumph over the other whom she supposed to preserve the pride of her beauty in its hight would be more moderate of her favours yet it even subdues the pride of that love which suppresseth Majesty as contrary to its laws She acknowledgeth the necessity of submitting to that power which bragging of his triumphs over the Gods themselves it might more reasonably carry away trophies from her although she had a part of Divinity in her looks Having long strugled with her thoughts she at last yields giving way to a wounded quill to distil floods of ink with the like sentiment of her heart SIR THAT heart which perswades me that it was no temerity to love you hath embolden'd me to discover my self your Lover I shall not multiply attestations to make you beleeve the truth of my Affection My sudden resolution is a sufficient testimony with your singular desert Your being a man and in the quality of a Cavalier prescribes you the duty tomake you know this love I shall expect effects rather then promises Resolve to answer me with your sight consent but to wil what ought secretly to be approv'd by the desires of your ROSALIA This Letter Rosalia writes for so was her name she using Emilia's Mesenger who was also to deliver the other wherewith she was already trusted Their express charge to bury in silence these loves weav'd the net the business chiefly consisting on the mutual secrecy of these Lovers They were Rivals without discordity concurring even to prevail by the same means which they had one way commenc'd and on the other estrang'd themselves from the pretended end The like in the mean time happen'd to the two before-nam'd Cavaliers The revolution of thoughts dissolv'd the promises they had made to love the Lady no more least their concurrance might break the union of their amity either of them being assaulted with an army of passions which warr'd under the same Ensign of that admired Beauty was forc'd to hazard their friendship that they might not vilifie their love Their inseparable conservation gave them no other means but that of letters to instance their affections to their beloved which requir'd for their servitude the reward only of their Mistrisses graces So that unanimously although disjunctively they resolve to put their hopes in by-waies that the tract of their Characters might secure the following steps of their hopes Irlando writes thus Fairest Lady I