desires on these Promises they parted No sooner was he come home to his own House but found a Letter to this purpose To Ricardo SInce not only by your Letter but by your behaviour at the Feasts I must needs conjecture you think that 't is my self that loves you I would see what 't is you 'd do to deserve that love therefore my Father and Mother being out of Town in the Morning I 'd be glad to hear your Proposals Lisarda Ricardo receiv'd this with much joy and read it several times such delight he took in it kissing the Name and a thousand times squeezing it to his heart he admir'd the freedom and easiness of the stile in short such was the ecstasie that rest nor sleep he could not but lay meditating all Night on the Charming Mistress of his Heart how oft did he wish 't was day and when 't was day wish it were a decent hour to wait on Lisarda feign would go but still was afraid it was too early a thousand turns he made about the room and through the eagerness of thought walked so fast one would have thought it had been for a wager then would he stop to tell the Clock and stamp and fume to hear it strike too few In short surely no Lover was ever in a greater Agony at last he heard nine strike when with eagerness he call'd to his Servant to follow him and away he went When he came there Lisarda perhaps with as much impatience was expecting him so that he was Conducted to her Chamber Their Eyes at the sight of each other declar'd the joy of their hearts what pass'd further in matter of Courtship I will leave every one to guess And only tell you this The time was agreed on for the Marriage But who would think it that amidst of all this happiness Fortune whose delight seems to be baffling our surest hopes should so suddenly Eclipse the Amorous Flame of our two Lovers and that not for a while but put them in a condition of never performing the Articles agreed between them Amidst all the sweet Discourses and pleasing words Ricardo bethought himself of his troublesome Mistress and impatient least it should be discover'd he took his leave of the Vertuous Lisarda not without giving her hopes of seeing him again that day he goes directly to his Servants House where he kept Clara Euphegenia that being her Name he came with a very pleasing Countenance telling her that what he said or did yesterday was only to try how she lov'd him this he did that she might not suspect him for what should follow he din'd with her and staid with her till near four of the Clock in which time he show'd so much love and Caress'd her so handsomely that she could not doubt but he was sincere he went to the Corregidors to see if all things were ready against the hour appointed from thence he went to Fulgencio Ricardo's House thinking to answer his Challenge then because he thought at Night he might be too busy but not finding him within he went to pass a part of the Evening in the Fields a Servant of Lisarda's saw him and told her Mistress that she saw Ricardo Antonio going to walk in such a place it being duskish and her Father and Mother not at home she took a Servant with her thinking to meet him as she was going out Fulgencio Ricardo was in a House hard by and saw her and follows her going into the Fields she pass'd by the House where her Lover Ricardo Antonio entred and heard him say to the Servant who open'd the door Don't shut for I shall be going again She staid before the door a while at last she bid the Maid ask a Neighbour who was owner of that House the honest Man told the Maid that 't was a Servant of Don Ricardo Antonio's who ow'd the House but he believ'd the Master had most sport in 't this being told to Clara Lisarda she was curious to know what sport that might be and bidding her Maid wait she went in but being in the first room the door of the second stood half open from whence our Lady heard these words Ah my Dear Clara Don't imagine or think that I can be false to thee It is to have little Confidence in thine own Charms Knowing this Voice to be Ricardo's she carefully lookt through the opening of the door and saw her Lover lying on Clara's Lap O Ye just Powers said she to her self Is this possible Could silly easy Lisarda have believ'd it had not her Eyes and Ears been Witnesses of his Ingratitude Hear she stopt hearing Ricardo speaking thus My Dear Clara I don't deny that for my Friends satisfaction I gave out and pretended to love Lisarda but that was that I might with secrecy give a full soope to my wishes and thy Dear Embraces What is Lisarda comparable to thee but as a false Glass to a Diamond Here Lisarda not having Patience rusht into the Room How much astonisht our Cavallero was I leave it to the Reader to imagine while she spoke thus Beautiful Lady I can't deny the Pain Grief and Trouble with which I come into your Presence for though I would I should have a thousand Accusers my Voice my Affections my Colour my Pain my troubled Words would discover the Cheat but be not troubled at my coming for I assure you I have no design if I could which would be impossible he being withheld by your all-powerful Charms to rob you of the Gallant who so justly enjoys your good will that you ought to love him for his many good Parts I mean as to his Body for as to the rest Heaven never fram'd a Man so false so ungrateful a Creature that you may pardon me this rudeness and not believe his Vows and Protestations Hear me if it will not be troublesome to you Then taking a Seat with more Tears than Words and more Sighs than Tears her Heart ready to burst turning to Ricardo she said Think not Vngrateful Man that these Complaints should be heard by you were they not usher'd by force I am torn with Jealousy and Rage and my Heart would burst if I did not speak Here Ricardo heard his Signal and finding Lisarda to be in too great earnest for him to hope and fearful least Clara in his absence might offend her he shut Clara in the next Room and hoping to have comply'd with his honour and return or rather not know what he did nor thinking what he was to do he went down to Fulgencio whom he would have put off for an hour or two but Fulgencio told him he had had enough of Lisarda's Company and if he would not go to a more convenient place he 'd give him an occasion to draw there Ricardo seeing himself thus press'd went with him where we must leave them afighting and return to our two Ladies who while they were discoursing through the Door hearing a noise below Lisarda for fear
near me But now see continu'd he if any Misfortune can be greater than mine that loving for I must own still I adore her my Wife I am forc'd never to see her more while every one thinks perhaps there being so many High-way-men here abouts that I am faln into some such hands and murder'd Ah! I would to God it were so or that it had been a common Soul to have born this Affront that had not the loss of his Honour so imprinted in his Soul that yet sometimes a Thought of Revenge will break through the Walls of Love and makes me sometimes wish I had serv'd my Wife as I did Federico With Reason did Ricardo admire the strange Story Enrique told which began their Acquaintance and continued so that being Arriv'd at Naples they resolv'd not to part but to Travel together And having seen all the Curiosities of that stately City they past by Civita Vecchia to Rome where Ricardo took Money for his Journey upon his Bills of Exchange and when they had kiss'd the Pope's Feet and seen those innumerable things worthy of Remark in this famous City they departed with intention to go to Loretta and visit that House where so many thousands daily come out of Devotion but as they were going into the Church he was stopt by a Man on his Knees who cry'd out Forgive me Sir what-ever I have offended you in I am heartily sorry and must own 't is only in your vast Generosity and known Goodness I trust This startled Ricardo but Reflecting he remembred Don Fulgentio Antonio's Voice and bidding him Rise he told him he 'd freely forgive him and so walking into the Church where after they had done their Devotions and satisfied their Curiosity they Retir'd to their Lodgings and while Dinner was getting ready Ricardo desir'd Fulgentio to Relate to him the Occasion of his Travels and as far as might be known the cause of his visiting this Place of Devotion which he consented to do on his Promise that all past Actions should be forgot and thus began The History of Don Fulgentio Antonio MY Pretensions to Donna Clara Lisarda you are sufficiently acquainted with how earnestly I lov'd it is hardly possible in my Opinion to Comprehend this hath been the Cause of all my Misfortunes which happen'd as follows After my mistake was discover'd when I met you on the Road such a Raging Madness possest my Soul that had it not been Envy and a desire of Revenge I had certainly ended my Life by laying violent hands on my self where there lay no fault for your too great Generosity as it made me appear a Villain so my Villainy made it appear the more resplendent amidst all my rash Actions by which any other man less good than your self so often as Fortune favour'd you with the Opportunity would have made use of your Victory so far was you from deserving any blame that you never so much as offer'd to satisfie a Revenge that might have grown in any other Breast After I found that instead of Lisarda I had married Clara finding by what you said and Clara that you went in search of Lisarda I presently drove to a Village of mine where with the Offers of a Reward I got eight of my Servants to wait your Return giving Clara a thousand sweet words lest she might obstruct my Design I left her in the Village while we well Mounted and Arm'd waited your Return on the Road where you know how we rid away with the Coach I hoping by this to confirm her in the Belief of your Infidelity and if not to get my own Ends at least to dispose her never to make you happy While we were on the way I used my Rhetorick with all the Vows and Protestations imaginable after my endeavours of disswading her from you then I told her that now 't was in my power whither I 'd carry her and how I 'd dispose of her and therefore she had better comply than venture the Displeasure of a cholerick Man But all this produc'd nothing but Scorn and Slights from her telling me no Man should ever have her except Ricardo who however the Misfortune happen'd that Night she was sensible he lov'd her and was one deserving her love I told her you were kill'd in the Skirmish With that a Flood of Tears drop'd from her Eyes O ye Powers said she Then is Ricardo dead and dar'st thou Villain who hath been the cause appear before me go know I loath Thee and that now I 'll die a Maid and ever bemoan the loss of that brave Man But then is he dead said she and the Cause so near me yet lives Snatching my Dagger from my side gave me a Wound in my Breast that had certainly kill'd me had her Arm had but a little more strength At last when I saw nothing could prevail and that in her Company I endanger'd my Life I bethought my self of carrying her to a Country-House I had where I would keep her some time to see if I possibly could gain her by all the Endeavours that Love and Kindness could invent which I did and resolving not to stay with her but to absent my self awhile giving strict Orders to my Servants not to let her escape but withal to let her have all she could demand I returned to Clara who daily so endeavoured to make me love her and considering I was married and that I had best to make my Life as easie as I could In two Months time seeing no hope of prevailing on Lasarda Clara had so far gain'd me that I really felt Motions of the greatest Tenderness for her and as they say Love begets Love so was it with me I left plying Lisarda with Letters and began to forget her and to have my Thoughts wholly taken up by Clara So that at last I took Coach and went to visit Lisarda and having heard that after you was heal'd you went to Travel told her what I knew which so Rejoyc'd her that she easily pardon'd me for all things past and so ordering a Coach I had her convey'd to Town where she remains in her Fathers House With what Pleasure Ricardo heard all this is not to be express'd but it was plainly seen by his change of Countenance for now he had recover'd a certain Gaiety and Briskness common to him before his Misfortune But Dinner coming up stop'd the Procedure of Fulgentio's relation Don Enrique all the while at Dinner perceiv'd such Alacrity in Don Ricardo's Looks and observing the many Questions he ask'd Don Fulgentio of Lisarda's Health c. that he easily perceiv'd the Pleasure he took in hearing of her and so began her Health for which Don Ricardo thank'd him but no sooner was Dinner ended but Fulgentio was desir'd to continue his Relation which was thus After I had got Lisarda's Pardon and heard she was safe at her Fathers my Love encreas'd so much towards Clara that I don't know whether I could have thought
This now past for granted and he was resolv'd not to open the Letter least it might draw Effeminate tears into his Eyes therefore retaking his Poniard he said Come welcome steel thy sharpness is much easier to be endur'd than to see the happiness of my Rival End my Misery and as he was going to strike says he No. Though thy Charms hath made me miserable to that degree that to avoid that succeeding Chain of Miseries that must needs follow I will end my life Yet in my last hour such is my Constancy I will kiss thy Name paying my last devoir to the sign of my cruel Sentence submitting More he would have said but having open'd the Letter to kiss the name he could not so confine his sight but he read these last words If she is denied she will take her leave of ever asking any Favour of you in all her Life he ponder'd on them but not being able to understand them Curiosity lead him to read the rest the better to understand the meaning of that line but each word and syllable did not only change his Melancholy but added to the first so many transports of Joy that he was not able to contain himself but running to the Entry where the Servant was waiting with a rich Diamond and some gold he paid the Bearer desiring her to stay but a moment longer till he could write which by reason of his excess of Joy he was not so well able to do wanting that sedateness requir'd but as it was here I give you the Copy To Lisarda IF the endangering my Person will occasion any uneasiness in you for that same favour I would hazard it a thousand times but not to anger you your Friend I mean from this moment I desist from my intent and thank your loving pity this Complement though I know not if I hit right in calling of it pity for excuse me to go into the Lists that there I might see those sparkling Eyes is a blessing I with much difficulty receed But I had forgot your Woman stays and I stay she for an Answer and I that this might come to your hands and that you may not take leave of asking me but begin to command me as your Spouse I was going to say but as your Slave I mean Ricardo Antonio This Letter was extreamly pleaâ—ing to Lisarda but O Heavens who can express the transports and ecstasies it caus'd in Ricardo now the Feast was really a pastime to her while to him 't was tedious he thinking he should never soon enough breath his thanks with gentle whispers in her tender Ears in short he was ee'n mad with content for the excess of all Passions is a real madness The hour being come to return to the Feasts he went and by good luck was invited by Fulgencio to sit in his Window which was next to that where Lisarda sate 't is impossible to tell you the agreeable meetings of their Eyes who if by chance she glanc'd any other way as if so much pretious time was lost with eager hast they return'd to their belov'd object Fulgencio at first minded the Game but having turn'd three or four times to ask his Friend his Opinion of such and such haps he still found him looking towards Lisarda this made him take notice of them and then to his great Confusion he saw the reciprocal kindness between them at this he was in so great a Passion that with much difficulty could he contain himself within the compass of Discretion Envy Jealousy Anger and a thousand other Passions tore his Breast in short he found them prevailing over his Reason and least by seeing more it should be over-power'd and that not being a fit place for a quarrel or disturbance he slunk away without saying any thing however all the time of the Feast our Lovers were too busy to perceive it minding nothing but what each one thought most charming in his Object How unwilling were they to be going when the Feast was ended and though they saw nothing of it nor were at all delighted at that yet were they extreamly sorry it ended so soon but at last with much regret they parted it not being the Custom in Spain that of offering ones Service to wait on a Lady home and it is a great favour if he is permitted to see her though in Company with her Father or Mother Ricardo being at home and his head fill'd with nothing but thoughts of his Happiness he bethought himself of a young Woman he had long kept and considering if Lisarda should hear of it it might be his ruine in her good thoughts and a let to his Marriage with her which now he thought sure for so 't is in that Country the discovery of the Womans love seldom precedes a whole Week to their Marriage therefore the Person he had not visited but kept since his love to Lisarda out of meer honour he went to see her now with intention to rid her out of the Town and in some distant place give her an allowance sufficient to maintain her but no sooner he enter'd the door but she with a thousand reproaches upbraided him with his unkindness and 't is common with these sort of Women to think if a Man keeps them a while that he is from that time tyed to them and they may domineer especially Donna Clara for so was her Name being of a good Family but debaucht by one that left her who now to shun the indignation of her Kindred was feign to make a Trade and Livelyhood of that way She first began by the meer force of Love through the unkindness of her Parents who would not consent to the match She really lov'd Ricardo and her Love urged her to be the severer nor would she hear him speak but threatned to tear Lisarda to pieces this urg'd Ricardo to think of another course so that saying nothing he went streight to the Corregidors or Governour of the Town who was his Kinsman and one that really lov'd him to him he told the whole affair and desired his assistance to get rid of her which he promis'd then they agreed that the ensuing night about eleven a Clock the Corrigidor should come with a Coach and Guards and with a feign'd Warrant seize her and send her in a Coach to Madrid where the Guards should leave her Just as Ricardo came out of the House he met Fulgencio who taking what he had said in the Lists lifting him from the ground as a Jeer having seen so reciprocal a kindness between the Lovers at the Feast through Madness and Jealousy had been seeking him to fight him and therefore now took the opportunity to tell him without why or wherefore That he must fight him Ricardo told him he could not then but on the Morrow at twelve at Night he would be at such a House and his Whistle should be a sufficient token to know who staid for him and then he would satisfie his
a fit occasion to put it off a second time Or else continue saying every now and then with a bonne Grace But Damn me Madam if it ben't very silly This will do for without doubt Sir the Ladies will credit you and the unknown Author hath but lost his labour in thinking to forestall you and be satyrical first he 'll bemoan the loss of so much pains and ten to one the next Novel he writes you will read in the Preface that he hath either hang'd or drown'd himself to put the thoughts of it out of his mind Lisarda OR THE TRAVELS OF Love and Jealousy PART II. THE Corregidor daily visited Ricardo Antonio who though his Wounds were by the diligence of Skilful Surgeons almost heal'd yet none understanding his continued Distemper nor the means to heal his Heart he was of a brisk Gallant Man become extreamly the Contrary full of thought and often discoursing and muttering to himself that the Corregidor extreamly fear'd Madness might be the Consequence of his restless Mind and therefore by all means endeavour'd to recreate him but this augmented his uneasiness by adding to his grief such things as he shunn'd therefore being wholly Cur'd of his Wounds he resolv'd by travel thinking Lisarda lost to get rid of his Cordial though troublesome Friends and to this purpose he with all privacy got things in a readiness and in the duskish of the Evening rid out of Town and in short time arriv'd at Barcelona and finding an opportunity to Embarque aboard the Gallies of the Great Duke of Tuscany who were upon their return before he Embark'd by Letters he acquainted his Friends of his health and taking Bills of Exchange for Rome he set forward He acquainted the Captain of the Gally who he was who treated him with all the Respect due to a Person of his Merit and order'd his Lodging in the great Cabbin where he endeavour'd to divert himself with the Lecture of some Books he had bought to that purpose at Barcelona there was also lodg'd another Gentleman near Ricardo whose Pensiveness and Melancholy occasion'd Ricardo to take notice of him and made him desirous to know the cause of his Sadness sometimes he was seen to lift up his Eyes to Heaven at other times was heard to sigh and Curse his adverse Fortune One night after the many that Ricardo had heard this Gentleman sigh and groan when others were bless'd with repose and only they two lay a-wake for with the grieved there is no pleasing slumbers nor rest but such as Nature by force extorts from their Melancholy hours Ricardo said to him Truly Sir though you are a stranger to me the trouble I perceive you lie under has extreamly disturb'd me for 't is not a small Portion of Pity that should be bestow'd on so worthy a Gentleman under Affliction which truly if I could any way remedy I would willingly adventure my Life to obtain your quiet and in travelling many times are knit the strictest bonds of Friendship Pardon me my own Condition somewhat resembling yours in that I also am under very uneasy Circumstances if I desire that we may for the time to come be pair'd in the happy number of Friends and therefore hoping your bounty will not refuse my desire I am willing to relate to you my Misfortunes which I believe if they are not greater they may equal yours hoping also that you 'll pay me in the same Coin Extreamly pleased was the Melancholy Gentleman with the courteous offers of Ricardo who desir'd not to wonder that he of himself should relate a misfortune that ought to be for his honour kept private from all the World but his Civilities had such influence over him that he had not Power to refuse him any thing besides he thought the stillness of the night requir'd a Companion to Discourse with to pass away those tedious hours so that Ricardo began and related the whole story of his Misfortunes and having ended the Gentleman confest his Misfortunes were great but those he should relate were far exceeding his in as much as he had not only lost a Mistress that he lov'd but a Wife whom he admir'd above all Worldly things and his Honour a thing that ought to be dearer than Life And it was thus The History of Don Enrique Thomas MY Name is Enrique Thomas de Guanches Fernandez Ysugo my Country Barcelona the Metropolitan of the noble Principality of Cattalonna my Quality of the Most Illustrious in that State my Estate though not of the largest yet enough and my Age thirty four Years There dwelt in the very next House to my Fathers a young Lady whom I lov'd as I grew in sense and years beginning from my Childhood I mistake I should say ador'd for 't is more than love not to be said to live out of her sight Our Parents were intimate Friends and so our Acquaintance and Intimacy was the less noted by the Neighbours or scandaliz'd by the Envious I will not tire you with the account of my Endeavours to please and gain that amiable Creature that would be to tire you as also refresh my Mind and make me suffer a second Martyrdom but in short I 'll say no Art no Industry no Zeal can ever second mine to Donna Estefania for so is she nam'd who by her Ingratitude hath caus'd my Misery It will be enough to say we were both Children our Loves great her Beauty vast and her behaviour at that time exceeding Modest very Witty and consequently well discours'd our opportunity did not a little encrease our Flames for with the leave of our Parents we at any time might see each other and indeed seldom was it we were a sunder by which our Parents perceiving our desires confirm'd their Friendship by affinity Marrying us both very young who yet for all that in our desires had been long wedded Whoever say that Marriage gluts and consequently impairs Love certainly must be such dull Souls who more like Brutes than Men are but satisfying their sensual Appetite while I 'm sure all refin'd Spirits who by the continual Enjoyment have daily the Experiments of the Wit the Modesty the Love the pleasing Behaviour affording daily fresh supplies to edge his Appetite though her Beauty should diminish and though I cannot pretend to more than just a reasonable Man yet like another Columbus after many years of Enjoyment when I thought it was impossible to love more I found new Worlds and daily fresh Delights unknown to me the day before ten Years did compleat my Joys with her for as Heaven envy'd my Happiness and malicious Hell resolv'd to obstruct it after these years where Joys and Blessings crowded to me by the vastness I had been happier had my love been less Our Estates joining together was so great that her desire could not reach my Liberality the Ostentation being conformable to our Riches that we never so much appear'd Lover and Mistress as when we were Man and Wife but
visiting Lisarda to excuse first the Mistake and next to Perswade her to a Liking of you her Cousin Donna Maria several times hapning to be there Glanced such Flames from her Eyes that she fir'd my Soul and I am become her Adorer who I had just serenaded as I met with you Don Ricardo askt then where she dwelt who told him That since their House was burnt they laid in the same House with Donna Lisarda but because it is something early I will tell you an Adventure which will entertain us till it may be time for us to Visit the Ladies The History of the Loves of Don Roderigo and Don Pedro to Donna Maria AFter your Departure dear Cousin which being so privately we were extreamly troubled lest your melancholy Thoughts might have made you Injure your self and not knowing what was become of you the whole Town was so Concern'd they cry'd out for Revenge on the Villains who we supposed had misus'd you and killed those that were brought home with you but finding no Evidence against them but their own Confessions was That they at the Noise coming out of their Houses found the Murderers gone and you all on the Ground who they suppos'd Dead that they would have taken your Cloaths and Money and to that end carried you to their House besides receiving a Letter from Don Fulgentio brought by the fair Lisarda that discharged them of the Murder I was going to pass Sentence on them for a years Imprisonment when Donna Maria whose Vassals they were begged or rather commanded their Freedom 'T was first here I began to Admire but afterwards as I have told you Visiting Donna Lisarda and seeing her there I began to Adore those extraordinary Perfections and Accomplishments I found in her Here began I to know the Happiness of Loving and being Belov'd for both her Parents and she liked me my Quality and Estate being both very great But Sir Crosses are things inseparable from Love and I must also have my share I had Don Roderigo Vasques for my Rival a Man whose Tongue stands him in much stead since without ever drawing his Sword no Duel no gallant Actions are performed but he makes himself the Owner and draws all the Reputation of them to himself and that with such Cunning and Subtilty that long time he had undeservingly the Name of a Heroe My Courage sufficiently known in many famous Exploits for the Service of the King All Governours of Towns in Spain carry a Wand in token of their Office and that hath gained me this Honourable Verge was Eclips'd by this false Light and Donna Maria a Woman of an Heroick Spirit seemed at the same time the Match was making between us to lend him her Ear readier than to any other such was his Cunning and his Art in deceiving and inventing new Deceits that I was almost afraid he would Cheat me of my Mistress But one Day it happen'd well for me since no further harm was done We were standing and discoursing some other Gentleman when news was brought us Donna Maria's house was in a Flame we all ran to the Assistance of that Family But Gods What Terrour was it for me to see Donna Maria in the Balcony the House being surrounded by the Fire begging Aid to help her from perishing eagerly I ran through the Flame and getting up Stairs luckily found a Bar of Iron with which I broke a Hole through the Wall then snatching her up in my Arms I carried her through that Hole which the Fire had not yet reach'd and gave her into her Father's Arms. The Fright the Noise and Fear they were in would not permit them to take notice of me and I remembring her Woman was left behind went to venture a second time but met Roderigo bringing her through the same Hole who fearful of the Flames had got a Ladder by which he got into the Balcony to help off Donna Maria's Woman and seeing that my help was no further needed went away about my Occasions not to be troublesome at such a busie time But Don Roderigo carried the Woman where her Lady was and just come to her self for the Smoak and Fright put her into a Swoon in which Condition I took her carried her to her Father and left her She seeing him doing that good Office to her Woman supposed it was him that had done the same for her and truly with the Noise and Fright her Friends took not so much Notice as to be able to do me Justice so that in Recompence of his saving her Life as she suppos'd She with her Friends Vow'd to be his He with a feigned Modesty said That he truly had done nothing for their Service at least it was so little as did not deserve Thanks from her Mouth much less so great a Blessing as Her self but it was too great a Good to be refused and that he now trusted to her Word The next Day it was all about the Town that Don Roderigo had ventur'd through the Fire and rescued Donna Maria This was every bodies story which did not a little vex me I affirm'd the Action to be mine and that he ly'd who said the contrary Don Roderigo said Yes it was I did it but that with such a false Smile such a feigned Dissimulation and with such Equivocating words that he own'd the Action more in his Denial than I in all my Affirmatives but what did comfort me was I had a Witness in my Pocket that though it was Inanimate with Donna Maria I was sure would confute my Rival Sir it was a Ring I took off her Finger as I carried her out of the Fire and therefore to do my self Justice I went to give her Father a Visit who now were all in Donna Lisarda's House and desiring to see Donna Maria and telling her the Truth the Ring gave it Credit with the Promise to me she had given to Roderigo the story now was turn'd and it was made known throughout the Town how falsly Don Roderigo claimed the Honour of that Action so that through shame he was fain to leave the Town and retire to a Seat he has in the Country where he still continues Having thus ended his Story Don Ricardo being desirous to see his Lisarda they went together but the Joy Lisarda had at the sight of Ricardo cannot be exprest no more than his at the sight of her But to be short with you and to make an end both his Marriage with Lisarda and his Cousins with Donna Maria were concluded and to be Celebrated both the Sunday following On the Day before the Marriage Don Enrique and Don Federico with their Ladies Arrived so that they had a full House great Entertainment and a long continued Feast for Joy and living very lovingly and happily all the Days of their Lives FINIS ERRATA PAge 5. l. 24. leave out yet p. 10. l. 17. leave out know l. 14. for I read she l. 24. leave out this she desires p. 26. l. 16. r. knowing p. 28. l. 22. r. she said p. 29. l. 25 26. leave out going p. 33. l. 3 4. r. Fulgentio ibid. r. he 'd do well c. p. 34. l. 20. r. presented p. 36. l. 5 6. r. how happy c. p. 43. l. 7 r. I have left sufficient space c. p. 48. l. 23. r. who desir'd him c. p. 56. l. 16. r. I had far'd p. 58. l. 16. r. and so I might go c. p. 60. l. 16. r. Souls p. 63. l. 8 9. r. Arcos p. 67. l. 17. r. in it p. 81. l. 13. r. to his friend
Lisarda OR THE TRAVELS OF Love and Jealousy A NOVEL In Two Parts By H. C. Gent. Licensed Sept. 30th 1690. Rob. Midgley LONDON Printed for Joseph Knight at the Popes-Head in the Lower-Walk of the New-Exchange 1690. TO THE Honourable James Levinston Esq SIR IT is so Customary a thing the Dedications of Books to Persons of Quality Especially where the Author hath receiv'd any Obligations that I might have been thought singular had I not found some Person to whom Obligations had requir'd an Acknowledgment and whose Judgment and Approbation might have been sufficient to Countenance my Book That Sir I hope will excuse my Presumption of Introducing Lisarda to you A Lady who though Vertuous to a Superlative yet Unfortunate till the Consummation of her Marriage with Don Ricardo and the greater Happiness of attaining the Honour to be Presented to you fearful least her Misfortunes might follow her here into England and that many might blame that here for want of knowing the Customs of Spain which there is not thought a fault no not a venial one She fears our Ladies might be offended with so much forwardness in Spanish Women which for want of a Spanish Confinement they are not Guilty of themselves These thoughts are what troubled her till now that I assur'd her You were too Courteous to refuse your Patronage to a Lady But while she is thus happy in your Protection give me leave to assure you That I am Most Intirely Sir Your Devoted Friend and humble Servant H. COX TO THE READER Courteous Reader I Have offer'd you this Book without the Commands of any Person of Quality or the urgent desires of any Friend only for my own Pleasure and perhaps a little for my Profit besides I think it a pleasant thing though I shall not impose this Opinion on any one nor think my self oblig'd to him who favours it do but buy it and let the Bookseller take your money then Curse it Damn it and the Author throw it away or what you please Nor have I omitted my Name for fear of the Criticks who I desire to have no more mercy on the Book when once bought than they have of their own unpitied Souls who likely they may damn by way of affirming the poor ignorant Author for a Blockhead a Dunce and Fool with a long Et caetera of their ironical Titles a thing that he 'll but smile to hear so that his Expectations are but answer'd and the Book sells And though likely you may be one of this ungrateful Gang yet however I will speak so much and for the better understanding of it as I think convenient partly to satisfie you in some particulars but more for my own satisfaction I must tell you the Scene being in Spain I have been feign to give them Foreign Characters although the Haughtiness of the Spanish humour and their aptness to be Jealous is a daily Discourse here in England Yet least you should think my Don Ricardo and the rest to deviate in good manners and sense when they show those inseparable qualities to the Spaniard when they speak so much in their own Praise I must advertise you that Custom permits that there which would be very ridiculous here nor would I have you wonder at the forwardness of my Ladies for they being depriv'd of that Liberty our English have they make use of the Occasion and always are very forward in their Courtship they without difficulty will meet the Man they like half-way and 't is not altogether uncommon there for them to tell a Man at first sight they are in love with him and now I think I have said enough except I should further tell you that as you use me now so shall I treat with you hereafter either by writing more if you Damn this to vex you and please my self or not writing I know not why nor wherefore but as the fancy takes me God b'y ' heartily Lisarda OR THE TRAVELS OF Love and Jealousy CLara Lisarda a Lady but of sixteen years of Age Beautiful Discreet and one that had sixteen thousand Dollars for a Portion was born in Andaluzia of Illustrious Parents Now the Possessors of Youth and Riches we know are never homely especially the latter is so attractive a Virtue that that it self is capable to gild all Imperfections so that you need not question the number of Pretenders to this Lady being every way well qualified but however amidst the throng of her Adorers there was not one could reasonably think himself in a higher place of her regard than another she was civil to them all nor was there any one of them that ever pretended to her but hop'd with the rest however she carried her self with such indifference that none could complain nor envy another yet with all young Women she very much desir'd the happy hour that might perfect her frame and satisfie a certain desire of something nature did dictate to her for which end a thousand hovering thoughts advertis'd her she was born and that without this she knew not what she should never be happy a thousand wishes and desires Curiosity it self urging her to haste the experiment of Joys spoke to be so great that the most copious Language is too scanty to express She many times would alone at that instant when each little Fibre of her Soul shot forth warm'd by that vernal Sun that still invites those of her tender years to new-born Appetites discreetly reason in the following manner Who is it can penetrate the heart and thoughts of Man being so various that the dispositions of most are changed as often as they change their Company and yet as uncertain as their humours are so certain is it my years require me to accept of one for a Husband What shall I do then shall I plunge my self into life-lasting Miseries to gratifie my wishes and please my Parents Two things there are to invite Pretenders my Person or my Estate My Person No. It is not that for I know many in this City if not more Noble yet far beyond me in Perfections and because they are poor Lovers are not only wanting but even those that in jest should offer Marriage Why then if 't is my Portion does these wonders I find it hard to marry a Man who wooes not me but my Estate and yet could I bear with this for Ambition is so grown into the World that there must be a new Creation to find disinteress'd men who can assure their selves of their manners where there are so many Cheats In the time of wooing the most vicious appears a Saint and detests all Vice with what protestations doth the inconstant at that time avouch his Constancy and how assured of his Mistress's Vertue is the Gallant when many times afterwards he proves murderously troublesome with his Jealousy and all how false soever call Heaven to witness the sincerity of their Love O! how they Adore Admire Esteem with many other such like terms
till they have got their aim His Friend stiles him vertuous good c. His Relations will say that for him He is good natur'd and given to no remarkable Vice another as a gallant young Gentleman Nay the Maid the young Ladies Confident hath had the itching of her Palms answer'd to give her good word and all this to her cost who takes him for better and for worse and gives her hand and heart to an Enemy who either impairs the Estate by Gaming or proves very ill humour'd or what is worse grows weary of the Person that adores him so opposite are the humours of many Men to reason that they never love less than when they are most belov'd thus it is with us poor Women who fill'd with hopes of continued unspeakable Joys many times throw our selves into continued and unexpressible Miseries Suffer it not O Heavens Desire it not O Parents For rather will I end this Life by a draught of Poyson or Poniard than marry without making not only for Months but for Years a sufficient Enquiry into the Manners of him who is to be my Husband Thus reason'd our discreet young Lady and thus resolv'd not to marry yet least she should erre in her Election or rather because Love was but just conceiv'd in her Maiden Breast and had not yet strength capable of any more than directing that little Affection she thought Friendship to Ricardo Antonio a Gentleman so well accomplisht and of so great Parts that in the judgment of the whole City he was only worthy to be Lisarda's Husband and she only deserving to be his Bride At this time the City was oblig'd to Feasts in that to shew their Joy for the Union between the two Crowns of France and Spain Exchanging the two Beautiful Princesses Isabel and Juana that with the tie of affinity their Friendship might be lasting The Feasts were so much the richer forasmuch as all the Rival-Servants of our Lady with Emulation set themselves forth without regard of Expences so that for many days were great Bonefires Balls Masks and to end this Solemnity there were prepar'd twelve Bulls of the largest size this is a sport that the Spaniard extremely delights in Ricardo on the last day of the Bulls was resolv'd to show his Activity and to that intent in the Morning when the numerous throngs of People surrounded the Lists appear'd well mounted with a Spear in his hand applauded by all except Lisarda who was concern'd to see him running into so imminent danger 'T was now Love was resolv'd to dally no longer and took this occasion to make Lisarda know that even she with all her Charms could not withstand his Pleasure for now though she knew not why she should be more concern'd for Ricardo than for the rest of his Competitors but willing to deceive her self a frailty common to humane nature she fansied it only a tender Friendship She was so griev'd and uneasy that she became restless A terrible Bull was let loose into the Lists when according to Custom the People gave a shout which so angred the haughty Animal that casting his fiery Eyes on Fulgencio Ricardo he ran at him with such fury that striking his Pointed Horns in his Horse he toss'd Horse and Man in the Air. At the sight of this Lisarda sounded and was feign to be carried home Every one was concern'd at this Tragical Mischance but especially Ricardo who enraged to see no one run to the assistance of this Gentleman who though he was his Rival Generosity urg'd to endanger his own Life to rescue his therefore throwing his Spear it went so strongly from the hand of the Caster that it travers'd the Body of the Beast who now more furious than before ran with a full Career at Ricardo but he nimbly drawing his Sword and opportunely lifting his hand as he went to gore the Horse gave so strong a blow that he clove his Scull and left him at the Horses Feet confessing that the strongest must surrender to the Fortunate at this the whole Neighbouring Fields Echo'd with the loud shouts of the gladded People while Ricardo lighting from his Horse lookt up to the Window where Lisarda sate but his Servants telling him that they saw her carried away in a swound when the Bull so fiercely attacqued Fulgencio he concluded he was the Chosen from among the Crowd of her Adorers and running to help him up taking him by the Arm said Sir Your fall to you is like that of Saul for it hath made known your Election and so retir'd extreamly discontented to his Lodging where we 'll leave him complaining of his hard Fate and return to Lisarda who as soon as she had recover'd from her swound was acquainted how bravely Ricardo had rescu'd Fulgencio and kill'd the Bull and withall that he intended to Encounter a second in the Afternoon this perplext her extreamly and resolving that rather one should guess at her Love than thousands know it by the evident demonstrations of her weakness she resolv'd to write to him and retiring from Company she set Pen to Paper to the following purpose To Ricardo Antonio A Certain Friend of yours who hath been this two years perswaded you lov'd her and one who hath a greater esteem for your Life than your self since you venture it so rashly that she can't look on without pity hath desir'd me to beg you 'd do her the pleasure to day to see the Feast and not be an Actor in them If your Gallantry are the endeavours to gain her know she is already yours but if it is with design to please any other Lady know that you are ungrateful Your disobedience will undeceive her this I desire of you for the love she bears you which is not a little since the danger you was in this Morning hath cost her much grief and trouble this she desires advertising you withal if she is now deny'd she will take her leave of ever asking any favour of you in all her life Clara Lisarda When this Letter came to Ricardo by a continued thought of what had past he had arrived almost to the height of despair Cursing himself and the hour he first saw Lisarda and as the Servant knockt at the Door he had just drawn a Poniard with intention to have ended his Life but hearing some body at the door he stopt and listen'd knowing the Servants Voice himself ran and the Servant deliver'd into his own hand the Letter which he retired to read bidding the Servant wait an Answer A thousand thoughts pester'd him he knew not what to make of the Letter the Directions he knew to be Lisarda's writing but never having receiv'd nor heard she had ever writ to any of her Lovers before he conjectur'd it was to discard him since she had made her choice of Fulgencio least she might give him Ombrage or cause Jealousy by entertaining still her old Suitors she had writ to them all to forbear their vain Endeavours
who would think it Don Ricardo that with all these visible signs of Love I am asham'd to say it that Estefania should offend my Honour that she should defile my Bed rejoicing in a Strangers Arms at least in desire if not in deed and who would think that I being whom I am should live to own it and that grief for the loss of my Honour should not deprive me of Life I will not my Dear Friend nor will my Honour permit me to speak ill of that Sex since we owe our Births to them with the dangers of their own lives but laying these natural Obligations aside and to speak how firm they ought to be and how constant tell me what trust can a Man put in that Sex or who can sleep secure of their Treasons since Estefania could be false But to tell the story of my Misfortune Heaven having given me a Son no less Beautiful than Witty and having seen him brought up with all the Accomplishments his Age was capable of and since I could not leave him a larger Estate I was desirous to better it by a Title to some Habit and advis'd with my Wife who said so much and seem'd so eagerly to regret my absence for the time requir'd to procure it at Court that I even repented my self of the thought but considering it did import us and above all that I earnestly desir'd it with much ado she gave me leave for fifteen days for as she knew not the Court she thought that enough to gain my pretensions In short I left Barcelona and in a short space arriv'd at Madrid and order'd my affairs so happily that Fortune seem'd desirous to return me into Estefania's Arms for the King understanding the desert and services of my Fathers to the Crown shortened the dispatch Every Letter I receiv'd from Estefania was fill'd with Complaints of my absence and Prayers for my quick return and I with the same desires leaving my dispatches to the care of a Servant made all possible haste to reach Barcelona within the limits of the time given me and taking Post such was my diligence that had not a Tempest of Rain Thunder and Lightning hinder'd I had enter'd Barcelona on the third day after my setting out of Madrid but this sudden change of the Weather from a fine clear Day to a very stormy Evening oblig'd me to put into an Inne but two Leagues distant from my abode where while I was resting my self and ordering something for Supper there came in a Gentleman who by his Mein and Garb I guest to be of Quality but he was so wet that I was oblig'd although I did not know him to offer him my Servants to undress him and help to dry his Cloaths and told him if he pleas'd to accompany me at my Table I should esteem the Favour and that he might also lodge with me Don Federico thankt me for so was his Name and after Supper we pass'd an hour or two in relating Stories and several other Matters In which discourse he shew'd much Judgment speaking excellent Sense and withal very chearful and witty It being time now to betake our selves to our Lodging we went into our Chamber where while my Servant was undressing me he said Sir you expected a pleasanter Nights Lodging than what you 'll find here the Storm having depriv'd you of my Ladies Company Federico answer'd also vex'd at his ill luck That Misfortune reaches both of us for I also thought to have had the Embraces of an Angelical Creature that tho' it may be vain-glorious for me to say it loves me and is indeed in my mind the finest Woman in Barcelona when instead of that I found my self in a Storm that drove me into this House where were it not for Don Enrique's Courtesie in admitting me into his Company had far'd much worse The Night is such said I not dreaming of my Misfortune that it would have been a Misfortune to the Lady had you got thither for I fear you are not in the best Condition to Content her If it were not her Beauty said the inadvertiz'd Gentleman her Name is unfortunate The Servants took no notice of our Discourse and so unwilling to dive further into the Matter before them I staid till we were in Bed and they had lock'd the Doors and were gone but no sooner did I see our selves alone but with as impertinent a Curiosity as malicious and designedly to know the Lady's Name I told him I thought no Name in Spain unfortunate because they are Names of Saints that are always given in Spain To this he answer'd That ever since in Castile there was a Lady named Estefania who was kill'd by her Husband without ever offending him only by the deceit of a Servant That it was a vulgar Attribute of the Estefania's to be unfortunate According to this your Lady is called Estefania said I a little altered And he answer'd Having told you the Story first it would be a folly to think to hide her Name now So craving leave to sleep he turn'd himself and left me not altogether free from a villainous suspicion of being Horn'd But however when I represented to my self all the Letters of Estefania's Desire of my Return her continual Love to me her modest Behaviour c. I thought it a madness to think her false whom I suppos'd as pure as Vestal Virgins except in the Obligation of Matrimony and so perswaded my self in the City there might be others of the Name It was hardly Day when I gave Federico the Good-morrow asking him if he would rise to go into the City that we might be there before Noon and because he told me that his Affairs requir'd him to stay till Night and so I might go alone and that afterwards he would enquire for me But to tell you the Truth my Desire was to be satisfied in my Mind and to know who this Estefania was that he Gallanted so that I told him that I would stay also and go along with him He attributed this to Courtesie and Affection which indeed was Doubt and Jealousie We returned to the same Discourse that we had before and I offer'd my Service to him if there were any Danger in the Atchievement of his Love He thankt me and told me there was no Danger for though I have several Nights been within the House yet I have not seen the Street nor outward Walls nor could I find the House though I endeavour'd it such has been the Care and Secrecy of the Owner 'T is very strange said I for you seem to contradict your self How could you so often be in a House without seeing the Street Well that I may not seem a Cheat to you I 'll tell you said he and let you see the cunning Contrivances of the Sex when they would carry on an Intrigue I was one Afternoon in the great Street buying a piece of Silk and there came a Lady Veil'd to buy some Ribboning and