to answer the Master's expectation as Don Augustin had He sent that very day in search of Dorothy's Father and after several discourses about his Family let him know he was in a fair way to come to as good fortune as a Man of his condition could wish He ask'd him if he knew Antonine and was fully inform'd by the Gardiner concerning that Shepherd then he bid him have a care of his Daughter whom he was to look upon as the Author of his good fortune without giving further light whether the Marquess or any other were concern'd in the advice This was so managed by order from the King And the Expressions like infallible Oracles coming from the Mouth of the Marquess de las Torrillas whose Countenance was sufficient to raise the fortune of the greatest Subject of Spain so transported the Good Man that he knew not how to make his acknowledgment for joy The Marquess to make good his words by suitable effects put into his hand a Purse of an hundred Pistols the most certain confirmation he could possibly have given the Gardiner of the News he had told him He return'd home so fully assur'd by what he had in his hand of the favourable influence of his Stars that he thought himself the happiest if not the richest Man upon Earth The Favourite having executed his Commission like a worthy Confident goes to give his Master an account and acquainting him with the Particulars of the Gardiner's Family told him he was fully inform'd he was a very honest Man who lived very privately not admitting into his House any one might bring a scandal upon him And that his Daughter Dorothy had the Reputation of a Maid so free from intrigue that she had never been suspected to have been engag'd in one And what of Antonine says the King Antonine Sir says the Marquess is the Son of a rich Shepherd near Tolledo who was recommended to the Gardiner and lodges at his House Antonine replys the King sighing doth he Lodge at Dorothy's Father's Yes Sir said the Marquess very much surpriz'd to see how the King received the News of it but I believe there 's no cause to fear him More cause replys the King more a great deal than you think What a Shepherd answers the Marquess Yes a Shepherd says the King a Shepherd who hath all the good qualities requisite to gain the love of a Shepherdess Had you view'd him with the Eyes of a Lover you would have quickly discovered what 't is to be such a Shepherd Don Augustin adds he no Rival is contemptible to slight him is to lose all But Sir says the Marquess you are his Master and may rid your hands of him when you please These sort of Lovers have not so strong inclinations as we Give him but a better Employment in another place than he hath here he 'll yield up his Shepherdess to you and quit all his pretensions to her You think so replys the King but I do not But should I comply with my affection in taking your advice what will the World say of my removing the Shepherd after the favour I have shew'd him will they not say I have banish'd him And the Wits who claim a soveraign jurisdiction to censure all actions when they see me court this Girl will they not say presently I was jealous of Antonine No no I am concern'd in Reputation to let him stay with her at the peril of having my passion made publick by removal of him if he be a profest Lover of her 't is my part to endeavour gaining her from him But I must first know how far he is advanc'd whether she is pleas'd with his addresses or barely permits them or loves him in good earnest These Mysteries are never well discovered but by those who have been in Love a meer Confident cannot penetrate them Therefore get two Suits made me after the Country-Fashion and let them be brought me to-morrow at my rising I will go in Person to the Gardiner's to observe Dorothy and Antonine Any Man but the Marquess would have boggled and been scandaliz'd at a design so contrary to the Spanish Gravity and unsuitable to Majesty but he was so well acquainted with the Gallantries of his Prince and so verst in the management of them for the King who loved adventures and disguises that he was ready to fall a laughing at the Frolick but reflecting they had no acquaintance nor correspondence at the Gardiner's he apprehended some mischance which might be laid to his charge He represented it to the King as he carried him the Habits on the Morrow telling him he expos'd the Majesty of his Person to affront by adventuring disguis'd into a Man's House he was not acquainted with The King who lov'd not to be cross'd made him a short answer that in matters of Love he expected from a Person of his Character a great deal of Complaisance but no Counsel and that the advice he commonly took in those Cases was only such as his affection suggested him He put on one of those Suits and the Marquess having taken the other they went down a privy Stair which brought them to a Walk in the Garden where they were no sooner entred but they saw Dorothy picking Flowers The jealous Prince ravish'd with joy made signs to Don Augustin to follow him without noise and went with him into the Muses Bower at the corner of the Walk where they hid themselves from her T is an excellent opportunity says the King to his Confident we must follow her to see who the Nosegay is made for The patience of the Monarch on this occasion was admirable but must be considered as an effect of his Love At last Dorothy goes out taking the way of the Long Walks to the astonishment of the Parties concern'd especially the Amorous Prince who more curious than ever to know whither she went follow'd her with no small perplexity and agitation of heart It was not long but he might guess at her design for they were scarce past the second Walk but they heard Antonine's Flute which the King thought not half so sweet then as formerly He looked twice or thrice on Don Augustin without saying a word but not able to conceal his jealousie longer You see now says he whether I have not reason enough to fear this Rival Ah Don Augustin my Curiosity is like to cost me dear but 't is no matter let 's go and see all They went beside the Walks to avoid being seen by her at last they saw Dorothy making up to Antonine and presenting him with the Nosegay which the Shepherd receiving with actions full of Love and of Joy took her by the hand which she permitted him to kiss a great Favour in Spain and signifies something more This vext the Jealous King at the heart to that degree of Impatience he was just making up to them But Dorothy having not stay'd a moment longer with the Shepherd the King advanced no
not to lose moments so precious exprest more by actions than words how sensible he was of the favours she did him and opening the Closet-door was extremly surpris'd at the sight of the fair Dorothy drest all over with Jewels The young Lover ravish'd with joy run presently to him But he received her with that coldness and sadness her heart was almost froz'n with fear And she forbore her caresses to quarrel him for expressing no more joy at the sight of her after so tedious an absence He sigh'd and made no other answer Dorothy more troubled than before ask'd him as one affrighted what the matter was he us'd her so The Shepherd was unwilling to be the first should reproach her for what she perhaps did not yet know and and he had need enough to be better inform'd of not to accuse her without cause He ask'd her first whence she had all those Jewels he saw about her Dorothy answer'd the King had given them her and very ingenuously told him all the Visits and fine promises he had made her and in a word all that past since her coming to the Marchioness Antonine heard her out without saying a word then turning another way in a mortal affliction he lift up his eyes and hands to Heaven without further explaining himself But Dorothy frightned at the action pray'd him so earnestly adding so many caresses and tears to her prayers that the Shepherd could no longer deny her the explication she begg'd of him who was sufficiently concerned without her intreaty to ease his heart a little by speaking his mind Dorothy says he the King is in love with you Well I know it answers she but if he loves me he loves you too and what harm in that What harm replyes the dejected Antonine with a deep sigh None but that I shall never see you more but die with despair And why should you die says she alarmed at these words and why see me no more when the King who loves you takes so much pleasure to see us together Yes replyes Antonine do not you see that these three or four days I am not allow'd the liberty to enter this Appartment But 't is over I am undone and you are to expect no more of me but my death Poor Dorothy opprest with grief at this Discourse gave free course to her tears and embracing him tenderly ask'd him what reason he had to wish for death since she loved him above her Life What am I the better for your Love answers the Shepherd when my Rival is possessed of you all day and courts you and is a King and can do what he pleases Ah! how unfortunate am I Never fear the King says the innocent Dorothy for he hath promised me he will never do any thing to displease me Antonine asked her on what account he made her that promise she told him it was upon occasion of some little Favours he would have obtained of her A cruel explication for one so deeply in Love He look'd upon her with a languishing Eye and dying away for fear of hearing more than he desired to know he fell into a mournful and sad silence he was just expiring for grief when on the sudden he heard the King's voice in the Marchionesses Chamber Nothing could have happened more effectual to fetch him again than the approach of his Rival jealousie being the passion that best quickens and most heightens the courage of a Lover This Prince was under an Amorous impatience too strong to permit him to stay long in the Councel Affairs of State and of Love never agree well not that they are incompatible or that a Great Genius is incapable to bear at once the burthen of both But this is very rare and 't is commonly seen he that acquits himself well of the one is a little negligent of the other This Prince having very able Ministers rely'd on them for the conduct of the State that he might intirely apply himself to his affairs of Love He was much addicted to that passion and more sensible of the Pleasure that attended it than ambitious of the Glory of good Government while they treated in his Closet of the most important affairs of his Crown his mind was in the Marchionesses Chamber where he had left his Heart with his Mistriss but he was not a little surprized not to find her there at his return He asked the Lady what was become of her she answered very coldly she knew not I thought Madam answers the King having left her to your Care a few minutes I might have had a better account from you I desir'd it of you 't is an innocent Creature and knows not how to behave her self you might without wrong to your self have instructed her a little and told her she was to wait my coming But I perceive what the matter is I did not think Sir replies the Lady that in leaving with me a Gardiners Daughter you desir'd I should be her Governess No indeed says the King but if you should be her Governess think you that to be employ'd so on my account could be a dishonour to you Ah Sir answers she with an affected smile I come of a Blood And you might have come says the King interrupting her angrily of the best Blood of Castile and have esteemed it an Honour to serve a King as I am in any manner whateever With that he went out very little satisfied with the proceedings of the Marchioness and sent for Don Austin to make his complaints to him Antonin and Dorothy were in very great perplexity having heard part of the discourse but the Shepherd was the more troubled of the two The Lady bid Dorothy come into the Chamber that if the King came back again as she feared he would he might find her there As for Antonin she thought it not convenient to let him come out for fear of being seen and perhaps met by the King who was not far off the mean time she fell to instructing Dorothy what to say to the King if he should question her for the little Eclipse she had been under but she was forc'd to cut off her Lesson short for the Amorous Prince impatiently desirous to know if she were returned came presently back and entred the Chamber with anger in his Face and much discomposed but at the sight of Dorothy his Choler vanisht and he recovered his good humour The Marchioness would have helped Dorothy to make her excuse and at the same time make her own peace with the King But he could not hear her but said he was satisfied but entreated her to lend him her Closet to pass a few minutes with Dorothy there This put the Lady into an extraordinary perplexity with all her coldness and indifferency she could not forbear blushing she knew not on what pretence to deny him the key was in the door and she was ruin'd if the King found Antonin in the Closet Poor Dorothy was no less disordered
and though she thought she had no cause of being in fear for her Shepherd yet she could not rid her self of the fear that follows things done in private Had the King taken notice of her looks they had all been undone She had not then learnt the Art of concealing or commanding her passion but by good fortune the King's Eyes were fixt on the Marchioness who assisted with the readiness of Wit which never fails an able Woman at need entreated him to stay a moment till she had put the Closet in a condition to receive them every thing being out of order there The King though in never so great haste believing Ladies Closets are often full of several things that belong to their dresses and they are very willing Men should not see and that this was the cause of her blushing gave her leave to put it in order She went into the Closet and not well knowing where to hide the poor Shepherd she put him under a bed of Repose where he lay coop'd up in a very narrow room This done she came out to make way for the King who entred with Dorothy and made her sit with him on the same Bed Well Dorothy says the King you will never love me The poor Girl who knew not what was become of Antonine surprised to miss him in the Closet looked all about sometimes this sometimes that way without answering the King who continued his discourse I may tell you I sigh and die for love of you you can give me the hearing without pittying my sufferings for you Dorothy heard not a word he said 't was kindness thrown away she was troubled for her Shepherd and her sense as well as mind was wholly taken up with thinking what was become of him The King thinking 't was the Ornaments the guilding and rarities of the Closet amused her took her by the hand to make her look towards him Look upon me and answer what I ask you you little Baggage will you never love me Yes Sir says she if you will promise me not to send away Antonine from Aranjuez And who told you replies the King I design to send him away No Sir says she I was not told so but I know not why they will not let me see him and I am afraid if I love you you would not have me love him too And if I allow you to love him answers the King will you love me in good earnest or at least as well as your Shepherd Dorothy made him no answer not knowing how to resolve that point without having Antonine's advice in that case The King fell a-laughing and pressing her farther Is it possible says he you should think it so hard a matter to allow a King a share with the Shepherd in your heart Any other but you would have quickly ended the difference and no other but my self would be content with what I ask You are not just Dorothy you demand of me what I ought not to grant you and you make a business and a difficulty to grant me what cannot but be for your Glory You are afraid I should send away Antonine you complain you cannot see him you would if you love me have me allow you to love him too these are strange conditions And yet if I ask you whether you will love me as much as him you will not answer me What are you afraid of I would not have you consider me as your King among Lovers matters should be equal at least Let 's come to Articles Dorothy addes he smiling and if I grant you yours you must not refuse to sign mine Antonine shall stay at Aranjuez you shall see him and love him This is for you Now for my part you must love me as well as him and do me the same favours you do him and if in time you find my care and my passion for you greater than the duties he pays you without bringing my Character or your duty to me into account you will be content to be intirely mine This Prince who was infinitely witty would not make use of a Court-gallantry to gain the affection of an innocent Countrey-Girl He was above it and made use only of plain native simplicity so much the more delicate as it suited her capacity and wrought more effectually on her The truth is it shook her So that the Monarch to take th' advantage of the agreement began with kisses which she could not refuse him after the promises he had made her in favour of Antonine But the Shepherd scarce heard the smack of 'em but all in a rage he pinch'd her by the Leg. This so frighted the poor Girl that she skrick'd which astonisht the King He ask'd her what the matter was she told him something had bit her By good luck for Antonine there stood between the King and Dorothy a little Bitch of the Marchioness's which came with them into the Closet the King thought her guilty of the assault and with great animosity drove her out of the Closet But Dorothy having had time to recover her self a little from the fear she had been in judg'd her hurt came by the hand of a Man rather than the teeth of the little Bitch And reflecting immediately on Antonine she made no doubt but 't was he and that he lay hid under the Bed of Repose The King having assur'd her she need not fear being bit any more would have been at his former sport but Dorothy would not agree to it having understood by her Shepherd's action what she had already done had not pleas'd him The Prince press'd her and ask'd why she would be so cruel but all was lost labour she would not be brought to 't for fear Antonine should bite her the second time You know our Agreement Dorothy says the King seeing her obstinacy I shall not be oblig'd to keep my promise with you if you refuse what I demand of you You must love me as well as you do Antonine and express the same complaisance for me as for him if you have a mind I should allow him a a sight of you and not send him away from Aranjuez Dorothy much troubled at these threats knew not what to answer In the mean time she granted nothing but defended her self still against the King's importunity who thinking her lightness an effect of her humour and attributing to it her refusing him so obstinately what she had granted at first without any difficulty he easily flatter'd himself with hopes to obtain it another time and without pressing her further that evening retir'd Antonine no sooner saw him gone but he crept out of his prison grievously tir'd with staying so long there Dorothy to make him amends was liberal of her caresses but found him not so well pleas'd with her as to return them His heart smarted still with the sound of the kisses the King had received of her or at least given her which made Antonine requite her caresses with reproaches
The Marchioness came in presently and observed a little coldness between the two Lovers which she took no great care to remove And Don Austin coming in from the King there was a necessity of parting The fair Ladies went out of the Closet where they lock'd in Antonine and the Marchioness went to Dorothy's Chamber not far from her own and having resolv'd to stay there till the Marquess were abed that she might return to Antonine she made Dorothy relate all that past in the Closet The Shepherd waited with impatience enough to know what they would do with him He could have been content to pass that night in the Closet in hopes of an opportunity to see Dorothy in the morning having not yet told her half what he had to say to her being just upon losing her not by any falseness of hers which he knew her incapable of but through her innocence which madded him He had a thousand reflexions on what had past that evening and the conjectures he drew from them were very displeasing when on the sudden the Marchioness opening the door softly entred smiling and having shut it after her Well Antonine says she with a low voice you are my Prisoner 'T is true Madam answers he I am so and 't is no small honour for a Shepherd to have so fair a Lady as you are to his Goaler This Answer was a little too Gallant for a Lover who should have then been full of trouble and care but he thought himself obliged to some sweetness and complaisance towards a Lady who had been so much his Friend You are condemn'd to stay here all Night says the Lady I shall not complain of my sentence Madam replies the Shepherd and would to God it were all the ill I am like to suffer here The Lady presently understood he reflected on the King but having a design to turn the discourse another way she made as if she had not apprehended him there shall no ill befall you here says she unless the Marquess chance to awake and have the curiosity to come and see what I do thus late in this Closet What would he say to find you alone with me here at this hour and what would you do if you had not time to hide your self I know not in truth Madam says Antonine laughing what I should do but what could he suspect of a poor Shepherd Do you think because you are but a Shepherd answers she a Husband could rest satisfied The Marquess Madam answers Antonine is too well assured of your Virtue to have any cause to fear the most presumptuous attempts The most severe Virtue replies the Marchioness may be lyable to suspition with Men less jealous and less interested than the Marquess when expos'd to a Shepherd so handsome as you and really my Judge must be very indulgent and favourable who knowing you have been alone with me at this hour lockt up in my Closet and my Husband asleep will do me Justice and think no more of the business I must consess I expose my self a little but I am usually gain'd by merit and find so much in you I do not repent it Antonine failed not to answer this excess of Goodness in the most acknowledging and most obliging expressions He thought it a great happiness to have gained the esteem of such a Lady Yet could not this ease him of his sufferings on Dorothie's account though his pain was somewhat abated by the hopes he had this Lady would pity him and espouse his interest The Night was far gone and the Marchioness who had more than one reason to undress and go to Bed told Antonine she had for love of him sent back her Maids to their Chambers and that for once he must be her Chamber-Maid Antonine undertook the Office with a great deal of joy and did it with so much neatness and Gallantry that of all she had seen him do the Lady most admir'd him for this Being but a Shepherd and a Shepherd that pleased her she was not very shye of him nor observed the measures she would have done with a Man of another Character The time place and employment she gave him permitted her not to keep the distance and privacy usual in those cases And these secret affairs though innocent inspire a Liberty into those employed they believe they are allowed to do any thing The Marchioness laughed and so did Antonine she permitted her self to be undrest just as he pleased giving him occasion to press very far had he had the courage But he was young and knew not how to use the complaisance she had for him He had put her at last into a condition to want her Night-Gown and if the Beauties he saw did not charm him they at least diverted him and made him forget for some moments the troubles of that Evening The Marchioness though brown had an excellent Complexion and a Neck made to inspire Treason into the admirers of other Beauties Qualities the more esteemed in Spain for their Rarity Her Eyes were beautiful and black but so quick and piercing you could scarce indure to look stedfastly on them Her Mouth her Nose her Teeth and the rest of her Face had not the least blemish Her Height her Ayr her Meen were answerable and it was not without reason the King had been in love with her being unquestionably the handsomest Lady in the Kingdom She looked from time to time upon Antonine to observe in his Countenance what effect the sight of some Beauties not ordinary wrought in him and seeing him one time very busie she put him back whether out of anger or shame I know not and resuming her serious Meen I cannot tell says she what people would judge of me if it should be known at Court I had allow'd you this liberty I were utterly undone Be sure you let Dorothy know nothing of it for she is an innocent Girl and will be presently jealous perhaps and then tell it the King Antonine answered her Discretion was a virtue not altogether unknown to Shepherds I believe it says she especially to such Shepherds as you who are not born to be unhappy After this she bid him adieu and having lock'd him up in the Closet she went to bed where she did nothing all night but dream of him and sigh She called to mind all he had said and all she had seen him do that Evening and found not his Discourse only but the least of his Actions were so unlike those of the Character he bore she could not possibly believe him a Shepherd Her heart at least too proud to stoop so low endeavoured to make her believe him a young Gentleman of Quality who had disguised himself for love of Dorothy Happy Maid says she sighing how few Women in the World but would be jealous of thy good Fortune to have the affection of a Lover the most tender and most deserving on Earth Never was Love more gallant and passionate never were
a better pretence for parting the two Lovers And not to lose the advantage of it would have presently sent Dorothy back into her own Chamber to keep the King there but he came in telling her upon the news he had from Don Austin she had had an ill night on 't he thought nothing but Love could have broken ones sleep but since it happen'd the most insensible Persons could not rest it was some comfort to him for the many ill nights that Passion had caused him The Marchioness who wanted neither Gallantry nor Wit return'd him an answer suitable to the subject But the King thinking she needed rest told her he would not add a new disturbance to that she had been afflicted with and taking Dorothy by the hand led her into her Chamber The Marchioness happily deliver'd at once of two Persons who troubled her more than all the World besides run straight into the Closet to bring her dear Shepherd the news but he was no less griev'd at it than she was joyful It was not in his power quite to conceal from her the rage he was in for jealousie of the King He spoke with some heat of the Amorous persecution that Prince afflicted a young Maid with insomuch that he let fall a word That it was the part of a Tyrant rather than a Just Monarch to force one to love him The Marchioness did but laugh and railly at him to be so passionate But taking notice of those last words and the action he exprest them with she discovered a boldness and hardiness in his countenance which did but too clearly evidence the Greatness of his Soul 'T was not the first time she had suspected him to be of quite another Quality than what he pretended to her passion and opinion of Honour having perswaded her he was not of ordinary Birth But in the transport he was in on that occasion there flash'd out such a fire out of his Eyes which with the liberty he took in speaking of the King appear'd so extraordinary that she begun thenceforwards to use him as she believ'd he deserved And after she had for some moments fixt her Eyes on him Sir says she for I cannot call you Antonine any longer I am your Friend and you cannot doubt it If the freedom I use with you deserve any confidence from you deny me not a request I am making to you Let me know the truth of a thing you can no longer conceal from me This Shepherd's Habit you are in suit better with your love to Dorothy than your Birth you have not sufficiently disguised your self from me or rather I have too long and too studiously observed you not to see your actions and your words the Ayr and Grace of your Person belye the habir you have taken Had you confin'd your self to playing on the Flute and keeping Sheep you might have past for a Shepherd but when you meddle with othes things you are discovered with half an eye Hide your self no longer from me who trust my self with you I confess I am much concerned in it and this makes me so curious If you fear only my revealing the secret assure your self I will keep it as religiously as you could desire from the best Friend you have in the World for I am certainly she Antonine who was a little disordered at the Ladies first words having by this time recover'd himself fell a-laughing and told her it was her excess of goodness made her use him better than he deserved that he was no more than the Son of a poor Shepherd near Toledo And that if there were any thing in him extraordinary beyond those of his condition he was beholding for it to Nature not Birth All this could not perswade the Lady from the opinion she had of his Quality but she told him that she would if he desir'd it still call him Antonine and use him in publick like a Shepherd but as for her particular she very well knew the difference she was to make And that he might have already concluded from the freedom she had used with him she had not been long deceiv'd Antonine made but a weak defence telling her at last she might rest assured if there were any thing in his Life that deserv'd confidence she should be the first that he would impart it to The Marchioness understanding what it meant pressed him no further And Dinner-time being come she sent for it into her Chamber as being indisposed that she might have the pleasure of seeing Antonine dine with her The Duenna told them the King did as much with Dorothy having dined in his Chamber to have her Company the whole day The Marchioness was ravished at the News and Antonine began to be less troubled at it Not but that his passion for Dorothy was still very great but that the thoughts he then had of the King had filled him with rage and vexation that he was glad of the opportunity he had to be revenged of Dorothy or at least to be even with her He saw her Innocence could not long hold out against the love of that Prince and he was so mad at her for it he began to form a design to abandon her quite But how unjust are Lovers in these cases What could a poor innocent Girl do that had in a manner not seen the World above three days who knew nothing of Love but what he had taught her nor could distinguish what did from what did not belong to a Lover but believed that except one thing all was free for the King as for Antonine what could she do Besides she was to deal with a King who was a great Master of the Art of Love and infinitely witty which with the advantages of Majesty might have prevailed with a Maid more experienced and more difficult than Dorothy to be gain'd In that unquiet condition the Shepherd's Heart had reason to be in 't was no small comfort to have the kindness of a fair Lady as the Marchioness to qualifie his misfortunes she was a charming Woman excellently skilled in the Art of pleasing and forgot nothing that might tempt him to a desertion sighs kindnesses languishing looks tenderness obliging actions all the most pleasant poisons of Love were made use of and to very good purpose Here was cause enough of fear for Dorothy had not her good fortune delivered her from the King and 't is uncertain what would become of her had she staid a moment longer out of the Marchionesses Chamber Such power hath a fair Lady in Love over Hearts however engaged or indifferent That Women how deeply soever in Love with another can resist the Engines and Artifices Love inspires her to make use of The Duenna had acquainted them with Dorothie's coming that they had time enough to put themselves in order though any other but Dor. might have however found cause enough of suspition in the very eyes of the Marchioness But Dorothy was innocent and had too
passion for Dorothy had not yet been much taken notice of and he was willing to observe some measures in publique so that he found it very difficult to be in private with her there Antonine making use of the liberty the King allow'd him followed him where-ever he went as well as the Lords and Ladies of his Train and seem'd to affect keeping close to Dorothy more than ever The King might have got rid of him by sending him to Land but 't would have been too apparent and what pretence soever he had taken they would have guessed at the true cause So that the very maxims of Decency forced the King to permit a Shepherd under his very nose to cross his desires to torment him and ravish from him undisturb'd what he best loved in the World without the Kings daring to complain of it or express the least resentment Only he spoke of it to the Marquess his sole Confident who had pray'd him to let him know the cause of the disorder that appear'd in his countenance This Faithful Minister of Love as well as State having learnt what it was resolved at any rate to ease him of the sight of the Shepherd at least for some time He thought of several ways to do it but knowing that Women are generally better than Men at such matters he went to his Wife and taking her into another Room ask'd her if she could not device some means to take that Shepherd aside who troubled the Entertainment and get him kept out of the King's presence without sending him to Land which the King for some reasons was unwilling to do The Marchioness very officiously proposed two or three ways which indeed were neither proper nor approved by the Marquess At last she told him That to disabuse the King and wipe out the ill-impressions he had taken of her conduct as to Dorothy she would serve him on this occasion and take Antonine into another Room under pretence of making him play on the Flute and would keep him there as long as he pleased but she feared 't would be to his cost and that the World was malicious enough to talk of such a thing Don Austin fell a-laughing heartily at the apprehensions of his Vertuous Wife and embracing her with extreme kindness told her Her Reputation was so friendly established it would never be suspected though there were no more Vertue nor Honour in the World That she might take his word for 't who was most concerned And that it could not be at least a Shepherd could do him any injury Having said this he pray'd her to do as she proposed adding she would do the King a singular pleasure being no longer able to endure the sight of the Shepherd The Marchioness failed not to do it and with an Address her affection more than any design to please the King or oblige her Husband inspir'd with she drew Antonine aside from Dorothy and took him to another Chamber where she stay'd with him till they went back for Aranjuez The King was never the better for it Dorothy did but fret and vex when she lost sight of Antonine and her Eyes discovered the trouble she was in not to know what was become of him The Sun was set when they came to Aranjuez And the King having a desire to take a turn or two in the Garden the whole Court follow'd him except the Marchioness who had designs in her Head and having accompanied her Husband awhile told him she was not very well and must withdraw The Marquess more civil and kind than she wisht brought her to her Chamber and bore her company till she was quite tyr'd with him She undrest her self she went to bed she complain'd her Head ach'd and that she must go to rest and not knowing what to say or do more she order'd the Windows should be shut that the light might not trouble her in the morning but Don Austin's Love was the same in the dark as in the light But she must send him away at last telling him the trouble she was in he should be there in the dark and she not able to speak to him increased her malady and kept her from sleeping The good Marquess charm'd with the kindness of his dear Spouse took his leave of her praying her she would send for him if she grew worse in the night The Marquess was scarce gone but the Duenna came in to let her Lady know Antonine was in her Chamber the Marchioness bid her let him into hers and immediately the Duenna led in a Shepherd who was not a little surpriz'd at the darkness of the Lodging the Marchioness imagining his surprize at the Novelty fell a-laughing as soon as she heard him come near the Bed and reaching out her hand to him Fear nothing says she this is all done for you and you know you are not in an Enemies Country she made him sit on her Bed and going on with her discourse told him the Darkness was a Friend to fearful Lovers as you are But you are very mute methinks Antonine why do not you answer me She had scarce said this but in comes the Duenna almost out of breath to tell her the Marquess was coming with a Flambo and was just at the Chamber-door Go hide you in the Closet says the Marchioness to her Shepherd but finding he stirr'd not she was astonish'd and pushing him with her hand do not you hear what they say Don Austin is just here go hide your self unless you will ruine both me and your self With that the Marquess entred who told his Wife he was very sorry he must disturb her but he had lost a Paper of great importance to the King and must needs have left it on her Bed The affrighted Marchioness being then so angry with Antonine she wish'd him hang'd told him you come the most seasonably in the World to chastise a Fool an Insolent Fellow came into my Chamber the very moment you were gone and has put me into a most terrible fright sitting upon my Bed and I cannot remove him The Marquess astonisht at the insolence ran towards the Beds Feet and in the Wrath he was in against such an impudent Rascal not willing to be at the pains of examining who he was he look'd only for a stick to baste him into better manners and teach him the respect due to his Wives Bed when he heard the Kings Voice who was disguis'd like a Shepherd and fell a laughing to see himself upon the point of being bang'd and bid the Marquess open his Eyes and moderate his fury What a deadly blow was this to the Marquess he turn'd pale and dismay'd he could not speak a Word at last having recovered his Spirits Ah Sir is it thus a King as you are keep his Word Have you done me so many Favours only to rob me of my Honour Ah Heavens cries he quite distracted have I lived thus long to see my self loaded with Infamy by a Prince
Gardiner went at three a Clock in the Morning to work in the Garden and she would undertake to give Antonine notice of the honour intended him and take out the Gardiner's Wife along with her a-walking till Dinner-time All this was accordingly resolved and executed The Duenna having the charge of her Ladies Wardrobe provided that Evening a Suit for the purpose And at six in the Morning came in to awake her telling her before Don Austin that the Water was ready and she might presently bathe her self The Marquess who had first advised her to it encouraged her to rise because she seemed somewhat loth with much adoe she took her Morning-Gown and entred the Bathing-room where she found a Suit of Dorothie's ready for her which she put on while the Duenna trudg'd away to Antonine to dispose things there for her reception The Scouts were night and day abroad both the Kings and the Marquess's or at least had order to be so But Favorites are commonly better served than their Masters Don Austin was fallen asleep again when one of his Spies came to tell him he saw Dorothy go in at her Father's At this time of day thinks the Marquess Dorothy takes the pains to go to her Father's there 's design in the case I must carry the King the News it is worth the trouble With that he got up in all haste and drest himself for fear of the birds being flown e're he could get from the King to the Gardiners He had not the patience to carry his Wife the News to the Bathing-room hoping to treat her with the whole story at his return He got to the King's Chamber desired audience about urgent business was admitted and immediately fell a laughing You may imagine Sir I would not have come thus early to disturb your Rest had I not a particular business to acquaint you with The happy Antonine is this moment in the Arms of the Marchioness I am not surprised at it says the King laughing also and if you had no more to tell me you needed not to have taken the pains to be so early up for I am perswaded they have been long agoe very well agreed No no Sir says the Marquess in railery I am come to tell you according to my duty that Dorothy is gone thus early to give her Parents a visit wherein you may believe Antonine shall have his share But what replies the King if you have for once taken Dorothy for the Marchioness I fear no mistake Sir answers the Marquess for besides that I left my Wife but now in her Bathing-room the news I bring you was told me by two of my Servants who know Dorothy very well and saw her go in at her Fathers The King said not a word more but got up and was drest and would go in Person with the Marquess to the Gardiner's They got thither in a moment and finding a little Girl at the door asked who was within She answered none but Antonine and Dorothy in a Chamber she shewed them What a transport of Fury did this put the King in who till then feared nothing he ran to the Chamber and finding it shut knockt at the Door with that violence and rage as if he would have storm'd the besieged no body opened nor answered the King extremely incensed had no longer patience but commanded two of his Servants to break down the door He was obey'd and entred in first and next him Don Austin But the Gallant was got out at the Window and no body left but the fair Lady sitting in a corner of the Chamber with more confusion than fear wrapt up in her Manto to see the unhappy Catastrophe The King broke out into bitter Language against her and had perhaps gone further but that the Marquess minded him of his Character However he resolved toput to open shame that little Traytress as he often called her taking her by the Manto in which she kept her self muffled At last he snatch'd it off but who was more surprised he or Don Austin to see it was the Marchioness The King was extreme glad and seeing the Marquess thunder-struck without speech or motion could not forbear laughing Now Don Austin says he you see how people are mistaken is this Dorothy or the Marchioness With that the enraged Husband not able to indure the King's Railery and the insupportable affront his virtuous Lady did him fell upon her without respect to the King's Presence with that violence and anger the King had much ado to get him from her He drew him out of that Chamber and as they went from the Gardiners met Antonine in Custody having been taken by the care of the Marquess who to make good his News to the King had given order for apprehending him if he endeavoured to escape The sight of Antonine doubled his fury and he had certainly stabbed him with his Poniard had not the King in his turn minded him where he was and of the respect due to his Character Poor Antonine was put into the Tower of Aranjuez The King lost no time to go see Dorothy and tell her the whole Story of which he hoped to make advantage But the poor Innocent having with astonishment heard the King fell a-crying when she understood Antonine was in Prison She fell upon her Knees and pray'd him if he lov'd her to set Antonine at liberty and not do him any harm The King having reproached her for having so little resentment against a Shepherd guilty of such falshood to her who in contempt of the kindness she had for him had thrown himself into the Arms of another told her he could not set him at liberty so soon but must give at least so much satisfaction to Don Austin who had cause to take away his Life much more to have him kept Prisoner Dorothy somewhat comforted by the King's promise to do Antonine no further harm and mov'd on the other side with the reasons she was told she had to be angry with her Shepherd was not very earnest for his Enlargement The King finding her more complaisant than ever past part of the day with her While they were together the Captain of the Guard came to know his pleasure how Antonine should be us'd The King bid him give him what he called for but not permit any to see him or speak to him except such only as brought a Ring which he took out of his Pocket and shew'd the Captain that he might know it Dorothy having observ'd all this waited an opportunity to get that Ring into her hands By good fortune the King having slept little the Night before and been awak'd early that Morning by the Marquess could not forbear falling fast a-sleep in Dorothy's Chamber who failed not to slip her Hand in his Pocket And with a great deal of dexterity took out the Ring The King awak'd not long after and having spent some time with her went to Bed Dorothy was no sooner at liberty