such But to return the Clouds who had now shak'd their droping Wings withdrew The dismal Curtain furl'd up and Heaven show'd a smiling Countenance as if a Sacrifice of so many Lives had asswag'd its hungry fury Eolus sounded a retreat to the raving Winds who grumbling retir'd to their hated Prison and Neptune reliev'd from his old Disturber slept as if the past toils had forc'd him to a Peace The joyful Birds came fluttering from their Nests sprung through the Air and trod the Boughs again then Sung and mounting spread their matted Wings In fine every thing seem'd at liberty but Sirena my grief for what I had seen sunk my Soul into a demi-trance and left me not the power to move I consider'd the quality of that inconstant Element the Cause of Winds and Rains how far Chance the gods and Nature shar'd in what befel us and if Heaven which we paint all Goodness and Mercy could have a hand in the destruction of so many Creatures which it self had made or took a certain pleasure in the punishment of Offenders whose Actions were so inconsiderable and seemingly below the notice of the Almighty Mind Thus my Soul travers'd a Labyrinth of mysterious Problems my Reason exerted its Power and almost shook off the Yoak of Imposition searching into the truth of things which believ'd bring no ill consequences if not a real happiness and if rejected or discredited give Nature her sway and set the World loose break the hinges of humane Society and set up an Insurance Office for Villanies and Bloodshed At last Night approach'd and I was oblig'd to abandon my solitary Tent. But oh kind Heavens how was I surpris'd when on the Sand two Shipwrackt Bodies lay in fast embraces lockt as if the dead Clay had retain'd a perfect remembrance of that Union which was between their Souls Coming nearer their Cloaths inform'd me they were of Quality and I stood sometime motionless and gaz'd upon the moving Object where the ruines of so many Beauties so sweet appear'd you 'd thought death had been a gentle sleep and cruel Waves been soft as Summer dews In this juncture the Duke who had dreaded the effects of the past Storm appear'd and tho' naturally hardy and of a rough disposition his Soul melted at the sight and his Eyes confess'd the trouble of his Mind He presently order'd his Servants to convey the dead to his House and having seated our selves in the Coach drove straight home Some hours after one of my Maids came running into my Closet and with gladness told me that the Lady whom I found on the shoar was yet alive that her Soul was loath to abandon so fair a body and they had some hopes of her recovery But the Man was lost beyond redemption for not one sign or Symptom of coming Life appear'd This news banish'd that grief which had lately possest me for the unfortunate Fair and I flew between hopes and fears to give that assistance in my power When I enter'd the sick one lifted up her Eyes look'd fix'dly upon every Object mov'd her Lips as if she had strove to speak then sigh'd and fainting shut them both again The Dutchess us'd her utmost Art and drove back the posting Soul when almost gone But having spent the greatest part of the Night in this Charitable Imployment we withdrew leaving the care of our Charming guest to my Mother's Maids and mine The joyful Birds had scarce usher'd in the coming day when I arose I had dreamt of this unfortunate fair One all Night and my wishes for her safety became the imployment of my anxious Soul Nor did I Petition Heaven in vain for when I enter'd the Room she mo'vd her Head from the Bed and in an almost-dying accent begg'd Pardon for that trouble she had given me thank'd me for my assistance then ask'd me the place and time in which I found her if I had seen her Husband on the Shoar for now all her fears were for him and if he was lost no Art no Argument or Cause could save her Life her Soul was incorporate and mix'd with his and both should wander in the other World if not united there like Bodies here That tenderness her loss inspir'd drew Tears from my Eyes and I faintly answer'd I had seen none such that she alone had reach'd that part of the Shoar where I had been but that orders should be given to enquire of all the straggling Shepherds and watchful Fishermen for him she wanted that Heaven no doubt had preserv'd him and she would soon be happy The distress'd Fair One sigh'd conjur'd me to use my utmost diligence in the search and to remember her life depended on the success In the mean time the Duke order'd the dead Body to be interr'd according to the custom of our Country where nothing was wanting which Quality have bestow'd upon them as the last mark of Honour For by that account which the Fair One gave of him we perfectly knew him for her Husband The Dutchess whose grief upon this occasion was in nothing inferiour to mine advis'd me to acquaint the ignorant Widow with her state to prevent a double pain which the certain knowledge of her Circumstances would doubtless give I obey'd and in the Evening enter'd her Chamber with a Golden Cross beset with â—mall Diamonds in my hand The mourning Fair no sooner espy'd me than starting she cry'd is he alive Has he sent me this pledge which has cost me so many Tears Am I happy Or must I dye Tears rush'd into my Eyes and sudden grief deny'd me the use of Words I stood some minutes silent and at last confess'd him dead At this unwelcome sound the unhappy Fair with a Countenance pale as death leant her declining Head upon the Pillow lifted up her hands and cry'd O! Unhappy Delia thou hast lost and then fainted I apply'd those Remedies commonly us'd on such occasions and by the force of Spirits deny'd a flight to hers Oh Gods when she lifted up her Eyes again how my Soul sorrowed for her So dying Roses covered o're with dew look gay and fresh and tempting to the sight yet move the Heart because their sweets are flying Ah! Madam cry'd she Pardon this undecent but just grief let not my Tears disturb your Peace for a few hours will give me rest for ever My Soul murmurs at its tedious imprisonment rouzes and shakes it self beneath this load of Clay longs to be gone and flutters in its Cage 't is now a traveller wrapt in contemplation surveys the happy state of separate Beings Chalks out the way to Heaven through open Air and longs and seeks Valentio as it mounts Oh my Husband Oh unfortunate surviving Delia This said she sigh'd as if her heaving Breasts had prest her rising Soul and I now a sharer in her sufferings wept and in my silence exprest the pains that rackt my easie Heart She who amidst her own troubles forgot not mine conjur'd me to
distress For six Months had scarce elaps'd when my Husband began to droop sigh when he lookt upon me frequent the solitary Walks and languish under a Disease unknown This gave me a thousand Fears I lov'd as when first the Priest saluted me a Wife and wish'd me happy in a marry'd State and that melancholy which possest my dear Valentio became Epidemick the Servants lookt like Ghosts of Men and I seem'd the reverse of Woman or something on this side or beyond Humanity my curl'd Locks hang'd loosely in the Air no smiles adorn'd my brow my Beauties fled and Love seem'd just a dying A thousand times I askt the Cause and with Tears in my Eyes conjur'd him to lay open his Heart to hide none of his thoughts from Delia whose very Soul he knew devoted his that if he lov'd me not why would he not tell me so and make me happy when he meant me ill for the killing sound would reach my fore-boding Heart and like sudden Thunder fright and strike me dead He still swore he lov'd me that his melancholy proceeded from some indisposition of his Body and begg'd I 'd inquire no further into the Cause with Tears in my Eyes I left him and all my looks spoke my Soul uneasie In the mean time my poor Valentio became a shadow his Heart was in perpetual agitation and heav'd his anxious Breast as if the mighty secret had struggl'd for a Vent I observ'd this with incredible Pain and us'd all the arts which Love inspir'd to extract the hidden Mystery At last when even Nature you 'd thought nodded as if the Globe would have slipt through her Fingers and crush'd our sleeping Antipodes as in Bed we lay I urg'd my griefs again bid him remember how I still had lov'd the joys of that Night when smiling Hymen gave his wish'd consent how I lay fainting in his Arms sick with pleasure yet willing to advance his and wellcoming the new Joy whose fierceness almost drown'd me how eagerly he graspt me how he prest my Lips and set my Soul on fire when past flames had half consum'd its strength He who now consider'd how constantly I shar'd in all his wishes melted into Love laid aside the Heart of stubborn Man took me in his Arms sigh'd and cry'd Ah Delia I am ruin'd Thou undone And curst Valentio is the cause of all 'T is needless Madam to repeat what follow'd besides my strength at present tells me I must be concise He inform'd me of what had past between him and Arates before the Marriage that his Creditors were become uneasie that his Friends had abandon'd him because he had acted in that affair without consent or advice and nothing could secure him but a speedy flight I believ'd my self miserable fall'n low from the height of happiness and spent the tedious Night in Tears while he whose cares were equal to my own conjur'd me by that Love I bore him to undergo patiently that load of Poverty to which his indiscretion had brought me to forget the scenes of past Loves and to rely upon Arates who could not chuse but relent for a return of Fortune Love was the cause and the Crime was easily pardon'd the weight of his griefs lessned the sense of my own and the throbbings of his opprest Heart stunn'd my Soul almost into a Lethargy I embrac'd him a thousand times swore the possession of his Heart repay'd the loss of Wealth and I 'd show the Courage of an Amazon under my new Misfortune begg'd he 'd tender his own safety and remember that when Valentio dy'd his Delia too was lost At last the unwelcome Day appear'd and the afflicted youth seem'd plung'd in an abyss of Despair O gods How often he did clasp me in his Arms gaze upon me and sigh as if he would have sunk into Eternity his rack'd Soul shook his tender frame and in the labour forc'd Tears from his eyes which the manly Youth strove to hide and tost in a Sea of o'rewhelming cares remov'd the signs of weakness from my sight Then starting from my embraces he 'd cry must I leave my Delia Must I be damn'd to the boundless pains of an eternal Banishment Oh can I abandon Heaven in view And shut my self for ever from the joys of Paradise Oh my Guardian Angel take me once more into thy Bosom give a new life to my fainting Heart and teach me to forget my past happiness or at least to be insensible of my coming torment hush my warring Soul to rest and let me dream no more of what I 'm doom'd to suffer But ah my Delia My all Thou better part of divided Valentio I must leave thee the curse of Poverty drives me from thy Arms and the jealous gods have envy'd my past happiness I must wander from my self for if I retain my strength of judgment I carry Hell about me But sure my kind Memory won't in this exigency forsake me she 'll stand the first shock of Fortune's Malice and prompt me on to madness awake me from a Lethargy of sorrow and by presenting thee to my view give a new edge to my Afflictions divide Valentio from the Husband and oppress me with a double load send me raving into the other World cursing my Stars my Fortune nay the gods but most of all my self yet blessing thee In this afflicting juncture my Courage fail'd me I saw misery before me and thought my self already contemn'd and trampl'd upon by every Fool whose Fortune not Merit had bestow'd upon him a larger stock of Wealth than mine for Virtue when o'reclouded with Poverty gains no esteem and he that 's poor may speak like an Oracle yet unregarded while the rich whose wit will hardly allow him the title of a Man speaks weighty Sentences is aplauded by cringing fawning Knaves and bubl'd into a Love of his own ignorance Poor Valentio read my thoughts in my Eyes and after a deep sigh that exprest sorrow to the life he fell into a new Delirium exclaim'd against just Heaven and wish'd for Thunder from the gods incens'd to drive his tortur'd Soul unto the shades that the Centre would open and swallow down his Body or falling Mountains hide his guilty Head Then reflecting on what he had said he begg'd Heaven's pardon for himself and protection for his weeping Delia took me into his Arms laid my Head to his beating Heart and conjur'd me in the name of all the gods to forgive him to Love him much or else forget him soon Now divine Sirena let me drop the Curtain and hide a Scene so moving that my frighted Soul starts at the view We lov'd and parted and let that express the whole When he was gone my cares for him increas'd I had forgot a thousand things I had to say to him nor could I tell to what Country he design'd to commit himself My Uncle by Nature cruel smil'd at my misery and I had no comfort but the Tears of my Servants of that
to a real one And to delight in those things which have a certain Air or Passion well represented in them shews that the fancy of the Reader is little or nothing inferiour to that of the Writer for we can take no more pleasure in that which we understand not than in those things which we understand too well To remove the weight of a few lazy Minutes I send you the fam'd amour of a Lady whom a long Scene of Gallantry has at last render'd obnoxious to the Laws of her Country Her misfortunes make her too well known and tho' she is at present the Theme of her own Nation I am confident the story has not yet reach'd yours I 'm no such Stranger to your Modesty as not to foresee that an exact account of some Circumstances would seem culpable and therefore shall not give you just grounds for anger where my aim is to divert Yet that I may not omit those things without which the Story would be too imperfect I beg a greater liberty than is perhaps truly adequate to the narrow rules of a precise modesty I 'm too unfortunate if you think my Nature loads me beyond those bounds and I hope if any thing of that kind escape unpolish'd or without a necessary Cover you will attribute it to some other cause or at least suspend your Judgment till you see the Author and permit him to answer for himself To excuse all other faults remember I love too much to Write well and that when I 'd fix my thoughts upon this Subject I 'm surpris'd to find my Soul rides Post to you and leaves me robb'd of Fancy or Design IN Clusa the Metropolis of the wealthy Kingdom of Armenis which is compos'd of the greatest half of the Island Sindaton there liv'd a Beauty whom Fortune and Nature had joyntly bless'd with all those Graces that procure Adorers yet render the possessor not altogether happy No Man could see her and preserve his liberty and therefore no Man could think himself secure in the possession yet all the Youth of the Nation sigh'd for her and those whom Fortune had not blest with Wealth gaz'd on the happy exalted Fair and had those thoughts for her which we bear to distant Heaven when yet we cannot paint the glorious Fabrick or hope to reach the Blessing Her Father the Earl of Cisala lov'd her more than Honour he blest the Gods for this mighty gift and with pride saw himself the Master of a thousand Hearts by being the envied disposer of the Lovely Eriphile The travelling God in all his race ne're saw a form like hers beneath him Love threw his Arrows through the yielding Air or shot at random to consume the trifles her Eyes too fast supply the wilful loss and strike even those who ne're before had bow'd She seem'd the unknown Agent of the all-conquering Jove for tho' she had the softness of a pitying Goddess and the languishing looks of a yielding Virgin yet her frowns out-stretch'd thunder and shook the very State of powerful Love Believe me Albisinda the only way to express her Charms and Wit were to to say she copied you and had she prov'd as nicely Virtuous she had been indeed another Miracle But Beauty too often proves fatal to the owner and a handsome Face an Enemy to Honour All men admire the truly Charming and continued Assaults must needs shake the besieg'd or force them at least to Articles Amongst the numerous Youth of Armenis none could yet pretend to merit the happiness of her esteem and the Young Lovers had no relief from pains but when they remember'd that time must advance one to the Heaven they aim at and knew not but indulgent Providence had design'd the Bliss for them While thus she reign'd absolute in the Hearts of a thousand noble Subjects the Great Duke of Entheon arriv'd from his Travels Him too she Conquer'd but pay'd her Liberty as a price for the glorious Victory He is the first Subject of his Country yet Master of a Soul that infinitely surmounts his Birth or Quality He has the Courage of a Man in despair yet attended with the Caution and diffidency of a Coward or one who values Life Like Heaven slow to Anger but if it concerns his Fame sudden in the Execution and quicker than Lightning The liberality of a mighty Prince and the careful management of a private Subject are equally his He has the Religion of the good and wise without the Biggotry of the superstitious and ignorant Looks like a Crown'd Head yet more affable than the meanest Courtier and values the honour of his Native Country beyond his private interest or his dearer Life Admir'd by all men but himself and envied by none but Villains who damn those Virtues in others to which themselves can ne're attain He speaks most Languages and is conversant in the History of most Nations In short Madam 't is generally said of him that his Birth and breeding make him truly the first Gentleman in the World Sindalon thought her self enrich'd beyond her Neighbouring Countries and the happy Inhabitants of Armenis look'd on this miraculous Youth as their Genius or Guardian Angel Every Man became his Votary and those who had spent most of their Years abroad felt yet those little qualms and disturbances of Mind when they approach'd him which bashful Strangers know in shining Courts when ey'd by Godlike Monarchs The fairest Ladies in Clusa sigh'd for him the King doated upon him and all the World blest him Cisala amongst the rest fail'd not to shew that esteem he had for him and the Duke who greedily had heard his Daughter's Beauty universally proclaim'd forgot not to embrace his Friendship he long'd to see the Original which his Fancy at second hand began to form even beyond what it was or Nature e're cou'd make and already believ'd that in all his Travels he had seen nothing comparable to the Fair Eriphile The Earl's Country House was situated on the fertile Banks of that famous River which supsupplies Clusa with daily Necessaries and as it peaceably glides along washes the Walls of its Monarch's Garden Thither the noble Youth went to confirm the loss of his Liberty which already he had half resign'd Cisala receiv'd him with that respect his merit every where exacted without regard to Quality and now thought he had found a Husband worthy of his Daughter yet doubtful of his wish'd success he acquainted the Fair One with the arrival of his Noble Guest 'T was impossible to live in Armenis and not to have heard of him she understood the meaning of this Advertisement â—nd carefully drest her self to the best advantage an Art very commendable in Ladies and in which those of her Nation are particularly skill'd The Earl diverted him some time with the Rarities of his House and shew'd him several pieces of exquisite painting done by the greatest Masters of the Age. Entheon felt a certain unexpressible disquiet when he
spent part of the morning in reflecting upon the Accident and that ended the charming Youth began to enquire into the cause of his Banishment I wou'd not tell him why I had used him so and he departed very melancholy When he was gone I began to grieve for him remembring the pains this harsh usage wou'd bring him I straight cou'd feel them all my own and consulting my love not Reason I sent for him back again he soon return'd and found my humour much alter'd to his advantage He was infinitely o'rejoy'd and protested that when he went out of my Chamber he thought to have dy'd with the thoughts of my Indifferency He went home he knew not how and that when my message came to him he turn'd Sceptick and doubted much if he was awake This he spoke with an Air so passionate he perfectly charm'd me I lov'd and was belov'd we were alone and I cou'd not forbear to testifie my Joy Love wanton'd in my eyes and eager wishes o'rerul'd my nodding Virtue He well knew what 't was to be inflam'd He told me a thousand endearing things and printed kisses at each word he spoke We were sitting upon the Beds side it was yet early in the morning and I had nothing upon me but a loose Night-Gown and one Petticoat of a thin Silk The amorous young Man commended every thing about me my Limbs I must confess shone through the transparent Cloth and fed his fancy with a thousand Charms He claspt me gently in his trembling Arms faulter'd in his Speech and swore he dy'd for me that it was impossible to endure the violent separation from a Heav'n in view and that now he must be bless'd or for ever wretched that he fear'd his Brother's pretences and nothing cou'd secure him but a flame equal to that of his own 'T is needless Madam to tell you more I lov'd him and cou'd deny him nothing Desire grew wild fears the curs'd allays of Love fled I dream't of Joys and pleasures yet unknown my loosned Soul seem'd just upon the wing and I at last lay yielding melting trembling in his Arms his Soul sat hovering o're his Balmy Lips Love darted from his Eyes and all the Charms of that young God were in him Oh! kind Heav'n let me ever remember all those tender Vows he made while he lay panting and breathless by my side and blush'd at what was past then strove to bring the hasty Joy again Thus he obtain'd that favour which ne're bestow'd in Youth is frozen up by Icy Age and lyes unregarded till we are render'd incapable of those Blessings men wou'd give and Women can receive We gave mutual assurances of perpetual fidelity and parted both of us satisfied of others Love Some Trees seem pleasant when they first set out We give them Stays lest Winds shou'd shake the Root But in few days they shoot their boughs so far That all the Herbs beneath them wither'd are That ground which gave them Life they now destroy Stand proudly up and in the conquest joy So Love at first all gay all soft appears And next day chang'd to jealousies and fears 'T is like wild fires afar shows happiness But if approach'd grows in a moment less A Pleasure 't is before 't is fully known And that once o're it is insipid grown It cheats the distant eye and seems a Bliss But if 't is catch'd we hate the by past wish Then wonder why with so much pain we sought A thing which more allay than joy has brought For that which shin'd unto the Love-sick eye Now shows all Rust all homely when 't is nigh These thoughts did not then possess me tho' I found the truth of them too late and 't was when my misfortunes gave me melancholy hours that my Muse sung so gravely The Earl came privately and paid his Respects to the suppos'd Timandra he concluded himself happy from what the Duke told him and courted with a brisker Air than was natural to him I had order'd Casmia still to deceive him He was of a close temper trusted no Man with what was by himself reputed worthy of Secresie and when he saw his Mistress he came without Attendants About this time Adrastus who lov'd not the Earl's melancholy humour left his house and chose Lodgings for himself which chanc'd to be very nigh those of the Duke of Minoya's and therefore often paid him a visit during his sickness Adrastus was of an obliging temper and so far gain'd the Duke's esteem that he cou'd never be easie when without him While he to repay this kindness was seldom absent but when his Love to me requir'd it We liv'd very happy and Adrastus had nothing to fear or complain of He possess'd all that Love and Beauty could bestow without the prospect of a coming ill Sometimes he would tell me he heard of his Brother's visits to me but I assur'd him I had never seen him and soon calm'd those storms his growing Jealousies had rais'd One day when he came to wait upon the Duke he found him worse than he had been for some days and judging it the effect of something more than his wounds beg'd he wou'd impart the cause Minoya after he had Commanded his Servants to quit the Room my Dear Adrastus said he those wounds you see are nothing if compar'd with the Torments of my Soul I Love the Young Marchioness of Huyana I saw her that night I came to Capac and have wore her Chains ever since whose weight is nothing yet diminish'd tho I 've seen others happy even then when she strove to persuade me she ne're had nor could love any Man Adrastus was surpiz'd at what he heard and if the Duke had in the least suspected him he wou'd have read in his face-how much he was interested in the Story He durst scarce desire him to finish what he had begun so much he fear'd to be acquainted with the Infidelity of her he lov'd But the other to save him that labour proceeded and in few words told him all that concern'd the Encounter he had that Evening he receiv'd his Wounds Adrastus soon believ'd 't was his Brother he remember'd 't was the same day in which he had lost my Letter calls to mind the absence I enjoyn'd him and at last concludes me guilty When men once become Masters by Enjoyment Mole-Hills appear Mountains and that which before cou'd render them happy now they look upon as a thing useless and injurious to their repose they think Women shou'd from that moment abandon all Appetites but those they entertain for them And like wretched Misers grasp at all then sigh when they can hold no more and murmur because another may enjoy what they alone wou'd possess The Jealous Adrastus hides his pain as much as possible from the Duke and tells him that she whom he ador'd was truly the handsomest Woman in Capac and one who wou'd in time regard the Services of a Prince who merited the
enter'd some time after without acquainting her that I lodg'd in the same House A few minutes after my Heart seem'd entirely hers and when it had for a while enjoy'd it self with the thoughts of a new Beauty and judg'd the Conquest past its first Mistress wou'd return recall the wand'rer and force him to obedience and the fair Timandra still possess'd a Heart in spight of its owner We often met and the Charming Olmechine for that was the name of this kind fair one at last let me know she lov'd But did it with all the modesty of her Sex show'd a strong and nice Virtue with a powerful Love paleness o'respread her Face trembling dwelt upon her Lips her Eyes were fix'd upon the ground and her Words were moving but her Beauty more 'T was then that Love show'd himself a capricious Deity for the Maid no sooner had attack'd my Heart than 't was entirely yours I had Eyes no more for her and my inclinations being wholly chang'd I receiv'd the tender address with more indifferency than good breeding or gratitude cou'd well allow However when I had recollected my self I gave her all that Satisfaction she cou'd justly expect from a heart she knew wholly prepossest and now firmly fortified against a change I see her home at Night and inform her that I lodg'd in the same House she blush'd at the unexpected adventure and tho' she lov'd was sorry to know a Man under the same Roof with her self that was conscious to her weakness Next day I din'd with her where I made my acquaintance with her Aunt and whom I found to be the Mistress of the Family The old Gentlewoman entertain'd me very kindly and commended my shape mien and garb with all the gallantry of which one at twenty is capable and I return'd her Complements with that careless gravity to which my griefs permitted me not to be a stranger At night she came to my Room and under the notion of asking if things were in that order I wish'd them spent some hours in my Company I cou'd observe while she stay'd that nothing pleas'd her so much as when the Subject was Love The Blood sparkled through her buff Cheeks and Love lay burning in her deadned Eyes Next day I found her painted and dress'd with that gallantry that only fitted Brides of fifteen and I was a second time oblig'd to accept of a splendid Entertainment from her Thus she continu'd kind and every day gave me new grounds of suspecting the old Letcher inflam'd While the Aunt made daily advances the lovely Niece saw me but seldom and when she did 't was with all the bashfulness of a guilty young sinner whose Virtue had newly been seduc'd I paid her all those respects she deserv'd and gave my Pity when I had no more She 'd sigh look pale and gently hang her head then leave me sad because I cou'd not love Attabalippa for that was the Aunt 's name in time became a perfect plague she haunts me like a Ghost my Will and Actions seem the guide of hers and she does nothing in which her hopes to please me has not a share This made me look out for new Lodgings and I was ready to depart when my Servant Curacas came and told me the fair Olmechine lay dangerously ill of a Feaver at this a sudden tenderness seiz'd me Pity and fears lodg'd in my Breast and a thousand Torments rack'd me till I saw her I soon got admittance and having seated my self by her upon the Bed enquir'd passionately after her health the Charming Innocent wept and sigh'd then looking upon me with Eyes all Languishing answer'd I am At this a new flood of Tears broke forth and all the Charms of Beauty in distress assault my Heart and mov'd a pity equal even to Love Then taking hold of her fair hand that lay above the Cloaths I kiss'd it with all the Transports new-born flames cou'd give conjur'd her to speak I long'd to share her griefs and almost wish'd my self the Cause to have the Power of giving some relief Thus while I mourn'd over her possess'd with all the tenderness of dying Mothers for their weeping infants I cou'd see her Lips like Roses pluckt grow pale her Heart beat thick and night o'respread her Eyes her Soul half fled and she at last lay fainting in my Arms. This adds to my sorrow and lab'ring 'twixt grief and Love I gently rais'd her drooping Head and strove to kiss her back again to Life my sighs ecchoed in her ears and my groans awak'd her from this little death She look'd upon me with all the Symptoms of a Love-sick Maid and blush'd to find her self lying in my Bosom with half her Beauties open then faintly strugling threw her self down upon the Bed Ah! Sir said she for Heav'ns sake think me Virtuous tho' you 've found me weak tenderness for your loss first begot my Love then use it as the darling Child of that generous passion and not the effect of a mind unfix'd pardon the excess of a flame so pure and give me pity if you cannot Love I answer'd these obliging words with all the sweetness which her Charms inspir'd and if a flame equal to that of hers did not then possess me I told her my Gratitude and her Beauty would assist me and my Heart shou'd quickly bid adieu to its old Mistress to entertain one whose merit justly claim'd a better This eas'd the Maid and I left her more sound in mind and better than I found her Attabalippa met me just as I came out and forc'd me with her back into the Room Olmechine blush'd at the unexpected Happiness and was scarce able to look upon her Aunt because her Lover look'd and was so nigh She was glad to see her Niece alter'd to the better and going to the other end of the Room view'd her self in a large Glass opposite to the Bed and ask'd me smiling how I lik'd her dress Then told me how such a one had lov'd her that a Lord had dy'd for her and that most of the Youth in Chira still sigh'd for her and wondered where that Beauty lay which charm'd them I answered her dotage very modestly and Olmechine whose Feaver was now abated took particular notice of all that past was asham'd of her weakness and sensibly touched to find a Rival where she least look'd for one In the mean time the old Gentlewoman who had forgot something below Stairs quitted the Room after she had desir'd me to wait upon her Niece and divert her melancholy thoughts till she return'd I look'd upon the fair one with an Air that spoke me pleas'd with the opportunity and imployment and she with a Charming Voice told me she was not the only Conquest I had made and tho' she fear'd some ill Consequences from her Aunt 's passion yet she had the satisfaction of seeing Age inflam'd and lookt upon it as some excuse for hers I confess'd I had been long
tell her so the mighty Canador appear'd of whom Fame speaks so many wonders He discours'd familiarly with any Man that approach'd him look'd all Majesty and Courage yet had Mercy painted in his Face We stood sometime to see what Courtiers were with him when to the wonder of all a young Man with his Hair cut above his Ears imprison'd you 'd thought so at least in his Coat his shoes and every thing about him bespeaking his Imployment and his Gloves thrown beneath his Arm-pit approach'd He ask'd some Persons of Quality which was the King and having found him bluntly demanded if he was Canador the Soveraign of Naitrant who smiling answered he was The Seaman immediately pulls a Letter out of his Pocket and presents it with that grace inherent to men of his profession The King ask'd from whom it came And he confidently reply'd from my Companion honest Villacus a Man who has done your Majesty great service at Sea these Seven Years past He came on shoar some Months ago and after he had spent his Money with pleasure as with toyl he gain'd it was forc'd by Necessity to reimburse with the first opportunity and so had the misfortune in a Civil way to borrow some pounds upon the Road from a Gentleman for which he is now detain'd Prisoner in the Caroula and may shortly pay too much interest for the Mony if your Majesty does not discharge the Sum and relieve him speedily The King was pleas'd to open the Letter which we afterwards understood to be to this purpose Kind Sir MY Friend Pallamos the bearer hereof can tell you who I am and what I have done for you these seven Years If you will not believe him you may ask the question of Benizor our Admiral and your good Friend I I had the misfortune to be taken up for a small business which I don't desire to hear of again because I have heard too much on 't already I was try'd and Condem'd and unless you look out very sharp you may come to lose a very good Subject for I am to be hang'd to morrow or next day at farthest And d' ye see Sir I wou'd have you Remember this in time for the hours stay for no man and the Gallows is ready for any man and look ye I cannot endure the thoughts of hanging Sir Your Friend to serve you Villacus Canador taken with the Adventure laught heartily and turning to Benizor who then walk'd with him ask'd if he knew any such who reply'd he did that they were two merry Fellows had serv'd in his own Ship and were extraordinary Seamen While the King discours'd the Admiral I cou'd see the Young Tarr fix his Eyes upon Olmechine she blusht and trembl'd and he show'd no fewer marks of surprise in his Countenance when approaching Madam said he may I ask where the fair Olmechine lives and what place of this City is bless'd with so sweet a Guest This he spoke with an Air that bely'd his habit and she unable to answer only sigh'd In the mean time the King ask'd for him and bid him acquaint his Comrade with his success adding his Pardon shou'd be sent him in the Evening He who again appear'd a Seaman bow'd to his Prince after avery odd manner and tossing up his Hat after a few Pray'rs for the King and a languishing look to the fair Olmechine run off and left the Company beyond thought pleas'd with the Novelty of the address The fair confus'd one soon quit the place and as we walk'd homewards I cou'd observe her drown'd in melancholy that her Soul was o'reburden'd and she was ready to sink between two very different passions Grief and Love I ask'd the cause with all the tenderness of which a Man can be capable and she answered me in the same Language she had done the lovely Seaman Next Morning I paid a visit to the old Woman she was glad to see me but the lovely Niece no more what she had been Sickned as I enter'd The Aunt observ'd it and Remembring how she had been indispos'd that Night attributed the cause to Love and playd upon the Subject In the mean time one of the Servants enter'd and whispering something to Attabalippa the dejected Olmechine told me in a moving accent that the misfortunes of others now press'd her Heart and new pains had seiz'd her easie Soul that time wou'd shew me how weak she was and I wou'd scorn her for her past kindness This discouse amaz'd me and I was about to tell her so when her Aunt cry'd bring them in the Door was immediately open'd and I cou'd see two handsom Gentlemen enter Olmechine trembl'd look'd pale sigh'd and in a moment fainted The Aunt ran with open Arms not knowing which of them to embrace first and cry'd Oh Manco Oh Avilon The Father and the Lover equally strove to assist the Fainting fair and each regardless of Attabalippa's kindness flew like lightning to embrace the Lovely Niece Both raise her up both weep and joyntly press her Lips The Charming innocent lifted up her Eyes bless'd Heav'n then sigh'd and fainted o're again At this the Lover floods of Tears let fall curs'd his own folly rav'd because he had shewn too much oâ— Happiness at once and had not brought hâ—â— Heav'n by just degrees The Father was possest with all the tenderness of an afflicted Parent He gaz'd upon her stood motionless and in groans spoke all his griefs The Aunt was divided between hopes and fears and my endeavours for her recovery gave way to those of her first Lover At last she spoke and Charm'd them into extasie Not smiles of new-born Infants ever were so welcome to tender Mothers after all their pains as the first word she utter'd After some minutes thus spent they at last seated themselves and ask'd a thousand questions of each others Fortunes Olmechine press'd Avilon to tell her if he was the Man who had address'd the King the preceeding day for a Pardon to his Friend Manco smil'd and desir'd the Lover to satisfie her Curiosity At this I offer'd to retire but 't was beg'd I 'd stay In the mean time the Young Lord began and told her how he had met with her Father at Sea that they had both serv'd together in one Ship that a few weeks after they came to Chira they went into the Country to enquire after her where by the way the Earl was apprehended for a Robbery because he had some resemblance of the Author and being Condemn'd they had made use of that Stratagem to obtain a Pardon without discovering his Quality That when he had left the King he waited at the end of the Avenue and dog'd her home and that as soon as her Father was at liberty and they had provided themselves in handsome Cloaths they came to wait upon her The fair one wept at the story of their hardships thank'd the Gods that had restor'd her Parent to her and kneeling ask'd his Blessing The
my departure from Coloa He swore no time or accident shou'd weaken his Love that he wou'd show the Constancy of a Martyr who suffer'd for Eternal Joys Nature shou'd start and all things suffer change the Frame of Beings inverted the Earth turn'd into its primitive Chaos e're he forgot my Charms That if the Globe shook beneath him or gap'd so wide it show'd the infernal Powers howling and grinning ratling in their Chains and all the Souls of damn'd departed men or if the Skies shou'd sink by slow degrees until the Crystal Arch press'd down his Head he 'd not fear or dream of coming death his thoughts shou'd then pay homage to his Love and in this vast and terrible Confusion he 'd clasp the Fair the lovely blest Sirena lay her all trembling to his faithful Breast and then possess'd of all Heav'n could bestow he 'd smile and sinking kiss the precious treasure laugh at the angry gods and bless his glorious fall Thus we spent the few hours he still swore he lov'd and my Eyes inform'd him how readily believ'd But the Servant returning gave the usual sign and we parted tho' not before we had made a new Appointment The following day appear'd to both an Age and Time seem'd drowsie by his tardy flight at last the hour much wish'd for took its place and brought the Welcome Lover to my Soul My Brother if by design or chance I know not was absent and we enjoy'd a Heaven without disturbance For tho' he was much esteem'd by Martius and belov'd by me yet we were both glad of his absence We spoke a thousand extravagant things and Love to us appear'd the darling Virtue of the World the end for which we were made and the very Cause of our Creation He sigh'd and gaz'd upon me spoke sometimes faintly and in a Minute would grow silent grasp my hand kiss it and almost breath out his Soul in raptures I felt a sick'ning pleasure at my Heart a longing joy distracted my Soul and I wanted something to compleat the Bliss yet knew not what it was my Blood flush'd to and fro seem'd all in every part and in no part to stay but spoke my Nature toss'd 'twixt fear and gladness While thus we sat blest with our present fortune yet uneasie in the anxious wishes of a better losing the present sweets in thoughts of more a sudden noise surpris'd us in this Lethargy and wak'd us from an extasie of Love My fears on this occasion were inexpressible and knowing it too late to make use of our hempen Stairs I caught my blushing Lover by the hand conjur'd him to save my Reputation and my quiet which were now evidently in danger made so only by my Love to him He who knew how to Obey smil'd and plac'd himself behind my Bed where he remain'd unseen The Duke soon knock'd at the Door and I as expeditiously opened it Ha! Daughter cry'd he I 'm glad 't is no worse I heard some small noise in your Chamber and was concern'd for your health This I took for my Cue and with a faint voice answered that I had been ill most of that day but that I was now grown better Ah! reply'd the Duke who stood shaking in his Night-Gown you 've been too long from your Bed 't is there you must expect rest for sleep to the Sick is a reprieve from pain This allarm'd my Soul and I made use of all the Arguments I could invent to show the inconveniency of that Method he propos'd to perfect my recovery but 't was in vain he call'd for the Dutchess and she not knowing the Circumstance of affairs confirm'd him in his Resolution He withdrew into the next Room and she staid by me as if I had stood in need of her Assistance e're I could be undrest Thus I was oblig'd to obey and the Duke returning took my Mother by the hand and so left me having first wish'd me good health commended Bonzeda and order'd one of the Maids to remove the Candles My Charming Martius thus reliev'd threw himself upon his knees clasp'd my hand and sigh'd as if his winged slippery Soul had sought an opportunity to escape its Prison his continued silence and eager grasps spoke him languishing for a Joy unknown and I divided between Love Fear and Honour found my self unable to speak my thoughts Sudden motions of alternate Passions stopt my faultering Tongue and my bosom ecchoed moving sighs to his While thus our Souls and Nature seem'd at War he gently mov'd and caught me in his Arms laid his Head to my panting Breast trembl'd breath'd quick and kiss'd me with the eagerness of departing Lovers Then giving way to a flash of Love inflam'd he â—eâ—ch'd too soon that pleasure which he sought and in â—he â—eâ—rch of the unbounded Joy he lost the present transports of the mind 'T was then Madam he spoke and begg'd a thousand Pardons for the indiscretion he had committed swore he lov'd me yet even to madness and would not for a thousand Empires quit the Room I begg'd but 't was faintly he 'd leave me I told him his Servant no doubt waited for his return because the time appointed was elaps'd and if he walkt too long in the Garden it might discover what our mutual interest oblig'd us to conceal He made no reply but stopt the sound of Arguments with kisses Love reasum'd his Throne and set his Soul on Fire He claspt me again in his Arms finish'd our imperfect Joys and I could say no more than Ah my Honour Will you Love Oh kind Heavens The Night was spent with all the pleasure Love could give he swore eternal Constancy I believ'd all lov'd all and dreamt my self in Paradise Sleep was to both a stranger and coming Day prov'd hateful to the sight we shrinkt and smil'd and wish'd a Night like that in which great Jove his dear Alemena blest inverting order to promote his Joys At last we parted but with those pleasant desires which Men enjoy when dreaming of a Heaven they ne're possest or know but faintly in a tempting trance they grieve their judgment was no longer husht and wish and long to see the Scene again In the morning the Duke came to see me the Count was with him and both of them alledg'd I had not slept last Night that my eyes verifi'd this truth and I was unjust to my self in not having a greater regard for my Health The fresh remembrance of what had past made Bonzeda's visit more unwelcome than ever and my aversion for him almost cast me into a Feaver Xensa who observ'd my disorder but not the Cause presently left me after he had told me that he hop'd a few Days would bring me perfect ease and give him that happiness he had so often wish'd of seeing me married to his Friend a Man who well deserv'd my esteem and lov'd me passionately A few minutes thereafter Artaxus enter'd and told me he had been at Bonzeda's had seen