it could not be him that hath maâ—â— my treacherous man act thus since he beat hiâ— when they met with you and how do you knoâ— â—hat said Star for I do not remember that I have â—iscovered any thing of it to you you shall be â—nformed sully as soon as I am acquainted with â—he manner of your being drawn out of Manse â—eplyed he I cannot give you any better account â—hen what I have already hinted at answered Star The day after Cave and my self arrived at Manse your man brought me a Horse as from you and â—eeming to be very much troubled told me that you had been wounded by those that stole away Angelica and very much requested that I would â—ome to you I took Horse the same hour alâ—hough it were very late I lodged about six Leagues from Maâ—se in a place the name whereof 〈◊〉 have forgotten and the next day at the entrance into a Wood I was stopped by some unknown persons I saw your man ill used and was grieved for it I saw a Woman thrown down from a Horse likewise in a very uncivil manner and I knew it to be my associate but the sad condition I then was in my self and troubles I conceived for you made me soon lose all thoughts of her They set me up in her place and travelled along till night after we had rode a great way and most commonly through unfrequented Lanes we arrived very late in the Night at a mock Gentlemans who would not receive us There it was that I discovered Saldaigne and the certainty that it was he compleated my dispair We marched again a long time and in fine they made me go secretly into the house whence you most happily redeemâ—ed me Star ended the Narration of her adventures just as the day began to appear they then found themselves in a great Road that went dâ—rectly to Manse and hastned their Horses fasteâ—â— then they had done to get into a Town which laâ— before them Destiny infinitely desired to meâ—â— with his man to discover from what other enemy besides Saldaigne they were to guard them selves in that Country but there was no greaâ— likelihood that after such an ugly act as he haâ— committed he would ever come in his sight again He told his dear Star all what he knew concerninâ— Angelica when a man strethed out at his full lengtâ— close by a hedge so afrighted their horses thaâ— Destinys had almost leaped away from under him and Madam Stars threw her upon the ground Destiny being troubled at her fall made all the hast he could to raise her up again while his horsâ— went back snorting blowing and stumbling aâ— frighted jades use to do The Damosel was noâ— hurt the horses forgot the fright and Destiny went up to see whether the man were living oâ—dend One may say he was both being so lamentably drunk that although he snored louâ—â— enough which was a certain to en of life in him yet Destiny could hardly make him awake In the end with much pulling and tumbling he opened his eyes and discovered himself to be that very Servant of his he so much wished to find The Rogue as drunk as he was soon knew it was his Master and was so perplexed when he beheld him that Destiny doubted now no longer of the Treason he had before suspected him guilty of He demanded of him wherefore he had told Madam Star that he was wounded wherefore he carried her out of Manse whither he would have led her and who furnished him with a horse but he could get no answer from him whether he were too drunk or counterfeited it out of craft Destiny grew angry gave him some blows with his Sword and having tied his hands with his horse Reins made a shift with some other trappings he had about him to lead him along his Prisoner He cut a good Cudgel from a Tree to make use of upon occasion if his man should refuse to trot after him handsomely He set his Damosel up on Horse-back again and mounted his own likewise continuing on his way with his Prisoner running by his side like a Grey-hound The Town they saw before them was the very same he parted from two days before where he left Mounsieur la Garouffiere and his Company who were there still because Madam Bouvillon had been sick of a furious Cholora Morbuus When Destiny arrived there he found neither Rancour Olive nor Ragotin who were gone back to Manse as for Leander he left not his dear Angelica I shall not tell you in what manner she received Madam Star one may easily imagine the Caresses betwixt two Virgins that were intire friends and had run through so many dangers since they parted Destiny informed la Garouffiere of the success of his journey and having entertained him a while private they caused Destinys man to be brought into a room in the Inn. There he was examined anew and because he would still play the dumb delinquent they called for a cord to tie his thumbs At the sight of that engine he fell upon his knees wept very sorely begg'd pardon of his Master and confessed thaâ— la Rapiniere had put him upon all he had done having promised him in recompence to take him into his Service They understood by him also that Rapiniere was at a house within two League of that place which he had gotten from a pooâ— ancient Widdow Destiny spoke again in privatâ— with Garouffiere who at the same time sent a Lackey to tell la Rapinâ—ere that he must needs comâ— to him about a business of consequence This Counsellor of Renes had a great deal of poweâ— over that Provost of Manse He had reprieved him from being broken on the Wheel in Brittany and had still protected him in all his criminal dangers Not but that he knew him to be a greaâ— Villain but la Rapinieres wife was somewhat allyed to him The foot man that was sent found him just ready to mount on horse-back to go to Manse as soon as ever he heard that la Garouffierâ— wanted his Company he set forward to obey him Mean time la Garouffiere who pretended to a great deal of Wit had called for a bag of Papers whence he drew forth Poems of all sorts good and bad He read them to Destiny and afterwards took out this little story which he had translated out oâ— Spanish as you may read it in the following Chapter CHAP. XIV The Judge of his own Cause IN Africa amongst certain little Rocks bordering the Sea which are not distant from the great City of Fez above an hours riding Prince Mulei Son of the King of Marocco was left alone in the night time having lost his way in hunting The skie was not spotted with the least cloud the Sea smooth which the Moon and Stars made it bright in fine it was one of those fair nights usual in those hotter Climates which are far more pleasant then the fairest days in our colder
my Mother to make her first progress who was more eager then himself and became in a short time a most rare Player She was with child the first year of her Marriage and brought me into the world behind the Theater a year after I had a Brother who loved me extreamly well as I loved him Our Company was composed of our own Family and three other Actors whereof the one was wedded to a Comedian that plaid a meaner part We passed one day throw a Hamlet of Perigort and my Mother the other Actor and my self were upon the Waggon that carried our goods and our men guarded us on foot when our small Train was set upon by seven or eight Vilains so drunk that having shot off a fowling Piece to frighten us I was covered with a showre of the small Shot and my Mother hurt in the Arm They seized my Father and two of his compagnons before they â—uld put themselves in any defensive posture and â—eat them cruelly my Brother and the youngest â—f our Actors fled and since that time I could neâ—er recover the least news of him The Inhabitants â—f the Hamlet joined with those that committed â—his insolence and made our Waggon return agen that way it came They marched very fast and precipitately as those that have gotten a rich Booty and are in hast to secure it and made so â—onfused a noise they could not understand each other After an hours hurry they drove us into a Castle where as soon as we were entered we heard several people cry out with a great deal of joy That the Gypsies were Trapan'd By this we knew they were mistaken for those we were nothing of kin unto and that afforded some kind of consolation The Mare that drew our Carriage fell down dead through weariness having been so overdriven and cudgelled The Player to whom it belonged and who hired it out to the company shreeked out as pittifully as if she beheld the death of her husband My Mother at the same instant fell into a swoon with the pain of her Arm and my noise and moan for her was greater then the others for her Mare The great clamour which we and those savage Drunkards that brought us prisoners made caused the Lord of the Castle with some four or five other ill complexion'd Scarlet Cloaks that followed him to come out to us He at the very first word ask'd Where those theeving Gypsies were and put us in alarm But finding none amongst us but fair people he demanded of my Father what he was and had â—â— sooner information that we were unhappy Câ—medians but with an Impetuosity which surprâ—zed us and many of the most fearful Oaths thaâ— ever I heard he fell upon those that had taken uâ— with his Sword who vanished in a moment somâ— as much hurt as the rest were scared He cause my Father to be unbound with his companions commanded to conduct us Females to a Chamber and put all our baggage into a secure place Several domestique servants presented themselveâ— to serve us and prepared a Bed for my Motherâ— who found her self much discomposed with the wound on her Arm. A fellow who had the Meeâ— of a Steward came and made several excuses oâ— his Lords behalf for what had happened He told us that those Rascals who were so unfortunately mistaken were driven out of the Castle either well beaten or lamed that they had dispatched away a messenger to the next Village to bring back a Chyrurgion for my Mother and made a very hot inquiry whether or no we had lost any thing wishing us to have our Trinkets searched to know whether any thing were wanting At supper time they brought us a very handsome Treat into our Chamber the Chyrurgion they had sent for came my Mothers Arm was drest and she put to bed in a very high Feaver The next day the Lord of the Castle caused all the Comedians to be brought before him He informed himself of my Mothers condition and vowed she should not stir thence till she were perfectly recevered He had so much goodness also as he caused a strict search to be made all about those parts for my Brother and the young fellow that made their escape together but they could not be retrived and this added much to my Mothers former Feaver They also had a Doctor and another Chyrurgeon more expert then he that had first dressed my Mothers wound and in fine the civil entertainment they made for us made us soon lose the Memory of their former violence The Gentleman with whom we were was very rich more feared then beloved in the Country severe in all his actions as a Governor of a Frontire Garrison and one that had the Reputation of being Valiant as much as could be desired He was called the Baron of Sigognac by this time he is at the least a Marquesse and at that time he was the very Tyrant of Perigord A crew of Gypsies that had nestled within his Precinct had stollen some Horses from a Farm that he had within a League of his Castle and the people he sent to pursue them had mistaken us to our Cost as I have already related My Mother perfectly recovered and my Father and his Comerades to express their acknowledgments as much as poor Comedians could do for their Civility and Care proffered to act in the Castle as long as the Baron of Sigognac would require them an over-grown Page of at least four and twenty years old who might have been the Dean of all the Pages in the Kingdom and another a kind of Gentleman-waiter learned the parts my Brother and the other young fellow that slipt away with him should have Acted The rumour of a Comedy to be Acted spreaâ— round about the Country many of the Perigâ—rliâ—â— Nobility was invited and when the Page had perfectly learned his part which was so difficult for him to attain to that they were forced to contraâ— it and reduce it all into a Distick ' we represented Rogiero and Bradamant written by Garnter thâ— Poet. There was a very good Audience the Haâ— well lighted the Theater very convenient and the Scenes fitted to the subject we strained to dâ— our utmost and had the good fortune to succeed My Mother appeared as beauteous as aâ— Angel armed like an Amazon and being newly recovered of her Malady that had left a Whiteness more then ordinary she out-shone the very Tapers that illuminated the place But what great cause soever I have now to be sad yet can not I forbear laughing when I remember that day and the pleasant manner of the great Pages acting my melancholly must not rob you of this Mirth but perhaps you will not find it such yeâ— I must assure you that it made the whole Company laugh heartily and hath often made mâ— laugh since at the least remembrance of it whether it were that there was somewhat worth the laughing at or that I am one of those that
at that time the Jester Drole or Buffoon of the City oâ— Manse It is not one alone that can serve turn in Paris for they have one at least in every Ward I my self that now Write might havâ— had the dignity for the quarter I dwell in Buâ— I have long since renounced all the Vanities oâ— this world as those that know me well can justifie To return to Monsieur De la Rappiniere he soon renewed the conversation which the scuffle had interrupted and asked our young Player if their company were composed but of Mad. Cave Monsieur Rancour and himself Our company replied he is as full and compleat as the Prince of Orange's or the Duke of Espernons But by a disgrace which hapned to us at Tours where one of our hair-brain'd door-keepers kill'd one of our Governours Guard we were forced to pack away in all hast with one shoe off another on in the equipage you see us Those Soldiers have done as much at La Flesche said La Rappiniere St. Anthony's fire consume them said the good woman they are the cause we can have no Play Acted That should be no hinderance replied the old Commedian had we but the keys of our Chests to come at our Cloaths for we could undertake to please the Gentlemen of this Town four or five days before we go to Alenzon where the rest of our company is to Rendezvous This answer made every one prick up his ears La Rappiniere proffer'd an old gown of his Wives to Cave and the Tennis Court woman two or three sutes of Cloaths she had in pawn to Destiny and Rancour But said one that was present there are but three of you Puh says Rancour I have Acted a Play my self alone and have personated at the same time the King the Queen and the Ambassadour I spake very shrill and small when I acted the Queen when I Acted the Ambassadour I spake thorow the Nose turning my self towards a Chair where I had placed my Crown and when I came to the Kings part I ascended my Throne put on my Crown and assumed a kind of Gravity with a bigger and more manly voice and least you should doubt this if you will but satisfie our Carter and detray our charge in our Inn furnish us but with your cloaths you shall see us act before night yet or else we will go drink by your leave or fell our selves a little because we have traveled a great journey this day already The proposition pleased the company but that Devil De la Rappiniere who was ever studying to do mischief said they needed no other habits but two suits belonging to a couple of young Citizens that were playing a seâ— at Tennis since Madam Caves dress would serve for any person in a Play No sooner said but as soon done in less then half a quarter of an hour the Players had drunk every one a dish or two were Travesty'd and the company which was ere this encreased having taken their places in an upper room from behind a foul sheet which was drawn aside appears the Player Destiny lying on a bed-mat with a wicker basket for a Crown upon his head rubbing his drowsie eyes like one that is newly waked and repeating Herod part in a sad tone which begins thus Injurious Ghost that troublest my Repose The Plaister which cover'd the one half of his face did not hinder him from approving himself a most excellent Actor Madam Cave did wonderfully well in Mariana's and Salomes parts and Rancour gave every one very great satisfaction in what he undertook so that the Play went exceeding well when the Devil who never sleeps plaid his part too and made the Tragedy end not with the death of Mariana and Herods dispair but with a thousand sound blows as many buffets kicks beyond number and infinite Oaths and at last a good account of all taken upon examination by La Rappiniere the most expert of mankind in such affairs CHAP. III. The deplorable success of the Play IN all the subordinate Towns of this Kingdom there is commonly a Tennis Court where the idler sort of people flock together some to play and others to look on or bet In these places it is where they curse and swear frequently riming so richly on the name of God there they spare neither friend nor foe in their discourse murthering the reputation of their absent neighbours with their poisonous tongues they give quarter to none but treat mankind like Turks and Heathens every one being admitted to scoff and raillie according to the Talent he is Master of It is in one of these Tennis-courts as I remember that I left three Comical Persons reciting Mariana before a Right Honourable Audience of which la Rappiniere was chief at the same instant when Herod and Mariana were contending the two young men from whom they had taken the Sutes so freely came into the Chamber in their Drawers each having his Racket in hand They had neglected their being rub'd for hast to see the Comedy they soon knew their own clothes worn by Pherore and Herod and the most cholerick of the two turning towards the Marker Son of a Bitch said he wherefore didst thou lend my clothes to that Puppet-player The poor fellow knowing what a rugged Blade he was replies with all humility that it was not he And who was it then you Cuckold Squire added he He durst not accuse la Rappiniere to his face but he himself who was the most insolent person in the World rising a little out of his Chair said It was I what have you to say to me That you are a Sot replyed the other giving him an unmerciful rap over the Pate with his Racket La Rappiniere was so amazed with his being prevented by this blow which was the advantage he ever used to take of others that he remained immovable either out of admiration or because he was not yet heated enough in his Harness for he could not be easily provoked to venture his Carcase though it were only at Cuffs and perhaps the Quarrel had ended there if his Man who had more spirit than the Master had not fallen upon the Assailant with a smart blow on his face attended with all its circumstances and followed it at random with a number of others La Rappiniere set upon him in the Rear and began to belabour him with all his might as being most concern'd A Kinsman of his Adversaries flies on la Rappiniere after the same manner he was engaged by a friend of la Rappinieres to make a diversion this last was assaulted by another and he by another likewise In the end all in the Chamber were engaged one swore the other rail'd and all scuffled bravely The Woman of the house finding her houshold-stuff going to wrack filled the Air with her pitiful out-cries to say the truth they were all in danger of perishing with flinging of Chairs and Forms and giving Kicks and Cuffs if some of
the Magistrates of the Town who were passing by with the Sheriff had not come up at the Alarum Some were of opinion to throw two or three Pales of Water among them to cool their courage and this remedy might perhaps have proved effectual had they not parted out of pure lassitude Besides that two Father Capucins moved with charity came upon the spot and made not a firm peace but a kinde of Truce in which interim they might treat without prejudice taking an account of either party This Player Destiny behaved himself so stoutly â—t Fifty-cuffs that the Fame of his Prowess remains yet fresh in the memory of those Citiâ—ens according to the report of the two young Hectors Authors of the Quarrel with whom he was particularly engaged and so shrewdly bang'd as he did many others that they were quickly forc'd to leave the Field He lost the Plaister from his face during the Skirmish which discovered a face as handsome as the shape of his body The bloody muzles were washed with cold water the torn bands were changed some at a plasmes were applyed the rent clothes were stitched up the houshold-stuff marshalled in due place but not altogether so whole as in the beginning of the Fray In fine some moments after there remained no signes of any Combate but only a little animosity was legible in their countenances The poor Players went out a good while after with la Rappiniere who would needs have the last word As they went cross the Market they were surrounded by seven or eight Bravo's with Weapons in hand le Rappiniere as he was wont grew very fearful and had found cause form had not Destiny most generously interpos'd and put by a Thrust which had run thorow him which nevertheless he could not so absolutely avoid but he received a sleight wound in his Arm He drew his Sword upon this and in a very short time forced two of theirs out of their hands open'd one or two of their Skulls sliced their Ears and so Nobly defeated the Ambuscade of these Monsieurs that al the Spectators protested they never saw so valiant a Champion This routed Party was set on la Rappiniere by two young Gallants one whereof had married his Sister who began the Fray with his Racket And it is very probable la Rappiniere had been spoil'd had not fortune raised him this valiant Comedian for Desendour This good turn somwhat softned his stony heart so that not enduring this poor scatter'd Remnant of a broken Company should be forced to quarter at an Inn he invited them to his own house where the Carter unloaded their Players trumpery and return'd back to his native Village CHAP. IV. In which is contined the relation of Mr. la Rappiniere with what hapned in his House at that Night MIstress la Rappiniere received the Company with great civility being a woman that submitted her self more freely than any other she was not ugly though so lean and dry that she never snuffed a Candle with her fingers end but they took fire I could relate a hundred rare stories which I omit as being too prolix In half an hour the two women were so well acquainted that they had no other Title but my Dearest and my Joy at every turn La Rappiniere who was as full of vain-glory as any finical Barber in the town bid them at his first coming home repair to the Kitching and Larder and charge the Officers to hasten Supper This was a pure Rodomontado for besides an antient Groom that kept his Horse he had no other servants but a young wench and an old hobling Chair-woman as sickly as a decai'd Bitch But his pride had a fall by an accident that befel him He ordinarily ate at the Inns upon other Prodigal young fools charges and his Family at home so well regulated they were reduced to Cabbige and Pottage according to the custom of the Countrey desiring to appear like some body before his Guests and regale them with extraordinaries he thought to have convey'd some money to his man behind his back wherewith to purchase a treat But whether it were the servants or the Masters fault I know not how the money falls gingling down upon the arm of his Chair where he sat and from thence to the ground la Rappiniere look'd very blew upon it his Wife blush'd Rancour did not mind it the servant swore and Cave smil'd but as for Destiny I cannot now tell what effect it wrought upon his spirit Well the money was gathered up again and whilst the Supper was providing they entred into conversation La Rappiniere ask'd Destiny wherefore he disguised his face with a Plaister He told him there was Reason enough for being accidentally forc'd to make his escape in those uncouth clothes he was willing to hide his face from the knowledge of his Enemies by keeping it under that cloud In the end the Supper such as it was came in la Rappiniere drunk till he was fudled and Rancour was up to the Hilts in the blood of Pacchus Destiny eat very soberly like a temporate man Cave like a famish'd Player and Mistress la Rappiniere as a woman that took advantage of the present opportunity that is to say till she was over-gorg'd Whilest afterwards the servants were feeding and the beds making ready la Rappiniere tired them with a thousand frivolous stories Destiny lay alone in a little private Chamber Cave with the young Wench in a by-closer and Rancour I know not where with the serving-man They had all a great mind to sleep some for weariness the other with repletion and yet they slept but very little so uncertain is every thing in this world After her first slumber Mistriss la Rappiniere had a mind to do that which no body could do for her her Husband wak'd immediately after she was gone though he were sufficiently drunk still and finding he was left alone he called his Wife but was not answered this bred a jealousie his jealousie made him mad and this madness made him rise in an instant Going out of his Chamber he hears somthing trampling just before him a while he steals after it And in the midst of a little Entry that led to Destiny's Chamber he found himself so near the Party he traced that he was ready to tread on the heels of it he thought to lay hands upon his Wife and seizes upon it crying out Ah you Whore But he grasp'd nothing but Air while his feet meeting a stumbling-block down comes he with his Nose on the floor where some sharp thing punch'd his breast so desperately That he bawl'd out Murther I am stabb'd still keeping hold of his Wives Lock as he imagin'd who was strugling to get away from underneath him At his out-cries curses and damnable oaths all the house was in an uproar and every one came to help him just at the same moment the maid servant with a Candle Rancour and the old groom in their nasty shirts Cave
same day Doguin was met with by one of the young men whom he had beaten the day before at the Tenis Court and return'd home with two good cuts over the pate and infinite bastonado's and because he was so much wounded Rancour after supper went to lye at the next Inn very much tyred with trotting so much about the Town in company of Destiny and La Rappiniere who would needs have satisfaction for thus misusing his Servant CHAP. VI. The accident of the Chamber-Pot the troublesom Nigh Rancour gave the Inn The Arrival of part of the Players Company The Death of Doguin and other remarkable passages RAncour came to the Inn little better than half drunk Mrs. Rappinier's Maid who conducted him desired the Hostess to have a bed made for him A great purchase indeed said the Landlady if this be the best trade we must look for good buoy Landlord i' faith you must seek your Rent elswhere Hold your peace you Sot replyed her Husband Monsieur de la Rappiniere does us too much Honour therefore provide the Gentleman a bed quickly Marry come up quoth she but you must know where to find one first there was but one to spare and that is just now taken up by a good Merchant The Merchant came in just at the nick of time and having understood the cause of their Quarrel proffer'd Rancour part of his bed whether it were that he had business with la Rappiniere or that he were naturally obliging for which Rancour gave him as many thanks as his barren civility could afford The Merchant supp'd mine Host kept him company and Rancour was easily entreated to make up a third and took off his Cups roundly at another mans cost They discoursed of Taxes railed against Excise-men and undertook to govern the Kingdom but were so ill Governors over themselves and especially mine Host that he drawes out his Purse and calls for the Reckoning forgetting he was eating Oats at his own Manger his Wife and her Maid seeing him in this pickle pull'd him out by head and shoulders and clapt him on a bed in his clothes Rancour told the Merchant he was much troubled with a difficulty of making water and waâ— therefore very sorry he should be forced to disturb him to which the Merchant replyed thaâ— a Night was soon over The bed stood in a corner of the Chamber with one side close to the Wall Rancour gets in first and takes up the further side and the Merchant having laid himself outermost Rancour desires he would help him to the Chamber-pot And what do you intend to do with it saies the Merchant I must contrive some way to set it by me replies Rancour for fear of troubling you too often in the Nâ—ght The Merchant freely proffered to reach it to him upon all occasions to which Rancour seemed but unwillingly to consent protesting it would grieve him to the heart to disturb him so much the Merchant fell asleep before he could make answer and he was scarce thorowly so but the malicious Player who was of such a damned humour he would willingly lose an eye of his own to put out another mans pulled the poor Merchant by the arm crying out Sir O dear Sir The Merchant not quite awake askt him yawning what is' t you desire Pray give me the Pot a little said Rancour the other reacheâ— to the Flore and taking it up gives it into Rancours hands who seemingly strived to piss and after a hundred proffers and trials and as many oaths and mutterings between his teeth not forgetting to bemoan and bewail himself he returns the Pot to the Merchant without one drop in it The Merchant sets it down in its place again and gaping as wide as an oven for want of sleep truly Sir said he I pitty you very much and immediately fell into a sound sleep again Rancour lets him sleep on a pretty while and when he heard him begin to snore as heartily as if he had done nothing else all his life time the perfidious Rascal wakens him again and calls for the Chamber pot as maliciously as he did the time before The Merchant gives it him as orderly as at first Rancour holds it to the place out of which we use to piss but with as little design to piss as to let the Merchant rest in quiet he cries out louder then before and was twice as long not pissing conjuring the Merchant not to trouble himself any more with reaching the Pot telling him it was unreasonable and he would make a shift to do it well enough himself The poor man who would at that time have given half his estate to have fetch'd out his sleep drouzily told him he might do as he pleased and set the pot down again They bid each other good night very civilly and the poor Merchant would have ventured a good wager that he should now sleep as quietly as ever he did in his life Rancour who knew what would happen lets him fairly engage himself a while to a most sweet repose and making no conscience of waking him he lays his sharp elbow just upon the pit of his stomach and throwing his whole body forwards stretches his arme out of the bed as we use to doe to take up any thing from the bed-side The Unfortunate Merchant start up awake feeling himself almost stifled and prest to death crying out horribly with an oath O Sir you kill me Rancour replies with as much softness as the other spake with passion I beg your pardon I was only going to reach the Pot. Ah! cri'd the other I had rather watch'd the whole night and given it you my self for you have done that to me which I shall carry to my Grave Rancour made him no answer but pissed so copiously and with so much strength that this noise alone had been sufficient to have awaked the Merchant He filled the Pot up to the brim blessing god with a Phanitical Hipocrisie The poor Merchant congratulated as well as he could the emptying of his bladder and plentifull ejaculation of Urine which made him promise himself an uninterrupted sleep when the cursed Rancour making as if he would set down the pot again let both it and the piss fall down upon the gentlemans Face Beard and Breast crying out Alas Sir I entreat your pardon The Merchant made no return to his civility for as soon as he felt himself pickled in that liquor he rose up howling like a Fury and bawling for a Candle Rancour with a most cunning calmness said faith this is an unlucky accident but the Merchant continued his clamours The Host Hostess Tapsters and Chambermaids took the Alarum and came to them the Merchant telling them they had brought him the Devil for a bed-fellow called for a fire in another Room They demanded what he ailed but his anger was so unexpressible he gave no reply but caught up his Cloaths and Portmanteau and went into the Kitchen to dry himself where
very stately house that had been lately built with many others which together makes it one of the pleasantest places about the whole City Saint Far and Verville went often to the Kings Palace to the Courts De La Reine or their private Visits as all young men of quality are wont which distinguishes them from country-Gentlemen as much as any other character And for my own part when I waited not on them I haunted all the Fencing Schools and play houses perpetually which was perhaps one means to make me become a tolerable Actor Verville took me aside one day and confessed to me he was hugely in love with a Gentlewoman that dwelt in the same street He told me she had a Brother by name Saldaigne who was as jealous both of her and another sister under his tuition as if he had been their husband and moreover he said he had made no little progress in his Amours having gained her consent to give him a meeting in their garden by night the door of the garden looking towards the fields as that of our house did likewise Having discovered this secret to me he intreated me to accompany him conjuring me to get as much as I could possibly in the Womans favour that attended her I could not reasonably refuse a man I was so vastly indebted too So we went forth of our back door about ten a clock at night and were admitted to the Garden where the Mistris and her woman waited for us The poor Innocent Lady trembled like a leaf and could not speak Vervilles courage was but little better the waiting woman was mute and I who onely came to accompany Verville spake nothing neither nor had any desire to twattle At last Verville took hearty grace and led his Mistris into a by alley having first charged the waiting woman and my self to play the Centries part which we observed so religiously that for a long time we walked together without opening our lips or moving our tongues At the end of our walk we met with the young pair of Lovers Verville asked me aloud whether I had Courted Madam Maudlin as the deserved I replyed that I thought she had no reason to complain no in troth answered the Lass for as yet he hath not troubled me with a word Verville laughed at her words and assured Mandlin that I was worth her conversation though I were somewhat Melancholly by nature Madam Saldagne said likewise that her woman was not to be dispised and thereupon they left us again onely bidding us be sure that no body came to surprize them I then prepared to have my ears grated by a waiting woman whom I expected would now examine me about my wages what acquaintance I held amongst the Chamber-maids in that Parish how many new songs I could sing or furnish her in writing and such other like trifling questions After this though I she will discover the secrets and intrigue of the Family and lay open her Masters and Ladies vertues or defects according as she likes the service she is entred into For there are few servants that meet and do not slander or applaud their Masters and tell what little regard they have either of their own Fame or their servants wages unless they mistrust the Fidelity of the hearers which makes them slatter more and abuse them more grosly But I was amazed at the discourse of one that began thus I conjure thee thou dumb Spirit to tell me whether thou art a Servant or not and if thou art a Servant by what rare Vertue thou hast refrained thus long from slandering thy Master To hear a Chamber-maid speak so extraordinarily surprised me much and made me ask her by what Authority she undertook to exorcise me I perceive said she thou art a stubborn Spirit and dost require a double conjuration Tell me therefore Rebellious Spirit by the Power is given me over all Proud and self-conceited Serving-men tell me what thou art I am a poor young fellow replied I that would fain be now a sleep in my bed It will be no easie thing to sift thee out pursued she but yet thus much I cleerly discover already that thou hast little of a courtier in thee for added she should not you have first broken silence to me by an humble address then have taken me by the Lilly hand shot a Legion of Amorous Bolts and Sentences prated impertinently strugled for a kiss and attempted to storm my breast till you had been beaten off with a sound cuff or two on the ear as many kicks in the britch and scratches over the nose and then have returned home with these scars of Honour Love and Fortune De la Guerre There are some such maids in Paris indeed said I from whom I should take all these little affronts as favours and blesse the gentle cruel hands that gave them but there are others too that I should dread to look upon for fear of dreaming asterwards of the Devil What you hint said she that I perhaps am one of those Scare-Crows but good Master-Hard-To Please or Master Sweet-Lips do not you remember the old saying that All Cats are grey in the dark Yes but replied I we must not therefore venture to do that in the dark whereof we may have cause to repent when the light appears But if I be handsom said she what then Then I have shewed you less respect then you deserve replyed I for if your beauty be equall to the charmes of your wit you deserve not onely common Courtship but adoration that is in a formal way according to the modern rules And could you serve a Lady according to the rules in fashion Said she Better then any man living replied I provided I loved her What 's matter for that said she so she fancy you Nay both must joyn Issue where I engage replied I Well truly said she If we may judge of the Master by the serving man then hath my Mistris made no ill choice in Monsieur Verville and that waiting-maid that could smite you would have no little cause to be proud of her purchase 'T is not enough to hear me only said I you must see me too I believe either may be better let alone replies she Here our conversation ended For Monsieur Saldagn knocked aloud at the street door which they made no over-great haste to open that his siister might have time to slip up into the Chamber The poor Lady and her woman went away in such haste and disorder that they had not the leisure to bid us adieu when they turned us forth of the Garden Verville would needs have me go along with him to his Chamber when we got home I never saw a man so much in love and so well pleased He extolled the Wit of his Mistris and told me he should never be satisfied till I had seen her In fine he kept me there all night repeating every thing over and over so often that I could get no
Commissary told them with a great deal of câ—â—fidence that he had no body with him but his Wife Elvira de Silva Don Pedro answered he â—as deceived his Daughter being engaged to â—nother party and for you pursued he you canâ—ot deny but Victoria Portocarrero is your lawâ—â—l Spouse Victoria then discovered her self 〈◊〉 her faithless Galant who was astonished beâ—ond expression She reproached his ingratiâ—â—de to which his silence was his onely plea as â—ell as to the Commissary when he told them 〈◊〉 could do no less in duty then carry him away 〈◊〉 Prison In fine his remorse of Conscience â—â—ar of Imprisonment together with Don Pedros â—â—thortations who minded him of his honour â—â—d reputation joyned to Victorias tears and â—â—auty nothing inferiour to Elviras and above 〈◊〉 some sparks of generosity still remaining in 〈◊〉 heart notwithstanding all his youth love 〈◊〉 change and the new flames kindled by Elâ—â—ras bright eyes made him hearken to reason â—â—d justice and Victorias great deserts and claim 〈◊〉 tenderly embraced her she being like to â—oon betwixt his arms which no doubt but 〈◊〉 soft Kisses preserved her from Don Pedro â—on Diego and fair Elvira shared in Victorias â—â—ys which infinitely transported both Santilâ—â—â—e and Beatrix to find their designs brought that perfection Don Pedro applauded Don Ferâ—â—nds goodness and wisdom for thus Nobly reâ—â—ring the wrongs he had committed The two â—â—ung Ladies hugged each other with as great â—â—stimonies of Love as if they had been sisters 〈◊〉 Diego de Maradas made a thousand protestations of obedience to his Father in Law or hâ—â— that should be so in a short season Don Pedrâ— before he took his Daughter home with him made them plight their mutual faith and promises and Engage that they should all comâ—â— and Dine the next day at his House where foâ— fifteen days following he would indeavour 〈◊〉 disband their former troubles by their futurâ— pastimes and divertisements The Commissary was invited too who ingaged to make uâ— one at their merry meeting Don Pedro too him along with him and Don Fernand remained with Victoria who had as much reason â—â—bless her good Fortune now as she had cause tâ— curse it formerly CHAP. XXIII An unexspected misfortune which hindred them from Acting the Comedy INezilla told her story very gracefully Râ—quebrune was so well satisfied with it that hâ—â— caught up her hand and kissed it whether shâ—â— would or not She said to him in Spanish thaâ— great persons and fools had the liberty to dâ—â— â—ny thing for which Rancour gave her thanks 〈◊〉 his heart This Spanish Ladies beauty began 〈◊〉 decay yet were there many footsteps and â—elicks of her former handsomeness to be seen â—ut had she been less fair the ingenuity she was â—â—ill Mistress of made her deserve to be preferâ—â—d before most youthful people that had freshâ—â— faces indeed but wanted her sparkling wit â—ll those that heard her story agreed in this â—hat she had told it very pleasantly though in Language she was but yet a Scholar in being â—ftentimes compelled to make use of some Spaâ—ish and Italian Phrases to express her mind â—adam Star told her that instead of craving â—ardon for having put her to this trouble she â—xspected her thanks for giving her so fair an â—ccasion to shew her ready wit and judgement â—he rest of the afternoon was spent in converâ—â—tion the Garden being full of Ladies and â—any Citizens of Note till Supper time They â—upped after their Country mode that is to say â—t very plentifully which being over every â—ne took their place to see the Play But Madam â—ave and her Daughter were missing They sent 〈◊〉 seek them out and it was half an hour at â—east before any tidings came At last they â—eard a great rumour without the Hall and â—resently after in comes Madam Cave with her â—air hanging about her ears her face bloody â—nd bruised crying out like a distracted creaâ—â—re that her Daughter was stoln away Her â—bbs and sighes did so interrupt her speech â—â—at it was a long time before she could make them understand how a couple of strangers being gotten into the Garden by a back door where she and her Daughter were repeating their Parts one of them ceazed upon her whose eyes she had almost scratched out of his head seeing two others force her Daughter to go with them the same Rascal having put her into that sad condition as they saw and afterwards mounting on Horseback followed his Comerades whilst they fled away with Angelica She told them likewise that she persued them as far as she could crying out a Rape but finding no body was within hearing she hasted back again to the house to beg their assistance Having said this she fell into such a fit of weeping as made alâ— their very hearts ake with grief The whole company was disturbed Destiny got to horse upon a beast that had newly brought Ragotin to the place I cannot justly tell whether or not iâ— were the same that threw him in the morning 〈◊〉 Many other young men took the first horses they could lay hands on and Rode after Destiny who was gotten a good way before them Rancouâ— and Olive marched a Foot with their swords in their hands in the rear of the horse Roquebruâ—â— staid with Star and Inezilla who were indeavouing to comfort Cave as much as they could Iâ— was somewhat wondred at that he did not goe along with the rest some beleeved it was for wanâ— of courage but others thought it rather discretion to stay with the women In the mean time the wedding guests were forced to change their Comedy for dancing and having no Fidler â—ecause they expected a Play two or three sung â—e newest tunes they could hit upon and the â—est Footed it after the Mansean Fashion Poor â—ave was so overcome with grief that she went 〈◊〉 bed in one of the Chambers alotted for their Tyring Star took as much care as if she had â—een her Mother and Inezilla was very officious â—â—kewise The afflicted woman desired they â—ould leave her alone so Roquebrune leads the â—wo Ladies to the rest of the Company that â—ere Dancing Hardly were they sat down but â—ne of the house-maids came and told Star that Cave desired to speak with her she promised â—he Poet and the Spanish Lady to return immeâ—iately to them and went up to the Chamber 〈◊〉 Roquebrune had any thing in him no doubt â—ut he made good use of that opportunity and â—ise vered his heart to Inezilla However as â—oon as Cave faw Star she pray'd her to shut the â—oor and come to her bed-side Star having seaâ—ed her self as she desired the first thing she did â—as to weep so abundantly as if she had not â—ropt one tear before and then wringing her â—y the hands she groaned and sighed most laâ—entably Star bid her be of good chear maâ—ing her hope her Daughter would soon be reâ—overed again being pursued by so many severâ—â—