I have of you Madam reply'd he that 's a Complement I know not how to answer for I 'm afraid you 'd think me faulty if I said your Honour were secure and you were safe because to mention that were to call my nobler Love in question No Odmar said I I would be very unhappy if I could in thought dispute the innocence of your Love or Mine but I 'm sorry that when I see you I must be guilty of a breach of Promise Ha cry'd he is Aristeon then so much an Enemy to my Love It seems he doubts not your Virtue but my Treachery But Daria he 's unjust to me for rather than wrong thee I 'd forfeit Life Estate or any thing yet dearer nay by Heav'n I 'd rather banish all my hopes of being Belov'd never see thee more and be for ever damn'd to absence from my greatest Blessing Yet Daria for thou art all goodness think of a way to redress this mighty ill secure thy self and ease thy Father of his fears and if you Love tye your self for ever mine Oh my Daria refuse me not that Heav'n I ask our Parents soon will be reconcil'd I shall yet if possible encrease my stock of Love thou shalt be more fond and all that see us shall confess us truly happy Madam I hope you will own 't was hard for a young Maid that lov'd well to keep a Medium 'twixt her Fears and Joys His Fortune was infinitely beyond mine he knew his Father would be incens'd and might perhaps from a kind Parent become a cruel Enemy all the World was sensible of his Merit nor could he himself be ignorant that 't was in his power to wed a greater Beauty and a larger fortune When these thoughts fled my sudden Cares took place and I already saw him unfortunate and forsaken by his Friends ' cause he was just to me I saw his frowns in poverty and an hourly decay in his Love and methought I already heard the poor chang'd Odmar whispering in my Ear I had been great had I but lov'd thee less This last thought stopt the hasty flight of my fond new fledg'd Soul and it was not in my power to give an answer to what the Youth had said My unusual silence equally mov'd his wonder and his fear when throwing himself at my feet Daria said he why do you use me thus Oh remember 't is Odmar speaks 't is the Man that Loves you one that can ne're be happy without you and thinks the Gods have not a gift to bestow upon their first Fav'rite amongst Mortals like that I ask of you Who can resist a kneeling Lover Madam I rais'd him in my Arms and fondly yet confus'dly told him His Love and Honour made me wholly his and I would be eternally rul'd by him For now I gave my all into his hands To tell you his Joy and the kind words he utter'd were to renew the sense of my misfortunes No man e're said more no Woman e're believ'd more or gave kinder yet more innocent returns and no two Lovers e're confided more in one another or were happier than we When we had said all we could we unwillingly were silent and gaz'd upon one another then began afresh prais'd lov'd doated sigh'd and languish'd This happy Scene had banish'd all my Cares I found my Odmar Just and sought no other Blessing At last my discreet Lover kindly told me 't was past twelve conjur'd me to forgive him because slipery Time had run away when he had seen his thoughts imploy'd I was heartily vex'd that I had manag'd so ill I saw how inconvenient 't was for Odmar to travel at an hour so unseasonable and yet knew my self necessarily oblig'd to leave him In this disorder of thoughts I heard a noise in the Garden and stealing softly to the Window I could discern my Father with one or two Servants enquiring earnestly of one another if they had yet seen me I trembl'd when I heard my name pronounc'd and my Lover was almost mad with grief because he saw me so At last they came to the Door where they knock'd aloud and receiving no answer concluded I was in some other place either dangerously ill with a sudden fit of sickness or by some other accident unknown My Father to be better satisfied commanded them to break open the Door because he said I might be there yet fast asleep But the Servants assuring him that 't was impossible considering the noise they had made he was at last diverted from his resolution My Lover while this was acting stood with his Sword in his hand ready to receive him swore he had been once tamely robb'd of me but wou'd be so no more that he wou'd not attempt Aristeon's Life but would secure my Peace and carry me off in spite of all his followers and I verily believe had my Father enter'd I would have trusted to Odmar's generosity and fled with him As they went off I heard Aristeon cry Oh Heavens Restore my Daughter or take back that wretched Life you gave me These words wounded my very Soul and I had almost cry'd Your Daria is not lost However seeing his search was to no purpose he retir'd to his House and there with my weeping Mother waited the arrival of a new day In the mean time 't was so dark and being naturally tim'rous I durst not go thorrow the Garden alone nor could I take Odmar with me lest I had met Aristeon or some of the Servants by the way My Lover saw my troubles knew they were upon his account and bore an equal share I stifled my grief as well as I could that I might lessen his and with a calm brow ask'd him what was my best course I bid him at once consult my Honour and my safety And he who never entertain'd a thought against either said he would be advis'd by me But if I rely'd upon his Opinion or Judgment I should stay in the Lodge all night he 'd stay by me and guard me while I slept In the morning he would retire as early as I pleas'd And that I could hardly satisfie Aristeon concerning my Conduct if I should go home at that hour of the Night Odmar's Voice was to me Madam no less than an Oracle and I knew him so good and just I scrupl'd not to grant him any thing he ask'd My silence shew'd I was resolv'd to stay and the glad Youth scarce knew how to thank me for my goodness and that opinion I had of his and swore he would not betray so much innocence to gain the first Beauty under Heaven and the greatest Empire on Earth Having thus spent an hour or two Odmar begg'd I 'd go to Bed for there was always one in the Room in which my Father often lay that sleep was necessary for the preservation of my Health which was dearer to him than his own Life and assur'd me he would awake me e're the Sun arose I was much
Earl with all that gravity in his Face which Age and misfortunes commonly imprint told her that Heav'n had now repay'd all his sufferings that he saw the Errors of his Youth and was sorry he had been the Cause of all her past miseries Then taking Avilon by the hand here my dear Olmechine cry'd he receive the Companion of my toyls and absence my good and bad Fortunes look upon him as the preserver of your Father's Life Honour and Estate and the Man whom kind Heaven designs you for your Husband At this she blush'd and the happy young Lover throwing himself at her feet conjur'd her to remember his past sufferings his continued Constancy and all his Vows The fair one fix'd her Eyes upon mine and with Tears answer'd all he said In the Morning she sent for me and after a thousand blushes and faint sighs ask'd me if I cou'd see her Marry'd to another I lov'd her when present and was scarce able to answer but upon second thoughts told her I cou'd see her possess'd by Avilon because his services best deserv'd her and that to purchase happiness for her I cou'd forego my own I shew'd the handsome Young Lover in his best shapes and forgot not to put her in mind of those obligations she lay under to him She confess'd his worth but doubtcd still the truth of what I said and ask'd me blushing if I spoke my thoughts I swore I did that as Compassion first begot her Love so it had done mine and the cause once remov'd the Effect naturally ceas'd that I cou'd mourn her misfortunes no longer when I saw her happily Marry'd to a Man who lov'd so well that she should ever have the greatest share in my esteem and in my Heart take place next to Amazonta and that for my self I hop'd time shou'd procure me that happiness which the thoughts of seeing her honourably match'd had already begun I cou'd read contentment in her Eyes and she might easily have found as much in mine When I left her I began more seriously to reflect on what had past and by my hopes of future Happiness I swear in all my search I found not one thought that was not for this Marriage and was confirm'd in my opinien when inform'd that Avilon had bostow'd upon the repenting Manco the profits of his Estate which he had not enjoy'd since his Father's Decease it amounted to a considerable Sum and wiâ—h iâ— he was able to relieve that half of his 〈…〉 which he had not sold and that which â—â—â—â—balippa possess'd became likewise his by her Death This Madam I say confirm'd me much in my Resolution of seeing her Married to another But your fair Idea which still haunted me confirm'd me more and finish'd what was begun my imperfect thoughts settled there and all my wishes center'd in Timandra The day following they were Marry'd Avilon 〈…〉 Mistress of all his Vows for whom he had endur'd Seven Years of tedious Exile she a Lover who had restor'd her Father to his Fortune and Honour Manco saw his Daughter Marry'd to the best of men and her self the most Charming and Obedient Nature e're had fram'd looks on his inclinations past compares them with the present and finds how far he had mistaken the Road to Happiness thanks Heaven for all those hardships he had known because they serv'd to show the value of his present Fortunes Attabalippa was o'rejoy'd at the return of her Brother-in-Law and the loss of a Rival in the Marriage of her Niece and I had all at that pleasure love and absence wou'd permit Thus we were all happy and a few days after began our Journey to the Country At Olmechine's desire I made one in this happy Company and I cou'd observe how blest the fair one was contentment and Love sat smiling on her Brow and Venus when she for the Apple strove exposing all her graces to the Youth was a homely Beauty rugged and deform'd match'd with this lovely Nymph Joys sparkled in her Eyes and the calmness of her Soul and Mind display'd it self in all her words But if by chance she fix'd her Eyes on mine thoughts of that weakness she had lately shown disturb'd her Peace and fann'd expiring Fires or if at any time they spoke of constant Loves she 'd sigh and blush then faintly look on me When we had rid two days Journey I met upon the Road an Inhabitant of Capac of whom asking several questions and at last concerning you I was surpriz'd to hear him say you 'l laugh when I 've told you how the Earl of Rucana Marry'd her The words like Lightning struck me to the Heart my Blood was chill'd and froze within my Veins and I had scarce the Courage to bid him tell me all At last he did it But good Gods you only know what passions swell'd my loaded Breast Grief Shame and Repentance first took place then Joys follow'd not to be chang'd for those the Gods possess Eternal springs and sweets seem now in view the thoughts of former pleasures are no more all past and present vanish'd like Birds of Night at the approaching Sun at the coming of a new Heav'n Timandra was innocent all Lovely all Virtue and tho' I found too late how faulty I had been yet to my comfort I still remembred the Nature of the offended Fair knew her all Mercy and blest kind Heav'n and her Olmechine no more appear'd the same her Eyes look'd dead her Beauties fled and all the footing which her Charm's had gain'd for Years of sighs within my faithful Breast was in one moment by Timandra won I acquainted the happy Fair with my good fortune and told her my Amazonta still was just that her Maid had borrow'd her name and was already Married The kind she shar'd in my Joys bid me post to Happiness which I oft had wish'd and had so well deserv'd Mounted on Wings of Love I hither came stole into Capac with all the privacy and inward Joy of Misers who at dead of Night go to view their hoarded Treasure and found Zibelline at the Garden Door when asking for the Object of my desires I was inform'd the Duke was possest of all and I for ever damn'd and excluded that Heav'n your Mercy had tempted me to hope I enter'd found you sleeping sigh'd over you till my trembling Soul prompted by the Heav'n-like outside strove to abandon my Body and possess it self of yours and while thus I labour'd you awak'd and by your griefs you taught me what to hope Here Adrastus ended and Madam I cou'd wish you 'd spare me the shame and trouble of Writing what follow'd Yet had the Trojan look'd but half so fair the Tyrian Queen was happy even in flames for to live without him had brought new pains each moment of her life and all her Years had been consum'd in sorrow or had he when at Sea so lovely been the Queen of Heav'n had laid her Anger by and smil'd upon
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
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
own and preserve her Daria too The Maid was seemingly to yield to make an assignation and that done she was to leave what follow'd to Eriphele's Care and Management This was as soon perform'd as projected for the faithful Maid whose Beauties were better'd by her new Griefs was that Day more strongly assaulted than ever and she could do no less than make an Appointment Two in the Morning was the hour agreed upon and you may easily believe Entheon thought it an Age till Night In the Afternoon Erinthus came to see him of whose Company he was at that time more than ever desirous To Cards they went where the pleasures of Love were for a while forgot and Game and Wine the business of both In the mean time the Dutchess willing to enjoy what was for her Maid design'd took possession of Daria's Bed and with much impatiency waited the Duke's coming The hour at last appear'd but Entheon whither indispos'd by drinking sudden conscientious qualms or sitting up beyond his usual hour I know not felt no great inclination to the Combat This freak Albisinda is indeed unanswerable especially if you weigh the Conduct of this great Man but 't is confidently affirm'd that he acquainted Erinthus with the Intrigue Told him he found himself at that time unfit for the Field and that if he pleas'd he might supply his Place The forunate Youth was ravish'd with the kind offer and told the Duke that since he was only to fight for the first Blood he was proud of the service enjoyn'd him In short Entheon conducted him to the Chamber door which stood open on purpose for himself and there left him The Youth found the Bed in the dark and I suppose without the help of a Candle found the Dutchess too She receiv'd him as she 'd have done her Husband and if she found him richer in his Love she attributed the Cause to liberal Fancy that form'd her new and of a stale Wife made a tender young Mistress How e're it was they remain'd not long in the state of Ignorance and each of them wonder'd why the other was silent for tho' Erinthus would pass for Entheon and Eriphile would for a time be Daria yet the first Joys and transports fled she began to distinguish the Lover from the Husband and trembling said My dear Entheon why have you us'd me thus I have been Daria and under that Name much happier than my own Ev'n when she spoke she doubted the truth and us'd these words only to be confirm'd in her Opinion The Lover was ravish'd the place on a sudden was converted into a new Heaven and he only griev'd that much of his past Happiness was lost by being so long ignorant of the value of that treasure he had possess'd New Love new Wishes rouze him up to Life and e're he spoke he would be blest again Eriphile 'twixt fear and hope again receiv'd him and even in his Arms could hardly know whether she wish'd him Entheon or not At last the fortunate Youth confess'd himself told her that Chance and the Duke's kindness had made him happy but she alone could keep him in that state That he had long ador'd her and bountiful love had now repay'd his pains that his happiness should be conceal'd from all the World and her Honour was now as secure as if in Entheon's Arms she fainting lay A Crime when first committed is of greatest weight and frequent repetitions render those things familiar and seemingly innocent which we at first view'd with reluctancy and horror for a small sin past without grief speaks us in a fair way towards a greater The Dutchess 't is true lov'd and by his Voice knew the happy Man But then she remembred the loss of her honour saw how far she had fall'n and trembled when she look'd back upon the frightful Precipice She call'd to mind the Duke's past Love those thoughts she had for him when first he sound her lying in the Grove and knew his merit nothing yet diminish'd This my dear Albisinda gave the Fair One some pains for tho' her Nature had given consent her Soul was yet Virtuous and had Erinthus seen those Tears she shed all thoughts of Joy had vanish'd from his Breast grief had disarm'd his eager wishes and impotency by pity brought had supply'd the place of vigorous Love But Albisinda 't was in the dark the Curtains drawn they were alone both lov'd and both forgot their Cares you may easily believe he had his share for tho' he was a Burgoan that is a Man whose Conscience would never baulk his business if attended with pleasure or profit yet he had some faint remembrance of that injustice he did to a Man who had forgot his mean Birth made him a Companion and sharer in his pleasures and had or at least thought so bestow'd that Prize upon him in the seeeming possession of Daria which he himself had sought for many Months In a word all complaints were hush'd the Dutchess forgot what once she was what yet she ought to have been and own'd her Love was stronger than her Virtue When the Youth retir'd her Cares again encreas'd she griev'd a loss she could not then retrieve and wept and wish'd the business still undone These indeed were the first motions of her primitive Soul but Love again brought it to a modern Constitution she consider'd how securely she had enjoy'd the Man she lov'd and flatter'd her self with the thoughts of being really innocent because the World yet thought her so and believ'd the manner in which it happened extenuated the Crime In the mean time the Duke had waited the return of his Friend if now I may call him so and smiling ask'd how happy he had been Erinthus gave him a thousand thanks for that Testimony he had receiv'd of his Friendship but told the Adventure with so much indifferency that Entheon could hardly grudge that favour he had bestow'd upon him When he went to Bed he was yet insensible of his loss Eriphile was all lovely and that Crime against his Love he had almost committed endear'd the Object of his wishes more than all her wonted Charms or native goodness He found her melancholy greater than usual and griev'd that she was not so kind as she used to be earnestly ask'd the cause and to comfort her swore that he had that Noble Love for her which our first Father bore to his lovely Eve e're Hell debauch'd her She gave him feign'd returns alledg'd she was indispos'd begg'd his Pardon for her seeming indifferency and faintly said she did belive he Lov'd her The kind Duke was satisfied and in a few Minutes the Cares of both were swallowed up in sleep This account Albisinda is by some rejected and your busie Medlers or News-pimps who pretend to know every thing confidently affirm that Erinthus had won so much from her at Cards she was necessarily oblig'd to pay the Sum with a favour that might have been the price
word Madam the place and the Company very much charm'd me and I felt that painful joy at my Heart which speaks us sick with Love Amongst other things I askt Odmar if his Father's pains were yet abated if he hop'd a speedy recovery and told him that tho' I was proud of his Company yet I could not chuse but grieve the occasion that brought us so often together Madam reply'd he I cannot be so happy in this World as when I am in Aristeon 's House and yet I think it fatal to me for as the Father's pains decrease the Sons are still augmented and those torments that opprest the old Man's body are doubly charg'd upon the young Man's Soul I blush'd as he spoke and so many crowding thoughts fill'd my Breast I was unable from the confus'd heap to produce one to serve the present exigency My unseasonable silence shew'd I understood his Language too well and had before thought of nay it may be wish'd for what I heard Odmar read his good Fortune in my Eyes and willing to make use of the lucky Minute threw himself at my Feet conjur'd me to remember that his Life and Fortune depended on what I was about to say that one kind word gave him Heaven and my anger made him the unhappiest of Men. That 't was impossible for him to live without me and he 'd forfeit every thing he held dear on Earth for the greater blessing of my Love His fears Madam were vain I esteem'd him too much to give him more of Pain and reply'd in Terms that spoke him not indifferent to my Soul Had your Grace seen his looks when he found me so calm in spite of all your Modesty you would have doated on him and I dare say 't was impossible for Woman to have us'd him otherwise than I did Dion at last recover'd and I must say tho' I wish'd him well I griev'd his Health restor'd ' cause by his absence I was robb'd of Odmar Our parting yet presents it self to my view and I see the lovely Youth drown'd in Melancholy asham'd of his weakness yet weeping as he spoke His House was but three Miles from ours I bid him remember that Conveniency and propos'd an Enterview at least once a Week The Youth who was o rejoy'd to find me so kind and indulgent to his flame was almost dumb with extasie and swore he ne're could Merit any part of that Goodness I had shown and that his Life was not of worth enough to repay my stock of Love When he was gone methought I yet saw him heard him felt his soft kisses and gaz'd upon the Phantom My tender Heart could hardly bear the burden of a long Weeks absence A thousand times I trac'd the Tarrass walk and if from afar I espy'd ought that resembl'd Humane Kind I long'd and wish'd it him Odmar shar'd in ev'ry thought and my Father's House lookt runious dead and decay'd since the departure of the sprightly Youth I remembred every word he spoke when first he swore he Lov'd and cur'st the hour that took him from my Sight I blush not Madam to say no Woman ever lov'd like Daria and no Man e're merited more than Odmar To avoid Discovery I was to meet him a Mile from our House the River already mention'd which run by the Garden chalk'd out my way and I went along upon the dewy Banks and shaded from the Sun by spreading Oaks When we met ' was impossible for either of us to express our Joys We gaz'd sigh'd and embrac'd as if our Souls had joyn'd griev'd that time flew too fast and wish'd the Minutes Years What e're he said was welcome to my mind and tho' I listned to his Voice with all the pleasure of a ravish'd Maid yet I often broke the thread of his Discourse by asking a thousand little kind yet insignificant Questions because like him I 'd show how much I lov'd Thus have we spent a few short hours then griev'd and parted tho' never before we had fix'd the Day for our next Enterview At this time we rail'd at Fortune and our Stars and mourn'd we could not meet to stay for ever But had we known the coming ill we 'd then have judg'd our selves truly happy My Father it seems had often miss'd me and found by constant Observation that I was absent twice every Week and always at the same hours He knew not at first what to think of this adventure he dreamt not of Odmar and wonder'd much that I should walk abroad alone 'T is true he had taken notice of my Melancholy tho' ignorant of the Cause and was now afraid that I began to humour that weakness of the mind which so often proves fatal to the Beauty and the Judgment of its Slave knowing that while we humble the mind too far we sink the body quite But then again considering my Years my few Cares unless I lov'd his and my Mother's kindness to me he could hardly Credit that thought to rid himself therefore of his doubts he resolv'd to watch me narrowly for the future and in person make a true and wish'd discovery of the hidden secret The early Day drove on the yielding Night and as the latter fled the first in view appear'd proud of the Conquest and growing in his strength The happier gods lay stretcht upon their Beds and loath to rise rais'd up their aweful Heads look'd down and shuffl'd by the thicker Clouds to see if busie mortals yet were stirring but viewing the dark and solitary Globe they shrinkt again beneath the covert of the Night half fled and clos'd up the Gape of Heaven to wait the arrival of the marching Day In a word Madam 't was very early in the morning when I arose and took that road which led me to my Love My Father follow'd me so close that unseen he posted himself behind a Bush hard by that shade where gentle Odmar lay When I appear'd the Youth arose and caught me in his Arms. Oh welcome to my Breast he cry'd my beauteous generous Daria What Love can repay this favour or what words express my boundless Joy When all the World sleeps we two are awake and kind Daria robs her self of rest to ease her Odmar from the pains of absence Aristeon who saw how familiarly he embrac'd me and distinctly heard every word he spoke was strangely surpris'd and wish'd himself in the other World that he might be insensible of that affront he already thought done him in this and doubted not but I was born for his ruine and the disgrace of his Family He was a Man Madam rigorously good and lov'd me very tenderly from this you may easily imagine the troubles of his Mind and with what difficulty he contain'd himself While Odmar spoke I had felt a sudden trembling at my Heart new-born fears oppress'd my easie Soul and I was sick with the apprehension of some coming danger yet could not foresee how or from whence the dreaded
Resolutions found she lov'd him more than ever When she retir'd to her Closet to consult her Judgment what to do e're she was aware she writ him this Answer Erinthus DAnger adds to Pleasure and Fears endear the Blessing when enjoy'd Meet me in your Coach to morrow's Night precisely at eight in the King's walk beyond the Garden E e. The happy young Man receiv'd it and fail'd not to obey When the hour came he appear'd upon the place with all the longings of a Lover as yet he saw not one Woman there and was almost assur'd of a disappointment when a lovely Youth approach'd his Chariot Erinthus believ'd him sent from the Dutchess and bid the Coach-man stop and you may think him happily surpris'd when he found the handsom Youth was no other than the Dutchess of Entheon The Duke shortly after by chance drove the same way and as he past Eriphile gave him a low Bow as other strangers did You may assure your self they stay'd not long in the Walk there were greater sweets to be found in a Bed-Chamber than in the open Fields and they forgot all those hazards they had lately past At ten they parted and the Dutchess got home with all that ease and security she desir'd Her two faithful Maids stood at the Gate to receive her and as she enter'd inform'd her that Entheon was at home that he had enquir'd after her but that they had told him she was indispos'd and begg'd his Grace's pardon Had Fortune continued this kindness all had been well but Albisinda you 'll confess 't was hard that e're she had fairly enter'd the Room and ready to undress the impatient Duke knock'd at the Door Eriphile with a Voice seemingly faint askt who it was and knowing too soon that 't was the Duke you may easily think she was startl'd with the sudden apprehension of her danger But not so confus'd as to neglect her own safety she told his Grace she was so very ill she could not yet come to the Door without difficulty Entheon who lov'd her to distraction fear'd that her indisposition might indeed be dangerous and unable to live one minute from her sight gently forc'd it open and found her in the same dress in which she had bless'd her Lover her Wig and Sword lay obvious on the Table and not one sign of indisposition appear'd The great Entheon became dumb with sorrow and the charming Eriphile knew not what to say for her self At last the Duke broke silence and calmly but with trouble told her That if she was not really sick she ought to have been so seeing his Honour had again been stab'd and hers was truly dead This generous Man Albisinda said no more he lov'd her even yet and griev'd her weakness He ey'd her a while and in spite of all his Courage his Heart melted But willing to hide his softness he feign'd another Passion show'd anger in his looks and yet in Tears withdrew When he was gone Eriphile threw her self upon the Bed wept her own Misfortune and wish'd she could yet be sensible of Entheon's merit and when with pain she view'd him noble as when first he saw her Erinthus leapt between her and the lovely form and she could think of nothing else but him In the mean time the Duke sent for the Earl of Cisala and acquainted him with all that past since that Night she and Fidelia went to the Play-house The old Man was infinitely surpris'd with what he heard and thankt him for that moderation he had shown in an affair where so many provoking causes were given and told him that Eriphile's Education had ne're taught her to dishonour his House and again bless'd him for not exposing to the World the disgrace of his seduc'd Daughter Eriphile yet lay upon the Bed and was perfectly mad with grief when she saw her Husband and her Father enter She was too in that dress which betray'd the Secret and weeping as she rose to receive them Ah my Lord said she to Cisala I own my guilt load me not with reproaches but rob me of my Life for I deserve not to live since I 've dishonour'd you and wrong'd so good a Husband Oh Entheon continued she I cannot ask forgivness you have been too kind and I too ingrateful yet e're I dye let me receive your Pardon Whether she truly repented or not Albisinda is not to be doubted for she ne're saw Entheon but she lov'd him But when he and Erinthus were both absent her Heart inclin'd to the latter and own'd him much the happier Man But Madam why should I detain you longer upon this Adventure since I 've already promis'd a speedy Conclusion In a word then the Duke lov'd too well and she was too charming Her new dress gave her a thousand Graces expos'd the tenderness and delicacy of her shape and show'd so much of softness in her Air 't was enough to have charm'd the most insensible of Human Kind for even when in the Grove she lay and show'd by chance what else had been conceal'd her Limbs appear'd not to the vanquish'd Youth with half those Beauties which he now discover'd Cisala too interceded for her and 't was morally impossible for the Duke not to be reconcil'd to so fair an offender Things being thus setled they liv'd for some time in a seeming Union How far their Hearts were engag'd in this peace I shall not offer to determine but by what has follow'd it appears the Dutchess kept not to Articles on her side Erinthus it seems had too many Charms to be with ease forgot and even in Entheon's Arms she sigh'd and wish'd for him The Duke some Months after was oblig'd to go into the Country where he stay'd a considerable time He trusted much to Eriphile's Promises and confident of her future conduct left her with that ease and peace of mind which happy Husbands know of virtuous Wives possess'd In his absence 't was impossible for Eriphile to be constant to her Vows Erinthus attacqu'd her with Letters and all the Arts of a cunning Lover knowing that where a Woman once has yielded 't is rarely found she can deny again In a word the Lover was again happy and the witty fair Eriphile again was faulty The continued absence of Entheon gave them all that security they could desire and frequent meetings made the Crime at last so obvious that all the World took notice on 't Every Servant in the House knew it and tho' they lov'd the Dutchess yet hated the happy Lover He often stay'd all Night and 't is known that two of the Maids at a certain time peeping throw the Key-hole saw them in Bed together the Curtain at foot being open and next morning could perceive the marks of impious Love and signs of Honour lost Nay the Intrigue grew so notorious that Erinthus's Friends enquir'd for him no where but at the Duke of Entheon's and Fidelia one day before many witnesses by way of
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
And thereupon giving way to her passion pulls the poor Countess by the Hair from the Bed where she had lain silent and half dead with fear The Earl tho' o'rewhelm'd with Jealousie cou'd not see his Wife so ill us'd and therefore reliev'd her from the paw of the Lyoness In the mean time Zibelline had awak'd me and dissembling her knowledge of the cause told me the House was all in an uproar I soon got up and enter'd the Room just as Rucana had reliev'd the distress'd fair one My Mother as soon as she saw me ask'd if I was a stranger to the cause of all this confusion and if I held a Correspondence with the Earl equal to that I did with Adrastus I told her I had never seen Rucana but was inform'd he had endeavour'd to debauch one of my Maids I hop'd she did not doubt my Virtue and that my Conduct had been such as became hers and the Marquess of Huyana's Daughter The Earl who had hearkned with wonder and amazement soon found how he had been impos'd upon and was at first confounded and oppress'd with shame and anger But then growing calm and eying his Wife who lay drown'd in tears with all her Beautys open to his view his fury fled Love pleads in her behalf and a thousand tender thoughts possess'd his Soul He beheld a Woman whom he long had lov'd half naked weeping prostrate at his feet and all her Sexes best bewitching Charms about her Tears dropt from his Eyes and all the pains of love and sorrow jointly prest his Heart Then raising gently the afflicted fair one he beg'd a thousand pardons for his indiscreet management swore he shou'd ne're repent the happy mistake kiss'd away her Tears and sigh'd at every word After some minutes thus spent he made an Apology to my Mother for that disturbances he had occasioned in the Family then taking the Countess by the hand led her down stairs calls a Coach for 't was now day-light and drives home pleas'd because he lov'd My Mother was glad to find me innocent and her self doubly deceiv'd and by her Joy in some measure atton'd for the harsh usage I had receiv'd from her the foregoing Night Zibelline was pleas'd with her own good success and I thought my self fortunate in seeing a business I dreaded brought to a happy exit Thus we all went to Bed again well satisfied with what had hapen'd and each of us big with the hopes of Fortune's continu'd smiles Next Day I was inform'd the Duke had quit his Room and was able to take a turn in the Garden The Earl's Marriage was soon known and as it happens in such cases he was laugh'd at by the Wits pity'd by the Honest-hearted and commended by the Judicious for that Moderation he had shown in so provoking a juncture and I was by all concluded privy to the intrigue Minoya show'd his Sentiments in his Eyes where the inward Satisfaction this accident gave him visibly appear'd His flame is augmented with his hopes and the removal of a Rival he thinks a step to his Happiness These pleasant thoughts Contribute much to his speedy Recovery he imagin'd I was not prepossess'd to his prejudice and easily believ'd he had fought for my Maid In a few days he came to see me and I having in some measure laid aside the thoughts of my ingrateful Lover receiv'd him more kindly than I had done before his long absence This inflam'd him more my Mother seconded every word he spoke and 't was impossible to hold out against two such powerful Assailants Yet Young Adrastus took his place by turns and tho' the passion I had for him seem'd sometimes dead yet from what thought I know not it like Lamps just extinguish'd greedily catch'd hold of light and in a moment turn'd into a flame Thus divided after I had seen the Duke languishing for me three whole Months I at last consented to Marry him He was ravish'd at the wish'd-for grant and tasted all those Joys successful Love imparts to Youth impatient of delays On the other hand I saw the fatal hour approach with pain and cou'd not think of being for ever his while Adstrastus was in Being tho' absent and unkind but not knowing how to recal that promise I had given and the Town already too busie with my Name I was forc'd to confirm it by a Marriage Vow The Duke now happy in the possession of her he ador'd went seldom abroad he was uneasie but when in my Company and all his actions center'd in his Love One Evening he told me Laughing with what concern he had seen the Earl of Rucana's happiness that Night he fought him and wonder'd much how that Marriage came to pass ask'd if the Countess was handsome and applauded her mamagement I gave her those praises her Beauty deserv'd and wish'd him reconcil'd to Rucana because his constant Love after so great a disappointment spoke him a Man truly noble of a great Soul fix'd and steady in his resolutions generous good natur'd and of honest Principles And the truth is so great a change was never known as that which Love and Marriage had wrought on this Man his Soul seem'd new-moulded and imprinted with all the marks of Virtue Honour and Nobility Whate're I spoke was a Law and if I had but the least inclination to any thing 't was immediately perform'd so that my Husband next day waited for nothing more than an opportunity of speaking with the Earl but finding none at last went to his House Rucana receiv'd him and embrac'd his friendship with all the Sincerity which Man can be Master of when he pays his Devotions to Heaven They discours'd long of things indifferent and at last came to the Subject of their quarrel where the kind Huband spoke so advantagiously of his Wife that he charm'd the Duke into an extasie She who had not forgot what once she was kept a modest humility in all her actions look'd sweet and langushing and made it her only study how to please the Lord of all her wishes With this bewitching state she enter'd the Room where Minoya pay'd her those respects due to the Countess of Rucana and the Wife of his Friend from the Earl's discourse he had form'd a lovely Idea of this hppy fair one and was pleasantly surpris'd to see how far the sweet Original out-did that Picture he had newly drawn He intended at first no more than a short visit but the Earl's kindness and the Charms of his Wife made him forget that Resolution When he came home his wonted joys flag'd his appetite seem'd pal'd he look'd uneasie as if some sudden illness had seiz'd him thought much spoke little and the torments of his Soul after many endeavours to hide them were at last conspicuous I was sensibly griev'd at this new misfortune tho' I yet knew not what it was I us'd all the moving Arts of Honest Love to Charm him into mirth and wrestled even with
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
related what I have already Written and begg'd he 'd repay the Complement with one of the same nature the Youth told him that his present happiness so Charm'd his Soul he cou'd not admit the remembrance of past ills without a palpable abuse of that present favour his relenting Fortune had bestow'd upon him But that the Brother of Sirena shou'd not command any thing which he would not obey he thereupon began as followeth Where by the way Madam you may observe in his haste that impatiency which possess'd him till he reach'd the end WHen you left Coloa all that was pleasant in it fled Sirena was no more to be seen and consequently nothing to which I had not an aversion The Duke observ'd my melancholy and often ask'd the Cause but seeing no hopes of discovering on 't that way he complain'd to a Young Lady who was always with my Sister She was a Woman of a piercing Wit violent in her Inclinations given to Jealousie and would stick at nothing how dangerous soever if it conduc'd to her pleasure or in the least serv'd her ambition But to attone for these faults she was Beautiful to a wonder could dissemble to a miracle and had all those Arts the most subtle of her Sex e're knew add to these seeming Advantages Quality and a vast Fortune for she was the Earl of Sirama's only Daughter who dying in her infancy had left her an Estate sufficient to support her Rank in the World e're she was oblig'd to 't Ericis for that was the Lady's Name was glad of this opportunity and fail'd not to let my Father know for Indoretta's confidence in her seeming Friendship had made her Mistress of the secret what otherwise I had eternally kept from him This sensibly displeas'd him and having found me in the Garden after he had by his looks taught me what to fear Martius said he must my Enemy still Triumph over me Have I no other to betray me but my own Son And must the Author of Turrusco's death ruin the Honour of his Brother No Young Man Yours nor your Sister's madness has not yet infected the Father and the Event of a few days shall let you know how far your Love is inconsistent with your Reason and Interest This said he left me in that amazement the unlook'd-for discovery justly gave I suspected the weakness of Indoretta's tender Nature and judg'd he had by threatnings drawn this confession from her But as I was about to conclude her guilty she enter'd the Arbour where the Duke had left me Tears trickled from her Eyes her Beauties languish'd and the lovely kind Calisto felt not half her pains nor blush'd so much tho' when in Streams amongst the happier Nymphs she bath'd and wanton'd 'till her fault was known I soon guest the cause and told her how far I had shar'd in all her Misfortunes and was not wanting in my part of this Ah! Brother cry'd she can you forgive me 'T was I betray'd the secret in trusting to the perfidious Ericis she alone knew it and 't is she only that has ruin'd us My grief for the accident had not banish'd my pity from an affectionate Sister to ease her therefore I conceal'd a great part of my pain and perswaded her to have the same esteem in appearance for the Young Countess of Sirama she had formerly shown in earnest Some days after the Duke told me he had consider'd my weakness and was now resolv'd to provide for me a Wife that tho' Young was acquainted with the World and would study to preserve the Honour of his Family which I had so evidently endanger'd by a passion of which none but Madmen would be guilty This discourse almost o'return'd my Obedience and I was ready to return him an answer that had spoke the lessening of my Duty when he who already perceiv'd the effect it had wrought deny'd me the liberty and on a sudden cry'd Son remember who lays this Command upon you that in the Afternoon you wait upon the Countess of Sirama look upon her as the Woman I have design'd for my Daughter her Fortune exceeds your Merit and consider I have mine at my disposal This most sensibly afflicted me she was the Woman who had begun my misery and whom I now saw destin'd to prolong the Scene The Dutchess remain'd passive in the affair and griev'd nothing more than the affliction of her Daughter who yet believ'd her Artaxus innocent and lov'd as much as Virtue could allow In the Evening I waited upon my new Mistress who tho' she was perfectly skill'd in the Art of dissimulation receiv'd me with that satisfaction which discover'd it self in most of her Actions After some discourse in which Love had the least share she with a seeming and feign'd tenderness told me she had seen the Duke very much out of humour for some days past that she was sorry for his mistake because she was perswaded I had never entertain'd any thoughts for Xensa's Daughter who besides her Father's hatred to our Family had departed from Coloa too Young to be sensible of any such flame that she hear'd some days ago that she was Marry to Count Bonzeda and the Young Duke was passionately in Love with his Sister the fair Manderina Tho' I suspected the Author of Malice yet the story carry'd so much of a seeming truth and probability in it I was unable for some time to answer But at last recollecting my self Madam said I you hold a Correspondence it seems with Mangroa's Daughter for Bonzeda tho' my Relation has not yet acquainted me with as much However I 'm glad to hear of his prudent Choice and that Artaxus weighs his own interest and his Father's Commands for I must confess I harbour not one thought for that Family which is not exactly correspondent to the height of Friendship The dissembling Fair seem'd satisfied with the Truth of what I said and we parted for that time I full of grief and she of hopes At night I felt all those pains unhappy Lovers know I griev'd my Fathers ill nature but more the loss of Sirena I look'd on Artaxus as a Man unjust and no more my Friend and tho' I did not firmly believe all that Ericis had told me yet it gave sufficient ground for doubts and fears to grow upon and to doubt the loss of what we Love brings more of Torment than a real privation of all we possess besides To this I added that Bonzeda had conceal'd his happiness from me by Mangroa's order In the Morning I saw Indoretta but as yet conceal'd from her my new griefs and resolv'd to compleat my ruine or begin my better Fortune by a sure knowledge of what had past I Writ to you my dear Friend a Letter the words of which I still remember THis unkind silence favours the report now current in Coloa of your Addresses to the fair Manderina Bonzeda 's Sister and your happy Neighbour I live for the Lovely Sirena and
me some Letters to my Rival Bonzeda whom I am resolv'd not to acquaint with my arrival 'till I have seen the Mistress of my Vows the Charming Sirena a happiness I must expect from your Friendship not Fortune or my Merit Here Martius stopt and Artaxus who lov'd no less than he took him again in his Arms Swore he 'd serve him with his Life and Fortune and that very Night bless him with Sirena's Company Thus having spent part of the day they at last chose different Roads Martius back 〈◊〉 Zenitha and Artaxus home In the mean time I knew nothing of my Brother's happiness and when he came home tho' he strove to hide it because the Duke was present I cou'd read in his Eyes some signs of those hopes and motions of Joy which had wing'd his Soul Xensa was no sooner gone than he embrac'd me Ah! My Dear Sister cry'd he I am still happy Martius proves a just Friend and Indoretta waits for the Fortunate Artaxus These words pleasantly surpris'd me I lov'd too much to be disinterested in the Story and begg'd with impatiency he would let me know where he had this account of his and my good Fortune Then it was Madam he related the Story of my Lover's absence the same as I have already Writ it adding he had given him the Key of the Garden-Door and we might meet with all the privacy imaginable Love not he perswaded and I thought time mov'd backwards till the hour arriv'd It was when every Creature seem'd a-sleep the heavy Waters murmur'd as they went and mov'd as if they shortly meant to rest the adjoyning Shoar no raging Billows knew and every Fish dreamt in his Ousie Bed The Earth seem'd all one Cave the Heav'ns one shade and dying Stars did the new light invite All happy Lovers lay in slumbers chain'd and Cynthia to her Damon seems forgot The waking Joys of mighty Love were fled and Morpheus reign'd when that Young God gave way Sometimes a Bird half waking took the Wing and with slow motion reach'd some neighb'ring bough then faintly murmuring hush'd it self to rest and sleeping bill'd as if its Mate were nigh 'T was then I say Madam Artaxus and I stole gently forth to meet the wish'd for welcome gen'rous passionate Martius As we enter'd the Garden the Lovely Youth rush'd in Fancy that erring guide where Judgment 's gone paints him with all his Charms and perfect thoughts suppli'd the want of day I saw him kneeling begging at my Feet grasping my hands and sighing as he spoke his Eyes at least I thought so darted Love and all his trembling touches reach'd my Heart Faultring he cry'd Sirena Lovely Fair Now all the pains of absence are repay'd and present Blessings banish rooted cares Artaxus thou best of Friends to thee I owe this mighty happiness and if the Charming Mistress of my Vows had any favourable thoughts for the constant Martius of which her Brother's Love is not the Cause even that Joy which those thoughts wou'd impart to me I 'd own the effect of his Friendship or her Mercy without respect to Merit on my part My Heart was seiz'd with tenderness and joy I long had lov'd him and had mourn'd his absence and all his words like Arrows shot from Love dart to my Soul and kindle dying flames Night made him bold and Passion spurr'd him on and in this rapture rising from the ground he clasp'd me in his Arms sigh'd deep and kiss'd me with an eager action and almost banish'd Virtue from my Breast After we had seated our selves in an Arbour we discours'd of Love of the pains that Passion brings and day arriv'd e're we had thought it nigh In the morning he waited upon the Count and was by his Sister the Fair Manderina receiv'd with that Modesty which Young Women generally profess especially before those whom they see design'd their Husbands Xensa was soon acquainted with the arrival as he judg'd him of his Young Enemy and waited impatiently for Bonzeda's visit who no sooner came than he inform'd him of his fears and to prevent future danger resolv'd to see me speedily married The hated Lover was o'rejoy'd at the proposal and the third day following was prefix'd for that on which this Gordian Knot was to be ty'd My Mother acquainted me with the unwelcome news and I fail'd not to beg that assistance she had often promised and with Tears in my Eyes let her know how much I hated Bonzeda and what thoughts I had for the Young Mangroa She sighing told me That things were now come to the last extremity that I had been married some weeks ago if her Friendship had been wanting or diligence asleep That the Young Duke's Arrival gave the Count and my Father so many fears that Arguments were become useless and my Marriage alone was able to secure them But that one Remedy or at least a Reprieve offer'd it self which was to be purchas'd thus I should immediately feign my self indispos'd confine my self to my Chamber for some days and if the Duke still continued resolute at last to my Bed But withal that I should not attribute my Distemper to that Storm which threatned me and if 't was ask'd 〈…〉 him know that nothing impeded his 〈…〉 happiness my Sickness excepted that my 〈…〉 gave consent and my 〈…〉 time â—â—ey I comply'd so readily with this relishing Counsel that when the Duke enter'd my Chamber I immediately fainted He call'd for help and the Dutchess who knew my Distemper came running drown'd in feign'd Tears to my Assistance telling him I had been under this indisposition for some days that she wonder'd at the cause and fear'd some dangerous consequence Xensa was surpris'd with what he heard and the Count who was with him had only this Satisfaction that he saw me incapable of holding any Correspondence with his Rival However they both departed without acquainting me with what they had design'd the preceeding day Artaxus was perfectly vers'd in the Plot and told me Martius would wait upon me at Night that I must not deny him that happiness that none could be conscious to the interview and every thing conduc'd to promote the design I lov'd and a few Arguments serv'd to perswade the Youth possess'd my Heart and all my thoughts center'd in forming lovely Ideas of the bewitching Conquerour He had free access to Bonzeda's Garden and by a small Ladder of Ropes made for the purpose he easily got into ours His Servant as soon as he had ascended the Wall was order'd to Withdraw the Pliant Stairs and retire to his Master's Room least his continued stay had occasion'd a discovery for Bonzeda had many Windows opposite to that place My Brother waited at the Window to which a second Ladder was fastned and receiv'd him The Duke lay in the next Room and you may believe we forgot not to tread softly The happy Youth caught me in his Arms gaz'd and sigh'd as if this had been our first meeting since
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
Streams with mercy yet receiv'd me and my Cloaths kept me a-float till a Neighbouring Shepherd came to my relief The poor Man took me home to his House and made use of Remedies within his Power to bring me back to Life When my Reason reassum'd its Seat I enquir'd of my deliverer if any other Man appear'd to save me from sinking and he assur'd me he had seen none 'T is not easie Madam to guess my Pains I remembred every word my Husband spoke when he plung'd me into the River how furiously he look'd and how his Eye-balls roll'd that I was innocent his Cruelty even beyond his Nature that he had long design'd my Death and that Repentance had not immediately follow'd the act since he had not staid to afford me help when I struggl'd in the Water Yet after all I lov'd him 't was that tormented my Soul and I could have dy'd that very moment if the desire of evincing my Innocence had not o're-rul'd that of Life In the mean time I was not to be found at Court Antharsus industriously gave out that Valentio had murder'd his Wife and the King who thought it an effect of ambition and a design to make way for his Marriage with Almeria easily believ'd what was said and gave immediate orders for his close Confinement Now careless of Life and Honour since by his own Hands he had destroy'd what his Soul yet doated on frankly confess'd the Crime laid to his charge and tho' the Queen the Princess and sorrowful Reduan us'd their interest with Pharnaces he was nevertheless brought to his Tryal and Condemn'd to lose his Head at his own Gate The false Melissa did not yet grieve for what she had done and urg'd Antharsus to the performance of his promise The proud Youth was startled with the proposal and considering the vast distance between a Princess and a serving Maid he show'd her not a few signs of contempt She observ'd this and to hector him into Compliance and good Nature alledg'd the service she had done him his Vows and the opportunity she had to render him infamous by a full discovery He who fear'd nothing more and who scrupl'd not to add one Crime to another run her against the Table with his Sword and so left her pleas'd by a greater mischief to conceal a lesser Melissa now mortally wounded faintly call'd for assistance and Reduan with several Officers entering she confest her guilt told them Antharsus had us'd her thus for fear of a discovery begg'd my Husband's Pardon tho absent and soon after dy'd I had sent the poor Shepherd every day to Court where his Wife being a Nurse he got certain information of all that past and I was acquainted with this Accident almost as soon as it happened Then it was I went to see Valentio Pardon Madam this too concise way of relating my Story but the remembrance of that Joy he show'd when he knew me alive adds to my present pain and makes me more sensible of my loss Besides I find the kind Sister extends her welcome Arm to cut my thread of Life I have no more time than serves to inform you Antharsus fled My Husband was set at Liberty We left Peru-alta as soon as possible and designing to visit Fabria in our return to Merintha that storm arose when we were upon the Coast which robb'd me of my Son and Husband Oh Valentio I come now I 'm happy This said she immediately dy'd and one Moment finish'd her story and her unfortunate Life The Duke and Dutchess were sorry for her Death and in a few days she was laid in the same Grave with her Valentio Manderina had waited upon her too when alive and during that small space of time we renew'd our Ancient Friendship she ask'd me concerning my Brother and wish'd him success at Coloa I wish'd her happiness but not in the Arms of Martius and she not inclin'd that way so much as I had suspected smil'd and said he deserv'd my Love but not hers to me he show'd himself a Prisoner but to her a Rover and one whom no Beauty could fix or Charms confine Artaxus inform'd me by his Letters that Indoretta still prov'd kind that Fernanthus Duke of Meroa a mad piece of Quality was his dang'rous Rival because assisted with Mangroa's Authority that he was oblig'd to live too incognito and did not yet know when he would return Now my dear Timandra my Story draws towards a fatal Period my Misfortunes exceed yours and my Ruine was compleated by envious Destiny in less than twenty days after the death of unfortunate Delia. My Welcome Lover had come to see me at the usual hour and after some time spent in my Company descended again into the Garden Bonzeda it seems waited there with a design to serenade me and approach'd the Window just as Martius was upon the foot of his supple Stairs The Youth finding himself surpris'd and not knowing their intention or whom they were drew his Sword and laid the unwary Count dead at his feet Xensa who was not yet asleep and too soon heard the noise came running down the back Stairs but not examining the Party or the Cause he chose the weakest side and was kill'd by Bonzeda's Servants e're he had well enter'd the Garden Poor Martius still defended himself and the back door being suddenly broke open a Cavalier rush'd in to his assistance The clashing of the Swords with the confus'd Shrieks and Oaths of those engag'd awak'd both Families and now a bloody Combat commenc'd or rather was renw'd the Count's Servants fought to revenge their Master's full and my Lover for his Liberty At last he was a Conquerour and the Enemy fled 'T was then he had leisure to thank the Stranger for his assistance During this bloody Scene I had still slept and it seems my kind Lover more cautious for my Reputation thâ—n my self had left me in that condition chusing rather to leave me without a word at parting than run the risque of a discovery by his stay However I awak'd just as they enter'd my Chamber and seeing Martius and my Brother for 't was he that had assisted him cover'd with blood I leapt from the Bed ask'd the Cause and almost rav'd with the sudden fright My Lover still anxious for me would have conceal'd the truth till he had prepar'd my mind for the shock but Artaxus in few words inform'd me of all and added that Ericis had seen him in Coloa that she acquainted Meroa with it who soon after sent him a Challenge that he fought him and had the fortune to kill him that he had posted home with a design to provide himself with Mony and to settle his affairs that as he arriv'd he heard the clashing of Swords in the Garden and forc'd the Door from off its hinges to give relief to those oppress'd Madam you may paint my griefs from your own And tho' the loss of Constant Adrastus exceeded that of a
was that mov'd your anger and I rely upon your goodness only for a pardon I could for ever think on the innocent Pleasures of that day in which you mention'd the Story in Pharamond your obliging Compliment and that discovery of my flame which immediatly follow'd the Encouragement The remembrance of these things make me truly Melancholy and I am forc'd to end Oh Albisinda I 'll say no more then but if you can remember the Man who has often subscrib'd himself Marcomire FINIS LOVE AFTER ENJOYMENT OR FATAL CONSTANCY Written by Mr. D. Cr rd Gent. LONDON Printed for Job Austin in Fleet-Street and sold by the Booksellers of London and Westminster 1700. LOVE after ENJOYMENT c. Timandra to the Charming Sirena Madam THE few Accidents afforded in the History of my Life or rather my Love are such as modesty sometimes forbids me the recital and assure your self that were it not I had a more than common esteem of her who lays this Command upon me I should no doubt conceal a great part of what I design to write But the promise you have made me of a return in the same kind prevails most upon me this I am easily induc'd to confess because you know me naturally curious in Affairs of Love and I 'm perswaded the number of your Adorers has render'd you the Mistress of a great many Adventures I am not accustomed to write Letters of this length and therefore I cannot hope to avoid Tautologies nor can I produce the story in due form because in the first place my Judgment may be often disorder'd with the Remembrance of Pleasures past in the second my memory can't answer the design of an Historian nor a Man of Monsieur Scuddery's Imployment My Style will be purely natural and every thing deliver'd in the same dress and with as little of Art as if you had the Story immediately from my Mouth without Premeditation MY Father Marquess of Huayna dy'd in the fourth year of my Age I remember some things of his Burial but nothing else that concern'd him He left me all the Estate he had having none but my self to succeed him I shall pass over in silence my Education and whatever Accidents might happen in our Family and tell you that I was in a very few years taken notice of by all the Young Gentlemen in the City of Capac where I then resided and whether it was the effect of that small Beauty I possess or the largeness of my Fortune I shall not determine But before I had reach'd my twelfth Year I cou'd see several sigh for me I was yet so very Young that I scarce believ'd any such Passion as Love had been incident to Mortals I had never felt it my self and consequently laugh'd at all those who told me they cou'd Die for me I liv'd at ease and only felt those Cares Which wait on Mortals in their younger Years I view'd securely men in Tempests tost Saw unconcern'd the busie Mortals lost Laugh'd at the Hurricane and scorn'd all care Shrink'd up in quiet cause I was not there Ah happy time if then our Bliss we knew When from a-far the distant World we view We dwell with lovely Innocence and Joy Nor feel those Passions which our ease Destroy Know no dissembling Arts nor dream of Love To which in Riper Age so soon we move But ah this Charming Scene posts quick away And a long Night succeeds the short-liv'd Day Unlook't for ills our rowling Years pursue Ages of Pain our hours of Pleasure few And still old troubles giving way to new He who first found out the way to please me was one whom Nature meant for the undoing of our Sex To see him and not to love him were things inconsistent He was second Son to the Earl of Rucana his eldest Brother being then abroad and not having for some years acquainted his Relations with the place of his abode the young Adrastus for that 's his Name was look'd upon by all the Ladies in Town as the sole Heir of so ancient a Family he was Handsome to a wonder of good Shapes did every thing with a singular Grace was mighty Complaisant and knew perfectly how to please the greatest Criticks in matter of Gallantry He had easie access to our House his Father was something related to my Mother and being a Widdower had made some advances in Courtship to her the better to introduce his Son whom he design'd for me upon this small Relation the young Adrastus pretended a more than common Interest in our Family He very often came to see me and wou'd sometimes stay the best part of the Day my Mother was pleas'd to see him desirous of my Company she was perfectly in Love with the Father and forgot nothing that conduc'd to the happiness of his Son the old Man assuring her 't was the greatest Mark she cou'd give him of her Affection she commended the young Lover upon all occasions whose bewitching behaviour was enough to move the most insensible I seem'd to hear her however with indifferency and often gave her those Answers that suited nothing with my real thoughts This made her often despair of making me sensible for a Man she design'd her Son at any rate and therefore at last perswaded the then innocent Adrastus who hitherto had never spoke of Love to me to try his Fortune himself He often observ'd me very cold towards him tho' it proceeded from nothing but that tenderness I had for him because I was afraid he might perceive it and fears much how to set about it he doubts a perpetual Banishment might ensue upon a Discovery of this Nature And this he argu'd from my precedent seeming Aversion while he yet remain'd in a state of Friendship and often let slip those opportunities which made for his Advantage This vex'd me sensibly and I cou'd have wish'd him less fearful for I knew he lov'd or my self more indifferent However being hourly in my Company he was at last inspir'd with more Courage and one day as we were in a Balcony that hung over the Garden Wall I chanc'd to Commend a row of Cypress Trees then next our view as the most pleasant because of a Grove at one end full of curious Springs and some Artificial Water-works he laid hold of this tho' he had neglected better occasions and looking confus'dly upon me Madam said he I have often observ'd your choice of this Walk which methinks is the most solitary in the Garden those I hated a few Months ago but of late the most retir'd places best fit my humour and I cou'd wish your Inclinations to 'em had the same cause with that of mine Here he stopt and I believe equally fear'd my taking notice of what he had said and my neglecting on 't I soon perceiv'd his aim and willing to make him believe I did not I know not said I looking coldly upon him what may be the cause of your Melancholy nor have I hitherto
observ'd that change in your Humour you mention No Madam cry'd he interrupting me and with a brisker Air had it been my Happiness to be taken notice of by you amongst the common Herd of men you had e're now seen that change which all the World takes notice of The truth is he had grown something more reserv'd of late and carry'd in his Countenance the Marks of a violent Flame this I acknowledg'd in part to him but willing to Convert it to raillery Adrastus said I smiling I hope your Melancholy proceeds not from the absence of your elder Brother whom all men conclude long since in the other World if it does methinks you are too tender to mourn a loss that brings so great a profit Madam said he with a look that pierc'd my Heart my sullen Humour has another Original had you been less fair I still had been happy half of those Beauties you possess are sufficient to impose Chains on a Heart more stubborn than mine In a word Madam I 'm your Lover I must for ever be so I die for you and nothing but a return can create my Happiness Here he ended with a look so am'rous and submissive 't was enough to have Charm'd even Niobe Nevertheless I feign'd a mighty displeasure at the freedom he had assum'd he saw me frown and was just ready to speak in his own behalf when the old Earl and my Mother enter'd the Room he presently withdrew a considerable distance from me with that confusion in his Face which his Father easily observ'd however the old Man seem'd to take no notice on 't yet he soon engag'd me to take a walk in the Garden and taking my Mother by the Hand left me for his Son Adrastus had so much of Love in his Eyes that for my soul I cou'd not be angry with him yet gave him my Hand without any signs of my being appeas'd while we walk't I cou'd observe the disorder in which he was a sudden Paleness overspread his Face next moment a Ruddy Blush betray'd his quick surprise unusual beating seiz'd his trembling Heart and methought I felt that eager melting tenderness in every touch as if his trembling Hand had reach'd my fireing Soul he fear'd I might lay hold of the least opportunity to reproach him and therefore kep't as nigh the old Earl as possibly he cou'd he was not so much in Love with my Mother but that he cou'd easily perceive his Son's Behaviour be gave him a look that show'd his sentiments and then chusing another Walk left us Adrastus much repented his Temerity in the discovery of his Flame because he fear'd I should never more admit his Visits but seeing what was past cou'd not be recall'd he resolv'd to make the best on 't Madam said he as soon as they were gone I doubt not but that you are incens'd at the Declaration I have made you but if that can attone for the Sin I have committed believe that nothing but invincible Necessity cou'd force me to transgress those Bounds I have so long prescrib'd my self I have ador'd you since I first saw you even to Idolatry and the Suppression of my Flame so long has only serv'd to make it burn with more violence Having thus said he consulted my Eyes for his future Destiny and I was willing to arm them with more Fury than my Inclination cou'd well permit 'T is impossible to hold out against those we love I had long admir'd him in secret and often wish'd for what I was then about to destroy I read Passion in his looks I 'm straight disarm'd then all my Counterfeit anger in a moment leaves me and 't was with difficulty I cou'd hide my real Sentiments As soon as my Soul was settled Sir said I I can't chuse but wonder at what you have told me for if you had lov'd more you had not presum'd so much but I 'm willing to forget what 's past if for the future you avoid the like Error How these words drop't from me I know not I Lov'd 't is true but at the same time I swear I was asham'd of my own weakness I cast down my Eyes and was just ready to lessen those hopes I had given by words of a harsher Nature when he o're-joy'd at his unlock'd for success threw himself at my feet he grasp'd my knees with the eagerness of departing Souls thank't me a thousand times for that new Life I had given him and said so much that 't was impossible to doubt him I was nor much displeas'd at what I saw or heard I had scarce the Power of speaking left me and with a faint Voice bid him moderate his Joy he knew not how soon it might be at an end he presently râ—se with that Satisfaction in his Eyes which none but Lovers can enjoy and taking a cross Alley which led to that where the Earl was we soon reach'd 'em and so continued together till the Night Air Commanded us to withdraw and then we parted both pleas'd with what had happen'd THE next Day he came to see me I cou'd see a new-born Joy in all his looks and I fancy he read very little of anger in mine I repented heartily of that silence I half enjoyn'd him often imagining with my self what moving words he 'd utter were the liberty of speaking granted he easily perceiv'd part of that esteem I bore him and therefore ventur'd to whisper in my Ears a thousand moving things natural to a passionate Lover young and eloquent I hearkned to all those Vows he made with an inward Satisfaction that sometimes display'd it self in my Eyes he came often to see me protested a violent Love for me and seldom left me without some new Addition to his hopes THINGS stood in this posture when Huascar his elder Brother came home The old Earl was beyond expression o're joy'd at the sight of a Son he had so long mourn'd as Dead and I 'm perswaded Adrastus was not so much discontented for the loss of that Estate he was rob'd of as at the thoughts of my esteeming him the less he instantly acquainted me with it by a Note he privately convey'd to my Hands and tho' it was the first he ever sent me I cannot say I was angry at the freedom If I remember well 't was to this purpose Madam I Have presum'd without liberty to give you this Billerdeux my Brother is come home and a thousand feare possess me I put on your Chains without any thoughts of your Fortune and I hope you won't lessen that esteem you have hitherto had of me for the loss of mine I die with Impatiency to wait on you pity me for till then I think of nothing but of you or of a dang'rous Rival newly arriv'd Adrastus I was not sorry to see him afraid of losing that which I was willing no other shou'd possess I lov'd and found nothing about him in all my search that told me he did not deserve it