Rock and guessed by their moving about that it was a fight they were ingaged in whereupon mending his pace he came to the bottom of the Hill just as a Man and Woman arm in arm had thrown themselves from the top and were dashed in pieces almost hard by where he stood and that while he was surveying the dead bodies his men had perceived some Moors holding a good number of Horses on the other side of the Rock and riding round they saw those we had left alive coming down who finding themselves discovered would have retreated up the Hill again but were overtaken by his men and incouraged by one who seemed their Master suffered themselves all to be cut in pieces rather than he should be taken himself ending his life in the same place amongst his men He added to me that having dispatched the Moors he climbed up to the top of the Rock to take a view of what had been done there where he found a great many dead Moors whom he commanded to be thrown into an adjacent Pit but that upon search of the bodies finding about two or three of us Medals which declared our profession to be Enemies of Mahomets Sect he ordered our bodies to be removed to the City that we might receive the rites of Burial but being laid on a Table I had been perceived to stir so that they carried me to a Bed and after several applications brought me out of the swound the want of blood had thrown me into but that the rest had been interred together in the principal Church This certainty of my dear Masters death reduced me into as ill a condition as I had been found in on the Rock so that it was the next Morning before I could be brought to my senses again when I would have torn the Plaisters from my Wounds to follow my lost Lord but the good Governour being in the Room used so many perswasions to me that at last I was satisfied to wait the pleasure of Heaven either in my death or recovery which in a month after proved the latter so that I was become able to walk abroad And would have taken my leave of my Noble Host in order to return hither resolving afterwards to retire into my own Country that I might spend the rest of my days in bewailing without interruption the loss of my unfortunate Master but the Generous Governour not only refused to let me stir till I had recovered some more strength but withal after he had heard from me the quality and misfortunes of those he had interred would have me stay to see their Obsequies celebrated in a more splendid manner than what before had been done so that the week following I was conducted to the great Church where a very fair Monument was set up with an Inscription relating the manner of their deaths were to lye in a Vault under it and towards the bottom was engraven on a fair Marble these words Let the White Rock in the midst of the Vale of Antiquera for ever after be called the Lovers Rock After the Ceremonies ended having burnt several Perfumes to hinder the ill smell of those had been so long dead the bodys were taken up and brought through the Church to be deposited in the New Vault As soon as I saw them bringing towards me I went forward desiring their faces might be uncovered that I might once more behold that of my Master but a fresh disturbance seized me when I beheld those of Roselinda Astolfo and the Spanish Slave which were all that had been brought from the Rock as the Governour assured me but my Dear Master was mising so that concluding he had been left among the Moors in the Pit on the top of the Rock I not only procured a Guard from the Governour to go thither in search of him but he would accompany me himself to that fatal place As soon as we came there he commanded the bodies to be dragged out but could find none but such as we knew to be Moors both by their Cloaths and having no Hair on their Heads among the rest I found the wretched Eunuchs body but not the least appearance of any thing like my Masters we searched every Corner both of the Rock and adjacent Fields but not being able to make any discovery I returned back with the Governour though full of perplexity yet not without some faint hopes that Heaven might by some Miracle have preserved so considerable a Life The fair Dutchess who had listned to his Story more dead than alive began a little to recover herself at this part of his Relation which he continued telling her that after some few days longer abode at Antiquera acquainting the Governour with his design he betook himself to his former disguise of a Moors Habit resolving to search all the Country under their jurisdiction if possible to learn something of what was become of his Master but continued he after I had spent much time in a fruitless inquiry concluding that Great Man certainly lost and that he might either be overlookt among the dead or have received a charitable Interment from some unknown hand I withdrew my self into the confines of Spain and being come among the Christians again I passed for a Captive newly escaped from Bondage but wanting money to alter my Guarb and serve me for so long a journey I was forced to remain in this Dress in which I have appeared before your Highness to give an account of the death of the best of men The sorrowful Julian made this sad end of his Relation which the Dutchess had not been able to hear concluded without an aggravated affliction and wringing her Hands while a River of Tears flowed from her Eyes Oh my Dear Nise said she could Heaven preserve the Life of that Worthy Man to bring him to so disasterous an end Ye Gods where was your justice where was your care of distressed Vertue when he was suffered to fall by the violence of a Barbarous Multitude O Heaven why did you not send the charitable Governour time enough to prevent the ruine of so many Innocents Her afflicted Favourite endeavoured all she could to divert that violent Grief she tormented her self with but at last wanting strength to complain longer she wrung her by the Hand and saying with a faint Voice I must follow my unhappy Lover to the other World since I am denied him in this she sunk down in her Arms. Nise immediately called in the rest of her Women and desiring Julian to retire they removed her into her Bed-Chamber and undrest her to give more freedom to her breath but a great part of the day was spent before she came to her self and several others before she would be seen by any one but her Women and Julian whom she sometimes sent for to hear that repeated which as often renewed her sorrow The faithful Roman after some Weeks abode in her Court where by her Order he was supplied
with every thing he could want desired leave to return to his Relations whom he believed had concluded him dead not having heard from him in so many months but she would by no means suffer him to leave her Court 'till she had found out some way to recompence his Loyalty to his Master so that he was forced to satisfie himself with writing to Rome while he attended the Dutchess commands in Mantua whose indisposition and Melancholy had made the Court change all its former splendor into sorrow and disturbance none knowing what had reduced her to that condition but all looking on Julian with unpleasant eyes as supposed the messenger who had brought her the information of what she was so greatly troubled at Two months were passed in this sorrowful manner when one day as Julian was discoursing with some of the Mantuan Lords a foreign Merchant presented himself to them desiring to know if the Dutchess would buy any choice Jewels of which he had brought some store to the Court although they knew she would not be disturbed on any such occasion yet for the satisfaction of their own curiosity they desired to see them and opening a small Casket he exposed to their view some of the fairest had ever been seen in those parts Julian standing by and accidentally casting his eyes on them as the Merchant pulled them forth perceiving among the rest a rose of Diamonds which he was confident he had seen before and knowing if it was the same it would open in the middle he inquired of the Merchant whether it would or not who affirmed the negative but Julian taking it in his hand perceived the place where it was to part and by the Merchants help drawing out a small pin of Gold it parted asunder which confirming him it was the same he imagined he told the Merchant he would adventure to desire one of the Dutchesses women to shew it her so going directly to Nises Chamber he desired her to let him see the Dutchess who going with him to her Presence as she lay on her Bed on his Knees he presented the Jewel to her As soon as she had cast her Eyes on it Oh Heaven said she this is the same I gave the unhappy Frederick and calling Nise to her she opened it and shewed her under the Gold the Diamonds were set in her own Picture and Julian assured her that his Master had that Jewel hanging in his Bosome the day before he was slain Immediately the Dutchess commanded the Merchant should be brought in pretending she would divert her self with seeing his Jewels but as soon as he was come Julian by her command required of him how he came by that in the Dutchesses hand He with a great deal of plaineness and assurance told her that he bought it for a great sum of money of a Jew at Rome and that the Jew told him he had it of a Moorish Pirate in Argiers that he believed the Moor had gotten it in some Prize he had met with at Sea the Dutchess seeming satisfied with the Merchants truth paid him the Price he demanded for it and dismist him After he was gone as she was busied in looking on the Jewel she had once given as a Pledge of her Love to Frederick turning it upward her Picture which was drawn on a little Gold Plate dropt out and taking it up she perceived on the backside of it some Letters as if scratched there by the point of a Needle and perusing them heedfully not without a Transport of Joy she read these words Fair Saint for thée I live escapt the River and the fatal Rock How happy had Frederick been could he have beheld the alteration there appeared in his adored Princesses face at the imagination of his being still alive She gave Julian the Plate to read not daring to credit her own Eyes who was not able to contain himself but kneeling down by the Dutchesses Bed He lives Madam said he my Dearest Lord has been preserved by the care of Heaven I implore your permission that I may go immediately in search of him for I am resolved never to rest till I can find him or learn some more certain news of him The Dutchess approved very well of Julians forwardness but when she began a little to recollect her self new apprehensions assaulted her 'T is probable said she to him Frederick might escape after the Combate on the Rock since his body could no where be found but if the Merchant spake true is it not very likely he died by the hands of those Pirates who sold this Jewel which I am confident he would never part with but with his life Although Julian had the same fears yet to keep the Dutchess from giving way to her melancholy Madam said he 't is without doubt there is much appearance of my Masters being assaulted with fresh dangers but since Heaven has been pleased to deliver him twice where it was beyond a mortal imagination to think he did not perish suffer us to hope the best when we have cause to be assured he lives and can but doubt of his danger Give me leave to put to Sea and I am almost confident in a few months I shall be able to bring you some news of him The Fair Diana willing to comply with his desires as he was to go the next day ordered a strong Vessel well manned and provided for a long Voyage to be got ready wherein such diligence was used that in three dayes Julian took his leave of Her having the Command of the Ship given to him and put to Sea with a fair wind DIANA Dutchess of MANTVA OR THE Persecuted Lover PART II. THE Dutchess after this unexpected Intelligence which Nise endeavoured to perswade her was more considerable than really it was began to recover her wonted temper and appear abroad again to the unspeakable joy of the whole Court One day when she seemed pleasanter than ordinary being gone over to the Island-Garden for her diversion Cesario afflicted that his Friend Alexander had been so long a Prisoner addressing himself to Her on his knees begged she would give her self the trouble to know the conclusion of that story he had formerly began and then according to her own justice either release or punish the severe Husband of Cynthia which the Dutchess willing to hear that by the knowledg of anothers misfortunes she might give some diversion to those thoughts kept her own too fresh in her memory she commanded him to rise and finish his relation The Continuation of the History of Alexander and Cynthia YOur Highness may please to Remember said Cesario that when my Friends story was interrupted by the coming of Julian I had acquainted You of his meeting instead of the expected Laura his Friend Carlos with a Light and drawn Sword Alexander was not less surprized at the encounter of his Friend instead of Mistress in that threatning poisture than disturbed with the apprehension of being betrayed by
Tears lamented his mistaken cruelty she was brought forth and with an unexpressible joy received into his Arms imploring a thousand times her Pardon for his unjust suspition which she as easily granted to one so much beloved by her The Dutchess delighted with their happy reconcilement commanded Alexander should be discharged from his Imprisonment allowing the Death of those he had slain but a just punishment of their wickedness But if the happy pair lived together with all the tranquility imaginable after two Months were expired from the time of Julians departure the Dutchess began to entertain new fears of Fredericks being lost and directed by a violent impatience she went every day to the Sea side hoping for a sight of the Vessel was to bring back the Messenger gone in search of her persecuted Lover One Morning after the Sea had raged two days before with a violent Storm the impetuosity of its Fury being then abated as far as they could discern a Ship appeared making towards the Haven and some hours after being come up fair with the Shore it was known to be the same which Julian had the command of The Dutchess being told of it was about to order a Boat on Board when they discerned that of the Ship put off to come to Land If the Princess was delighted with the expectation of seeing Julian again hoping he would be as good as his Word never to return till he had learnt some News of his Master on the other side she was assaulted with fears that he had only sent back the Vessel while he proceeded by Land in his earnest search But that disturbance was soon over when she saw the Loyal Servant of Frederick come to throw himself at her Feet and as she imagined with a Countenance which fore-boded nothing of ill as soon as he had paid his Duty to her and kissed her hand having no longer patience to defer her inquiry leaning on Nise's Arm she walked a little distance from the Company and finding they were out of hearing What Julian said she have you been firm to your promise Shall I hear that your Lord is safe Madam said the faithful Roman I had no more been happy in beholding your Highness and Mantua if I could not tell you that by the Providence of Heaven my dear Master lives encompassed with as much happiness as he is capable of while absented from your Presence which you will find by this Letter he commanded me to deliver to your own hand The Dutchess in a transport of delight to hear of His Safety a few hours before she thought there was but too much cause to believe was dead with an oblidging smile received the Letter from Julian and having opened it read these words FREDERICK To his Divine Princess The Dutchess of MANTVA Madam Amidst all the sufferings Heaven was pleased to destine me to I found some Alliviation with the thoughts that I was not hated by my adored Princess untill I created my self new Afflictions after my Stars seemed to cease their Persecutions I own my self highly Guilty to suffer a Thought should enter my breast that you had forgot how blest you had once made me But I shall please my self with the Belief that you have Goodness enough to forgive One would not desire Life if denied the Title of your Servant Julian will give you an Account of whatever has happened to me since our Separation and the unavoidable necessity of my Stay here but I hope Fortune will prove so propitious that in a few days you will behold at your Feet your Adorer FREDERICK If the Dutchess was not a little delighted with her Letter she was as much concerned to know what Crime Frederick accused himself of and being impatient to hear the Recital of his Adventures she returned to the Palace and retiring to her Closet with Nise sent for Julian in who in Obedience to her Command made the following Relation of his Masters Life from the time he was seperated from him in Spain The Continuation of the History of FREDERICK YOur Highness may please to remember I told you of my seing my master fall dead as I thought among his Enemies on the Lovers Rock How long he continued deprived of his Sences he could not well tell But being in the ordinary dress of a Slave by what we could since conjecture it was his Chance to be thrown one of the Last into the Pitt among the dead Moors by the Governor of Antiquera's Order and that by being taken up and stirred his Spirits began to be agitated so that he came to open his Eyes again when having a little Recovered his Understanding and hearing all quiet near him he began to look about and found himself lying upon a heap of dead Bodies after a great deal of strugling he made a shift to get out of the Pit but not believing he had Strength to walk where he might get help and his wounds bleeding a fresh by his straining he sat down patiently to resign his Life while his thoughts were imployed in the contemplation of your Beauty which he beheld in the Picture was brought hither afterwards by the stranger Merchant But as he declared to me the sight of your Image before his Eyes made him offer up his Prayers to Heaven that he might live once more to behold his adored Original and believing if his wounds were stopt from bleeding more he might have Strength left to get down the Rock where some Passenger might see him he pulled the Wreath from a Turbant lay near him and girt it about his wast as strait as he could finding he lost most Blood from a wound on his Side In that Posture he continued about an hour when impatient of a hopeless delay not able to rise he crawled to the descent of the Rock and from thence suffered himself to slide by degrees till he was almost at the bottom but then he grew so weak that he was not able to move himself a step farther and after he had remained so about half an hour as the Sun was declining apace towards the West he saw at a distance a Party of about forty Horse who were Crossing about as if they purposed to take a View of the Country in Order to some Designe he had not strength to call out or if he had they were at too great a distance to be heard and withal confident they were Moors he imagined their discovery of him would rather anticipate his Death than be a means of preserving his Life so that he continued sitting on the ground when he saw the Horsemen draw towards the Rock and coming pretty near one of the Company Alighted with a seeming purpose to climb up to the top of it but as he looked about seeing a Man all Bloody he came to my Master and asked him how he had fallen into that Condition who with a true deceit thereby to encourage their Assistance of him answered with a faint Voice Arabick in
fighting with Christians as soon as the Moor heard what he said turning back he went to the rest of the Company and presently returned with two more they asked him seral questions but finding he had not strength to speak they took him up in their Arms and putting him upon a quiet Horse with a Man behind to hold him up carried him away to a little Town about a League off where one of the Company whose Profession it was searched and dressed his wounds telling him withal he should not be discouraged for that none of them were Mortal he continued the next day and night in that little Village but so weak that he could not utter a word loud enough to be heard and the Moors who had taken care of him being to depart they procured a Cart to lay him on and ordered it to follow softly after them to Cordova he that was the Chirurgion staying with him there had past a week from the time of his being hurt to that of their Arrival at the City and the next day after it his wounds being in a fair way of Cure and his Spirits so much recovered that he could and was by his Chirurgion allowed to speak the Chief of those who had delivered him from the Rock came to see him and telling him he was Son to the General of Cordova and sent out to make some Discovery which way Antiquera might be assaulted when he found him in that weak Condition at the Foot of the white Rock believing it was an extraordinary incounter had reduced him almost to his end That both out of Charity and a desire to know how he came by his wounds he was induced to give Order that if possible his Life should be preserved and now that there was some appearance of it he desired in requital of his kindness that he would satisfy his Curiosity in what he demanded to know of him My Master was very willing to comply with his desire having had time to consider what Account was properest to give of his Misfortunes so that after returning him thanks with much acknowledgment of his kindness to him I must confess noble Deliverer said my Master that I am descended of Christian Parents but having spent much time in Africa about Tunis I may reckon my self indebted to the Moors for part of my Education I served that King some time in his Wars with so much Success that his goodness thought the greatest things he could do for me such as he had no reason to wish unbestowed and being young and desirous to see a Country so much celebrated as this is for the Wars between you and the Christians I took my leave of him and accompanied Hamet one of his principal Subjects who came over hither on an Embassy from him We arrived some time since at Malaga and that Morning you met me having travelled so far in to the Country there was upon the Rock a sharp Dispute between some Christians and Hamets Party and there after several wounds I fell remaining as dead for a long time but coming to my self I lay upon a Heap of dead Bodies all of Hamets Party but how he happened to be overcome I am able to give you no Account off The Moor was much pleased with the short Narrative my Master gave and conjectured what was really true that a Party from Antiquera might have fallen on them and either slain or made them all Captives After this if my Master was used with a Charitable Civility before they now gave him Respect as the Favourite of a King and great Souldier being visited by most of the considerable Men in that Court. And after six weeks his wounds being so well that he was able to walk abroad his Friend carried him to wait on the King having provided him Rich Garments of the Moorish Fashion He was very urgent to oblidge his continuance with him and to have him accept a Command in his Army against the Christians which my Master not without difficulty was excused from urging the necessity of his Removal to inquire what was become of those he had accompanied from Tunis As soon as he was perfectly cured though with regret of those he left he took his leave of Cordova and being accommodated with Horses to Valencia there upon pretence of security to Travel he got a Pass from the Christian Garrisons and being brought to the nearest by Moors he had hired making use of his Pass for their Return as soon as they were without the Walls he made the Governor a Visit and discovered himself to be a Sicilian and giving him a Relation of some of his Adventures he so much obliged him that he not only made him his own Guess for some days he stayed there both to rest himself not yet able to endure a long Journey and to change his Moorish Habit he then wore but supplied him with all things necessary both for his Journey and Voyage which was succesful enough not only while he Travelled by Land but for some days after he had put to Sea in a Vessel bound hither one day as he was sitting on the Deck pleased with the hopes of being soon at Mantua which the Master promised him a sight of in two days if the Wind continued fair holding your Picture in his hand He with the point of a Knife engraved those words gave you the first Intelligence of his being alive That Night the Wind was fair and fresh but in the Morning a general Fright seized all the Mariners when they beheld not a mile to windward of them a large Ship by whose Antiant they knew her to be a Turkish Pirate of Algier in less than an hour she came close up with them and commanding the Master to strike his sails and yield No perswasions of my Lords could prevail with them to stand on their defence not being above twenty in number half Passengers and in the Turks Ship near three hundred Men only the Master advised all his Passengers to throw away their best Cloaths that their Ransomes might be the more moderate which they al did except my Lord who though he stood with his Sword in his hand resolved to sell his Life at as dear a rate as he could yet as soon as they were Boarded overpowred with numbers he was made a Captive among the rest and stripped both of all his Cloaths and what was dearest to him in the World next your self the Picture was taken from him the Turks as soon as they had searched their Prize taking all the Prisoners on Board their own Ship sent the other with some of their own Men home to Algier laden with all the Booty they had taken themselves keeping out at Sea for more purchase ten days after their Captivity about noon the Turks espied a Sail and giving her Chase found in a short time that she endeavoured as much to get up with them so that preparing for a Fight they shut up their Prisoners under Hatches
to clear his Error and give him leave to desire her Brothers approbation of their Marriage but finding as she was coming to meet him her brother there before her and overhearing their appointment of a Duel in the Park she had put on a Suit of Boys Cloaths lay by her which her Maid had got and wore sometimes to divert her in private and followed him to the Park with a Resolution of imploring him not to draw his Sword against her Brother when by his unlucky mistake she had met that welcome he designed for Carlos That the Story of the Duke and Marquis in Rome was what had in some part happened to her self and occasioned her Brothers Return from thence sooner than he was expected Alexander was as much delighted with the knowledge of his Beloved Laura's being Carlos's Sister as before he had been in disorder with the fear of her being so But not to detain your Highness too long in this part of their Adventures I shall only add that in few days the careful Chirurgeon restored her to the Health he had promised and Alexander having gained her consent procured a Priest and was privately Married to her before he stirred out of Ortensia's House from the moment he had brought her thither In the mean while Carlos ignorant of all that had past missing his Sister from Home and being able to learn no News of his Enemy whom he supposed had stole her engaged all his Friends to joyn with him in the Revenge he resolved to take upon all Alexander's and one Evening when I was there with many others to consult what course was best whereby to have his injuries satisfied a Messenger came in and delivering him a Letter told him that Alexander and his Sister desired the Company of him and his Friends to Supper with them at Alexanders House and opening the Letter found they were Married and wanted only his Approbation of what was done to compleat their happiness at first he could scarce give way to his Resentment but by his Friends perswasion and the consideration both of his new Brothers Birth Fortune and their antient Friendship we prevailed with him to go where before the Company broke up I was a joyful Witness of their firm Reconcilement each accusing and excusing one another with mutual endearments of Love and affection For some days after their Marriage and this Fortunate Reconcilement Alexanders Doors were continually crowded with Coaches of all the considerable people about the Court to wish Joy to the new married Pair in one of which Alfredo and Porcia being returned from Loretto and coming by inquired what was the occasion of so much Concourse in that place and being informed of it by the first they examined each looked on other with no little disorder in their Countenances Alfredo exclaimed against Alexander as a false friend who had betrayed him for his own ends and Porcia not without Tears complained of his ingratitude and counterfeit Love neither dissembling their Resentment nor the displeasure they had conceived against one they thought had equally injured them both But after a little stay they went on not desirous to hear a repetition of what created them so much trouble Alfredo having left Porcia at her Fathers House retired to his own each spending that night with a sufficient inquietude for what they had heard relating to Alexander who the next day hearing of Alfredo's Return made him a visit and by a full recital of his adventures to him endeavoured to satisfie the former Lover of Cynthia how far he was from being his designed Rival and of the impossiblity of acting otherwise than he had done when all circumstances were considered which Alfredo accepted of as an Excuse more than could be required from him desiring only the continuance of his Friendship which Alexander as willingly promised but if Alfredo was in appearance satisfied and strove to conceal that Love he could no longer publickly own Porcia's thoughts were taken up with a more fatal Passion resolving to disturb if possible their tranquility who had deprived her of all she could expect or hope for But as her resolutions were extraordinary she was as cautious in working them to the event she designed and having a ready and pleasing wit besides several accomplishments which were generally taking as well skilled both in Musick Singing and Dancing she purposed to imploy all her faculties to propogate her wicked plot and to conceal all her malice under a specious show of kindness she daily visited the young Bride and appearing reconciled to Alexander who rejoyced in finding no worse effect of her displeasure she so ingratiated her self into the affection of the innocent Cynthia that she thought no time well spent when Alexander was absent if it was not compensated by that of the insinuating Porcia they continued some time in agreeable conversation during which Alfredo both as a friend of Alexanders and Kinsman of Porcia's came so often to the House that Alexander though not capable of jealousie began to think his assiduity more than needful but unwilling to take any notice of it he borrowed my Country-House for a few days and retired thither with his beloved Wife pretending to be a little at rest from the disturbances of the Town but indeed fairly to shake off Alfredo's company Cynthia was very joyful to be in any place where Alexander was with her but imagining the Country sports would rob her of his Company she invited Porcia to be her Companion in that Retirement who as willingly accepted of it having easily procured her Fathers licence to pass some days in so vertuous Company But when they were there Alfredo continuing to be much in the Country as he had been before in the Town under the notion of visiting his Couzen Alexander was almost ready to desire both him and his Kinswoman to return home which he had certainly done if respect and fear of displeasing his Dear Cynthia had not with-held him but as close as he carried his disturbance at Alfredo's being there the subtile Porcia soon perceived it and imagining her purpose grown ripe for execution one Afternoon finding Alexander alone in the Garden went to him and appearing in a violent disorder told him she still continued that respect for one had once been her Lover that she could not brook his being injured without a sensible affliction to her self and after obliging him by her interrupted expressions to urge her the more earnestly to know what she had to say dubiously hinted that she could give him reasons why he ought not to be too negligent of his reputation Alexander at first believing she only intimated what he had before thought not to permit Alfredo's too often visits appeared sensible of her care in mentioning it to him but pressing her to give him some reasons of what had induced her to speak on that Subject after she had made him urge it several times seeming with much reluctance to bring out her words
Princess but that she would rather dye than yield to that compulsion he thought to establish his love by During which time that the amorous Prince had no other enemy to encounter but Diana's obstinate disdain Her loyal Subjects were not idle but fitted out all the Ships were in the Port to pursue him and the Sicilian King ignorant of this new misfortune was got to Sea with a Royal Fleet when coming within two days sail of Mantua he met a Vessel was come out from thence which gave him the sad account of his Princesses Rape upon which fatal intelligence having lamented her misfortune and his own with all the expressions of a violent grief he altered his coarse and stood away to Sea in chase of the detested Ravisher of the Dutchess being assured by all circumstances he was the Prince of Majorca Who while the Seas were spread with Ships to discover him imployed all his time in endeavouring to reconcile himself to the Dutchess whose just indignation she assured him could never be removed but by his returning her back to her own Country which he made as much haste from as the winds would give him leave and nine days after his leaving Mantua early in the Morning the Captain of the Vessel called him upon the Deck to see his own Island promising to land him on it by Noon but in less than an hour they were so becalmed that the Vessel made no way and when they had got out their great Oars to supply with them the want of a Gale at first an easie one began to blow but so exactly off the shore that it drove them faster to Sea than their Oars could work them towards the Land and freshening upon them before it was dark they had again lost sight of the place the Prince hoped by that time to have been a-shore at all Night it blew so fresh that they were almost compelled to bear up before it and the next day about Sunrise they found themselves chased by two Vessels which seemed to gain upon them Alvaro who feared all to be Enemies to prevent their coming up with him stood away with the Wind the Ships following his coarse which they continued to do all day and a little before Night were come up so near that they discovered them to be Mantuans The afflicted Dutchess hoped from the first of their coming in sight to find them her Delievers but when she was told the Ships belonged to her or her Subjects and doubtless abroad in persuit of her Ravisher she offered up her prayers to Heaven that they might reach the Ship she was in but finding the Night would be a means to lose them again seeing Alvaro come into the Cabbin she turned from the Window she was looking out at and throwing her self at his feet with Tears implored him to restore her to her freedom assuring him she would forgive all he had hitherto done against her But his love was too great to forego a prize he now began to hope would be again secured to him and accordingly as soon as it was dark commanding there should be no Lights in the Ship he altered the coarse he had run all day and as he expected in the morning was out of sight of those had chased him the Day before the Wind continuing so high that it almost blew a Storm and finding himself on the coast of Spain near Alicant both to wait the alteration of the Wind and to suffer the Dutchess to refresh her self on shore he stood in and that Afternoon came to an Anchor about a League above the Town He landed his fair Theft at a little Village in a poor House he sent to provide for their reception first having obliged the Dutchess and Nise to change their Cloaths for plainer ones he had provided formerly himself in the habit of an ordinary Seaman never stirring out of their sight or from the Door of the Room he kept them shut up in that they might not speak to any body Alvaro had rested with impatience almost a Week in the Village before the storm had drove him to land was over when finding the Wind fair for his Voyage to Majorca he brought the Dutchess towards Evening from the House he had concealed her in to oblige her to a second imbarcation but as he was crossing the street of the Village towards the Strand where his Boat was ready to receive them he was obliged to stop a-while to let several Coaches and Horsemen pass by who were going towards Alicant and when he thought all gone leading the Dutchess by force to the place where the Boat lay just as he had lifted her into it a Gentleman mounted on a graceful Adaluzian Horse and followed by half a dozen Servants came to the Boatside and asked with courtesie enough what ship that was lay off whether they were going on board but Alvaro either disdaining an answer or fearful of any delay commanded his men to thrust out the Boat without taking any notice of the demand was made him which incivility exasperating the Spanish Gentleman he drew his Sword and riding to his Saddle-skirts into the Water close to the Boat he leapt from his Horse into it followed by his Servants telling the Seamen he would by force know what they denied to his civil request The inraged Prince and his Company had put themselves in a posture of defence when the afflicted Dutchess whose violent grief had made her till then silent rising from the seat she was placed on Sir said she to the injured Spaniard in Italian if you will do a generous act let your Sword not only be imployed to revenge the affront you have received but to rescue a miserable woman from the hands of a wicked ravisher The Spaniard hearing her speak when he was ready to assault those were in the Boat turned towards her before he prest any further and as soon as she had desired his assistance without giving any other answer than by a respectful bow he turned towards Alvaro saying to him If this Lady be willing to go with you for her sake I shall forget the rudeness you have expressed towards me but if it is by compulsion you would force her away I will either redeem her from your violence or resign my life in the attempt of it and ending these words he stept forward towards the Dutchess who incouraged by his generous declaration cryed out 'T is by force Noble Cavallier I have been hurried from my own Country and had rather here end my miserable life than remain longer in the power of that unworthy man is now the disposer of my liberty If her words were an incouragement to the Stranger to persist in his design of freeing her they were no less an incitement to the violent Prince to get the Boat off by force since he found it would no other way be done so that assaulting the young Spaniard who was prepared to receive him and seconded by his men a
one when I began to mend during my illness having been attended as if an only Son to the Countess a Page acquainted me that a young Gentleman a stranger desired to speak with me I ordered him to be brought in who after the usual complements inquired of me what was become of Alvaro and Narcissa and being informed that neither of them was or had been in Valentia fetching a deep sigh he swounded away by my Bedside I called immediately for somebody to his assistance and by that time they had brought him to himself again looking heedfully on his face I knew the disguised Youth to be Cassandra my Friends Mistress and being perfectly recovered when the Company was retired after having given her an account of my Adventures since I left Alicant she requited it by telling me That the satisfaction she received by understanding from the Countesses Letter of Alvaro's being safe at Valentia was converted to the highest affliction by a declaration she had from her Father instigated thereto by Estefania her rigid Mother-in-Law that in two days she must resolve to marry Mauritio who had long pretended to her or profess her self a Nun in what Covent she should make choice of This resolution of her Parents obliged her to as hasty a determination to prevent it which all other ways appearing impossible and overcome by her love to Alvaro she had in a disguise left both her Fathers House and Countrey and believing to find Alvaro with the Countess had adventured in Boys Cloaths on so long a journey to be protected by him from her Fathers threatned violence I had travelled said she to me in continuing her Discourse some days when towards evening withdrawing to an Inn in a small Town to pass the Night having got a Room the farthest from those were taken up by some Company in the House there came to the same place a Coach and six Horses out of which alighted a young Gentleman and two Women one of which by the richness of her Garb seemed to be attended on by the other and coming all up Stairs entred into the very Room I was retired to the Gentleman desiring me in courtesie to resign it to the Lady was with him there being no other convenient one in the House empty which I seemed very willing to do but desired I might not be exposed to the notice of any body in the House it importing me much to be concealed And the Gentleman taking some perticular observation of me after several discourses having upon his Inquiry told him of what place I was he asked me if I had any acquaintance with Alvaro Prada I answered that I not only knew him very well but was his Servant and then travelled towards Valentia to meet him He was very glad at what I said and assured me he was a most particular Friend to my Alvaro both having been formerly Students together in the University of Valliadolid the intimacy being contracted first between them on occasion of the affinity of their Names he being called Alvaro Felix and then on a journey to Valentia with his Wife who was the Lady I saw with him called Isabella the next day they obliged me to bear them company in their Coach to Valentia I must confess to you that not only the extraordinary Beauty but the shape and complection of the Lady were so conformable to that of Narcissa I could scarce be satisfied within my self but she was the fair Companion I had met with which Alvaro Felix half confirmed to me by intimating that he was fully acquainted with the Adventures of Felicius. As we were travelling on the Road they took more particular notice of me than they had done before observing as I guessed my complection to be fairer than is usual with men but whose notice I perceived to be greatest was that of Jacinto a servant of Alvaro's who pretending to be indisposed they had taken into the Coach with us to make his journey more easie than it would have been on his Horse We travelled all day resting only a little at Noon to refresh the Horses and about Sunset the evening being very clear Alvaro and his Lady alighted out of the Coach and we all refreshed our selves with what they had provided the Night before after which Isabella and her Husband returning to the Coach desired I would walk softly after it awhile with Jacinto which we did till the Night began to grow upon us her Woman remaining with them in the Coach As we went softly on together Jacinto entertained me with a relation of the quality of his Master who he told me was a Sevilian born and then going with his Wife to visit her Friends in Valentia but from that he fell into a Discourse much less agreeable to me telling me how like I was to a young Woman he had long since applied his Addresses to While I was accompanied by him with the entertainment of hearing his Adventures with his Mistress which at length I began to be pleased with supposing he did not in the least doubt but I was a man we quite lost sight of the Coach and soon after it was out of hearing which beginning to disturb me withal perceiving we had quite left the Road I stopt telling him I would go no farther that way he led me but being deceived by his urging he knew where we were very well and continuing that little Track we were in it would bring us before the Coach to a Country House they must of necessity pass by I not only yielded to his desire in going forward but having climbed with some difficulty up a rocky Hill at his request sat down with him to rest our selves when taking me fast by the hand he told me I must no longer deceive him with the suppositious name of Leonardo since he was fully convinced he had a Leonarda in his company at first I endeavoured by smiling at his words to make a jest of the mistake I told him my tender Years had occasioned but he not satisfied therewith proceeding from Argument to Action attempting to discover by force what I was so cautious of concealing at last in spight of my resistance threw me all along on the ground and as I was strugling with him 't is true said he my conjecture is true and now my Coy Mistriss is in the power of her Adorer just as he uttered those words and when I thought all my Resistance would prove ineffectual to the preservation of my Honour by chance I laid my hand on the Hilt of a Dagger he had by his Side and and having no other remedy to save my self by I drew it and with two Stabs in his Side made him desist from his wicked Design I got up immediately and fled from so fatal a place leaving the rash young Man Groaning on the Earth which by what you have related to me I guess was at the same time you was retired into that Mountain and he had strength enough to
to the Court and some Months after was by the urgency of business called home again where I did not long enjoy that Freedome I had preserved abroad soon resigning all my thoughts to the Contemplation of Niquea's Beauty a young Lady of our City whose perfections were not more Celebrated than her disdainful Humour disagreeable to all those would gladly have professed themselves her Servants At first unwilling to engage my self where I had small hopes of proving succesful I endeavoured to banish the growing Passion from my heart but finding in a short time it had taken too deep Root to be removed I gave way to it and became very assiduous in passing often by her house and being in those places I had the least imagination of seeing her in which was as soon perceived by her but my Respect procured only the advantage of finding her coyness increased every day towards me to that degree would have quenched a Flame had been less violent than mine At length having by the power of large gifts won her Maid I prevailed with her to deliver a Letter from me to her Lady which was with so little success that the presumption as it was termed had like to have cost the loss of her place And Niquea to free her self from my farther importunity soon after removed to a Country-house of her Fathers some miles out of Town resolving to wait there his return from a Journey he had some time before undertaken but I was resolved however not to desist from my pretence so that getting entertainment in a Farmers house not far from hers I spent many days in a Grove adjacent seeking in vain for an opportunity of seeing her or speaking with my confident Clavela till one Evening I fortuned to see her enter into the Grove with her Maid and an antient Woman in her Company and after having walked round it she sat down near the place I had concealed my self in least my sight should have made her return back when believing I must never hope a fitter oppertunity to tell her my grief though without much asurance I rose up and went towards her who perceiving me come started from the place where she sat and returned as fast as she could to her house I began to be transported with the height of her disdain and would have overtaken her to complain of it had not Clavela stept to me and advised the contrary withal telling me when it was dark she would speak with me from one of the ground Windows of the house where she would wait my coming Neither being able nor daring to press farther I departed with satisfaction little enough though not without some hopes of finding Clavela my assistant I was punctual to the appointment she made me but was scarce come within sight of the House when I was alarmed with a confused noise of people crying out Fire Fire help Niquea or she is lost the flames have seized her Chamber You may imagine I was not slow to offer my assistance and commanding the Servant I had with me to follow I ran to the door of the house which I found open and upon my first entrance an ancient Gentlewoman ran to me and drowned in tears begged I would afford my help to Niquea and her Maid who were encompassed by those flames had already possest most part of the House I scarce had patience to ask which way led to her Chamber but securing my face from the fire with my Cloak I rushed into the middle of it and gaining the foot of the Stairs felt my way up not daring to remove my covering which was half burnt as well as my Cloaths before I got quite up when turning once or twice as the walls guided me I found my self got beyond the fire and calling aloud to those had been shut up by it Clavela opening a door came out to me and following her back into her Ladies Chamber I found her extended on the floor in a swound through the fright she had been in but then my apprehensions grew more violent than ever to convey her forth by the way I came was impossible the fire still increasing upon the stairs and other way I could discern none unless from the Window which was too high to let her down from but my careful Servant though not hardy enough to follow me through the House being told where abouts her Chamber was ran to the outside and by that time I had taken her up in my arms he called out and told me I might get back from the Window by a Ladder he had set up against it so that breaking down the Casement I recovered the Yard with my adored charge and carried her to the little House had been my Habitation for some time Clavela got her into my Bed and I was returned again to my room before she came to her self which when she did and was informed what I had done for her preservation before I left her for the remainder of that Night I had some hopes my little service would turn all her former disdain into such favours as before I began wholly to despair of The next day she removed back to the City the House after we left it being wholly consumed by the fire accepting of my Coach I had sent for to carry her thither with her Aunt who was the ancient woman I met the Night before and first desired my assistance for Niqueas preservation I returned from the Country with them and found so happy an alteration in my condition that they both allowed of the daily visits I made them Not long after her Father returned from his journey and being acquainted with what I had done for his Daughters safety treated me with all the endearment I could wish from my Mistresses Father but what was more delightful to me was the correspondence my Love received from one had heretofore been a stranger to all passions but that of hatred permitting me to visit her on all occasions whereby we soon came to a resolution of desiring her Father to permit the consummation of our wishes by Marriage About this time arrived in our parts Alvaro and Narcissa Felix and his fair Wife who being related to Niquea we both had soon notice of their being near us and continually visiting one another I learned from them so much of your adventures as I have related to you and Felix acquainting me with his late Travels told me the passage you discovered in part of Grotillus and the Coach which was thus After Felix had spoken to Jacinto and Cassandra to walk softly after the Coath it drove on near a League before he bethought himself of taking them in when perceiving the Night come on and very dark he stopt till they should overtake him but soon after was set upon by a Squadron of Horsemen some presenting their charged Pistols at the doors of the Coach while others bound the Coach man and hamstringed the Horses one of them telling
so publick a discovery of his baseness and followed by her Friends went directly out of the Church and he as sorrowfully home after so notorious a slight as she had put upon him which gained her the general applause of the whole City Manandro coming home after I was gone and hearing I had been in Town and was departed again with much disquiet suspected his Letter to Saint Lucar had been the occasion of it and having after he had writ been informed by Clavela of her Ladys design he found an opportunity of speaking with her that Evening and letting her know of my hasty arrival and retreat out of Town which both they and Niquea when told of it concluded to be occasioned by my not receiving her Letters she obliged him not to follow me till the next day when having compleated her design she sent me that Letter I have read to you and the Peasants who assaulted me I am apt to think were Bernardo and some of his Friends disguised by whom I might have been discovered when I was in Alonso's House and they attributing the cause of her severity to my sudden appearing there made them by so dishonourable an attempt seek to take away my life Here Enriquez concluded his relation to me of the adventures he had met with in his Love And altogether impatient of visiting and reconciling himself to his Mistress for the unjust suspition he had conceived of her falshood desired I would excuse his immediate departure to Sevil whither I prevailed with him to let me bear him company intending from thence without delay to return back to Valentia where I was once more confident of finding Narcissa and my faithful Friend but the consideration I had of appearing before him till I could learn some news of his Dear Cassandra made me resolve by the way to spend some time in all the Sea-ports of the Andalusian Coast to inquire after her I had begun my journey the same Afternoon we arrived at Sevil but by the perswasion of Enriquez deferred it till the next Morning to walk then with him to an Orange-Garden without the City whether he was informed Niquea with several other Ladies were gone to recreate themselves In our way passing by Saint Austins Covent Enriquez knew a Coach that stood there to be Niqueas and believing her in the Church hastned his pace thither but as I followed him with more leisure I heard one call me by my name and turning about saw a man advance towards me with his drawn Sword who scarce giving me time to get my own in the same posture fell upon me with a violent precipitation and having luckily put by his first passes I cut at his head which lay open to me with so much force that meeting with the Hilt of his Sword which he hastily held up to ward the blow mine flew to pieces in my hand but he was then so far from desisting from the combate that my life was in eminent danger when a Young man who was just come out of the Church placed himself by my side in a posture to defend me at the same time two Gentlemen more newly alighted from a Coach running in to part us my adversary being ashamed of the advantage he had made use of against me by the breaking of my Sword would have retired without being known having till then his Face covered with his Hat pulled down to his Eyes and a part of his Cloak he held before it but turning about and treading on it which hung down to the ground he stumbled and his Hat fell off when I immediately knew him to be my mortal enemy Grotillus it was then in vain for either of us to pursue our quarrel and on the contrary I went towards him and told him I should never seek after or wish any thing more than his Friendship at first his Choler would not suffer him to give me an Answer and in the mean time about to speak to those had afforded me their Assistance how joyfully was I surprized to find my self in the Arms of my dear Narcissa and a little way from me Alvaro with Cassandra by the hand who was the Youth first came in to second me in the quarrel while we were in this Posture Enriquez having heard a noise and missing Niquea in the Church came out to us and being informed of all that had past he went to Grotillus endeavouring to perswade him to the acceptance of that friendship I had offered but the sight of his Mistriss so far aggravated his disgust that no Arguments could be used had any prevalence with him till Alvaro giving a short truce to the Joy he had in Cassandra's being found went to him and as I remember gave both him and the rest of us an Account of the Alteration of our Condition in these words Grotillus you are Noble and Generous and will I am confident forget your hatred when you have heard what I shall now tell you I went from this place towards Valencia with Narcissa designing to deposite her in the House of the Countess Policena till we could Learn some News of Felicims and began my Journey from hence with her some days since but after two that we had Travelled finding her by a sudden indisposition unfit to go farther we stopt at a Village twenty Leagues off whether the same Evening a Stranger coming in to Lodge and hearing he came from Valencia I went to him to inquire out of Curiosity what News from those parts who presently knew me as I did him to be Lisardo my Friends Servant he inquired of me whether I knew where Felicius was and having told him I was ignorant but that Narcissa was in the house with me he desired to wait on her and coming into the Room told us that Felicius was now an Earle by the death of Policena who had declared him her Heir and added that during her sickness hearing Narcissa's Father was in Town come thither in her search she sent for him and at last prevailed so far that he declared himself reconciled and the Countess dying two days after He assisted as chief Mourner at her Obsequies in behalf of Felicius whom he owned his Son and the Ceremony being over had sent him in search of those had been so long missing and under his displeasure the Letters he brought delivering to Narcissa she opened which are here to justifie the Truth of what I tell you Upon this Information we returned to Sevill with purpose to stay there till Fernando was acquainted where his daughter was and having so luckily met it must be hoped by all Grotillus will not alone continue that Enmity is removed from the Breasts of all others Upon these words of Alvaro's which were as surprizing to me as to Grotillus he took Narcissa by the hand and delivered her to me with all wishes of happiness As to what concerns Cassandra I need only acquaint your Highness the Ship she was on Board
acquainted all his Relations and the Magistrates of Alicant Who resided in his House She was visited and received the Compliments of all the considerable persons in the City having first by Felicius procurement been furnished with Rich Cloaths suitable to her State One Evening when most of the Company was retired having before observed the great affection of Felicius to his Wife and heard that before his Marriage many considerable Adventures had befallen him and some of those Persons were in his House She expressed a desire of being acquainted with them whose Commands her generous Host not willing to disobey though he could not hide his disturbance at the very thoughts of being to repeat so many misfortunes as he had formerly undergone after himself and all the Company had taken seats by her Order making an humble Obeysance to the Dutchess and directing his Discourse to her in a Language she understood made this following Relation of his Life The History of FELICIVS and NARCISSA SInce it is your Highnes's pleasure to adventure the Trial of your Patience with the hearing those Troubles some part of my Life was attended with I will begg leave to begin my Story where I first began to feel the Persecutions of Fortune which was by the Death of an Indulgent Father whose loss was no ways compensated to me by the enjoyment of a large Patrimony I succeeded him in the Possession of insomuch that to give more freedome to my melancholy I removed from the disturbing noise of the City and retired to a little Country house not many Leagues from hence with no other Company but one Friend called Alvaro and such Servants as were necessary for our Attendance there imploying our time chiefly in the Woods and Fields where our Guns proved the only Diversion we either had or sought after my Friend indeed had before resigned his Liberty to the Charms of a young Lady in this City called Cassandra but to that time Beauty had rather been unregarded than the occasion of any disquiet to my Thoughts till one day in pursuit of my Game I happened alone into a large Wood some distance from my House and quartering it from one side to another I was brought by a Track to a Brook side which run through the lower parts of it where going to Refresh my self with a little water I saw a Woman extended on the Grass asleep whose Garb I thought declared her no Inhabitant of the Woods and Fields her Face being turned from me I was about to retire without disturbing her Rest but out of a Curiosity to see if her Face was equal to the Excellency of her Shape I stept softly round where I beheld a Beauty whose Charms without a long Combate became the full disposers of my Fredome I stood a good while without Motion contemplating those perfections I beheld in her Person till adventuring to kiss her Hand as I stooped to do it by Accident my Gun went off as I held it which hastily awaking her in a Fright she started up and was about to Retire when adventuring to lay hold on her Cloaths to stop her I implored her Pardon on my Knees for the disturbance I had accidentally given her and the presumption I seemed Guilty of in detaining her till I might hope her goodness would forgive my Inadvertency to which she returned an obliging Answer and not able to perswade her from leaving the place so soon she hasted out of the Wood and following her at a little distance I saw her enter a Garden belonging to a fair House adjoyning to the Wood the Door being immediately shut by a Woman who seemed to have waited her coming I presently found my self too much Captivated to retire without farther Knowledge of the Person had gained so intire a Conquest over me so that walking round the Walls of the Garden I saw a Man going towards the House and asking him whose it was he gave me no little Concern when I heard from him that it was the Retreat of my greatest Enemy for I must acquaint your Highness that my Elder Brother in a Duel had Slain a Son of Don Fernando the Father of my adored fair One who resolving to admit no Satisfaction without a general Revenge although my Brother died also of his wounds had withdrawn himself and Family to that solitude till an oppertunity should offer of expressing his Resentment having declared after he heard of my Fathers Death that while I lived there still remained an Object for his Vengeance which could not be pacified by all the endeavours of the most considerable persons in this City He had then only one Son living who was absent at the Court to receive the Order of Calatrava and a Daughter named Narcissa whom I immediately concluded to be the Person I had lately met with Full of disquiet with the imagination of my perverse Fortune I went back into the Wood and not long after meeting Alvaro I gave him an account of my Adventure and also of the irresistableness of the Passion she had inspired me with He was so wise to perswade me with strong Arguments to desist from a pretension I could never hope to succeed in and what would prove most dangerous to my Life if pursued But I found Love had inflamed me with so violent a desire of obtaining what I wisht to enjoy that all his perswasions to the contrary were but as so many incouragements to me to proceed in the enterprize then it was I began to feel the effects my new Passion wrought in me I found it work with a violent force on my Senses sometimes flattering my Soul with imagined Transports then growing more calm it seemed to wrap me in a Lethergy of so much forgetfulness that I ceased to be any longer Master of my Reason but inclined to meet it as an easie Death from an insinuating Tyrant this unintelligable effect which may be called the distraction of the wisest compelled me to disregard the Councel of my prudent Friend who after some days finding my resolutions unalterable promised me his utmost Assistance and for several nights bore me Company to the Walls of my Enemies house which inclosed her to whom I was far from being one where in a kind of Serenade I sung my griefs under the Windows on that side of the House I had learnt was her Apartment this Course we followed several nights till at last being taken notice of I had a caution brought me as we stood under the window by a Villager as I guest him that one who did not hate me advised I should avoid the exposing my Life to so imminent danger as that place threatned me with although I could not guess from whom the Message should come for that time I observed the direction was given me and retired not being able to learn any thing more from the person had brought it But a day or two after resolving to find some way of letting Narcisa know more plainly my Love In
the disguise of a Peasant I came a little before Sunset to the Garden where perceiving the Door half open and adventuring to look in I was so fortunate to behold my fair Mistriss sitting on the side of a Fountain with a Maid by her and Leriano whom I knew to be her Kinsman I had waited but a little while delighted with the admiration of her Beauty when I saw her rise and walking alone through several Allies in the Garden came at last close to the Door where I stood and adventuring within it I gave her a Letter I had provided telling her it was from her Brother Celauro She had scarce taken the Paper from me when I perceived by her Blushes and the disorder she seemed to be in that I was known to her but just as I was about to speak her Cousen coming that way after her I was forced to retire from the Garden and thence entring the Wood where Alauro had waited for my return I gave him an Account of my success After that day I had the oportunity of seeing her several others at the Chappel of a Village not far from her Fathers house always concealing my self in a rustick Disguise however not unknown to her from whom I seldome wanted the satisfaction of a smile it being impossible for me to speak to her Don Fernando being always in sight but upon what occasion I could then by no means know she was kept shut up within her house for near two Months without my being able to see her which afterwards I learnt was through her Fathers jealousie finding she took more freedome among the innocent Villagers than his scrupulous disposition would allow upon so long a deprivation from her Sight I grew so Melancholy that overperswaded by my friend I removed to seek some Diversion in this City whether I was no sooner come but my Anxiety was increased by an Information I received that Lariano who as a Kinsman was received in her Fathers house had declared himself her Servant and as was believed would by her Father be admitted to a nearer Alliance and as an aggravation of this disturbance it was added to me that Celauro her Brother being returned succesful from Court resided in this City not only enquiring after me as an Enemy but as was believed he had heard something of my assiduity about his Fathers Country-house in Disguise these concerns joyned to the impossibility I thought there was of proving succesful in my Love had almost brought me to a resolution of quitting the City again and spending some time in Travel to seek by absence a Cure for my Distemper when Fortune was pleased strangely to confirm me in a Resolution of indulging my Passion My Friend Alvaro for whose sake I was contented to stay some days in Town at that time was happy in the Favours of his Mistriss Cassandra whom sometimes visiting by night I remained his Centinel in the Street either to prevent or advise him of any approaching danger several nights I had observed a Man hid in his Cloak pass by me with more Curiosity than I could well approve of though I still let him alone to avoid the disturbance a Street-quarrel might give my Friend and his Mistriss till at last grown weary of the observance he took of me I went towards him who coming forwards to meet me Cavalier said he without giving me time to speak if you have no business in this Street where I see you often unimployed you will do well not to be a hinderance of anothers Design wherefore I desire you to quit it either in Curtesy or by Necessity Did not Necessity require my Presence said I in Curtesie I might perhaps be induced to Retire but am not to be frighted from a place I have once fixt my self in Then you must be beaten out replied he at the same time directing his Sword to my Breast but receiving his Thrust upon a Buckler I held out mine proved so Fatal as to lay him dead at my Feet whereupon finding the danger I was in and seeing People approach from all Parts upon hearing the Cries of my wounded Adversary before he Expired I hasted as fast as I could out of the Street at the end of which seeing some Officers enter I was forced to turn not able to imagine any way whereby I might escape till coming close to the Wall of a Garden took up one part of the Street not without some difficulty I climbed to the top of it and Leaped down into the Garden resolving to conceal my self there till the Bustle in the Street was over in the mean time walking along one of the Allies at the end of it I discovered a Light in a low Window which coming nearer I found was that of a small Summer-house at the bottom of a Walk of Orange Trees going softly toward it and the Casement being open I perceived a Woman leaning on the Table with a written Paper before her which after fetching a Sigh or two she read so as I could overhear words to this effect This Morning my Brother coming to our Lodg prevailed with my Father to let me bear Estella Company while the Solemnity lasts She will deliver this Paper to you and if possible contrive some way for our having an Enterview when you will have the satisfaction if it prove one to you to know you are not hated by me Just as she had made an end of Reading her Paper rising up by a glance of her Face I was surprized to see my self so near my adored Narcissa but presently the Jealousie of thinking the Paper she had wrote was designed for some more happy Lover than my Self not able longer to be silent Is it possible Madam said I that the sincerest Passion in the World is despised by you She was too much surprised at the Sight of me in that place to be able to return a word in Answer to my Complaint but having recollected her self after giving me leave to express my Love with all the endearment I could Had my Thoughts said she been as indifferent towards you as you imagine they are I had perhaps been free from the disquiets I have but too often met with since I saw you in the Wood yet do not presume too much upon the freedome of my Confession that I never beheld a Man I could allow more worthy than Felicius the Restraint I live in may partly excuse the owning what is no more than a just return to the firmness of your Love And the Note you see here was designed for no other but your self to let you know of my being in the City it is impossible to express the Joy her words infused in me but not giving me leave scarce to speak she was earnest of knowing how I came into the Garden I told her of the Accident had made me seek shelter there so that unwilling to expose me to the danger I was threatned with in the Street She at last was