Seal'd it again and gave it Bileront to deliver When Emilius saw Lovisa's hand he kiss'd it eagerly and transported cry'd What Summons hath my Goddess sent Has she kindly revers'd my Doom and given me leave to share her Banishment Oh! Bileront went he on his Eyes sparkling with the same Passion his heart was full of Methinks I cou'd do wonders for my Love wou'd she consent With her fly the riâ—â—â—urs of an Inexorable Father Fly Ungrateful Parma And in some peaceful Corner of the Globe fix my unimitable Fair whilst for the loss of Crowns Glory Ambition All bewitching dear delightful Love makes up and far excels He open'd the Letter and Bileront saw his Countenance alter as he read it that short Beam of Joy which so lately shone through his Face Eclips'd with blacker Clouds of sadness than before Read my Lord said the Prince for sure my Eyes only us'd to sorrow transform the words of Kindness into Cruelty even from her Lovisa to the Prince Emilius WHen will my Malignant Stars have shed their Baneful Venome Remorsless Heaven Must I with Justice complain of Emilius Must he become my greatest Persecutor And by his cruel Obstinacy draw down the Curses of late Posterity upon me Will no Retirement but a Monastery though never so remote prove an Asylum for this Tortur'd Wretch I 've cause to think you wish me in a Cloyster Now Prince you shall have your desire Conclude within few days I am a Votaress Since you dislike the offers I made at parting since my Eternal Love promis'd as far as Honour wou'd allow on the Condition of your Obedience is not acceptable My next Task shall be to banish you my Heart This is the last unalterable Resolve of The Unfortunate Lovisa After Bileront had ended the Letter the Prince remain'd half an hour silent then rising hastily from the Couch where he had thrown himself he took his Pen and wrote and giving it to his Favourite bid him carry it to the Dutchess saying he suppos'd Lovisa's Letter came by her Approbation and he hop'd she wou'd like the Answer Bileront did as Commanded and the Dutchess found these words Emilius to Lovisa BAnish'd Lovisa's Heart That 's a punishment I cannot bear Believe me Madam I 'd sooner chose to Reign Absolute Monarch there than over half the Vniverse But since the unrelenting Fates deny rather than be totally Expell'd give me that cold Corner allow'd for Friendship Change your unjust Design of Quitting the World as I must do the happy Name of your Adorer to that of Your Eternal Friend and Servant Emilius Think you my Son is real in this said the Dutchess I know not Madam answer'd that young Lord Indeed in my Opinion his looks discover a new Resolution The Dutchess dispatch'd away her Letter and straight put the Duke upon sending the Articles again to the Prince which he did and Emilius immediately sign'd them and said his Letters to the Princess shou'd be ready in a day or two He appear'd publickly look'd pleasantly and all except Bileront thought the Alteration unfeign'd The eyes of Friendship next to Love are the most Prying Bileront alone observ'd his stolen Sighs and those Absences of Mind which so oft possess'd him And meeting him opportunely he with a concern'd obliging Air began What Breach of Faith have I been guilty of wherein offended that my Lov'd Royal Master hides from me his Soul conceals from me as well as all the World the Griefs that Prey upon his Noble Heart Griefs reply'd the Prince Ironically I've none Am I not to Marry the Infanta There Beauty Wealth and Merit join to Bless my future Reign Ah! Prince return'd Bileront why will you use your Faithful servant thus I wou'd not press nor wish to know your secret thoughts but only in hopes to assist to serve you Be satisfy'd say'd the Prince going towards some Company he saw I conceal nothing from you or if I do 't is because I 'll not Involve my Friend in the inevitable Woes ordain'd for me Bileront cou'd not answer then but he resolv'd to Watch him That night Letters for Isabella were to be deliver'd to the Duke on the Pretext of writing them Emilius dismiss'd his Attendance and shutting himself up in his Closet said when his writing was over he 'd sleep the remaining part of the Night upon his Couch Bileront who heard these Orders hid himself behind a loose piece of hanging till the servants were all gone Then stealing along he softly Unlock'd the Closet Door The Prince was writing though not to Isabella he heard Bileront stir and turning with a furious Aspect ask'd who was there That Faithful Lord affrighted to see his Prince look so stern cast himself at his Feet and with Tears implor'd he might share his Fate For said he I 'm sure you have determin'd to abandon Parma rather than your Fair Mistress The Prince cou'd not but be sensibly touch'd to see the sincere Affection of the Count and Raising him said with a sigh why wilt thou not with Fortune leave the Wretched lost Emilius I am a Barque that 's bound for sure Destruction All near must share the Tempest and meet the Face of horrid Ruine Did I like a Coward Answer'd Bileront start from your side in War that I am now Discarded No No! return'd Emilius nor did I then Deny thy Going Alas Alas It is not now the Field of Honour Emilius seeks Lethargick Love hath seiz'd my Soul and in a Cell I mean to Dream away my Life Endeavour not diswading me went he on showing him a Cordelier's Habit near these the only Robes that I shall ever wear a Dagger lies if I 'm prevented that sends me to a long Eternal Sleep Therefore if out of Zeal to my advantage as thou think'st it this gets air before I am past their reach they take me dead my Bileront unalterable truth is in my words thou may'st believe me I do believe said that Troubl'd Confident and only beg to participate I can brook the solitude of a Cell as well as my dear Lord nay the Court wou'd seem to me a Desart were you absent No by our past Friendship I conjure you stay returns the Prince on that condition I 'll to you alone unfold what I 've design'd I 'm inform'd near the Palace of Don Alvarez there stands a Monastery of the Cordelier's thither I direct my steps speak once to my Lovisa then leaving Parma Imbarque for France and in some Cloyster I best shall like end my wretched Days I tell you this continu'd he with a resolv'd Countenance and you know what I have sworn if you discover it I am not us'd to faulter or break my word therefore Dear Bileront now retire I 'll send you word of my abode in France and shall accept a Visit kindly Bileront saw it then in vain to diswade him and having learnt where he went designing to follow him said nothing against it only ask'd him how he thought
conceal'd The grateful Friar faithfully promis'd his utmost assistance and Castro began his Perigrination to seek an Estate that wanted a Purchaser In this time of absence there happen'd a Contrivance at Sulpitia's that was very near ruining all their Designs Lusetta whom I mention'd at the beginning of the story being discarded for her infidelity repairs to the Kinswoman who had set her at work and meets again with Don Ferado where discoursing of these disappointments she gives such a lively Description of the Beautiful Cordelia that rekindles his Curiosity So nothing now will satisfy him without seeing her But the means there was the difficulty After many irresolutions Lusetta remember'd a humour of Cordelia's how she was always very fond of seeing the Trifles stragling Women carry about to sell In this dress Don Ferado is disguis'd buys a world of litte Pictures fine Beads and such Trinkets goes with them and hath immediately admittance into the House The young Ladies having notice come about him the was not a moment to seek which was Cordelia but so amaz'd at her Beauty that he stood gazing without power to move Cordelia blush'd to see the Woman as she took her to be look so earnestly and minded her of her Things This rous'd the Spark a little from his Contemplation yet still his Eyes could fix on no other Object When she had furnish'd her self with the Toys she fancy'd most he was dismiss'd He returns in love to that degree that he thought of nothing but proposing a Marriage though it was absolutely inconvenient his Circumstances requiring a Fortune having many Sisters to Portion Yet so amiable Cordelia appear'd that whatever Consideration interest offer'd Love turned the Scale and he follows his desires with precipitation employing a Friend the very next day to solicite Sulpitia who approves of the matter gives leave to his Seranades several of which were perform'd before Cordelia knew from whom or so much as guess'd her Mother was consenting Till that discreet Lady thinking it proper to sound her Daughter's inclinations began to break the design to her First commands her to follow into the Lodge and shows her Don Ferado bravely accoutred prancing upon his great Horse Words cannot express Cordelia's surprize her Mind was already fill'd with an Idea too admirable for Ferado ever to hope an Entrance and compar'd to the Prince her partial Heart being prepossess'd with Love made him appear beneath her regard much less esteem She pretends indisposition and retires to her Chamber Sulpitia saw her much disturb'd but was wholly ignorant of the cause Cordelia instantly acquaints the Friar with this affair declares her aversion and desires him to inform Don Pedro. The good Man goes about it with speed and dispatches his Intelligence to Ferrara according to his directions This information comes to the Prince just as Castro had sent word of an Estate he had pitch'd upon The Priest's news heartily tormented Alphonsus however he was infinitely pleas'd Cordelia order'd he should know of it The careful Friar had writ every circumstance of Don Ferado's Fortunes and the Prince with reason look'd upon him as a formidable Rival being a Neighbour which in all probability would induce Sulpitia to embrace his Interest before the Prince's who must of necessity be often absent that is if he kept his Quality conceal'd which he could not without running great hazards avoid Therefore he resolves to remove this Don Ferado and to that end gets by other hands a Commission for a Regiment of Horse and sends to him with Orders that he should speedily repair to Court Ferado could not imagine what secret Friends had done him this favour however he was advis'd by all his Acquaintance to embrace it they convincing him how much it would conduce both to his profit and honour Great was the Conflict Interest and Glory were powerful Arguments but eager wishes and fierce desires all centr'd in Cordelia were more pleasing These dear tormenting Flames he nourish'd but Cordelia blasted for there he could discover only frowns disdain and freezing coldness All that love him urge his going and flattering hope perswades he may return Crown'd with Lawrel at which the Cruel Maid overcome by Constancy and Courage may yield to longing love Such thoughts at length prevail with him and he sets forward to the Court of Ferrara just as Alphonsus had left it who posts away to Castro takes care for the payment of the Money that was to be given for the Estate puts servants into it with orders to furnish the House neatly and with riches suitable to his pretended Quality though he spar'd Magnificence He had made himself very fine and brought many considerable Presents for Cordelia and having put all things at his new Mansion in their design'd Posture he hastens with Castro to his Belov'd Mistress As soon as ever they arriv'd at the Village the Friar was acquainted with it who flies with the news to Cordelia and humbly desires her from her Subject yea and Slave Don Pedro to prepare Sulpitia with a full relation of all the foregoing adventure The young Lady trembl'd at the Task but Love mann'd her Resolution and she on her Knees relates the story to her Mother Sulpitia's Amazement when she heard these unexpected Practices is scarce to be conceiv'd however being a Woman largely indowed with Wisdome and Descretion she perceiv'd her Daughter's Inclination by her palliating the crime of his disguise and representing every action favourably of this cunning Lover's Therefore she consider'd being ever indulgent to her Daughter if she should now interpose her Authority she might sooner break her heart than bend it These thoughts induce her to give way to his coming setting her self to inquire after his Estate which finding according to his word and being afterwards by his Conversation acquainted with his Merit grew very fond of him freely giving her consent towards the obtaining his ador'd Cordelia Whom he with all love's Oratory pursues falls on his Knees embraces hers weeps and talks till he forces a Confession till she blushing acknowledges her Affection owns she hath lov'd him from the first moment she saw him The Transported Prince longs for the Consummation of his desires and presses with his utmost Rhetorick a speedy Marriage Which is at length agreed to and perform'd in Sulpitia's Chappel by the often-mention'd Friar before Sulpitia Aminda and Castro None ever appear'd over-joy'd or fond like this Amorous Prince his doting still increas'd every time he saw her he seem'd captivated anew and as in a well drawn Piece the longer we gaze the more graces we espy so her charms to the admiring Alphonsus were endless yet still his interest bound him to keep his Quality conceal'd being a secret he durst not divulge to her Thus privately they liv'd and enjoy'd themselves for two years the Prince being often absent and long which he always said was occasion'd by his place at Court Just as the first Year of Wedlock was expir'd Cordelia
being a Loyal Man and in a publick station would certainly discover it to the King his Master which would at present ruine the Prince Alphonsus in all his designs Melora listen'd to whatever Olimpia urg'd gave obliging Answers but delay'd complying Nothing was so hateful to the Cardinal and Olimpia as this protracting time because they lay liable to a hundred accidents that might betray them by which the Cardinal would irrevocably lose his Fame and what was much dearer Melora Therefore the next time they are together he pleads with all his Loves Eagerness and Oratory tells his fair Mistress his desires were grown to such a height of Violence that without her consent to the fulfilling them they would certainly prey upon his Life and from her Adorer he should become her Martyr Ah Madam went he on sighing passionately and grasping her Knees Why are you thus Cruel Why do you force me to live in these Insupportable Agonies when 't is in your power to raise me to endless Worlds of Bliss Is not the Appellation of Kind and Pitiful more pleasing to you than the Savage Names of Cruel and Rigorous With what reason reply'd that Charmer sweetly My Lord can you Complain or ask me more Have I not already broke the Sacred Laws of Duty which I us'd to hold Inviolable and receiv'd you here Clandestinely heard all the stories of your Love and only resolv'd to take such time as may confirm the Constancy and Faith which you with so much Rhetorick have Vow'd In that resolve you give me Death said he with a sad Air and e'er my probation ends you 'll be convinc'd by the sublimest Proof that I am yours When he said this he takes his leave and before he left the House relates all this to Francisco ordering him to stay till Olimpia was at leisure to hear it and send him her advice in these perplexities Through the Gardens and Walks of Donna Olimpia's Palace the Cardinal always went home only passing a narrow Lane he came to a back door of his own where a Servant constantly attended One who many Years had been acquainted with his Debauchees and Night Rambles though he was not trusted with the story of this Intrigue Barbarino going Melancholy through the before mention'd Lane was surpriz'd notwithstanding the darkness of the Night and lateness of the hour to perceive the glittering of Swords and stepping hastily to avoid them one immediately rush'd upon him and gave him a Wound in his Breast at which the amaz'd Cardinal cry'd out Villains Assassinates Hearing his Voice they fled only saying Damn it we were mistaken in our Man 'T was very near the Cardinal 's private Door this accident happen'd and the Servant that waited for him having skill in Surgery he trusted him to search the Wound who assur'd the frighted Priest that there was no danger only the loss of Blood would for some Days confine him to his Bed and Chamber He then began to revive his Courage and Commanded the Servant to say his Illness proceeded from a violent bleeding at the Nose which took him in the Night this pass'd upon his Physicians who only order'd him comfortable Cordials to renew his Spirits The next Morning the Cardinal found himself at ease enough to consider his Love affair and accordingly dispatches Francisco to acquaint Olimpia with his Misfortune and to beg her Almighty Wit would make some advantage of it with his Mistress One would have thought the Heavens sending the Mischief design'd another on the Cardinal's Head might have deterr'd them from pursuing further the ruine of that soft Innocent the fair Melora but they were harden'd and Olimpia resolving to fulfil the desires of the Friend of her darling Lust Ambition manag'd with Woman's Cunning her design Melora observ'd Olimpia Melancholy and her fondness and particularity to her laid aside and for three days only Complacency and cold Civility remain'd This perplex'd her strangely fain she would have ask'd the reason long'd to know the cause of the Duke's as she thought him absence but Modesty the Virgin 's constant necessary useful Guest witheld her Questions a while At length impatiency prevail'd and she desir'd Beatrice to let her know when the Princess Olimpia would be alone in her Closet The same day word was brought her she was so and wish'd to see her Melora attends her the very instant and found that subtle Lady sitting upon a Couch leaning her head upon her hand with an unusual sadness in her Face Assoon as Melora enter'd she bid her sit down then fetching a deep Sigh continu'd silent The poor young Creature surpriz'd with this counterfeited sorrow remain'd also dumb for some time till her Tears made way for her words She implor'd Olimpia to acquaint her if through any inadvertency she had offended to that degree as to lose the honour of her Friendship and be banish'd that dear Bosom where all her Happiness and Delight were Center'd Adding with a World of sweetness and real trouble how willingly she would abate participate or if possible take off those griefs she saw o'erwhelm her beloved Princess might she but know the cause Olimpia lifting up her head answer'd very seriously my Affliction will perhaps occasion your rejoycing I mourn the Prince Alphonsus whom as a Friend I lov'd Your inclination caus'd him to be your aversion and consequently his Miseries will move no Pity which made me forbear relating them Alas Madam replies Melora wherein has your Highness discover'd that aversion you are pleas'd to charge me with I have receiv'd the Prince's Address with all the Complacency imaginable at any time or any hour If this is hatred I am mistaken and must beg directions how to express my Esteem to my Lord Alphonsus both as to his own merit and what 's yet more a Person recommended by you ended she bowing With such a height of Passion such an excess of tenderness returns Olimpia the Prince adores you that your fatal Coldness hath destroy'd him Signore Francisco acquaints me that ever since his last parting from you he hath Languish'd of a Fever which his Physicians say is desperate whilst he Foe to himself and Friend to his Disease gives way to that and slights all their Applications Let me dye cry'd out Melora eagerly frighted with the apprehension of such a Person 's Death rather than have a guilt like this imputed to me Ah Madam went she on if you have any sparks of that generous love remaining which you bestow'd on this Ungrateful teach me a way to expiate my Crime I own whate'er my inclination was I err'd to an extremity in disobeying your Commands and to attone I 'll Visit him I 'll write do what my nature hath most abhorr'd so my Princess will again receive me into favour Do nothing against stomach Answers Olimpia coldly and though I know a line or two might save his Life yet a dissembl'd kindness is but a Reprieve and to relapse into despair is irrecoverable therefore
frequent in Lovers Silent whole hours or if you talk Count Lodowick must be brought in by head and shoulders at every Paragraph You were the glory of our little Select World your Wit and Eloquence gave Life to all was said now you forsake us I 'll forsake the rest and leaving an insipid Court i' th' Camp forget Lovisa if that be possible ended he with a sigh My Lord replies Lovisa I have indeavour'd to be rude and interrupt your Highness you talk as if I was to be Marry'd to Morrow The World went she on with a Majestick Air knows little of Lovisa's Heart if they imagine it so easily gain'd and that but hearing of a Man is likely to fall in love with me I should begin first to be so with him More of the appointed Friends coming in the Conversation became general yet still Emilius was harping on this to him ungrateful string Count Lodowick's coming He ask'd Lovisa whether she thought she should fancy him and what sort of Man she could like begging her to express what Qualifications she expected in the happy Slave whom amongst her numerous Adorers she wou'd bless with her Smiles My Lord said that charming Maid were I to behold a Man Masculine yet Beautiful Great yet truly Brave A Prince whose Virtues brighter than his Diadems appear one more glorious than boundless Fancy can to the thinking Mind depaint and not convinc'd by signal proofs his heart inclin'd his passion forc't him to my feet I might gaze on such a Master-piece but my Eyes should let him no farther in He never shou'd disturb my Mind You may reply'd the Prince love wheresoe'er you look nor need to fear they 'll not sigh for you at least if I may judge the Soul of others by my own Lovisa took this for raillery and pleasantly return'd such Hearts as yours will be most glorious Trophies and I shall grow exceeding proud but that to humble me I know Prince Emilius's way and my own Imperfections That night Bileront whose Apartments joined the Prince's heard him after all was gone to rest walking about his room Fearing he was not well he rose and went to him Pardon said Bileront if I intrude and fly uncall'd to learn what disturbs my Lord. Oh my Friend Answers the Prince I 'm sick at heart the Distemper revels there and gives me pains that I ne'er felt before Bileront who was really frighted began to call the Servants for the Physicians when Emilius hastily stops him saying it lay not in the power of Art None none could heal his wounds but the fair Causer Then blushing and hiding his Head in the Bosom of his dear Friend he told him he lov'd the glory of her Sex the sweet Lovisa I mistrusted long ago went on the Amorous Prince but durst not examine my heart on that point till Yesterday discovering another like to possess her love and despair at once seiz'd me broke the soft Chains of sleep and set me here upon the Rack Bileront said all excessive Friendship prompted to calm the distemper'd Mind of his lov'd Master but he witty to torment himself study'd impossibilities that might arise to bar his wishes out of meer Chimera's though indeed obstructions there were enough Thus spent the restless Prince the tedious Night Next day he long'd till the fatigue of Ceremonious Duty business all was o'er that he might find his darling Mistress where all his thoughts were fix'd He saw her thought her more charming than ever since to himself he had own'd he lov'd her Then he gave no bounds to his admiring Eyes but helping forward his disease set every thought at work what Happiness what Raptures she could give When he came near her tremblings and sighs turn'd him pale then a rising heart cover'd his face with blushes He try'd to tell his love in whispers but his courage fail'd him for he who truly loves beholds his Mistress stamp'd with such divinity as awes his presumption Nor dares he trust his tongue lest that too boldly shou'd offend leaves to his Eyes the sad silent Tale and hopes the Charmer will read it there Lovisa who thought the minds of others like her own free and gay was brisk as Air and often chid the Prince for his unusual Melancholy nor could she forbear asking Bileront if he knew the cause He answer'd her ambgiuously suppose she her self was wou'd she promise a remedy That 's so unlikely said she 't is not worth my answering for I never was chearfuller in my Life and I hope my mirth is not so ridiculous as to work just the contrary on the Prince Bileront fear'd to say more lest he shou'd incurr the danger of displeasing both A few days after this expected Count Lodowick came was very well receiv'd by the Duke the Eldest Prince and indeed all the Court except Emilius who notwithstanding his natural sweetness could not forbear looking cold on this young Nobleman whilst Lodowick's only care was to dress well and make a Figure answerable to his Quality Finding Lovisa the handsomest Lady he was most particular to her though he had a general complacency for all the young and fair Mean time Emilius's melancholy so visibly increas'd that every body took notice of it He complain'd to his faithful Bileront that he thought Lovisa took more care in dressing since the arrival of Lodowick and he fancy'd she gave him favourable glances then would he burst into a Passion and ask that fond Friend wherein Lodowick deserv'd more than he Thus this impatient Prince nurst up groundless terrours till they rob'd his days of Joy his Nights of rest When Bileront could get leave to speak he told the Prince that for his part he discover'd no such alteration in the dress or looks of Lovisa then you talk went he on of her preferring Lodowick before you when alass she is wholly ignorant knows not the vast honour her Eyes have won think you my Lord being possest of your Illustrious Heart would not satisfy her Ambition and were she assur'd of it I dare believe Lovisa wou'd preferr you in her esteem not only to Lodowick but even to all the World Yet still either a favourable opportunity was wanting or his fears how Lovisa might receive a Declaration of Love prevented him and poor Emilius languish'd on Bileront met one day Lovisa in a private Garden belonging to the Palace in quest of a Favourite Female Friend who she was told was gone to walk there Meeting Bileront she ask'd him if he had seen her Bileront had just left the Prince Emilius alone in a Grotto and straight resolv'd without much consideration to send his Mistress to him Accordingly he directed this fair Lady thither tells her very confidently her Friend was there The Prince started as she enter'd the Grotto and Lovisa leapt back with the surprize both blush'd at this unexpected Rencounter till Lovisa taking it only for a trick of that young Lord recollected her self and smiling told Emilius she wou'd
has given you to my Wishes Flatter not your self with vain Idea's said she sadly The Duke I know will never yield and my Foreboding Heart whispers this is the last time we e'er shall meet in Peace Am I thus Blest cry'd the Transported Prince to perceive such a concern at the detested Thoughts of Parting My once severe but now more Charming Fair What shall I say or how Express my Joys Lovisa who had hastily discover'd more of her Heart than she design'd felt her lovely Face glow with Blushes and walking from the Prince a great Glass more plainly show'd her this disorder Emilius following smil'd to see the becoming Confusion that Excellent Maid was in And forgetting that it was the publick Room of State and the hour of Visiting Caught her hand and kist it with a happy Lover's Ardency whilst two or three Ladies enter'd The equal surprize of that Amorous Pair confirm'd it to be more than a common piece of Gallantry However the Ladies out of Respect took no notice of it there but once remov'd the Blaze was set abroad which Lodowick began and it was grown the only News the Court was full of Every Body had got the story Prince Emilius Ador'd Lovisa and happy was she could first Communicate it to her Friend The Duke was last inform'd because all lov'd the Prince and fear'd his being displeas'd At length an old Courtier one who had liv'd even past the remembrance of his Youth thought this Match inconvenient and politickly resolv'd to tell him He heard the Relation with a fierceness beyond that which his own rugged nature gave Unthinking Unambitious Boy said he just as the other finisht have I for this with pains obtain'd to bless his Nuptial Bed with Isabella the wealthy Princess of Mantua and doth the idle Slave to his Passions worship the fading Beauties of a Bauble whilst the choisest Jewel of a Crown is offer'd With this he flew to the Apartment of the Dutchess His Eyes carried Rage that every cringing Courtier shrunk into a Corner and durst not meet their Fury The mild and ever gentle Dutchess trembled at his sight before she heard the story When with Frowns ushering in his words he thus began You Madam I suppose have fondl'd up your Son to this like a true Mother but unlike my Wife indulg'd his humours 'till inevitable ruine has got within his grasp Nor wou'd you yet cry hold rather than your Child shou'd grow uneasy give it the Poyson I thought your Son haunted your Apartments not to learn the Rudiments of Honour they are seldom to be found amongst the Women Alas my Lord interrupts him the Affrighted Dutchess I know not what you mean No no went he on you have not conniv'd nay perhaps desir'd that Rebellious Boy Emilius to make Love to your fair Favourite Lovisa But mark me Madam For by Heaven I swear let this be remedy'd or you will find the consequence will give you cause to tremble I know the Maid is Virtuous said that good Lady with all imaginable Mildness her Birth is Noble since her Blood is mixt with yours but that my Son or Loves or Courts her witness the Heaven you swore by I know not My Blood replies he all inrag'd the stream has run too far and all that 's Royal is lost But were she my Brother's Daughter and a Bar to my designs made me retrench my words or promise given Cloyster or Death shou'd force the stubborn Girl and set the way clear before me Therefore I charge you School your Son and dispose of her else I who have been the Partner of your Bed these Thirty Years will ever after prove a Stranger and a Foe This said he left the weeping Dutchess Poor Emilius was just going to his Mother there to open all his heart and beg her kind Assistance to mollify his Father He sent Bileront before humbly to pray the Dutchess she wou'd in her Cabinet hear him on a subject that was to him important Bileront streight return'd and told the expecting Prince the Duke was gone thither with an angry Brow Emilius fear'd the worst and staid conceal'd till the Duke return'd then going to the Dutchess in her melting Eyes he reads his Fate and stood a while immoveable That sweet Princess no sooner beheld her Son look so pale and deeply sad but her Tears increas'd For the Duke had rightly charg'd her in that particular She excelling most Mothers in Fondness The Prince first broke silence and respectfully askt her if he might know what his Father had done to cause those Sorrows First Answer me says the Mourning Dutchess are you so Unhappy to love Lovisa Pardon me my Mother said Emilius in a moving tone nor call me Unhappy in loving and being belov'd by that Virtuous all-deserving Noblest Maid This Declaration touched the Dutchess nearly and she word for word told that despairing Prince what his Incensed Father had sworn Therefore added that Wise yet tender Mother quit thou thy unauspicious Love before the threatn'd storm comes on it hangs just breaking o'er our Heads and if thou persist falls upon all Quit my Love answers the Prince passionately Ah! Madam E'er you resolve to be obey'd please to hear how great a Villain you wou'd make your then abject Son Lovisa most perfect of her Sex by nature reserv'd and cold unapt to Love One who lays not out her wondrous stock of Charms to catch at Hearts but declines her modest Eyes nor Triumphs nor rejoices in her Conquests This I saw and lov'd her for 't pursu'd her with a Passion violent and unfeign'd I sigh'd I kneel'd I pray'd nay quite Unmann'd I even Wept before her She saw I joy'd in nothing but her sight My alter'd Face show'd the pangs my aching heart indur'd Mov'd at last she kindly heal'd my Suffering with gentle pity And shall I quit the dear relenting Saint I who drew her to love's bewitching Mischiefs against her Inclinations almost forcing her tender heart guarded with an aversion to Mankind now shall I quit her Oh! never sooner I 'd quit my Birthright turn Lunatick Naked travail the inhospitable World feel first the distracting grief needs must seize my Dear one shou'd I prove so basely Wicked to forsake her Leave me said that tormented Mother for this but increases the Woe that my heart is already too full of The Dutchess seeing the Prince thus obstinate resolves to try a gentler subject He being gone she sent a Page of Honour to call Lovisa to her That Noble Maid had heard nothing of these Disturbances and readily obey'd entering the Cabinet with a chearful Countenance But when she saw the Dutchesses sorrow her heart sunk downwards and she appear'd just such another Statue as the Unfortunate Emilius did before Come near my Charming Charge said the Disconsolate Dutchess thy dying Mother left thee to my Care Have I not been careful of thee Speak boldly Lovisa and accuse me if I utter any untruth Royal Madam answer'd the